Remember how thankful I am for those parents... even when they sing Disney songs on the trail.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Just another Wednesday night
Pick up dinner at Chipotle. Drive up into the mountains. Enjoy good conversation. Listen to Mom freak out about mountain lions and sing "Hi Ho" to distract them. Check out beautiful things that God created.
Remember how thankful I am for those parents... even when they sing Disney songs on the trail.
Remember how thankful I am for those parents... even when they sing Disney songs on the trail.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sweet Summer
Life is about to get crazy. But it's all exciting stuff, so I'm glad. Here's what's coming up on my radar...
Playing at church, driving to Michigan for a wedding, Marty's visit, leading with Young Life at CU, my birthday, playing at church again, volunteering in my friend's 2nd grade classroom, a weekend retreat in the mountains with Young Life, a bridal shower for my best friend, my trip to St. Louis, welcoming little miss Nora (my newest niece), and my best friend's wedding. All in the next 8 weeks.
Whew.
Marty's getting his classroom ready, things are getting busy, school supplies are nearly sold out at Target... the summer is coming to a close. But wow, it was an amazing summer. I loved being here and enjoying the Colorado summer. I especially enjoyed cultivating friendships with the people who are closest to my heart...
I'm looking forward to what's next. I want to take steps of faith this fall and to embark on new adventures. I know we still have a month of summer left, but bring on the fall!
Playing at church, driving to Michigan for a wedding, Marty's visit, leading with Young Life at CU, my birthday, playing at church again, volunteering in my friend's 2nd grade classroom, a weekend retreat in the mountains with Young Life, a bridal shower for my best friend, my trip to St. Louis, welcoming little miss Nora (my newest niece), and my best friend's wedding. All in the next 8 weeks.
Whew.
Marty's getting his classroom ready, things are getting busy, school supplies are nearly sold out at Target... the summer is coming to a close. But wow, it was an amazing summer. I loved being here and enjoying the Colorado summer. I especially enjoyed cultivating friendships with the people who are closest to my heart...
I'm looking forward to what's next. I want to take steps of faith this fall and to embark on new adventures. I know we still have a month of summer left, but bring on the fall!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Story time...
I posted about the Lessmann family the other day. Now I'm going to tell you just why I'm so fond of them... especially one of them.
Meet Marty Lessmann. High school Math teacher. Bass in the church choir. Baseball & golf coach. Expert fly fisherman. Nature lover. Captain of this summer's sailboat down in the Caribbean. 25 years old. Youngest of four. Resident of St. Louis, Missouri. Nicknamed "Moose" by everyone around him. Praises God often. Great, great guy.
Marty and I met last summer at Camp Timberline, where we both worked as counselors. A friendship quickly grew, but things happened that caused us to not make much contact for a year. Fast forward to July 2009. I was online and saw that Marty was too, so I said "hello!" He told me he'd be in Colorado that next week and asked if I'd want to get together. We ate ice cream and talked about the past year, reminisced, and shared stories of exciting things coming up.
Over the course of the ten days that Marty was in town, we got to see each other a bunch of times: at church (where after meeting Marty, my Uncle Steve whispered in my ear, "Ok... I approve"), while I watched Bjorn one day, at his brother & sister in law's house, and during a nice drive in the mountains. The more and more we hung out, the more and more we started thinking, "hmmm... what's this I'm feeling here?"
After driving up into the mountains, we sat outside of the Best Western hotel while drinking chai tea and coffee (Mart wasn't really drinking his, he was more so spilling it on his white polo shirt). It was on that bench that we were really able to talk about what was on our hearts and confess to each other that we were way interested in getting to know the other person. No pressure, no agenda, no rushing, just experiencing who that person is.
Marty then left for Michigan and Indiana for a week for his friend's bachelor weekend and wedding. The week that he was gone was a great time for us to pray, think, talk, and wonder what could be next. I just remember thinking about how excited I was to see him again -- he'd return to Colorado after the wedding to go backpacking with his dad, whom he calls "Pops". It was also good to know that he was surrounded by people who love him so much and to hear him tell story after story of conversations with those people.
This is going to be a long post. Bear with me.
After he returned to Colorado for round two, Marty and I got to see each other again. Paul (Marty's best friend) and his wife Kara needed a ride to the airport, so we drove them to Terminal West -- and laughed the whole way there. On the drive back, M and I were able to talk about the past week and to share our fears, but also our excitement. We agreed that love is a risk... one we're both willing to take. He made me blush when he slyly asked to hold my hand. After getting to his sister's house, hanging out with the family, and walking his sister's dog, we sat at a little park until late late at night... sharing, talking, laughing, praying, and realizing God's hand in all of it.
Marty and Pops then ventured out into the mountains and to the Continental Divide for a few days. He had told me "look at the moon and know that I'm looking at it, too"... as corny as I thought it was, I found myself (and still find myself) glancing at the sky thinking of this man I'd met a year ago. After a few days of backpacking, Marty returned and I picked him up at a nearby Panda Express (don't ask why, that's just where Pops dropped him off). We got to finally spend the afternoon together and enjoy how comfortable it was. We ate macaroni and cheese for lunch, looked at pictures on my computer, watched Marley and Me and shopped for some new school clothes for Mr. Lessmann. We ended the day by spending time with his family and eating yummy halibut, steak, parmesan risotto, brocolli slaw (from Costco -- good stuff!) and fruit. I love sitting around the dinner table with the Lessmanns!
The next day, Thursday, was our last together before Marty had to return to St. Louis to get ready for his students and the school year. We knew it would be a bummer to say goodbye, but we also know we'd be seeing each other soon. We ventured down to Pearl Street to go to happy hour at West End tavern. That was when we both really started to feel like a couple. We cooked dinner at my house, enjoyed a good bottle of wine, listened to music, and simply enjoyed time together.
So, you may ask.... who really is this Marty Lessmann to you, Annette Versluys? Marty is my man. My main squeeze. My boyfriend. And that's fun! The last three weeks have been completely unexpected. We agree that we would have NEVER expected to be reunited and to start dating. Sure, it's long distance. But I told him last night "those 843 miles are 843 reasons to praise God for what He's doing in our lives." Plus it helps that we've both booked plane tickets to see each other... he's coming out here again at the end of the month and I'm headed to the 'Lou on September 17. Like I said before, it's a risk... that we're willing to take!
People, I'll tell you... it's easy. Natural. Fun! I don't have to strive when I'm around him and I don't have to be anyone but me. The huge amount of grace that Marty extends is inspiring. It's obvious that he trusts God and recognizes Christ in his life and mine. He points me toward the Cross. But along with that, he's real. Authentic. He does little things that impress me in huge ways. I appreciate him even more this year than I did last. The past year has been one of growth and recognizing my need for the Lord, and it's so good to know that this man is going to always encourage me as I walk with Jesus and try to live life the way He intended.
Meet Marty Lessmann. High school Math teacher. Bass in the church choir. Baseball & golf coach. Expert fly fisherman. Nature lover. Captain of this summer's sailboat down in the Caribbean. 25 years old. Youngest of four. Resident of St. Louis, Missouri. Nicknamed "Moose" by everyone around him. Praises God often. Great, great guy.
Marty and I met last summer at Camp Timberline, where we both worked as counselors. A friendship quickly grew, but things happened that caused us to not make much contact for a year. Fast forward to July 2009. I was online and saw that Marty was too, so I said "hello!" He told me he'd be in Colorado that next week and asked if I'd want to get together. We ate ice cream and talked about the past year, reminisced, and shared stories of exciting things coming up.
Over the course of the ten days that Marty was in town, we got to see each other a bunch of times: at church (where after meeting Marty, my Uncle Steve whispered in my ear, "Ok... I approve"), while I watched Bjorn one day, at his brother & sister in law's house, and during a nice drive in the mountains. The more and more we hung out, the more and more we started thinking, "hmmm... what's this I'm feeling here?"
After driving up into the mountains, we sat outside of the Best Western hotel while drinking chai tea and coffee (Mart wasn't really drinking his, he was more so spilling it on his white polo shirt). It was on that bench that we were really able to talk about what was on our hearts and confess to each other that we were way interested in getting to know the other person. No pressure, no agenda, no rushing, just experiencing who that person is.
Marty then left for Michigan and Indiana for a week for his friend's bachelor weekend and wedding. The week that he was gone was a great time for us to pray, think, talk, and wonder what could be next. I just remember thinking about how excited I was to see him again -- he'd return to Colorado after the wedding to go backpacking with his dad, whom he calls "Pops". It was also good to know that he was surrounded by people who love him so much and to hear him tell story after story of conversations with those people.
This is going to be a long post. Bear with me.
After he returned to Colorado for round two, Marty and I got to see each other again. Paul (Marty's best friend) and his wife Kara needed a ride to the airport, so we drove them to Terminal West -- and laughed the whole way there. On the drive back, M and I were able to talk about the past week and to share our fears, but also our excitement. We agreed that love is a risk... one we're both willing to take. He made me blush when he slyly asked to hold my hand. After getting to his sister's house, hanging out with the family, and walking his sister's dog, we sat at a little park until late late at night... sharing, talking, laughing, praying, and realizing God's hand in all of it.
Marty and Pops then ventured out into the mountains and to the Continental Divide for a few days. He had told me "look at the moon and know that I'm looking at it, too"... as corny as I thought it was, I found myself (and still find myself) glancing at the sky thinking of this man I'd met a year ago. After a few days of backpacking, Marty returned and I picked him up at a nearby Panda Express (don't ask why, that's just where Pops dropped him off). We got to finally spend the afternoon together and enjoy how comfortable it was. We ate macaroni and cheese for lunch, looked at pictures on my computer, watched Marley and Me and shopped for some new school clothes for Mr. Lessmann. We ended the day by spending time with his family and eating yummy halibut, steak, parmesan risotto, brocolli slaw (from Costco -- good stuff!) and fruit. I love sitting around the dinner table with the Lessmanns!
The next day, Thursday, was our last together before Marty had to return to St. Louis to get ready for his students and the school year. We knew it would be a bummer to say goodbye, but we also know we'd be seeing each other soon. We ventured down to Pearl Street to go to happy hour at West End tavern. That was when we both really started to feel like a couple. We cooked dinner at my house, enjoyed a good bottle of wine, listened to music, and simply enjoyed time together.
So, you may ask.... who really is this Marty Lessmann to you, Annette Versluys? Marty is my man. My main squeeze. My boyfriend. And that's fun! The last three weeks have been completely unexpected. We agree that we would have NEVER expected to be reunited and to start dating. Sure, it's long distance. But I told him last night "those 843 miles are 843 reasons to praise God for what He's doing in our lives." Plus it helps that we've both booked plane tickets to see each other... he's coming out here again at the end of the month and I'm headed to the 'Lou on September 17. Like I said before, it's a risk... that we're willing to take!
People, I'll tell you... it's easy. Natural. Fun! I don't have to strive when I'm around him and I don't have to be anyone but me. The huge amount of grace that Marty extends is inspiring. It's obvious that he trusts God and recognizes Christ in his life and mine. He points me toward the Cross. But along with that, he's real. Authentic. He does little things that impress me in huge ways. I appreciate him even more this year than I did last. The past year has been one of growth and recognizing my need for the Lord, and it's so good to know that this man is going to always encourage me as I walk with Jesus and try to live life the way He intended.
::thank you, self-timer for these fun shots::
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Bailey Baker
A few months ago, I joined a new Bible study. I love it. I'm thankful that I get to call everyone in the group friend. Sometimes we hang out outside of Tuesday nights and last night was one of those nights.
Courtney and Brian, one of the couples in the group, just adopted a little Chocolate Lab named Bailey. He's two months old, a little shy, likes to lick faces, and attacks his squeaky sheep. Last night a few of us got together for a "Welcome Bailey" party. It was fun to meet the pup and great to hang out with friends!
Courtney got all creative and made a "Welcome Bailey" cake. Cute!Friday, August 7, 2009
Austin's Bug
I've gotten to hang out with almost all of the Lessmanns lately (more on why later)... I could say things like these people are so warm and awesome, but that wouldn't do them justice. The big brother of the littlest Lessmanns, Austin, is an absolute crack up. He loves talking about mowing the lawn and pretends to shave his legs with a crayon. Big imagination! We found a praying manitis on Wednesday night which quickly became Austin's pet. When asked what he wanted to name his bug, Austin responded, "Tigger!". We eventually let Tigger go into the wild (I mean the backyard), so this picture is for Austin to remember his new pet for an evening.
Monday, August 3, 2009
99 Balloons
I want to be able to live my life where no matter what happens, I'll be able to say:
GOD GIVES. GOD TAKES.
GOD'S NAME EVER BE BLESSED.
Job 1:21
GOD'S NAME EVER BE BLESSED.
Job 1:21
What made me think of this? Below I've posted a video about a little guy whose life showed God's love in the simplest ways. He lived for 99 days. It's a sad video, but it honors the Lord and little Eliot well...
"An underdeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it, and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of your body could not stop God from revealing himself through a child who never uttered a word... God found great pleasure to take a lowly thing in the eyes of the world and show truth."
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
"An underdeveloped lung, a heart with a hole in it, and DNA that placed faulty information into each and every cell of your body could not stop God from revealing himself through a child who never uttered a word... God found great pleasure to take a lowly thing in the eyes of the world and show truth."
Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
fulfilled.
I've been playing keys at church this weekend. Being part of the worship team is truly an honor... and so stinkin' fun!
God has blown me away with the mystery of His love. There's one song in particular that we've been playing that speaks to my core. It's called Your Love...
God has blown me away with the mystery of His love. There's one song in particular that we've been playing that speaks to my core. It's called Your Love...
What is this love that ran to meet me in my brokenness
That sought to cover all my shamefullness
Love that brought me home
What is this love that overwhelmed me with extravagance
That clothed me in your righteousness
Love that brought me home
It's your love that draws me to my knees
And even when I'm far from you it reaches out to me
It's your love that brings me back to life
That brings me running to your side
It's your love
Your love outruns my wayward heart
And now I'm alive, now I'm alive
Your boundless grace outweighs my sin
And now I'm alive, now I'm alive
That sought to cover all my shamefullness
Love that brought me home
What is this love that overwhelmed me with extravagance
That clothed me in your righteousness
Love that brought me home
It's your love that draws me to my knees
And even when I'm far from you it reaches out to me
It's your love that brings me back to life
That brings me running to your side
It's your love
Your love outruns my wayward heart
And now I'm alive, now I'm alive
Your boundless grace outweighs my sin
And now I'm alive, now I'm alive
It's this love that causes me to love Him back. I can't love on my own. I have no idea how.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:9-10)
My sin has disconnected me from God. My desires to serve myself. My ideas that I know what's best. When I choose anything other than what God had in mind. All those things make it impossible for me to be connected to God. But Christ came to reconnect me back to God. So that I can experience this life that God has laid out for me. So that I can know God, his love, and his Son. So that I can love others well.
That's love.
"This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." (1 John 4:9-10)
My sin has disconnected me from God. My desires to serve myself. My ideas that I know what's best. When I choose anything other than what God had in mind. All those things make it impossible for me to be connected to God. But Christ came to reconnect me back to God. So that I can experience this life that God has laid out for me. So that I can know God, his love, and his Son. So that I can love others well.
That's love.
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