christen.sanders

New Website

2012-02-09T11:03:00.001-05:00

God prompted me and informed me that 2012 was going to be my biggest year yet...starting off with a trip to Thailand in 4 days!

So I decided to start an entirely new website.

www.christensanders.com

Please visit there for any future blog postings! :)

Christen

When I say "Detroit" what word comes to mind?

2011-10-20T06:22:00.003-04:00

In going with our church-wide campaign, I am reading "Sun Stand Still" by Steven Furtick. It is based off of Joshua 10, when Joshua prays and asks God to make the sun stand still so that he can defeat the enemy, just as God had promised him.

This got me thinking about something...

When I say "Detroit" what word comes to mind?

Is it something in regards to sports?
- Detroit Lions 5-1
- Detroit Tigers...ALCS Contenders
- Detroit Red Wings...Stanley Cup champs how many times?

Maybe the words "motor city" come to mind.

Do you think of violence? That is what everyone from my small town in Indiana think of...always asking if I'm "packin'" haha

Unfortunately, I've never heard anyone ever say that they think of Jesus when they think of Detroit. And why should they? I know that it is in the top 5 most dangerous cities in the world, if not #1 of that list. I also know that my car insurance is higher because the number of break-ins to vehicles is higher.

What will we have to do to change this? We hear stories all the time of individuals that have spent decades addicted to drugs, finding Jesus and being able to celebrate sobriety for the first time. Why can't this city be the same story?

"Seizing God's vision means deciding that you will not spend another day surviving your work environment, family dynamic, or dysfunctional situation. Instead, you will bring about substantial change for the glory of God." - Steven Furtick in "Sun Stand Still"

What will it take for us to seize God's vision for the city of Detroit? Even more importantly, what will it take for us to seize God's vision for our own individual lives?

Currently...

2011-10-07T03:33:00.002-04:00

My life can be described and summed up in one word: CHAOS.

I often wonder what in the world God is going to do with me, because I am getting so much experience in such a wide array of things that whatever he uses all of these things for can only be known to him.

For the past 14 months, I was a caseworker for the formerly homeless, trying to help them achieve self-sufficiency and sustain the housing that they currently have through the Section 8 Housing Voucher program.

That job ended due to end of my grant, so I ventured out in a slightly different area.

The past month I have begun working with runaway and homeless youth in a transitional home.

I also just got offered a job working at my church as Administrative Extraordinaire. Not because I'm extraordinarily good, but because I will be working in multiple different areas. Primary area: Student Ministries.

The funniest part about all of this is the fact that 2 months ago I confessed to a group of teenagers and adults from my church while in El Salvador that I can't stand teenagers. And look at me now...working with teenagers. A lot.

God can definitely stretch a person and change directions in a completely different way. That is for sure. But I guess that is what you get when you pray to be challenged. Oh believe me. Definitely challenging. Teenagers. Sheesh. :)

2010-08-01T21:55:00.005-04:00

The last time I posted I didn't have two properly working feet, so...

First...

I have two working feet! It has been almost 5 months since the accident. I was actually out playing sand volleyball today!

Second...

There has been a new addition to my little family...his name is Costanza...my pet name for him is "Georgie". I sympathize for him because he seems to always get "pooped" on...whether it's in a literal sense from the innocent birds flying overhead or by negative comments about his "grandma gold" color, he's a kind old soul that is simply misunderstood....Just like George on Seinfeld ;-)

Third...

I guess you'll have to wait and find out... ;-)

Tomorrow I start my NEW JOB, so look soon to figure out all the details and more pictures from past events. :-)

Out with the Old, In with the New

2010-03-11T23:06:00.006-05:00

Out with the old...

Bye Bye Sally! :-(
(Two broken companions)

I began calling my little Saturn "Sally" because she seemed to always have something wrong...always pretty minor, but still something was typically wrong. When we wrecked, I was actually at a point where I was very happy with Sally and liking her. But please don't misunderstand me, I was very very blessed to have her and for nothing to seriously be wrong with her in the 5 years that I owned her, I really am going to miss her.

As you can see, I am very very blessed to have had my little knight in silver armor (or silver plastic) along with THE Great Protector aka GOD on my side :)

...In with the New.

Since the bone I broke in the accident was my driving foot, I am currently not legally allowed to drive. They can keep me from driving an automobile..but they can't keep me from my NEW ride!!

....

ERNIE! My New Companion...

With this baby I am starting to become very popular and cool with the kids at church! haha

The Big Break

2010-03-06T23:12:00.005-05:00

I guess I can't say nothing new ever happens to me...

On Thursday, I was headed to my District Pastoral License Renewal Interview and I was driving on I-696 in Detroit (a 70 mph, 4 lane highway) and I was in a car accident. I am very blessed to have made it out in the shape that I did and I know that God truly had His hand on me. To make a long story short - I was in the far left lane going between 45-55 mph behind a big SUV in congested traffic and suddenly the big SUV swerved out and cut into the 3rd lane...revealing a stopped car. I had about 2-2 1/2 car lengths to stop...needless to say...it didn't happen fast enough.

I came out with no scratches...bruises...just a broken foot. Figured I'd show you some pictures. :-)

Picture #1: waiting in the urgent care...still unsure of the result..

Picture #2: the X-ray. You can see the break between my big toe and 2nd toe.

Picture #3: the shoe I got prior to my awesome cast

Picture #4: My safety orange cast :)

Picture #5: the thumbs up! :)

No more volleyball or bowling for awhile :-/

Bradley Edwin

2010-02-17T16:18:00.004-05:00

...3 weeks old.

...And in Cubbies colors :) Guess he is excited for Cubs Pitchers and Catchers reporting to Spring Training TOMORROW just like me! When baseball starts up that means summer isn't TOO far behind it!

Fat Tuesday

2010-02-16T23:58:00.002-05:00

If you knew me college, lived with me, or ever became close friends with me, you know a few simple facts about me. If we were playing "Family Feud" the following earthly things are the top seven answers that the survey would say "Christen Sanders loves and and/or is very passionate about"

1) The Chicago Cubs

2) The Indianapolis Colts

3) Caffiene

4) The Rocky Anthology

5) Ice Cream (more specifically: Chocolate Chip)

6) Survivor

Now...for #7....think for a moment. Can you guess it?
.
..
...
....
.....
......
.......ok i think you get the picture...

7) LATE NIGHTS!

You may have guessed it, OR you could be hitting yourself on the forehead as I do after many rounds of "Family Feud" saying "Duh! I knew that!"

Now, there was a purpose for this post. As I look at my clock it says 12:09am. Yes, it is not THAT late, especially for my standards, but I am fully participating in Fat Tuesday because for Lent which begins tomorrow I will be in bed by 11:30pm every night until Easter (weekends it is extended to 12:30am). For someone who makes a habit out of staying up until 1:30am or 2:00am a bit too frequently on weekdays and in the upwards of 3am on weekends, I feel that I am truly making a lifestyle change.

The purpose of giving up my late nights is so that I begin reading my Bible every night at an earlier hour where I'm not giving God/Scripture the time when I may be nodding off or so tired that I'm just trying to fulfill a "check off my list" of things to do today. I want to be able to fully study Scripture with a clear mind that isn't foggy with sleep. And I already know going in that I am going to fail. I know I'm not always going to make it by 11:30, but I want to make a true effort to make a lifestyle change to better my relationship with Him.

We'll see how it goes. Rachel (my "roommate") has said she will try and help hold me accountable -- I'm going to need all the help I can get!

Special Shout-Out----

To the Dentist that has put up with me for life and is apparently (according to Mom today when I talked to her over the phone) an avid reader of my inconsistent blog -- DR.LEMNA! (Sorry Dr. L, it is weird to call you Jaime even though I'm an adult now! haha) I hope all is well and I will try hard to make an appointment to let you clean my teeth when I'm home! Miss ya!! Sincerely, "The Reverend" ;-)

Happy Fat Tuesday Everyone!

Nephew #2

2010-02-12T22:15:00.003-05:00

As most of you know nephew #2 was born January 20th. I just realized I hadn't even posted on his arrival. Welcome to the world Bradley Edwin Sanders!

Can't wait to meet this little guy!

In your honor...

2010-02-12T17:12:00.003-05:00

Although some would claim I'm in denial or what have you, I actually don't mind being single on Valentine's Day or as some might proclaim "Singles Awareness Day" (which I JUST noticed the acronym S.A.D in that statement. How ironic. haha)
I know most of my family members were already married and pregnant with children by the time that they were my age, BUT I've become quite content and comfortable in my old spinster age.

In honor of Valentine's Day I would love to say "I love you!" to all of my friends and family that I have not seen in a few months!

So in your honor, I will post these wonderful pictures :) Enjoy!

Love and Miss you All!!

Help!

2009-12-07T10:43:00.002-05:00

Hey Everyone!

Chase Community Giving is sponsoring a $25,000 gift for the charities/non-profits that have the top 100 votes. Could you help us by voting for the organization that I work for!?

Our organization's name is: WW Community Connections, Inc. and it is in Warren, Michigan.

Go to this website.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH! :)

God Bless!

A Wonderful Thought for Today...

2009-12-01T13:34:00.002-05:00

Currently I am living with an amazing family here in Michigan and Beth Kring, the mother of the family, sends out DT (Devotional Thought) emails randomly throughout the week to a great number of people that she is close to. I am very grateful to be an addition to the Kring family, and have been blessed far more than I deserve, and one of the many blessings is being on Beth's email list. Today I read the DT for yesterday that she sent out and was very inspired by it and I thought it would be a wonderful one to pass along to you :)

Thank you Beth!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Today's Verse: Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Think on this: This past week I was privileged to spend time with family, relax a bit, experience a great service at church and spend time with friends. This morning I was working on the annual Christmas letter I send out when I remembered an old story, perhaps you've heard it before.

A wise professor once taught his students a valuable life lesson about setting priorities by taking a large, wide-mouth jar and setting it on his desk. And into the jar he put some big rocks. When he finished, he asked his students, "Can the jar hold more?" The students agreed it could. So he poured some smaller rocks inot the jar. And he asked his students, "Is it full now?" And they replied: "Yes, the jar is full." But the teacher then poured sand into the jar which filtered down around the rocks. And he asked, "Now is the jar full?" And the students emphatically replied, "The jar is really full now." But the teacher said, "Wait!" Then he began pouring water into the jar. And the water soaked down around the rocks and the sand until it was brimming full. And the teacher said, "Now, is it full?" And the students replied, "Yes! Now it is truly full!"

This was his point: "If you want to live a full life, you need to begin by putting the big pieces in first!"

As I was recounting all that has happened since my last "Christmas Letter" I realized that although there were a number of "big pieces" it was often the small stuff that caught my time and attention. Did I short changed the really big stuff in my life? I want each day to start, end and be saturated with the peace and presence of Jesus and that won't happen without a conscience effort on my part to make it so.

As you officially enter into the holiday season I would challenge you to take a hard look at your "life jar". are you filling it with the things that matter most?

Worth repeating: "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities." - Stephen Covey
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hope you enjoyed Beth's wonderful insight today and were blessed by it just as I was!

23 and counting...

2009-11-23T16:29:00.004-05:00

One thing that I have learned in my old age is I love having birthdays. I may have only had 23 of them so far, but with each year that goes by I learn that as my physical body is adding years, but I am also adding blessings. A year ago I did not have blessings such as: the Krings, my Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene family, a job that works to better the life of others, and so many, many other things.

I sure felt the love last Thursday on my special day. I couldn't tell you how many times I heard, "IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY" from the lovely Mrs. Beth Kring, the numerous facebook posts/messages, text messages, and phone calls.

Thank you to everyone who made it so very special. Here are some pictures that Beth & Rachel took.

I know...not the most flattering picture of me. haha. Beth made them sing to me and make me wear the sombrero at my birthday lunch at Don Pablo's. With Rachel & Skyman :)
Krings want me to be a "true Michigander" so they bought me a Michigan State sweatshirt and a Detroit Red Wings shirt. haha.Sydney & Nolan helped me blow out my trick candles on the obnoxiously pink cake. They know how girly I am and how much I love pink. Yuck! hahaThe wonderful group (minus a couple).
Thanks everyone!

I'm Official!

2009-11-13T11:56:00.002-05:00

I'm so official. I have a work email & business card.

csanders@wwcconnections.org

It's pretty sweet.

Who I Want To Be..

2009-11-09T12:29:00.004-05:00

What is sacrifice?

Saturday I went to a "LeadNow" Simulcast Conference and one of the speakers said this:

"Sacrifice is giving up something you love for something you love even more."

Does that blow you away like it does me? How true is this simple definition? I began thinking of the sacrifices parents make for their children, more specifically, my own parent's sacrifices.

Take one more step, think of Jesus. He loved me enough to give up His life because He LOVED ME more than He loved His own life.

Take another step, think of yourself. Are you willing to give up something you love for Jesus because you love Him even more?

I love being busy because when I am busy I feel useful, needed, and it gives me self-worth. Sadly, there are way too many times where I have loved being busy so much that I have sacrificed my time with Jesus for it.

My "sacrifice" is selfish & full of arrogance

His sacrifice is true love & full of absolute humilty

Lord, help me to imitate your true love & humility...

Philippians 2:1-11

Imitating Christ's Humility

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality wigh God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Love in Action

2009-11-04T12:10:00.003-05:00

Saturday for Halloween, my church, Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene, put together a "Love in Action" day, in which they provided several service areas that individuals/small groups/families could volunteer for a few hours. My small group decided we would do two things, one was easy: be a warming center (fire pit in the driveway) for trick-or-treaters at night, and since this really just required us to sit outside, hang out, laugh, and pass our candy we decided we could do something else during the day. My small group (which basically consists of all the single 20-somethings in the church, a grand total of 7 of us) and the college age group called "The Vine" went into downtown Detroit to partner with another church with the purpose of feeding the homeless.

*Side note - "Michiganders" have never heard of putting noodles in their chili! Found this out when Rachel (Kring) and I were making chili to contribute. That's insane!

This was my first time ever doing something like this and one of many things that I learned and is really evident is that every single person that is living [on the streets] has a story.

Some were excited to talk to us while others just wanted to eat their food in silence & left alone.

One woman has 6 children and 16 grandchildren, she had 7 children but her one and only daughter died. A man named Bill told me he was starting a program that taught culinary classes in hopes that he could get a job.

We passed out small New Testament Bibles and some took the Bibles and threw them in their bag, willing to take anything that was free. Others, like Eric and Richard had different responses.

Eric
I learned a lot from Eric. He told us a little bit about how things go "on the streets." When someone new to the street is there, they try and figure out if they can be trusted. The people on the streets band together and have each others' backs. One thing inparticular that he said stuck with me; when I tried to hand Eric a NT Bible he shook his head and said, "No Thanks." I said, "Are you sure?" and his response was, "I have to get my life straightened out first" and he got up and left without another word, before we could tell him that it would help him achieve that goal. Another woman that was sitting with Sam, Rachel, and I when we were talking to Eric made a comment after he left saying, "I feel guilty knowing that when I leave here I have a nice warm place to go." I then started to get a little misty eyed because I realized how blessed I am to have never not had a place to go to, even here in Michigan, the Krings have willingly provided me a place to not only sleep, eat, and shower, but they have provided me a place that I can call home and feel like it is home, they've provided me the same love that I would get if I were home in Indiana. As I sit back and ponder on Eric's response "I have to get my life straightened out first" I wonder if someone in his past told him that his life had to be straightened out or that he wasn't worthy or good enough for Jesus, because well, lets be honest, if all of us waited until our lives were "straightened out" not a single one of us would accomplish it. Until Jesus has come in and chiseled away all the junk (which even if we are all "straightened out" we'd still have) and made us a new creation in him, we never will be "straightened out".

Richard
Richard, a minature Hulk Hogan look-alike (blonde hair, blonde goatee, bandana), also made a significant impact on me. I think I started every conversation I have with "How are you doing [today]?" Rather than just getting a "fine" or "ok" Richard said, "I have a full belly and have gotten a little warmer, I have a meal for tonight, I'm good." I commented about how that was awesome and asked him if he had lived in the area his whole life and what not, but we didn't talk much about that because he seemed like he was ready to go, so I knew if I was going to give him a mini NT that I had better do it right then before he left. I asked him if he had been given one and he said, "It won't get opened or used, so you should keep it" I said, "That's ok, I've got several and you might change your mind" What he said next blew me away, "No, I know it won't get opened. You see, Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I know He died for me and I know I need to live for Him, but right now I've just been living for myself. One day I'll get it right." I then asked if I could pray for him and he told me I could pray with him, which was a much better response than I thought I would get. I asked him if there was anything I could pray for specifically, and he told me about his daughter and her newborn son, he didn't even ask for prayer for anything for himself. I placed my hand on this Hulk Hogan look-alike's arm and simply prayed for his daughter, grandson, and thought "what do I have to lose!?" so I prayed for him and that he would be able to begin living for Jesus and not for himself, hoping he wouldn't be angry with me. After I said, "Amen" he open his eyes gave me the most sincere "Thank You" I've ever received and told me that the prayer was beautiful.

One thing I struggle with greatly is my lack of humility, great quantity of pride, and my unwillingness to admit my downfalls. Whether if I just want recognition for what I've done/am doing or I don't want to admit when I am wrong or admit when I need help and it's like I would rather make a fool of myself than ask for help. I would venture to say that most Christians "say" that we are living for Christ, or atleast convince ourselves that we are, and even when we know we aren't living fully for Christ we still say that we are (not all of us, but if I were a gambling woman, I'd probably bet on it). I'm not in any way saying that Richard is right by living for himself, but I think the first step to correcting the problem is knowing and admitting that we are wrong.

So this brought me to the questions I am now asking myself...

Who am I living for? TRULY living for? If I say I'm living for Jesus, is it true or am I just convincing myself that it is? When it is true and accurate could I admit I need help, prayer, and admit my downfall and say, "Jesus is my Lord and Savior and I know I need to live for Him, but I'm just living for myself right now."

50 Things about MOM!

2009-10-27T15:01:00.007-04:00

In honor of Mom's 50th birthday yesterday, I figured I would give a post specifically designated to show her age...I mean, how much we all love her. ;-) Love you Mom!

50 Things said, done, or about Mom

1. "That's like 6 bucks worth of free!"

2. Skip-bo Champ (always!)

3. She and I wear the same clothes...and same size. (which pretty much means she's awesome)

4. She hasn't aged a day, has she?

5. The night I graduated high school, "Christen, I love you, so I'm letting you go so you can spread your wings and fly."

6. R is for Radiant - you're always bright and inviting

7. O is for Obvious - I can always tell how you're feeling because you can't ever hide it

8. B is for Bold - although Mom may not be bold with everyone, she is with me.

9. I is for Intentional - I never questioned my Mom's love for me because she was always intentional about making sure I knew it.

10. N is for nosy - but only when it comes to the happenings in my life. And I don't mind ;-)

(If you couldn't tell...I just spelled ROBIN ;-) )

11. E is for Entertaining - especially in Guitar Hero

12. L is for Lethal - 3 words - "The Mom Look" (its ok - you've passed it down to me.

13. A is for Absent - Not your fault, I moved. Which translates into...I miss you!

14. I is for Integrating - You could always integrate the "the talk" into any conversation when I was 12-14. I think you enjoyed it because you knew how much I hated it. haha

15. N is for Noob aka Newbie - to all the games we're going to teach you in Michigan!

16. E is for Elect - people elect you to things because they know your character

(I have just spelled "Elaine" for Robin Elaine)

17. A is for Awesome - Duh!

18. B is for your Boisterous laugh during Wipe Out

19. S is for shy - until you get to know her...then WATCH OUT! haha just kidding!

20. H is for HOT! I have one HOTT Momma!

21. I is for In-Step - which is where she is with God.

22. R is for Rescuer - she has rescued me from so much. Even the things I didn't do because of her....

23. E is for Example - Mom lives her life in such a way that I know if I follow her footsteps, I'll be ok.

(ABSHIRE)

24. S is for Silly - I think Mom is silliest when she tries to embarrass Hannah. I love it. haha

25. A is for Affirm. Affirm: –verb (used with object) 1. to state or assert positively - I always feel affirmed by Mom.

26. N is for Narly (sp?) I pretty much have the coolest Mom so why not use another word for cool?

27. D is for doctor. Dad sure can't handle blood, so Mom became the one who bandaged :)

28. E is for Excellent cook - I always like what she makes, plus she always remembers the timer... ;-)

29. R is for Ridiculously Good-Looking!

30. S is for the Sacrifices that Mom has done for all of us so many times.

(SANDERS)

31. If you've never seen this woman back up a HUGE school bus down our long drive way and maneuver it in one swift motion into its parking spot...you've missed out. It's incredible!

32. Speaking of Buses...this woman is no pushover or softy - ride her bus sometime.

33. Mexican Train Competitor - she fights to the end!

34. Sassy. Don't believe me? Suit yourself. It's true.

35. Giver. Need I say more?

36. Jugs: joke with Hannah and Mom

37. Brownie Batter...i will always think of you Mom

38. You're such a magnet for baseballs to the head...even though you deny it...

39. I love how when I was really young, you, Dad, and your friends would go out and TP people's houses.

40. "Flock around, Robin's 40" Ya...that was a long time ago. ;-)

41. My Best Friend

42. My Biggest Fan (Imagine me singing the Backstreet Boys song to you)

43. My girly-girl turned (kinda) tomboy. Love it.

44. My favorite person to watch movies with

45. My favorite person to cuddle with...is that wrong?

46. My example of patience

47. The woman who makes wearing football jerseys look good!

48. The woman who possesses the laugh I love to hear in the next room.

49. My faithful reader of this blog.

50. Happy Birthday Mom! Even though you said you don't deserve things, you really do. You're one of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life. So humble, giving, caring, and loving. You're amazing!!!

"My Mom"

2009-10-20T11:05:00.003-04:00

In 6 Days my wonderful mother will be celebrating her 50th birthday.

My Mom is not only a mom to Luke, Isaac, Hannah & I, or just a wife to my dad, or a "Memaw" to Brayden, or a mother-in-law to Kristin...My Mom is My Best Friend, My Confidant.

"My Mom"

My Mom is my cheerleader when I need someone to encourage me to make it to the endzone when it seems that their is no way I can win and no one else thinks I can do it

My Mom is my crutches when I need support on both sides because I can't stand without falling.

My Mom is my vanilla ice cream covered in chocolate chips and Nestle Quik powder that I need at the end of my day because she can be either the pick-me-up on the horrible day or the cherry on top to an incredible day.

My Mom is my wheel barrow, she didn't mind carrying me and caring for me, but when she knew I needed to do it on my own, she put me down and gently poured me out because she had confidence in my ability to stand and do it alone.

My Mom is most of all, my example. She is the woman protrayed in Proverbs 31, the woman that I need and want to be as the Bride of Christ.

Proverbs 31:25-31

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Giver her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise atthe city gate.

Thanks Mom for being You.

I am proud to call you My Mom and My Best Friend.

I Love You &

Miss Seeing You Every Day!

My New Michigan Family :)

2009-10-09T17:03:00.003-04:00

Many have asked the question, "Where are you living?" So not only will I answer that question, I will also respond with "whom" I'm living.

When I came to interview for this Public Relations/Event Coordinating/Church and Building Relationship Development or my "official" title (atleast for the time-being) of "Marketing Coordinator" for the future H.O.P.E. Center here in Warren, Michigan, I stayed with a wonderful couple and one of their daughters for 4 days and 4 nights.

The very first night that I stayed there (and I had been gone all day, so really they were just then getting to know me) Jon Kring told me that he and his wife Beth had been praying about me coming to live with them for an indefinite amount of time BEFORE they had met me and BEFORE I had even been offered the job, and he told me that God had responded with the "thumbs up."

I knew right then that if I were offered the job that Warren, Michigan was where I was supposed to be. In the past couple months my relationship with Christ has not been good. I would go the entire day and realize when I was going to bed that I hadn't even spoken to God even once and attempting to read my Bible was going worse than that, when just 3 months ago I couldn't get enough of reading Scripture. It was so obvious when I talked to the Kring Family that Christ lived in them and his spirit surrounds them.

Beth and Rachel even sat up with me and watched "Survivor" with me, without even knowing that watching it by myself would have probably been a depressing experience because I watched it with my own family every Thursday.

So without further delay...I will introduce you to the wonderful Kring Family...

Jon

Beth

Rachel - a fellow grad from Olivet and already wonderful friend that also likes to stay up late and talk all night.

The Hoxie's - Allen, Erin, and Skylar. If you can't tell by the family resemblance, Erin is the Kring of the family. I don't get to see them much yet, but what time I have spent with them, I know we'll have a lot of fun, especially gaming!

Thank you Krings for making me a part of your family!

From Indiana to Michigan

2009-10-08T17:37:00.005-04:00

On Monday I took a huge step towards "becoming an adult" as I moved from my hometown of 22 years to a place that is even colder. Nice one Christen! :-/ Let me tell you...I'm a genius. haha just kidding! Can't fight the will of the Lord can we? I thought I would share with you a photo diary of my drive up to "the land of the hand."

As of Monday, this is my new geographical location:

*I give Rachel the credit for the picture below, she said I'd be a true "Michigander" by pointing out to everyone where I live on my hand!

The sight that welcomed me...not too crazy right? Right.

At this point, this was my view of my new home. Oh, but little did I know of the craziness that was to come.

Still pretty calm, right? Right. As I was driving, I thought I would be coming to a place similar to Indiana...you know, pretty calm, flat, lots of sky...etc.
Well, if you look at my reaction in the next picture, you'll find that it was not all that I was expecting...

Ready for it???

This was my reaction to driving in what seemed to be a NASCAR race! People going 85 miles per hour in 4 lane BUSY traffic. I broke into a major sweat..

Oh, and I was being completely safe taking a picture while driving...I promise!

(This wasn't even the busiest time! - There is no place for a cop car to sit on I-696 so people drive as fast as they want...and as crazy!)

Do I really want to live in Michigan? Well, we'll see...

Me = scared!

Oh ya...did I mention that I saw THREE cars pulled over being searched within about an hour time frame? Only time I had ever seen that was in an episode of COPS!

I guess I've seen it all now.

Updates on Life (outside of the fact that I moved 300 miles away):

1. I may have joined the choir here...we'll see if they keep me around after Sunday.

2. I am training to be a First Responder Chaplain (http://www.firstresponderchaplains.org/) starting tomorrow and Saturday.

Driving Lessons...

2009-10-07T10:57:00.003-04:00

1. There are 2 seasons: Winter & Construction

2. The Michigan Left - in order to make a left you have to make a right...I know. Confusing.

3. The ability to turn on flashing red left lane lights - oh and don't forget...flashing yellow lights mean the same thing. Huh?

4. What is a speed limit? - Everyone drives about 10-15 miles over the speed limit. And the speed limits are the highest I've ever seen. I feel like I'm flying everywhere (and still going the speed limit..or UNDER!) or like a grandma getting passed on every side.

5. Watch out for One Way Streets! - They're EVERYWHERE!

6. If you're not still inching forward on a Red Light ready for it to turn Green you might get run over. It's a race to get everywhere!

7. Don't split the township line down the middle of a street...you might get one side paved and one side gravel. Its true. I'll get a picture up soon!

8. There are mile streets that go East and West. For instance, the church sits on 13 Mile Road - that means we're 13 miles from downtown Detroit. But you also have to know that each mile road has another name. Example: 20 Mile Road = Hall Road; 16 Mile Road = Metro Parkway. BUT if when you go into another town...it changes! Beaver Road = 16 Mile Road TOO!

9. I break into a sweat on the interstates. I've never had a problem keeping up to speed with fast drivers before, but "fast drivers" in Indiana or Illinois are NOTHING in comparison with Michigan "fast drivers." They're out of our league.

10. Buy a GPS.

(Having difficulties posting pictures so I will have them up soon. Promise!)

...Crazy Love...

2009-10-01T23:47:00.002-04:00

"Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our grip of control." - "Crazy Love" by Frances Chan

If Dave Letterman can have a Top 10 List, so can I!

2009-09-30T22:45:00.003-04:00

Christen Sanders' [personal opinion] list of Top 10 most disliked sports teams...

10. Boston Red Sox
9. Florida Gators (although Tim Tebow is a "thumbs up" in my book
8. Minnesota Vikings
7. University of Michigan
6. University of Notre Dame
5. Chicago White Sox*
4. Los Angeles Lakers*
3. New York Yankees*
2. New England Patriots*
1. St. Louis Cardinals [Fans]

*all hold same level of "hatred"

One thing I'm going to miss...

2009-09-28T22:08:00.007-04:00

One thing I'm going to miss about not living at home is watching football (or really any sports) with my family. It is one of those things that we've really grown to love doing together. Especially football because we all compete with one another in Fantasy Football. We watch games like the one we're watching now, Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers, and even though we could really care less which team wins because we're all big COLTS fans, we debate, cheer, and occasionally "smack talk" one another simply based on our fantasy teams. However, it is something that even during the week I'm sure will keep us close because of the playful trash talk that can lead up to the football weekend.

I guess right now would be an "ok" time to blow on my knuckles and rub them on the shoulder area of my shirt because I, the only girl in the "Relativity League" consisting of My Dad, 2 brothers, 2 Uncles, and 6 male cousins, am winning over all of them. The other league I'm in however, until after tonight I won't make any arrogant comments, mainly because I have no room to be cocky. I guess it keeps me humble???? haha

Me? Moving? Whoa!

2009-09-27T02:00:00.003-04:00

Yes, you read it correctly...

I will be moving October 5th to Warren, MI (right outside of Detroit). Besides my grandpa's persistence of buying a gun and carrying a gun with me, the news has been received well so far.

I still don't feel old enough to have graduated from college, much less moving away from the comforts of Mommy & Daddy for good and taking my first job about 5 hours away from them.

It's funny, I laughed when I heard over and over that the majority of those making up the workforce that graduated from college don't actually end up doing anything pertaining to their major. I laughed and said that that wouldn't be me and that I would be "using my degree." And what does my business card (Yes! I do have one! ;) ) say? "Marketing Coordinator" Let's just say that I'm going to be reading a lot of the following books:

Public Relations for Dummies
Marketing for Dummies &
Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies

You think I'm kidding!? Believe me, I'm not. As Mom as my witness, I just purchased them all. I figured the dollars spent for them and the time spent reading them may end up preventing me from making some "dummy" mistakes. We'll see. I'm positive I will still make a large amount of them. Mom said that she is glad I will finally be able to use my "bull-crapping" ability for something other than homework papers (If you're one of my professors...you didn't read that!).

Well, as for now I am still going to use my earned degree and finish the sermon that I have to give in...oh...about 6 hours and 45 minutes. Some things don't change from college...I still procrastinate and have to be under pressure to get things of this nature done.

Until next time... GO COLTS!!! ;)

Homeless Stereotypes...

2009-09-24T01:20:00.003-04:00

One group of individuals one would think that would easy to stereotype and almost always be right is those classified as "homeless." Tuesday I was fortunate enough to be a part of the "Macomb County Homeless Coalition" at Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene. Here at the Coalition individuals faced with homelessness were invited to come and participate. At the church organizations, agencies, and not-for-profits alike all stood together in battling homelessness. Haircuts, a hot meal, clothes, and even raffle drawings were given at the Coalition. I was privileged to represent Warren Woods COTN's table featuring the Angel Food program.

I had many that came by the table, some genuinely wanting to know about Angel Food, and some just looking to see if I was handing out something free. What amazed me the most were some of the people that I saw. Yes, there were those that did in fact look like the homeless stereotype, but there were also others...others that looked like they should be driving SUV's and working at some well-off company.

As I talked to many, most of them just long enough for them to hear my explanation of Angel Foods and some of them for a tad bit longer, I began to wonder what their story was. Clearly there had to be a story as to why they had ended up there...

I walked away from this feeling a little more uncomfortable with my life. As I had walked among them all, dressed professionally in my high heels (yes! me..lin high heels!), dress pants, nice dress shirt, and jewelry I began to feel very self-conscious of the simple fact that I did not want any single individual there to think that I thought I was better somehow...because I am not. If it were not for the kindness of many people in my life, I would be right there with them.

Ironically, I left this "party" to head to another in order to represent those that I had been surrounded with to promote and hopefully raise funds for a new H.O.P.E. Center that would support the individuals I had just been rubbing elbows with. At this new "party" were clients of a Financial Advising company that were on the complete other end of the spectrum than the homeless. These individuals were those that have been very blessed financially. It is funny to me, but I think I felt more uncomfortable at this "party" than I did at the other; knowing that just an hour earlier I was mingling with those without homes at all and now to be mingling with those that probably had enough extra room collectively to house every single homeless individual.

I could continue and go on, but I won't except to leave you with this thought...

Matthew 25:31-46

31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,

36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?

38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?

39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'
41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

42For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink,

43I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.'
44"They also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'
45"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'
46"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Future Steps?

2009-09-17T17:48:00.000-04:00

Proverbs 16:9

"In his heart a man plans his course;
but the LORD determines his steps."

Let's see if those determined steps lead me to Detroit.