A Piece of History - Right in my Hometown

Jeremy standing where all the "famous" people stood to speak.




Ando's recent post on the Cold War inspired me to share some pictures from my hometown on Jeremy and my recent visit to Missouri. I lived in a town called Fulton, Missouri. A historic spot in Fulton is the Westminster College Campus due to the fact that Winston Churchill delivered his famous Iron Curtain speech from there and it is also the home of the Winston Churchill Memorial Church. It was many years later when the dedication of "Breakthrough" was done - this was the dedication of a piece of the "Iron Curtain" being brought to the Westminster Campus. You can see in the pictures Jeremy and I standing by the wall - the cut outs of the people represent the wall being gone - people being able to pass through. Below is a link where you can read more about the Churchill Memorial if interested. The church is beautiful and I have been to many weddings there. It is funny how you can have such history in your town and take it for granted. I was able to hear many famous people speak at the campus, Reagan, Bush (both actually) and Gorbachev. Hearing Gorbachev speak with the piece of the wall there - knowing the speech given by Churchill many years prior was probably one of the most memorable. Just a little tidbit of history from the midwest.

http://www.westminster-mo.edu/cm/history/index.asp (Link to the Westminster Churchill Memorial)

Back to School - Like it or Not :)

It is hard to believe that this is the last weekend before school starts! This summer has flown by - I honestly can't believe how fast it has gone! It has been a fun filled summer with great times with family, friends, Jr. Highers and much more! I am thankful for each of the summer opportunities God has blessed me with! In so many ways I am excited about school starting and getting back into a normal routine. As previous posts have mentioned, I have been nervous and overwhelmed at times, but I was so thankful for the staff devotions this past week during orientation - reminding me of God's sovereignty and then during my Bible study being reminded that all that God brings into my life, He is using to make me more like Him - polishing me until He can see His own reflection. I was just telling my husband tonight on the way home that this past month of my new job has already stretched me, challenged me and I have learned so much. I know God has much more in store during the next school year.

I can only imagine though what my students might be thinking this weekend - with Monday quickly approaching. I am sure some are excited, some are nervous, some are apprehensive, some just dreading it. I am sure that this cartoon depicts what some might be thinking - - - but whatever they are feeling, I know God has placed them in my classroom for a reason - and my prayer is that over this year, we all (including my students) will grow to be more like Christ. What a humbling and exciting thought to get to be a part of the work God is doing - that He would choose to use a simple person like me. Just remember, whatever your job might be, God has chosen to use you where He has placed you - He has chosen you to be a part of His work. Our theme verse this year at school is Romans 1:16, may we all boldly proclaim Christ and not be ashamed - wherever He has placed us.

This cartoon brought a smile to my face and I thought I would share!

Camping Supplies

This photo was sent through an e-mail I recently received. With the Partner's in Christ group getting ready to go camping, I thought this might be an inspiration picture for your camp packing - don't forget your rake. Look at all the time you can save roasting multiple sausages/hot dogs at one time rather than one at a time. I think it would be great for marshmallows too!

Jeremy and I will be at the camping trip on Friday evening and during the day Saturday, but due to Jeremy's back incident, we won't be sleeping there. We are looking forward to hanging out with everyone!!!!!!!!!!! Should be a fun time!

"Have I not commanded you?"

My favorite verse has always been Joshua 1:9, "Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go!" I am having to remind myself of this as I venture this week into the realm of teacher and administrator. God is with me wherever I go - whether that be a physical place or changes in my life. This is a wonderful promise - so often I get caught up in my day to day busyness that I put aside so many promises that God has made to me. Sometimes I think that in my Bible it reads, "Stephanie, haven't I told you this many times before - be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go?" You would think I would eventually get it! It is a lesson that I must be reminded of daily - God will never leave me - He is always there. I am the one that needs to be in the Word, spending time with Him.

I am so thankful for the new position God has given me at school. I will admit that there have been times of being overwhelmed and nervous, but I am reminded - I don't have to fear - God is with me wherever I go! I need to put my complete trust in Him, seek Him with all my heart and remember my strength comes from Him.

I would appreciate your prayers as I dive into the world of teaching and administration for this year. I know God has great plans for RVCS and also great plans to grow and change me to be more like Him. I am humbled He allows me to be a part of what He is doing! God is so good!

Superhero Quiz

A quiz for fun - what superhero are you??????? This isn't as stressful as "What theologian are you?" so don't read too much into the questions. Although it could be - it might reveal a lot about you. Have fun - you are all super!!!!!!

Your results:
You are Green Lantern

Green Lantern 70% Superman 70% Spider-Man 60% Supergirl 56% Wonder Woman 46% The Flash 45% Robin 43% Iron Man 40% Hulk 20% Batman 20% Catwoman 20%

Hot-headed. You have strong will power and a good imagination.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Test

Toilet Paper - the Joy of Jr. High

As I have previous mentioned, God has so blessed us by being able to work with the Jr. High students of SRBC! They bring so much joy to our lives - keep us on the go, challenge us to grow, encourage us with their kind words, smiles and more. But more than anything, they bring to our lives more toilet paper than we could imagine! Recently we had a few consecutive nights of lovely "TP" jobs on our front lawn. The joy of cleaning up toilet paper for hours in the dark and continuing in the morning is more than one can express - and I mean it - I did laugh and laugh. But Sunday night we were pleasantly surprised to come home and find that they had decided that since the front was not our preference, someone (and we have our guesses) beautifully decorated our backyard with toilet paper - oh the creativity of Jr. High students! We had suggested to them that the neighbors wouldn't appreciate continual toilet paper in the front - so being creative, they moved to the back. I have to give them credit for being resourceful and moving to the back. You know the best part though - they always leave notes about how much they appreciate us - and I am meaning this with all my heart - I do believe they mean it. I honestly think they are showing us how much they love and appreciate us. And you know what - we love and appreciate them too! We are truely blessed!

If any of you that might have been invovled are reading this - we are on to you and just remember - paybacks do occur - when you least expect it :):)

To Change or Not to Change - That is the question?

Summer is soon to come to an end (which I can't believe how fast it has gone) and I am left with the question - do I keep my blog name of "Summer Steph" or do I change it? I like it, it is catchy, but summer is going to be over. Now, the ironic part is that I feel like I become more "Summer Steph" when school starts - I feel like I have more time for friends and fun during school than summer. I know that doesn't seem possible, but it is true in my case. I think that with being married to a Jr. High Pastor, the summer for me is NON-STOP go. This is a blessing and we get to build great relationships with the kids, but it is that we are always on the go. During the school year, I have a routine and things seem more "normal."

I am just not sure what to do - hmmmmm - I will have to ponder and see if any new names just grab my attention.

I am going to post more pics later from our trip to Missouri, but as I mentioned before - we are on the go! I actually think I may be able to post more when school starts - we shall see :):):)