The Joys of Life!

2007-07-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

Today is Wally and my 4th anniversary. Part of me feels like the years have flown by, and the other part feels like we're just beginning! We have had so many adventures in our four years as husband and wife...and God has always proven Himself as our abundant provider. There is no way we could make it without the relationships we have with our Creator.
Being our anniversary, I thought I'd take the opportunity to brag about my hubby a bit. He is amazing. If you know him, you know how contagious his passion for life and God is. He brings joy and fun to all we do, and is a constant reminder to me to praise God for what we have. He loves reading and talking...two things you'll understand well if you spend any time with him at all. He often reads to me in bed snipits of what he's reading...and patiently wakes me up when I fall asleep listening to him. :) (Sorry babe) Wally has a creative spirit, a loving heart, and a huge soft spot for his family. He has already told his unborn child that country music is from the devil, and prefers to listen to anything with meaningful lyrics. He quizzes me on who sings what song...and smirks when I never know the answer. He hates eating at the dinner table, but does it for me anyway. :) His favorite food is gummies, which he is pretty sure should be its own food group. He has a way of making everyone feel welcome in our home...something I couldn't appreciate more. He makes time for people in his life, and makes me feel like the most important person in the world. Wally is the greatest husband--I can't imagine having a better mate to journey through life with! I praise God for giving me the honor of being Wally's wife...I know we have many more adventures in this life to share!
I LOVE YOU WALLY!

2007-05-30T10:05:00.000-05:00

It's been a fun and busy winter around here! I'm six and a half months preggers now, and beginning to feel the awkwardness that comes with getting bigger EVERY DAY! :) Pregnancy has been great during the second trimester, and I'm looking forward to seeing what the third trimester brings!
Wally had a contract offered to publish his book...we're not positive we'll go with this first company, but it is awesome to know that one way or another his book will be published! He is so great. :)
We are constantly working on house projects, of course. The backyard has been overhauled and we're looking next at some new windows, a dishwasher, and finishing the family room floor! Wally has been a good sport through all the projects...he hardly complains. ;)
We would love your prayers as we enter a very new phase in our lives...job changes, baby coming, basically our entire lives as we know them changing drastically. Pray that we would be obedient to the call God has placed on our lives and that we would make wise decisions.

2007-03-26T16:06:00.000-05:00

As I wrote my last post I had incredibly exciting news that I was completely unaware of! Wally's already spilled the beans on his blog, but I wanted the fun of writing it myself. We're having a baby!
We're due in early September, which I fully realize means I'll be enormous the entire summer. An air conditioning window unit is being worked into the budget. :) I am excited about having a late summer/early fall baby...I love that time of year.
So as we get ready for this next phase in our lives (a long phase, to be sure) we are in lots of prayer; prayers of health, prayers of thanks, and prayers of provision. We are trusting God to lead us as we begin the journey of parenthood...

In His grip,
Sarah

2006-12-22T10:21:00.000-05:00

Ready for an update?? I've been pestered for NEVER updating my blog...so here's to all the complainers. :)
We have a house!! It was unbelievable how God orchestrated the whole thing! We are so pleased with how everything has worked out...God has such a great plan for us if we're willing to be patient and wait on Him! We did not believe we could own our first home downtown, but we do!! We're two blocks from Washington and 5 blocks from the channel!
We love our new home and are slowly feeling like we own it, instead of it owning us! We've been constantly working on house projects--the entire main level has new (refinished) floors, there have been massive amounts of paint used, and I have rid myself of excess energy and frustration by ripping things apart (and putting them back together)! :) Wally has shown me he does, contrary to popular belief, have some handyman skills! He's been AWESOME at ripping up old flooring and sanding all the original floor boards. All his hard work has paid off--his projects look amazing!! He finally has a proper office as well! He painted the walls a deep red and has gone with a "old hollywood" feel. He told me a few weeks ago I'm not allowed home alone anymore since whenever that happens there's some new project started that he inevitably gets roped into! He's been a great sport throughout the whole thing! We've have some great help, too! Grandpa, Mom, Dad, and Jeff have all put in many hours to help us! THANKS!
In other news...we're still plugging away at our jobs. Wally heads up MOTO and is well into writing his first book! I am still the nerdy substitute teacher, which I love! I'm working on my master's in counseling, which I also love! Spring Arbor's program is fabulous, and I really enjoy the classes and work (really, I do!) I knew I couldn't last long with no school work! :)
We are really looking forward to Christmas this year! It'll be our first Christmas in our home, and my entire family is coming for Christmas!! I'm excited for everyone to be in Grand Haven for the holidays. My Grandpa was diagnosed lung cancer the day before Thanksgiving, so to have the whole family together means a lot this year! I have loved to see our family step up and be so supportive.
Have a joyful holiday season and remember JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON! :)

In His grip,
Sarah

2006-05-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

Wow. Sorry about not blogging for almost a year... :( I sort of forgot that I had a blog! Oops.
Well, let me fill you in. I have been subbing and nannying all year, which I LOVE! I very well may be the only sub who loves subbing. :) The kiddos I nanny for are growing like crazy...it is such a joy to watch their little personalities (sometimes BIG personalities) develop. I love them like they are my own kids! I'm looking for summer work/possibly long term and dreading the thought of not being able to sub next year. We'll see how that works out.
We have some big news too...
WE BOUGHT A HOUSE!!! We are so excited! We close in a few weeks and seriously could not be more excited! It's a wonderful house 5 blocks from the channel and 2 blocks from downtown GH. It is 101 years old and has tons of great charm. We love it! Coast Guard at our house!! :)
I think that's about it in terms of big things. Wally and I are doing well and can't believe we'll have been married 3 years in July! We still feel like newlyweds. ;) He is most likely the sexiest man alive.
Now you're caught up...I'll try not to wait another year before blogging!

In His grip,
Sarah

2005-05-23T09:06:00.000-05:00

I've started substitute teaching...well, substituting. :) Friday I was filling the spot of one of the middle school phys ed teachers and absolutely loving the fact that I was getting paid for working on my tan! We were outside all day in the gorgeous weather! I loved it. I do realize that most sub jobs will not be this wonderful, but it was a great first day of subbing! Tomorrow I'm the media specialist at Ferry Elementary...hopefully I don't have to completely understand the dewey decimal system. I think I will enjoy subbing--too bad I have to find something else for the summer! :(
You can for sure be praying that I find a job and that Wally and I find a new home. We're supposed to out of here the end of the month and we have no solid leads on a new place. I'm confident we'll be provided for, but it just gets me a little nervous. We have had an amazing ten months and feel so blessed that God has allowed us to be a part of Watermark and this awesome community! We love Grand Haven!

2005-05-14T16:52:00.000-05:00

I'M DONE WITH COLLEGE!!! (And it feels SOOO good!)
Honestly, it feels a little funny. I knew I'd have to get used to this new way of life...but it does feel a little more weird than I anticipated. Every time I sit down and actually relax I feel like I need to be writing a paper or researching for a presentation or reading something I don't want to read! Instead I can really just sit; no papers, no presentations, and only reading I WANT to read!!! This will take some getting used to!...

Waiting on Him,
Sarah

2005-04-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

I'm starting my last week of undergraduate classes! I turned in my last two small papers today and I only have one major paper left! Exams next week should be quick and not too painful, and then I'll be DONE!
My parents are throwing a little party to celebrate on their deck after the graduation ceremony...I have the greatest parents!! It will sort of nostalgic because we're having the party on the same deck my high school graduation party was on...I know, I'm being dumb, but it just does not seem like 4 years have passed! (ok, in some ways it feels like a whole lifetime has passed, but you get the idea--time flies)
In the past 4 years I've been at 3 schools (yes, 3), moved 5 times, gotten married, and learned a TON. It will feel odd to be done with this phase of my life. I think Wally's letting the idea sink in that I will done with school too...he'll probably get sick of all the extra time I'll have to cuddle. :)
Speaking of my amazing (and good lookin') husband, he bought me a dozen roses this weekend! They are GORGEOUS and he SO SWEET! He wrote a little note with them on the counter so I found them when I got home from class...he told me how proud he was of me and how much he loves me. (I bet you're going "awwww!" in your head, aren't you?) :) He is the greatest husband in the world. I love him.
Alright, off to chapel...one more thing I won't miss about school!

In His grip,
Sarah

2005-04-07T11:44:00.000-05:00

THREE WEEKS LEFT!!! I can hardly stand it...three weeks of class, a few days of exams, one ugly robe thing and crazy hat and I will be officially DONE WITH COLLEGE!!!!!
I have to admit, I'm a little nervous about what I will be doing when I don't have papers to write and random assignments to do...I suppose it's time to start making Wally and I some real money! YIKES. :)
May will be a crazy time in the Harrison home...Wally's contract is ending with First Reformed (our main source of income), our lease is up and we need to find a new place to live (preferrable for a couple years), and I will be looking for a job to sustain us for a while (hopefully one I enjoy and can use my four years of knowledge at!). Please pray for us in this time of transition that we can keep a positive attitude and remember how God has so abundantly and faithfully provided for us.

2005-01-28T13:08:00.000-05:00

So it's been a little while...ok, a long while!
We've been busy!! Cornerstone ended well...A's and one A-, so I was happy. Christmas break flew by, and J.term seems like a distant memory. I'm officially in my last semester of my undergrad degree, and have decided to hold off on starting my masters. I am sick of school and can't think of starting a masters program when I'm dreading it so much! So it's into the "real world" of work...scary! I'll definitely sub a little after Cornerstone, and hopefully start something more full time this summer. I'm excited and nervous...and trying to stay focused on the semester at hand.
Ok, now you're caught up...I'll try to keep you updated this semester!

2004-11-09T19:59:00.000-05:00

Things are going well...a bit busy and exhausting, but good. Cornerstone is getting to be crunch time, and Wally gets busier and busier every week. Despite our hectic lives during this season, we are most certainly LOVING life. God couldn't be more real to us, and the act of relying on Him for everything has brought Wally and me closer as we both draw closer to God. How awesome it is to serve our providing God.

In His grip,
Sarah

2004-10-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Wow, how time has flown. We left California (long story) and are living our dream in Grand Haven! We have always longed to live in GH and be a part of Watermark, but always thought it would be financial suicide. Well, we're relying on God in a huge way and it's paying off! He is so worthy of our praise! We make Him so small, when in all reality He is an ABUNDANT God!! Wally is getting our bills paid (randomly right now) and still working on Watermark's staff. He is loving every second of it. I am at Cornerstone University and doing my internship at White Pines middle school. God has truly blessed us as we stepped out in faith...I encourage all of you to do something risky that God is asking to experience the awesome power of out Creator.

2004-07-22T23:23:00.000-05:00

My fam comes tomorrow!!! I'm stoked! Wally and I are picking them up at the San Francisco airport, then heading out to find some fresh seafood for lunch. We're going to tour alcatraz, then head home to relax. We have a ton of fun stuff planned for the week--picnic at Auburn, kayaking on the Napa River, Old Faithful, hiking in Tahoe, Shakespeare on the beach, and just enjoying eachother's company! I seriously have not been this excited for awhile...I can't wait! My family ROCKS!
I'll let you know how it goes...

Sar

2004-07-15T00:58:00.000-05:00

Isn't it amazing how God always knows EXACTLY what we need and EXACTLY when we need it? Tonight, well most of today, Wally and I have been a little down. We just felt like there was no direction and we were feeling frustrated. Well, all that changed.
We went down to the hot tub to take a little before bed soak, and met some of our neighbors. The kid we met, Austin, started talking about this "awesome ministry" he was a part of years ago. He said nothing ever topped it and it was life-changing for him. The ministry he was talking about is the one Wally and Clint started out here five years ago. How cool! This kid was forever changed because of NXT ministries, and he's still living for Christ! Needless to say, this kid is all geeked to hang out with our crowd from the Ridge now, and we are so excited to have him! It'll be so great to get some fresh blood and passion into this group. I can't wait to see what God has in store.
We DO have purpose and we ARE doing a good work...even though most of the time it feels like we're doing nothing.

He is good,
Sarah

2004-07-12T13:13:00.000-05:00

WOW. Have things been a whirlwind around here or what? Wally and I are in our apartment and doing well. We're getting settled in and definitely loving California! We traded in our Malibu for a Scion (check it out--scion.com). We think it's awesome...and the gas mileage doesn't hurt.
My fam comes to visit in ten days!! I am seriously SO excited I can't even contain myself. I love my fam so much and I have missed them terribly these last two months. It will be so awesome to see them!! I know I won't want them to leave...
Anyway, life is good.

Sarah

2004-06-20T01:29:00.000-05:00

Hello to anyone who actually reads this! Things have been a rollercoaster of emotion for Wally and I. We decided against the house we had, so now we're apartment-bound for the next few months. Our loan guy was just not living up to our standard of integrity, so we decided to take a little while longer looking and finding a loan officer that we feel comfortable with. So we're a little dissapointed, but also very excited to have a pool and no lawn work this summer! (If you're in Cali anytime soon give us a call) :) Well, it's off to bed for this tired one...catch ya later.

in His grip,
Sar

2004-06-11T01:28:00.000-05:00

Wow...Wally and I are officially homeowners. Kinda crazy!! The (former) owner just signed all the papers today and we'll be moving in as soon as all the loan stuff is complete! I'm stoked! Man, God is GOOD!
Life is wonderful in sunny California, and I can't get enough of this perfect weather. I do miss my fam...but they'll be here before we know it!--That will be so AWESOME!
Ok, off to bed for a little devo time and then sleepy time!

Happy Homeowner!
Sarah

2004-05-27T12:15:00.000-05:00

It's been a while...but don't worry, I haven't forgotten about you!
Things have been quite busy as Wally and I adjust to our new life in California. Our trip here was an adventure...we drove through a blizzard and had a lovely flat tire. It's a trip we'll never forget! (and I'll never do again!) :) But we made it...safe and sound. California is gorgeous and I never want to leave! We both absolutely love it out here. The weather reminds me of Groundhog Day; everyday. It's crazy how beautiful one place can be year round.
We're looking for houses--actually we found one...we're just waiting to see if our offer is accepted. I really hope it is!! I can't wait to be a homeowner--either can Wally. It'll be tons of work and tons of fun!
Our friends in Michigan and Indiana are all doing well...we miss them often. They better come visit!! We'll definitely be back to visit them as well--whether they like it or not! :)
Wally and I spend the day in San Francisco with my Dad and Gram Peg...Dad was there speaking at a Pak Mail conference. (he's so good) Anyway, we had an absolute blast! I'm excited for my Mom to get out here so we can all go together!
Gotta jet, I'll let you know how the home situation works out!

Peace,
Sarah

2004-05-10T00:21:00.000-05:00

Wow, we leave in two days. Tomorrow the moving truck comes and we pack all our stuff up. After a good night's rest we head out to the wonderful state of Nebraska. We'll then spend the night and shoot for western Wyoming for Wednesday night. We're planning on getting to Cali on Thursday night, but we'll see how we do. I am so psyched. I really SHOULD be nervous, but I'm not...totally a God thing! Wally and I have such peace. God is good.

Sleepy,
Sarah

2004-05-04T00:15:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I've last blogged...but man have I been busy. I always think I'll end up with more time on my hands once school finishes--somehow I'm always wrong. :) I've been packing like a madwoman and trying to get things straight for our move across country; we have a lot more that I thought! Tonight I packed up all our dishes and put the paper plates in their place. We'll have to live without dishes until we find a house.
Speaking of houses...please be in prayer about Wally and I looking for a house. We are so excited to finally be in a place to buy something of our own; I just hope we can find our dream soon enough.
We leave a week from tomorrow morning (well, I guess this morning). I absolutely cannot wait...I feel like a little kid on Christmas Eve.

Waiting...
Sarah

2004-04-22T10:30:00.000-05:00

I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL!!! My last final wasn't as hard as I expected...but now that I said that I probably jinxed it. Oh well...it's done! YEAH!

Happy Happy Joy Joy!
Sarah

2004-04-21T13:53:00.000-05:00

Wow, does time fly by or what? I'm moving to California in 19 days! WOW. I've pretty much packed everything we're not using...and some. Last night Wally had to unpack the cookie sheet to make dinner. :) I'm crazy, I know.
I'm very excited to get out to CA...I really feel like it's where Wally and I are going to settle in and really feel like we're home.
School is almost done!!! 2 more finals and I'm finished!! I couldn't be more excited! I don't have to write another paper until the fall! Yippee!!!!
Anyway, I really don't have much to say at the moment...I'm just focused on my final tonight so my head is full of Shakespearean Drama. Fun stuff! (actually it is very interesting...) :)

Almost there...
Sarah

2004-04-11T15:11:00.000-05:00

This week has been a busy one. I had school stuff galore to get done, and next week's no better. Thankfully it will all be over in two weeks!
We spent two nights with the wonderful Edwards...isn't it great when you can just be yourself with friends? We love spending time with their family...we sure will miss them when we leave. They are AWESOME.
Wally and I met Mom and Meg at Barb's game on Saturday. It was great to see Barbie Doll play, and nice to have dinner with Mom and Meg. I wish we could have spent Easter with them, but since we couldn't it was nice to see them Saturday.
I'm waiting for Easter dinner to finish in the oven. I attempted to make a nice dinner for Wally and myself, we'll see how it turns out!! (it sure smells good!)
Tonight is the bunny hunt...it should be a good time just hanging with the leaders and laughing with students. RL is full of amazing people...
Well, I'll let you know how dinner turns out...Happy Easter!

Cooking up a storm,
Sarah

2004-04-04T23:56:00.000-05:00

Wally is home and I couldn't be happier...it's true...absence makes the heart grow fonder. I love him uncontrollably. I still can't believe God gave him to me...he's MY husband...how awesome. :) I am the luckiest girl in the world.

Loving Wally,
Sarah

2004-03-30T12:05:00.000-05:00

Hey there. This past weekend was a blast...our small group is so much fun. :) We will really really miss them when we're in CA.
This week Wally is in Georgia for a conference and I'm stuck home. We've never been apart this long before and I can tell you right now I don't like it one bit. I could hardly sleep last night without him next to me. :( It sure won't be fun without him around this week.
I'm heading to GR this Thursday for another weekend home before we move. (this time it's only Dad and Barb) I'm excited to spend some quality Daddy-daughter time and to see Barb play some ball. Hopefully it will help pass the time while Wally's gone faster.
Ok, off to school, then dinner with the Pierson's! I think I'm getting a cold...that's not cool.

Sniffling,
Sarah

2004-03-25T18:06:00.000-05:00

Ahhh, the weekend. I love Thursdays because I come home and spend time veggin' and not feeling the least bit guilty about not cracking out the homework right away. OH, how I love not doing schoolwork.
This weekend should be fun...we're heading to a cottage for our newbies small group...hanging with that clan is always a blast. :) We sure are going to miss them all when we're in CA--but they're already planning trips out there, so that makes it easier.
I'll check in at the end of the weekend and let ya'll know how things went. :) (apparently I'm from down south...I did go to school in Indiana...)

Loving Life,
Sar

2004-03-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

Well, another day over, and so much accomplished. Lately I feel like I'm getting a million things done...just not things I should be getting done. Our apartment is overly organized, but school is begging for some attention! This week will be a rough one school-wise. I need to buck up and get some school work done before it's too late. I've been so preoccupied with getting things organized for an easy move to California that I've neglected school. Nothing I can't control...man, I'm just sick of school right now. I'll definitely welcome the break from school this Spring and Summer!...and then I'll be ready to hit the books hard in the Fall...I hope. :)
I'm very excited about getting out to California. It seems like it willl never get here...but I'm sure I'll be looking back in no time. I have so much to do before the move--find a moving service, figure out the car situation, organize more things!, find a home in Cali...ahhh...I can't think about it now...it will get done, right?

2004-03-20T23:14:00.000-05:00

I spent the weekend in good 'ol GR catching up with the fam. They are so awesome...I would go crazy without them! I am so serious, I have the greatest family on the face of this earth. I left Thursday after school and came back this evening--so it was a nice long weekend.
Ken was the lead in "The Music Man" this weekend at Jenison...all I can say is "WOW", my brother is AMAZING!! (and I'm not bias, he really is amazing!) He sang and danced and had a way too long stage kiss with his leading lady. :) I didn't like the kiss part so much, but everything else was incredible! I'm so proud of him!
Barb had a tournament in Indiana this weekend so we didn't get to see eachother, but hopefully soon we'll get together! I miss her like crazy when we go too long without seeing eachother. She is a great sister...not to mention a crazy-good softball player!
Mom is doing a TON better...just getting bored with being so restricted still. She has such a wonderful attitude about life; she is truly an inspiration to me! We feel so blessed that everything has turned out the way it did...God is good.
Dad has been busy taking care of Mom and selling new stores. He's such a hard worker--and a great husband and Dad. :) Man, I definitely got lucky!
Wally and I haven't gotten to spend much time together this weekend. He brought some students to see Ken's play on Friday night, but they left this morning to get to Cleveland for a concert...I can't stand not seeing him much. He is so much more than I deserve.
Well, it's off to the land of dreams before busy Sunday comes...wish me luck...I don't even like getting out of bed anymore when I know the weather is just going to be dumb.

In His grip,
Sarah

2004-03-16T16:01:00.000-05:00

Well, I've entered the blogging world...I really don't have a ton to say, but I figured this would give me a good way to download my thoughts and start processing them myself.
So here we go...