Life of the Scharenbergs

God Takes Care of Our Needs

2011-08-24T11:02:00.009-07:00

Matthew 6: ²⁵"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? ²⁷And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? ²⁸And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, ²⁹yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. ³⁰But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? ³¹Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³²For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. ³³But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. ³⁴ "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."

I was reminded of this passage this morning. God has used this Truth over and over in my life. For example, when I moved to Seattle and was going to be working at Starbucks I was anxious about having enough money to live. God continued to bring me back to this passage and invited me to trust Him.

The result? I had plenty during my time working at Starbucks and would have missed out BIG time if I would have doubted and not moved here.

The other day I went for a walk with my friends Jodie and Kristie. Kristie has three kids; her youngest is boy is just over two years old. She mentioned that she just took a bunch of his baby clothes to Goodwill. She said she often feels like she's smothering me and others if she offers the clothes, so she instead gave them away.

Ahhh! Inside I thought, "No way! Bummer." I encouraged her that she can always give us baby clothes and never feel like she's smothering us.

That day, feelings of completely missing out kept overwhelming my mind. I was so disappointed to have missed out on receiving free clothes! But God kept inviting me to give it to Him and trust Him with Braydon's needs.

Those feelings were totally robbing me of joy and life. (Not only that, but some person was going to be blessed to buy them for a great price at Goodwill. I was also reminded of how often my selfishness leads me to self-pity rather than thinking of others.)

Romans chapter 8:31-32 says,
31"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?"

I don't have to worry about it. God sent His Son Jesus to die for our sins, to pay the great price for our sins against God and I'm worried about missing out on free clothes for Braydon!

Hmm. I love how practical God is and that He's involved in all the details. Often times I try to keep Him out of the details but it's in the details that I really need Him!

This came up again two days ago. My step-sister texted me about a daily deal for 50% off a sippy-cup leash; $11 plus shipping. I was planning on buying it and then forgot. Blast! I missed out again. I was feeling bummed but decided to browse Amazon to see if they had it; $5.99 plus shipping. Ha! God, you're funny.

Thank you, Jesus, that in You we don't miss out. In You we have everything we need. In You we have hope, unconditional love and a Father who gives us everything we need.

The passage at the beginning of this reminds us to not worry about what we're going to eat or wear, but that God knows we need that stuff. He reminds us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness and all those things will be added to us. I'm continuing to learn what that exactly means, but it sounds like a good deal to me!

Grief Over Baby Clothes

2011-08-21T14:40:00.009-07:00

I am sad thinking about some favorite outfits that Braydon will never wear again. It's fun to think about the significance and memories clothes offer! I've been storing and organizing last week and was thinking about his newborn onesies that I just loved.

For instance, he had this green one with a little dinosaur on it and it said 'Lil Stomper'. So, we often referred to him as our Lil Stomper (and still sometimes do).

He had a cute monkey one from Sarah, a cute one with owls, one with doggies, a fun Christmas fleece one...sigh. I even remember the outfit we put on him when we took him home from the hospital!

Bryon bought him a green pilot hat while we were still in the hospital to wear since it was cold. It was so cute! We referred to him as a little pilot...but it doesn't fit anymore :( That was a sad day when we realized it was too small. (Yet, of course, there are great blessings with his "growing up". I've gotten more sleep and sanity, for one).

They are all just adorable and even more, he was adorable in them. And he was so small!

I've been walking through some grieving as he continues to grow out of clothes that I've grown attached to. And there's so many more years to come!! But, onward we go.

Summer Lessons

2011-07-29T14:45:00.008-07:00

Since we work for CRU (new name for Campus Crusade for Christ), there's a good chance we will always be away from home for most of our summers.

This summer we were in Lake Tahoe, CA from June 1-July 14 and knew we wouldn't be back home until August 7 after other travels we needed to do, too. Telling the women in my Seattle mom's group about our plans, they were all baffled. "You're going where? For how long? With (at the time) 6 month old Braydon?"

I must admit, it's a bit out of the ordinary. If I had the choice, I would never do it.

I like our home. I like that we have 2 bedrooms-one for Bryon and I and one for Braydon. I like that we wouldn't have to figure out what to do with Rylee, our dog, or spend hundreds of dollars shipping her across the country to family members. I like my washer and dryer. I like our community and I like Seattle-especially in the summer. I like all my pots and pans. I like our changing table for Braydon. (I think we changed Braydon's diaper ten times on the ground in parking lots).

Yet, God has called us to work with CRU and this is part of our job. Not only that, we get to be a part of seeing God transform the lives of college students. To see God rescue them from lives of seeking their own glory and living lives leading to destruction, to living lives loving and knowing Jesus and being set free from all the things that don't satisfy. We get to help them see Jesus...to know and experience that life is found in Him.

When we arrived in Lake Tahoe, I learned that we had a one bedroom condo. Ugh. However, I learned that there was another family there with 4 kids living in a 2 bedroom condo. Hmm. I suppose our one bedroom with one baby is sufficient.

We made it work. Braydon slept in his pack n play in the closet...a make-shift second bedroom.

When we left Lake Tahoe, we stayed in a dinky hotel room in Ely, Nevada. Since Braydon's bedtime is 7:30pm mountain time, after he went to bed we were left with very few hang-out options. So we put on his noise maker, covered 1/2 of his pack n play with a blanket, wore head lamps around the room and watched a movie with no sound and subtitles. Success.

From there, we went to Grand Junction, CO and did the same thing as we did in Ely and then got a one bedroom hotel room in Breckenridge. It was awesome to watch tv and hang out with lights on and Braydon sleeping peacefully in the bedroom.

Currently, we're staying with friends in Bozeman, MT and our friend Charissa has graciously let us 3 stay in the master bedroom.

8 days and counting until we return home to Seattle.

Reflecting back on the summer, if we chose no to do it, we would have missed out. I wasn't excited to be gone all summer and have less than desirable sleeping arrangements....but you know, we made it work and God's grace has covered us. It hasn't been perfect. Braydon no longer sleeps through the night, but he only wakes once. I'll take it! We were able to build deeper friendships, be a part of God's sweet work and grow in our relationships with the Lord.

Summer lesson: it's ok. We'll figure it out. It's worth it to be stretched and out of our comfort zone and to make fun memories. God's helping to loosen me up and to believe that He will take care of us. I'm grateful, too, that God provided me a great husband who cares for Braydon and me and will do whatever it takes to take care of us.

Daddy Time

2011-04-30T18:59:00.001-07:00

Daddy reading to Braydon from The Big Picture Story Bible.

A Sunny Saturday in Seattle

2011-04-25T13:25:00.006-07:00

Saturday was GORGEOUS here! It was almost 70 degrees and sunny. So we, with our good friends Corey and pregnant Casara, went for a walk and got some frozen yogurt. It was delightful.

Braydon had a first on our walk, too. He finally got his thumb in his mouth! Up until then he was only able to suck on his fist with his thumb hiding underneath all his fingers. Bryon and I were so proud :)

San Diego

2011-04-25T13:09:00.006-07:00

A week and a half ago our family flew down to San Diego for a new staff conference/retreat with Campus Crusade for Christ. I am technically the new staff and was pessimistic about my getting to even be able to be a part of the conference with taking care of Braydon.

However, it turned out great. Bryon and I were able to rotate taking care of Braydon and often he got to join in on the sessions. One time, one of the older staff men held him as he fell alseep on him for an hour! So, both Bryon and I were able to participate in an activity. It was great!

I think the highlight of the week was just surviving the process of flying down there and back and surviving the week away from home with Braydon being 4 months old! Phew.

The retreat was totally an unexpected ministry to my heart. We got to know 9 other new staff in our region and had some awesome sessions. We stayed at a condo right on the beach and just loved being in the sun! We don't have much of that in Seattle right now :)

Big B and Lil B

2011-04-20T10:52:00.001-07:00

I took my little guy on a 'daddy date' this past Sunday. We went for a walk together in our neighborhood-a few blocks away to the beaver pond. We talked along the way until we came to this cool little wetland area with boardwalks, streams, and trails to explore together. We also were able to learn about the ducks, geese, and other animals that we saw there. Looking forward to more adventures together!

God Speaks

2011-02-14T12:05:00.007-08:00

Saturday was a hard day.

Bryon went snowboarding with a bunch of UW students and Braydon and I hung at home. Braydon was up most of the night and I was sooooo exhausted.

In the morning, I had Braydon in bed with me nursing. In the midst of that he pooped and it shot up his back and through his clothes onto my hands. Awesome.

I walked over to the changing table to clean him up when he had a major spit up all over himself and all over me. Awesome again.

I had given him a bath the night before but figured the little guy needed another one.

Nonetheless, the morning got off to a great start.

I was hoping to get a nap in that morning or afternoon but every time I tried to put him down he cried. On top of that, for some reason the day before and all that morning and afternoon all he wanted to do was nurse. I think I fed him every 30 minutes to every hour!

I was becoming a wreck at this point.

[Over the past several weeks, I've been anxious and worried with not knowing what to do. I want to do everything right and so become paralyzed. Before Braydon I'd never spent much time around babies and so am at a loss for what to do for naps and everything! Everyone keeps telling me to follow the 'motherly instinct' God gave me but that doesn't help me practically. I just want people to tell me how many naps he needs, for how long, should I give him a pacifier or should I not, etc etc. However, people don't do that and people can't do that.]

So on top of a hard morning and feeling alone, I was heavily burdened with a lot of worry and anxiety.

Maybe this doesn't seem too bad, but it was. I think adding anything to extreme exhaustion makes it bad, especially since it's been over two months since I've really had good sleep.

I was supposed to go to Ryan and Pamela's house to decorate Valentine's cookies at noon but told them I may not make it.

I needed help but didn't know who to ask. So many people have offered their help if I ever needed it but I was at a loss and didn't know who to ask.

Ryan and Pamela insisted I go over to their place and they would watch Braydon so I could nap. But getting over there seemed impossible. Whenever I put Braydon down he cried. Plus, I hadn't showered, changed or brushed my teeth. In addition to having to lug all I needed for diaper changes and nursing...I thought it would be easier to stay home.

I laid Braydon down at about 1 and he actually napped so I quickly jumped in the shower. I thought, ooh, maybe I can leave the house after all!

After my shower, I immediately went to make scrambled eggs. (I'm supposed to be eating a lot right now and I wanted substantial food). But he started crying and wanted to nurse again, so I abandoned the eggs and had to throw them away later.

3:00pm rolled around and I decided I had to get out of the house. I decided the hassle of packing everything I needed was worth it. I was in need of people.

It was raining and traffic was thick.

On my drive over, God totally spoke to me.

He reminded me of a time I was on a summer mission's trip in college. I was in Virginia Beach in 2003 and had only been walking with the Lord for a year and a half. I told the woman who was mentoring me that I just wanted a list of rules to follow for the Christian life. It would be so much 'easier' I told her. She looked at me and didn't really know what to say. She said it didn't work that way.

I began learning and am still learning that life in Christ is not about a list of rules but about relationship with God. In my flesh I wanted control. I wanted to know I was doing everything right by comparing myself with a list of standards.

But Jesus is the standard and I can NEVER live up to that! That's why He came to earth, lived a sinless life, died to pay the price for my sins and was raised from the dead conquering sin, Satan and death.

If we believe in Him and receive His sacrifice for our sins, His perfect life is transferred to our account. Through Him, God sees us. It's not about me being perfect, (although I keep trying but can't), but about Jesus, who is perfect.

So how this translates to my situation now is that with Braydon, I want to know exactly what to do.

Tell me exactly what to do and how to do it. But nobody can do this! Plus, that would be feeding into my sin of wanting control and relying on myself and not God for help. Braydon is a person and there will never be a formula to life with him, nor with life with God.

It's relationship, not law. Like with Bryon...he would hate it if I checked off boxes in my marriage with him. He doesn't want to be treated as a check list but he wants a loving relationship with me.

So, here I am again, 8 years later still learning the same thing, now with a different scenario. Yet, God in His loving kindness is committed to freeing me from this fleshly desire in my heart for control and self reliance. He wants me to know His love and to know His willing heart to be all I need in all situations. Not relying on myself but relying on Him.

Hmm.

After I 'heard' this on my drive, I noticed a bumper sticker on the car in front of me that read:

"Easy does it, take it one day at a time."

Thank you, Lord.

Help me rely on you and let go of my need to control. Help me to enjoy you, enjoy my husband and enjoy my son in freedom because I don't need to have it all figured out. You already do.

I love this little boy and I can't believe how much God is already using him to teach, change and free me from myself.

Braydon Scott

2011-01-01T16:31:00.003-08:00

He's here! Born Tuesday, December 14th at 4:18 am at a whopping 8 lbs 6 oz. We love him a lot. More to come soon, but thought I'd post a picture.

Our 2010 Christmas Tree

2010-12-10T16:54:00.001-08:00

37 Weeks

2010-12-10T15:16:00.003-08:00

As of last Monday, December 6th, I am 37 weeks along and at full term. Bryon and I were talking today and realized that his due date is in 17 days! Holy smokes.

Cuttin' Down the Christmas Tree

2010-12-10T14:59:00.008-08:00

(A studly picture of Bryon carrying Rylee and our tree back to the truck, in his cousin Eddie hat)

(Pamela and Ryan cutting down their tree)

Last weekend we drove an hour south to the forest and cut down our Christmas tree! We went with our friends, Ryan and Pamela Dorn, and were able to find a perfect tree. Pamela grew up going to the same spot to cut down Christmas trees every year so it was fun to join in her tradition. Being 37 weeks pregnant I spent most of the time in the car, but did venture out to look for a little bit.

(Bryon putting my boots on as leaning over is a no go these days)

(Bryon and Ryan)

(Bryon finding and cutting down our tree)

(A fun picture of Pamela :)

I will post a picture of our decorated tree soon :)

An Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

2010-12-08T17:51:00.010-08:00

What is the Christmas season without an ugly sweater party?! We agree. Last Friday, we invited 6 of our CRU student leaders over for dinner in the ugliest sweater they could find. The 6 staff, including us, served them dinner, yummy cider and dessert. Our heart in having them over was to recognize them and encourage them in their vital role in the ministry with us.

(Bryon and me in our ugly sweaters....Rylee even wore one!)

(Our University of Washington staff team...Bryon, me, Reyshawn, Renee, Jennifer, Emma & Thang)

After eating dinner, we sat around our living room and toasted to the things we had seen God do over the past quarter on campus and in the lives of students. We invited the students to share anything they could think of and we did the same. It was awesome to hear them all!

(Sarah, a junior and huge blessing to work with, holding baby Emma)

After that, we as staff took time to encourage each of them in how we had seen God work in their lives and what victories we had seen. These students really are q u a l i t y! Many of them have made decisions to move back into the dorms to influence the lives of students. One guy is a senior living amongst freshman guys and is making an incredible impact! His roommate and many of the guys on his floor are now involved with CRU and staff guys are meeting with them.

Two of the women I encouraged are women that I've seen courage and sacrifice in. They've taken steps of faith to reach out to other students in the midst of being really nervous to do so. Also, they come to both the Wednesday and Thursday night Bible studies when they don't have to. They just want to be there to be a support and to be as involved as they can.

To top off the evening, Papa Scharenberg (as everyone was calling him), read the Christmas story from The Jesus Storybook Bible. It was a sweet way to end the evening in remembering why we celebrate Christmas, the coming of Jesus, our Savior into the world.

We then ate brownies and watched a Christmas episode of the Office and sent them away with homemade Christmas candy.

CRU Retreats

2010-11-29T16:04:00.003-08:00

Over the past month we've put on two retreats...the Fall Retreat and a 24 Hour Getaway. The Fall retreat was October 29-30th and had about 70 college students from around the Seattle area representing many different schools. Matt Mikalatos spoke and made reference to his book, Imaginary Jesus, speaking about 'who is the real Jesus?' We broke into smaller groups after each session for discussion that was really sweet and beneficial to the students. There was a super fun dance party that Bryon and I enjoyed participating in with students. Some highlights I heard students say were that they built friendships with other students around the city, they learned more about Jesus and they had a ton of fun! So, it seemed a success to our team.

We only had 5 or so students from the UW attend the Fall retreat due to a home football game. So, as a UW team we planned a '24 Hour Getaway' where UW students could get away for 24 hours, get to know each other, have fun and hear teaching from the Bible. We had 18 students come and had the overnight at a church south of Seattle.

It was a small and simple church so we spruced it up by naming the rooms students slept in...The Four Seasons, Hyatt, Hilton and so forth. They got a kick out of that. When the ladies checked in, I told them they were staying in the Four Seasons and they were thrilled. Ha! We cooked meals for them, had some teaching about what it means to truly follow Jesus and heard from students about where they're at in following Jesus. Although smaller in size, we felt like this was a win for our team and the students. It was sweet to see them connect with each other and have fun.

Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-21T20:03:00.004-07:00

Bryon and I went to the pumpkin patch last weekend. We got two big pumpkins, a little pumpkin (for the baby) and some corn stalks to decorate our front porch with. Fall decorations are fun to come home to.

(Funny how you can see the guy's shadow who took the picture)

30 Weeks

2010-10-21T20:01:00.003-07:00

As of last Monday I hit the 30 week mark! Here's a recent bump picture with my chopped hair. I donated 8 inches to Locks of Love on campus a few weeks ago.

2010-10-18T10:15:00.004-07:00

Spartan gear is selling well.....

However, sales seem to be down for one MI team.

Migraine Update

2010-10-14T16:43:00.003-07:00

Thank you SOO much for your prayers as I (Sam) have been having migraines like crazy since June. I haven't had one in 11 days! Hopefully this keeps up throughout and after pregnancy. But if not, I know I'll make it. Thank you again :)

Tragedy at UW

2010-10-13T08:56:00.003-07:00

Last week a girl who was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority at the University of Washington was found dead outside a frat house. The authorities have ruled it a suicide. I was a Delta Gamma at Michigan State and am so saddened for her family and sorority sisters left behind. If you'd like to read an article you can go to either of the following links:

Article #1

Article #2

Would you pray for Carly's family and sorority sisters? Pray that God would use this horrible incident to draw people to Jesus and that they would find hope and salvation in Him.

Also, please pray that if the Lord would want us to be involved any way, that He would open the door. I've been in contact with their chapter advisor offering spiritual mentoring for women if they want it. Thanks.

Bryon's Mode of Transportation

2010-10-11T12:48:00.003-07:00

Bryon really likes bikes. He likes to work on his bikes, he likes to watch biking and he likes to bike.

His dad gave him his old Bianchi from the late 80's that needed lots of work. This type of a thing is really exciting to Bryon and so he spent his free time last month fixing it up. He figured it would be a great bike to use to commute to and from campus.

He did such a great job! He's enjoyed riding it, yet wishes we didn't live in a "valley". Any way you go is a good butt kicking up hill trek.

In spite of it, though, I think he's enjoying it. This is the proud picture of what was his almost finished product. He's turned our garage into his shop, so that's been really fun.

Fall is Fabulous

2010-10-02T16:55:00.006-07:00

Next to snowy winter days spent inside by a fire and hot chocolate, I sooo enjoy the Fall season. I like picking pumpkins, carving them, going to a cider mill/apple orchard and drinking apple cider and eating sugar donuts. Sigh. I love the fallen and multi-colored leaves, the smell of fires and the cool days. I remember football seasons growing up and being in college and there's just so many fun things about it! Especially this past week in Seattle it has been gorgeous. I was so excited to bring out our Fall decor and am looking forward to carving pumpkins in a few weeks. I just thought I'd post some of our decorations...they make me smile. Hope you're enjoying the season.

27 Weeks Along Tomorrow

2010-09-26T19:51:00.006-07:00

I am only 1 week away from being in my third trimester!! Crazy! Thank you for your prayers for my migraines. I've seen a few doctors, a chiropractor and a physical therapist about my neck pain and migraines. After a week of not seeing any doctors I can tell that I do need some manual therapy on my neck to help. Over the past two weeks I've only had about 4-5 migraines which is a praise-I was getting this many weekly before! It's still discouraging, but I'm grateful that it's better.

Our little guy is moving so much! It's amazing, I can't wait to meet him in three months. We picked up his crib yesterday and Bryon is working hard to put it together as I type. I really like it. We chose a cherry color to match some other things in the room.

We've also begun our birthing classes at the hospital I'll be delivering at. Tomorrow night is class 3 of 6 and it's been fun to meet some people and learn things Bryon and I had no clue about! Hopefully we'll be prepared as much as we're able...we trust God will do the rest.

Here We Go!

2010-09-26T19:44:00.002-07:00

After 3 weeks of quality times and planning with our staff team, we are heading to campus this week! Last Tuesday our whole Seattle Metro Team walked the University of Washington campus and prayed for God to move in the lives of the students and staff. It was really fun to walk the campus for an hour and a half and both Bryon and I felt more excited about being there. However, I will have to say that it was QUITE the walk for my 26 week pregnant body! These extra 22 pounds were giving me a work out!

Also, last Thursday we had 7 student leaders and our UW staff team over to hang out and cast vision for the year. The students were 100% on board and excited for the year. It was also encouraging for all of us to see their desire to work alongside us in this mission. Bryon and I LOVED having them all over to our home! It's great to live so close to the university. Our dog Rylee loved all the attention, too.

This week we'll be eating meals in the dorms with students we meet as well as some leaders that were involved last year. We'll also be going to the volleyball game with students this Friday night to live life alongside them and meet more students. We're praying that God would open doors for us to have relationships with students and through those relationships that He would use us and the body of believers around us to show them and introduce them to the love of Jesus. Praise God that it is not our job to convince people, but merely to be a vessel for Him.

Thank you for your prayers! We need you.

Cru Staff Retreat

2010-09-10T14:15:00.003-07:00

Last week was the first time our whole Campus Crusade for Christ Seattle Metro Team was together. We spent a couple days at Lake Chelan, WA together having fun and getting to know each other. It was a fun and intentional time and seemed like the perfect way to kick off the new school year. Here's a picture of our team (I put UW next to the people we'll be working with at the University of Washington):

Top standing left to right: Baby Emma Grace Pham, Jennifer Pham (UW), Lily Eckert, Kelly Eckert, Cowen Eckert, Keith Eckert, Leslie Ricci, Emily Ricci, Brian Ricci, Renee Hensley (UW), Tammy Jennrich, Jeff Laforteza, Marsha Barr, Kevin Barr, Megan Barr, Alan Barr, Charlene Ramm, Reyshawn Bobo (UW), Gary Ramm.

Bottom kneeling left to right: Nam Truong, Thang Pham (UW), Paul Bronleewe, Kirstin Ward, Sam Scharenberg (UW), Bryon Scharenberg (UW).

We began meetings this past week to discuss how we'll function as a team with some vision casting. Over the next two weeks, we'll be praying and planning for this upcoming fall and what God has for us in the lives of students. Thanks for your prayers!!

Baby Scharenberg Shower in MI

2010-08-16T10:36:00.006-07:00

Yesterday my mom and sister had a baby shower for our little He-Man. It was great to see friends and family. Of course, my mom went above and beyond with a beautiful venue, accessories and delicious food. He-Man got a good start to his wardrobe and we got a good start on preparing for him to arrive! We're humbled at people's encouragement and generosity.

The poster board had a button on it that played the song, "...sittin in a tree, k i s s i n g...first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage!" Creative.

Ryan and Anju's Wedding

2010-08-16T10:22:00.008-07:00

Anju, a good friend of mine from college, married Ryan Schroeder this past Friday in Michigan. Bryon and I were able to come out for it and we had a good time. I was in the wedding and wore an Indian lenga with the other bridesmaids. I had to guess my measurements knowing I would grow being pregnant for the outfit back in May to fit me this past weekend! Luckily, it was a decent guess. They had a beautiful ceremony and incorporated Indian traditions throughout the night. Enjoy the pictures!

This is our sorority sister picture!

"Babymoon"/Celebration Trip

2010-07-28T13:28:00.004-07:00

Last week we were so blessed to take a vacation to Maui with some friends, Zach and Charissa. It was a last big trip before baby Scharenberg comes in December as well as a celebration in knowing we will begin campus ministry at the University of Washington in the fall!

We spent a lot of time in the sun, snorkeled and saw neat fish and lots of turtles (Bryon and Zach saw a seal and manta rays, too), the guys surfed, we ate good food and tried our best to relax. I had some bad headaches while we were there but was able to take some medicine to help. All in all I felt and did a lot better than I expected, praise God! Here are a couple pictures. I posted more on facebook if you'd like to check them out.

Isn't It Ironic

2010-07-10T12:05:00.002-07:00

Over the past month or so the I've noticed the most odd things in our kitchen being expired. Of course this never happened when I wasn't pregnant, but now that I am and need to be overly cautious, I am finding countless items that are expired!

For example, I made a tuna sandwich one day and both the mayo and the pickles were expired! Pickles?! I don't think I really knew that was possible. So, I had to go to the store in order to make my sandwich.

For some reason, I've really been enjoying buttered toast with garlic salt on it. That was until I noticed after several weeks that the garlic salt expired in August! Ew.

After the garlic salt discovery, I decided it was time to clean out the spice cupboard. I threw out the baking powder, which surprised me, some Powerade powder mix that expired in uh hum, 2007!!! as well as many other spices.

I thought we kept up with that kind of stuff, but clearly not. However, it spurred on a whole kitchen cleaning out frenzy and we're feeling a lot more fresh these days.

It's probably a good thing that my being pregnant has brought more awareness...usually I'd just say, eh, it's probably fine :)

15 Week Bump

2010-07-10T12:03:00.002-07:00

14 Weeks Today

2010-06-28T14:31:00.003-07:00

We heard our baby's heartbeat at the doctor today, so that was comforting!

I wish I could say that I am feeling great but I have been getting really bad headaches/migraines for the last 3 weeks. The pain stems from my shoulders and neck. I'm also not feeling great in the nausea category-although it's better than it has been. The doctor has prescribed me some massages and some pills that will hopefully help when they get really bad. But I'm praying that it'll only be for two more weeks.

Thanks for your prayers! We continue to press on knowing it's worth it.

27

2010-06-28T14:19:00.002-07:00

I turned 27 last Wednesday. I don't mind getting older but I really liked being 26. It still felt young. For some reason 27 seems a lot older. Like when people ask how old I am now and I tell them, "Oh, I'm 27." I feel like they'll respond like oh, yeah, she's one of us. "Getting older." But when I was able to tell people I was 26 I felt like they responded to me like I was young! That wasn't too bad. But, it is what it is. I am 27.

I'm hopeful this will be a good year. I'm still not feeling well as our child inside of me continues to grow and sends my body into headaches and sickness. But, I'm believing it will be worth it when we get to meet them in 6 months! So, that will make this year pretty amazing.

Bryon had this gelato cake made for me and brought it to our church community group to celebrate. He even wore a Dora the Explorer birthday hat as he carried it in with candles lit. There were only 3 candles...I tried figuring out if that was significant before I blew them out, but figured that's all they could probably find. He made my day really special.

Here's to being 27!

Pregnancy: A Glimpse Into My Experience

2010-06-19T14:47:00.005-07:00

I'm 2 days away from being 13 weeks pregnant! I haven't been feeling as horrible as I was a few weeks ago but am still not great. I put on a pair of well-liked pants today and took them right back off as they weren't as roomy as I remember them being. Hmm. They were actually quite tight and uncomfortable. It doesn't seem that my waist is growing but I don't think the pants can lie. So, looks like we may need to go shopping soon! In addition to my waist, other parts are growing, too. It's pretty surreal to feel so out of control of what's going on in and to your body. I wake up each day thinking, "Weird."

My belly isn't yet to the point of putting up a side profile picture yet. But I assure you...it will be soon!

It's also amazing to me how pregnancy affects different women. I haven't felt well for over 6 weeks and I have friends that have felt great the whole way through. At first I thought I would take the feeling great path any day, but am recently remembering that God has purposes for me in this season. There's a reason for the sickness-even beyond the little one being formed in my womb. I'm starting to not kick and scream as much and am beginning to hear what He's trying to teach me. It's also been a good opportunity for me to start enjoying Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.

In addition, you won't find me hanging out in coffee shops or anywhere near my husband after he's had coffee. The smell is repulsive to me. Yet, I used to work at a coffee shop and looked forward to a cup every morning. You also won't see me drinking diet coke ever as it tastes very strange now. (I used to have one a day).

You may also notice that Bryon no longer smells like his manly body wash he used to use. He now uses unscented soap as the body wash-which I used to love, is now way too much for my incredibly powerful smelling nose.

You will however find me eating lots of cereal, scrambled eggs, grilled cheese, tomato soup, cherries (well, any cold fruit I can get my hands on), and drinking many water bottles full of water. If you had a sleep over at out house, you would even see me or Bryon getting up for cereal at roughly 4:30 or 5am. This after having gotten up to use the restroom 3-4 times.

Just wanted to let you into my world a bit, for those of you I don't get to talk with on a regular basis. Thanks for your prayers. I am SOO hoping to feel even better soon but am more open to being ok with how I'm feeling and receiving what God has for me in this time.

Rylee: Will Work for Treats

2010-05-31T11:49:00.004-07:00

This morning Bryon couldn't find Rylee. He looked all over the house and even asked me if I knew where she was. (Our house is not big, so this is never an issue.) To his surprise, he found her lying in her crate.

A few months ago we decided to begin crating Rylee when we leave the house because she scratched our new couch a few times in our absence. Bryon spent much time training her to go into her crate with the reward of a treat. This was Bryon's way of teaching her that the crate is fun and when she goes in, she gets rewarded!

It's been cute to watch her learn and figure it out. Over the past couple weeks as we prepare to leave the house, she senses it and marches right in there awaiting her treat.

As of this morning she seems to think that if she goes in her crate at any time during the day, she should get a treat. So when we found her there this morning, we laughed a lot and awarded her a treat thinking she is a smart and cute dog!

However, it's not even noon yet and I think she's gone in there almost 5 times. If we don't see her fast enough she will let out some whines so we know she's in there and deserves her treat.

We have caught on to your games, my friend! Even though she is a smart dog and is doing what she needs to do to get a reward, we need to train her back to only receiving a treat when we leave. But, she seems hopeful and may continue trying it anyway.

The Emotional Roller-Coaster of Sports

2010-05-27T19:24:00.006-07:00

One time this past year after watching Michigan State's basketball team lose, Bryon asked, "Why do I watch this? It's too emotionally draining and then disappointing." It's true! I so enjoy watching sports, especially Michigan State, football, hockey and baseball. I enjoy having the specific teams I like and want to win. Yet, all too often, they lose. It may be because of the teams I choose to love and root for, but it is so disappointing! It's often fun to watch the games but when your team loses, you're left feeling emotionally drained and feeling like you wasted your life in front of the tv for hours. I told Bryon it's all part of being a Michigan State fan. That's how it goes, even though I love MSU and will always root for them.

That's kind of how I felt Tuesday night after going to the Tigers vs Mariners game in Seattle. I am a Tigers fan, not that I know much about the stats or players. But being from Michigan, I am a Tigers fan. I'm eager for a win and write on facebook about it only to be left sad when they lose.

It's all part of the game. I know there needs to be a winner and loser, but I guess it would just be more fun to be the winner more often. With sports and favorite teams I need to accept that sometimes we'll lose and sometimes we'll win. If I'm going to dish trash talk, however, I have to be able to take it. So I may not give it anymore :)

All in all, Bryon and I had a great time at the ball game. It was great.

Kayaking

2010-05-14T15:47:00.007-07:00

Last Sunday Bryon drove to and from Idaho...that's a whole lotta driving! His motivation: 2 unused kayaks at his parents home. We took them for a spin yesterday :) Bryon was beaming. (The first picture has Mt. Rainier in the background! We went right along the University of Washington's campus.)

Whidbey on Wednesday

2010-05-14T15:31:00.006-07:00

This past Wednesday we took the afternoon to explore Whibey Island, a place we'd never been. We drove 45 minutes northwest of Seattle and drove our car on a ferry over the water and arrived. We drove along the whole east coast of the island stopping in little downtowns, exploring beach fronts and giving Rylee the opportunity to run rampant off leash.

We'd driven so far north on the island that we decided to keep going and get back to the mainland over 'Deception Pass'. We had heard a lot of people talk about how pretty this area is so we were excited to visit.

Here are some photos from the day. There are SOO many fun places in and around Seattle that we're hoping to explore and camp. We'll keep you posted!

Vancouver, B.C. 1/2 Marathon 5.2.10

2010-05-05T15:46:00.004-07:00

The 1/2 marathon we've been training for since January happened this past weekend. It was a rainy and yucky day in Vancouver but Bryon ran and did SO great! Sadly, I didn't run because I wasn't feel well. I was pretty bummed to have trained all the way up until the weekend and then ended up sick over the weekend. Bryon reminded me that he was so proud of me for all the training I did and that it wasn't a defeat. He's so good to me.

Bryon ran it in 2 hours 4 minutes!!

Our friends Ryan and Pamela made us this felt frame for our big day. I don't look too winded because I didn't run. However, being a spectator and walking all over the city is pretty tough in and of itself. Thanks for your prayers for us. Bryon is now looking to begin his triathlon training.

Pike Place Market

2010-04-27T15:29:00.003-07:00

We love Seattle! I've been wanting a picture of us downtown by Pike Place Market for a long time. Here it is :)

Pancakes for the Team

2010-04-27T14:56:00.004-07:00

Last week we had our whole Crusade team (18 people) over for pancakes, fruit, and coffee. Typically we all meet at our office on Monday mornings to pray and encourage one another in the support raising process, but it was so fun to instead have it here over breakfast!

We also took the opportunity to welcome and pray for three new staff members joining us in Seattle. Thang Pham and his wife Jennifer will be heading up the campus ministry at the University of Washington, along with Reyshawn Bobo who will also be working with us at the UW.

We're so grateful for God's provision in a home and food to have had everyone over. We're looking forward to seeing our team grow closer as a family and closer in community.

Illness, Knees and 1/2 Marathon Training

2010-04-15T14:26:00.008-07:00

I feel like days have just passed me by! Last Thursday evening I started getting a really bad sore throat that over the week has progressed into horrible congestion, a lack of voice, horrid deep lung coughing during the day and through the night, almost three empty kleenex boxes, and not doing a whole lot of anything.

I saw a couple doctors and found out that it's not strep or mono but just a case of being sick. The Ears, Nose, Throat doctor said I should consider getting my tonsils taken out as I've been sick multiple times over the past several months and he thinks it's a target area. He also recommended not eating at night (gasp!), cutting back on caffeine (gasp, gasp!) and taking a pill that will help with acid reflex that he thinks affects bacteria in my throat causing me to get sick so often. Ugh.

In the mean time, Bryon has been sooo gracious in caring for me. It has not been pretty and it's been a week already. He gets the gold star!

I wrote about my knees hurting during our half marathon training-which by the way is non existent right now due to being sick. I went to the PT on Monday and Wednesday and she took one look at my feet and said, "No wonder your knees hurt! You have no support with those feet. You need orthotics."

So, I'm going in on Monday to get some made for my feet that will really help. She also said I need new shoes and she's given me several exercises to strengthen my hips (which she proved were really weak) and my core that will help stabilize me all over alleviating some pressure from my knees. She also said taping my knees would help and showed me how to do that. It's not an easy fix, but it seems they should get better.

The coolest part about seeing this PT is that she's a Christian. Both times I went in we talked about Jesus a lot. It was awesome.

Unfortunately, they said the orthotics won't be ready until the day after the half marathon. I want to pray that they come in earlier! I'm still hopeful to run even though I only ran 3 miles this past week. Yikes! Even if the half marathon isn't pretty and has bouts of walking, I'm pretty sure I'll still try.

I'll keep you posted.

My Husband's Attempt At Cooking Dinner

2010-04-09T14:09:00.005-07:00

(Bryon cooking at our old place.)

So yesterday my throat started hurting really bad and I quickly became achy all over. It's pretty discouraging because I feel like I have been sick a ton in the past year. Also, my knees were hurting pretty bad after an attempted run yesterday.

Anyway, because of this Bryon graciously offered to cook dinner last night. He made homemade macaroni and cheese from a Williams Sonoma cookbook we have. Thankful to him for making dinner, I sat on the couch and began icing my knees and reading.

Side note: Bryon is a great cook. When we were dating, he would make delicious meals and he actually enjoyed doing it. Since getting married, however, I have taken over the position of the one who prepares breakfast, lunch and dinner for the two of us. I have learned to really enjoy it, too.

Moving on.

While beginning to cook dinner, Bryon began asking me a series of questions.

"Honey, where are the onions?"

"Honey, where is the nutmeg?"

"Honey, can you come help me?"

He laughed and realized that he was having a hard time and he didn't know our kitchen! He didn't know where to look for something as simple as onions. He also quickly became overwhelmed by all the different simultaneous tasks involved in making the dinner.

We laughed together, even though I had to get off the couch and stop icing to help make dinner with him.

After dinner, Bryon said to me, "Man, I have a greater appreciation for what you do now. Seriously."

It blesses me that I get to be a part of feeding my husband, yet part of me wonders...am I doing him a disservice? Haha, I don't think he minds.

P.S. I do however want you to know, that last Tuesday we made 42 homemade tortillas for our church community group and Bryon did an INCREDIBLE job rolling them all out. It would have taken me 3x as long!

Bridges International

2010-04-06T16:38:00.006-07:00

I went to my first Seattle Campus Crusade staff meeting yesterday morning. It was really motivating to be with people who are working towards the same mission. It was fun just to be around lots of other people, to tell you the truth! Bryon and I get a whole lot of time together, so it's nice to get to be with other people.

We wanted to begin introducing you to some of our teammates and the specific work they're a part of here.

We have 5 teammates who minister to visiting scholars from other countries as well as international students in general. Their ministry is called 'Bridges International' and is a ministry of Campus Crusade with a specific focus on the college campus.

Last week they hosted upwards of 20 people to celebrate and share about the meaning of Easter. They did an Easter egg hunt, dyed eggs, had a feast and watched a film about the resurrection of Christ.

Every Wednesday night at one of their homes near campus, they host a dinner for visiting scholars. This provides them the opportunity to get to know them, serve and love them and pray for opportunities to share about Jesus Christ.

As students come here from all over the world, we're trusting that God would open doors for them to know Jesus and be a vehicle for others to know Him back in their home country.

The Seattle Weather Forecast . . . awesome.

2010-04-02T09:19:00.002-07:00

Today Apr 02	Rain / Wind	47°/40°	100 %
Sat Apr 03	Showers	49°/38°	50 %
Sun Apr 04	Few Showers	57°/42°	30 %
Mon Apr 05	Showers	52°/43°	60 %
Tue Apr 06	Few Showers	53°/42°	30 %
Wed Apr 07	Few Showers	59°/44°	30 %

Razor Clamming in Ocean Shores, WA

2010-03-30T15:11:00.016-07:00

This past Saturday-Sunday were spent with our good friends Ryan & Pamela Dorn on the west coast of Washington in a little town called Ocean Shores. Pamela and her family grew up clamming for razor clams here.

What is clamming you may ask? I don't like to eat seafood, let alone touch it, so I was a little hesitant at first. But I bought some rain boots and kept an open mind for a new adventure.

Pamela is the expert, so we followed her lead.

To begin, you search the sand for little, perfect dimples. This is how you know where the razor clams are below the surface. It kind of looks like this:

When you find one, you use a shovel and dig on one side of the hole straight down and drag the sand up, do it to the other side, and continue to do so until you either see the clam or see some water shoot up from the clam trying to get away from you.

You have to go fast as they want to escape! Once you get some sand dug out, you have to reach your hand into the hole (which could just be watery sand and you can't see anything, scary!) and search for the clam. Once you grab them, you need to pull them out as they suck deeper into the sand trying their hardest to get away from you. Sound appealing? Here's Bryon . . .

I dug a couple holes and let Pamela grab the clam. I was too scared to stick my hand into a black hole to pull a razor clam out. Good grief!

I finally did it on the 3rd hole and screamed the whole time. I then threw the clam onto the beach in victory and relief! Once I got over the fear of sticking my hand into the unknown, is was pretty fun.

The next one I dug, I sadly crushed the shell of the clam and when I went in after it sliced my hand on it and had to be done for the day :( Pamela said she never got hurt in all of her years of clamming, but on my first trip I walked away with a battle wound. But I was able to get two successfully!

Check out this video of Bryon and Pamela digging. They found two holes right next to each other.

The hope is that you dig the dirt that's around the clam and grab them so they are in one piece. However, a few times we nailed the clams with the shovel and they didn't turn out so great. Oops! Right, Ryan? ;

After bringing the clams home, Pamela taught us how to clean and prep them. This was a little bit super gross.

All in all, we had a great time and got to experience a fun and unique northwest tradition.

Rylee even got to come and she had a blast on the beach.

For the Record: How We Met

2010-03-22T14:00:00.001-07:00

Bryon and Sam first met in July of 2006 in Colorado during a training before going overseas. Bryon's eye was drawn to Sam. He couldn't help but notice her. But more than her beauty... something about Sam intrigued him to get to know her, but he wondered if he would ever have the chance. It wasn't exactly convenient that they would soon be 7 time zones and thousands of miles apart.

One month later, again in Colorado, they briefly reconnected at a conference in a cafeteria line. After making small talk, Sam was impressed with the man she was speaking with. It was only for a short time, but she walked away thinking, "That man is quality."

Both of them had their hearts set on their year at hand, but God had started a curiosity in Bryon's mind, which sporadically peaked throughout the year even though it seemed unrealistic to dream about.

One year later, in South Korea on their way to (you guessed it) another conference, Sam walked out of one of the numerous baggage claims while Bryon walked past rounding up his group. Random? Not likely. Shocked at the “chance” and timing of their encounter in Seoul, Korea he greeted her with a hug.

The two of them were not seeking each other out, but God continued to cross their paths. Bryon kept noticing Sam despite thousands of people at the conference, and they finally sat down in the same room during a group lunch. Being from the northwest, Bryon’s ears perked up when he heard Sam share how God was leading her to Seattle, and he invited her to tell him more. First significant conversation: check.

When Bryon returned to the states he had no intention of ending up in Seattle, but God’s plan was leading him there to be with Sam! He went to work with campus ministry in the Seattle area, and was hoping to finally get to know the woman he had noticed over a year before.

Sam moved to Seattle the same week that Bryon was in the city for work, and the two hit it off as they spent time hanging out. Both noticed right from the start how comfortable they were together and how easily they enjoyed one another.

After a month of talking on the phone, Bryon knew he wanted to kick things up a notch. So after a bouquet of flowers on her porch and an invitation to a night on the town during his next visit, Sam said yes to their first date.

1/2 Marathon Training Update

2010-03-21T18:23:00.003-07:00

We just ran 7 miles! I (Sam) have never run for more than an hour and we just ran for an hour and fifteen minutes.

About 2 minutes into it we got dumped on by the rain...ohhh, Seattle. But we passed a bunch of cherry blossom trees and jogged by the water next to the University of Washington and it was beautiful and smelled amazing!

It rained for about 20 minutes and then cleared up into sunshine. Bryon found a really fun path and the 7 miles didn't drudge on but was actually kind of enjoyable.

My knees were hurting just over half way through which happens often and can get discouraging. Any thoughts as to help relieve that?? I try to ice after each run and I'm hoping they will get better one of these days.

When we finished Bryon and I celebrated and he asked me if I ever thought I could do that. I responded with a definite no! But praise God...who knew?!

We signed up for the race today and hope to be ready on May 2nd.

Seattle's St. Patty's Day Dash 5K (3/14/10)

2010-03-21T18:21:00.005-07:00

Rylee Helping Bryon Pack for Florida

2010-03-19T17:56:00.000-07:00

Lesson Learned

2010-03-19T17:46:00.004-07:00

Thursday in Florida.

8:30am. B & S ate breakfast and read.

10am. B & S ran 4.5 miles.

12:30pm. B & S got ready for the day and rode the cruisers to the beach to eat some Turkish food. On the way, Sam told Bryon her head felt funny and kind of hurt. Eh, she figured it would pass.

They ate lunch and hung out on the beach for a few minutes.

2:30pm. B & S rode the cruisers back to the house and Sam told Bryon again that her head hurt and she didn't feel very good. A few seconds later she gasps and Bryon about fell off his bike.

"Coffee!!!! We didn't have coffee today! That's why my head hurts so bad....ugh." (Sam)

Bryon then explained that he thought at the sound of Sam's response that she had left her wallet at the beach or perhaps the most valuable thing she owned...but nope, it was seriously a revelation that due to their run they postponed their morning coffee and then forgot! Gasp.

"As soon as you said that, I got a headache...awesome." (Bryon said after he understood that it wasn't something totally serious or life threatening.)

They arrived home, made coffee and began to feel better. Lesson learned.

Florida

2010-03-19T17:25:00.010-07:00

Bryon and I spent the last few days in Hollywood, FL at a home my family has to get away and regroup. We spent long lengths of time reading, praying and trying to have fun. It's amazing how hard it can be when you work from home to not feel rested or feel like we have fun. We thought of it as a marriage retreat and a redemption celebration of our first anniversary since we got sick the weekend of November 15th.

The flights were kind of long but it was surprisingly restful and good for us to go. We lounged, rode cruiser bikes to the beach, ran to keep up with our training, ate junk food (which Bryon told me is what vacation is all about) and had good time in the Word. Bryon also read The Hobbit and I finished Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and am excited to jump into the 6th book.

We were really hoping to get bumped on our flight home because 3 nights was not long enough! However, we arrived back home in Seattle at 1am last night and are glad to be home and are thankful for the time we had.

(Bryon sleeping on our flight from NY to FL in the brace he sleeps in for his neck pain. Haha....ahhh so funny. Again, one of those moments I sneakily get the camera and think I'm pretty funny. I thought it was a good photo opportunity.)

Bryon's Floating Shoe

2010-03-05T23:54:00.009-08:00

So we were in Idaho last weekend along with 7 friends Bryon knows from college. One couple brought their 2 kids so that was a fun and new dynamic to the group. Bryon's parents are in Hawaii and their home is a perfect place for everyone to meet and stay, so we enjoyed time with them.

Saturday night I texted Bryon who was outside enjoying a bonfire with the men because there was a spider on the ceiling in our bedroom. No way was I about to go to sleep and give it the opportunity to join me later. I asked if he would come in and kill it, so he did. My hero!

So he came in, climbed on the bathroom sink and up onto a really high ledge above a closet that is in the same very large bedroom...if that makes sense. I heard a few things crash on his way up, but he made it. He succeeded in the killing of the spider by swinging a t-shirt at it. Not 2 seconds later after I congratulated him, I heard, "Uuuuh, Sam...my shoe just dropped into the toilet!" (Here's the itty bitty spider.)

So, like any good wife would do...I laughed and ran to get the camera.

Just wanted you to know and thought you'd enjoy the pictures. Luckily Bryon wears a size 11 or 12 shoe and it floated great and didn't soak up any water. It was like a boat.

I'm blessed to have a man who comes in my time of need...and is a good sport when his shoe falls in the toilet!

Reason for God, by Tim Keller

2010-03-01T13:02:00.002-08:00

Have you read this book? We just picked it up and have begun reading it together.

Tim Keller is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. His introduction to this book has some really great thoughts for both believers and skeptics alike. Here is an excerpt concluding his thoughts,

I commend two processes to my readers. I urge skeptics to wrestle with the unexamined “blind faith” on which skepticism is based, and to see how hard it is to justify those beliefs to those who do not share them. I also urge believers to wrestle with their personal and culture’s objections to the faith. At the end of each process, even if you remain the skeptic or believer you have been, you will hold your own position with both greater clarity and greater humility.

My hope as we read this book is that it would help us become more confident of our belief in Christ, as well as learn how to intelligently engage with people in our culture to discuss faith in the Gospel.

Why not read the Introduction for yourself? Go to thereasonforGod.com to find out more about Tim Keller and this book.

Lesson from the Road

2010-02-11T13:43:00.003-08:00

I ran 4 miles last Sunday! I've never run 4 miles straight before-and I've never desired to either. I was nervous to run it because the previous Thursday I went out to run 3 according to our training and I was exhausted and couldn't keep going. It was easy for me to feel discouraged during that time, but felt like God helped me remember it was okay. Not every run will feel good (I learned this one years ago) and some days are better than others, and it's ok.

Bryon laughs at me because I often think of how things in life relate to our walk with Jesus and the Gospel. I'm learning that running TOTALLY relates. Some days are harder than others, some days you experience defeat and other days you walk in victory and you need to take it one day at a time. I can look at our training schedule and think, holy smokes! 13 miles in just over 2 months. But God doesn't expect us to run a marathon the first time, but to start slow.

I often have way too big of expectations for myself that I know I can't live up to and I'm left defeated and discouraged. This often keeps me from even trying or enjoying different things, no matter how I perform. God wants us to look to Him and receive His love and acceptance of us...no matter how we "ran" today.

Running on.

Thoughts From Mere Christianity

2010-02-05T23:07:00.005-08:00

I've been reading Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis (which is a great book) and was struck by this paragraph:

"Every faculty you have, your power of thinking or of moving your limbs from moment to moment, is given you by God. If you devoted every moment of your whole life exclusively to His service you could not give Him anything that was not in a sense His own already. So that when we talk of a man doing anything for God or giving anything to God, I will tell you what it is really like.

It is like a small child going to its father and saying, 'Daddy, give me sixpence to buy you a birthday present.' Of course, the father does, and he is pleased with the child's present. It is all nice and proper, but only an idiot would think that the father is sixpence to the good on the transaction." p. 143 (Italicize mine)

Earlier in the chapter, Lewis writes that if our idea of God and life is that of an exam, "the first result of Christianity is to blow that idea into bits." (p.142)

We can't earn favor with God or pay off our debt with Him...He paid it for us through Jesus crucified and risen from the dead. In Christ we stand pure, blameless, chosen, forgiven, loved and highly favored...His. I love being reminded that there's nothing I can do, it's been done. Jesus.

Let the training begin!

2010-02-01T20:28:00.004-08:00

Our friends Jake and Amy from church invited us to run a half marathon in Vancouver, B.C. May 2nd, 2010.

"A half what?!?!" I remember thinking to myself. I have never had a desire to do any kind of race like that. But a few months ago I started jog/walking a few times a week and actually started to enjoy it. Then I jogged almost 3 miles with Amy last Saturday!

So today, Bryon and I began a training program of Hal Higdon's online and are planning on running in May!

It's been a good process so far. I've always hated running but am realizing that going for a run doesn't mean I have to run really fast and really far. I can jog slow, listen to a sermon on my ipod, walk if I want to and actually enjoy it. Crazy eh?

So that's the plan. I still am not sure I could ever run 13 miles, but I guess there's only one way to find out. Bryon needs some kind of a goal to work towards or he isn't motivated to go for runs, so this is the ticket. We'd love your prayers and encouragement!!

Check out the race here!

You can find our training program online.

Day Off Bike Ride

2010-01-30T12:26:00.004-08:00

Yesterday we took the day off and went for a bike ride. It's so fun to live in a place with a temperate climate! It's been in the 50's lately and has allowed us to be active outside a lot. We rode our bikes downtown and along the water on an 11 mile loop. Half way through we stopped at an Asian market for some sushi and spring rolls.

Our New Couch

2010-01-28T13:58:00.004-08:00

We finally got a couch! We've been fine with a love seat and a couple chairs for awhile now, but thought it would be nice to be able to sit together and offer more space to guests.

We have been saving our wedding money and finally decided on this couch from Macy's. It was in our price range and was an amazingly easy decision.

Rylee seems to think our new couch is her new bed, but we're persistent on not letting her come on it. However, every time we come home we see she has been sleeping on it. Stinker.

We've broke down with letting her sleep on our bed and the guest bed, but are going to be sticklers about the new couch. We hope. She's pretty cute. When we sit on the couch she often comes over, leans her chin on the couch and looks at us. So she's not making it easy!

But she knows she's allowed on the old blue chairs...and so when we're home, that's where she lays.

The Journey of My Teeth

2010-01-28T13:49:00.005-08:00

So today I went to the dentist for phase 1 of my first crown. I had my 3rd root canal in 14 months done last Friday (ahh!) and so had to start the crown process. I will be going back in 2 weeks for the permanent and Dr. Vo will start working on another crown on a tooth I had a root canal done on in November of 2008. Follow that?

I asked Dr. Vo if it was weird to only be 26 and already have all these teeth issues. He said no. So I felt better :) Praise God for insurance and providing for what we need!

I said I'd take more pictures so here's a picture of me when I got home, trying to smile with a half numb tongue and mouth. Not an attractive picture, but it wasn't an attractive moment.

The Jesus Storybook Bible

2010-01-26T18:11:00.003-08:00

This Bible is great! It's a great Bible for children-and adults. It has great pictures and tells the stories of the Bible in a way children can understand, while always pointing to Jesus. Bryon and I are hoping to get one for ourselves.

We've loved buying them for friends as they prepare to have kids and people have enjoyed receiving them. We wanted to let you know about it because we had never heard about it until our pastor talked about it. He said his kids all read it and love it.

We buy it on Amazon and it's really inexpensive at just under $12. Enjoy!

A New Look

2010-01-26T17:59:00.004-08:00

I've given our page a new color.

I think about our blog site often and then think about how little we take pictures to post.

We should take more pictures.

I'll try to take more pictures.

Until then, we're doing pretty well. We've been having friends over for dinner at least weekly, which has been really fun!

We're contemplating a half marathon or something like it in May and so have begun a training program to get in shape. We've also been able to go on a few fun bike rides.

As of lately, we've been able to meet with more people to share about our ministry with and are praying to be fully funded by March 1st!

Winter Conference Video

2010-01-11T21:12:00.002-08:00

We'd love to invite you to watch a 10 minute video recaping the 2010 Winter Conference that some great people put together. May you be blessed and encouraged with us :)

http://vimeo.com/8522406

There are also links to view the sermons that the students heard during their on the same site if you're interested in watching them.

Changed Lives in Just 4 Days

2010-01-07T17:45:00.007-08:00

Brian, the director of our Crusade staff team invited students to share what God had done in their lives during the conference the night before we all left.

"It's really improved my life, just in 3 days. A year ago I didn't believe in God and didn't want to admit that I needed a higher power or help. The faith of people with Crusade at my school has really helped me." ~David, Olympic College

"There's nothing better than sharing the Gospel; it's like this whole other high." ~Sarah, University of Washington

"I recently found out my dad is bi-sexual. He's moved out and is trying to sell the house and my mom is out of a job. I'm realizing my idolatry of women that I've had my whole life. Yet, God's given me joy, overflowing and showing me all that He's blessed me with. After this conference I feel content with being single and I know God will provide a great, sassy woman in His time." ~Jerred, Concordia College

"How could I have been so blind? Fear has kept me from sharing my faith. When I go back to Campus, I'm going to be excited to share Christ." ~Sarah, Olympic College

An exchange student from Taiwan also stood and shared that a friend from his college invited him to come to the conference. He wasn't a Christian but his best friend had died in a car accident last year. He started to get choked up as he shared and soon we were crying, too. He said that he'd learned so much and was thinking about becoming a Christian!

Praise God for students who love Jesus and have a loving influence on people they know.

We were so blessed to meet these students and many others and watch God move in their lives. One of the coolest things for us was to watch the students that make up Seattle Metro but come from numerous different college campuses bond. In the past, we've heard that it's been hard for them to really click in just a few days. But at this conference we saw them eating meals together, sitting together at sessions and forming neat friendships.

Bryon and I are even more motivated to finish up support so we can be more involved in these student's lives.

2009-12-31T11:23:00.002-08:00

Here's Bryon working the spotlight and a snapshot from last night's session.

Reaching out to Portland

2009-12-31T11:10:00.003-08:00

This afternoon we're doing an outreach to lower income neighborhoods of Portland. We're going out in groups of three with boxes of food to give to people who need them. We'll be partnered with a local church and will ask people questions about the needs of their community. We're praying for opportunities to share the Gospel or do whatever He leads.

Would you pray that God would use this outreach as a blessing to love people where they're at and that people would experience Jesus and desire to know Him more? Also, please pray for the students as MANY of them have never done anything like this before. Pray that God would cultivate in their hearts a desire and vision to serve and share about Jesus with people. Please pray for Bryon and I, too, as it's always a step of faith to step into the unknown!

Day 3 of Winter Conference

2009-12-31T09:28:00.006-08:00

It's been really fun to be around college students! To be honest, I was a little nervous as it's been a long time! Tuesday night we had a campus time with all the Seattle students and got to meet many of them. It's encouraged us to want to finish raising our support even faster to be a part of their lives.

Bryon and I each took a student out to lunch yesterday and got to know them. This is both of their first Winter Conferences with CCC. They raised all their funds by asking a church, their school's club organization and selling baked goodies on campus. I was SO encouraged to hear about it! We prayed that God wouldn't allow money, a lack of transportation or whatever else to keep students from coming, and He certainly answered it for them.

The students have been hearing a variety of talks. Yesterday, David Horner talked in depth about Luke 5, where Jesus calls Peter to 'Venture' out into the deep water, and let down his nets to fish. Once he pulls up the nets full of fish, Peter realizes his sinful condition before Jesus and is challenged to become a 'fisher of men'.

Throughout the afternoon there were seminars students could go to in order to learn about different topics. Some of the choices were: spiritual disciplines, experiencing God's presence, and living a faith-filled life in a multi-cultural world.

In the evening the students were led in a time of prayer and reflection. They were challenged to come before the Lord in prayer asking Him what idols and sin were in their heart standing in the way of Jesus. They were encouraged to grab a friend or a Campus Crusade for Christ staff member around the room and "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed." James 5:16.

Many of us have secret sins and idols in our heart that we're ashamed of and think nobody else struggles with it. Others probably think that if people knew 'this' about me then I wouldn't be loved, accepted or welcome. But Jesus came to seek and save the lost. He came for sinners. It was INCREDIBLE to watch men and women grab friends and go in corners to talk and pray.

We watched students approach the staff to confess sin and receive prayer and a hug. God is working in their hearts and it was evident as we saw them believe His Word and take action.

In the end of the verse in James 5:16 it says, "so that you may be healed." We're praying and believing that students are being made aware of their sin and idols in order to confess and repent and be healed. They are beginning a process of walking with Jesus for a lifetime.

At Winter Conference

2009-12-29T12:18:00.002-08:00

We arrived in Portland, OR yesterday afternoon and are excited to serve at the winter conference. We heard that there will be about 500 college students from around the Greater Northwest region who will be arriving today. As staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, we've been praying and preparing for their arrival. Bryon and I would love to keep you updated each day with things going on here, so we'll do our best.

Bryon will be helping out with the conference production, so maybe with the cameras and tech things. I am a bouncer :) Haha! I and some others will be standing at the doors before every large session meeting and making sure people who enter have a name tag and are with the conference. I'm not really sure what I would do in the event of a 'struggle'! Anyhow, I'm excited to greet students and to offer any help. Bryon also is really excited to serve.

The conference is based off of Luke 5. That chapter is the basis and inspiration for the conference's theme 'Venture'. That students would know God more, be impacted and commissioned to venture back to campus to influence others for Him as well as after college.

Thanks for your prayers for these students. I know that for both Bryon and me, God used this conference in HUGE ways in our lives during our time in college. We'll keep you posted!

What We've Been Up To

2009-11-29T19:48:00.011-08:00

It's been so long since we've written! We've been in our new rental home for 3 weeks and are loving it. I've been overwhelmed with wanting to get it 'homey' feeling and getting pictures on the walls and such. Bryon has been working hard trying to meet with more people out here to share about our ministry with.

Some other things we've been up to:

1. Went to the Seattle Conservatory to look at cool plants and flowers

2. Skiing at Steven's Pass

3. Went to Idaho for Thanksgiving where Rylee played with her cousin, Shyla

4. Chopped our first Christmas tree down in my in-laws' yard...free!

5. Decorated our tree and our front house windows with lights

Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Getting Settled at Home

2009-11-10T14:23:00.009-08:00

We've been staying at our new rented home since Saturday and are SO grateful and love it. It took a long time to clean and I even got Bryon to do some vacuuming. He said he'll do that because you don't have to touch anything. It was awesome to have several friends help us move our things, clean and unpack. Rylee has had fun watching and chasing squirrels and has two big windows to look out into the front yard. The inside is still in the works-it takes forever to unpack and get settled but we wanted to show you the house from the outside. We'll post inside pics later. Thanks for joining us on the journey!

For real now, we signed a lease and have a home!

2009-11-05T19:19:00.005-08:00

Phew! Praise God. Now for real, we've signed the lease, painted our bedroom, cleaned A LOT, and emptied our storage unit into the house. And we love it! It's a great little house with two bedrooms, a huge yard for our dog, a garage for storage and a pretty big kitchen. The best part for me (Sam) is the dishwasher!!!!! We didn't have one in our old house, so this is quite the luxury for the Scharenberg home. The landlords seem great, so that's a blessing.

Bryon saw the add on Craigslist on Tuesday an hour after it was posted, we met them and saw the house and said we wanted to rent it that night. We're hoping to stay the night tomorrow after we get some painting and arranging done. We have an extra room for you when you come visit, so let us know when you'll come out :) Thanks again so much for all your prayers, we were so encouraged through your support.

Here are a couple pics of Bryon painting our bedroom at midnight last night and our dog sleeping, as it was past her bedtime. We'll post more soon.

Praying for a Home

2009-11-02T11:38:00.002-08:00

We wanted to give you a quick update as to what's going on. We left Idaho on Wednesday and have been staying with our friends Pamela and Ryan in Seattle, with our dog and both our cars. We came out here hoping to move into the house we wrote about before understanding it was going to be ready for us this weekend. However, the owner was a little too optimistic and it won't be ready until next weekend.

This has caused us to really consider if it's the right place for us and we don't think it is for a number of reasons. So, we've begun our housing search again and are praying for God to lead us. It's been pretty disappointing and discouraging as we are really wanting to find a place to live and settle down for awhile. But we are remembering all God has done in the past and are fighting to believe Him now. We'll keep you posted, thanks for the prayers.

Still Waiting . . .

2009-10-26T16:53:00.008-07:00

We're still in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho waiting to move back to Seattle. We had planned to move back yesterday but it has been postponed again, so the new plan is to head back on Wednesday, stay with friends and then move in this weekend. We'll keep you posted!!

We are feeling pretty squirmish in wanting to leave and finally having a place to live for awhile, it's been a long haul. So these last minute postponing details have been hard on us. Luckily we have a great place to stay while we are here, but we are really wanting to get back to Seattle and have our own home.

We have been trying to find fun things to do while we're here so it's been fun to celebrate Fall!!

Moving Day Postponed

2009-10-19T21:57:00.001-07:00

Our hope was to move back to Seattle today, but the renovations on the home aren't complete yet. So we're staying in Idaho for another week and are planning to move back next Monday. Yay!

Fishin'

2009-10-19T20:56:00.004-07:00

Here are some pictures from Bryon's short trip fishing. He went with his college friends Chris and Zach. Chris is the one holding the Steelhead. It was the only one they caught :( But they had a good time.

Rylee Our Pumpkin

2009-10-17T13:11:00.005-07:00

I wanted to try a sewing project and decided to make Rylee a Halloween costume! It took a lot of time and was pretty confusing but I finally finished last night. We probably won't go Trick-or-Treating but hopefully kids will come to our new home in Seattle for candy and they can enjoy her :) We give her lots of treats as a reward for keeping it on!

Sick All Week and a Brief Update

2009-10-11T19:09:00.006-07:00

We got back to Idaho almost a week ago and both ended up sick :( We really didn't do much of anything all week except rest, nap and take medicine. As of this weekend, we're both feeling a lot better and are looking forward to meeting with some more folks in Idaho and preparing to move in just over a week!

Since feeling better, Bryon has been with friends in Washington fishing over the past day and a half and I've been working on my first sewing project. I'm making our dog Rylee a Halloween costume-she's going to be a pumpkin! It's a bit ridiculous, I know, but I wanted to try a sewing project. I'll be sure to post pictures with the finished masterpiece.

Pictures:

-We have been seeing moose almost every day hanging around Bryon's parent's house!! A mom and her calf came right up to the side of the house!

-Also, while we've been sick and not able to do much, Rylee has been helping Don (my father in law) in the yard ;)

We found a place to live in Seattle!!

2009-10-05T16:43:00.005-07:00

Thank you SOO much for your prayers with us as we searched for a place to live in Seattle. We haven't lived there since mid-July and are eager to get back. We were there this past week and spent a lot of time on craigslist, driving around looking for 'For Rent' signs and everything else you can think of!

The man who leads our community group through church connected us with his boss who began renovating one of his properties a few weeks ago. The house matches exactly what we wanted in a home. Rylee will have a fenced yard to run crazy in, we can have you come visit and stay with us in our spare bedroom and it's within our budget. It's not as close to the university as we thought we'd like to be, but we're trusting that God has a reason for putting us there. However, it's not too far and we can get to the University of Washington in about 15-20 minutes by car, bus or bike. Also, it's 5 minutes from our office.

They're finishing up renovations and we're planning on moving in before Halloween! We hope to finish up our support raising in Seatte by the end of the year. We'll post more pictures after we move in. Thanks again!

My husband, the man!

2009-09-27T22:58:00.007-07:00

This morning, just south of Seattle about an hour Bryon participated in his first sprint triathlon. He did awesome!!! It consisted of a .5 mile swim, 11 mile bike and a 2.8 mile run. He was most nervous about the swim, but spent the past month and a half training and learning and it ended up being his best 'leg' of his race.

My friend Lauren and I cheered him on at multiple points and he was mostly all smiles as he LOVES to be active. I think he may have caught the bug and will pursue future races next summer. He's trying to convince me that I also want to do triathlons but I'm not quite there ;) Enjoy the pictures!

Back to Seattle

2009-09-24T11:39:00.004-07:00

We're off to Seattle in the morning for a week, to look for a place to rent. Here's what we've been praying for:

-2br w/ office, or 3br (so you can come stay with us:)

-fenced yard for Rylee

-convenient location in Seattle

-good place to host guests, invite students over

-good size kitchen

-within our budget!!

-bless our landlords & neighbors

While without a home, our friends Ryan and Pamela host us in their lovely condo... the Dorn Hotel. We'll be staying with them while we search for a house.

Rylee's Teeth Flossing Adventure

2009-09-21T21:36:00.011-07:00

The other day we were flossing our teeth before bed and Rylee sat staring at us as if the floss was a treat she was going to earn. Rylee is a dog that will work for treats!! So Bryon "flossed" her teeth while she tried to eat it. Of course, we got out the camera. These are the types of stories we'll be telling until we have kids, haha! People talk about their kids-we talk about our dog.

Jesus Power!

2009-09-19T09:54:00.007-07:00

Bryon here. I wanted to let you take a peek at what I'm learning from my time reading the Bible.

Reading Luke 3:21-22 this morning felt like discovering a new, hidden pocket in my favorite snowboard jacket.

It says this,

²¹ Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, ²² and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

Up until this point, Jesus had not begun his ministry. We aren't told of anything he did that was supernatural. No miracles. No healing. Not yet. But here, something happened that changed all this.

The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus.

I realized that until he received the Holy Spirit he had been living as a man- still free from sin and full of wisdom- without his divine attributes. He laid those aside when he became a man (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus being baptized was the official start of his ministry*, and the Holy Spirit was the one with supernatural power that enabled Jesus to do what he did.

God is really clear in this passage (and the same story in Matthew 3:13ff) that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus to fill Him, lead Him, and empower Him. Looking at the passage immediately after, in Luke 4, where Jesus is tempted in the desert, we read about him being filled (v1), lead (v1), and empowered (v14).

This helps me relate a lot more with Jesus. Knowing that all of His miracles and work were done through the power of the Holy Spirit, not by some kind of 'super-human Jesus strength' or supernatural attributes.

For those of us who have acknowledged Christ as our Savior, God has also given us the same Holy Spirit that lived in Jesus and empowered Him. God can, and does fill, lead, and empower us through the Holy Spirit just like Jesus, so that we can overcome temptation and live supernaturally as he did. (For instruction how, read what Paul has to say in Galatians 5:16-26)

*start of his ministry: I also learned that what Luke mentions in v23, about Jesus being thirty years of age, is significant. It was customary that the Levite priests in the Old Testament did not begin to minister until the age of 30. See Numbers 4:3,35. Hebrews says that Jesus is our great high priest (Heb 4:14), and it's interesting to know that he didn't start his ministry until he was 30, like the Levites of the OT.

Housing Search

2009-09-16T17:32:00.003-07:00

Although Coeur d'Alene, Idaho is a beautiful place to be, we are eager to get back to Seattle. We have been praying often and 'craigslist' searching often. We had a friend named Casara check out a place close to the University of Washington's campus for us today, but the report came back to us that the home is way too small, it doesn't have a good yard for the Rylee Beans (our dog) and it's pretty run down.

There's a potential place we're looking at that we got connected with through the ads on our church's website. It's a little farther north then would be ideal, but seems like a great place with a fenced yard near an off leash dog park and is at the top of our budget. We hope to check it out when we're in Seattle in a week and a half.

If you think of it, would you pray for our search?? We want to be where God wants us and we don't want to push our budget farther than we are comfortable. We have several items that we're looking for and know ultimately that God knows what's best.

Pray that we wouldn't be consumed with the search and would trust God to provide. We'd LOVE to be back there sometime next month to finish up our support raising and get plugged into church! Thank you!

Surprise Root Canal

2009-09-12T16:48:00.002-07:00

July 28th: the start of a sore throat and lots of phlegm (in Colorado)

August 14th: wasn't getting better...went to doctor and got antibiotics (in Idaho)

August 18th: sore throat subsided but phlegm continued (in Seattle)

August 23rd: phlegm still continues and sore throat comes back (in Michigan)

August 24th: start of extreme/unbearable tooth ache with anything warm, i.e.. tea, food, etc.

September 6th: go to hospital and am put on antibitotics to treat 'tendonitis' like symptoms-penicillin 4 x daily for 10 days (still in Michigan)

Excruciating tooth pain continues.

September 11th: dentist appt for a crown (in Idaho) . . .

One and a half hour crown appointment turned into a 6 hour root canal appointment! The tooth pain was significant and it needed to be fixed pronto-it was more important than the crown. During the procedure the dentist asked if I had sinus issues and I told him about my lingering symptoms and the medicines I'd been on. He explained that the tooth had been affecting my sinuses and probably had a lot to do with my sickness! I was at the dentist for 4 hours and then had to go to a specialist right after for 2 hours to have them finish it off due to some complications. So currently, I'm on Sudafed, Penicillin, IB Profen and they encouraged me to do a few nasal cleanses...not the most comfortable thing to do.

Last Thursday sure turned out a lot different than I expected. Luckily, they said with this tooth being fixed I should start feeling better all around!!

Back in Idaho as of last Wednesday

2009-09-12T16:43:00.002-07:00

Our trip to Michigan went well.

Saw my step sister and her now husband get married, went to the football game, hung out with sweet friends, and went to a cider mill-one of my favorite Fall things to do!

We had some great appointments with people regarding our ministry and saw some new partners join with us financially and prayerfully.

We started reading Harry Potter together. We started with book 2 and are almost done. I've seen the first movie so figured starting at book 2 is ok. Bryon has read the whole series in Spanish but wants to read them again, so we're enjoying reading that.

MSU vs. MSU

2009-09-11T16:14:00.004-07:00

While in Michigan for the past 3 weeks, Michigan State played Montana State in football! Michigan State has never in the history of college football played a team from Montana, and the last weekend we were in town my college played Bryon's college.

We got free tickets from a friend and watched the Michigan State Spartans triumph 44-3 as the Montana State Bobcats took home, as rumor has it, about $850,000 for the trip. Not a bad deal! I wore a Bobcats tattoo in support of Bryon but then wore and screamed Green and White the rest of the time.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

2009-08-28T10:18:00.010-07:00

Back in June, Bryon and I decided to spend the whole month of August in Seattle. However, we learned that it was best to move out of our house and found out in July that my step sister was getting married the next month.

So we were humbled as we realized God's directing of our lives, not our plans.

We spent 5 days in Seattle during the month of August.

We attended Amanda and Travis' wedding on August 20th on Mackinac Island up north Michigan. If you've never been there, it's a beautiful tourist place and there aren't any cars. Its major themes are horses, fudge, bikes and the smell of horse poop. But it's great!

We rode the boat over to the island...this was Bryon first time there.

Mmm ice cream.

Our ride.

The view from the wedding and the place we at stayed at overlooking the Mackinac Bridge.

Amanda and Travis making their vows, with cousin Andrew as the ring bearer.

My sister Rachel, my dad Scott and me at the wedding.

Yours truly.

The last day we rented bikes and rode around on the island! A trip to this island wouldn't be complete without this.

On the Move

2009-08-15T16:32:00.002-07:00

We are in Seattle, August 13th-August 18th.

Flying to Michigan, August 18th and will be there until September 8th.

Car problems

2009-08-15T15:20:00.008-07:00

Thursday: Drove to Seattle, stayed with friends, parked car on street.

Friday: Blueberry pancakes, time in the Word, left at 3:30pm ...car wouldn't start, kept trying... still wouldn't start, kept trying...still wouldn't start, (had 6:00pm support appointment 1 1/2 hours away).

5pm tow truck arrived, rode with Ron in truck to repair shop. 6pm shop closes, not open until Monday.

Walked 22 blocks back to friend's house.

Missed appointment.

Found fun restaurant within walking distance for dinner.

Borrowing friend's car for weekend.

Flying to Michigan Tuesday for three weeks...car in shop?

Grateful to not be worried.

Why do we live in Idaho?!

2009-08-15T15:04:00.007-07:00

Sorry if we weren't clear on why we put our stuff in storage and moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho temporarily. The house we were renting has been on the market and we were able to rent from the woman who owns it at a HUGELY discounted rate if we kept up the yard and such. She was going to take it off the market and rent to us for a year but decided she really wanted to try and sell it, so she dropped the price by $100,000!

We feared that we would be on the road and get a call that the house had sold and would need to come back and move out. So we decided it was best to move out and not worry about it and pray for the next place we're to move into that will be more secure. We said good-bye to our first home together...3419.

So since we're traveling as we raise support anyways and don't need to be in Seattle, we thought it was best to move to Idaho for the time being. Rylee LOVES it there, so it works for now.

Sammy's Kutz

2009-08-06T13:15:00.003-07:00

We went at our second attempt of a home haircut on Tuesday. As we strive to live according to our 'spending plan', I've begun cutting Bryon's hair since he needs a hair cut like every month (this adds up)! The first attempt a few months ago was not an encouraging or pleasant experience for either of us.

This time I decided to name my 'shop' Sammy's Kutz and I made Bryon some coupons to use in order to get a hair cut. I figured this would make it more fun. This time, I get a slurpee as payment :) Not a bad deal. His haircut turned out pretty good, although I think it's the shortest it's been in years! I cut his bangs pretty short to which he gasped and responded, "It's ok, I didn't want bangs anyway." Oops. I'm hoping that I continue to get better at this.

Things that have happened since we got back from Colorado:

-I got sick and passed it on to Bryon who is now sick
-We've survived the several 90+ degree days here in Idaho
-We've had some great appointments with people
-We've had to re-train our dog as grandpa and grandma spoils her
-I got a new phone for my 2 year upgrade and it's purple (interesting how the little things bring you joy!)
-Bryon is reading More Than a Carpenter by Josh McDowell and I'm reading God is the Issue by Brad Bright and we've been learning a lot about God and have neat things to think about.

Look forward to hearing from you!! Blessings . . .
~Sam

Campus Crusade for Christ Staff Conference in Ft. Collins, Colorado

2009-07-21T22:35:00.000-07:00

We're trying to embark on a faithful blogging journey, for real...and we're excited about it and hope to keep in touch with you and to share more life with you as we are all over the world. We are wrapping up our first day at CCC's staff conference at CSU in Colorado and it was soooo great. We often forget about all the people we know who are also on full time staff serving the Lord with Campus Crusade and how incredible they are. So today was an overwhelming time of catching up, saying hi every which way you look and being so blessed to know and serve God with such special people. What a blessing to be a part of this ministry and to receive God's grace. God used this ministry in HUGE ways in our lives, and it's neat to be here and trust that God would use us in other people's lives!

This past week has been crazy. We decided to move out of our house in Seattle, put our stuff in storage and temporarily move in with mom and dad Scharenberg in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho (never thought I'd live in Idaho, but it's great). So we moved our stuff out last weekend, drove into Idaho at 2 am Sunday morning, and moved in. Then, Monday evening we packed to go to Colorado, flew out of Spokane, WA at 6:15 am this morning and arrived here shortly after. And we're here now.

Our first year of marriage has been pretty unique in that we've traveled for about 6 of the 8 months we've been married as we raise support to being our on campus ministry. So, moving out of our Seattle home this past weekend and now being here in Colorado is just another few steps in the journey. It was hard to not think of this conference as 'just another trip we have to take' but as a time of refreshment and rest and regrouping. We're hopeful that it will be encouraging as we'll be rubbing up against people who have been working with students as we've been full time raising support, and that God will continue to fan into flame passion for what He has called us to in this ministry.

Fun things that happened today:

~Saw Snoop Dog in the Salt Lake City airport!!

~Ate snow cones and cotton candy

~Checked into our dorm room at CSU, saw that we had a twin size bed and a twin size top bunk available for us...hmm, we thought. So we put the mattresses together on the ground and are choosing to enjoy a floor level sleeping place for the next 9 nights.

B & S

Back in Seattle!! For a short while . . .

2009-06-02T16:27:00.002-07:00

Only 3 months since the last post...we're making some progress! We're back in Seattle and SO happy to be here. We're trying to get adjusted to life back here for a bit and also plan for more travel. It's our desire to stay here but know it's a season of being on the road as we develop our ministry team so we can begin ministry here.

We've enjoyed getting to know the people in our community group with church and look forward to spending time with people here. We're praying and searching for some new road bikes so we can explore the city and be true Seattelites! Our next journey takes us to Idaho and then to Montana in the next month. Rylee got a new Kong frisbee yesterday and brought to bed with her. We think she likes it. Random news from us....until next time...

Making a comeback...

2009-03-19T23:52:00.001-07:00

I'm back online... some updates are under construction! Giddyup!

Where have the last 8 months gone?

2008-03-20T22:42:00.004-07:00

Whoa!!

So it may have been a while since my last post. A lot has happened in fact. What, you might ask? Nothing major... well, unless you would count (1) moving back to the US, (2) joining the full time staff of Campus Crusade for Christ, (3) getting a dog, (4) dating my sweet (and smokin hot) girlfriend, (5) and moving to Seattle as major events. So it may depend on how you look at things.

But here I am, a Washington resident. I never would have guessed. But all else aside, I can't get over the fact that God has continued to pour out undeserved blessing on me over the last season of life. Along with the above mentioned things, I've had sweet time with old friends, great time with my brother and parents, and a sweet time of sharing my ministry with new and old friends alike. Sweet Jesus!

Perhaps I'll move back into a season of blogging... any takers? Let me know!

Leaving a Legacy

2007-08-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

My decision to come to Venezuela over two years ago was based on a desire to leave a legacy for Christ through changed lives with an eternal impact.

As we sat the other night listening to students share with us at a goodbye party, I heard something from a student who I’ve invested in this year, Jatniel. It was so beautiful and powerful to my ears that it immediately brought me to tears. He said, “Bryon, what I have learned and heard from you, I will entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” That comes out of 2 Timothy 2:2, a verse which I’ve quoted often to encourage them that they too are capable of a legacy for Christ.

Hearing Jatniel say that he would pass the baton, and knowing that he was serious, was sweet to my soul to know that Christ has so captured Jatniel’s heart that he will invest his life into something that matters- a Christ legacy. I couldn’t have asked for a better gift upon leaving.

Jesus, Jatniel, and I on campus.

It's never too late...

2007-08-01T16:25:00.000-07:00

As we came back from CM2007, there were only 2 weeks remaining to finish our monster to-do list before we left the ministry in Merida for good. Even with those daunting tasks, we wanted to finish strong and invest our time into what mattered most.

So Sam, Emily, and I committed to spending half of each day on campus so that we could engage with lost students and challenge our disciples to do the same. We realized that it’s never too late for God to do something incredible. Over these last 2 weeks, I had many highlights on campus. Here are a couple:

Juan (not his real name) has been a friend of mine for 2 years. My last afternoon on campus before leaving, I took the opportunity to talk to him about Christ again. He was hesitant as I told him that God really did love him. “That’s how we are different, Bryon” he said. “You see, I’m gay, and I don’t think that can be true for me.”
I took that sweet opportunity to share with Juan about God’s love that is greater than our sin, but we have a choice of whether we repent, receive it, and allow it to change us. He was visibly moved by the message of Christ’s redemption for him. Please pray for Juan- as he clearly understands his choice but needs to make a decision- that he would choose Christ over his current lifestyle.

La Cruz Jesús (yes, his real name!) is an accounting student that was really attracted to the gospel once I shared with him. When he had to leave that afternoon, for some reason I prayed that God would use him as a missionary to tell others about Christ, and hoped that we could connect again.

The next day, I wrote my new friend La Cruz and went to meet him in the library. He was studying hard for finals, but told me to wait for a friend of his, Samantha, to arrive. When I asked why, he told me that he had shared Christ with her and she wanted to talk to me about it! God really did use La Cruz as a missionary, just like I had prayed, and he wasn’t even a believer. Samantha, La Cruz, and I all ended up talking about the gospel for an hour that afternoon in the library, and they later came to one of our english club activities. Pray that God would save them, and that they would both be missionaries to bring the good news to others!

Update

2007-05-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Enjoy the latest update from Merida! (click here)

Letters (past and current) can be found by clicking the link on the right.

Our beach condo

2007-04-21T16:00:00.000-07:00

You must know what it feels like to have worked so hard that you just need to take a break and crash. We were certainly at that point after all the preparation and work that went into our student conference. So, thankfully, through a couple great connections, we shacked up at a condo on the coast for a few days of R&R. God was good to us this last week! A couple lazy days by the pool, a fun road-trip cross country in the rental car, hot weather, beautiful beaches, a fun team and the list keeps going! (don't worry, car pictured was NOT the rental car)

We spent a day going to Los Cayos, which are some little tiny islands in Morrocoy National Park. We hopped in a little boat, and spent the day cruising around between islands, and exploring the beauty of the national park.

A couple of my fun highlights that are pictured here... checking out starfish in the caribbean waters, picking a coconut, and getting 'er open.

National Conference

2007-04-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

SOLO UNO happened a couple weeks back. We had 34 students from Merida join other students from around the country at our national conference. Overall, there were 190+ people attending! For us as a staff team, we had been preparing for this week for the whole year, and it was a privilege to see how God used our efforts to impact students lives.

For me, one of the highlights was to serve through the technology and sound during our main programs. It was fun to help create an atmosphere where students could connect with God through worship and teaching.

And in true Venezuelan fashion, everyone had a ton of fun, and new friendships were made between students from different universities!

Praise God for how He used this week to connect people to Himself and to the movement that He's building in Venezuela!

Emily!

2007-02-16T11:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks for praying for Em- God has been good in taking care of her, even though the circumstances are different than we anticipated. After a little over a week in Maracaibo, and no answers from test results, Em had to fly back to the states, and she is currently in Wichita with family.

Regarding her health, we're thankful to have an answer! In my own explanation of what's going on, her body's system was messed up due to an infection she had in January, and hasn't been able to set itself up to work properly, hence the symptoms. At this point, she's looking at a strict daily schedule of activities that will help her body's clock and system get functioning properly.

Pray for Emily, that this process would go well, that God would completely heal her so she can come back and join us by March 4th. Also pray for her emotional strength and encouragement being away from us, her team. Pray that the rest would be encouraging, and her time with her family would be a blessing.

We want our sassy Emily back with us soon!

Pray for the Incredible Emily

2007-02-04T18:59:00.000-08:00

I've got a pretty amazing teammate named Emily. Unfortunately, she hasn't been feeling so amazing lately.She's been down for the last few weeks with something that's sapped her strength and she hasn't been able to be as active or mobile as usual.

The doctors we consulted here in Merida didn't lead to much help, so she is currently in Maracaibo with some fellow Crusade staff, seeking better medical care.

While we're glad for Emily to be getting good medical care, and glad that our fellow staff are taking great care of her- we don't like being without her stellar presence on our team. She might be gone for this week.

We would appreciate your prayers for her health, safety, and her encouragement while she's away. We're praying that we find some results and that she's able to return well soon. Thanks.

*Disclaimer: The wheelchair is more for dramatic effect, but the smile is 100% Emily!