Introducing.. ASHER!

Here's the newest addition to the Aletheia Ministry House:

Asher (Hebrew for "a happy blessing") - Australian Shepherd Mix (basically means he's going to be huge)!

Chelsea and Lauren found him yesterday morning at Sylvia's Pets and by 4:45 yesterday evening, we were on our way home with him!! He's the man of the house now- definitely our little man (soon to be BIG man)...I'm pretty sure that he's already stolen our hearts!



We're taking on a new responsibility but I think that we're all really excited for it and understand everything that's going to come with owning a dog. Asher's first night at his new home went better than we expected I think. He only cried in his crate (or crib as Sarah calls it) for about 30 minutes before falling asleep. So far, no accidents; hopefully we can keep that streak going!



There will be more pictures of Asher up on facebook within the next couple of days I'm sure, so stay tuned!

Tampa - Day 6

Ashlee killed me at Lifestyle Family Fitness on the revolving stair climber or something and the arc trainer.

Came home, applied for two jobs, went swimming.

Felt terrible, took a nap, woke up in the middle of dinner, ate dinner.

Went to Baptist Collegiate Ministry on campus. Came home, went to bed.

Hoping that I feel better today while we're at the beach...right now my head might explode!




ps. I miss my roommates!

Tampa - Day 5

Halfway through this week. That's a little bittersweet - leaving Tampa is going to be sad but I'm stoked to get back home and see my girls!!

Sitting here watching American Idol with the crew. Lana's here- she rocks!! Enough said.

Between AP and I, we spent about 4 hours on the phone - Verizon and the IRS - gotta love 'em! AP had to get another new phone number today because apparently the Verizon guys in Tampa got things messed up when they gave him his first new number. My taxes and social security number are wacked out again this year- genked! Anyway...

We spent some time at the Verizon store, at SUPERTarget (yea, uh huh.. SUPER. We're not in Harrisonburg anymore), headed to Lifestyle Family Fitness where Ashlee got a membership and attempted to get me a job- we'll see.

Came home for dinner - Tortellin Primavera, sauteed zucchini, pizza, and garlic toast - another successful day in the kitchen with Ashlee Proffitt (minus the cookies). Lana was here for dinner... did I mention that she rocks?

Drew went nuts after dinner and was totally showing off for everyone. We took some video of him laughing like crazy- it will be on youtube sometime in the near future, so be on the lookout.


I'm starting to think that I can really see myself living here for a while. As said before, God is continuing to change my heart. Still at that "we'll see" stage though.

Tomorrow's agenda: Ashlee and I are going out to find me jobs to apply for - prayers welcomed.

Stoked for Friday- spending the day at the beach with the AletheiaTampa crew and then girls night... guaranteed to be a great time! (Lana's leaving now (10:25pm) - that's kind of sad.).

I'm tired...so I think I'm done for tonight. Writing every day about what I do is turning to be a bit difficult, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

However, I'm still waiting to be able to blog about seeing an alligator.... stay tuned.



Lauren, Sarah, and Chelsea - I love you girls! Hope you're all having a great week!! Get stoked for Saturday cause it's bound to be a celebration!!!!

Tampa - Day 4

Another great day in Tampa, Florida! A little chilly and breezy, but a great day nonetheless.

The day started off as usual, I woke up on the couch before 9 as AP left to go get a meeting place on campus with Speedy! Made some oatmeal for breakfast and studied at the kitchen table again with Ashlee.

AP and Ashlee went to lunch while Sarah and I watched Drew. Lindsey Jones stopped by and graced us with her presence - she rocks!! We put the Aletheia cd in and Drew ran to his room, pulled his drumset into the kitchen and started rocking out to the sound of "da-da"...it was sweet!!

The homeowners arrived back home and we started dinner. Chicken Penne Bake- we actually took all of the chicken off of the bones with our fingers. Nothing like cooking with Ashlee Proffitt!!

Ace and April arrived!!! Lindsey came back and we grubbed on some chicken penne, salad, potatoes, and bread- it was delicious! Next order of business: ice cream. We loaded up the pilot and headed to Walmart for a Redbox movie and then to DQ for some blizzards. Now we're back at home watching The Rocker.. apparently it's funny! We'll see.

Some random facts about Tampa:
1. Lightning Capitol - don't go outside in a thunderstorm, it won't end well.
2. Pre-historic animals - they have these birds that are a cross between an ostrich and a pterodactyl. There will be pictures and video to come!
3. This place causes people to change their look - JR straightened his hair (and left it like that for work today. It's awesome!) and I also have a new "do" going ok - no hairspray and a headband (I think I like it).
4. I think I might love it here....

God's still working on me and changing my heart about this place. The people that are a part of Aletheia Tampa are solid and awesome. I've had the best time getting to know these girls down here and look forward to more time with them later this week. I'm still praying and studying- it all starts with meditating in His word, so that's what I'm doing.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:8-9

Quote of the night: "Loads of elevators play Celine Dion, that don't make it right." - The Rocker

Tampa - Day 3

It's Monday. Usually I hate Mondays...today was different.

Woke up around 9. Spent pretty much the entire morning reading and studying at the kitchen table with Ashlee.

Got ready for the day. Sarah and I headed out to do some exploring of the area. Made our way to USF and drove around campus just to check it out...in a torrential downpour. Drove pretty much to Downtown Tampa and then went the other way to head back home. Stopped by one of the bookstores and bought a USF sweatshirt (just in case) and ended up back at the house.

Ashlee came home from the store and we started making dinner for the large group meeting at the guys apartment- Breakfast Casserole (with and without sausage). Sarah and I made chocolate bread with almonds for dessert- delicious!

AP taught the small group tonight. It was fun to actually be a part of one of these group meetings that I've been praying for every Monday for weeks now. We learned about the history of Aletheia and the vision for the future. Went all through Acts (chapters 13-20 specifically), looking at the biblical model that God has provided us with for church planting. It was an encouraging study.

Best part of the day: after large group, JR Mondell got his hair straightened. Hilarious! Turns out that he looks almost identical to David Cook from American Idol. This is something that you have to see for yourself. AP posted pictures on his blog - check them out!

Next was the concert: J.R. Mondell Live from Tampa. This was great as always... definitely miss it happening on an almost daily basis at the Ministry House! Got to play alongside him as well for one song, which was a definite privilage.



God is starting to change me a bit, I think. There's still a lot left to change and a new attitude to bring along but I can feel it coming- still not exactly positive about what He wants, but I think I might be starting to get a feel for Him and His will again.

I still miss home- trying to become more mobile is not an easy task when everything you have is "back home". But, like I said in Day 1, this could be my new home....

Who knows?

only God.

later.

Tampa - Day 2

Sunday.

Church this morning at Watermark.

Definitely different from Aletheia, but it was legit. I loved the ambiance of the building that they met in- very cool and relaxed feel. The worship was awesome - Psalm 23 made it's way into my life again in one of the songs...maybe God's trying to tell me something..? The teaching was good- symbolic comparison of the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16 to Jesus in Matthew.

After church, went to the Pizza Restaurant. Legit pizza- definitely grubbed! Came back to the house, hung out/napped, then headed out to the pool. Got our swim/tan on and then left to get ready for dinner. Ashlee and I went to Publix (one of her two new loves- the other is her new green couch) and picked up stuff for dinner, came home and got right to cooking- that's right I was working in the kitchen alongside one of Aletheia's best - Ashlee Proffitt.

Ate dinner. Boys (J.R., Emilio, AP, and Dan) and Elizabeth left for Late Night at Temple Terrace around 6:30. Sarah, Ashlee, and I stayed home and cleaned up everything.

Spent some time talking to Chelsea and Sarah- which is always nice at the end of the day! Heard that God rocked Aletheia Harrisonburg this morning- evidence that He's going to work huge through this ministry. I'm excited to see what's to come and to be a part of it- wherever that may be.

The day is ending with Sweet Home Alabama and relaxation!

Aletheia Tampa small group tomorrow night - get stoked!

Tampa - Day 1

Spring Break is finally here for those of us who are no longer a part of the college scene.

Saturday morning was busy. Elkton for tax stuff. Climbing through the window at my parents house because my mom had locked all of the doors and then left, only to realize it later. Baptism at the Halterman's. Made a quick walmart trip and then finished packing. Left the house around 1 to head to Roanoke to get this Tampa trip started.

I'm still a bit blown away at how I can be in two different places within the same day, without really skipping a beat.

Chelsea drove us to the airport, because she rocks and is the best - thanks again for doing that girl!
Katherine came along to keep her company on the drive back - thanks to you for doing that!

Flight was smooth. Car rental was smooth also. Hooked up the GPS and hurried over to 11124 Ancient Futures Drive - the Proffitt's new residence! It's a sweet placee and I'm loving being here so far.

Met some of the coolest Aletheia Tampa folks tonight and am looking forward to spending some more time with them as the week goes on.

Midnight Walmart run with Ashlee and now here I am, writing this blog.

I miss home, but who knows...this could be my new home. Only God will tell. Praying that I'm open to hearing Him speak to me this week.

Tomorrow's agenda: church at 10:30 along with talk of a pool party afterwards..hmmm, I think I like the sound of that!!

See yaaaaa!!