Married and Loving it!

Hey guys! I'm back! I can't believe I've been married now for OVER a month! Wow! Where did all the time go? I guess having a 2 week honeymoon is where most of it went..but still! Funny, cuz at the same time, I feel like we've been married longer than a month.

The gorgeous mini roses Alex got for our 1st Monthiversary! Such a sweetie!

So....I'm SO looking forward to back-posting for the last 4 months, but you'll have to bear with me.... Besides setting up our sweet little home, I don't have all the wedding photos back yet, and my computer needs a complete cleaning because I'm out of space (seriously right? 35,000+ photos, assorted music, and tons of ranch stuff can do it to you, I guess! ...and that's not even including our formal engagement or wedding photos!) 8-O

So. Here's my update for now. Our engagement was a dream (crazy, because it was only 61 days, but nevertheless a dream), and our wedding was magical. It was everything I ever wanted, was mostly stress-free, and went smoothly (for the most part--forget about the 4-tier cake melting, or my cathedral length veil catching on our concrete textured stairs! ;) Haha....but really, those just made fabulous memories, and the weather was even cooler than expected! (Mid 80's instead of early 90's!)

Prayer with my parents beforehand

Waiting to walk down the aisle! 

The leaning tower of awesome Lemon Poppyseed Cake!!) Thanks Lauren for being it's support!

My husband and I

Alex took me on a total surprise honeymoon. I didn't know where we were going for almost all of it. We ended up staying at the Resort for the first night (which was my dream), and then through a long string of events, involving a partial kidnapping, and romantic picnic lunch (more on that in a future post), I found myself at the airport, with a destination ticket to Hawaii!!!

Sunsets!!

One night it started raining cats and dogs, while we were waiting for the bus...so we took the opportunity to.... ;)

We spent a week in Kona, at a timeshare that my parents and aunt and uncle so thoughtfully got for us, and after catching up on sleep, and having adventures there, Alex packed us up, and shocked me by taking us to Southern California (where he was raised), for the last week of our honeymoon!! That was super exciting as except for the LA airport, the furthest I've been in CA is Sacramento!

It was SO good to relive his childhood with him in places like his Grandma's house (we spent 4 nights there!), San Clemente (where he grew up), and Legoland!!! We also decided to go to Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm, because...well, I suppose you could say we're kids at heart and I LOVE roller coasters!! =D hehe

Disneyland!!

Legoland!!! :)

A picture with Mr. Surfer Dude =D

Last dinner with Grandma Barb & Aunt Liz

We came back in time to start temporarily settling into my parent's basement (as our rental fell through for unavoidable reasons), which has actually been a huge blessing in disguise!! Not only do we get to save more money, but all of our wedding stuff is in the garage, as are all the boxes we aren't unpacking until we really get settled! My parents and siblings are amazing, and it has turned out to be a perfect situation for now.

We are really trying to take to heart 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12:

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

Thus, I'll post when time and computer space allows! And that my dears, is all for now!!

Last Day As A....

Today is my last day of being a single woman. Yes, I know I haven't posted in months...I'm sorry. There is so much I want to back post too....life, the proposal, our whirlwind engagement lasting just 61 days, and ever so much.
But that will all have to wait. Until after tomorrow. The first day of the rest of my life.

Yes, on April 5th, 2015 - Easter Sunday, Alex asked me to marry him - overlooking the gorgeous Hayden Lake. Pictures were amazing, and so were the memories....

And the way he did it? By digging out a rock he'd had my brothers engrave, asking me to marry him. It was perfect. And tomorrow, I marry him!

Much more photos to come...after we marry. After we honeymoon (the place, I know not which, for it's a surprise!). After we settle. But, Lord-willing, it will come!

Take a peek, at www.weddingwire.com/henkoski

We're even hoping to have Live-Stream there, which will be posted on the page there. So you can tune in, if you are, and make sure to drop us a note if you do, so we can enjoy it with you!

Only 1 day, and 7 hours. Praise God, I'm blessed!!

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of eivl, to give you an expected end."

~ Jeremiah 29:11 ~

Selah's Baby Shower

January 10th held my bestie-turned-cousin's baby shower, and boy, was it lovely!! There were so many hands that put work into it, and it was so much fun!

Rachel Dunn managed the whole shebang and I was quite impressed with all the work she, Selah's family and all my cousins did... Aren't the decorations wonderful?!

Cake, Cake Pops, Fruit Salad, Fruit Salad in Waffle Cones, Chocolate Nuts

Crepe and Mini Pancake Bar with Fruit, Sauces, and Mini Cinnamon Rolls

Shrimp and Veggie Table, Little Quiches, and Virgin Marmosas

Beautiful decorations and Chocolate-Covered Oreos as favors.

We had a hair bow and onesie decorating table, which was a big hit.

Aren't these awesome and amazing?? Katie (who married my other cousin) is due in April!!

Besties!!! <3 Love this amazing woman!!

"Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate."

~ Psalms 127:3-5 ~

Love you Selah and I'm so looking forward to watching you and Luke raise Esme-Aurra Selah into a woman of God!!

Singles' / Couples' Conference!!

Hey!! Got something exciting to announce!!
We're hosting another event...actually two conferences, specifically for Singles and Couples in all phases (Pre-Marrieds, Newly-Weds (or not so new) ;p)!!

Join us for a fabulous weekend to remember featuring guest speaker Chris Hogan of Noble Call Institute in Illinois, as he helps you discover greater purpose and meaning in life as a Person, and the ABC's of your love story as a Partner!!

The Singles' Conference (ages 15+) will be held on Friday and Saturday, January 2nd-3rd, 2015, and the Couples' Conference will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 4th, 2015, in the afternoon.

Register and find out more details on our website: www.PassionatePurposeMinistries.org.

There is limited space, so please register soon!!

It will be life changing!

5 months and Counting

Well, I know it's been quite a while since I've posted, but I'm hoping to post on November soon (so much to post!) Work is crazy and has utterly consumed my life right now, but I'm working to get that scaled down after the New Year.
That said, I just had to get a quick post in with some photos of Alex and I -- celebrating 5 months of 'going public', and almost 10 months since the fateful day that he told me he wanted to get the ball rolling out of friendship to something more (that was quite a while after he'd started talking to my dad btw). :)

Yes, I'm even on my tip-toes here!!! :D

I am SO very blessed... Life definitely hasn't been easy, but it's through the hardships, challenges, and crazy times of life that we have drawn closer than ever, and for that, I am so extremely grateful!! Busyness is the worst enemy sometimes, but you know, God is SO faithful!!! It has allowed us to deepen our communication pathways all the more!!

This is one of my favorite rhemas of late... so much to ponder!! And with that, I will sign off until I get the next post out!!

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thought of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.  Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.

And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart."

~ Jeremiah 29:11-13 ~

Poems and Ponderings

It's been a while since I've posted...but thought I'd share just a few random things...

I am only one, but I am one;

I cannot do everything,

But I can do something.

What I can do, I ought to do,

And what I ought to do

By God's grace, I will do.

~ Edward Everett Hale ~

If I knew that a word of mine,

A word not kind and true,

Might leave its trace

On a loved one's face,

I'd never speak harshly;

would you?

If I knew the light of a smile

Might linger the whole day through,

And lighten some heart

With a heavier part,

I wouldn't withhold it;

would you?

~ Anonymous ~

I've been pondering on these verses of late...

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

~ Proverbs 18:21 ~

Sometimes, it is easy to get wrapped up in your own little world, your own needs, your own happiness, work, or sorrow, and forget about that big world around you. Smiles are important, just as reaching out is important. Graciousness is important. Prudence is important. Discretion is important.

I ran upon this verse the other day, and it really sent me for a loop. Though it seems to be paralleling the first part against the second part, it was another reminder for me to (through God's grace) work on becoming a woman of prudence. I am so grateful for those mentors and encouragers in my life!

"House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the LORD."

~Proverbs 19:14 ~

What about you? What is God teaching you right now?

Life, Drills, and More

Besides my recording my life and adventures in the Philippines, I'm not sure I have blogged so fully or consistently until we went to Europe...thus, I hope you can excuse the last few weeks of silence as not only did I need the reprieve, but life has been so full I simply have not had much opportunity for any internet time!

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of photos on hand to show the happenings of the last few weeks, but following my last post, I spent the weekend nannying 'my precious little family' of 4 amazing kids for the weekend, ages 8 - 22 months...that included loading them up and taking them to a music rehearsal with me, playing at the Kroc, and living life with them while trying to direct Esther (back home) via phone how to deliver Katydid's malpresenting goat kid!! It was amazing and crazy, but all's well that ends well!

This week also, I had the opportunity to babysit some other friends of mine (6 kids this time - 13 - 1.5) for a day. The thing I love about babysitting/nannying Christian families is that each time I glean new ideas, learn new things, and get to practice my patience, creativity, and love. The question keeps coming to my head, "Do I have the skills, character, and especially selflessness it takes to be a mom?" And I think my answer is, "Yes, by God's grace I shall!"

I've also been busy with my part-time job at my dad's financial firm, Bible Study, spending time with friends (many of whom I have been sorely neglecting in the last few months), spending time with my Jesus, working on the ranch, correcting and sewing a ewe up with a prolapsed uterus, and many other various activities...

One of which, I want to specifically highlight today.... Yesterday, I had the opportunity to volunteer as a 'victim' for the Coeur d'Alene Disaster Drill, which was a 2-day drill done with Kootenai Health practicing how the Medical system would work if say, there was a blizzard and roofs started caving in causing multiple injuries... How would triage work? How would Incident Command be set up, and would it work smoothly with the City Departments, citizens, hospitals, and Emergency Personnel?

Everyone agreed it went much smoother than last year's drill, though a few kinks are still being worked out.

Corn Syrup and Red Food dye makes excellent blood (however, it doesn't dry fast!) :)

It all started when Selah asked me to volunteer with her (as her Nurse grandma had asked her to help)... I *of course* said yes!! :) Medical anything--especially with the ER is AWESOME! This is my life! Arriving at 6:15am, we signed in and got all 'moulaged' for our parts. I was asked to act as a 'hysterical' 32 week pregnant, 20 y/o female, who hearing the ceiling cracking started running from the building, but fell on the ice and had a occipital laceration, broken wrist, hip and lower leg bruising and injuries, and was in possible premature labor. :)

Saran wrap makes an excellent wrap for holding your "baby" in and keeping shape

Grandma S., Selah, and I (baking soda makes great sheet rock dust)

 Grandma S. had a C-Spine injury causing paralysis from her waist down and minor contusions, and Selah had a fractured pelvis among other things.

I think the baby is wanting to come.... :)

Charcoal makes nice bruising, along with liquid foundation and red spray paint as needed.

I guess they picked the right person, as I had a whole bunch of people come up asking when I was due, if it was a boy or girl, and if it was my first... Some thought it was awesome that they were able to find a pregnant woman to fill a role! Goodness....it was so funny!

After we finished the drill and debrief, Selah and I met up with Luke (my dear cousin, and Selah's hubby ;D), and went out for coffee....well, actually, we walked...as we were... Oh the looks were priceless!!! I still looked all pregnant too...crazy, I know! You should have seen the faces when we walked into the coffee shop! It was priceless....and we acted completely oblivious. Of course we told those who asked. :)

One of these days, maybe this will be my reality... :)

I shall blog more as time allows...
Looking Forward, we are leaving for Texas to see the Grand Canyon and ultimately for a homeschool conference next week, where I will be teaching young women-ages 12-15 for the week. After that, one of my big priorities is working to downsize our alpaca herd and organizing my life, so if you don't hear from me much, just know that I'm busy working, serving, or something like that. :)

"As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good."

~ Ecclesiastes 11:5-6 ~

"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing."

~ 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 ~

Midwifery and Missions

I love Ecclesiastes.... It and James are 2 of my favorite Bible books (and the list spirals on from there ;p). For the last year, I've been prayerfully pondering Ecclesiastes 3.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...He hath made every thing beautiful in His time: also He hath set the world in their heart, so that man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end....I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before Him."

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1, 11, 14 ~

Truly, there is a time for every season under the sun, and this is one of them... Many of you have asked if I'm planning to go back to the Philippines, and there was a time that I hoped to in 2015 for a while--using my midwifery studies as an excuse, but last Fall, God removed the "have-to", and unlike my past trips, hasn't put that pressing burden on my heart.

As most of you know, I never felt God leading me to pursue midwifery in the States as a career--it was only ever a ministry to me--one that I felt specifically called to use in the Philippines, as a way to minister to the women there, and also share God's love and the Hope we have because of the Gospel.

This last year has been a weird transition for me in so many ways....the thought of not returning to the Philippines has been hard, and yet, I truly don't believe that my last trip was 'good bye forever'. However, I do know that God hasn't clearly directed me to go back any time in the near future.

Thus, I'm starting to wrap up those loose strings, and one of them is re-conditioning my blog... For memories' sake (and so I don't forget ;D), I am copying below my midwifery and mission testimony from my old 'About Me' page, laying aside, learning from, and treasuring the past, and looking forward to the future of the vision God has given me to carry out.

Truly, I believe that wherever God has me is my mission field, though I have a much harder time remembering that sometimes in the States). It's so easy to take life for granted--unlike the Philippines, where all I have is God...where it's so easy to share the Gospel, and take the time for each person who crosses your path.. Where life seems more fragile and in some ways, more important.

My lifelong vision and calling is to disciple those God brings into my life, whether for a short time or for longer lengths, and live my life in light of eternity. I am so grateful for all of you who were my prayer warriors while I served in the Philippines.

James 5:16b says:

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

I could feel those prayers working, guiding, and hovering over me, and I am so humbled and grateful for them. I would ask you to again partner with me, as God lays me on your hearts, to pray for me as I endeavor to continue serving God.
Satan is so crafty to try to snare us in any ways we allow idols or lies into our lives--even more so in the century we live in, but by God's grace and wisdom, I want to continue overcoming those traps to be able to live in freedom, purity, and truth before God and man.

My Midwifery Mission Testimony:

Age 4

At my birth (my mother's first home birth), the midwives 'prophesied' over me that I was cut out to be a midwife, as I had long fingers and my water bag 'baptized' them as I was born. At age 6, I informed my mom that I felt God was calling me to be a midwife (wisely she refrained from telling me about my birth story until years after my resolution, so as not to 'bias' me one way or another).

Age 11

At 12, I believe God called me to the mission field as a missionary midwife. It was at that time, my dear friend-Jordan Ruseler and I stumbled upon the Newlife School of Midwifery (MMC) website, which is the largest charity-based (also Christian) midwifery clinic in the Philippines.

In 2011, with our parents' blessing, I and my friend - Jordan went and served God in Southern Philippines. Before going, I had witnessed quite a few (human) births, but after serving in Davao and in the Bukid (mountains) for 3 months, I had the privilege to deliver 10 babies, help with around 40 births, and conduct well over 120 prenatals.

In 2012, I went back for another 4 months to work both at the Mercy Clinic and in the mountains, discipling girls, evangelizing, serving them, doing prenatals, and delivering babies, bringing my count up to 25 deliveries, 80 births assisted, and well over 200 prenatals.

My interests have been to become equipped in the following lines of study: Midwifery, EMT, Nutrition, Veterinary, and Doula, so I can better serve those around me, whether here on the homefront or on foreign fields.

I am currently a Nationally Certified EMT and have enjoyed immensely the opportunities that training has brought me, and where it may bring me in the future.

I have also attended the following the courses/workshops:
A 14-hour Bradley Method Course
A 3-day Birth Doula Workshop
A 6-day Intensive Midwifery Skills Training Course 
I also serve as the "veterinarian assistant" on our 50-acre ranch, with experience helping various kinds of animals (alpacas, horses, goats, sheep, llamas, cats, etc.) deliver dystocia births, suturing, ultrasounding, uterine prolapse, uterine torsion, dissecting, etc.

"Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality."

~ Romans 12:9-13 ~

Clothing and Fashion Shops

Are you looking for beautiful handmade crocheted or sewn items? Are you wanting to encourage the ministry and industry of young women? Are you also wanting to get items for a good price? If so, look no farther!

Two of my dear friends have businesses that can cater to your needs:

Natasha specializes in vintage and crocheted items, such as electronic cases, slouch hats, scarves and more, and truly does gorgeous work. Her creativity thrives, and she is very timely in her deliveries. AND....she's hosting a sale!!

Kellie specializes in sewn things--such as modest and feminine skirts, vintage, and tulle skirts!! Her seamstress skills are impeccable, and her creativity is thriving as well!!

Don't see what you were looking for? Feel free to ask them questions!! Also, keep checking back, as their item selections change through the seasons!!

"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night."

~ Proverbs 31:13, 18 ~

A Higher Calling

I've had a lot to think about this week... A lot has happened, and God is good! We went to a memorial service for one of our church members yesterday....a precious older lady who has quietly spread God's light to all who have come in contact with her...

Looking back to even my early childhood days, I remember her little notes of encouragement she'd write, and wonder 'Why did she write me?', 'That's so sweet, but I don't even really know her!' ... but even just those little notes encouraged me...I didn't really know her, but she affected and blessed me, and made me want to be more of a courageous warrior for Christ because of her Godly example.
The question that kept coming back to me was: "What legacy will I leave behind when I die?"
"What do I want to be said at my memorial service?"

I love reading epitaphs....and some of them are pretty funny, but if you think about it, do you really want to just be remembered for being "Late for everything including his own funeral."??

No!! I want to press onto the higher calling and mark of Christ! And what is that?

In my Bible reading yesterday, Matthew 13:22-23 really hit me. Ponder this:

"He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the Word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulnss of riches, choke the Word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that receiveth seed into the good ground is he that heareth the Word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some sixty, some thirty."

In our modern American world of technology and business, isn't it so easy to allow the cares of the world to start choking out Christ? I'm working on this right now--amidst my varied schedule, I'm trying to truly REST in the Saviour...treasure each moment, and use it wisely...

My great-aunt Lisa encouraged me last year to make each moment with those I come in contact with truly count--'Make them feel as if they're the only person in the world for those minutes.' Honestly, that is really hard for me!! I like people, but sometimes I accidentally think of them as 'in the way' to get the projects done... But when it's all said and done, what will have eternal value? The people we reach and touch for Christ, or the projects that we get done (be they of eternal value or not)...

I love this quote:

One of these days, I must go shopping.

I am completely out of generosity and I must get some more.

I also want to exchange the self-satisfaction I picked up the other day for some real humility,

which they say wears better.

I must look at some tolerance, and the samples of kindness, one can never have too much of that.

I'll try to match the patience I saw on a friend the other day, it looked quite becoming on her; I think it will look equally good on me.

While shopping, I'll try on that suit of charity on display.

I must remember to get my sense of humor mended and keep my eyes open for some inexpensive goodness.

It is surprising how quickly one's stock is depleted.

Yes, I must go shopping.

- Anonymous

Another thought-provoker:

"The most difficult t hing for us as Christians to take is the postponement of God's liberating us from our difficulties."

(Do I have an amen?)

"Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with Me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve Me."

~ Psalms 101:6 ~

What is God showing you?

Single's Awareness Day

I love Valentines....since I was a little girl, my daddy has always had this quartet come to our house and office and sing "squishy heart songs" to us....like "I Love You Truly", and so many more...that even as a little girl makes you squirm in your seat.. :)
This year, I got to hear them at the office, and it warmed my heart...it's funny how you build a precious relationship with a group of older men, just by seeing them once a year since you're 5 years old....imagine what it must be like for them?? We were just little tykes then!

It's funny--being single this year....so many of my friends and family have gotten married in the last couple years and now have kids of their own--those my age...and I suppose I expected that at 22 maybe, but 20? Hmm...nope!

You know, in some ways, helping them keep house makes me a tad jealous, but in most ways, I'm just so happy and content being single...not that I don't long for that day that I can make my own home my own, and be a helpmeet to one person (instead of a houseful... ;P jk), but these days could be few or plenty, and especially as we truly don't know our day or reckoning, I'm trying to make each day count for eternity...as a single woman, wholly devoted to the Lord...no, I'm far from perfect, but that is my aim.

I received this article today through my NGJ subscription, and was mightily blessed by Mr. Pearl's words so true.... I just want to keep saying "Amen!!" at the end of each paragraph--so instead of writing it all out here, I'll let his words speak for himself...

Marriage God's Way: How He May Please His Wife

 

Truly, this is a special and unique time--young, innocent womanhood. Ladies, treasure this time, and don't get caught up in "Where is he?" that you forget to make each moment count!!

Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands."

~ Proverbs 14:1 ~

 

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

~ Proverbs 31:30 ~