A lot of times when one thinks of missionaries or mission work, a foreign land and people far away comes to mind, perhaps impoverished, sick, or recently struck with disaster. Missionaries sacrifice the comfort of their own life-as-they-knew-it to travel away from "home" and in many cases live right there with the people they are serving, striving to help the community that surrounds them by evangelizing, educating, feeding, building, and helping the people with their greatest needs.
Missionaries are needed everywhere. But a lot of times people don't think about the need right in their own community (yes, even wealthier, healthier places--spiritual deprivation likely exists).
Everyone has a mission field. Where is it you are called? For me, it has always been about the church. For some reason, God created me this way... I am a people-person... from the infant baby girl to the great-great-grandpa, I care for them and want God's best for them. The church is the bride of Christ. I want to help it become ready for Christ's return. I've been blessed enough to have worked in various ministries (children, youth, young adult, women, worship) and am thankful for the leaders I've served with and the experiences I've had that have helped me become better at shepherding and leading others. However, the church is not my only mission-field.
My first "mission-field", if you will, is my family. God has entrusted me with 3 children (for now... maybe more in the future??? but don't get thinking anything... not a foreseeable future!) to lead, and a husband to submit to and partner with. And though we are far from perfect, and sometimes I feel we have more failures than successes, we are learning and growing and striving to be the people God wants us to be. We are a team. I love these people. And together we are a stronger force for good than we are on our own. We want to share God's love and "let our light shine" everywhere we go, bringing hope into seemingly-hopeless situations.
My next mission-field is the community around me. God opened doors and brought us to Phoenix. We've been here for almost four months now... wow! My role at Arise Church is that of a worship pastor. But it's not just about the music. It's about the community--the people. If I can help create an environment where people come in and feel the presence of God and encounter him in a powerful way, if somehow God working in me or through a song, or a word of encouragement can draw people closer to him or awaken something inside them, if people can get to the place of singing a song to Jesus with heartfelt-passion and conviction, then I feel I am on-mission. On-point. Doing what I'm called to do. But shepherding and leading people doesn't just happen during a Sunday morning gathering. It happens through relationships, through "doing life" with others, and truly striving to love them like Jesus does. What happens on Sundays is important. But what happens Monday-Saturday is just as important. And as I meet people here, sure, I'm inviting them in to Arise Church, but I want to be their friend as well. I want to share my story, and how God's love has changed me and propelled me to help others. I want to be a disciple-maker.
I am thankful God brought our family to Phoenix. There is a lot we like about being here, and much that God has blessed us with here! But it's not easy; in fact, some days are much harder than others. Helping start up a church and doing this mission work in Phoenix has caused us to give up many comforts... the comfort of family and friends nearby (we are really missing them!), the comfort of a steady paycheck that covered our expenses and allowed us to give and save, the comfort of a house with space for the kids to run around in all the luxuries and/or comforts that come with living in a house, the comfort of familiarity and knowing the community and area, etc.
HEAR THIS: Blessing does not equate to stuff! (That blog is coming soon... it's been brewing inside me.) Just because we are living with less and differently than we had planned does NOT mean we are not blessed. We are VERY blessed. Being uncomfortable may just be a good thing in some ways, and I believe God is showing us that.
A few weeks ago, we didn't know how we would pay for rent, buy groceries, or get by for another month. I wrote about it and shared our story, bluntly stating how broke we were. And as God always does, he provided our every need through His people. We are so thankful to all the people who gave a financial gift to help sustain us during this time. Wow. We are overwhelmed and humbled by the amount of people who reached out to us. However, out of that, only one family was able to commit to supporting us monthly. And though we are SO thankful for that support, we know that in another month or so, we will be back in the same spot. So if you are reading this, and feel compelled to be part of the solution and give on a monthly basis, I can walk you through the steps to make that happen. I know there's a lot of GOOD organizations out there to give to, and plenty of people who need help--even more than us--so as you open up your heart and your wallet, I want to encourage you to ask the Lord to direct you as you give.
Thank you for reading. Thank you for giving. Thank you for praying. Please continue to lift up our family in prayer, as well as the leaders and people of Arise Church, as we seek to do God's work in this community. May you serve well in the mission-field God has called you to!
God bless you,
Tori Walker
ToriWalker22@gmail.com
TO GIVE
Please write a check to "Arise Church" with the memo to "Matt and Tori Walker Support" to this address:
Arise Church
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
---OR---
You can give online with a credit/debit card by going to www.arisechurchaz.org and clicking on the "GIVE" tab. From there, you can select "Matt and Tori Walker Support" or "General" to give to the church.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Wednesday, May 2, 2018
Our Financial Plea
Well, we are officially broke.
Hello friends and family! I pray you are well. Our family so misses the closeness of you all. We continue to lift you up and ask God to bless you and guide you in all that he has prepared for you to do for His Kingdom!
We continue to seek the Lord daily for wisdom and vision. Planting a church is a lot of work, and though rewarding in many ways, it is also very taxing and emotionally draining. Of course the enemy wants to destroy all that we’re doing, so we are holding tight to God’s word and His promises.
Our status? We are broke. And so here we are, asking God, what now? Are we doing what you want us to? Are we serving how you want us to? Are we stewarding all that we have well? What is it you want us to see in all this?
I am writing today to ask and plea for your help. As you may know, we are treating this ministry as missionary work, and are raising funds, at least until the church is self-sustaining. So financial support is crucial.
Since we moved here, we’ve had to live off of savings. Matt has been working for almost a month now, and is bringing home a paycheck and health insurance. However, that is not quite covering our expenses. Our savings (bank savings and checking accounts) will be depleted this weekend, once our end-of-month (April) bills have all come out. And so we ask our friends and family, “Can you help?” One-time donations are a blessing and so helpful, but we are hoping and praying to find a handful of month-to-month partners, who can promise a given amount on a monthly basis, so we know our expenses are covered. Those who are contributing may request a copy of our budget so you can see what our money goes to. It’s not a lavish or extreme lifestyle we are living. We have cut back in the ways we can, and right now are just trying to survive financially (which is also a big emotional stress). Our God is owner of it all, and continues to provide for us. We are doing what we can to seek additional work, and are asking those who are able to give, to do so to lighten our financial burden so we can focus on the ministry of Arise Church and the purpose that God has for us here.
You can give online by going to www.arisechurchaz.org/give and select the “Matt and Tori Walker Fund”, or send us a check to the address below.
Thank you for your support and your prayers!
Matt & Tori Walker
PO Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
"So whether you eat of drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV
"A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." - Proverbs 11:25 NIV
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." - Matthew 7:7 NIV
Things I've Learned About Phoenix!
I had a true desert moment today. I was driving along and looked ahead at what seemed to be a lake of water in the middle of the road... of course it was a desert mirage, and once I arrived at "the spot" it all disappeared!
Phoenix is a great city! It's the 5th largest city in the U.S. Yes, it's a desert. Yes, it's hot (although we haven't really gotten to REAL hot yet). Yes, it's also a city. Yes, it's growing.
We are still learning about cactuses, scorpions, and desert-life, but we are adapting pretty well. Here are a few things I've learned in the 3 months we've been here...
- As a family, we consume just over a bottle of sunscreen per month.
- Last week, we were in the pool everyday (pools are a blessing!).
- Always carry chap stick with you. We apply 3 times (or more) daily.
- A cooler in the back of your car is a common thing.
- We always have drinking water with us, wherever we go.
- It takes about 20 minutes to get just about anywhere.
- We love the parks here! Splash pads, fun equipment, shaded canopies, you get it.
- We get excited on the rare occasion that it rains! Although, monsoon season is approaching...
- A 75 degree day is a much appreciated "break" from the heat.
- We love our little RV park community. The staff are great, and there are finally some kids here now that the snowbirds have left.
- A black light will allow you to see the scorpions "glow" in the dark. It's so cool!
- Driving is messy. Busy. We know when not to get on the 101 or I-17.
- There actually is grass in some of the nicer areas, but most of what we see is "fake" grass.
- RV living is nice. It's simple. It's hard at times, but we are mostly enjoying it.
- Houses go "off" the market just about as soon as they go "on".
- AZ schools are very much in need of reform. #redfored
- AZ was voted the most pro-life state. The Phoenix House of Prayer has been praying for more reform from the government, for pregnant mamas, and for God to show us how we can take action. There's much more work to be done to end abortion, but now is the time to speak up and stand up.
- There are no (or little to no) mosquitos. (Hallelujah!)
- You can be in a nice neighborhood and drive a few blocks in any direction and suddenly be in a not-so-nice neighborhood, and vise-versa, even in Scottsdale! ;)
- In the first 2 months of living here, we met up with 7 Michigan families right here in AZ!
Thanks for reading. For fun facts on Phoenix, go here: https://www.visitphoenix.com/media/media-kit/fun-facts/
Tori
Phoenix is a great city! It's the 5th largest city in the U.S. Yes, it's a desert. Yes, it's hot (although we haven't really gotten to REAL hot yet). Yes, it's also a city. Yes, it's growing.
We are still learning about cactuses, scorpions, and desert-life, but we are adapting pretty well. Here are a few things I've learned in the 3 months we've been here...
- As a family, we consume just over a bottle of sunscreen per month.
- Last week, we were in the pool everyday (pools are a blessing!).
- Always carry chap stick with you. We apply 3 times (or more) daily.
- A cooler in the back of your car is a common thing.
- We always have drinking water with us, wherever we go.
- It takes about 20 minutes to get just about anywhere.
- We love the parks here! Splash pads, fun equipment, shaded canopies, you get it.
- We get excited on the rare occasion that it rains! Although, monsoon season is approaching...
- A 75 degree day is a much appreciated "break" from the heat.
- We love our little RV park community. The staff are great, and there are finally some kids here now that the snowbirds have left.
- A black light will allow you to see the scorpions "glow" in the dark. It's so cool!
- Driving is messy. Busy. We know when not to get on the 101 or I-17.
- There actually is grass in some of the nicer areas, but most of what we see is "fake" grass.
- RV living is nice. It's simple. It's hard at times, but we are mostly enjoying it.
- Houses go "off" the market just about as soon as they go "on".
- AZ schools are very much in need of reform. #redfored
- AZ was voted the most pro-life state. The Phoenix House of Prayer has been praying for more reform from the government, for pregnant mamas, and for God to show us how we can take action. There's much more work to be done to end abortion, but now is the time to speak up and stand up.
- There are no (or little to no) mosquitos. (Hallelujah!)
- You can be in a nice neighborhood and drive a few blocks in any direction and suddenly be in a not-so-nice neighborhood, and vise-versa, even in Scottsdale! ;)
- In the first 2 months of living here, we met up with 7 Michigan families right here in AZ!
Thanks for reading. For fun facts on Phoenix, go here: https://www.visitphoenix.com/media/media-kit/fun-facts/
Tori
Monday, April 2, 2018
Ministry at Arise
We have been here in Phoenix, Arizona for two months now! We have had 5 Sunday morning services, and have officially launched our weekly services as of Easter Sunday. We had a sports camp in March, and an egg hunt that brought in over 100 people! That's not all that's happening though. Things are going well and we are so thankful for all we've been able to experience so far. Even greater things are ahead!
Matt and I are starting to see some of the reason God has us right here, right now. We have encountered many people who are sick and are undergoing treatment. We've been able to pray for (and even with) these people. God has really opened doors for conversations about Him, his grace, and healing power. It has been so eye-opening to see the needs of these precious people, and know that it is our responsibility and privilege to pray for them. And we have seen God answer prayer! We pray, he answers. He is faithful and good!
Personally, it has been an adjustment for our family that is still in motion. Living in an RV without having planned to do that has been a big point of transition. Had we known we'd be in our camper for 2+ months, trust me, I would have packed differently (clothes, medicine, my curling rod!, etc.). Having almost 300 square feet for five active people poses a daily challenge, but thankfully we can get outside for more space. Matt has begun working (full time) for the Scottsdale Unified School System, overseeing their 5 theaters. He enjoys working there and we are thankful he got the job!
Even with the full time job, we are unable to make ends meet. So far we've been ok because we have been living off our savings for the past two months, but once that's gone, we won't be able to sustain ourselves. I have been job-searching, but with no car and needing to be with the kids, I am left with fewer options. We have enough money to get through this month. But we need to raise more funds.
This is where we need to let you know of our genuine need. We need to be able to pay our bills so that we can continue to serve the community and be a part of the Arise Church leadership team. We believe that everything we have is God's, and that the whole world is His. He has access to everything. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and we trust in that as we submit ourselves to Him and His will. Please consider supporting us financially if you are able, and/or if you know someone looking for an opportunity to be a blessing and support the ministry we are doing, please send them this information as well.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you to those who have given financially. You are a part of the ministry happening here & what we are doing here because of your support. We are ONE CHURCH, serving ONE GOD, loving ALL people!
To give financially, choose one of the following options:
- Go to arisechurchaz.org/give and choose "Matt and Tori Walker Fund"
- Send a check to
Matt or Tori Walker
P.O. Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Like our Facebook page "Arise Church AZ" for more updates, stories, and pictures!
Matt and I are starting to see some of the reason God has us right here, right now. We have encountered many people who are sick and are undergoing treatment. We've been able to pray for (and even with) these people. God has really opened doors for conversations about Him, his grace, and healing power. It has been so eye-opening to see the needs of these precious people, and know that it is our responsibility and privilege to pray for them. And we have seen God answer prayer! We pray, he answers. He is faithful and good!
Personally, it has been an adjustment for our family that is still in motion. Living in an RV without having planned to do that has been a big point of transition. Had we known we'd be in our camper for 2+ months, trust me, I would have packed differently (clothes, medicine, my curling rod!, etc.). Having almost 300 square feet for five active people poses a daily challenge, but thankfully we can get outside for more space. Matt has begun working (full time) for the Scottsdale Unified School System, overseeing their 5 theaters. He enjoys working there and we are thankful he got the job!
Even with the full time job, we are unable to make ends meet. So far we've been ok because we have been living off our savings for the past two months, but once that's gone, we won't be able to sustain ourselves. I have been job-searching, but with no car and needing to be with the kids, I am left with fewer options. We have enough money to get through this month. But we need to raise more funds.
This is where we need to let you know of our genuine need. We need to be able to pay our bills so that we can continue to serve the community and be a part of the Arise Church leadership team. We believe that everything we have is God's, and that the whole world is His. He has access to everything. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider, and we trust in that as we submit ourselves to Him and His will. Please consider supporting us financially if you are able, and/or if you know someone looking for an opportunity to be a blessing and support the ministry we are doing, please send them this information as well.
Thank you for your prayers. Thank you to those who have given financially. You are a part of the ministry happening here & what we are doing here because of your support. We are ONE CHURCH, serving ONE GOD, loving ALL people!
To give financially, choose one of the following options:
- Go to arisechurchaz.org/give and choose "Matt and Tori Walker Fund"
- Send a check to
Matt or Tori Walker
P.O. Box 1292
Sun City, AZ 85372
Like our Facebook page "Arise Church AZ" for more updates, stories, and pictures!
Monday, March 5, 2018
We're in Arizona!
Well, we did it. We moved to Arizona. That is something I never thought I'd say (or type, in this case). We are thankful for what we've experienced in the past month. God is good, always. He is our helper, provider, our friend, and so much more. We know we could not have done this without his leading, nor without the support of our friends and family. This is a genuine, heart-felt THANK YOU to everyone who prayed, gave financially, sent treats, and bid us farewell. Your generosity is a reflection of God's goodness and provision in our lives. THANK YOU!
The Move
It took us about a week to get from Kalamazoo to Phoenix. There were a few hiccups along the way, but nothing bad, thankfully! The kids travelled very well (mostly) and Matt drove the WHOLE trip! I had my important role of navigator and child-entertainer-discipliner. ;)
We stopped in Wichita to see extended Walker family. We stopped in Amarillo to stretch our legs at an RV park. It was so exciting to drive into Arizona, coming down from Flagstaff. We didn't know where we'd stay. We had been looking for several months, but found nothing suitable (or in some cases, even available). We spent our 1st night in Cracker Barrel in Phoenix. The next morning we drove to an RV park that we had already called & declined admission. However, because GOD goes before us and works ALL things for the good of those who love him, he made a way, and they let us come... but only for a week. Thank you all for praying. A week became 3 weeks. Then 3 weeks opened up to "as long as we need." PRAISE GOD! We're not in a house. We don't have our clothes (other than what we packed to travel in) or toys (stuff is in a local storage unit for now). We are still figuring things out. But we HAVE A PLACE TO STAY! God is just that good. We are trusting in His perfect timing for the rest as we continue to seek out, plan, and work toward the next step.
The Church
We have now had two Arise Church services! Our 3rd service is coming up this week. What an amazingly welcoming community we have walked into. Pastor Joe and Joy and their kindness, leadership, and friendship have meant a lot to us. Ethan, Jennifer, Jordyn, Tyler, Vivian, Megan, and Tiegan, and others have already become a bit like family to us. We are excited that these are the people we will be serving this community with. We had a women's luncheon last month and are anticipating a kids sports camp coming up in a couple weeks. Good opportunities to meet people and share the love of Jesus with them.
RV Living & Friends
It has been nice to learn to live with less. Some of the (older) people at the park aren't too friendly with the kids, but MOST of the people we've met have been super friendly. We met a family who had 5 kids around our kids ages, and the kids clicked so well. It was so nice to become friends with them! They loved biking and swimming in the park pool with them. They just left the RV park to head north (as they are doing this full time). I also reconnected with a high school friend staying in the same place (CRAZY, right?!?!). I think these are all God's way of helping us feel at home and making sure we have friends here. We have also met up with at least 3 families from Michigan who are here on vacation (Sanfords, Bosmas, & Joan VanderWoulde). So... anyone else want to come visit?!? We are looking forward to our family coming down here to visit in the very near future!
How to Pray
Matt is going to orientation tomorrow for a new job. Praise God for that! He may still have to pick up another job outside of that, but we're both willing to do whatever we need to do. Please pray that he gets paid well with this new job. Please pray for the things we are still figuring out, such as health insurance, making schooling official, family health and strength, wisdom & Holy Spirit vision as we plan & lead at Arise Church. We bought a mini van (similar to our previous one in MI). Pray that it makes it and keeps us safe! Funding... it's hard working part to full time for a church. It's mentally/spiritually and sometimes physically exhausting. Don't get me wrong... it's worth it. We love it. But it is hard work. Doing that AND working an outside job can be taxing. Please pray that we (and our team) don't get burnt out. Please pray for financial wisdom, stewardship, and blessing.
Giving
If you would like to give a monthly gift of any amount, or if you can make a one-time contribution, we would greatly appreciate it! Know that your support of us is supporting our ministry as well. It enables us to serve this community to the best of our ability. And of course, the less financial stress, the better. We thank you for whatever way you're able to give. Please go to arisechurchaz.org/give to make an online payment. Be sure to choose "Matt & Tori Walker Fund."
Thanks for keeping up with us. Thanks for the continued prayers. Thanks for your friendship and partnership. We pray for our friends and family as well and hope & pray you are a light and blessing wherever you are!
Love, The Walkers <3
The Move
It took us about a week to get from Kalamazoo to Phoenix. There were a few hiccups along the way, but nothing bad, thankfully! The kids travelled very well (mostly) and Matt drove the WHOLE trip! I had my important role of navigator and child-entertainer-discipliner. ;)
We stopped in Wichita to see extended Walker family. We stopped in Amarillo to stretch our legs at an RV park. It was so exciting to drive into Arizona, coming down from Flagstaff. We didn't know where we'd stay. We had been looking for several months, but found nothing suitable (or in some cases, even available). We spent our 1st night in Cracker Barrel in Phoenix. The next morning we drove to an RV park that we had already called & declined admission. However, because GOD goes before us and works ALL things for the good of those who love him, he made a way, and they let us come... but only for a week. Thank you all for praying. A week became 3 weeks. Then 3 weeks opened up to "as long as we need." PRAISE GOD! We're not in a house. We don't have our clothes (other than what we packed to travel in) or toys (stuff is in a local storage unit for now). We are still figuring things out. But we HAVE A PLACE TO STAY! God is just that good. We are trusting in His perfect timing for the rest as we continue to seek out, plan, and work toward the next step.
The Church
We have now had two Arise Church services! Our 3rd service is coming up this week. What an amazingly welcoming community we have walked into. Pastor Joe and Joy and their kindness, leadership, and friendship have meant a lot to us. Ethan, Jennifer, Jordyn, Tyler, Vivian, Megan, and Tiegan, and others have already become a bit like family to us. We are excited that these are the people we will be serving this community with. We had a women's luncheon last month and are anticipating a kids sports camp coming up in a couple weeks. Good opportunities to meet people and share the love of Jesus with them.
RV Living & Friends
It has been nice to learn to live with less. Some of the (older) people at the park aren't too friendly with the kids, but MOST of the people we've met have been super friendly. We met a family who had 5 kids around our kids ages, and the kids clicked so well. It was so nice to become friends with them! They loved biking and swimming in the park pool with them. They just left the RV park to head north (as they are doing this full time). I also reconnected with a high school friend staying in the same place (CRAZY, right?!?!). I think these are all God's way of helping us feel at home and making sure we have friends here. We have also met up with at least 3 families from Michigan who are here on vacation (Sanfords, Bosmas, & Joan VanderWoulde). So... anyone else want to come visit?!? We are looking forward to our family coming down here to visit in the very near future!
How to Pray
Matt is going to orientation tomorrow for a new job. Praise God for that! He may still have to pick up another job outside of that, but we're both willing to do whatever we need to do. Please pray that he gets paid well with this new job. Please pray for the things we are still figuring out, such as health insurance, making schooling official, family health and strength, wisdom & Holy Spirit vision as we plan & lead at Arise Church. We bought a mini van (similar to our previous one in MI). Pray that it makes it and keeps us safe! Funding... it's hard working part to full time for a church. It's mentally/spiritually and sometimes physically exhausting. Don't get me wrong... it's worth it. We love it. But it is hard work. Doing that AND working an outside job can be taxing. Please pray that we (and our team) don't get burnt out. Please pray for financial wisdom, stewardship, and blessing.
Giving
If you would like to give a monthly gift of any amount, or if you can make a one-time contribution, we would greatly appreciate it! Know that your support of us is supporting our ministry as well. It enables us to serve this community to the best of our ability. And of course, the less financial stress, the better. We thank you for whatever way you're able to give. Please go to arisechurchaz.org/give to make an online payment. Be sure to choose "Matt & Tori Walker Fund."
Thanks for keeping up with us. Thanks for the continued prayers. Thanks for your friendship and partnership. We pray for our friends and family as well and hope & pray you are a light and blessing wherever you are!
Love, The Walkers <3
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Winter Blues
This has been a hard winter for me. Matt and I would love to move south, except we don't want to live away from our family. (Hint, hint, family!) Last year we couldn't afford to take a vacation and this year is the year we are getting out of debt, so we have chosen to put all extra money toward making larger monthly payments instead of taking a vacation. So here we are, stuck in the cold, cold, freezer we call Michigan, with no chance of even visiting someplace warmer.
I actually haven't been as affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as I was anticipating. I think it helps having kids in the house and not being alone when Matt goes to work. But there are still very unpleasant, tiring parts of winter that I am just... done with.
I want to be able to take my kids outside to play (in a decent temperature, not negative ten). I want to take a day off and go to the beach. I want to go for walks and runs, and get back into shape. I want to go to the farmer's market and buy fresh and locally grown produce. I want to not worry about bringing extra shoes/boots, a coat, gloves, and a hat everywhere I go. There are so many extra steps you have to take in winter. And I'm TIRED of it!
It's true--I have the blues right now. Every time I stand by the door before going outside I think to myself, "Do I really have to leave? Is this necessary?" But I suppose I can't call in because I have a case of "I don't like winter."
This winter has been so long, so cold, and so persistent, that I am starting to doubt that spring will ever come!
But alas, it will. A new chapter will open. Life and new growth will sprout, the sun will shine, and once again, people will come out of their houses and explore the great outdoors. And I will be a much happier camper. And hopefully I will be a camping happy camper!
So I'm done with my rant about disliking winter. Can you relate, or are you one who truly loves this season?
I actually haven't been as affected by SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) as I was anticipating. I think it helps having kids in the house and not being alone when Matt goes to work. But there are still very unpleasant, tiring parts of winter that I am just... done with.
I want to be able to take my kids outside to play (in a decent temperature, not negative ten). I want to take a day off and go to the beach. I want to go for walks and runs, and get back into shape. I want to go to the farmer's market and buy fresh and locally grown produce. I want to not worry about bringing extra shoes/boots, a coat, gloves, and a hat everywhere I go. There are so many extra steps you have to take in winter. And I'm TIRED of it!
It's true--I have the blues right now. Every time I stand by the door before going outside I think to myself, "Do I really have to leave? Is this necessary?" But I suppose I can't call in because I have a case of "I don't like winter."
This winter has been so long, so cold, and so persistent, that I am starting to doubt that spring will ever come!
But alas, it will. A new chapter will open. Life and new growth will sprout, the sun will shine, and once again, people will come out of their houses and explore the great outdoors. And I will be a much happier camper. And hopefully I will be a camping happy camper!
So I'm done with my rant about disliking winter. Can you relate, or are you one who truly loves this season?
Thursday, January 2, 2014
A New Year (2014)
What a wild year it has been! Okay, maybe not 'wild', but definitely eventful for the Walkers! We did not send out a family photo/card this year. So here are some snips from the past year...
2014 Family Recaps (in no particular order)
We had a lovely visit from our former exchange student, Bea, in July/August. It was so good to see her!
We had our second child, Ephraim, in May. And what a GOOD baby he has been. Thank you, Lord!
Our oldest, Cali, turned two. I can't even explain how bright, sweet, spunky, and delightful she is.
Matt took on a third part-time job, which has been a huge blessing, financially speaking.
In June Matt and I celebrated my 30th in Chicago.
I began leading worship once a month in our "big" church. (Normally I'm on the other end of the building with the little ones!)
We are focusing on paying off debt. Our washing machine broke, so we bought a new one on credit and just paid that off! We decided to hand-make many of our Christmas gifts this year to cut back on spending. It was really fun putting the time and thought into each person's gift!
I (Tori) have learned how to make some more dishes (meals). Most of them are vegan/vegetarian and involve fresh ingredients. It's been fun--I actually enjoy it. I think I'm getting good at it too(but you can ask Matt). I still am a big failure when it comes to making cookies!
No vacation this year. But we did travel to Tennessee to visit my dad & his wife. That was nice to have that time with them. It's not fun living so far away from loved ones.
I (Tori) have begun writing music after a nearly one-year hiatus. (Is 'hiatus' the right word?!) I miss having an outlet for creativity. I have hopes of writing and recording more, especially as the kids grow older.
Matt went to Passion in 2013 in Atlanta, and I get to go this year (2014)!
My sister had a baby and made me a proud Aunt! I love it. I'm going to spoil that baby.
Those are basically the highlights. Here's to another good year, wherever The Lord may take us...
Blessings!
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