tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-98720812012-02-03T11:18:13.059-06:00Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.comBlogger7491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-4220107564191986292012-02-03T08:02:00.005-06:002012-02-03T08:34:55.983-06:00

Three years ago, we became a family of 5 when we brought home this beautiful, full-of-life little girl to join the Magruder clan...Today we celebrate how great it is to be a family of 5 that God has put together in His wisdom....with pancakes and a "What We Love About Our Family" banner and a picture or two.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-65550936341894215702012-01-17T15:15:00.002-06:002012-01-17T15:20:34.725-06:00

I would check out this new curriculum using the Jesus Storybook Bible!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-59313779177387202182011-12-31T16:35:00.003-06:002011-12-31T17:07:52.779-06:00

I don't know that I'm much into New Year's Resolutions, but I love a do-over. You know, when you serve a tennis ball into the net and the person says, "go ahead, take a do-over".....or you're playing one of those basketball hoop games at Chuck E Cheese and creaming your kid brother and you have mercy on him and tell him to take another shot at it. It's a do-over.I think that's one reason why I

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-20121479986498186472011-12-11T16:27:00.004-06:002011-12-11T16:44:57.168-06:00

Things tend to get crazy in campus ministry during the months of November and December...they're filled with retreats and service projects and parties, and sometimes the schedule can be hard on our family. So we decided to make a quick trip to St. Louis for some family time!We were so excited to share the City Museum with the girls, and they LOVED it! If you haven't been yet, it's a huge old

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-18603685627269909592011-11-06T20:32:00.004-06:002011-11-07T08:14:36.546-06:00

I spent this weekend with some great women from UIS, talking about what it means to be wholly holy...sold out, 100%, all or nothing, committed/devoted/submitted to holiness. Our Friday night speaker, Melissa Sandel, had some really thoughtful things to say about holiness and community, and one of the things that keeps resonating in my heart is this:"The most gracious gift you can give to one

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-39182083613294312262011-11-01T23:00:00.003-05:002011-11-01T23:10:18.040-05:00

::I'm thankful for a husband who loves me enough to play Mr. Mom for 3 days while I attend a planning meeting for the Association of College Ministries....for Sophia winning her first basketball game after a long season of losses....for the beautiful fall leaves here at Camp Allendale in Trafalgar, IN.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-69633539620120569512011-10-26T21:38:00.002-05:002011-10-26T21:52:22.822-05:00

I was on my way to campus to meet with some students when Todd texted me: "Your youngest daughter is hurling". He assured me he could handle it, and when I got home, she was fast asleep and all was well.The next morning I kept her home from school. No fever, no more hurling, and she was bouncing off the walls.So....in a rookie parenting move, I took her back to school at noon.And at 2pm, I

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-59679726929344105062011-10-23T21:33:00.002-05:002011-10-23T22:42:44.332-05:00

We took Selah to Kohl's this weekend to spend her birthday money. She was looking for a jewelry box or organizer, and while we were there I commented about how I needed to pick up some new flannel sheets. I had just thrown away 2 six year old sets that had big holes in them.Sarah, our oldest, responded "ever since we moved into our new house, we've been living like RICH people!"It's true, we've

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-80987204222805756012011-10-22T20:12:00.004-05:002011-10-22T21:54:36.768-05:00

We got to spend a few days in Atlanta this month for the Catalyst Conference. It was just what I needed - - for my soul, my marriage, my parenting, and my ministry. Amazing speakers, all focusing on the theme, BE PRESENT. But I came home to the same jam-packed schedule, never-ending laundry and chauffeur responsibilities and the challenge has been how to BE PRESENT to experience the

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-6134777059860845662011-08-28T22:04:00.002-05:002011-08-28T22:26:26.411-05:00

This summer we've been talking lots about The Theology of the Pop-In Visit. The idea is that real intimacy and deep relationships are characterized by friendships where it's okay to pop in at any time...and regardless of whether I'm in my pajamas, or about ready to eat dinner, doing homework, or yes, even coloring my hair, I'm going to invite you in to join in whatever I'm doing. So today when

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-18501099298325217692011-08-23T20:31:00.002-05:002011-08-23T20:51:36.548-05:00

For the last year or so, our girls have been begging to get another dog. We haven't had one since Selah came in 2009. We knew we wanted to move, and thought having a new dog while we're getting a house ready to sell or even in a new house wouldn't be the best idea. SO.....when a neighbor asked the older girls to help out with walking his 2 year old Golden Retrievers this summer, it seemed

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-79001545421261970332011-08-14T20:23:00.002-05:002011-08-14T20:32:58.864-05:00

This is one more reason I love my husband.... Me: We need to hang this new towel rackTodd: Anybody seen my drill? I can't find it.Me: It died and you threw it out a few weeks ago.Todd: I'll go get another one....but I can't remember how to get to Menards from here.Me: Here's a little map Later....new drill is juiced up..... Todd: Alright! ......um....what did I need the drill for? All

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-60175602586166488742011-07-28T07:00:00.004-05:002011-07-28T22:58:15.321-05:00

Yearly exam dayReminder I am fortyReady for squish squish

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-73968230699581855672011-07-21T22:52:00.002-05:002011-07-21T22:56:44.179-05:00

Our middle daughter, Sophia, was at church camp this week - - the hottest week of the summer. I missed her so much, especially since Tuesday was her 11th birthday. We were glad to pick her up from camp tonight and hear great stories at the closing ceremony.Selah: Did you get 'Camper of the Day'?Sophia: "No, I didn't win anything".Me: "Were you bad this week??"Sophia: "No, I wasn't bad....I

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-64215084455742790412011-07-11T21:33:00.002-05:002011-07-11T22:04:58.385-05:00

(this isn't our neighbor....this is a picture of the girls with my dad:)This evening one of our neighbors stopped by after dinner. He wanted to pay the girls, because for the last month or two they've been walking his golden retrievers a couple times a day. When he had surgery on his foot, he found the dogs were a little too much for him, and asked if they'd be interested in helping exercise

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-91220667554710647672011-07-08T22:46:00.002-05:002011-07-08T23:06:44.415-05:00

Okay, it's July and I'm seeing the summer slip through my hands. Time to check in and see how the Family Summer Goals are coming along....Spiritual Goals: We're making our way through a biography on the life of missionary George Muller, and memorizing Philippians 1. During the school year, we have a regular time of family devos in the morning during breakfast....during the summer it's more

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-25717339278958047702011-06-10T07:51:00.002-05:002011-06-10T22:03:49.878-05:00

I've been reading about this Hula-Hooping trend for awhile now......My friend Elyse does it, and so does Apryl. It's a little intimidating.....there are different types of hoops, sizes, materials, and colors. When you start looking at Hoops on the internet, it's easy to get overhwhelmed with the selection and variation.This video was posted on a blog I read - a How-To Make Your own Hula Hoop .

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-8892183059899602112011-06-10T00:55:00.003-05:002011-06-10T01:24:10.574-05:00

Our friends, Derek and Debra, got married last weekend. They are recent graduates from UIS - leaders in our ministry and on the campus. They dated for over 2 years and were very intentional about the way they handled their relationship - setting clear boundaries, being careful to not desert their friends to become relationship-centered, pursuing God first.And at their wedding ceremony on

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-35556390100804113862011-06-06T19:03:00.002-05:002011-06-06T19:46:49.866-05:00

I'm not gonna lie...Summer kinda terrifies me.A house that doesn't stay clean....kids running in and out and all over the neighborhood....a constant barrage of questions "can I have a snack?" , "can I watch tv?", "can I go to Zoey's house?", "can we have a sleepover?"......We decided long ago that a list of Family Summer Goals would help keep us from getting bored, and make sure we don't forget

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-74949374743746018262011-05-29T19:21:00.004-05:002011-05-30T07:08:01.755-05:00

This morning was Graduation Sunday at our church - - one of the few Sundays when we let the youth minister do the preaching, and we recognize the students who are graduating from high school and college. We talk about staying on the right path and making good choices.....but it leaves me wondering why the statistics for how many Christians walk away from their faith during college continue to

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-20409860309924818582011-05-20T21:46:00.003-05:002011-05-20T22:43:05.712-05:00

On Fridays, our family prays for the campus ministry at UIS, the Lasleys who work with us, and for university students**. We were talking with the kids about why summer is hard for some college students - - because, after growing and being with a strong faith community, they are suddenly on their own; because of old friends and old habits; because of too much down time or too little down time;

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-62857356596909764302011-05-15T21:41:00.003-05:002011-05-15T22:49:20.409-05:00

Picture a Norman Rockwell family on a roadtrip (except that mom is driving and the kids are all obsessed with their electronics in the back of the minivan)....One by one, dad and the kids drift off to sleep, while mom works hard to stay alert on the road. In the quiet of the minivan, she reaches into her purse to get a bag of peanut M&M's, tears off the corner of the bag, and places a piece of

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-56924753488851074302011-05-15T21:18:00.002-05:002011-05-15T21:22:46.497-05:00

THANK YOU for responding to this request to help the children at Gathiga! So excited about this update from Shana....UPDATE!! FOOD!! I don’t know HOW God has done it, but we’ve had 34 people - some of whom are complete strangers - dig into their pockets and pitch in for food at the Gathiga orphanage!!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-28371837402545857342011-05-13T22:18:00.003-05:002011-05-13T22:49:55.016-05:00

Jump for Joel is a ministry our family loves. My friend Shana writes about an urgent need right now to feed the kids at the orphanage in Kenya...... Confession: I don’t know how we’re going to feed the kids at the orphanage. After several months of low donations, we’ve reached the point I hate most: having to tell Gathiga Children’s Hope Home - NO. No, we don’t

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-15785352094763447072011-05-10T22:56:00.002-05:002011-05-10T23:03:13.927-05:00

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence.They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water.Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought.Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.Jeremiah 17:7-8

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-53694597092907057472011-05-04T22:25:00.006-05:002011-05-06T13:28:43.215-05:00

I was in the dressing room at Target this week, when a mom and her son, probably 4 years old, entered the stall next to me. It was funny to listen to him talk about dinosaurs and cars...and then hear him say,with all sincerity, "Mom, you're so pretty!". Immediately my mind went back to the crazy years of trying to shop with small children and bribing them with McDonald's if they're good in the

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-5632908854062289972011-05-03T22:50:00.002-05:002011-05-03T23:20:22.680-05:00

What?!You're still here?It's been quiet around the ol' blog....not that life has been quiet....more like...shallow. The months of March and April were packed. Kids, Campus Ministry, Breastfeeding stuff, relationships....very, very full. Quite honestly, I feel like we just lived event to event, getting all of the chauffeuring right with the kids, preparing for the next meeting, the next lesson.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-37873781725984222011-03-30T07:38:00.003-05:002011-03-30T07:52:25.955-05:00

From today's Jesus Storybook Bible story about Moses and the 10 Commandments:"God promises to always look after you." Moses said. "Will you love him and keep these rules?""We can do it! Yes! We promise!"But they were wrong. They couldn't do it. No matter how hard they tried, they could never keep God's rules all the time. God knew they couldn't. And he wanted them to know

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-4453977203515015042011-03-27T16:28:00.003-05:002011-03-27T16:39:25.258-05:00

Okay, just writing that makes me think of my love handles, but this is about our little scientist, Sarah Jane!This weekend she competed at the Regional Science Fair with her Jell-o Experiment. Inspired by our annual Jell-o Olympics on campus, she set out to see which color would melt fastest, and why.We were so proud when they called her name as a winner of a special Consumer Science award (and

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-67634886331484389252011-03-23T21:22:00.004-05:002011-03-23T22:25:27.695-05:00

When our girls were babies, my husband dubbed this, The Peacemaker:Lately, however, I've come to realize another important piece of the peacful family puzzle:I fought it for awhile.Our minivan was hauled away to van-heaven in January, and since that time have been borrowing a car from a generous family at church until our tax refund comes. We've been shopping for cars and keeping an open mind

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-36154622777821724462011-03-19T19:54:00.002-05:002011-03-19T20:27:41.635-05:00

Just one of the cool things about the Indian culture is their respect for Creation. Of course, Northern Minnesota is chock-full of wildlife....Every time we go I have hopes of seeing a Moose or a Bear. It hasn't happened yet, but we learn alot about wild rice and maple syrup from the trees, and see plenty of eagles and deer. Kevin Lasley, the missionary who lives on the Nett Lake Indian

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-77570321322520102242011-03-19T15:53:00.008-05:002011-03-19T18:07:49.198-05:00

29 College Students4 CSF Staff3 Magruder children1 Lasley baby3 15-passenger vans1 minivan14 hours one-wayThis was our Spring Break mission trip to Nett Lake, Minnesota!All of the ingredients for the perfect storm...or an amazing opportunity to see God do some pretty sweet things!!We did a little sledding...not only did our group go sledding on our own, but the Nett Lake Elem School brought the

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-30710320893173290532011-03-09T09:11:00.003-06:002011-03-09T09:43:56.238-06:00

Some glorious things come to mind when I think of Spring Break....warm weather, sunny beaches, napping in a lounge chair....of course, add college students to that and the picture usually includes binge drinking, mostly naked co-eds, and dangerous, self-indulgent, risky behavior.So I continue to be impressed by college students who don't buy into the stereotype and who use their lives for things

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-7574762821321750992011-03-02T23:20:00.003-06:002011-03-02T23:42:11.544-06:00

Our family started reading a new Bible this week. Two good friends recommended it to me. I was a little concerned that it would be too "young" for our family of pre-teens, but figured you could never have too many Bibles, right?I LOVE THIS BIBLE.We're just a few days into reading through this during our morning family devos and I've been blown away by the beautiful illustrations and fantastic

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-81584496309394486882011-02-14T13:05:00.005-06:002011-02-14T13:54:46.927-06:00

In the early years of dating and marriage, romance was alot like you see on tv....flowers and chocolate, candlelight, getting dressed up for a night on the town, the exchange of special gifts, and "ooey-gooeyness". Valentine's Day was soooo self-centered...even if the self was a pair of people. I remember an early Valentine's Day in our marriage...I was in the 1st trimester of pregnancy with

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-83039773604396612412011-02-04T07:14:00.002-06:002011-02-04T07:27:19.105-06:00

Those of us in Central Illinois experienced Snowpocalypse 2011 or Snowageddon 2011 this week with 13 inches of snow, a little more ice, and 3 days out of school. The result was alot of cooking and baking and mandatory reading time for our family.I have a freezer full of pork from some amazing friends, and decided to try a new recipe. Not a difficult one, but it called for white wine, which we

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-44798749537303011192011-02-02T07:07:00.004-06:002011-02-02T09:24:05.211-06:00

Two years ago, we became a family of 5!4 was good....it was comfortable. Dare I say, maybe even easy? But God was unmistakable in his direction to us to open our home and our hearts again through adoption. So we trusted and prayed and dreamed and watched in amazement as God made us a family of 5 instead of 4.5 isn't always easy. Todd and I are outnumbered and there's more competition for

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-59346994876845973732011-01-31T22:11:00.002-06:002011-01-31T22:23:37.568-06:00

Groceries purchased.New batteries in the flashlights.Cell phones charged.And minutes ago.....we got the call from the school telling us that school is cancelled tomorrow!Selah was sure it would be so. The older ones know not to get their hopes up....they've been disappointed too many times. But Selah, the one who's still working on her English, was certain that "no one has to go to school

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-59881374887954521502011-01-28T08:13:00.003-06:002011-01-31T22:29:23.905-06:00

Day 5 of the 90 Day Bible Read-Thru Challenge, and I'm loving the huge overview of scripture we're getting! I also love "hearing" God's voice as he communicates with people in the OT...his sarcasm, his sense of humor, his gentleness...oh, and his anger, too.Exodus 3God tells Moses he's going to talk to Pharoah and convince him to let the Israelites go free. Moses balks and says there's no way

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-72549964588437005482011-01-24T08:47:00.004-06:002011-01-24T09:04:06.586-06:00

Our students at UIS/LLCC are doing a 90 day read-thru of the Bible, beginning today.I've got to admit, I am entering into this with fear and trembling...I HATE not following thru on commitments and would rather say no in the beginning than say yes and not finish. But, 1) I love structure and a plan; 2)I love experiencing God in a community setting; and 3) I love God's word.To make it easier, I'm

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-59801366737612373572011-01-20T13:25:00.002-06:002011-01-20T13:36:44.557-06:00

I have a confession to make.I stink at details.I've been at women's retreats or conferences where they hand out cute little goodie bags or party favors, and I often think, "wow, that was a neat idea!", but it's not something I think much about when I'm planning things. That's why I'm always amazed by my sister-in-law, Chessa. If you lead a women's small group or ministry, she's got some

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-3879071684407530772011-01-15T19:18:00.002-06:002011-01-15T20:13:53.862-06:00

This Christmas break we have painted the livingroom and cleaned out several areas of the house, purging it of too small clothing, broken toys, and random junk.Much of it, I've gone through before....some of it, several times over the years. I open a box, pick up the items and turn them over in my hand, asking silent questions likewhat could I do with this?who could I give this to?am I really

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-68934011596998994882010-12-31T10:35:00.006-06:002010-12-31T11:27:46.430-06:00

The last almost 2 years with Selah have been quite an adventure....language barriers, learning personalities and cultures and family routines....and one of the biggest adventures has been in African hair care.We've experimented with conditioners and cremes, purchased silk scarves for bedtime, tried our hand at braiding and beading, and logged many, many hours sitting on the couch, braiding and

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-21437711286182347762010-12-23T23:28:00.005-06:002010-12-26T18:24:56.254-06:00

Our family has been preparing for Christmas with an Advent story called Jotham's Journey. I've talked about it before...the 3 books in the series are a hit with all ages in our family!One thing I'm struck by this time of year....despite our indifference or disobedience, God came to Earth because He has good will toward us...he's come to bring us peace in the midst of chaos. That's some Good

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-33031165440162217402010-12-21T06:49:00.003-06:002010-12-21T06:59:14.624-06:00

I tried explaining to my husband this week how you can't "just get new carpeting". Any other women have this illness?!If you give a woman new carpeting...She's going to want to paint the walls first.And when she starts thinking about painting the walls, it's going to make her realize the the popcorn ceiling is really ugly and should be painted as well.But when she imagines the freshly painted

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-79889974168535100452010-12-12T15:45:00.006-06:002010-12-12T16:23:29.694-06:00

Our last Friday night Bible study after a semester of Fridays.Grown men with their arms around eachother. Musicians with eyes shut, forgetting the rest of us are even there.Recent alumni in front of me, not quite sure if it's okay for them to still come, but arms lifted high in worship.They have homes in China, India, Decatur and Oregon. Bunker Hill and Freeport. David asks the question, "

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-45355091093504389622010-12-01T10:29:00.001-06:002010-12-01T10:34:21.345-06:00

Every 3 years, my brother, Jonathan, and his family visit from wherever they're working overseas. Currently, they're living in SE Asia...before that, Africa. This Thankgiving we got to meet our newest niece, Jubilee, and play with our not-so-small cousin, Atticus! In some ways when we're together it's like no time has passed at all - the teasing, the cooking and playing together....but then

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-37718459059338821192010-11-24T11:41:00.002-06:002010-11-24T11:52:04.408-06:00

Today is my birthday. My 40th. And it's fine, really. I don't mind being 40....it's just a little shocking to hear my name associated with that number, when I feel like 32 might be a more appropriate number. My wonderful husband rescheduled things to spend the day with me while the kids are at school. We talked about going to see a movie, maybe doing some cooking together in the kitchen,

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-45046047318855080852010-11-22T08:16:00.005-06:002010-11-22T08:36:54.009-06:00

When I was growing up, I spent alot of time listening to my mom sing Alto. At First Baptist Church, there wasn't typically childcare during choir practice, so either Chris Clemmons and I would play hide-and-seek in the dark sanctuary, or I'd be sitting next to my mom (or maybe I had to sit next to my mom because we had been been playing in the sanctuary....). At Thanksgiving time, we often

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-30065858767630948622010-11-11T11:37:00.002-06:002010-11-11T11:57:58.978-06:00

I'm a girl who likes a plan. I like to have a goal, cross stuff off lists, gauge my progress.....and much of the spiritual growth I've experienced has come out of plans like this. It's not about limiting God to a plan, but using plans as a tool to get myself to a place where I can listen to God.Anyway....I've been a total bible reading plan flake this year. I started wanting to do a

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-71959384972491355712010-11-03T22:16:00.003-05:002010-11-03T22:30:53.392-05:00

At least, that's what it feels like when your grandparents buy a horse.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-66499787558481088792010-10-26T19:45:00.005-05:002010-10-26T20:02:52.461-05:00

Haha...I feel like a title like that should be on an SNL spoof about NPR programs...but it describes my Sunday afternoon with my friend Apryl. Apryl is the queen of teachable moments...partly because she loves my kids, but mostly I think because she's an amazing teacher! Her Montessori method was a little scary to me the first time she handed my 3 year old a knife and taught her how to cut

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-52569589453008333082010-10-24T23:14:00.002-05:002010-10-24T23:23:25.260-05:00

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-62830374342076694732010-10-18T23:43:00.004-05:002010-10-19T07:13:45.189-05:00

When I was in my teens, my mom spoke these prophetic words to me....."in our family, the women all need glasses when they turn 40". A few years ago I had my eyes checked and the doctor said I was marginal - - my vision wasn't perfect, but not really bad enough for glasses. He said he'd give me a prescription if I wanted one, but I thought, "meh, I'll just hold off till I'm 40..I'll need 'em

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-27578700111191907352010-10-16T21:21:00.004-05:002010-10-16T22:16:27.293-05:00

I. Love. Fall.I love wearing sweatshirts and trench coats. I love football games and raking leaves, and pumpkin anything. I love apple cobbler, pie, butter, or cider...and Spiced Tea. Growing up, this was the medicine my mom gave us for every scratchy allergy throat, every chilly morning, and any hint of a cold. Russian Tea...Spice Tea....Orange Tea....here's the recipe. I recommend drinking it

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-77996139397057266362010-10-11T22:13:00.002-05:002010-10-11T22:47:24.058-05:00

My fun friend and neighbor from A New Day in my Father's World nominated me for the Lovely Blog award. I think words like "random", "sporadic", or "trivial" might describe this blog better than "Lovely", but I'll take the compliment with thanks!The rules, should you choose to accept it: =)1: Put the one Lovely Blog award logo on your blog2: in a new post, share 3 things that you think are

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-59891316452292927262010-10-10T23:17:00.003-05:002010-10-10T23:45:49.368-05:00

My nephew, Atticus, was visiting this weekend and joined us for the UIS Homecoming Parade! Atticus and his family live in South East Asia, so we love any chance we get to hang out with them. The college students invited the kids to throw candy in the parade (the CSF parade entry won 1st place!), and then we took a few pics on campus before heading home.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-75258205717955187462010-10-03T22:36:00.004-05:002010-10-03T23:10:38.283-05:00

One of my favorite nieces turned 2 last week and we loved having an excuse to hang out with family...and eat cake!! But we didn't eat just ANY cake...Ruby's cake was made by their good friend, Krista Gaff of Sugar Mama Cakes. The picture doesn't do it justice...not only did it look like one of those Food Network creations, it actually tasted amazing (I always wondered about how those Food

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-55773358340772953172010-09-27T21:41:00.005-05:002010-09-29T21:12:03.683-05:00

Last weekend Christian Student Fellowship had our annual Fall Retreat. This has got to be #13 or #14 for us....not always at Little Galilee, but we've had alot of group shots on that old bridge!Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it?Isaiah 43:18Fall Retreat 2010

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-28449603008695386432010-09-13T19:13:00.002-05:002010-09-13T19:22:22.629-05:00

In light of my last, depressing, parenting post, I can understand this sweet/creepy story a little bit better....But I'm hoping to not become the creepy 70 year old woman who sneaks into her grown child's house and rocks them while they sleep!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-74742697371416568292010-09-10T23:24:00.008-05:002010-09-12T22:23:51.469-05:00

Tonight I took my 12 year old daughter to her first Junior High all-nighter.And as I drove home, I bawled like a baby.Because I know it's happened.Just a year ago, she grabbed my hand as we walked into the grocery store and I remember telling her to never quit holding my hand in public. She smiled and shrugged and kept her hand in mine.Tonight as we rode in the car I reached my hand out and she

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-75956033161952860312010-09-09T17:57:00.004-05:002010-09-09T20:15:21.798-05:00

Packers fans have their cheese hats, Mac owners put that apple sticker on the backs of their cars, Ford owners have that strange picture of a kid peeing on the Chevy(I've never understood this...), and people in the Adoption community love their ADOPTION SWAG!!Where else can you get a cookie cutter in the shape of Africa? Or some Ethiopian adoption artwork for your home? Or a cool t-shirt that

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-71351971959851547762010-09-04T15:42:00.003-05:002010-09-04T15:58:05.899-05:00

Took advantage of the beautiful weather to head outside today to the Ethnic Festival. Food booths from around the world, fun live music, and some good friends!I wasn't sure about it at first, but I was won over by this:

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-82669846430800090442010-08-24T22:05:00.005-05:002010-08-24T22:38:53.518-05:00

One of my cleaning spurts last week uncovered a couple of Quarter Collection folders the girls had been given years ago, complete with the new quarters from 2003 and part of 2004, and spaces for new quarters for 2005-2008.I asked the girls if they'd like to become coin collectors and finish out the folders, but we took another look at the dust-covered coins and decided...ICE CREAM FOR EVERYONE!!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-74679195016589896942010-08-22T13:52:00.005-05:002010-08-23T07:36:27.991-05:00

My reading list this summer has been all over the map. Ministry books, parenting books, and a few business books have stretched me outside of my normal topics. My brother, Pete, recommended The 4 Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss. It's an interesting look at a new generation of people who have decided to change what success looks like, trading in 80 hour work weeks for more efficient work

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-29059754722535736252010-08-17T21:59:00.004-05:002010-08-17T22:20:43.822-05:00

We had a perfect day to celebrate the last day of summer! Cleaning the house (that part's for mom) and then out for a game of Putt-Putt golf. It was the first time for Selah, and she picked it up like a pro!We took them to Cozy Dog for lunch for one last special treat.I can't believe summer is already over. Even harder to believe is the fact that I have a Jr. Higher!! We sent Selah and

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-55961331636224913412010-08-04T23:18:00.004-05:002010-08-05T00:19:22.973-05:00

Our life is a little like a revolving door.We get to meet students at a really impressionable time of their lives. We go for walks and hang out watching Monday night football. We have dinner parties, read books together, talk about God and life.....and then, after we've formed deep, intimate relationships with many of these friends, they leave. My family is so incredibly blessed to have this

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-33892643592742711202010-08-02T14:00:00.000-05:002010-08-02T14:00:00.734-05:00

My parents' house has a utility room with a second refrigerator in it. There's a serving window, and the grandchildren love to serve food from it, pretending it's McDonald's.But when we can get the kids out of there, we sneak in and eat the Oreo Ice Cream Cake without having to share it with them. Welcome to the McDonald's Manager's Meeting.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-4428338527451951112010-08-02T08:00:00.001-05:002010-08-02T08:00:10.777-05:00

We had a very special 4th of July. For the first time in several years, all 3 of my siblings were together with their families and our parents in one place. We played cards, met new cousins, cooked, ate, rode the golf cart, listened to the outdoor municipal band concert, swam at State Farm Park, and caught up on life.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-78576384703590448772010-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:002010-08-01T08:00:03.197-05:00

You know those moments when you look up and it seems like your kids grew up overnight? I had several wake-up calls this summer....bra shopping, teaching a daughter to shave her legs, and 2 of my girls sharing the same shoe-size as me were just a few.I started looking for some new resources to use with the girls, and several friends suggested Family Life's Passport to Purity. Sarah and I loved

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-72381595030945215112010-07-31T21:52:00.003-05:002010-07-31T22:15:12.021-05:00

I haven't been much for blogging lately....lots to write about, but lots more life to live while the kids are home and the days are long. Can't believe it's already August....better blog some of the summer memories before the new school year begins and they get lost in a flurry of school supplies and college cook-outs!This is my good friend, Amelia. She graduated from college in May, and in

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-47092871618695320452010-07-13T12:57:00.003-05:002010-07-13T13:08:14.934-05:00

We get the special privilege this week of staying with our youth minister's 3 adorable boys while their parents take 90+ students to a BigStuff conference in Florida. The boys' ages are 4, 3, and 1, plus Sophia and Selah, the dog, Otis, and the pool :)But because of said boys (and the rest), bullet points is all you get this week....Corndog sticks make for an awesome band of

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-43413724660433151452010-07-01T21:07:00.003-05:002010-07-01T21:16:09.977-05:00

You know you're getting older when someone calls you a "veteran" campus minister and asks you to share advice with the newbies! I was honored to get to do that on the Heart of Campus Ministry blog. Check it out...and while you're at it, take a look at some other really good stuff from other campus ministers!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-11005015550931593162010-06-30T22:22:00.003-05:002010-07-01T08:25:58.783-05:00

We had World War III at our house last night.Accusations, emotions, admissions, and feelings seemed to spew from all directions. Though calm on the outside, my dear husband knew I was close to the tipping point and stepped in. Just as statements like "I need a family that actually loves me" were being said, he calmly dismissed me from the room and took over. It's hard to even describe the

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-36742774644911411502010-06-24T14:47:00.003-05:002010-06-24T15:03:15.243-05:00

I used to think this picture from my 1986 family vacation (which my dad titled "The Vacation You'll Tell Your Grandchildren About") was kind of funny.We took our annual trip to the Current River for camping and canoeing - my parents, 3 younger brothers and I - but this time our route included random colleges and universities, state parks, and various other points of interest (interesting to my

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-43346584715850783592010-06-10T08:50:00.000-05:002010-06-10T08:50:00.358-05:00

After our annual trip to the Campus Minister's Retreat in Spencer, Indiana and a night in Indy to catch up with some friends, last week we headed to northern Indiana to visit our good friends, the Dings (or Kent and Natalie Dilling to those of you not in the know).Natalie has always had a knack for creating peaceful places, and a couple of days with them was just what I needed to start the summer

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-21918075900581369972010-06-09T10:05:00.006-05:002010-06-09T11:01:55.813-05:00

Somehow, I missed the part of childhood where you fall in love with vegetables. I have amazing parents who fed us well-balanced meals and didn't start buying sugar cereal and soda until we all left the house (well, except for my little brother, Pete....he got everything)...but it's been a long road to learn to really enjoy eating vegetables.So, when I ran across this Green Smoothie Challenge

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-38352648357220358972010-05-31T23:21:00.004-05:002010-05-31T23:48:46.326-05:00

When we first brought Selah home from Ethiopia almost 16 months ago, we knew that attachment (creating a physiological, emotional, permanent connection between our adopted daughter and Todd and I) would be a process. We pulled our family close together for several months, being intentional about snuggling and touching, helping her understand our commitment to her and what it means to be a

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-63734822790499602892010-05-22T23:14:00.003-05:002010-05-23T22:13:22.552-05:00

We've finally decided it's time to part with our tag-along bikes. You know - the ones you attach to mom or dad's bike with a 3rd wheel? We've got 2 of them we used with the girls when they were younger so we could take them out on longer rides on the Lost Bridge Bike Trail. When we bought them, we knew it would be just a short time before they grew out of them and we'd want to re-sell them.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-1784142848046677372010-05-17T08:02:00.002-05:002010-05-17T08:05:00.510-05:00

Dear Local Church,I wanted to introduce you to some new members headed your way!My friends have just graduated from college and are looking for a new community to be a part of. They are excited about finding a place to jump in and serve, and will be checking you out over the next few months as they transition from college life to (hopefully) gainfully employed life.Everyone wants to be known.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-56300148020265816992010-05-16T22:41:00.010-05:002010-05-17T08:34:47.621-05:00

I got excited about trying some new recipes from the Tasty Kitchen Blog this week, beginning with Chocolate Chip and Bacon Cookies (meh....not bad, but not good enough to probably ever make again. Kinda like the Bacon-flavored Chapstick...good for a laugh!).Lindsey and I have a little tradition of doing brunch with some of our graduating girls, and Friday we had a great time eating and laughing

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-67458554639646278462010-05-10T23:28:00.006-05:002010-05-12T23:04:23.891-05:00

I bought my pregnant friend a nursing cover (Hooter Hider, Udder Cover...) this week.And then I wondered if that was really helpful.I know it will help her to hide her baby under a little curtain of cuteness while she breastfeeds, but does it help the bigger problems with breastfeeding? Problems like women being embarrassed to feed their babies in public....or the problem that the marketing

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-54321342500039095942010-05-10T11:05:00.003-05:002010-05-10T11:27:00.419-05:00

For someone who likes FOOD....baking it, smelling it, and eating it....there's nothing better than a blog that features amazing recipes and beautiful pictures of food! Thanks to The Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen blog, I'm thinking of who I can test these Bacon and Chocolate Chip Cookies on.....

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-65230987912303634732010-05-09T21:09:00.004-05:002010-05-09T21:22:08.746-05:00

We are so incredibly blessed...we have a family who loves well. I'm so thankful for our moms and for the legacy of love and faith they are passing on!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-28733066864909309092010-05-03T00:01:00.002-05:002010-05-03T00:18:55.306-05:00

Do you ever get the feeling you're "that person" in your small group Bible study?who talks too muchalways tries to "one up" everyone else's storyis the super-spiritual onealways brings up unrelated bible passageswho seems to want to debate every topicprays too longdoesn't pray long enoughnever has anything to saywhose children are the most disruptivewho seems to think differently than everyone

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-60563160558029996242010-04-29T23:26:00.003-05:002010-04-29T23:53:17.038-05:00

Somebody's gotta do something about the pumpkin shortage.What? you knew nothing about it? How have you been making those amazing Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins? Pumpkin Bread? Pumpkin Cake with yummy cream cheese icing??If you're like me, you haven't been making any of those things, because YOU CAN'T FIND PUMPKIN IN SPRINGFIELD.So I decided to take matters into my own hands, and I planted some

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-9562679989056037842010-04-27T07:19:00.001-05:002010-04-27T07:19:01.014-05:00

There is something intriguing about the modern nomadic lifestyle.I stumbled on one of these blogs a few months ago, and I'm fascinated...Maybe it's the simplicity - selling everything except what you really need (and can fit into an RV). Maybe it's the family togetherness....definitely the cute moms with nose rings (but not so much the dreadlocks)...the green-ness (veggie oil fueled vehicles and

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-61783796645721266142010-04-26T07:56:00.003-05:002010-04-26T08:18:57.091-05:00

I started following the Shubin Family adoption when we were early in our process. Erica returned to Ethiopia on a mission trip about the same time we were there to get Selah, and I was excited to get to meet this friend in person! Now, they're starting their 2nd Ethiopian adoption and have a GREAT giveaway to share!!First, if you haven't seen the stuff from Tracy at Junk Posse, you need to go

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-53940869287987066822010-04-24T11:44:00.003-05:002010-04-24T11:59:15.521-05:00

For all of my friends who really do think this...But if you haven't read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years yet, you really should.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-58759115826084065722010-04-21T20:44:00.005-05:002010-04-21T23:38:09.204-05:00

My thoughtful husband forwarded this Christianity Today article about breastfeeding to me today, and it got me thinking... Some people get uncomfortable when I tell them I'm a Lactation Counselor. Now, I don't just whip that little bit of info out first thing, but it doesn't take long in a conversation for someone to ask, "what do you do?". I love breastfeeding.Does that sound weird? Maybe.

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-42441699054995281882010-04-20T19:23:00.004-05:002010-04-20T21:37:04.011-05:00

My Pampered Chef baking stone snapped in half in my oven last week. Chicken nuggets and tater tots will never be the same....

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-79946617250065080942010-04-18T06:33:00.005-05:002010-04-18T07:04:02.641-05:00

The State Journal Register did a story about the campus ministry we work with at the University of Illinois at Springfield. I was a little nervous about how they'd spin it, but the article was pretty good. The only major correction worth making is about the staff...it's funny that the writer assumed that the women-folk were just volunteers. Lindsey Lasley is one of the most valuable members of

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-30807679339959821272010-04-17T11:11:00.002-05:002010-04-17T11:32:09.141-05:00

According to Oprah, we moms often put ourselves at the bottom of the list of priorities....so we're supposed to plan for "me time", pamper ourselves, exercise, and read from Oprah's Book Club.But when's the last time you bought new underwear for yourself?Our dryer is on it's last legs and laundry has been piling up, so I dug to the back of my underwear drawer this week as I rushed to get out the

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-36945440059671744052010-04-11T20:34:00.009-05:002010-04-11T21:33:04.229-05:00

My sister-in-law, Chessa, is one of the craftiest people I know.When I'm crashed in front of the The Amazing Race or taking a Sunday afternoon nap, she's working up a new dress for my nieces, or painting her guest bathroom, or planning a totally original birthday party for my nephew.Buy a decorated cake?? never.Hallmark cards? Always handmade.Giftcards? Bite your tongue. Chessa almost always

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-36452951988080354742010-04-06T22:59:00.003-05:002010-04-06T23:39:08.986-05:00

Selah has been part of our family for 14 months, and things are good. She's doing great in school, she's jumped right into sports and church and groups of friends. She eats what we eat (with perhaps a few different preferences....like Berbere on her deviled eggs). We joke that we know we're adjusting as a family because the girls fight like sisters!Most days, we don't think much about

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-47773931463273007682010-04-05T21:11:00.004-05:002010-04-05T23:27:18.755-05:00

My husband can't breathe.Early in our marriage, he used to joke that even his breathing was annoying to me....which was kind of true. You see, I grew up learning to be perfectly silent at the symphony...At 10 years old, I could unwrap a pack of Velamints during Beethoven's 5th without being detected by the snootiest of Arts patrons. So when we were sitting in church, or on the couch, or

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-32147597942543325472010-04-04T16:30:00.002-05:002010-04-04T16:42:19.529-05:00

Great Easter weekend at RCC! 4 services and several extra hours rehearsing gives me plenty of time to meditate on the songs. I've loved getting to know this Carlos Whittaker (most recently famous for his kids'"All the Single Ladies" video) song:Your wounded hands have broken my chainsYour holiness has carried the weightI am the sum of failing and of graceYou overcameJesus saves, my Jesus

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-46397254538217923492010-04-02T16:18:00.004-05:002010-04-03T07:59:59.573-05:00

I promised some friends I'd post this great video...and was reminded of the importance as we collected 7-8 plastic water bottles after our picnic yesterday. I think I'm gonna shop for some good re-usable bottles for this summer!(double-click on the video to watch it full-size!)Thanks, Stephanie, for the great link!

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-60739308592075369192010-04-01T16:50:00.002-05:002010-04-01T16:53:01.426-05:00

Can you use "thru" and "through" interchangeably? Do you?What does "Maundy" mean (as in Maundy Thursday)? I know it's remembering Jesus' last supper with the disciples in the upper room, but what does the actual word mean?I know, I could go look it up, but I know so many other smart people I figured I'd just ask...

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9872081.post-52785652256665705892010-03-29T23:16:00.005-05:002010-04-01T09:51:36.906-05:00

I wondered what the neighbors thought when they saw the big tarp over the front door. A guy from the Sangamon County Winterization Program came to our home today to do a blower test and evaluate the energy efficiency of our house. He checked windows and doors, insulation, furnace and water heater, basement to attic.Then, the blower. The idea was like a huge fan sucking air out the front door

Gretchen Magruderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01003195142292172745noreply@blogger.com3