Just Passing Along..

So there's not really a whole lot that has happened since the last time I wrote, but I've had a few youtube videos in my head thinking "when I post again, I have to tie these in.." Instead, I'm just going to post them and let you know that I've been enjoying them the past few days and wanted to pass them along to you all!


The first one.. I was just signing onto my Yahoo email account when (as they do a lot of times) the little  news clips towards the bottom caught my eye.. I was looking through them and saw the words "lite brite". That interested me seeing as how I used to have one of these when I was younger. I clicked on it. It just so happened to be a David Crowder Band music video! It made me excited to see that something like using a stop-motion music video could interest whoever it is that posts those little news things. Way to go! Here it is..





Now, I don't know if it is common knowledge, but basically what they did was create one sheet of the lite brites, take a picture, move a few pegs, take another, and so on... until they could play them sequentially to make a video.. a TON of time went into this! (there's also making of videos on youtube that intrigued me as well...)


This next video is a song that we sang in church yesterday. I had never heard it before, but I now have heard it plenty! (Between Carson and I looking it up to hear it, it's been close to 15 times or so since yesterday afternoon!) Carson was able to participate in playing electric with the band, which was cool... although I felt like we were in Life Action with the 7:30 call time :) Anyways, there was a pretty powerful presence during corporate worship at Riverside yesterday that flowed into the message about God's great love and our relationship with Him. And here is the second video..





It's just so incredible to me that no matter what, the God of the universe Loves ME!

A long time coming..

Abandoned my blog or what?
Definately didn't forget about it, just "didn't have time"... I only put it in quotes because I've realized within the past few days that the excuse above has taken the place of a lot of things. After admitting repeatedly, I finally did something about it! I talked to my wonderful husband and to my amazing Creator! I am trying to prioritize some things that I sort of threw to the side.. and it's working so far! Praise the Lord!

The past couple days I've been finding a way to capture my attention into studying the Word.. Towards the end of last week I felt the Lord leading me to 2 Peter. I had been struggling with taking the time to spend reading. I felt kind of wierd envisioning this passage and having no idea what it was about. Verse 10 says "Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fail. " In context, this verse is talking about the qualities of love, affection, godliness, steadfastness, self-control, knowledge, virtue, and faith.. It says that if we follow this pattern of living we will be "effective and fruitful"! If we dont.. we will be blind. This was a really cool reminder to me. I am very thankful that I followed through and went ahead and checked out 2 Peter. God is so good!

Today was the beginning of my 3rd week "on the floor". So far, the services I've given to clients include: 2 men's haircuts, 2 short women's haircuts, 2 graduated bob's, a partial foil, a color retouch, and several waxes. I'm getting more and more comfortable consulting with clients and having a lot of fun! I've also made $14 in tips so far! :)

Carson just scheduled his Spring classes last week. While the advisor at school wasn't much help, the built-in advisor at home (me!) helped a ton! Basically we (and by we, I mostly mean me :) )  figured out a great schedule for him. He will be going to school only on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! Even better, Carson will be home by 12:30 or 1! He will have time for homework, working out, playing guitar, etc. and then by the time I get home, we'll be able to spend the evening together! He will be working on the days that he's not going to school. I think that this will help him to feel like he has more time and he won't have to do school and work all in one day! I'm excited for him to start this new schedule!

With Thanksgiving drawing near, and Christmas close behind.. Carson and I both are getting anxious to make a trip to MD to visit with my family!

Love you all!

A Wee Little Update...

Now, a little about what's going on in the Gossmeyer's lives..

Carson and I are getting excited for the Fall season, as we both love this time of the year.. but I might be equally excited for the Winter season and all that comes with that as well! (A certain trip to MD may be in mind... :))

Other than being sick off and on, I've been doing great!
Let's start with school... As of right now I have only one more week of our "essentials", (the first 11 weeks of actual classroom time). Next week we are learning to do the nail painting procedures and all that goes with that! The following week (week of Oct. 17th), my class will be testing. These tests are all practicals, where we actually do the procedures. The testing will determine if we are ready to go to "the floor" or not. If we are, which I better be!, then we will begin to perform services on clients!! I'm very excited and ready to get out there! :)

I've made some incredible friends as well. I was tested when we first moved here, and failed miserably. I wanted to believe that I wouldn't make any friends and that anyone that was nice to me "had" to because they were Carson's friend. That is totally not it at all. These girls are real. I've found that I'm able to be myself around them, and know that they truly do care. We're all in or around the same season as life (young and married) and are able to relate to one another in ways I've never had before. The other night, even though Carson was working, I went to a cookout with a mixed group of Carson's (and now mine:)) friends. It was so refreshing to get to hang out!

And speaking of friends... In one week from today I will be in VA with my best friend since 4th grade, spending time with her for the last night of her unmarried life :) Though I'm flying by myself (Carson isn't able to go) it is SO worth it!! Tabby has been an incredible friend throughout these several years.. She's the one person that when we are around each other, we pick up right where we left off last time. I love her so much and am so so so excited for her and Lee!
Not to mention, I'll get to spend some time with my amazing family as well that weekend! YAY!

Enough about me... Carson has a new job! Two nights ago was his last night at Sears. He now, with the same hours and same pay, is working less than a minute away from home at Subway! There were several reasons for his switch, but one of the main reasons is: he will have Sunday and Monday always off!! (for those that don't know or don't remember, my days off from school are these days) A couple Sunday's ago, we were able to (for the first time since the summer, I believe) spend the entire day together. I am definately looking forward to spending these days with him each week :)

Until next time.... Adios!

P.S. Don't worry... I'm giving Carson a haircut.... SOON! :)

My God HAS supplied all my needs... and more!

As I sit here in the comfort of my own home, I hear in the distance the sounds of the Tremont High School Friday night football game going on.. people laughing and having a good time together. I have in the back of my mind (or maybe a little more towards the front) the thoughts and images of my family and some friends spending time together in my hometown, preparing for the Autumn Glory Parade in the morning. Every once in a while, I hear the sound of a car nearby outside.. I look, realize it's not Carson (knowing good and well that he won't be home for a few more hours), and then slouch back down on the couch.

It's almost as if I'm depressed and lonely; wishing I could be laughing and having a good time, spending time with my family, or even slouching on the couch, still, but with my husband by my side. To add to it all, I've not really been feeling well the past couple of days... napping during breaks at school, sleeping as soon as I get home from school, etc.

Yes, it would be great if I could be with one of those people I love. Yes, it would be great to spend my Friday night "doing" something. Yes, it would be great if I felt 100% again. BUT! Don't I have so much to be thankful for already?
Philippians 4:19 comes to mind:

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." -ESV

I have a roof over my head. I have a family that, from 11 hours away, still loves me when they are having a good time. I have friends that are amazing.. in Maryland, in Virginia, in Life Action, and here in Illinois! I have a husband that loves me to the best of his ability the way our God loves his bride. I have been learning so much at my school that I have wanted to go to for what seems like forever. Heck, I got to spend today giving and getting scalp treatments and massages, and deep conditioning treatments... and my hair feels incredible! I have food to eat, a bed to sleep in, and countless other things that are definately NOT necessary for living!

So now, after taking into perspective this "depression"... My spirits are lifted. Realizing the things that we, as humans, feel sorry for ourselves about each and every day... the things that we complain about... the things that we disrespect our authority for... it's just so stupid. Why waste our time? We are so little and He is so Great.

He WILL supply everything that we need and more! He is sovereign! He knows what He's doing! He's God for crying out loud!!! Now to get in the habit of trusting.... :)

21, Steak, and Not Wasting Time

So, I turned 21 on Monday..
I was able to go out for coffee with my friend Ashley, which was much needed. The talking, prayer, and hanging out that is.. Well, the coffee too :) Later, Carson's sister and grandma dropped by the apartment and brought me a card and gift, which was very sweet. On Sunday my brother-in-law and his fiance and my friend Laura brought me a card and some delicious chocolate chip cookies! Last night Carson's dad brought me a card, and today there was a card left at our apartment for me from my new friend Camie and her husband Steve! Between all of these cards, the cards I WILL recieve soon ;), the time people have spent with me, and the facebook and text birthday wishes.....I feel LOVED!

Monday evening Carson and I got ready and went to Logan's for a birthday dinner! Of course, I got steak :) We came back home and had a relaxing evening of football and Camp Rock 2 (which he got me for my birthday! along with a pair of black boots that I love!)

I don't feel any older, and actually to begin with I didn't feel old enough to be 2o, married, living on my own, and doing my own grocery shopping and whatnot. It's so crazy how quickly things go by.. I was just looking at pictures on my facebook, and it seems like literally last week that I was driving to my host home with Biffy and Kelli. That was over 3.5 months ago. How has almost 4.5 months already gone by since my wedding day? (and yes, I had to look at a calendar...!)

The more and more I realize how fast life goes by, the more and more of a desire do I have to not waste it. This is the case in so many different areas of my life..

-I don't want to waste time when I have homework to be done and I come home to an empty house for the next few hours.

-I don't want to waste time nit picking at things and ruin the time that I do get with Carson.

-I don't want to waste time sleeping when I know good and well that I need to get out of bed and spend time with my Creator.

-I don't want to waste the time that I have to be a follower and an example of Christ to those around me.

I want the here and now... my today... my LIFE... to be lived for His Glory... NOT WASTED!

Home Sweet Home

Well, it's been two weeks or so since i've updated! I think that I had pretty good reason to slack, however, I'm glad to be catching up now!

Sunday, August 29th, Carson and I were able to move in to our apartment! Carson's dad, a couple of his friends, one of my friends, and his brother and our future sister-in-law came to help! We unloaded our stuff from his parents' house and then drove the 3 miles to our apartment and unloaded the same stuff into the apartment. While the guys carried everything in, Ashley, Laura and I began putting things away! After a few hours we had everything moved in, set up, put together, and organized!



That night, in order to begin getting the use out of Carson's huge TV and all the work that the 3 strong men and my extremely strong husband did to get it up our flight of stairs, we had a couple of our friends over to watch a movie. Carson made me stop organizing and cleaning and take a break and relax! BUT, I picked up where I left off first thing the next morning! After the cleaning and organizing was finished, I went grocery shopping, and then FINALLY felt that it was time to sit back and enjoy our space :)




The next weekend we had our first house-guests! Justin and 4 other friends from Life Action came to visit Carson and I. They pulled in late afternoon on Saturday night and left Sunday afternoon. The 3 girls (Biffy, Bekah, and Candace) stayed at Carson's parents' house and Justin and his friend Jason stayed with us. After movies, pizza, BCD, Phase 10, church, Sunday lunch with amazing garlic bread (that I made :)) we were sad to see them go... But we definately had an amazing time and I was very thankful to get to see my brother before he hit the road!

School has been going great, and i'm continuing to learn SO MUCH. We have now completed 5 weeks of our in-class essentials. In 5 more weeks we will be hitting the floor and providing services for real-live people! Scary! And exciting! I've been making good grades which I am very proud of and happy that i've found something that I love to learn and do!

Carson's school and work has been going good too! He's also been making really good grades, and apart from the parking scenario at the community college and the mile walk to class, he enjoys it a lot! :)

Cars and I have been growing closer and closer each and every day! It's been amazing to see God take proud selfish people and change us slowly into humble self-less spouses. I am learning to be content with the time that we do get to spend together and to not waste it demanding things from him -- to lay aside my pride and just enjoy time with Carson! We're nowhere NEAR perfect, but I truly am thankful for the relationship we have and the friendship God has given us!

So, since I know that I won't really have time over the next few days, I decided to write tonight. Reason for the lack of time: Moving Day has finally come!

Monday night Carson and I went on a date to Texas Roadhouse -- which was amazing I might add :) -- and while I was finishing my steak, the last huge bite that Carson practically dared me to eat, he recieved a phone call. Our future landlord was letting us know that the previous tenants were going to be moving out sometime this week and that he wanted to shampoo the carpets. After that we were free to move in! When Carson got off of the phone, I was still chompin' on that same piece of steak!

As of right now, I personally don't know what day specifically we are going to be hauling stuff over to the apartment. Last I knew we were "probably" on Sunday but "possibly" on Monday. Either way, it's exciting to know that we will soon have our OWN place! I'm looking forward to re-opening all of our gifts and placing them where they actually belong in a home.. I'm also looking forward to just having this event off of our "to do" list!

I am finishing my 3rd week at Tricoci tomorrow. We have our practical exam in the morning, where we actually DO what we've learned throughout the week. This week we learned the "Graduated Bob", which is essentially the short haircut where it's long in the front and short in the back and sort of fades. I finally have gotten to a point where I feel pretty comfortable doing it, so I'm excited about the test! Here's what I cut today!

Carson finished his first week of school today. He seems to really be enjoying it! He finds time in the afternoon before work to get most of his homework done so that we have time to spend together in the evenings. I don't think I've mentioned the specific classes that he is taking: Calculus, Philosophy, Earth Science, and an Education class.

Work has been going pretty well for him as well. He recently got on comission, so he is excited about that. Also, as I have a mission field at school, he has a mission field at Sears. Though he works with a lot of older people, I guess these men and women are pretty openly NOT following Christ.

We are praying that as we both have these places to be a light, that we would be an example of Him and not of anything else!

Greatness Of Our God

Here is the song that I wrote about below!

An Everyday Mission Field

As I was nearing the end of my second week at Tricoci University, I was feeling very worn out. There was this heavy burden surrounding me that I just wanted to be rid of. Now, as I have been thinking about this weight, I am realizing that it's not going to be just taken away from me.. I have to accept the grace that God is freely handing me and press on. I have to be the light in a darkened place.

After being "sheltered" from the world and things of the world for the past 2 years, it has been almost a shock entering a secular environment. Yeah, I obviously knew that it would be different, but there are just some things I didn't anticipate. One example is that I actually forgot how much people can complain. When they don't have the joy of salvation or the hope that we can have in Christ, why not complain about the tiniest thing? Another example, the language. Not only the actual words, but also the entire atmosphere of conversations.

I don't see my potential struggles being, "what if I become like them..", but more like "what if I get so annoyed/frustrated/overwhelmed that I can't control myself.." I have been praying for grace and strength to ignore, and not pay attention to talk that is not beneficial. I feel that my classmates have already noticed this in me and realize that I am "different". Several have asked if they made me uncomfortable or if I have been bothered. I am just praying that God will use me as an example to these girls. That they will continue to see this "difference" in me.. That I WILL be the light in this darkened place.

I drive around 30 minutes to school and then 30 minutes back home everyday. I cannot tell you how many times I have listened to the song The Greatness of Our God by Hillsong this week. God has used this song to uplift me and give me the extra umph! that I need to get through the day. I hope these words speak to you all as well as I pass on the lyrics!

Give me eyes to see more of who You are. May what I behold still my anxious heart.
Take what I have known, and break it all apart. For You my God, are greater still.

No sky contains, No doubt restrains, All You are, The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all You are, The greatness of our God.

Give me grace to see beyond this moment here. To believe that there is nothing left to fear.
That You alone are high above it all. For You my God, are greater still.

No sky contains, No doubt restrains, All You are, The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all You are, The greatness of our God.

And there is nothing that can ever separate us. There is nothing that can everseparate us from Your love. No life, no death, of this I am convinced. You my God, are greater still

And no words can say, or song convey, all You are the greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from closeto all You are, the greatness of our God.

No sky contains, No doubt restrains, All You are, The greatness of our God.
I spend my life to know, and I'm far from close to all You are, The greatness of our God.

One Week Down, 9.75 Months To Go!

Wow. That's about all that I can say! It has been a very quick & busy week..

First of all, the Lord provided a job for Carson! He is working as a sales associate at Sears. He is in the "Tools" department, which also includes sporting goods, lawn & garden, fitness equipment, etc. He went in for orientation and then trained on a computer for a few days in a row. As of right now he is shadowing some other employees, learning the ropes. (Literally, right now as I'm typing this :) ) Soon, he will be working as normal in the evenings. He told me last night that he actually really likes this job, as a salesman.. which is definately a good thing!

Secondly, I began beauty school! There are 9 of us total in my class, so it's really kind of a relaxed atmosphere. We began the week learning what the art of haircutting really is and how the "form" is the basis for any hairstyle. We also talked about the bones in the human skull, face, and arms.. a LOT of information! What made it really click and understandable, was the hands-on activities we did.
We learned our first haircut -- the Classic Bob. After practicing on our mannequine heads 3 or 4 times, we tested on the haircut on Saturday! We also were graded on our blowdry techniques.. I got a 100% and a 95%!

Wednesday-Friday I was feeling really bad.. achey and sick on my stomache. I went to the dr. and found out I had an infection, in which case I was prescribed some medication, and now i'm feeling great! I'm looking forward to going to school this week without having to move around every 5 seconds because of being uncomfortable! Praise the Lord it's going away so quickly!

Carson and I are still waiting to hear when we can actually move into our apartment, but it should be coming up soon!

That's about all that's gone on in our lives in the past week.. maybe something a little more interesting will happen this week...

So the past few months....

Wow! The past couple months have flown by! Looking back at what all has gone on just has me amazed yet again at our awesome Father..

First of all, I was able to take part in an incredible ceremony (in which i was married!) that i believe could not have taken place if it wasn't for our great God himself. Also, the friends, family, relatives, and countless others made things seem to just float on by for me personally on the day before and day of my wedding... truly a blessing!

Two weekends later, after a much needed, much relaxing, much schedule-less honeymoon, my cousin Jonathan was married to my now cousin-in-law Ashley! What a fun time of hanging out with my family!

Carson and i packed up all of my belongings from back home in MD, and made the 10 hour drive to Tremont, IL. My parents and siblings also came to celebrate our marriage yet again, at our second reception with Carson's family, friends, and church family. Another great day and blessing!

A couple weeks later we were able to make the small trip to Buchanan, MI to visit with my familiy who was at the Life Action Family Camp! Getting to see family and friends and team mates was a nice refresher for the both of us... especially me! It was much needed to say the least!

The first 3 weeks of being in Illinois, Carson and i were able to find a nice home to stay in free of charge... house-sitting! It was actually really nice and gave us some time to figure things out... such as where we were going to be living once the 3 weeks were up! I was also given the opportunity to feed the two pet snakes... the opportunity was given to me by my own husband... who is amusingly scared of the slithering creatures! :) Not my favorite job ever, but hey, someone had to do it!!

This past week we went to a church camp that Carson has gone to many years with his church. This year, the youth pastor of his church asked him to be in charge of a teen worship time. Basically, every night from around 8:30-10, Carson and 4 other guys would lead in a time of corporate worship with the teen/college age kids. Halfway through the worship set, Carson would speak for 5-10 minutes, kind of casually, coming from someone who has sat where they now sit. It was really cool to see my husband be used in such a way that people really did look up to him, and others were just so impressed by how much he's grown. God is so good!

We are now staying with his family for a few weeks while we wait for the availability of our apartment. After looking at several do-able apartments, we found one right in Tremont that was cheaper and nicer than the rest. Although it's only 1-bedroom, don't worry! We bought a futon couch for the living room! Visitors welcome!! :)

Carson is enrolled at ICC and will be starting classes towards the end of August. Right now he plans to get some more of his general courses out of the way and then transfer to another college to continue in pursuing the position of a math teacher. After attending school in the mornings, Carson is planning on working in the afternoons. We are praying for an opportunity to come around, and we know that God will provide a position!

I am enrolled in Tricoci University of Beauty Culture and will start August 10th. I went to my orientation last night and am extremely excited to get started! I will be going from 9-5 on Tuesday-Saturday. Again, God has definately provided the perfect school for me!

God has truly blessed me and my husband, and we owe all to Him!

It's a Gift.. Whether You Accept it or Not

We (the Blue Team) are currently doing a Thirst Conference at The Moody Church in Chicago, IL. It's been really cool just to be in this atmosphere.. Example.. As I type, I'm sitting on my bed, that I moved next to my floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at downtown Chicago. The lights at night (the picture above doesn't do justice) make me feel like I'm in a totally different world! The past few mornings and evenings, a group of us team girls have walked to and from the church and the apartments that we are staying in.

Today, we had the Ladies' Luncheon. Andrea Griffith spoke to the women of the church and surrounding area. Through listening to her testimony, I learned so much about myself.

In the times that I fail, I become bitter at myself.

Yes, I realize what I've done was wrong. I am broken. I surrender it. I seek forgiveness from God, and also others when necessary. I'm forgiven. I remind myself of my fault(s). I dwell on it. I do not accept the forgiveness from God. I see just how sinful I am. I focus on myself, and how much I've messed up. I can't bring myself to forgive me. I become bitter at myself.

This is where pride begins! Once I start focusing on myself and not Christ, I'm putting me above Him. This isn't where He belongs. I'm not supposed to be worshiping myself. I'm to be worshiping the One who died on a cross 2,000 years ago to forgive me for the very sin that I'm bitter at myself for!

"Worship is about forgetting what's wrong with you and remembering what's right with God."

-Mark Batterson

Carson read this quote to me about a week ago from a book he was reading (In a Pit With a Lion On a Snowy Day). I keep thinking about this and how it connects to what I'm learning. It's true. If I'm going to truly worship God, I CAN'T be focusing on someone else. I can't be dwelling on my faults. I can, however, look at how my faults prove my weakness and in turn prove His power.

Romans 8:1 .."There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

We don't have to live in this! We can accept His forgiveness, because it isn't tainted by circumstances or situations or "degree of wrongness". His love is perfect, therefore his forgiveness is true. When we stop denying God of what is already a characteristic of Him, and of what He's already given us, we can live with peace. I have been realizing this the past couple of days and finally clicked it all together in my mind.

Forgiveness is something given whether we accept it or not.. It's up to us to choose what we do with it.

When Desire Become Necessity

As many know, being recently engaged brings about many questions. In the past few weeks, the question involving where we will live and what we will be doing has been at the front of both Carson's and my mind. As we are pretty well set on moving to the Peoria, IL area sometime this summer, we have had some thoughts as to what we will be doing. There is a cosmetology school in Peoria that I have visited and would love to attend. After the year that I would be taking to complete the cosmetology program, we may then move to Chicago, IL for Carson to attend Moody Bible Institute.

There was recently a scholarship contest on facebook to win $5,000 towards this specific school that I have looked into. Here are some thoughts:

It is dangerous to be at a place where earthly desires & pleasures decieve you into thinking they are necessities, rather you letting yourself be decieved. This $5,000 scholarship has turned from desire to necessity in my life. When I first thought about entering into this contest, my thought was "we'll see what happens with it.." I am now finding my self frantically finding people to vote for me because if I don't, I won't have the scholarship!

[If I don't have the scholarship I might as well not go to cosmetology school becuase that's $5,000 more that I'll have to spend. That is not affecting only me-it's going to affect Carson as well. I can't make him sacrifice this money for me to go to school.] --These are the thoughts going through my head. It is consuming me & my time. I feel that it is necessary to work towards this. I am obsessed with checking the status of my votes & other entries' votes.

Jumping to conclusions about it doesn't make those thoughts & my actions any more true or right than if I wasn't behind in votes & I was just working that hard at my goal-to win. I have come to a point where I have surrendured this scholarship. I have given it back to the Lord-it was never mine to begin with. I was reminded by my finace that if God wants me to have the $5,000, then He will give it to me. He is in control. If He doesn't give it to me, then He will provide in another way.

While I would still love to recieve the win, I am not making any more efforts towards it. If other people want to help out-great! But, I had come to a point where it was an idol in my life & I now must separate myself from it as much as I can. I also felt the Lord prompting me to vote for the entry with the highest votes-which at frist I did not want to do. In Luke 6:35 it says to "Love your enemies" & although I don't even know this girl, she was an "enemy." I voted for her entry a couple days after I first felt the prompting.

God has taught me quite a bit through this. One area is surrender-again. Oh, the time and time again process this is! Another thing was loving those that are against me-& treating them with more love than I give myself.

The last thing that I have been realizing while writing is the passion I had for this scholarship. I was putting so much time, energy, thought, worry, & worth into winning something that I don't necessarily need. Why can't I have that passion for things of the Lord? I want to use my time to spend in the word & praying & making myself useful for the sake of the gospel. I want my energy to be spent in pursuit of Christ. I want my thoughts to be consumed with meditating on His word. I want to always find my worth in Him. I want the same passion I had for this earthly thing that will not last, for the One who will never change & will be with me forever. I want Him to be the core of my life. The center.