Carolyn Randall - She led me to Christ!

Carolyn Randall – Spiritual Mentor

She led me to Christ.

She makes disciples.

I first met Carolyn in my Alpha Gamma Delta sorority Bible study. She was the fearless leader of our group, who was bold enough to teach the Word to us sorority chicks:)!

It didn’t take long for me to warm up to Carolyn’s sweet and caring personality. Within the first few months of Bible study I asked her if we could begin meeting one on one. It was here that I was really able to open up and ask all those burning questions I had. Looking back I am so thankful for her patience and willingness to meet with me so consistently. I imagine there were points were she was wondering, “Is any of this getting through?” “Will this girl ever stop drinking?” In which the answer to that is no, I just know when to stop now:)!

I am eternally grateful for Carolyn and am SO thankful that she trusted God for what He wanted to do in the Greek system at Iowa State. Even now I still receive her updates highlighting the women she is investing in and the disciples she is making in Illinois. Just a few weeks ago I received an email from her asking if I would commit to pray for a few women over break, who are beginning the journey of following Christ. As always I replied “OF COURSE” and then emailed her a few women that she could be praying for as well – knowing that they will definitely be prayed for!

Thank you Carolyn for not giving up on me and continuing to pour truth and love into my life. I am so grateful that you decided you were going to follow Christ by making disciples. I can’t wait to get to Heaven and see all the lives you impacted! I pray that God would multiply your efforts in Illinois and bless those discipleship relationships you have established.

Mardy Schaefer : The Giver

Mardy Schaefer - My Mother

She's a giver!

Ohh come on, you know my first real blog post had to be about the person who actually gave birth to me and raised me up in this crazy world.

My mother is what I like to call the ultimate giver. Blessing me with little drops of money in the mail, fun little gifts throughout the year even when it’s not my birthday and how can I forget those amazing shopping adventures!?

I came home yesterday and within the first couple minutes she was asking me when I wanted to leave. Leave? I just got home? Our shopping day awaited and within 15 minutes I was ready!

My mom loves to give gifts and it’s an amazing blessing to be on the receiving end of those gifts I actually like! The Bible talks about money more than any other topic (other than the Kingdom of God I believe) so clearly we need to evaluate our response to our money.

2 Corinthians 8:1-7 is a good one that gets me asking these questions.

Am I a giver? Am I a joyful giver? Do I see my money as God sees it? Do I love money more than I should? Do I understand I am a conduit for what He’s blessed me with? Would God be pleased with how I am using His money? If I had a lot less money or a lot more money would my giving look different? Ok, enough questions. I am convicted.

Thank you, Mom for reminding me it’s more blessed to give than receive! :)

AND I can’t go without saying another gift she has given me – A die hard love for the Cyclones! That is something I definitely can’t put a price tag on. Love you, Mom!

For the sake of a blog...

I am now about two weeks into thinking about actually starting a blog and the questions seem to haunt me.

What should I name it? This is HUGE and keeps me up at night. What should it be about? What should it not be about? Will I include pictures? I should probably learn how to take good pictures then. Will it be only spiritual? Is that lame? Why do I automatically think that's lame? Should it be only funny? Am I even that funny? A little bit of both? Gosh, that’s a lot of pressure. Am I over thinking this? Probably.

Questions. Questions. Questions. All these questions and I am finding myself a little disgusted with how “me focused” I quickly become. So, I have decided.

My blog will highlight other people - in a good way of course and if you are lucky you just might make the cut!

Starbucks has that catchy slogan that says “Share your story” and I get the chance everyday to interact with people who God has given an amazing story. Why not share it?!

AND don’t think that I can be swayed to include you in my blog because I CAN! Money, dinner, wheat beer, movies, breakfast, football tickets, Templeton Rye, all good choices to throw your name in the hat!

All of this for the sake of a blog! Hey now, there’s a catchy name! :)