As far as the east is from the west{and everything in between}

So lots has happened since I last blogged. I'll try to update on everything, but it will probably be short, since I don't have much time. First item: I went to Rockville, CT for Labor Day. It was lovely. Holly and I flew out on Thursday, and spent the evening in NYC with Jenna Wiegand. The rest of the weekend was filled with invite activities. On Monday, a group of us went to Boston for a few hours before the Silverton people flew out. Then Tuesday, Holly and I flew out(I was ready to be home at that point).

 Me, Jodi, Holly, Wendi

 Princeville/Bradford single group

 Boston group with a few missing

 But you sure can't beat these Illinois sunsets

 And nights riding with Dad or Adam in the combine

 Our young group decided to go hiking one sunday, which was very enjoyable, even if the leaves were all still green:)

 Dad looking dapper while escorting Claire as homecoming attendant

 Second item: I went to Silverton Oregon for Columbus Day weekend. Probably one of my favorite weekends this year.

 So so thankful for the time I got to spend with Erika in her new home. It was great seeing her in her everyday life and get to know Cameron better.

 And of course spend time with this great friend of mine. From a lot of bike riding, and hashing out life's deepest questions, this girl is just one of my favorites. So glad I didn't have to share her with anyone that weekend besides her niece and nephew who were also out.

 Third item: Enter Caleb Moser from Lester, who thinks he can just steal my best friend.

But on a more serious note, I am so thankful for God's leading in both their lives. While it's very bittersweet, Holly is extremely excited, which just pours over to me, so I'm excited for her. She's going to be very far away, but I know she will bloom where she is planted. I'm sure there will be a few trips to Lester in the coming months and years:)

And now for an update on my new job. I really enjoy it. It's definitely a different environment, which I'm trying to get use to. It's just odd to me that everyone knows me, and I know everything about everyone. When I was in Peoria, customers knew me, because I worked at the bank, but now that I'm in Princeville, people know me, because I live nearby(and they know my grandpa and dad:)) I know that this is where God has led me, so I'm working on being thankful. It's definitely hard being the newbie, and having to ask questions, when you use to know about everything and people asked you questions. It's good for me though. Keeps me humble and builds character. The past 6 months have pretty much been a season of change for me. None of it expected at all, but that pretty much seems to be the theme of my life. Sometimes I wish God would throw something my way that I was expecting, but I know I wouldn't be as thankful, and that God wouldn't have as much opportunity to work in my heart. So, I keep trudging along into the unknown. And know that He is good and His ways are above ours. Since we are on the topic of change, I just got done redoing my room. It's a pretty dramatic change from the lime green my 13 year old self picked out. I actually feel 22 now when I'm in my room:) One of these days I'll get around to taking an after picture and put up a before and after picture. Probably after Adam hangs all my pictures/wall decor. Poor guy, every time he comes over, I give him something to do. Perks of having a brother in law. I sure didn't know how handy they were:)

Here's to busy, exciting months ahead, and God's faithfulness….

Girl Meets Change{Book Review} + real life change

This book by Kristen Strong was a good one. Really good. I started reading it pretty passively at first. That's not to say I didn't enjoy it, I just didn't think it was applying to me at the time(more on that later). Kristen approached change in a light that changed my perspective on change. I'm one to dread change and all the emotions and change change brings. Kristen encourages us a believers to welcome change, as it is for our good and betterment. It is a blessing from God to keep us in line with His will and our walk with Him. She addresses big change and even the smallest change. I tend to be careful when I classify change, because I don't want to make big deals out of small things. Overall I really, really enjoyed the book and the perspective it brought me. I recommend it for anyone and everyone. It's great for any stage of life.

*I received this book for free from Revell Publishing in exchange for my honest review*


Now onto my real life change. One I wasn't expecting or looking for at all. I'm sure some of you have already heard, but for those of you who haven't, I have accepted a different job. Starting on October 27th, I will be working at Princeville State Bank. It is pretty much the same as what I do now. I'm looking forward to it, although I know there will be a lot for me to learn. New customers to learn, building new relationships with co-workers, etc. I'm sure for the next month I will be emotionally drained every night. But, I know it will be good for me, and I know this is where I am suppose to be. I wasn't looking for a job at all, but heard of this job opening and at first didn't think anything of it, but something inside me(the Spirit) was really urging me to send my resume. So I did. The day after I sent my resume, my co-worker found out her cancer was back. That was really hard. Knowing I might not be around to support and encourage her through it. Thankfully, she really encouraged me to not feel bad at all and that she would be so happy if I got the job. A week later, she put in her resignation, as she won't be able to work for awhile, and didn't want that pressure to feel like she needs to come back to work. I fully support her decision in that. It would definitely be a weight off your shoulder if you were in the position. I was really questioning the timing of this job opportunity. It all seemed off, considering if I got the job, State Bank of Speer would be out two tellers. After my first interview, Paige Ehnle wanted to hang out that night(not knowing I had an interview that day). So I obliged:) Come to find out, she had an interview the same day! I love how God works like that. Giving us opportunities to encourage and debrief about how our interviews went(I thought mine went horrible, and she thought her's went well). Something Paige asked me as given me so much peace and reassurance that I am doing that right thing. She asked, "Do you ever feel like God is totally working behind the scenes for you?" Yes. I totally do. I don't need to understand why or question the timing of it all, but just need to understand that God's hand is totally at work in my life. Everything fell into place perfectly. I had mornings off to have interviews, and everything just went so smoothly. It was completely God making a path for me. So I am thankful. I will miss everyone at the State Bank of Speer, but look forward to moving on. Everything I know, I learned at SBS. I have truly been blessed there, and look forward to what God has in store for me at the Princeville State Bank.
Here's to new beginnings...

it's about time

At least that's probably what's going through your mind since I finally decided to blog. I can't believe the wedding was already over a month ago. Crazy how fast time flies. The weekend was wonderful, and one we probably won't forget anytime soon. Many tears(do you expect anything less from a family of girls?), but also so much rejoicing. We are sooo excited to have Adam in our family, and this new stage of life is more fun that what I was expecting. I was dreading it, because let's be honest, I'm not really good at accepting change, but it seems like I always build things up in my mind way and have this horrible expectations, when in reality it isn't half as bad as I think it will be. So about the weekend. Friday was a bit tight scheduled and stressful. We set up for the reception which went fairly well. Not every detail was planned so there was a lot of just winging it with the decorations. On the Wednesday before, Julie Hanson, Kourtney and Kaylie Stahl, and I put together the decorations, which I personally thought turned out quite beautifully. Pretty time consuming, but the end result was worth it. So by Friday my emotions were pretty high thus resulting in me crying over tulle while setting up for the reception. Quite embarrassing to admit, but it's true. I hate tulle, Rhea loves it. It was her reception so I tried to not put up too much of a fight, but that doesn't mean there wasn't tears. Good thing my personality allows me to laugh at myself. After the fellowship hall was decorated, I had to rush into Peoria to pick up my shoes, which were being stretched. Totally worth the time crunch, because my feet thanked me later for that. Then I rushed home(but not before I stopped at Starbucks of course) and get my hair done, and get dressed for pictures. The photographer(Signature Photos) was not available to take pictures on Saturday evening, which is why we did it Friday night. It was absolutely beautiful that night, so we are thankful for that. It all went fairly quickly which was nice. After we were done, Claire and I decided we were hungry, so we stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings after pictures to get take out. Then who pulls next to us there but Lisa, Jaylyn, and Rhea, who apparently had the same craving as us. Claire made me go in, which caused much staring and wondering why I was so dressed up. We then preceded to go home and all pig out. This is normal right? Saturday was pretty relaxing for the most part since we didn't have to worry about pictures. The rehearsal dinner was at two25 in Peoria, which was really good. I haven't been that emotional in a long, long time. I definitely cried more than Rhea did, especially when she started talking. I don't hold up very well when it comes to sentimentality. It was a very special night though. Not many pictures from the rehearsal dinner. I took less than 5 pictures all weekend, so sorry for my lack of pictures.

 Bride and Bridesmaids at the rehearsal dinner

 And then Sunday we got Rhea all married off and she is officially a Pfaffmann. It makes me laugh at how much less nervous I was at Rhea's wedding than at Ryan and Ashley's wedding. Cassie was soooo nervous though, but she did great, and there was no tripping or falling down the aisle(that's what weddings are all about right?) The reception went over very well, and surprisingly I was able to enjoy it. The worst part was cleaning up the reception. When we got home, we all went to our rooms and cried. And for the next couple of days, we cried some more. I cried when I was snipping beans at the table, because I realized we would have an empty spot. My family laughed at me. Now that you have all diagnosed me as a complete emotional wreck let's move on….

 The Bride and Groom-my favorite couple

 Bridesmaids

 Rhea and her ushers

 The wedding party, we are a dashing group if I must say so myself

The groomsmen and ushers looking quite spiffy in their suits. Good job picking those out Adam and Rhea:)

 The Pfaffmann family

 Adam and Rhea, Max and Mary

 Daniel, Wendi, and Henry

 Luke, Heidi, Bridget, Carter, and Allison

 Rhea is an aunt to some pretty adorable kids

 Adam and his siblings

 Our family(why do we look so big?)

 Adam and Rhea, Mom and Dad

 Father of the Bride-what a handsome man:)

 Sisters

 Kisses for the new Mrs

 Dad and his girls

 And Adam and his new posse

 Mom and her girls

And one silly one of course. Dad's empty pockets. I guess that's what girls do to you. We like to kindly remind him that Rhea's only the first…

He is Sovereign

I'm not one to keep up with the political news, but today's ruling could not have been avoided even if I tried. I try not to get involved in all the articles and posts, because there can be a lot of hatred in the comments. When I first heard about it, I wasn't sure how to process it. I wanted answers of why God would allow such sin to be legal in our country. Then I had to step back and ask God for a perspective. I don't need answers, I'm not entitled to know the mind of God, but a perspective is what I need. So, I've been praying for that, and God has slowly showed me through out the day what my perspective needs to be. God is still sovereign. He is still the supreme ruler over all. He is in control. This supreme court ruling did not come as a surprise to Him, which was one of the most comforting things that was revealed to me today. This is indeed part of His sovereign plan for our country. How? We may not know on this side of life. Whenever sin is broadcasted like it is, you better believe the Gospel will be preached even more fervently, with more zeal and vigor. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Romans 5:20 So today I will remind myself that God is good. His hand is in every aspect of our lives, and we need only to Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 One last thing that has been constantly going through my head is the 3rd verse in This is My Father's World. This is my Father's world. O let me ne'er forget that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. This is my Father's world: the battle is not done: Jesus Who died shall be satisfied, and earth and Heaven be one. 
May we continue to pray for the leaders of our nation, no matter what decisions they make.

justified freely

Free. It's such a foreign word to me. Maybe it's because of the world we live in today. Nothing is free. It seems the motto of this world is what's in it for me. As a Christian, I fear I fall into this mindset so easily. Such a dangerous one too for so many reasons. Lately, I've been noticing it so much in myself. Righteousness seems like something I need to earn, something I need to work at. Nothing, nothing in this life, not even the most good I can do or be will ever earn me godly righteousness. Righteousness only comes from Christ, and the exchange He made on the cross. My unrighteousness for His righteousness. And what does it cost? Nothing but faith. Faith that I can be made righteous through His shed blood. Faith that He is the son of God, and that He came to save me, and He would have come even if I was the only one who needed saving. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." Romans 3:23-26 How unfathomable this concept is to me! In my human mind, righteousness comes from how good I've been. "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." Romans 10:3 Some days I feel more righteous that others. There are days I fail. There are days that come much easier for me. Thankfully, the righteousness of Jesus is steadfast and unchanging. "Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness…"Psalm 119:142 Another reason I believe I struggle with the concept that righteousness has nothing to do with my working, is the fact that I feel the need to prove myself and my abilities. At work, I have co-workers who I feel the need to prove myself to. Partly because I seem to never be good enough in their eyes, and partly because I want them to know I am capable of the job I have. I feel like there is a constant battle of me wanting to prove myself, but also the threat of giving up because I will never be good enough. I feel like this mindset rolls itself right into my spiritual life. There are times when I do good, and I have the desire to show God, "See what I did? Aren't You proud of me for overcoming this or doing this?" And then there is also the point where I want to give up, because nothing I do of myself will ever make me righteous. Righteousness is an act of submission. Until I can submit myself to the fact that righteousness only comes from Christ, I will never find peace. Peace is a fruit of Christ's righteousness. Knowing that because of His blood, I am made free from sin. "And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever." Isaiah 32:17

a new chapter for the berchtold's

It's been awhile since I lasted posted on the blog. It seems that this is what I always begin my posts with. I'm starting to see a trend. The biggest news in our family is that my sister Rhea is engaged to Adam Pfaffmann from Washington. So lots of excitement and planning is going on in the Berchtold family. He's pretty brave to be the first guy to enter our family. Lots of people have been wondering how I've been doing since the engagement of my little sister. So I'll try to update you as much as possible. It's been going so well. I always had a feeling she would get married before me, and I really, really dreaded it. And it's not nearly as bad as I made it up in my mind. In fact, it's not bad at all. God has worked in my heart so much since she told me. It really is such a miracle. The first week was a little rough. I clung to chapter 27 in Psalms. It seemed like exactly what I needed at the time. The verse that stuck out and convicted me most was verse 6 which says "And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." It made me realize, that though my plans may have been a little undone, I needed to choose joy. And that was a sacrifice of my pride. But, through that, it has made everything different. I am honestly so excited and thankful for both of them, and I can honestly say I am not jealous. I am really content with where I'm at right now in life. My job is going better than it ever has, I have incredible friends, and I am truly enjoying the stage of life I'm in. Poor Holly has probably gotten annoyed of my saying how happy I am right now, but it's so true. God is so good. And his grace is sufficient for each day. That is another concept that was really made real to me. We don't have to depend on yesterday's grace for today. Each day comes with a new amount of grace. I know that is the only way I am able to have the attitude I have today, and the perspective I have. It's only by His sustaining grace to get me through each day. So I guess it's about time for a picture:)

february

 Tessa's unproportional body.

 When the Berchtold's get snowed it, the games come out.

 Elevator rides at the hotel for Uncle Tom's visitation and funeral. It was a beautiful service.

 The drive to the cemetery was so beautiful and peaceful.

 Valentine's dinner with Holly at the airport. So classy.

 Made it through the sketchy parking lot at their airport and a flight that didn't leave on time. We were sure ready for the Phoenix sun, even though we were only there for a few days. It was worth the warmth.

 I kind of figured out that I'm starting to become a morning person when an alarm isn't the thing that wakes me up. Sunday morning I was up before my alarm so the extra time spent outside and in God's word was much needed and appreciated. Plus this was my view.

 Kourtney Stahl, Kristin Knochel(Who we stayed with. Such a fun and sweet girl), Holly, and Me

 And just like that the weekend was over. Thankful for my traveling buddy and best friend. Who knows where our next adventure will take us:)

 I was walking through the mall, and saw this robin. It gave me so much hope that Spring is right around the corner. I've caught a slight case of the winter blues.

 On Sunday, we celebrated Cassie's birthday. We went ice skating and then to Sweet Cece's.

 Holly said my room was a disaster(ok maybe it was) so she felt the need to clean it for me. Things she told me: I have too many clothes. I have no variety in my closet. I need more colors and patterns other than stripes. What can I say? I'm a creature of habit. And dark colors are my favorite.

 The sisters who went ice skating. Claire sat out for a lot of the time, because ice skating is not a strong point for her. The most athletic one in our family can't stay up on the ice. At least it made me feel like maybe I have a little piece of athleticism in me(wishful thinking). Cassie did good and Tessa was just learning. Lots of falling for her, but eventually she sort of got the hang of it(which means she basically would just run with ice skates on. haha)

 Holly was an honorary guest of the Berchtold family on Sunday. Actually my cousin Marissa was also here to help celebrate Cassie's birthday, we just didn't get a picture with her.

 Claire and the Birthday girl. We officially have another teenager in the house.

 Skyping with Tress on Sunday night.

My room apparently was the hang out place on Sunday night. What a fun night:)