life as an ostovic

Hey everyone, I have partnered with my good friend ben smith to start a new blog called “circuschurch”

This colaboration came out a an ongoing conversation we have had about our own faith journeys and the church. Ben and I have found that we have similar questions, thoughts, and struggles related to following Jesus and what is means to be His church. We have had a continuing dialogue about these issues and thought it would be fun to invite others into our conversations. So . . . . “circuschurch” was born.

We really believe that the church (especially in America) is at a crossroads. I believe this has been brought on by shifts in culture that have been going on these past few years, especially as it relates to the emerging generations. If I could boil all this down into one question I would say it is this, “What does it really mean to follow Jesus, and be His church”?

I dont know all the answers, and I certainly don’t have it right myself. But perhaps through our dialogue we will help one another to become people who are a little more like who Jesus wants us to be.

Thanks for listening. I would love to hear from all my my friends out there, wether you are a follower of Jesus or not. I think we all have good things to contribute. Oh, and don’t worry I will continue to make post here on “life as a ostovic” too. : )

If you want to join the conversation on “Circuschurch”, click here or go to the link in the blog roll on the right side of the screen.

derrak

I am beginning to understand how this seemingly simple web site is beginning to have a major impact in our culture. Today I learned that originally myspace was designed as a place for indipendant music artists to promote themselves. It certianly has become that. But it has become so much more than that too.
Myspace is an online communty that has no boundaries. It really is awesome and ovewhelming to think about. I recently opened a myspace page for myself when I realized how many of our students use it to stay in touch and communicate with one another. I am intrigued to see where this goes in the next couple years. If you want to go to my own myspace page click here.

derrak

I am going to get a guitar! I have been syaing this for a long time now, but all this talk on eric’s blog has inspired me. Also the fact that I am here in Minchigan without a guitar, and having to borrow one is getting really annoying. So my jouuney begins. Any suggestions? I want to spend around $1000. Needs to sound good unplugged and plugged in. Oh, and I have some money saved up but not enough, so I wll need a down payment 12 months same as cash deal. musicians friend? Or something like that. I have played some good Fender’s, Martin’s and others. Of course there is the Taylor which would be the dream. Hmmmmm . . .

derrak

derrak

Here are a few pics from Jackson’s 1st Birthday Party.

Hey Friends and Family,

Thanks to all of you who faithfully read our blog. We love knowing that you are keeping up with us. I have posted some of my recent favorite pictures. Life is great for us. I started my new job at American House last week. It is a senior apartment building, and I am the Activity Director/Assistant Manager. I am working 3 days a week. That means that Jack and Derrak get to enjoy “Daddy Day” once again. A friend from the church watches Jackson the other 2 days. I had a great first few days of work. I already like it there!

Last week was kind of a rough week for us. On Monday I was involved in a car accident with our Neon. Thankfully, no one was injured, and I was alone in the car. The car is currently in the body shop for repairs. That same day, I took Jackson to the allergist and we found out that he is allergic to milk, eggs, and nuts. Each of these allergies are potentially life-threatening- which is so scary. We now carry Epi Pens with us where ever we go. It also means that feeding Jackson just got very complicated. We are learning, though, how to keep him safe. We also received an offer on our house, however, with the offer we would have lost money. So, we countered, and they did not accept. It was encouraging that we got an offer!

I would say that we are all adjusting well to life in Michigan. We do miss our family and friends in Ohio so much. Our family has been AWESOMELY supportive- showering us with love, encouragment, emails, phone calls, and gifts (and on and on and on). Many friends too have supported us tremendously in this transition. We have a lot of people looking out for us, and we know we are blessed.

I hope you enjoy the pictures. Derrak gave a Jack update below, but I’ll also mention how fun and cute he is! We love him so much! He is busy exploring the world, doing “furniture walking”, jabbering a lot, and giving great hugs. He loves to read books, dances, and says “Uh-oh” when he drops his sippy cup on the floor. He also learned a new skill on Daddy Day- changing the tv channel! It is so much fun to watch him learn and grow.

Our love to you all,
Melanie

Here is your Jackson fix . . .

Here are some of the latest from Jackson’s dinner table. The middle picture was taken the day he tried blue berries for the first time! He loves them in case you did not figure that out. The bottom picture was the carnage left after a recent meal. We think he got some in his mouth.
I love Jack so much, and he is growing so fast. However, I do not think i will miss this stage of eating. : )

derrak