My Testimony

I grew up in a typical Christian home in north central Indiana, where we went to church every Sunday morning and evening and to mid-week services and youth group at a non-denominational church. I made a decision for the Lord at age 4 mainly due to a strong desire to not be away from my Mom. I figured if she was going to heaven, I wanted to go there too.

While founded in a small child's prayer, however, my faith grew much stronger through a good church body and great youth programs, where I learned so much more about Christ and his love for us. However, my faith at that point was the faith of my family, and while I would read my Bible, pray and do my devotions pretty regularly, at that point, my faith wasn't my own. Sure, I could recite numerous bible verses, and I could tell you anything you wanted to know about Noah and the Ark, Daniel in the Lion's Den or the Garden of Eden, but I really didn't delve too deeply into what I really believed: I believed what I was told without question.

My faith really grew in the summers at Bible camp in North Webster, Indiana, where I would re-dedicate my life to Christ year after year, and then let my faith slide as the year went on.

In the middle of my junior year of high school, I was uprooted when my family and I moved to Humboldt, Iowa. It was difficult to get plugged into a new church, and even more difficult when I realized that the church was "dead" compared to the church we came from. Instead of being in a church where being on fire was "cool", I was uprooted to a place where going to church was just what you did, and where the only person who really seemed to have a passion for the Lord was the youth pastor. My faith waivered a fair amount, and I found myself constantly asking myself what my purpose was in a place like this. I'd like to say that the Lord changed my heart at that point, but the truth was, He didn't. I still went to church and was a part of the youth group - I was even a part of the youth leadership team and went on a mission trip to Mexico - but my heart wasn't in it.

It wasn't until my freshman year of college at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa that I really had to face my faith head on. My first semester, I took a Biblical Studies class (since this was a Christian Liberal Arts college), and while you might think that a class like this would serve only to affirm my faith, the truth was that it made me question things. A LOT. This semester was a tough one for me spiritually, namely because the things I was taught growing up were called into question, and this class was very much like a three-year-old's constant nagging, "Why". Why it was we believed what we believed about the Bible: Why it was we believed what we believed about Christ. This class made me question the basic truths I had been taught, and how to really ask myself if I was only believing what I believed because it was what someone else had told me to believe. It was a tough semester for me, as I grappled with the question: Do you truly believe?

Unfortunately, for many of the members of my class, it caused them to lose faith on the basis that if things aren't exactly as they were taught, then all of Christianity must be bogus. Fortunately for me, I stuck around until the end of the class, in which the topic of conversation turned to the final question: If we can't explain everything the Bible says, and we can't know anything as an absolute with proof, how can we believe, then? After much discussion, we all finally agreed with the apostle Paul: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9) In summation: We may not understand it all, but that's what faith is: believing without seeing. And even if it all doesn't make sense, we have to trust God.

While I used to stand entirely on the laurels of what I was taught in my church growing up, I began to really study for myself as to what I believed.

However, that's not to say that I was entirely living for Christ: In fact, throughout my college years, I faltered pretty regularly, following after what was popular, and getting into relationships and friendships I shouldn't have. I have plenty of regrets from those years, but through them all, the Lord was faithful, patient, honest, and yet kind. He protected me more times than I even know, and he saw me through it and finally to a breaking point in March of 2005.

I had been so lonely, feeling as though I'd never really, truly find a mate who would love me for me, and not for what I was or wasn't willing to do. I realized that so much of the pain and hurt in my life came from trusting in the friends and relationships I had been in instead of trusting solely in the Lord. I came to a realization that I needed to change, and the Lord called me to pick up a book by Michelle McKinney Hammond: "What to Do Until Love Finds You". There were many other points Michelle made in this book, but the part that stuck out the most to me was this: Would the mate God has picked out for you want to be with someone like you? I realized that the man I dreamed of marrying one day probably wouldn't be all that attracted to the person I was portraying myself as at that point, and that I needed to make some major changes in my life: to re-kindle my relationship with the Lord, to put aside the sinful things I was doing, and to work at being the woman God wanted me to be.

One month later, I met Mark.

Now, I'd like to say that this was the culmination of my walk with Christ, and that things have been perfect in our walk with the Lord, but the truth is: it hasn't been easy. Mark and I have been through more than our share of heartache and sorrow in the 7 years since we met. We've said goodbye to many of our dear loved ones - including my father in the first year of marriage - and had many a restless night of sleep. We've had many ups and downs, frustrations and disappointments, and yet the Lord has been faithful to us. God gave me the perfect partner to see me through these hard times and challenges.

I struggle now, and I know I am not the best version of myself many times. I'd like to say that I am good at reading my Bible daily and sharing my faith, but the truth is that I'm not good at all of that. But I know what I believe, and I know that I am a sinner who Christ has made clean: And for that, I am eternally grateful. I know that Jesus died on the cross for MY sin so that I could live eternally. I know that God loves me even through all the heartache I've put him through, and that He has forgiven me. I no longer look at heaven as a place I want to go because that's where my Mom will be: I look at it as a place where I will finally see Jesus.

March 2012 Recap

First Baptist Church Baby Shower (March 1)

Some of the ladies at our church threw a baby shower for Cashel on March 1st! It was a lot of fun to introduce our little man to everyone, and we had a great time :)


For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Sarah and Johannes's Visit (March 3-5)

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Work Baby Shower (March 13)

Mark and I's co-workers threw Cashel a baby shower on March 13.

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Rach, Mankato and the Easter Bunny (March 25)

We had a wonderful, yet very full Saturday afternoon, consisting of catching up with my good friend from college, Rachel...

...followed by a trip to Mankato, where Cashel got to meet the Easter Bunny...

...as well as Great Uncle Dan, Great Aunt Kathi, and First Cousins (once removed) Caleb and Kirsten!

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Dessert with the Schroeders (March 27)

I caught up with my friend Dana and two of her kiddos at River City Eatery on a Monday afternoon.

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Meeting Miles (March 27)

Cashel and I met my college roommate, Gretchen and her son, Miles for dinner at Pizza Ranch, then went for a long walk in Primghar :)

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Meeting Noah Daniel (March 28)

My older brother and his family welcomed a new baby boy, Noah Daniel :)

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Meeting Madelyn Ann (March 28)

Our friends the Studes welcomed Miss Madelyn Ann to their family :)

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Friends Baby Shower (March 31)

My friends Heather and Kristina threw a baby shower for Cashel and I on Saturday the 31st. While it ended up being a smaller gathering than envisioned, we had a great time!

For a full recap with pictures, Click Here!

Friends Baby Shower (March 31)

We had a great afternoon at Ben Lee's Cafe in Worthington, even if it was a very small party. Unfortunately, the date didn't work very well for many of my friends; many of whom had either already visited from out of town, had been invited to the other baby showers, or had prior obligations (like, you know, having a baby 3 days beforehand).

But Heather, Olivia, Kristina and I had a nice lunch and fun time celebrating anyway. We enjoyed a yummy lunch (thanks, ladies!), and visited before opening gifts and got lots of fun snuggles in with the guest of honor :)

Thanks so much for putting this together, ladies! It's such a blessing to have friends like you guys to celebrate with at such a fun time in our lives :)

Meeting Madelyn Ann (March 28)

Our good friends Curt and Nancy Stude welcomed their first child, a little baby girl into the world last month (and I'm just this slow at getting it posted - ooops!)

Madelyn Ann Stude was born March 28, 2012 at 10:24pm. The little lady weighed in at 7lbs 1oz and was 20.5 inches long!

We were able to make our way down to visit them and meet her in the Worthington Hospital the evening of the 29th, and she is just so precious!

We are so thrilled for them! Congrats, guys! :)

Welcome to the World, Noah Daniel (March 28)

My older brother, Dan and his wife welcomed their 4th little one into the world yesterday!

Noah Daniel Ropte was born at 3:04 pm, weighing 11 pounds and 22 inches long (with a 15 inch head!!) We are so thrilled for them, and can't wait to meet little Noah!

Congratulations, guys!

Meeting Miles (March 27)

Cashel and I took a trip down to Primghar to meet up with my college roommate Gretchen and her little man Miles, who was born just a few days before Cashel.

We met at Pizza Ranch for dinner, then went for a nice walk before Cashel and I made our way back to Worthington to pick up Daddy.


It was so nice to catch up with Gretchen, as well as to meet her little man Miles! Hopefully we'll see them again before our little ones are walking and talking!

Dessert with the Schroeders (March 27)

While on my maternity leave, I was able to do some things I don't generally get the opportunity to do during the days. On one particular day, I was able to enjoy a leisurely afternoon visit with my friend Dana and her kiddos Courtney and Ethan at River City Eatery here in Windom.

Dana and I know each other from church at First Baptist here in Windom. We've been known to make Monday Chinese and shopping runs to Mankato on occasion, although with our growing families and my busy work schedule, it hasn't always been easy to carve out time. We seem to only get caught up at her quarterly Signature Homestyles open houses at her home in Mountain Lake or in quick conversations after church on Sundays

However, this afternoon worked out well, as we weren't dealing with hungry kiddos or busy schedules, and we could just relax and enjoy some yummy desserts together.



Apparently Ethan was being shy and didn't want to be in the picture - what a little sweetheart he is :)

It was so great to see you and catch up, Dana! We'll have to do it again sometime soon!!

Rach, Mankato and the Easter Bunny (March 25)

One of my best friends from college, Rach, came up to visit and to meet little Cashel, which was so sweet of her :) She and I hung out a bit, then headed out for a walk down to River City Eatery in downtown Windom :)




It was so great to catch up with her, as the last time we were able to get together was early July! Miss you, woman!

After Rach left, Mark and I had a free Saturday afternoon, so we decided to take a trip to Mankato for the evening. We had a few errands to run and a couple returns, and we thought we'd stop by Aunt Kathi and Uncle Dan's to introduce little Mr. Cashel to them as well.

We happened to notice a sign that said the Easter Bunny was at the mall, so we took advantage of the opportunity for Cashel to meet the E.B., although I'm pretty sure he had no idea what was going on haha :)



Afterwards, we swung by BWW to pick up some wings and buffalitos to go, then stopped in by Dan and Kathi's.


While everyone else was busy ooohing and ahhhing over little Cashel, I was busy scarfing down some brownies, courtesy of Kathi. Mmmmmmm :)

Cousin Caleb really enjoyed Cashel!

We made it back home to Windom around 10pm, but sure enjoyed our Saturday!

Date Night in Windom (March 24)

Thanks to my boss and his wife, we were treated to a night out all to ourselves in Windom, which turned into one of my favorite date nights ever :) We started out with dinner at PJII's :)

After dinner, we swung by Pamida to exchange some diapers, and had perhaps a tinge too much fun relaxing in the cuddle recliner that soon became ours :)

Before heading home to relax (and nap) a bit, we decided to pick up some soft serve at Dairy Queen and make our own blizzards at home with Golden Oreos - YUM!!

I can't really pinpoint why this date was so wonderful, but it really just was. It was nice to not be worrying about changing diapers or feeding or holding or pacifying our little man, as much as we have no issue doing this. It was just nice to be able to cuddle up and take a nap like old times without a care in the world :)

It helped us remember who we are as a couple, and how much I'm still just so in love with this man :)

Work Baby Shower (March 13)

My sweet co-workers threw Cashel a baby shower at work in mid-March. There was a great turnout, and they were all stunned at just how big our little guy had gotten.

The Food

They went all out on the delicious desserts and punch for the shower. I had to sample one of everything, of course :) Thanks to everyone who went to all that effort to make these sinful treats!

The Decor

The decor was a jungle theme, and SO CUTE! Great job picking that all out, Angie - adorable!

The Guests

We had a great turnout of co-workers for the shower, and Cashel got lots of snuggles :) It was so nice to see so many familiar faces, as it had been 6 weeks since I had seen many of them.

The Gifts

We were absolutely blown away by the generous gifts from all our co-workers! Cashel should be set for quite a while between all the adorable outfits, bath stuff, and lots of great practical gifts and toys.

We can't say thank you enough to all our wonderful co-workers. While this blog post is certainly past-due, I've really enjoyed being back at work amongst them all and the joy they bring to my days :) So thank you!! :)