Monday, April 27, 2009

Content with just being me


A snapshot of my story . . . .

My name is Christina Stockhouse and I am a daughter, sister, life-long student, artist, friend:




A daughter of the most High King & two loving parents
whom I miss very much.


A sister to anyone who needs a listening ear,
especially my sister whom I love deeply.


A life-long student whose curiosity is unending.


An artist who appreciates the beauty of relationships.

A friend who seeks to love and serve.



I come from a small-town culture where everybody knows everybody and nobody can get away with anything without somebody knowing. For the past four years, I've enjoyed the small-town feel of Seattle Pacific University amidst the large metropolitan city of Seattle. I graduated in the spring of 2009 with a BA in Psychology. I hope to attend graduate school for Marriage and Family Therapy (or another counseling related MA) within the next couple years.


I discovered the love of Christ through my grandma Dorothy. As a little girl I admired her for her deep and abiding faith. She taught me to pray and read the bible, as well as, keep a prayer journal. When I was in Middle School, I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior. But, I would argue that my faith did not really become personal to me until I reached college.


I have been attending Quest Church for almost four years and for some reason I never became a member. I suppose I saw college/attending Quest as a temporary season. However, since I will be staying at the church for another year after graduation, I would like to become a member. I've enjoyed serving as a host and now as the Associate Children's Director. Perhaps, I have been an honorary member for awhile without the actual title.


Although there are many things I look forward to doing in the future, I feel like I am "living the dream" right no
w. I love what I do both at the church and at REACH Ministries. Every week I look forward to spending Sunday with the most amazing group of people in Seattle - QUEST KIDS! Unbeknown to them, they have changed my heart. I feel incorporated into the church body. I don't just attend Quest Church, I am a part of the family here. That is extremely significant to me considering my own family is so far away.

I dream of having my own family someday, but for now I am enjoying my surrogate family here. I hope to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, so that I can further serve families by helping people build healthy relationships. I view families as a gift from God to be nurtured and cherished.
My life-long-goal is to support and empower positive family relationships, starting within my own family first.
Thankfully, God has given me a way to serve families both at Quest and in the local community through REACH Ministries. I'm excited about God's plan for my life, because I know that no matter what, it will be good. My prayer is that my goals and dreams would continue to be in-line with God's purpose for me.



Thank you for your support and prayers,

~ Christina


--
C h r i s t i n a S t o c k h o u s e
Associate Children's Director - Quest church

http://groups.google.com/group/quest-parents
christinastockhouse.blogspot.com

Friday, April 3, 2009

When 8 doors close . . . another one opens


Graduating from college = so many new possibilities.

After job-hunting for quite some time, I finally landed a job that fits me perfectly. Praise God! I'm so excited to start next Monday with REACH Ministries. I will be working on staff as the Progressive Units Intern.

Check it out:

www.reachministries.org

The REACH Psychosocial Progressive Units Program provides year-round developmentally appropriate therapeutic activities, education, and psychosocial, emotional and spiritual support for the children, youth and families affected by HIV/AIDS.


Also, I'll be providing education and case management for the kids and families at REACH.

This is a GAP year internship (a.k.a. a year-long commitment). If this past year has taught me anything, I trust God will provide in the meantime. Please pray for this transition in my life.

I will also continue with my current job at Quest Church as the Children's Ministry Associate Director for the up-coming year as well. www.seattlequest.org

Thank you for your prayers!

~ Christina Stockhouse