Life as a Redhead...

Clearing my mind

2009-06-14T18:05:00.001-07:00

Always the singer, never the bride. This was my "bit" this weekend, as i enjoyed another wedding back home! It was so great to see those of you that I was able to see, and very nice to spend time with my parents for the weekend.

This was my great learning from this morning at The Gathering.
"Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray." 1 Tim 4:7
Simple, yet profound. If we are not clear minded and worry free (along with self disciplined and self-controlled), its going to be a lot more difficult to meditate on God, pray and listen.
I control whether I am clear minded (or lack there of in most cases)... Clear mindedness seems to be heavily based on trust in God and not worrying about A, B and C.
I want to consciously stop, be still, clear my mind, so I can pray and pray well.

Honduras with Dad!

2009-06-11T14:32:00.000-07:00

Senior Band Trip to San Diego

2009-06-11T14:29:00.001-07:00

April Letter!

2009-04-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I love spring and Easter and all it represents! Isn’t it amazing that the God of the Universe, who created all things, came to earth to be human, to teach us, and to suffer and die for us!? His love for me and for you is so unfathomable, and I pray that I understand it more each day!
The Pastor’s Wives Retreat that I lead worship at last month went incredible! The Lord continues to show me that when I lead music the Holy Spirit just takes over! I met and spent time with some fun ladies that weekend, and through many of their stories and experiences, I was really challenged and blessed as well.
The encouragement I have been receiving lately from God and others that I respect has really confirmed that leading worship and teaching through music is where the Lord is calling me. Lately I have seen in a real way that worship leading goes far beyond playing and singing good music, it is about leading others to the throne of God, where the musicians completely fade away, and all that’s left is the believer and the Creator. We were made to worship Him, not just with our voices, but with our lives.
I am starting a new series with my small group girls on the book of John. My girls are awesome, but my prayer is that they’re realities of Christianity becomes much more personal to them. Most of them have “always been Christians” growing up in Christian homes. I pray that even in their young age their relationship with Christ will be what they crave and long for!
It has been in the 70’s and 80’s in Orange County, and let me tell you… I don’t wish that I was snowed-in in Colorado Springs right now! 
Have a blessed Easter weekend! Saddleback will be broadcasting Easter services on FOX if you want to watch!

Im wonderwoman!

2009-04-01T20:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, Im going to figure out how to actually put the video on my blog... but this one is really good. We used it as an opener for a "Refuel" series for the high school ministry.

"Tour" of our student building... by the funniest guy on staff...

2009-04-01T19:58:00.000-07:00

Video from PDYM Conference

2009-04-01T19:54:00.000-07:00

I make my appearance in min 2.... Were passing out meatballs to the attenders, because, who doesnt love meatballs?

March

2009-03-20T11:40:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone!!
I have been resting up this month and getting ready for March madness! March seems to be a month where a lot of stuff is going on here…even more than normal!
I know I never write about the classes I am currently taking in Seminary, so I thought I would share with you what that’s all about!
I am in a 2 year Masters program at Golden Gate Seminary, and am on track to receive my Masters in Theological Studies by the time I am finished with my internship! Currently I am taking the second half of a New Testament class and a Christian Theology class. New Testament is my favorite class because it is basically an in-depth study of Jesus’ life and his follower’s missions. I really look at my professor as more of a pastor, and he teaches the Word with great intellect and enthusiasm, desiring for us to deepen our personal relationship with Jesus.
I have also taken a cultural communication class with a pastor from the church Mosaic, in Los Angeles, which was a great class for continuing to learn how to have eyes and love like Jesus.
Every intern and staff member at Saddleback has the opportunity to take seminary classes, but surprisingly few do! I am not just looking forward to having a degree to give me further accreditation in ministry, but am learning and craving so much more of God’s word! Over the past year the Lord has really excited me about his word, and I just can’t
seem to get enough of it! So to be studying the bible at an academic level is really enjoyable to me!
I have been very refreshed in the Lord the past few weeks, and I am continuing to learn what it means to let him satisfy every need of mine. It’s a continual process of surrender!

Prayer Request

March 13th-15
I am leading worship for Saddleback’s Pastor’s Wives’ Retreat
(Since I sent this email out late... I just got back from this retreat today and it went amazing! The Lord really blessed me and the women with his truth and his word! It was an awesome experience for me and I met and connected with many great women at Saddleback!)

March 24th-28th
PDYM (Purpose Driven Youth Ministry) Conference: Our team is running the whole conference, and it will be a LONG and busy week!

My High School Small group girls are really starting to open up and break down walls. Please pray the Spirit will help them do this, and that I can show them a lot of love in the process!

Please pray the Lord continues to surround me with Godly women!

2009-03-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

2009-03-20T11:34:00.000-07:00

Pictures of my awesome worship team... Taffy, Alanna, and Dominik (this picture shows our love/hate relationship). haha.

2009-02-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

Hello my friends! I just talked to my mom, and she said it is very snowy and cold back at home. It’s not too much different here, and has been raining all week! I’ve turned into a total wimp, and am cold if the temperature drops below 60 degrees! BRRR!
The Lord has been doing some really cool things here, and I’m excited to fill you all in as he continues to be “up to something” bigger than I can imagine. As for now, I ask that you join me in prayer about my specific role as an intern here, and pray with me as the Lord continues to show me the areas of ministry that he has created me for.
He has revealed to me that I specifically have a passion for walking along side mature Christians, and He continues to strengthen my leadership skills with new opportunities and challenges.

We just took 200 high school students on a discipleship retreat to Big Bear last weekend. The snow made me feel like I was at home. Though we had to leave a day early becuase a huge blizzard was coming it... also making me feel like I was at home, with plans unexpectedly changing due to weather!! We then returned to the church and had an all-nighter lock-in with the kidos... im still recovering from sleep deprivation! The retreat was great though- we had an awesome speaker (Ben Stuart) and worship leader (Travis Ryan Collins) and everyone really connected well with their leading.

Its been great to catch up with so many of you lately!! Thank you for your continual prayers and encouragement!

Christmas Pictures!!

2008-12-07T18:27:00.000-08:00

Cierra, Cori, Jamie, Alexa, Jordan, Katie, Krista, Jessica, Lauren, Me and Jessie!

Christmas pictures of my lovely girls! Girls dont worry, I will get you these pictures... :)

These girls are seriously the best part of my internship so far... they are each special and unique, and I love spending time with them!

I love Turkey.

2008-11-28T19:42:00.000-08:00

THANKSGIVING FAMILY PICTURE!

It was so nice to be home for 5 days. It even snowed a little! I got to wear my Ugg Boots for a practical reason (that which girls in CA are unaware of.)
It was so nice to see friends and family! Thanks to all of you who came over for our open house! I just feel so blessed when I am reminded of how many great people are in my life. I really wouldnt be who I am if it wasent for you guys back home... you know who you are.... and as sappy as it is, Im super grateful for those here who have walked through life with me, and helped me in becoming who God wants me to be. Thank you. It was so good seeing all of you! :)

I also got to spend time with Brandon, my older brother, who I havent seen since last Christmas! The greatest thing about my older brother is that he doesnt even pretend to care about family pictures... love it!

Here I am with my beautiful Aunt Connie!

TUES COFFEE/DESSERT NIGHT!

2008-11-22T10:46:00.000-08:00

Coffee and Dessert Night!!
Hello, Stephanie Buckman, this is your Host Version. Scroll down for editing options. Print Invitation Details

Host:
Stephanie Buckman
Location:
My Parents House! Bruce and Patricia915 E Kings Deer Pt., Monument, CO 80132 USView Map
When:
Tuesday, November 25, 6:30PM
Phone:
719.510.1477
Hi Friends! Please join me and my family for an open house this Tuesday from 630pm-9pm. We will have yummy desserts and coffee/tea/cider to sip on! I would love to see you while Im home for the holidays, and hope you can stop by and hang out with us!

2008-11-22T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of my lovely small group girls! We have been hanging out a ton lately! We had a dinner and game night last week, followed by an overnight retreat at a hotel! Pouring into these girls really reminds me why I love high school students so much! It is very refreshing to hang out with them and see the fruit that is coming from our weekly small group times, and other fun activities we do together! Im so excited to continue to grow with these girls and mentor them for the next two years.

The weekend Jaime and I dueted....

2008-11-05T17:32:00.000-08:00

Nothing like a little High School Musical Duet with a Graphic Designer (aka... not a singer) to get the Junior High students fired up about Jesus!

YEAH WERE BREAKIN FREE!

November Update Letter

2008-11-04T12:03:00.000-08:00

I can’t believe it’s already November! My time here is already flying by so fast! Every day seems to go so fast, followed by weeks and months! I think it’s a combination of being super busy and loving what I do. I pray your Fall is beautiful and restful as the crazy holiday season approaches.
Well as many of you have asked me, “What do you do?” let me run through an average week for me at work… though the greatest thing about my position is that it is anything but scheduled and consistent, every day is different!
Early in the week my team prepares for our high school/junior high band practices and high school/junior high school choir practices which are every Monday and Tuesday afternoon. There are four of us on the student music ministry team, and usually one of us plays with each of our student bands on the weekends. We have four services for both junior high and high school at consecutive times during the weekends, which means we have two bands playing for one weekend. I also run both of our student choir practices weekly, which is a huge growing process for me. I prepare lessons and activities for both choirs, and we have seen a lot of growth in their voices in the past couple months! Saddleback has never had a musician that solely focused on student vocals, and this has become a large part of my role here because of my gifting and the needs here. Another portion of my week is spent doing computer and administration work for our weekend programs, but the best part of my week is simply loving on students! Whether it’s the ten girls from my small group, or one of the hundred kids in our music ministry, there are always students around and it’s hard not to love them. Our music team has also been given responsibility for a new service that started in September, geared for the 20’s and 30’s age range. This is such a cool service to be a part of and to be refreshed by weekly. I am learning tons with the two seminary classes I am taking, as my professors strive to have our knowledge of Theology affect and strengthen our personal relationship with God, and I have already applied much of what I am learning in class into our ministry. The Lord is continuing to teach me time management of spending time with him, my community with friends and students, and working in ministry. I feel I have a healthy balance right now, but ask that you continue to pray that I do not over extend myself in any one area. I also ask for prayer that my team will continue to grow closer, with a solid foundation on the Rock, always relying on His will and His strength to accomplish all on our plate.
I look forward to seeing many of you when I come home to visit for the holidays! Since my time home for Thanksgiving will be short, my parents and I have decided to have an open-house, dessert/coffee evening, at our home on Tuesday, November 25th from 6:30pm-9pm. I would love to see as many of you there as our house can fit! If you can’t make it, don’t worry, we will probably do the same sort of thing when I am home for Christmas. My parent’s address is 915 E Kings Deer Pt., Monument, 80132. Love you all!

Worship at Fuse... our 20's & 30's Venue

2008-11-04T11:44:00.000-08:00

Worship at Fuse... I just think this picture is sweet.

Pumpkinfest...

2008-11-03T21:37:00.000-08:00

I was "anti" facebook... more of a political statement than a holloween costume... but IT'S TAKING OVER COMMUNICATION... dont give in guys....

Rick Warren... haha, best costume EVER!!! (good work Jason Reed)

Tshirley/Mclaughlin Wedding

2008-11-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

I was blessed to be able to go to Seattle for a few days this month to join in an awesome marriage of my friends Shaunna and Devon! I had a really refreshing trip, being around familiar faces and people who know and love me! Not to mention this couple loves each other and God so much, and its always sweet to see a marriage done right in honor of the Lord!

1/2 Marathon #2

2008-10-14T14:13:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I ran the Long Beach Half Marathon w/ my champion friend Jaime... It was a beautiful course along the beach, and a great run!! I finished in 1 hour 48 min.

The goal is to run one in every single state I live in!

Worlds greatest Chx tacos in Long Beach... who would'a guessed?

New Pictures!

2008-10-14T14:06:00.000-07:00

Staff Fun Day last week!

Mini Golf and Bowling... two best things ever!

80's night

2008-09-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

Even though Im only 22, I still am feeling older and older, especially with the girls in my small group (that Im getting really close with by the way) have to ask me what the 80's were like since they weren't alive then.

We all went shopping at Goodwill for 80's outfits for our High School Ministry's 80's night, and it was hilarious to see what the girls came up with.

They tried to get me to wear the ugliest formal sequined dress (shoulder pads included), but luckily did not succeed. We all had a blast... crimped hair, leggings and all the works!

Pictures!

2008-09-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

Uncle Jerry and Aunt Gerryanne with Mom and I in Vegas...

Mom and I in Vegas on our trip out to Orange County....

Here are some fun pictures from the past couple weeks here at Saddleback! We have had some fun end of the summer/fall kick-off events for our students. God is teaching me so much already about working in youth ministry! I have been doing worship with the jr. high the past couple weeks which has been a blast!

This weekend Im playing with the HSM- high school ministry, and our new Fuse ministry (20's and 30's ministry) so Im really all over the place! Keep me updated on you please! I love and miss you all!

stephaniebuckman@hotmail.com

My first week here!

2008-09-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Hey friends, family, loved ones, strangers, whoever...

My first week working here at Saddleback has been awesome! My first day we had an 8 hour fun day with all our band students in our new awesome student building, which includes tons of game tables, 2 big gyms, game systems, a cafe, coffee bar, a theater and tons of hang out space! It was a great first day! :)

I miss the Colorado mountains terribly... dont take them for granted!

This past week I have been helping with student band and choir rehearsals, getting to know many students, and learning what day to day life looks like working in ministry. I can honesty say I look forward to coming to work everyday, which is such a blessing! I've been just praising God for providing a job I feel very joyful doing for Him! This weekend we have a huge Fall kick-off for the students and community. Please pray we are able to draw students in and get them plugged in and continue to reach them individually- this is a hard task at a church this big. Please also pray that the Lord continues adjust me well to my new environment, and that I am able to focus on Him and all he wants me to do for him while I am here, rather than working for my own agenda.

Love and miss you all! Please keep me updated on whats going on with you too! God Bless!

Summer Camp!

2008-08-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Saddleback's high school camp was 2 weeks ago and I was privileged to be able to be a camp counselor!! This week was an awesome way for me to get to know many students that I will be working with over the next 2 year- and I had 9 awesome girls in my cabin!!!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying and supporting me through this!!

HSM summer camp

2008-08-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

Im SO excited for summer camp! I think I love students and student events because it brings out the big child in myself! The competitive, free spirited, totally dorky child that I am! Granted Im only 22, but theres something to be said about acting like Im 10.
So glad I get to come!

Im tough... not dainty

2008-07-23T23:06:00.000-07:00

5 am sunrise... hiking Pikes Peak.... 14 miles- 7000' to 14000' climb

Forward and onward.... hiking Red Rocks

Powder Puff Leaders Team (except Kelsey)- we always kick butt

Ebay foul

2008-07-17T09:24:00.000-07:00

you really can find anything on ebay.... but seriously I think the excitement of shopping without leaving the house is a dangerous thing for those who lack attention to detail like i do. I was looking for a replacement center console for my car, because mine has developed a large tear in the leather over the last year. I found one that looked fabulous for way cheep and of course I bought it. For whatever reason I missed the detail that it was brown (because the pictures look jet black I might add) and now Im stuck with a ripped black console and new brown console... ghetto. Maybe Ill trade in my black leather seats for red and bring back the vintage look.

So Ive learned unless I can touch, feel, taste, smell and see whatever Im buying, I run the risk of ending up with more than I bargained for. Lesson learned.

The New Course....

2008-07-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

As Jaime so clearly noted in his blog... www.jaimeihelpyou.com... Disney has disappointed us with their capacity limits for their 1/2 marathon and their expensive $4 churros. So heres the next plan of attack.
THE LONG BEACH 1/2 MARATHON! Wooohoooo!
Sunday Oct 12, 2008- This give amateurs approximately 3 months to train! So strap on your running shoes and see you in 13.1 miles!

http://www.runlongbeach.com/Top_Nav/halff235.htm

I run for Jesus

2008-07-12T09:34:00.000-07:00

I just got pictures from my 1/2 marathon last month. Check out the air Im catching! Who wants to run the Disney Land 1/2 with me in August????

Saddleback Pride

2008-07-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Who knew that folding letters, stuffing envelopes, and placing address labels on cards was so time consuming! I have just finished 100 support packets for my internship and I am officially never licking an envelope again! I hope I dont die from the glue like Georges fiance Susan!

Though I know my paper cuts and ruined taste buds will pay off when the Lord so abundantly blesses me!

Check out this sweet design some talented artist made for me! It is titled Saddleback Pride.

BLOG

2008-07-03T18:54:00.000-07:00

I want you all to know Im just posting because it seems to be the cool thing to do at Saddleback, and now that I have OFFICIALLY been offered an internship position there, I must embrace myself in the culture and rituals of southern California!

So far I'm practicing blogging, routinely eating Mexican food, not using my turn signals, and drinking Starbucks an obscene number of times a day.