Hands

In early 2014, God planted an idea that developed into this blog and ministry. As He has led, we have done our best to follow. We really have no idea what He will do with this, but we are excited that He is moving and that we have the honor and privilege of writing about it!

~Laura, Alyssa, and Kallie

 

Laura Frederick

Laura

Connector . Passionate . Adaptable . Empathizer . Justice Seeker

I am fascinated by the complexities of people. I long to know the whole person – including the hard parts and parts that are different from me. I try to listen to every side of an argument or opinion and look for the story behind the stance.

I walk with God not because it’s my background or rigid belief system but because I’ve encountered him in intimate and personal ways. My husband and I are stories of transformation. He hurt a lot of people when he was young. I was arrogant and headstrong, putting all my energy into college and sports and leadership all the while trapped in the suffocating grip of an eating disorder. We’ve come to believe change is always possible and we have fought hard to make our marriage strong. Motherhood was my fear and now it is my great honor. I love exploring life with my little people and their friends.

In 2011, God brought me to the edge of death in order to alter the trajectory of our family. Literally every prayer and unresolved issue was answered through what appeared to be our darkest hour. It was an intense experience that taught us how to engage life facing out. That engagement culminated in the recent adoption of our youngest daughter.

In my spare time (ha, ha) I’m a college instructor, therapist, and relationship coach with a private practice in Roseville, CA.

 

Kallie McKean

Kallie

 Creative.  Worshiper . Truth Seeker. Lover of people . Warrior 

I am an artist at heart and have a passion for restoring things. Whether it’s an old broken piece of furniture that needs new paint and new life, or a broken heart that needs fresh grace and an encounter with Jesus, I’ve found that I am drawn towards restoration. I love the richness that comes from the old being made new. I am an encourager and enjoy helping people find Jesus in the midst of their circumstances.

For me, this life is about following God wherever He leads, and so far He has led me through an exhilarating and challenging adventure.  I am married to the love of my life, mommy to two littles, and live the busy life of a small business owner.  My husband and I created The Yellow Chair, where we make homes happy again through remodel, restoration, and interior design.

The journey has been exhilarating. From life as a young army wife, to then living on the side of a remote Colorado mountain, feeling abandoned by God, my Jesus was with me. From taking a step of faith following a specific call from God, to then years of painful, desperate unemployment, my Jesus held me. From battling deep depression to enduring poverty, Jesus carried me.  We have walked  the road of vocational ministry and now business ministry and found that God is at work in both!  He has asked my husband and I to do some pretty ‘out-of-the-box’ things, and we have had many heart-wrenching years of  obeying Jesus when it hasn’t made any sense. Through incredible highs and debilitating lows, I have found Him to be faithful, good, and a refuge in all storms.

Simply put I’m a worshiper,because I am madly in love with Christ. I deeply desire to worship Him with my entire life…and I would humbly invite you to worship with me.

 

Alyssa Gluck

Alyssa

Intentional. Teacher. Encourager. Abider . Merciful .

Born to a family of educators, I couldn’t escape the calling either!  I love learning and teaching. Upon graduating from college I taught elementary school for four years then took a break to start a family. I currently serve as a full-time mom, part time substitute at my kids’ school, and a part time writer/speaker. I love studying the Bible and hanging out with folks who want to talk about what God is doing in their lives.

I am married to an amazing man who currently serves as a college professor at our local university. Together we have been involved in college and worship ministry our whole married life and have traveled broadly serving God’s kids around the world.  We have taken turns carrying each other through dark seasons of anxiety/depression and a serious life-threatening illness that I contracted while in Africa.  God sustained us both.   Along the way, we have been blessed with 3  kiddos. Motherhood took some serious adjustment on my part,  but now it’s the most fulfilling role I play. In 2012, our family experienced a devastating house fire , but God was never more real to any of us.   In each chapter of life I have experienced God’s gentle, restorative hand. He has spared my life (literally, at least twice) and has caused me to want to live life to the fullest and “make the most of every opportunity” each day.

Pretty sure the reason I’m on the planet is to declare His praises. Whether in the quietness of my own home, crying alongside a friend, speaking to a large group, teaching a handful of kiddos, hanging out with a college student, or leading worship with the family band.. I want to declare from the rooftops how amazing and REAL He is. I get giddy when I can identify where God is clearly at work in my life and other’s lives.  My favorite idea of “church” would be a place where everyone takes turns sharing what God is teaching them. Hoping THIS is that kind of  place where we can declare His praises together.