My Niece

From the moment our little Reese Lanae (now almost ten months!) entered our lives, she has been nothing but pure joy (granted we aunties and uncles and grandparents have had the easier job, but even with all the sleepless nights, mom and dad agree wholeheartedly!) Judging by the mound of presents she got from her family this Christmas, she has us all wrapped around her tiny fingers. :)

It has been so fun to watch my sweet little niece grow up each month and to observe all of her cute phases (currently she is in the "I love my yogurt" phase and the "wiggling my toes/waving my hands excitedly up and down" phase and the "crawling after whichever parent is not in the room" phase; she also has an adorable growing little mullet hairdo :) ).

We cannot wait for this joy to be multiplied with the arrival of her sister Allie in July! "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him," (Psalm 127:3).

Below is a video of Reese's reaction when I crawl on the floor like a lion:

My Siblings

So now that you have met my parents, I probably should introduce you to my three crazy siblings and my brother-in-law and sisters-in-law (who I consider to be just as worthy of the title "sibling" as my three biological ones).

Matt (Pictured on the far left): His three words would probably be passionate, tender, and protective. Ever since high school, Matt has had a knack for teaching. He knows how to communicate lessons and truths to people of all ages with skill and ease. It is clearly a God-given gift that he has been instilled with. One of the neatest things is getting to watch Matt teach (he is a junior high Bible & history teacher at Trinity Classical Academy). He cares about his students so much, has a passionate love of the subjects he teaches, and he constantly tries to keep his teaching methods fresh, fun, and motivational so that the kids will want to learn. Beyond teaching, Matt is passionate about theology. He always is asking Dad some thought-provoking question, or looking up the answer to something on his own. He often leads my family in fascinating discussions around the lunch table. He is very passionate about his walk with Christ and about rooting out anything that diminishes his love for his Savior. While Matt is tough, fit, and often walks around with a more serious countenance, he is very tender. I love to watch the way he takes care of his pregnant wife, Ashley, or the way he holds and talks to his nine month old daughter Reese. When you bring a concern to Matt's attention, he is likely to respond to it with a soft, teachable spirit. Finally, Matt is protective. He has always been that way. He used to be protective of my sister and I back in high school and now he funnels this instinctive nature into his relationship with his wife and daughter. When Matt and Ashley were dating, I remember he would say cute things like "If anyone ever looks at Ashley, I'm going to go beat him up." That spirit has carried on into his and Ashley's marriage, where he often is quick to assert "We better be getting home, Ashley is tired." Lately Matt is quick to remind us that, "Everyone needs to be quiet! Reese is trying to sleep." He has turned into quite the leader and family man. He is still your typical oldest child and someone we each rely on for so much.

Ashley (Pictured on the far left): Her three words would probably be maternal, loyal, and caring. Ashley has always had a love for the things of the home, for marriage, and for children (I think coming from a family of seven children helped with that). I still fondly remember walking into Motherhood Maternity with her and watching her look excitedly at all of the cute clothing for pregnant mothers before Matt and her were even engaged. Ashley's relationship with Reese is so precious. She glows as a mother. It is unquestionably clear that she loves her daughter so much. This Christmas it was special watching her get choked up as she talked about the meaning of Christmas and how she better understands what Mary must have gone through, now that she has a cherished child of her own. Ashley is also very loyal. She is a great wife, friend, sister, daughter, sister-in-law, etc. She had friends from high school standing on the stage with her for her wedding, each a unique and valuable presence on her special day. Once you are friends with Ashley, you are sure to be friends with her for a lifetime. Ashley is finally extremely caring. Her sweet nature makes her endearing to all. I remember how she sent me a thoughtful card the week my sister moved out of our house and into the dorms (for the first time in eighteen years I had my room all to myself). I also recall that Ashley began calling my Dad "Papa" relatively early into her's and Matt's relationship (I think when they were newly engaged). She always is so gracious, kind, and concerned when it comes to her relationships with other people, whether she knows them well or not. Perhaps this is why she has earned the nickname, "sugar cube." From the moment my sister and I met Ashley at church, we liked her. And since then she has spent Thanksgiving with us, Christmases, planned surprises, thrown a sister sleepover, and in every way become a dear member of our family. She is one of the sweetest persons that I know- so gentle, so tender, so kind. We are so thankful that she is a Mehringer! And because our family is so much like her's and she fits into it so comfortably, it is often easy to forget that she is my sister-in-law, instead of my biological sister.

Tad (Pictured on the far right): His three words would probably be funny, hard-working, and servant-hearted. Tad is quite possibly the FUNNIEST person I know. He is very quick-witted and is also able to imitate almost any person/song/movie known to mankind. He always knows how to make you laugh and he uses this ability to make people feel comfortable and thus easily makes friends. He particularly likes to perform for mom (he has since he was a kid) or Matt (who is known to turn very red in the face and CRY, I am serious, thanks to Tad's comedic skills). The Lord sovreignly chose Tad to be in Junior High ministry at church for a reason. :) Tad is also very hard-working. Ever since his first job at Big Lots he has emulated a Colossians 3:23 attitude. He works so tirelessly and always perseveres in whatever he does, without complaining. For this reason, employers have always loved my brother offering him position after position and he has been able to do very well in the business world. Tad represents Christ faithfully through his work ethic. Tad is also very servant-hearted. It is not uncommon for him to come home from a long day at work and to immediately help out with setting the table, washing dishes, taking care of the cats, etc. He loves to serve his wife, Monika and has always been good at serving the family. Because he loves his wife so much, he is very chill and enjoys deferring to her preferences and whenever he comes over to our house for family get-togethers, it is not unusual for Tad to take the trash out or volunteer to do dishes. He is very good at recognizing needs and meeting them. I'll never forget the summer before Tad got married. I was into tennis at the time, and he sacrificially played 2-3 times a week with me in the blazing hot sun just because he knew that I wanted to. Tad is such a fun guy and so easy to get along with and love (even if he is known to tease me brutally, ahhhem, Mr. I-put-a-fake-parking-ticket-on-Mollie's-car-after-she-did-eight-hours-of-traffic-school)!

Monika (Pictured on the far right): Moni's three words would be: Fun, creative, and hospitable. We get along well because we both like to go on adventures and be the life of the party :) She is always chipper and ready to go shopping, watch scary movies, throw a dance party, test new desserts, get a pedicure, host a get-together, buy someone an exciting present, etc. Monika is a great example to me that you can love Jesus and still love life, that these two are not incongruous but rather go hand-in-hand. Even just sitting on the couch looking at magazines with Moni is never boring. She spices up the little things in life, which explains her nickname "bouncy ball." She and Tad are one of the funnest couples that I know to hang out with. My relationship with Monika is particularly special since she has known me since my late pre-teen/early teenage years. I still have a very cute chocolate chip cookie shaped Hallmark card from her that says "Happy 13th Birthday, Mollie" on the inside (it goes on to tease me about Orlando Bloom. Embarrassing, I know). From the moment she entered our lives, Courtney and I adored her. We wanted to be just like her. She would take us on shopping sprees, or let us hang out with her in her dorm room, and even came over when Tad was in IBEX. Monika has always been so open-armed, welcoming, and loving to us. There is no greater compliment than when she says that we are like the little sisters she always wanted but never had. Monika is also super creative. She basically could start her own business from home. From the pillows and signs she creates to the cupcake tiers she puts together to the invitations she designs to her beautifully decorated home, Moni is the next up and coming Martha Stewart. She uses this gift to bless others by making them gifts or by helping them redesign their bedroom, etc. Monika is finally very hospitable. She always is having junior high girls, or junior high staff, or our family into her home and cleaning the house and cooking scrumptious meals. She uses her hands and her home to serve others and she does so with skill and grace. We are so thankful for this "sistorrr" who brings so much joy, fun, and laughter into our lives on a daily basis!

Courtney (Pictured in the middle): her three words would be diligent, wise, and crazy. Courtney has always been one of the most diligent persons that I have ever known. This is manifested in her work ethic at Starbucks, the fact that she worked and studied and maintained a home her senior year of college, and can be seen all the way back from her junior high days when she she won $100 in a writing contest and saved all $100 of it (what junior higher does that? Not me certainly! :p ) She has always done very well at balancing the various demands of life with discipline and faithfulness. She knows how to keep her priorities in line, from Jeremiah to work to ministry to family, etc. Courtney is also very wise. I love coming to her with questions and thoughts about my spiritual life, my friendships, the ministries I am involved with, conflicts, guy issues, etc. Her love for God's Word and the knowledge that she accrued as a Biblical counseling major at The Master's College is actually one of the primary qualities that first attracted her husband. Courtney uses her knowledge and discernment to counsel the several high school girls she oversees in Grace Community Church's 180 (High School) Ministries. Finally, while disciplined, balanced, and wise Courtney also has a fair share of "crazy" mixed in there. She is hilarious when she is hyper! She is crazy in love with her husband Jeremiah and loves to make that known and is known to get things mixed up or to say things that are extremley random that will make you roll on the ground in laughter (it's really cute to see the ways that she makes Jeremiah laugh!) Courtney has been the greatest sister and best friend that I could ever have asked for. I will never forget laughing in our room late at night about unwanted suitors, or giving her a big hug as she had tears streaming down her face after telling Jeremiah goodbye for four months as an engaged woman, or the countless fun memories we made together while we were home schooled or during breaks (Scrabble, pasta with vegetables, and Christmas movies!) Courtney is a great little sister, big sister, daughter, and friend and if you are lucky enough to know her, you will be the beneficiary of great counsel, constant accountability, and are sure to create many great memories and get to enjoy a lot of laughs along the way.

Jeremiah (Pictured in the middle): His three words would probably be wise, level-headed, and hilarious. Jeremiah has so much experiential wisdom that comes from almost 30 years of life and the many things he learned as an unbeliever, and that he has since learned being actively involved in ministry and pursuing his M.Div at The Master's Seminary. Along with Courtney, I love going to him for his advice on day to day issues and his thoughts on various deep theological questions. He really is my third big brother, and I don't just say that lightly. My fun, joking around, but also advice seeking friendship with Jeremiah is a blessing to me; I love being the little sister he never had. :) I have always been thankful for how much Jeremiah and Courtney incorporated me into their dating relationship, and this tight-knit threesome friendship has carried on into their marriage. They do such an amazing job of prioritizing their marriage but not shutting others out in the process! One of my favorite ways to spend an evening is enjoying Courtney's amazing home cooking, and games or 24 with Courtney and Jeremiah in the comfort of their home. Jeremiah's wisdom coupled with his shepherd's heart makes him a valuable and cherished mentor to the many high school boys he disciples. Jeremiah is also very level-headed, and possibly I might add, the ONLY member in my family who is! Hahaha! Jeremiah's Texan ways add a calming, relaxed presence to the routine chaos of Mehringer get-togethers. When we are all talking over each other and telling the same stories, Jeremiah remains unfazed and simply drawls, "Haven't we already heard this story before?" When a fiasco strikes, Jeremiah is one of the best persons to turn to. Jeremiah is finally, as I said HILARIOUS. He has all kinds of unique, funny preferences (like the way he likes the dishwasher to be loaded or how he gets creeped out by certain food textures). His dry humor and competitive nature always keeps us laughing. The latest funny thing about Jeremiah that amuses me is how he tries to spell out tough theological words during Bananagrams such as "Beautitudes" while I always manage to squeak out a victory through my usage of such words as "to," "for," "at," and "of." He says its cheap. I say its smart. One of the things that I most respect about my "brother" is how his life is centered on ministry. God's Word and people are ultimately what make him tick. I don't know what is a better compliment than that. I pushed for Jeremiah since day one and I couldn't have asked for a better brother-in-law (I mean, after all, how many brother-in-laws would tolerate you calling them Miah Papaya?)

My Parents

If I was to describe each of my family members in three words, this is what comes to mind:

My Dad: Leader. Wise. Loving. My Dad is a faithful leader, from his days in the Air Force, to working at the Master's Seminary and being involved in children's ministries at Grace Community Church, to the way he has always shepherded my family. While actively being involved in ministry for a number of years, my Dad has NEVER been absent in the home. My Dad is a wise man, his office at home and work are filled with bookshelves and countless books I can only dream about reading someday. My Dad has so much book knowledge but also so much practical sense/life experience knowledge. But what I most respect about my Dad, is that He is wise and knowledgeable about God's Word. He loves God's Truth and that is what ultimately defines him. Lastly, while he may have an intimidating exterior, my Dad is so loving. As my mom likes to insist, he's really a teddy bear once you get to know him. :) My Dad is always taking my mom on some romantic date (from Hawaii to Canada to Europe this summer, to Bed & Breakfasts, to the Melting Pot...OK you get the idea ;) ) and he loves to spend time with his kids and granddaughter. The way he talks about us or the way he gets teary-eyed (and he never gets teary-eyed) when he thinks about us all living apart from one another someday is truly sweet and touching. While I am the beneficiary of many of his wise (and deserved) lectures, I also am the recipient of so many of his hugs. My Dad always knows, even just by looking at me, when I am upset or emotional (it's kind of scary sometimes). My oldest brother, Matt, jokingly likes to call him the "patriarch," an appropriate title because I can't imagine our family functioning without him.

My Mom: Home-maker. Family-oriented. Faithful. My mom is always working on some project in the house, or cooking some delicious meal, or buying some item for dirt cheap with all the coupons she collects, or hosting somebody in our home. While our home isn't big, often the first thing that a guest mentions, upon first entering our house is how homey it is. That's thanks to my mom. She also is very thoughtful and strategic when it comes to prioritizing my dad's preferences as it relates to our home. She always knows when he is going to have a crazy or stressful week and makes sure she plans her schedule accordingly. She is so family-oriented. Mom's greatest pride and joy in life next to being Mrs. Ray Mehringer, is her role as Mom and "Marmee." She loves to make her rounds throughout the week: visiting Courtney at Starbucks, sitting in on one of my college classes at Master's, or babysitting Reese. She has even driven to Burbank to have lunch with Tad at his office and has sat in as Matt has taught his junior highers at Trinity Classical Academy. She always sends us helpful reminders via e-mail about some important date or occasion. And when I come home on the weekend or during a break, I always find a stack of "welcome home" treats from her, from fuzzy socks, to hot chocolate mix, to a penciled note about wanting to go out for a lunch date. She also is quick to hand me a thermos of coffee as I jet out to work at Gap in the morning. Mom finally is very faithful. Mom always is involved in some neat ministry opportunity, from prayer get-togethers, to seminary wives fellowship, to Bible Study Fellowship, to a newly married Bible Study for seminary couples with my dad, etc. But she never lets these things replace her personal time with the Lord. I often come into her room only to find her sitting on her bed with her Bible in her lap, with the mound of Christian books she is reading piled on the nightstand next to her, or walk into the house as she is listening to Nancy Leigh DeMoss' radio program "Revive our Hearts." I don't think my dad could be the man that he is without the support of my mom behind him. And as I think about the many years mom spent homeschooling each of us, I know that her children couldn't be the adults that we are today, were it not for the many years she spent instructing us and modeling a lifestyle of godliness before us.

Meet My Family :)

Meet My Family ☺

"The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to."
-Dodie Smith

Next to the fact that my sins have been completely paid for by the God of the universe, the next most important thing you should know about me is that I have one of the best families in the world! They are truly my greatest earthly blessing. OK, I know that sounds cliche and sappy, but it's true. They are my truest friends, my biggest supporters, the people I most love to laugh and cry with, and spend time with. They are the ones who are quickest to confront me in a loving manner, they are the ones who I have weird pet names for, they are the ones I trashtalk during a game of cards, they are my favorite people to watch a scary movie with or to renovate a room with or to sit around the dinner table with. Some of my favorite moments are when my family and I are all together. We don't have to be doing anything specific, but whether we are on a houseboat in Nevada, in Alaska in the dead of winter, scurrying around during a family wedding, or just chilling together on Christmas day, being together is enough. Hearing everyone laugh, talk over each other, tell jokes, share news, and obviously enjoy each other's presence in a chaotic, out of control way (my Mom likes to joke that we are the redeemed version of the family in Home Alone) constitutes a great day in my book. So without further ado, let me introduce you to the nine precious individuals I am so blessed to call my family…

An Introduction: My Testimony

OK, so before I launch into writing more routine posts, I thought an introduction is necessary.
The MOST important thing you should know about me is that "I am a great sinner, but Christ is a great Savior" (John Newton). I have been ransomed from the slavery of sin by my precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is why I am here. He is who I am living for. And though this sinful flesh remains and I am SO prone to mess up daily, He is the reason I keep on going and don't have to live any moment in despair. As Philippians 1:6 declares it, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
But without further ado, here is my testimony, that I updated this summer:

Nothing in my hands I bring...simply to the cross I cling...

Growing up in a Christian home, with a simple but complete understanding of the Gospel, I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior at the tender age of 4. Because I was so blessed to grow up in a Christian home and in solid Christian churches, and because I was saved so young, I am not sure I understood the ugliness of my sin or appreciated Christ's sacrifice as much as I should have. A good Christian kid, I don't think I realized I brought NOTHING to the table...

My family moved out to California when I was 8, so that my Dad could attend the Master's Seminary and become a pastor. Ever since I was 8, I have been blessed to sit under the faithful teaching of John MacArthur and have had various people speaking truth into my life.

When I was in junior high and during my early years of high school, I got to help co-lead Sunday school classrooms of four year olds, first graders, and second graders with my parents. Junior year of high school I began attending my church's youth group, 180. While in 180, I was blessed to sit under the faithful teaching of men like Eric Bancroft and Austin Duncan, and got to observe the faithfulness, passion, and sincere walks of individuals like James and Yadi Wood and Jeremiah Kirberg (my now brother-in-law!) I got to serve alongside of some awesome Christian peers in my youth group's Student Leadership Council. I entered freshman year of college and was blessed to continue hearing truth in Crossroads, my church's college department, and in my Master's College classrooms. In many ways, freshman year felt no different than senior year of high school.

But then came my sophomore year, and the Lord in His sovereignty decided to send me many lessons from His faithful and good hand...He saw dross that needed to be consumed in my life and that could only be consumed by fire...

First semester of sophomore year, I pulled my first 4.0. Life was pretty routine- I would work and study and squeeze in a bit of social time here and there. I began dating for the first time. Other than going out on dates, I pretty much was a hermit to my books and focused diligently on my studies and my job. After one month of dating, we broke up. I took my finals and moved back home for break. I was so happy to be home. I got really sick for a week, however, worked long holiday shifts at the Gap, and took a week long Econ class.

Second semester of sophomore year began with one of my best friends taking off for a semester in Israel. No longer dating a solid guy, I became a lot less grounded. I allowed myself to be run by my emotions, instead of God's Truth. I regrettably gave away pieces of my heart, did not use my time or finances wisely, did not keep to a wise sleep schedule, and did not immerse myself in the Word or in prayer. I did not take my studies as seriously as I should have and my life shifted to revolve around a heavily-packed, and often frivolous social calendar. I dealt with change and disappointment by becoming a little party girl...the girl I would have made fun of and called into question freshman year.

Several people lovingly challenged me on where the trajectory of my life was headed...was I truly living a sold-out life for Christ, or a life sold-out to myself? Was I making wise decisions for His glory or deflecting from His character through unwise decisions? One person even gently told me that he thought I was making worse decisions now, than I had in high school. In high school, I was riding high. At least from an external perspective. I see now that a lot of what I did was out of hypocrisy and fear of man. The Lord helped me to realize this semester something I hadn't EVER thought about myself: for so long, I had been riding off of appearances and other people's convictions.

I was confronted with two important questions:
*What was I pursuing?
*And what SHOULD I be pursuing, as a child of Christ?

The Lord showed me the blackness of my sin, in a way that I had never seen it before.
But after this, when I was hurting, crushed, confused, and disappointed...He peeled back the rainclouds to reveal the rainbow.
The blackness of my sin only magnified the compassionate and forgiving nature of my Lord and Savior who bore these sins upon the cross, who removed them as far as the east is from the west, and who imputed to me His Divine, spotless record.
Two things I know: that I am a great sinner, BUT THAT HE IS A GREAT SAVIOR.

After this semester, I couldn't be more humbled or desirous to pursue a sold-out, genuine walk with my Savior. I want to daily pray for the right priorities and the proper balance- between studying and working hard, but not being a shut-in, and between being a fun individual who loves to invest in people and who enjoys a good time, but who is not irresponsible or neglects her priorities, the first being my True Love, Jesus Christ.

Even when I was faithless, He remained faithful!!! That is the kind of God I serve...He used my sin to give me a deeper glimpse into His character.
That I am weak, but He is strong.
That I am sinful, but He is holy.
That I am dust, I falter and flip-flop, but He is the Rock of Ages, steadfast and immovable.
That I bring nothing, but He is Everything.

Nothing in my hands I bring...simply to the cross I cling...

"The reason why I stand
The answer lies in you
You hung to make me strong
Tho my praise was few
When I fall I bring your name down

But I have found in you
A heart that bleeds
Forgiveness replacing all these thoughts of painful memories
And I know your response will always be

I'll take you back always
Even when your fight is over now
I'll take you back
Even when the pain is coming through
I'll take you back

You satisfy this cry of what I'm
looking for And I'll take all I can
and lay it down before
The throne of endless grace now
that radiates what's true
I'm in the only place that erases
all these faults that have overtaken me and
I know that your response will always be

I can only speak with a grateful heart
As I'm pierced by this gift of your love
I will always bring an offering
I can never thank you enough

You take me back always
Even when my fight is over now
You take me back
Even when the pain is coming through
You take me back"
-Jeremy Camp

The best summary of my testimony/the Gospel is this song,"All I have is Christ," one of my favorites by Jordan Kauflin & Sovereign Grace: ">

Let's try this one more time...

OK. Confession. I have started a personal blog a zillion times and have never had the diligence to keep it up. But I am gonna give it a shot one more time.
As a communications: print media major at The Master's College I obviously love to write. But I do miss writing on a personal level. I miss sorting my thoughts in written form.
So here's to a new year. And a new blog. And hopefully a new level of commitment.