What a difference a month can make! We quickly go from falling leaves to snow flurries and hints of "Christmas, everywhere we go!" Our schedules will most likely become a little more hectic as we prepare for the celebration of His birth and the coming holiday season. Thank you for taking a few moments to stop and listen in while I interview Tasha Berger! (Grab something hot to drink while you're at it...)
Tasha and her husband Dan have been attending SGC for a little less than a year. Their children began attending AWANA late in the fall of last year. Soon afterwards, the whole family began visiting SGC on Sunday mornings, and their oldest daughter, Madison, really plugged into the Crossfire youth group. All of these reasons came together for them to strongly believe they had found a home church.
Tasha and Dan met in a history class at IUSB and have been married for 19 years. They have four children: Madison, 17; Aidan, 12; Andrew, 10; and Lauren, 6. I asked Tasha what she would say is the best part about being a woman. Her son "helped her" with this answer: "You get to be pregnant and have children!" Her reply? "Yes, that is a miracle and blessing, but I will have to think about that one." (smile) Tasha told me one of the things that makes her laugh is spending time with her own "little comedians," a.k.a. her children. I think we just got a glimpse of their wit!
Tasha has lived in the Goshen area for most of her life, graduating from Northwood High School and later Indiana University. The loyal alumnus still exclaims, "GO I.U.!!" :) She has worked at Crown International, where for seven years she was a Sales Manager for the Broadcast Division. Her husband experienced a job transfer with his employer, Coachmen, which led them to Ft. Wayne, where she worked for Medline Industries selling medical supplies for three years. Since relocating back to Goshen in 2002, she has been a stay-at-home mom.
Tasha grew up attending church and spent her first thirty years at Bethel Missionary Church. She asked Jesus to be her Savior when she was nine years old at Prairie Camp on C.R. 9 in Goshen. "My walk as a Christian has continued to grow over the years. Not every day has been bright, but I like what James 1: 2-3 says: 'Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.' I believe my faith has grown stronger over the years and I continue trusting in Him and His plan for my life."
Tasha's grandmother's life has inspired and influenced her to this day. She passed away due to cancer in 2000 and left behind a legacy to follow in so many ways. "My grandma Helen was the most loving, honest, and thoughtful woman I have ever known. She had a joy that just shined through everything she did. We called her 'Happy Helen.' Her faith in God was so strong and has inspired me to seek God all of my days until I'm able to embrace her again in Heaven someday."
Tasha's own answer to the best part about being a woman is the relationships that we share. "We have special connections with our mothers, our sisters, our children, and our friends." It's easy to see that Tasha had a godly role model in this area in "Happy Helen!"
Verses that have become meaningful to Tasha's heart (she said it's difficult to pinpoint one verse or passage - I can relate) and play through her mind often are found in Philippians 4: 6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." "These verses speak to me when I want to allow myself to get swept away with stress and worry, which takes my focus away from Him. It reminds me to rest in Him and not to become consumed with things that I cannot control. A reminder to give those worries to Christ and in turn experience the peace and joy that we can know through our relationship with Him." (Amen!)
Raising four children leaves Tasha with little time for hobbies, but she does enjoy traveling, reading, and cooking. She is also continuing to enjoy sports more as she spends a lot of time watching her boys play soccer, football, basketball, and baseball. She enjoys laughing at good, clean comedy such as America's Funniest Home Videos.
Some things that people may not know about Tasha?
- She swam on the swim team in high school.
- She used to be able to sing fairly well. "My voice changed dramatically after I had children." (Are you being too hard on yourself, Tasha? Wink.)
- She plays the piano.
- Harry Connick, Jr. shared a truffle with her during his concert in Chicago two years ago!
We're coming to a close and I would like to wrap up the interview with some quick popcorn trivia. (Maybe we should switch it to "snowball trivia" this time as I fire quick questions at her?!)
Three words to describe myself: (These are from my husband. I had no idea.) Driven. Empathetic. Thoughtful.
Shy or Outgoing? Outgoing
Tomboy or princess? A little of each.
Coffee or Tea? Coffee
Oceanside or Mountainside? Oceanside
The perfect meal? Lettuce wraps from PF Chang's. "YUM!"
Morning person or night owl? Morning person.
I'd love to travel to: London, England
New purse or new shoes? New purse.
Listen, read, or watch, to learn? Watch
Favorite holiday? I suppose Christmas. I have always enjoyed the traditions, my children's excitement, the food, (hear, hear!) and the fact that we behold the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.
May you have a WONDERFUL Christmas season, Tasha! We thank you for allowing us a glimpse into your life so that we might get to know you better.
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6
Blessings to you and yours this holiday season. xoxo
