Henriet's Blog (archived)

Contact

Name: Henriët Schapelhouman-de Bly

Website: sempervita.typepad.com/henriet

Location: Seattle, WA

One-Line Bio

Henriët Schapelhouman, founder and president of Semper Vita - a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people experience Jesus through service in community, now blogs at www.sempervita.org.

Biography

Henriët Schapelhouman is a wife, mother, leader, writer, speaker and minister. She is practical and down to earth, but values style and sophistication with simplicity.

She has published several articles, is a conference speaker, and takes seriously her role as founder and president of Semper Vita, an organization dedicated to helping people experience life through service in community. Prior to founding Semper Vita, Henriët was pastor of adult ministries at Timberlake Christian Fellowship in Redmond. She provided leadership for Small Groups, Men’s & Women's Ministries, Prayer, Marriage Ministries, Recovery Groups, Newcomers Ministries and Pastoral Care.

She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, teenage son and boxer dog. She is a native of The Netherlands, a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary (MA in Global Leadership) and Santa Clara University (BS in marketing).

Original Design

There is no mold. Each one of us is an original. What is my design?

Gallup StrengthsFinder: Arranger, Activator, Woo, Communication and Connectedness

Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: ENTP

Spiritual Gifts: Leadership, Wisdom, Pastor, Teaching and Exhortation

Self-Interview

What do I do for fun?
Travel! Beyond that, snow ski, walk, read, hang out with friends, go out to dinner, camp.

Biggest reason I appreciate Jesus
He died and rose for me!

Stuff on my nightstand right now
A teddy bear, Bible, alarm clock, lamp, piggy bank from when I was 6, a Chinese waste basket, prayer rocks, a glass of water.

I would love to meet...
Billy Graham, President Bush and George Clooney.

Biggest strength
Big picture and passion to engage people to make a difference for God’s Kingdom.

Biggest weakness
Details anyone?

Guilty pleasure
None – I’m not going to feel guilty about stuff I enjoy.

Pet peeve(s)
People mispronouncing words: ekcetera, acrost, expresso, and more.

If money was no object…
I’d give as much away for Jesus, but I’d also like to own ten cars and travel the world regularly.

Most significant moment (or biggest spiritual breakthrough)
Being called into ministry, getting married, seeing Harrison be born.

My mission in life
To help people to grow emotionally and spiritually so that they become all that God intends them to be for His glory. I want to hear “well done, you good and faithful servant.”

What is a 'A Semper Vita Blog'?

Semper Vita means Always Life. That’s what this organization and movement is all about: to revitalize people’s spiritual lives. We believe that everyone is spiritual and is on a quest for God. At Semper Vita, we are committed to helping people get closer to God and to others who are growing closer to God. Our goal is to connect with revolutionaries and those who want authentic relationships--and to make a difference in the world connecting with God and with each other.

Published Works

Facing Some Age-Old Questions

When Integrity Isn't Enough

Praying Your Request

From My Bookshelf

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others
by Scot McKnight


Spiritual Leadership: Moving People to God's Agenda
by Henry T. Blackaby


The Heart of Change
by John P. Kotter


The Leadership Challenge
by James M. Kouzes


Practicing Greatness
by Reggie McNeal


Good to Great
by Jim Collins


The Present Future
by Reggie McNeal

Favorite Books

Girl with a Pearl Earring
by Tracy Chevalier


NIV Study Bible
by Zondervan


Noble House
by James Clavell


Who Moved My Cheese?
by Spencer Johnson

Favorite Movies

The Passion of the Christ
Jesus loves us--a lot. This shows us visually and emotionally.

Pink Panther
Plus the Pink Panther Strikes Again and Return of the Pink Panther.

The Grinch
Who would not like Jim Carrey and the Whos?

Raiders of the Lost Ark
Pure adventure. I love Indiana Jones!

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
It's an adventure. It's Disney Land come alive. It's fun and fast paced action.

Favorite Places

The Netherlands
It's where I came from. How can it not be my favorite?!

Seattle
I choose to live here. Rain is beautiful, right?

New York
It's like the song, "I love New York."

Venice
I've just discovered it and want to go back. It's all about water, it's romantic, it's Italian.

London
A very European city.