Fresh Brewed Monday

I watched this video of Nicole Johnson's called "Just a Touch of Faith." She talks about her move from Nashville to California. She had a piece of stained glass in the moving truck. At the end of the trip, it was on the bottom of the truck, in pieces. A year later one of her friends gave her a Christmas present that was stained glass... reassembled from the broken piece.

One of my favorite verses is Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." The last couple weeks, we've been trying to teach our church kids about faith, and how things that you can't see help make things work (i.e. electronics, etc).

On K-Love they have these little radio spots with different artists. The one with Michael W. Smith got my attention the other day. It was something to the affect of "No matter who you are or where you've been, everyone can come to the cross." I love that! It doesn't matter your circumstance, God can take it.

10 reasons

With what I do in ministry and if you see me in public, I make it pretty well known that I definitely want to have kids. So here are my top 10 reasons - in no particular order.

1. Their smiles and laughter
2. Baby powder smells
3. Their stories as they get older - they're always so matter of fact!
4. Hugs & kisses
5. Cute little clothes
6. When they hold your finger with all their might
7. Playing with them on the playground
8. An excuse to watch cartoons! :)
9. Having them fall asleep on you.
10. Cuddling when they're sick.

Me & Tyler at VBS

Friends & Haiti update

I love lazy Saturdays. This week I've been fighting a cold, so today I stayed in bed and watched the entire first season of Friends. I love it!! I laugh every single time, no matter how many times I see an episode. As I sit here at 12:30 am, I'm attempting to finish up some church announcements for tomorrow. I've been reading some stories about the awesomeness of God today. He never ceases to amaze me in his faithfulness.

I was reading the blog of the Hands and Feet Project, the orphanage that we'll be working at in Haiti. They just got a new little girl, 3 years old, whose mother gave her up because all 9 of her siblings have died from malnutrition or disease. I can't wait to meet these precious little kids in a little over a month. I can't believe how fast it's coming up... 39 days. Wow. We haven't gotten our passports yet. Probably some time this week I'm thinking. I have an appointment on Friday to get my last shot, then I have my prescription filled for pills. It's all coming together... including raising support. One of the hardest things I've had to do is ask for this money. I remember at the very beginning praying to God that people would be generous, that He would open their hearts, and help people understand.

I'm glad and proud to say that all of my support has been raised, including my "extra spending" money. On March 27th, we're having a fundraiser dinner. The week before we leave. A tad late, BUT I'm hoping that maybe we can at least replenish what we had to spend out of our own pockets. Which isn't the way to really think about it, but God is faithful. If we're meant to, we will. If not, then so be it; we've helped a good cause.

Not sure what these updates will bring in the next month; we'll have to see. I ask that you continue to pray for me and the other 8 people in our group. I've gotten a lot of people saying they were sorry they couldn't contribute monetarily. I'm not sorry because God has taken care of the money. God will continue to take care of our travels and our safety, but please continue to pray as we enter this unstable country.

God bless - may you have a wonderful time of worship tomorrow!

Picture of the week

Being an ambassador for K-Love, I've had some opportunities to meet some bands. The ones I've met are wonderful and so down to earth! I couldn't decide which pic to choose this week.. so I picked two! Hey, it's my blog, I can do what I want! :)

Me and Michael from Above the Golden State

Me and CJ with Building 429

Award

Meg at The Buzz gave me the "Love ya" award today, my first award here in blog-world. Meg is one the greatest friends I've come to know. I love reading her randomness, yet she sneaks in her thoughtfulness and tender heart.


Here are the rules: “These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.”

1. Lora at Take Me The Way I Am

2. Megan at INfertile Myrtle

3. Angie at Bring the Rain

4. Cathy at Playing with Photography

5. Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee

6. Adrienne at Our Journey of Love

7. Mama Kat at Mama's Losin It

8. Yo at The Adventures of an East Coast Chick Turned Midwest Mom

100!

Wow, this is my 100th post. I thought for my 100th that I wanted to post something like my favorite things - not necessarily materialistic. It had to be something big!! I worked on it and worked on it, seemed to get no where. However, tonight at Youth, Dr. Sondra (our Pastor's wife) preached. Needless to say, I got a little something from it, and it kind of tugged at my heart strings.

Bear with me here as you do this along with me. Get a piece of paper, and on one side trace your hand. Write your name in the 'palm,' and along the fingers write 5 things that you are good at and/or that you like about yourself.

Now, what she had us do was on the other side of the paper, trace both hands. Then we went around the room and OTHER people had to write good things about us. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." God has planned our purpose - in ADVANCE! Just like Moses, God has called us by name and given us a mission, a purpose. Moses' response was "Who am I?"

Who are we? We are God's ART. His creation to fulfill His plan. God says, "What is that in your hand?" Meaning God has given us the tools and equipment we need. We just need to trust Him and His perfect will. What's in our hand? The talents and gifts that God has given us. It's not always easy to recognize these gifts because maybe they come so easily that we don't look at them as gifts. Or maybe we don't like admitting to ourselves that we can be good at something.

It's hard to compliment yourself. It might be even harder to receive compliments given by others. All day we are spit on verbally, possibly verbally abused by those who put us down. Even if we are given a compliment, we won't remember it, because all the bad outweighs the good. Have you been told that you're loved today? That you're powerful? Never doubt your worth, because the Almighty God, who has a plan and a purpose, LOVES you.

And if you haven't been given any other compliments today...

You look beautiful. :)

Fresh Brewed Monday

This one gets me every time. Whether you've known someone or it's you... be prepared to cry. It's "Stepping Into the Ring" by Nicole Johnson.

Visit her website HERE! I love it!

Love Songs

I'm not going to lie. I'm a pretty big sap. I love the way things (i.e. photography and music) tells a love story. Whether it's the love between a person and God, between a father and a daughter, or a man and a woman. Feelings get to me. On this evening of Valentine's Day... when all the couples are out having dinner, etc., I'm in watching movies... and creating a playlist of my favorite love songs of all time. A bit of why I picked a couple of the songs:

Feels Like Home - On the "How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days"... the more I listen to it, the more I "get" it. It describes how I hope to feel one day. :)

Cinderella - A beautiful story between a father and a daughter. Having to have worked at a relationship with my father for the last 28 years, this song gets me every time. I don't regret how God planned things because it has helped me to grow. I am glad things happened the way they did, and the reason my dad and I grew closer. It's a journey that I'm glad to be given the opportunity to take...

Enjoy! :)

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today has been less than productive, since I woke up at 10:30. :) I blogged the other day about showing the love. Our plans fell through when something came up. The day turned out to be just another Saturday with errands and cleaning.

How did you all show some love today? I did call my mom and siblings, talked to some friends... wishing them all a happy valentine's. Weird thing about this valentine's day -- I received a delivery of flowers yesterday at work. With a card, not signed. No name, no nothing. Still trying to solve the mystery of the flowers. lol I love them, they're beautiful, but I'm just annoyed that no one has fessed up!!! :)

I wish you all a great evening and a wonderful time of worship tomorrow!

Picture of the week

Last Sunday I became an "official" member of my church. I was baptized there a year ago, I'm very active in serving, so I thought.. why not? :)

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend (3 days for some of us)!!

Soundtrack of my life

I stole this idea from Meg. Its the "Soundtrack to you Life"!
How to Play:

1. Open your library (iTunes, Winamp, Media Player, iPod, etc)
2. Put it on shuffle
3. Press play
4. For every question below, type the song that’s playing
5. When you go to a new question, press the next button
6. Don’t lie and try to pretend you’re cool …

Here are mine:

Opening Credits:
Feels Like Home

First Day At School:
Lullaby - Josh Groban

Falling In Love:
You Are Beautiful My Sweet Sweet Song - Third Day

Breaking Up:
Somebody - Reba

Prom:
I Cross My Heart - George Strait

Mental Breakdown:
Who Says You Can't Go Home - Sugarland & Bon Jovi

Flashbacks:
The Best Day - George Strait

Getting Back Together:
Would You Go With Me - Josh Turner

Wedding Scene:
You Found Me - The Fray

Final Battle:
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) - Chris Tomlin

Death Scene:
Adore You - Andy Chrisman

Funeral Song:
Good People - Audio Adrenaline

End Credits:
More - Matthew West

Finale:
Unforgettable - Nat & Natalie Cole

Showing the LOVE

Yesterday on K-Love, I heard one of their radio spots talking about Valentine's Day -- in a more traditional sense of the word. It's more about showing love for others, not just goo-goo, mushy gushy stuff to your significant other. The commercialized version of the holiday forces people to others that they love them. Why do we have to have a specific day for that? Can we not do it all the time?

This weekend CJ and I are going to be showing some love in a traditional sense. We've decided to trek down to Oklahoma to visit one of our Pastor friends. He's been having a rough go of it, so we're surprising him with neccessary items that he might be having trouble buying. Along with this we'll get great fellowship and visit another church... maybe actually hear a sermon! :)

What beter way to spread the love than by doing a good deed for those you care about? How will you spread the love this weekend?

Fresh Brewed Monday

"The Invisible Woman" is one of the greatest skits of Nicole's. She says what every woman is thinking... and puts it in God's perspective.

Fundraising Continued...

CJ made these cute candy arrangements that we sold this morning in church. I'm posting pics and prices... if you'd like to order one (or two!) we'd be happy to ship it in time for Valentine's Day! Can't hurt to try right? These pictures don't do them justice, they're so cute!

All proceeds go to our missions trip to Haiti in April.

Boxes - $5.00

Small dish - $3.00

Coffee Mugs - $5.00

Heart shaped candy dish - $6.00

Valentine Glasses - $5.00

Thin vases - $4.00



Goblet glasses - $5.00

Not pictured: We also have plastic cups (great for kids!) that are $3.00 and decorative flower pots that are $8.00. Like I said if you want to place an order - email me what you'd like and your address so I can ship ASAP. Thanks!

Dialog in the Dark

Today I went with some friends to experience "Dialog in the Dark." It was rather interesting and I have a few thoughts on the exhibit. Your group is taken around by a guide, who is visually impaired. You go through simulation scenes with a walking stick, experiencing "daily life" as if you're blind. My favorite scene was the market. You walk around the counter and smell fruit, soap, coffee beans, etc. We also went around a 'park', on a 'boat', and on a 'city street.' The city street scared me the most because I didn't have the wall to hang on to! I was basically in the middle of this room scared that our guide was going to leave me!

It was very scary to be walking around in the dark. First of all.. I hate the dark... and I've seen one too many scary movies that I constantly think something's going to jump out and grab me. Nothing did of course, but I hate that feeling!

I cannot imagine how it would be to have perfectly good use of all of your senses and then to suddenly lose one and have to adapt accordingly. Take my friend Crystal for instance: in high school Crystal ran track, was a cheerleader, etc. After her senior year she was in a car accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. She uses a wheelchair for every mobility, but she gets around. She is seriously the most amazing person I have ever met in my life.

Another thing I use to compare a lot to lately is that kleenex commercial with the mom, where she's going around "touch" "touch" "touch" ... then she touches the kleenex and says "feel." It made me appreciate the feelings of seeing the world around me. There's so much I take for granted that I definitely need to thank God for!!

Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!

Cheese!

Meg did this thing tonight and I kind of dig it. So.. here it goes. One thing that can always get me to smile, are my church kids. This is a picture of Tyler, my 6 year old boyfriend. I absolutely love him to pieces. He's so smart and always manages to capture my heart.

Is there something that always makes you smile no matter what? Write it in your blog and post a picture. :)

Randoms

I've done a couple of these on facebook... so I thought I'd post some randoms here for the world to see. :)


1. I named my youngest brother -- Dylan Travis
2. My nails are never long.
3. I hate feet
4. but love pedicures
5. I was baptized for the second time when I was 27
6. I have 3 piercings in each ear
7. I did have my cartilage pierced, but it closed
8. Would love to re-pierce it.
9. I love reese's peanut butter cups
10. I volunteer for K-Love Radio as an ambassador -- I love it!
11. I guard my siblings with my life.
12. I hate camping
13. I have visited Texas every year for the last three years and am again this year.
14. I love to blog
15. I love reading random blogs -- usually I get them from Meg
16. I can't wait to use my new purple luggage that I got for Christmas. :)
17. Last Christmas I received the best present ever from my brother & his girlfriend
18.I love sitcoms
19. I hate horror movies
20. I dislike Oprah
21. I love taking pictures
22. even when they don't turn out good
23. I have a gift of sarcasm
24. I love eating at mom & pop shop places that I can't eat at anywhere else.
25. I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska.
26. I used to want to be an English teacher.
27. I hate shopping
28. I love going to the dentist.
29. When I was in high school I worked at a Fitness Center.
30. In kindergarten I had 7 stitches in my chin.
31. I say I hated Times Square, but I would like to go back to New York and do more
32. I love chocolate almond ice cream from Braum's
33. I would love to visit Europe.
34. I can't wait to get married and have kids.
35. My favorite Christian songs are Blessed Assurance and How Great Thou Art
36. I LOVE mexican food!
37. I plan to visit all of the major league baseball fields
38. I'm a big worrier!
39. I would love to learn to play the piano
40. I often miss the kitty I had when I lived in Lincoln. :(

Confessions of a chunky monkey

I often talk about the support and encouragement that I enjoy getting from my friends and family. This journey of making life changes is hard, it's tough to kick habits. I take the constructive criticism with a grain of salt. Here is a list of things that I don't like hearing (in no particular order):

1. How much weight have you lost? -- If you can't tell, don't ask. It's like asking a woman when she's due and she's not pregnant!
2. Why aren't you losing any weight? -- Coming more often then not, from my mother.
3. I hate going to dinner and movies alone.
4. I feel like everyone's staring at me at said #3. I know they aren't, but it feels like it.
5. Have you tried.... ? I'm not looking for a quick fix, pill, or surgery for me to lose weight.


Things I don't mind hearing because I know it's a push to help me:

1. How are you doing on your water? Sometimes I'm a rockstar at the water... sometimes not so much.
2. Did you work out today? This week the answer has been no, but I think I'm going to join another gym that will allow me 24 hr access. This means that I can work out at 8 or 8:30 pm if I have to.
3. Dear Diary...... "Well... that's probably not the best decision you made..."
4. I know you can do it. -- It's glad to hear that some people have faith in me when I don't have faith in myself.

Haiti

I'm going to try and start a pattern with updates, so here it goes for this week:

Last week I got two shots. I hate shots, but all is well. :) Two down, one more to go. I lucked out
because one of the Hepatitis series' I already had... so whew! I also have my prescription for milaria (doesn't that sound exciting?), so I'll be taking those a week before we leave.

The first payments were due this past weekend, so we got those paid. We'll have one more payment of $300 or so due by the first week of March. Our plane tickets will be purchased by the end of this week. For those of you catching up -- we'll fly from KC to Miami, stay the night in Miami and very early the next morning leave for Port-Au-Prince. From there we'll fly to Jacmel and then drive up the mountain to the orphanage.

CJ and I are going to turn in all of our passport stuff this weekend, so hopefully we'll have those in 3 weeks. It's approaching fast, but there's still so much more to do. We still have to shop for all the items on our "to take" list... other than clothes and the 'normal' stuff, we have a supply list so we can make it through the beach. Of course a load of batteries is on my list. lol

Please continue praying. We still have more support to raise and April is approaching fast. Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support.

~God Bless!~

Gorgeous weather day trip!

Today CJ and I went to the Wizard of Oz Museum in Wamego, Kansas. Let me tell you... this little town had some of the cutest historical sites!! Including a Dutch Mill & a Rifle and Bible Church. The story of the church was quite interesting - Readers Digest version: A Company from New Haven, CT came to Kansas in the 1800's and brought with them... you guessed it... Bibles and Rifles. They then established the church.

The Wizard of Oz Museum was cute and full of fun little facts. For instance: I did not know that there were MANY pairs of slippers... and in the original book, they weren't "ruby"... the producer did that during the creating of the movie so that they would stand out against the yellow brick road. Cool, huh?

I also learned that there are plush Wizard of Oz dolls, that came from a store (oh, the name is escaping me right now) that was located in the World Trade Center. The owner of the museum was asked if he wanted them on one of his visits to his father, who worked on the 31st floor of the North Tower. When 9/11 happened he wasn't sure if the dolls had been shipped. He found out 3 days later when the dolls arrived...

Was a good day trip, got to see some cool buildings and also drove around Topeka... I'd never actually BEEN to Topeka. LOL

Toddlers & Tiaras

Lately on the news and tv it seems the topic is young girls (and their mothers) and beauty pageants. Really? I don't get this.

I think of JonBenet Ramsey... this little girl was precious! Yet forced into this world of pageants so her mother could live vicariously through her. Seeing previews of this "toddlers and tiaras" show on TLC quite frankly angers me. The things they do to their children -- spray on tans, fake teeth, all for what? A trophy? Popularity?

What happens to these kids when they get older? They're scarred for life and have issues and drama beyond belief! Ugh!!! So annoying and I want to know how these mothers live with themselves.

Haiti Update

I thought I'd also post another Haiti update. Support letters went out a couple weeks ago, and support is slowly but surely coming in. God is so faithful and He keeps showing me over and over.

Our first payment deadline is the end of this week. It's kind of nerve-racking, but once again God is trying to teach me to not be anxious, but pray about everything, always giving thanks. I am so thankful and grateful to those who have contributed to the endeavor of our group. Not just the people I know, but the people I don't - who have contributed to the others in our group, donated supplies that we'll be taking with us.

I'm also thankful for the prayers of support and words of encouragement. Sometimes all it takes is one bad apple and I get scared and feeling like, "Why on earth am I doing this?" I know why I'm doing it. I know why we're all doing it. I feel led... I know we all do. Keep praying all, they're much needed as deadlines approach.

CJ and I are going to turn in our passport applications on Saturday. So hopefully we'll have those in a couple weeks. In the next couple weeks I'll also be beginning the process of getting shots... ugh, shots. Lots of shots. Ewww! *Pray for that too! lol*

Love you all. God Bless!

Weekly Reflection and goals

I'm slacking just a little bit. :)

This week is off to a good start. I worked out with Bob (from Biggest Loser) and drank TONS of water. Last week was good too... I didn't get to Curves as much as I wanted, but I did work out 4 times, 5 if you count twirling kids around in church (right, Christi? :)).

It's been a good journey and I'm looking forward to the changes. I'm getting better at the whole water thing, which is definitely a big one for me. Another big challenge is not eating past 7, or 8, whatever the rule is....

Anyone have any encouragement or challenges they'd like to share? Have an awesome week!

I Can Only Imagine....

So last night I'm watching Idol.... yes, one of my guilty pleasures and this season they've had a touching story from each city. Last night's was a guy who took care of his mother because she was ill. This guy sacrificed a lot of stuff to care for her and she really wanted him to make it to Hollywood.

SO! He tries out and the judges end up liking him... and send him on to Hollywood. (You know the part where Randy says "WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD, BABY!")... anyway, I digress.

During their filming of this guy showing his mother that he got a golden ticket, they were playing none other than Mercy Me's song "I Can Only Imagine." Now, as a Christian who loves her tv, I get really excited when they start playing Christian music, especially when they call their show "American Idol" and that's not biblical -- if you want to get technical. So go FOX for putting some Christian tunes out there!

On the same note, the other day I was watching a movie and on THAT show they were playing Building429 as this girl was driving down the highway. Whew! Let's get some Christian music in Hollywood why don't we! I think it's great and really says a lot... you don't HAVE to have gross movies (gore, f-bombs all over the place, etc) to have a good movie.

Speaking of movies... who's ready for dinner and a movie on Saturday? ME! :)

Fresh Brewed Tuesday

When I would go to Women of Faith every year, my favorite quickly became Nicole Johnson. She's a dramatist who gets you so far into her stories that you will laugh, cry, and gosh knows what else within seconds!

I'm going to try out Fresh Brewed Tuesdays and post little videos of Nicole's. Check out her website. I love it!

Reflections & Goals

Last week was ok. Today I actually drank my one thing of water (yay). The whole eating out thing didn't go well, but I think I was ok on cutting down on carbs. Did I mention that my doctor says I eat too many? Hmm. :)

I only worked out once - bah! Trying for curves 3 times this week, since we're off on Monday. Try and try again. I'm getting better and not using the elevator... it's just like a habit that you're trying to break... shutting tha automatic pilot off.

Anyway - goals for the week: More water, more workouts, Less carbs.... Ahh... welcome back to dear diary moments. ;)


Tomorrow is also my baby brother's 16th birthday. Ahhh! So sad. So... happy birthday to him! Love ya, dyl.



This is back when Dylan was sweet... looooong ago. :)

I Accepted This Challenge

There is a challenge floating around the blog world. I got this from Meg . She picked the letter R for me, so I will name 10 of my favorite things that begin with this letter.

If you want to play along just leave me a comment and I’ll assign a letter for you. Just post a blog that lists 10 things that you love, like or lust for that start with that letter…and why.

So here are my R’s in no particular order:


Rain - I love waking up to a good rain storm, peacefully hitting the side of the house.

Rainbows - I love seeing them and being reminded of God's promise. It's also the name of my kid's group on Thursday nights.

Rob Thomas - Because I've loved Matchbox Twenty forever.. seen them in concert three times.. and he's HOT!

Reese's Peanut Butter cups - As the commercial says... so you don't have to choose between chocolate and peanut butter. :)

Rockettes - They are fabulous to watch! They're so precise and amazing!

Red Sox - Of course! I love my baseball!

Radio - Without it I would die! I love listening to K-Love on the way to work, at work on the internet, and on the way home. Positive and encouraging! :)

Reading - Even though I don't do it as much as I used to, I love learning about historic events or reading a guilty pleasure novel.

Red Robin - I love this place! Whether it's a cheeseburger, salad, or their yummy onion rings!

Reese Witherspoon - She's so cute and I love her movies!

Praying with Grateful Heart

I've always wondered and thought about my prayer life. I pray most often in the car -- that happens when you drive 80 miles a day to work. Are prayers still effective when you have the intent to pray before you fall asleep, but instead you being praying and fall asleep in the middle? I know God knows our hearts, but does He ever look down on us and say "Really? You can't even stay awake to talk to me?"

Now, in all fairness I have had company staying over when I fell asleep talking to them.... so when I do it to God, it's like doing it to a friend... right? The other night, it was 10:00 and I was ready for bed, done my routine, etc. My head had just hit the pillow and I began talking to God about various things. Today God gave me great hope about His answers to those prayers. I don't know what He has in store, but it's going to be great whatever it is!

Weekly Goals

I've decided every Sunday to post little goals so that all my readers can be sure to encourage me or kick me in the rear as they see fit! :)

1. Drink more water on the weekends... I do ok during the week; now I need to hop on the train during Saturdays and Sundays.

2. To work out at Curves 4 times this week.

3. No eating out... and if it's a must, then eat salad. :)


Starting slow so that's all for now! I hope you all have a wonderful week!

Haiti Trip Update

Some of you may know, some of you don't. In April I have the amazing opportunity to go to Haiti for a week on a missions trip with the Hands and Feet Project.

Some information on the Hands & Feet Project:

MISSION:
Hands and Feet Project exists to care for orphans and to use pop culture to introduce the 1st world to the orphans of the world.

VISION:
To raise a generation of orphans raised by their own culture who will change their country so orphanages are empty and we are out of a job.

Hands and Feet Project, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is a children's village in Jacmel, Haiti that was started by the band Audio Adrenaline in 2004. The land was purchased in late 2004, and construction began in early 2005. Their first little girl arrived in the spring of 2005, and they now care for 36 children ranging in age from 2 months to 9 years old.

Hands and Feet Project is currently building more houses in order to be able to help more children who have been abandoned and will probably have 40 children by the end of 2008. They are hoping to replicate the model that brings artists/bands and orphanages together, with the next project starting soon in Nicaragua with artist T-Bone.

I encourage you to visit their website (http://www.handsandfeetproject.org) to see what this organization is about. While in Haiti, we will be working at the orphanage in Jacmel. They were hit by 2 hurricanes last season and here is much clean up and work to be done. We will be offering our energy and time to that endeavor, as well as spending time with the resident children.

The applications are in, deposit is paid. There's no turning back now! :) Hopefully next week I'll be able to get turn in my passport stuff and get that going.

We're having a meeting next Sunday as well to get to know the people on our team. There are 10 of us going. I'm getting excited; a little nervous about funds and the raising of them, but I know God is faithful and He'll provide like He always does. Our support letters are done and will be mailed out tomorrow.

I'll be posting updates every couple weeks or so. Thanks again for your continued prayers during the process and the journey.

God Bless.

Diet Tribe & Weekly Reflection

There's this new show on Lifetime called "Diet Tribe" and I love it! It's about a group of friends who decide to lose weight together. Their personal trainer is Jessie (and he is HOT!) and each week he gives them challenges. The goal is to lose 30 lbs in 90 days. As I'm catching up on my weekly shows tonight, hop into my fat pants and grab a snack (an apple and peanut butter, by the way)... it's 9:30... hmm. Then Jessie starts giving tips: No eating at 10 pm. Well. I just blew that out of the water.

I've been doing not too shabby -- I've only used the elevator once (or twice)... but I'm getting better! AND I've drank all my water for week -- hey, it's the little things right? :)

Have a blessed weekend everyone!

Is it me?

I've done this one before, but I like it!

My Testimony of Faith

I may have blogged about my testimony before... but I speak a lot about my faith and my love of God, that I thought I'd share it again.

I've always gone to church. I don't remember ever putting up a fight on Sunday mornings. Things weren't always easy in our house, but it's the one thing that was for me. Growing up the Lutheran church, I always assumed that being baptized and confirmed, I was "good to go." I've learned so much about having a relationship with Christ, it's amazing! When I was in high school I was helping out with Vacation Bible School. When I was in college I was active in Campus Crusade for Christ, teaching confirmation, and preschool Sunday School (even back then, God knew what he was doing... :)). In 2006, I began to get a tug on my heart. That's generally how God speaks to me... he says, "hey...(nudge)... this is what I have for you." CJ had just became the Director of Children's Ministries at her church. (God again says, "Hey... you should go.")

Looking back now it's quite amazing how things fell into place. I told my parents I was moving, the next day gave my two weeks notice at my job. Two weeks later I was packed and ready to go. Don't think the enemy didn't have his hand in it too. The week I was supposed to move the battery in my car went out. On my last day at work, my stepdad picked me up, took me to my house, jumped my car so I could drive it to my uncle's shop and get a new battery. Two days later I was singing "Kansas City here I come!"

The significance of events is nice too and I'm glad that God had it planned that way. I had planned on packing and leaving Lincoln early morning. I didn't get out of town until almost 2 pm. An hour later, as I was driving into Nebraska City to hit I-29, my mom passes me going the opposite direction, toward Syracuse. I wave and she calls me to say "good-bye."

Once I arrive in Kansas City, I managed to find temp jobs from October - December. I interviewed for a job in December, but it wouldn't start until January... the afternoon I was hired for that position, the same staffing agency called with a temp job that would last until December 30th. God is AMAZING, I tell you!!

I'm continually in awe of His grace and mercy. I thank Him everyday for allowing me the opportunities to serve Him. My favorite Bible verses are: Romans 8:28, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." and Hebrews 11:1, "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." So true, so true...

Thanks for reading and I pray you've found some encouragement.

Even I knew that!

Tonight as I'm driving home from work, CJ's giving me a list of things to do when I get home. She wanted me to get dinner started before I went to Youth Service. She told me to start the noodles so she could make goulash, but to make sure the water was boiling first. At first I was like "ok, who didn't know that?" Apparently, there are people who don't know that! :)

How many times are we given instruction and we turn a deaf ear? Pretending we heard and were only half paying attention. How often does it happen with God's word? Proverbs 28:9 says, "If anyone turns a deaf ear to the law, even his prayers are detestable." If we turn away from God's law, God detests our prayers -- He's flat out not listening. If we continually ask God for things that we want, but aren't living the life of His law, He's not going to give us what we want. Some people think that God doesn't answer prayers. I'm a firm believer that He answers all prayers, but sometimes His answer is no.

May we all clean out the deaf ear and live a life of Christ.

Day 1... again

I know what you're thinking. Yes, I'm starting over. I was talking with Christi today about how much weight I could lose before I go to Haiti. Her being the sweet girl that she is, knows me and my lack of will power, and how many times I've dieted since we've started working together; gives me a good number, that we both think is doable. I love her because she's so encouraging yet knows me well enough to keep it real.

After work I go to the gym, doing my thing... thinking I'm going to kill myself. I'm parched and I feel my face getting hot. Then, there she is. The woman on the phone. Not kidding... on the phone going around the circuit. Oh my gosh!!! Annoyance! I finish my work out (burning 336 calories I might add) and get out of dodge! Good golly! When I'm working out I'm in my mode... I just want to go through my circuit, stretch, and go.

Looking forward to the hurting abs in the morning! :)

Get ready!

I kind of did a 2008 Review, but I thought instead of doing a reflection of the last year, I thought I'd write the things I'm looking forward to in 2009.

*Missions Trip to Haiti, taking place April 3-12.
*Getting deeper in my relationship with Christ.
*Many more travel adventures, so I can use my new luggage! :)
*Seeing Kyle graduate from high school.

On my birthday I wrote 15 things I'd like to do before I'm 30. I'm excited for 2009 as a chance to get started on this list; since I turn 30 in 2010. ;) New Years Eve was great! We didn't do much but visit, eat, and watch New Years Even Live in Vegas. I love spending time visiting with friends I can't see every day - and going to bed at 4 am! New Years Day we vegged most of the day and then got ready that evening and went to Abuelos for dinner. All in all, a weekend - I could get used to having 4 days off every week! :)

I hope you all had a great New Years no matter what you did. Wish you all the joy and happiness in 2009!

Who are you?

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Marilyn!

You are a Marilyn -- "I am affectionate and skeptical."

Marilyns are responsible, trustworthy, and value loyalty to family, friends, groups, and causes. Their personalities range broadly from reserved and timid to outspoken and confrontative.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Be direct and clear


• * Listen to me carefully


• * Don't judge me for my anxiety


• * Work things through with me


• * Reassure me that everything is OK between us


• * Laugh and make jokes with me


• * Gently push me toward new experiences


• * Try not to overreact to my overreacting.

What I Like About Being a Marilyn

• * being committed and faithful to family and friends


• * being responsible and hardworking


• * being compassionate toward others


• * having intellect and wit


• * being a nonconformist


• * confronting danger bravely


• * being direct and assertive

What's Hard About Being a Marilyn

• * the constant push and pull involved in trying to make up my mind


• * procrastinating because of fear of failure; having little confidence in myself


• * fearing being abandoned or taken advantage of


• * exhausting myself by worrying and scanning for danger


• * wishing I had a rule book at work so I could do everything right


• * being too critical of myself when I haven't lived up to my expectations

Marilyns as Children Often

• * are friendly, likable, and dependable, and/or sarcastic, bossy, and stubborn


• * are anxious and hypervigilant; anticipate danger


• * form a team of "us against them" with a best friend or parent


• * look to groups or authorities to protect them and/or question authority and rebel


• * are neglected or abused, come from unpredictable or alcoholic families, and/or take on the fearfulness of an overly anxious parent

Marilyns as Parents

• * are often loving, nurturing, and have a strong sense of duty


• * are sometimes reluctant to give their children independence


• * worry more than most that their children will get hurt


• * sometimes have trouble saying no and setting boundaries

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz at HelloQuizzy

2008 Review

~ What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Experienced Times Square and New York City.
~ Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Umm... I started out ok... and will probably make the same resolution that I've done for the last 5 years. ;)
~ Did anyone close to you give birth? Meghan and Val -- both had little girlies!
~ Did anyone close to you die? My grandma
~ What countries did you spend time in this year? Just the US
~ What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? The faceless man of my dreams
~ What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? My grandma dying; the many events I've done thanks to volunteering for K-Love.
~ What was your biggest achievement of the year? I'm still alive and kickin... that's always a good achievement.
~ What was your biggest failure? Not losing the weight I need to.
~ Did you suffer any serious injury or illness? Nope
~ What was the best thing you bought? Plane tickets to all of my adventures! :)
~ Whose behavior merited celebration? My 28th birthday
~ Whose behavior made you appalled and/or depressed? Ugh.
~ Where did most of your money go? Bills
~ What did you get really, really, really excited about? My birthday was super!
~ Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? little sadder
b) thinner or fatter? fatter
c) richer or poorer? hmm... richer
~ What do you wish you'd done more of? Give
~ What do you wish you'd done less of? Worry
~How did you spend Christmas? in Nebraska visiting both sides of the fam.
~ Did you fall in love in 2008? Don't I wish :)
~ What are the main websites you used? gmail, facebook, myspace
~ What was your favorite TV program? One Tree Hill, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Little People Big World.
~ Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? Nope
~ What was the best book you read? Ugh. Who has time!?
~ What did you want and not get? hmmm
~ What was your favorite film of this year? PS I love you
~ What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 28... we went to Cheeseburger in Paradise for dinner and then bowling.
~ What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? well...
~ How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? my fashion what?
~ What kept you sane? My friends
~ What political issue stirred you the most? Ugh. Obama.
~ Who did you miss? My grandma.
~ Who was the best new person you met? I've met a lot of people this year!
~ Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008: To never be anxious, taking my requests to God, always giving thanks.
~ What sums up this year? (a word, a quote...?) God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

On the road again...

This month I've gone to Nebraska three times. This goes out to my "road buddies"; the people I can call when I'm driving, and count on them to keep me awake. I don't think I've talked to my friend Ronda so much as I talked to her this weekend. Loved the convos though! :) As I'm driving south on I-29, barely to St. Joe, I start scrolling through the contact list.... realizing there's not many people that I would call when I'm on the road at 9 pm (or 9 am for that matter). I called a couple people and had to live voicemails. I texted a couple people, but texting at night scares me, so I quickly turned to the contact list again. LOL

Family time was good; unsolicited advice and constant nagging were not. I think I'm good until Christmas. ;) I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Who's ready to go to Silver Dollar City?! :)

Holidays of firsts..

A few of my cousins and I have been mentioning this week how these holidays that are fast approaching, are quite frankly, going to suck.

My birthday has came went... and it's been hard for me to comprehend that there won't be a card in my mailbox telling me where Thanksgiving is this year and that she hopes to see me "on the 23rd at the Town Hall." After living 'away' for quite awhile, I'm going to miss these cards. In another month I won't get a Christmas card telling me where that family celebration will be held either.

There are always those who move on through life as if nothing has changed. Then there's who ponder (like me) and sometimes make more of a mess in your brain. For those of you who will also be having holidays of 'firsts'... I'll be praying for you.

This week's Memory Monday

"He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

Memory Monday

Meg found this on a blog site, so we're each going to do this.

Each Monday our goal is to pick a verse or passage to memorize for the upcoming week. And the next Monday, we will type it out BY MEMORY and choose another one. We are both picking different ones to memorize. Who wants to join us?

Birthday Reflection

Yesterday Meg did a birthday reflection for herself. It got me thinking about my own birthday and things that I would like to reflect on.

The "late 20s" are upon me. It's kind of sad, but pushing 30 is mildly depressing. I've realized that after all these years of complaining of a curfew of midnight -- I'm still the good girl who's home by midnight. LOL

Things I'm thankful for:

Family: I complain about you, but I can't imagine my family being anyone else. I love each and every one of you in your own unique way. I like to think my family has instilled in me the morals that make me who I am, even if they don't know it.

Friends: You're so much like my family - each different, yet connect to me in a different way. I'm so grateful that God has placed each one of you in my life; whether it be for a season or a lifetime, I love you. I'm thankful to those who teach me lessons and attempt to encourage me daily. :)

Faith: My faith has brought me so far and continues to test me. I've overcome a lot, but there's a lot yet to come. To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. I'm a firm believer in everything happens for a reason. God is teaching me that it's not ok to be content... if you're content, you don't grow.

Rainbows: My kids at church have taught me so much in the last 2 years. When they come to my classroom, I don't know their home life, I don't know their stories, but hanging out with them for an hour and a half every week has been amazing.

Soldiers: Past, present, and future... Including my Aunt Peggy, you're the bravest people I know. Thank you so much for serving our Country and putting your life on the line for MY freedom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
In all fairness, my life is pretty great. I have food, shelter, clothing... a lot of things that a lot of people don't have. I know God will continue to test me and shake me... and I pray the next year is the best yet! I love you guys!

Crazy Eights

8 Favorite TV Shows (in no specific order)
1. 90210
2. One Tree Hill
3. Jon & Katie Plus 8
4. Friends
5. Little People Big World
6. Two and a half men
7. Ugly Betty
8. 17 Kids and Counting


8 Favorite Restaurants
1. Cheesecake Factory
2. La Paz - Lincoln
3. Yia Yia's - Lincoln
4. Chipotle
5. Dairy Chef - Syracuse
6. Red Robin
7. El Toro - Lincoln
8. Olive Garden


8 Things that happened yesterday
1. I went to church
2. I went bowling!
3. I ate way too much!
4. I listened to a Christmas program
5. I texted
7. I worked
8. I downloaded pictures


8 Things I'm looking forward to
1. The Holidays
2. My birthday
3. My aunt Peggy coming home
4. Winter Wonderslam next weekend
5. Going to Nebraska in two weeks
6. Work Christmas party
7. Upcoming Christmas concerts
8. a day off! :)


8 Things I love about Fall
1. Tree colors
2. hoodie weather!
3. hot chocolate
4. sitting in front of the fire
5. Being with family
6. Holiday parties
7. Christmas plays
8. Christmas music!

8 Things on my wish list
1. Bring the troops home
2. People to treat others how they want to be treated
3. Not be so judgmental
4. My car to be fixed
5. Everyone in the world to have food and shelter
6. For everyone to be healthy
7. more sleep ;)
8. no more debt

Sunrise to Sunset: weekend recap

So, this weekend I took a little trip to Nebraska. It was nice. Very few people knew I was there; which made it all the better. No stresses about who to hang out with!!

Saturday I took off at 4:45 (yes, a.m.), muddled through the fog, and arrived in S-town at 8:30. I went with my brother and mom to the funeral of two kids that were killed last week in a car accident. I was so glad that I got to spend time with Dylan and be there for him.

Saturday night I went to dinner with Shawn and Sadie... love those two! We had a blast hanging out - and wearing the Speed Racer helmet! haha! Sunday morning I skipped church and went to grandpa's for waffles with Shawn. Nothing beats waffles and talking about hunting... or maybe just the waffles. :) Then I went to hang out with mom and we (ok, she) ended up making monkey bread and homemade runzas. YUM!!

All-in-all was good and relaxing; however, I hate daylight savings time! Who's ready for a nap?!

The difference

Tonight as I was attempting to console two teenagers, I quickly realized how different girls and boys react to different things. Not like I never knew, but I've never had to console my brother and sister about the same thing.

The reader's digest version of the story: tonight I got home and Dylan had sent me a message with a link to a news story (which for him is odd in itself). The story was about 3 teenagers who died in a car accident. I immediately called him to see if he was ok - no answer. After a few minutes he came online and we talked about it (as much as I could muster out of him). My goal was to basically reassure him that I'm there if he ever needs to talk about stuff.

My sister on the other hand, was a different story. She was very angry, voiced a few angers at God for taking them so young. This question is always hard to answer, no matter how old you are.

I can't imagine dealing with these feelings at 15/16 years old. At the same time, talking to these two made my heart ache. I hate seeing them sad; I can't think how I would feel if they were my kids. You can't change what's already done, but I hope this is a chance for God to grasp the future.

On a shelf

I've recently done something that I now regret. I always say there are no regrets - just lessons learned; which is a true statement. However, in this case - I'm pretty sure I regret it. I've initiated a conversation with someone and now wish I hadn't. He's a great guy, but he has an issue of being friends with the opposite sex. He's in it all or nothing basically. So now, I think that since I started the conversation, he thinks I mean more than I really do.

I was asking people for thoughts on the subject. CJ who has been trough this with me the first time with this guy - said "sometimes you just have to leave them on the shelf." And ya know, I think she's right. Why is it that we constantly have to bring up stuff from the past, no matter how painful it was? I mostly do this with relationships I've had. Is it because I miss them... or the idea? I think it's the idea... and I hate that. I want to be content in my singleness for the season that God has placed me here. Why can't I just leave them on the shelf? So... my messenger is getting a little fall cleaning... people who send me back 10 paces are out. Those who encourage and support are in.

Pondering a season of change... again.

Before I'm 30

Things I'd like to accomplish or do before I'm 30; in no particular order.

1. Lose weight - more specifically; ALL the weight I need to reach my ideal weight.
2. Go on a missions trip
3. Go on a cruise
4. Take care of my debt
5. Swim with dolphins
6. Go to Boston
7. See the Red Sox play at Fenway.
8. Meet the currently faceless man of my dreams.
9. Learn to play the piano.
10. Grow in my relationship with God.
11. Improve the relationship with my parents.
12. Become a better communicator.
13. Stop sweating the petty stuff.
14. Broaden my culture horizons
15. Read the entire Bible.


Yes, Meg... I'd better get crackin! :)

I'm getting old... lol

Today my baby brother turns 18. How did this happen??? LOL... I'm so excited for him to begin a new journey. He's such a great kid (not so much anymore...) and deserves the best. Someone buy me stock in tissues when May comes. :-)

In one month I'll turn 28. How did THAT happen? I've cherished the journey that God has brought me through and can't wait for the next curve in the road. Next year's birthday trip: BOSTON BABY!!!!!!!!!!!! Who's up for a trip to Fenway? :)

Random things

10 things I wish I could say to 10 different people
1. You truly are 'the best man'...
2. I've always looked up to you
3. I'm forever grateful for your wisdom.
4. For once I wish you'd say you're proud...
5. I wish you weren't so hypocritical
6. Thank you for always being there.
7. I love you like a sister!
8. I miss you.
9. I am happy for you... truly.
10. I can't wait to see you walk down the aisle. :)


9 things about myself
1. I worry too much
2. I love "hoodie weather"
3. My family & friends are my life
4. I rarely believe in myself
5. I love Mexican food!
6. I love weddings
7. I hate that I use sarcasm as a defense mechanism.
8. I hate Times Square
9. I love kids


8 ways to win my heart
1. Love my friends and family
2. tell me I look beautiful
3. Love kids
4. Have a relationship with God
5. Don't lie
6. random acts of love
7. sing to me (even if you can't sing well!)
8. Love me for me.


7 awesome movies
1. Field of Dreams
2. Definitely, Maybe
3. The Bucket List
4. Fever Pitch
5. Hitch
6. Freaky Friday
7. Ray


6 things you do before you sleep
1. watch the news
2. set my alarm
3. talk to God
4. think - sometimes too much!
5. brush my teeth
6. lotion up! :)

5 people who mean a lot
1. God
2. Parents & siblings
3. My girls
4. my church kids
5. Those who encourage and support me


4 things you're wearing right now
1. fat pants
2. tank
3. glasses
4. lotion

3 songs that you listen to often (currently)
1. The Journey - Caleb Rowden Band
2. Time of My Life - David Cook
3. I will not be moved - Natalie Grant

2 things you want to do before you die
1. Have a family
2. travel the world - included all major league baseball parks :)

1 confession
1. Sometimes I like being a girly girl.

Hair

Let me know what you think! I'm looking to change the color... going darker I think with blonde highlights. Not sure about the shortness...

Under the Same Moon

So this weekend, CJ and I tried something new... down time. Saturday night we rented a movie called "Under the Same Moon." So good! It's about a young boy in Mexico who travels to the U.S. to find his mother after his grandma passes away. I highly recommend this movie! It's kind of predictable, but so good... you'll laugh, you'll cry, and everything in between.

I'm so refreshed (yay for that)! This weekend we did so very little. Spent time visiting with our company, ate some wonderful food at Cheesecake factory, and took many naps. I watched a bit of the Olypmics, which is always a good time.

My aunt is currently on her way back to Kansas from Iraq for her 18 days leave. She'll be here some time this week and then I'll see her next weekend when I'm in Nebraska. So excited about that. I'm ready to get working out again and my schedule to return to normal (whatever that means)... oh, and my feet are down to normal size. :-) I'm getting my hair done on Wednesday... experimenting with something different. Be prepared to make comments on a future blog with some hair styles/colors.

Have a wonderful week everyone! :-)

There's no crying in baseball!

Last week I stated that it was so exhausting for me. Well, it's gonna get worse before it gets better. I'm pretty sure THIS week has been one of the worst ever. Last weekend my family (stepdad and two brothers) were in KC. We went to two baseball games and they went to Worlds of Fun. I loved having them here and wish I could have spent more time with them. I opted out of WOF because I dislike that sorta thing... anyway, we had fun (see my pictures for the good times).

VBS is this week and it's a good thing it's over tomorrow night. Not that I don't love my kids, because those of you that know me, know better than that. My first night (Tuesday) I made two kids cry. Yup. Actually, it was the fact that they're a little less than disciplined at home. So when Miss Leslie says "no" it's all over.

There's a new boy in my class. I really want him to come to Rainbows. He's absolutely adorable. Kenney is 4 and currently has a broken arm. Which makes it so hard for him to do some of the stuff. I've stuck with him and helped him quite a bit. Sometimes if I catch him not playing a game, or not singing, I'll ask what's wrong. He'll just respond with, "I need a break." Yeah... me too, buddy, me too. Kids know how to say it. I wish I could deal with them 24/7 instead of adults. Adults are just dumb - it's not just boys anymore.

Throughout the week, at least 4 of my kids have cried. (It's not my fault I swear)! All for different reasons... a couple have been rowdy and fallen and then there's those who don't like that 'no' word. So... tonight, it was my turn. The last two weeks have cracked me... I honestly had a breakdown. Not to be a whiney butt... but I'm tired, I'm cranky, my ankle hurts, my blood pressure has been like a rollercoaster, my feet are so swollen I need to invest stock in water pills, and I'm pretty sure my blood sugar is low as I sit here at midnight.

So of course when things are snowballing, I start thinking about my life, and how is this really where I pictured myself at 27? Sheesh. I punish myself way too much for not doing more... in any aspect of life. Things I wish I could change, but somehow don't have control over. The things I do have control over are so out of hand, it's hard to grasp them.

Things to come: We're having company this weekend, next weekend I'll be in Nebraska, the weekend after that we're having girls weekend (bridal shower for Pamela), and then it's 5 fabulous days in Chicago and NYC. In the midst of all that, Rainbows are starting up again, Children's Church, and I think Halloween is coming....

I think it's time for bed... but I'm not sure I'm tired.

Battle wounds of the week

This has been kind of a tough week for me... physically speaking. As CJ and I prepare for Vacation Bible School next week, we've been at church every night, not getting home before 10 pm.

One day as I'm leaving work, I totally biffed it in our office. I think I hit my head on the way down... ouch! I get home and on the way to the door, almost fall AGAIN on the driveway. Are you kiddin me??? I think my equilibrium is off. :) We're at church that night and I made a comment about how I kept falling to my knees. CJ said "maybe God is trying to tell you something."

This got me to thinking... I absolutely love spending time with my church kids. I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. However, I miss church. I miss fun music that I can clap my hands and sing at the top of my lungs to. I miss Pastor Bob's sermons... I NEED TO BE FED!

As I said VBS is next week... we're doing SonWorld Adventure Park. Last night me and another gal were ironing on transfers to the shirts for the kids. In the midst of this, I'm taking a transfer off a shirt and my arm catches the iron. YIKES! Now, I have a nice little battle scar there.

I think I need an off day. :) Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend!

Let's talk about s-e-x

The recurring theme this week is teenagers and sex. Seriously! Everywhere I go - this topic seems to come up. I'm amazed at what teenagers know and do. I'm 27 years old and these teenagers (barely...13, 14, etc) have done more than me. This week I've constantly been flabbergasted at the conversations I've heard from teenagers.

With all this talk... tonight I'm at sonic getting a blast and a soda. Two cars down I hear this man order a "Route 44 orgasm." WHAT?????? Oh my gosh! Not kidding, almost lost IT!

What is this world coming to?

I'm sure I could drag this out, but I'm tired.. :) Tomorrow's Friday - who's excited?

Man's work

Thursday night, I'm on my way home from work. I go to turn the corner... turn my blinker on and get that annoying "clink clink clink" that means that one of my bulbs is out. I text my brother and ask him if he wants to come down and change it. He brought out the middle name and told me I could do it because it wasn't that hard.

I already had a bulb because I'd bought a pack the last time a bulb went out. So... I open the trunk... and get down to business. It took me awhile, but I finally got the bulb changed. It was then that I realized that I needed a man around to do these things. :-)

It was also then that I realized that I need a Christian version of my brother. My little brother takes pretty good care of me when it comes to my car. He's changed bulbs, helped fix windows, given me advise when something's wrong... Hmmm... I wonder where I can find a man like him (other than the bar)...

Yay for having working blinkers! :-)

Cannot imagine

So, one of my little church kids came up to me yesterday, with a ball in her hand and a sad look on her face. She asked "Can you play catch with me?" I gladly said sure!

Knowing this girl's story and what her home life is like, I began to ponder. Her mom is a stay at home mom, her dad works all day. I cannot IMAGINE having the option to stay at home with my kids all day long and not want to spend time with them; puzzles, games, whatever. Not many women have that option anymore and to be with a man whose ambition is to provide for his family would be phenominal. To see the hurt in this little girl's eyes because her mom never plays with her, claiming to not have the time... Just gut wrenching.

When the girl's little brother says that when he asks for help and his mom says no... Makes me want to eat them up!

Here's to spending time with kids. Love them to pieces!

Wow...

It's been awhile since I've blogged over here. :) Life has been pretty crazy, but good. Christmas is fastly approaching. I've been dealing with some mild drama within my family (and amongst some friends), and dealing with the confusions of boys. Drama is one thing I could never figure out (I guess guys are another... hehe). When I see these drama-filled lives, I thank God for how simple my life is. I work, I do church stuff, I teach missionettes. This pretty much sums it up and I like it.

Since the last time I blogged, I had a birthday (27...yikes), went to see Garth Brooks in concert, have visited Nebraska for turkey day, and got baptized. Not in that order. I was baptized as an infant - three months old to be exact. I was baptized 3 days after I turned 27 and absolutely nothing compares to this feeling. It was truly emotional. Lying back into the pool of water, I was like "ok, here we go." As I sat up and my eyes focused the first person I see is CJ sitting in the front row. As my pastor began talking, I felt a rush of the Holy Spirit come over me and a flood of tears soon followed. Pastor asked if I would like to say a few words and with choked on words, I shook my head and said no. Wow - what a feeling.

Anyway, I just wanted to check in. Hopefully I'll blog again before Christmas. :) Hope this finds you all well.

Random Ramblings

Wow. I haven't blogged in awhile.

I cannot believe it's November. In 14 days I'll be 27. One more year closer to 30. Hokey doodle. This morning as I was driving to work viewing all the frost on the fields, it hit me. It's November. Thanksgiving is fastly approaching and there's only 3 paychecks until Christmas. Jeez. Where did this year go?! As I'm planning birthday weekend, deciding when to get my car fixed so I can trek it up to Nebraska for Christmas...

Christmas. I need to shop. What to get for who? And who has time to shop?! Here's where the internet comes in handy. Online shopping with specials on delivery... yay. My saving grace. Woohoo. :-)

Servant?

About a month or so ago, I took a test to see what my spiritual gifts were. One of my top three is Servant. I joyfully look forward to the day when Christ leads me home and says "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

So, after being a Christian since 1999, I'm getting baptized again. I was baptized as an infant, but I feel that this is an important outward thing for me to go through in my walk with Him. Yesterday, I got an email from my pastor about the baptism and he ended it by saying "Thank you for all you do... you are a wonderful servant."

This put so much joy in my heart, I can't even begin to describe. I've always had this servant attitude about me. When I was in youth group, I was always first to volunteer. When I was in college, I was often the only one in Thursday night Bible Study. Thinking about getting baptized has taken me back to my short months at Wayne State and the people there that highly impacted my walk.

My days at Wayne State were absolutely fabulous. It's here where my faith walk truly began and it holds a special place in my heart. I didn't confess it with my mouth until a month later, proclaiming Christ as the center of my life. Having told Campus Crusade sponsors this right before moving back home, one of the sponsors asked what my middle initial was. He promptly began calling me Leslie Amazing. He was dumbfounded that someone with a servant heart as mine hadn't truly been in "that place" until I had been involved in nearly every Crusade activity for weeks. *sigh* I need to go email him now.

May God truly AMAZE you with His ever sufficient love and grace, no matter the circumstances.

33 Miles

Ok, so this week CJ and I went and saw 33 Miles for like the fourth time this year. They are AMAZING! We're in the midst of worshiping and having amazing time... and the next thing I hear is BOING! I'm thinking "what is that?" and I hear it again!! I look over and the guy next to me is taking pictures with his camera phone. Now, I'm all for taking pictures and capturing the moment, goodness knows I do it, but seriously... at least turn the annoying sound off.

Back in the moment, I'm praying to God about the situations I've come to face... once again... the next sound I hear is the guy with the BOING! phone, is talking... to the people behind us... NOW, I'm annoyed. It's like talking in church! SHHHH! I glance over briefly, and it appears that he's now hugging up on his girlfriend. OH BROTHER!! Seriously. I've come here to worship, please respect others around you by pretending you're in church and shhhing and keeping the PDA to minimum. I find it cute when girlfriends/boyfriends or spouses hold hands during prayer or worship... but c'mon now. No one wants to watch you huggin up on each other in the midst of the moment.

Despite the annoyances the show was absolutely amazing and we talked with them a little afterwards and they signed my CD. WOOHOO! Then I think about the other artists we've met and how humble they are and down to earth.

Makes me want to be an indian giver... :-) haha!

9/11

Wow... six years. I can't believe it's been six years already. As I was driving to work today, I was replaying the day in my head. I wasn't working at the time, so I was sitting at home with my mom. My grandpa calls freaking out, telling my mom to turn on the news. We were probably watching some lame movie on Lifetime if I know my mom. :)

Like most people, I can remember the images on tv, the sound of Dan Rather's voice giving us updates... Many wrote songs about the event -- I think Alan Jackson said it best in "Where were you..." As my family, and many others, prepares for our loved ones to go to Iraq, my eyes tear up thinking about those who will never see their loved ones again, who lost their lives in the tragic events.

My prayer for America today is that we take some time to stop and pray for our soldiers. Retired, active, lost at war... they're giving their lives for us. They're giving the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Thank you to all of our soldiers.

Dare to Compare

Why must we constantly be compared to others? "Why can't you be like your brother, like father like daughter, etc..." In today's society we are always being compared to someone - whether it's reality or not.

My mom has always said "You are your father's daughter..." Until lately I've always thought this to be a negative thing, and taking it how she means it. Instead of being in the bitter barn and focusing on how my dad used to be, I've finally made that decision that maybe he really is a different guy -- one that's not so bad. One that I wouldn't mind being compared to.

On the same token, wouldn't it be nice to be seen for who we REALLY are? For instance, my brothers and I are like night and day. However, they don't truly sees ME for me. My mom knows that my relationship with Christ is me, but she doesn't get it because she's not part of that. Just because you don't get it, is no reason to compare to everyone else in your world. If we were all the same, life would be boring. :)

Heard that before

Lately my blogs have been about my cynicism. So keeping with this topic (lol) why is it that guys always says "I'm the nicest guy you'll ever meet" or "I'm one of a kind." Yeah, I've heard that so many times and it has yet to be true. I was perusing around on the Christian singles site that I belong to; and the very last paragraph of a profile was "I warn women "I'm the nicest guy you'll ever meet." Oh right. I immediately clicked out of it.

At the beginning of my current state of confusion, I made the comment that it was "too good to be true." He didn't understand this comment until he read the book "Captivating." None the less, I think he got it, but at the same time -- I was right; once again.

Has cynicism gotten the best of me? I've always been a very trusting person, but I no longer believe what anyone says -- no matter what the topic is or who says it. My msn quote states it best for now, "All I want is for ONE guy to prove to me that they aren't all the same."

I'm just sayin.

Parental Advisory

One of my greatest pet peeves is how people talk in front of their children. There is a time and a place for behavior like this and some people have no boundaries. When you are attending an event, where little children are present... bite your tongue! Ok, you might bite it off, but maybe that will be helpful in the long run.

Some people do not get the concept that children repeat... EVERYTHING! They're not stupid by any means, but they don't know better. It's the parent's responsibility to teach children boundaries, but what if the parents don't have any either? The children go through the motions of life, confused about what's right on wrong, based on what they're taught at home.

As a person who works with children's ministries, I know some very well mannered children and I thank God for their parents and the boundaries they're teaching them. My prayer is that we can raise our children to be disciples of Christ, not a terror on wheels not knowing how the world works. Raise them to be well mannered and well behaved boys and girls, not cussing like sailors.

Princess Heart

Remember when you were younger and played dress up and called yourself a princess? Those were the days when my dad would call me princess. Now life is full of the never-ending drama, with absolutely no time to play dress up, never mind the fact that you feel nothing like a princess!!

I've just finished reading "Keeping a Princess Heart" by Nicole Johnson. It's so hard to be princess-like when your heart is closed and your attitude is cynical. Then you have the people that don't feel like princess' so they adjust their looks to get closer to the feeling -- fake nails, tanning, fake hair, ... you name it, we've done it to improve the look on the outside. Improving our looks on the outside, doesn't change what's in our hearts. A princess heart knows in her heart of hearts that the world is not a fairy tale, but the King is there and has us convinced that "all will be well."

Yes, there might be times when we're standing in a pile of quick sand, but God brought us to it and He alone can bring us through it. Might not be easy keeping that princess heart, but I'd rather struggle than pretend to have the LOOK - and be fake about it. My princess heart is hurting and aching, but God is continually molding it and shaping it...

In this book, Nicole explains that women want the ending. It's true! If you tell us to wait - we will wait - but tell us WHY. Give us a purpose to wait for and what's going to happen in the end. What happens at the end of the love story? Happily ever after... and of course ever after is never happy. The single woman feels alone because she's not married, the married woman wants the freedom... we're never satisfied in our roles.

A couple days ago I blogged about someday my prince coming... some day that prince will find this princess heart and treasure it, like the rare jewel it is.

Advice

Lately I've been thinking about the advice I've been receiving from a few people regarding my state of confusion. Do you ever look at the people giving you advice and evaluate their life? For the most part, the people giving me advice can't even get their own lives together. What makes them think I would take what they have to say and run with it?

Some say I'm wise beyond my years, but when people can't be smart and have the tiniest bit of common sense. I'm not saying I have my act all together and have a right to be giving advice, but when people (these no common sense people) ask my opinion, I've learned that sugar coating isn't the way to go. We aren't playing candyland in life. Maybe before people give advice to others, they should evaluate their own issues and dare I say, drama. :) The pot and the kettle need to get together and keep their noses out of my business. :) ... I'm just sayin.

My prayer is that God give me the strength to deal with these advice givers and the courage to stand up and say get your own act together.

Someday my prince will come

Last night I was having a conversation with my one of my friends. She's been married for just over a year and her husband takes very good care of her. We were talking about a couple of friends of ours who seem to "find" men who pay their way... thus they've had a few free vacations in the last several years. Then she asked me if I'd heard anything from my current state of confusion. My response was (jokingly), "No, but he can't buy me free vacations..."

I am not one of those women that look at how much money a man makes. Can he provide for himself? Is he going to be able to provide for our future family? These are things that I think of. During this conversation, she says, "I believe that God has a man out there that can take you on free vacations to wonderful places. He will bring you yours..."

In the book "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers, a modern telling of the story of Gomer and Hosea... Michael is a man who knows that this woman is who God is sending for him. When he sees that this woman is a prostitute, he challenges God. "God, she CANNOT be the ONE." Michael did everything he could to bring Angel to him -- to convince her that they were meant to be together because God said so. He pursued her like no other man has pursued before. Michael trusted with all his heart... even when times were bad, Angel wasn't convinced and he wanted to just let her go.

I, personally, would rather have a Michael than a "mr. big checkbook." But can we have both? The man who is secure is his checkbook to provide for us AND give us the vacations we desire, but to also have his heart so lost in God, that he trusts that I was the ONE, even when he saw me at my lowest point. I pray for him daily; I pray that God will prepare my heart for this man that will one day amaze me beyond comprehension.

My prayer for us ladies today, is that God will bring you your Michael and your "mr. big checkbook" in your own package... that God will put you in the circumstance, that divine appointment, to bring you together. That this man will pursue you like no other. Prepare your hearts, it's going to be a bumpy ride.

drama, drama, drama

So, lately the word DRAMA has been filling my conversations. I, myself, have been wondering why people would want to live this way. If your life is drama-filled -- fine. It's your own thing to deal with. But why, why, WHY would you want to vent and spread this drama throughout the land? I've been dealing with some very dramatic people lately... I love you all dearly, but please. Something's gotta give!

Then you have those are so wrapped up in their own drama, they don't care about your stuff. Yes, we all have gunk. And I'm sorry -- the past couple weeks, my gunk has gotten me a little down, therefore I don't have the energy or patience level to deal with YOUR drama.

My prayer for you today is that you can pray against the attitude that the enemy is putting in us (including me) and causing us to not shine God's light of love. I also pray against the drama queens and kings, that they can keep it in their own little kingdom. :)

People in life

My current favorite CD is Building 429's new one, called Iris to Iris. Songs about standing closer than you've ever been, face to face with God, in awe at His beauty. My favorite is one called "Stand Amazed" and the chorus says, "You've got me right You want me...You've got me right where I need to be..." As I ponder these words, I think about the people that God has placed in my life. I don't believe in coincidences. I believe that people, if even in your life for just a season, will teach you something and there's a reason for it. You needed to learn something from that.

Whether your experience ended in good or bad, people fade away. You can choose to take it with a grain of salt and find the lesson that God is trying to teach you through that person. A lot of people have come in and out of my life, trust me, I'm not saying it's easy. In fact, sometimes it's hard and it down right sucks.

Another song on the same CD is called "Constant." Hmm... these seem to fit. No matter who's in my life, who's coming or going; God has me in a place where I need to be. Where HE wants me: Seeking Him in all that do, no matter how people are treating me or who is in my life -- or not. He is the one thing that is a constant for me in a world of change.

My prayer for you today is that you can look in the face of God and stand amazed at His constant mercies, grace, and love.

Fathers (part 2)

Last month I wrote a blog about dads. I had mentioned some things about my own dad that at the time were very true. Last week when I was in Nebraska, I saw a totally different side of my dad; and I'm pretty sure he saw a different side of me.

My dad has always been the dad that's just existed, never really been there, so to speak. I've never been daddy's little girl. Last week as my great grandma was on her death bed, my emotional side came out. A side of me that my dad has never seen before. My dad, in this new light, was there for me. He saw the hurt and emotion in my eyes and was ready to support me like the man I've never see him be. He was there with open arms, letting me fall into them like I never have before.

The same way I've fallen into the embrace of God over the last seven years, I've finally been able to do the same with my earth father. A good feeling, there is no doubt. :)

Close to God

A couple of weeks ago I flew to Dallas. It was cloudy when we left KC, but the further south we went, I saw the magnificent view I was used to seeing when I fly. You know - those big white puffy clouds that look like cotton balls. As I often do when I fly, I began to thank God for the wonderful creation. Since, I've become fascinated with the sky... I mean, have you ever REALLY looked at it? The colors, the patterns... they're never the same. The scenes in the sky alone just amaze me.

As I'm drawn closer to God with each breathtaking moment, I am reminded in the words of Phillips, Craig, & Dean that "it's not the motions I go through..." I've always been what I call an unconventional Lutheran. Could never sit on my hands during worship, breaking away from the traditional READING of the prayers. If you go to a Lutheran church service, how many of those people sound like they believe the words of the Apostle's creed? I'm not knocking the religion or the people in it... I grew up in the church. So before you get all uptight, listen to what I'm saying...

There's another song by Point of Grace and there's a line in it that says, "Everyone's worshiping something, 'cause that's what we're made to do...I choose You." It's not the religion - it's the form of worship; the RELATIONSHIP. I'm the type that cannot worship sitting on my hands... get me a band so I can clap, bounce around, WHATEVER.

My prayer for you is this: Worship with all your heart, mind, and soul... and choose to worship YOUR way and not worry about what the world thinks of you. Show the world the light of God's love through you and how you worship. God bless!