This time I'm returning home...yeah!
When I was leaving the airport, the guy in front of me at security saw the tears in my eyes and said, "Goodbyes are hard, but welcomes home's are so sweet."
I have a feeling that he is going to be correct; I can't wait for my welcome home!
Flight leaves in 3.5 hours and counting!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
But instead...
Today, we were supposed to explore Oklahoma City with Cindy
BUT INSTEAD
We attend a memorial service to celebrate her life
We want to cry
BUT INSTEAD
We rejoice!
We wish to understand
BUT INSTEAD
We walk by faith!
As many of you know, Cindy Meredith--assistant director at DaySpring Villa, summer missionary supervisor, volunteer coordinator, dear friend, energetic evangelist, and mother to two--passed on Wednesday morning. It was a great loss to not only DaySpring Villa, but to each guest, staff member, and volunteer.
I apologize that I did not write sooner but it just seems that words are insufficient to explain the rollercoaster of emotions that come with death. There is the sting of the loss and the heartache for the family, there is the laughter over memories, and the guilt over laughing. It seems that each emotion feels strange and you wonder, as one of the ladies asked me last night, "is this normal?" What is a normal response to death, I am afraid that there is not one.
We are still uncertain what caused Cindy's passing, but as the pastor put it yesterday, there is one thing that we are certain of...Cindy never truely died!
We are certain of this because this is the promise that Jesus Himself gave us:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26
The memorial service for Cindy was yesterday and it seems that some of the weight has been lifted from the hearts of the staff as we continue the weekly routine with a little more pep in our step, free, after a time of grievance, to remember Cindy with a smile on our face, even if there is a bruise still on our hearts.
During this time, as He has all summer long, God has graced us with laughter. We went to see Oklahoma on Wednesday evening, following the insistance of the motherly Ms. Wilma. I laughed until my cheeks were sore and then laughed some more!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I look forward to a bitter sweet good-bye on Saturday and a super-sweet hello when I see my family and friends again!
BUT INSTEAD
We attend a memorial service to celebrate her life
We want to cry
BUT INSTEAD
We rejoice!
We wish to understand
BUT INSTEAD
We walk by faith!
As many of you know, Cindy Meredith--assistant director at DaySpring Villa, summer missionary supervisor, volunteer coordinator, dear friend, energetic evangelist, and mother to two--passed on Wednesday morning. It was a great loss to not only DaySpring Villa, but to each guest, staff member, and volunteer.
I apologize that I did not write sooner but it just seems that words are insufficient to explain the rollercoaster of emotions that come with death. There is the sting of the loss and the heartache for the family, there is the laughter over memories, and the guilt over laughing. It seems that each emotion feels strange and you wonder, as one of the ladies asked me last night, "is this normal?" What is a normal response to death, I am afraid that there is not one.
We are still uncertain what caused Cindy's passing, but as the pastor put it yesterday, there is one thing that we are certain of...Cindy never truely died!
We are certain of this because this is the promise that Jesus Himself gave us:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
John 11:25-26
The memorial service for Cindy was yesterday and it seems that some of the weight has been lifted from the hearts of the staff as we continue the weekly routine with a little more pep in our step, free, after a time of grievance, to remember Cindy with a smile on our face, even if there is a bruise still on our hearts.
During this time, as He has all summer long, God has graced us with laughter. We went to see Oklahoma on Wednesday evening, following the insistance of the motherly Ms. Wilma. I laughed until my cheeks were sore and then laughed some more!
Thank you for your continued prayers and support. I look forward to a bitter sweet good-bye on Saturday and a super-sweet hello when I see my family and friends again!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
It's ladies night and the feelings right...
Okay, so we didn't dance to the music or anything like that, but we did enjoy a night out, just us girls!
The other summer missionaries and I along with LaCasey and Micki, who are both missionaries here at DaySpring Villa, had a girls' night on Thursday, complete with dinner at one of my FAVORITE restaurants, PF Changs, and a viewing of the Broadway Musical WICKED!
It was my first off-Broadway production and I so enjoyed it!
Throughout the night I found that all of our minds constantly drifted back to the shelter, the ladies there, and all of the situations "still pending." I realized that ministry really never leaves you, even if you leave it. I am beginning to empathize with Paul as he both mourned and rejoiced with the churches, whether he was near or far.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Late nights!
On Tuesday I worked my longest shift yet and saw the work of Christ all around me, although at times I was too tired to recognize it!
I worked alone from 4-11p. Usually when I work the night shift someone else is working 1-9p, so I'm only by myself from 9-11p, which is a fairly calm time, but on Tuesday everyone else got off at 4p.
I had two intakes coming in, which requires a good bit of time and paperwork and such as well as being away from the phones for approximately 30 minutes. I also was scheduled to cook dinner by 5:30p, go to staff meeting, do med call and answer the door. God provided amazing volunteers to cook a yummy dinner, the director stayed and answered the phone until after I finished the intakes and refused to leave until I had sat to rest and have a bite to eat. One of the house staff members had emails to check and personal work to do on the computer, so she stayed until almost 10 pm, providing some companionship and someone to answer the door in my absence.
During the shift I was so frustrated and overwhelmed. I did not finish my work until after midnight, but as I laid in the bed that night, God kept me awake to give me time to process the day, but also to show me all the things that He had done for me during the shift, things that I had been too absorbed to see!
As I lay half-asleep that night, I heard a lot thump. I turned and saw my roommate, staring at her bed. She looked like she was sleep walking. "Are you okay?" I asked groggily. "I just want to go to SLEEP," she replied. I stood up to see what was going on and realized that her mattress had feel through the frame in the bed so that half of it was on the floor. I lifted it back through so that she could lay back down, but I couldn't help but laugh, and I couldn't seem to stop laughing, even after we laid back down to go to sleep. The pressures of the day began to fade as the laughter rose from my belly to my mouth. I had to contain it since Danielle was sleeping, but it did bring a smile to my face and a slight snort to my nose. Thank you God for laughter!
This morning I was reading about David in 2 Samuel 16-17 and how God provided him with assistance in the midst of his struggle with Absalom. David must have at times been tempted to say, "Where are you God?" but if he would have looked up from his troubles, he would have seen all that God had provided, just as I saw!
I worked alone from 4-11p. Usually when I work the night shift someone else is working 1-9p, so I'm only by myself from 9-11p, which is a fairly calm time, but on Tuesday everyone else got off at 4p.
I had two intakes coming in, which requires a good bit of time and paperwork and such as well as being away from the phones for approximately 30 minutes. I also was scheduled to cook dinner by 5:30p, go to staff meeting, do med call and answer the door. God provided amazing volunteers to cook a yummy dinner, the director stayed and answered the phone until after I finished the intakes and refused to leave until I had sat to rest and have a bite to eat. One of the house staff members had emails to check and personal work to do on the computer, so she stayed until almost 10 pm, providing some companionship and someone to answer the door in my absence.
During the shift I was so frustrated and overwhelmed. I did not finish my work until after midnight, but as I laid in the bed that night, God kept me awake to give me time to process the day, but also to show me all the things that He had done for me during the shift, things that I had been too absorbed to see!
As I lay half-asleep that night, I heard a lot thump. I turned and saw my roommate, staring at her bed. She looked like she was sleep walking. "Are you okay?" I asked groggily. "I just want to go to SLEEP," she replied. I stood up to see what was going on and realized that her mattress had feel through the frame in the bed so that half of it was on the floor. I lifted it back through so that she could lay back down, but I couldn't help but laugh, and I couldn't seem to stop laughing, even after we laid back down to go to sleep. The pressures of the day began to fade as the laughter rose from my belly to my mouth. I had to contain it since Danielle was sleeping, but it did bring a smile to my face and a slight snort to my nose. Thank you God for laughter!
This morning I was reading about David in 2 Samuel 16-17 and how God provided him with assistance in the midst of his struggle with Absalom. David must have at times been tempted to say, "Where are you God?" but if he would have looked up from his troubles, he would have seen all that God had provided, just as I saw!
Monday, July 6, 2009
Just me and my cereal bowl....
I love mornings like this, when I can sit with a yummy bowl of HoneyNut Cheerios and consider all the happenings of the past week that I have yet to share. However, the yumminess of my cereal is making it increasingly difficult to type with both hands.
It has been a pretty great week. The half-way mark of the summer has officially come and gone. I was quite excited to know that I was half-way to my plane ride home, half-way to moving into the new apartment, half-way to seeing my handsome boyfriend, and half-way to be HOME with my amazing fam. As the half-way point has now passed, I still feel excited about all those things, but also sad to know that the days of sharing a room with my new friend are quickly passing, the days of staff lounge laughter and ministry to broken but oh so funny and enjoyable women.
Yesterday I taught Sunday School to the women and it was quite a joy! I had been pondering what to teach if I had Bible study one weeknight. I had a lesson plan, sort of, for something about the attributes of God and then had been studying one of David Platt's messages from the LifeBlood series. Last week, the Sunday School teacher asked me to teach and the lesson from the quarterly was on God the Father. It was so amazing how that fit with the attributes of God lesson that I had already prepared. The lesson was 3 parts (of course, I'm baptist, right?).
1) How can we know God?
2) What is God like?
3) What does God desire from us?
I have been struck lately by the variety of false beliefs about God that permeate our world, our church, and even my own thinking.
For instance, many people seem to believe that God changed between the OT and the NT. One lady commented that God was mean in the OT. He is the SAME God. If God changed, then He must have gotten better or worse. If He got better, then at one point He was not complete and therefore not God. If He got worse then He could be better and would not be God. SO God did not change! (Make sense?) This is just one of the false beliefs that I myself have pondered. Noticed any others?
The lesson included many scripture passages in which we discovered and discussed characteristics of God. One of these verses was Romans 6:25-26
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.
Christ is the one who is able to establish us. He can ground us in His word and we will not be moved! On our own we are bound to backslide, but with Him we can stay firmly grounded...just one of the characteristics of God that we learned yesterday.
God reveals Himself to us THROUGHOUT the Word...check it out!
Saturday, the 4th, was quite an exciting day around here. We had spent the week cleaning coolers, packing, slicing tomatoes and tearing lettuce...busy, busy, busy. We woke up Saturday morning to RAIN! ahhh! We had planned to load up all the stuff at 9:30a and get it to the park b/f the streets closed at 11a. We continued with that plan, despite the rain and spent the morning praying that the rain would cease. At 2p (one hour b/f we planned to take the ladies to the picnic) the rain let up and the clouds parted to reveal beautiful blue skies! Nine ladies and approximately 13 children went to the picnic at the park. They had sprinklers and inflatables for the kids. Volleyball and frisbees for the young at heart and food for everyone! After dinner we packed up and moved our things to the street to watch the fireworks...beautiful! Another storm was coming in so we called it a night as soon as the fireworks were done and headed back to the shelter. After unpacking I was EXHAUSTED and happy to take a Sunday afternoon nap!
Here are just a few pics of the 4th festivities.
LaCasey (NAMB Missionary) and I waiting patiently for the fireworks
It has been a pretty great week. The half-way mark of the summer has officially come and gone. I was quite excited to know that I was half-way to my plane ride home, half-way to moving into the new apartment, half-way to seeing my handsome boyfriend, and half-way to be HOME with my amazing fam. As the half-way point has now passed, I still feel excited about all those things, but also sad to know that the days of sharing a room with my new friend are quickly passing, the days of staff lounge laughter and ministry to broken but oh so funny and enjoyable women.
Yesterday I taught Sunday School to the women and it was quite a joy! I had been pondering what to teach if I had Bible study one weeknight. I had a lesson plan, sort of, for something about the attributes of God and then had been studying one of David Platt's messages from the LifeBlood series. Last week, the Sunday School teacher asked me to teach and the lesson from the quarterly was on God the Father. It was so amazing how that fit with the attributes of God lesson that I had already prepared. The lesson was 3 parts (of course, I'm baptist, right?).
1) How can we know God?
2) What is God like?
3) What does God desire from us?
I have been struck lately by the variety of false beliefs about God that permeate our world, our church, and even my own thinking.
For instance, many people seem to believe that God changed between the OT and the NT. One lady commented that God was mean in the OT. He is the SAME God. If God changed, then He must have gotten better or worse. If He got better, then at one point He was not complete and therefore not God. If He got worse then He could be better and would not be God. SO God did not change! (Make sense?) This is just one of the false beliefs that I myself have pondered. Noticed any others?
The lesson included many scripture passages in which we discovered and discussed characteristics of God. One of these verses was Romans 6:25-26
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith.
Christ is the one who is able to establish us. He can ground us in His word and we will not be moved! On our own we are bound to backslide, but with Him we can stay firmly grounded...just one of the characteristics of God that we learned yesterday.
God reveals Himself to us THROUGHOUT the Word...check it out!
Saturday, the 4th, was quite an exciting day around here. We had spent the week cleaning coolers, packing, slicing tomatoes and tearing lettuce...busy, busy, busy. We woke up Saturday morning to RAIN! ahhh! We had planned to load up all the stuff at 9:30a and get it to the park b/f the streets closed at 11a. We continued with that plan, despite the rain and spent the morning praying that the rain would cease. At 2p (one hour b/f we planned to take the ladies to the picnic) the rain let up and the clouds parted to reveal beautiful blue skies! Nine ladies and approximately 13 children went to the picnic at the park. They had sprinklers and inflatables for the kids. Volleyball and frisbees for the young at heart and food for everyone! After dinner we packed up and moved our things to the street to watch the fireworks...beautiful! Another storm was coming in so we called it a night as soon as the fireworks were done and headed back to the shelter. After unpacking I was EXHAUSTED and happy to take a Sunday afternoon nap!
Here are just a few pics of the 4th festivities.
LaCasey (NAMB Missionary) and I waiting patiently for the fireworks
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Surprise!
This week, as I was going on-shift and praying with the morning shift, Emily prayed that God would fill my afternoon with little surprises. I found the request a little peculiar, but was excited to see just how He would answer this prayer. I wanted to share just a few ways that God has answered that prayer this week--with little surprises!
--MAIL! I do love mail and this week Mom sent me a sweet note.
--Unexpected compliments: One of the guests told me this morning that I was beautiful and she could see Jesus in me (It was fairly early in the morning, no shower, etc. so you KNOW that was Jesus and not me!)
--The words of a child: I was doing childcare the other night, something that is not always my favorite. I was sitting on the floor when a little girl came up to give me a hug. Being silly as I am, I began rocking her like a baby and singing "Rock-a-bye baby." I thought that she would just laugh, but she sat up and said "Sing it again." I repeated the song at least four times, becoming a little wary and not knowing all the words. At last she hugged me tighter and said "I love you!" Now, those are words that you don't hear too often around here and they filled my heart. A surprise I love you is the best kind of surprise!
--The boldness to pray: This week Christ has given me the opportunity to do the paperwork for two intakes. This is the paperwork that must be done as soon as the women arrive at the shelter. It is much less involved than the expanded intake which must be done within 24 hours. ANYWAYS! As we are alone in the intake room, asking all these questions and reviewing all these rules, God has led me to pray with and for two women. Through this He has taught me the impact of a simple prayer and reminded me that He will give me the Words.
--Humor: In the midst of difficult situations, it is often hard to laugh, but God has gifted the staff at DaySpring with the ability to find humor in many situations and to laugh heartily in the midst of trial.
There were many other surprises as well, including a raccoon in the dumpster, but I will not bore you with all the stories.
Have a wonderful Sunday and continue to pray for the summer missionaries, the staff, and especailly the guests! Thanks a trillion.
--MAIL! I do love mail and this week Mom sent me a sweet note.
--Unexpected compliments: One of the guests told me this morning that I was beautiful and she could see Jesus in me (It was fairly early in the morning, no shower, etc. so you KNOW that was Jesus and not me!)
--The words of a child: I was doing childcare the other night, something that is not always my favorite. I was sitting on the floor when a little girl came up to give me a hug. Being silly as I am, I began rocking her like a baby and singing "Rock-a-bye baby." I thought that she would just laugh, but she sat up and said "Sing it again." I repeated the song at least four times, becoming a little wary and not knowing all the words. At last she hugged me tighter and said "I love you!" Now, those are words that you don't hear too often around here and they filled my heart. A surprise I love you is the best kind of surprise!
--The boldness to pray: This week Christ has given me the opportunity to do the paperwork for two intakes. This is the paperwork that must be done as soon as the women arrive at the shelter. It is much less involved than the expanded intake which must be done within 24 hours. ANYWAYS! As we are alone in the intake room, asking all these questions and reviewing all these rules, God has led me to pray with and for two women. Through this He has taught me the impact of a simple prayer and reminded me that He will give me the Words.
--Humor: In the midst of difficult situations, it is often hard to laugh, but God has gifted the staff at DaySpring with the ability to find humor in many situations and to laugh heartily in the midst of trial.
There were many other surprises as well, including a raccoon in the dumpster, but I will not bore you with all the stories.
Have a wonderful Sunday and continue to pray for the summer missionaries, the staff, and especailly the guests! Thanks a trillion.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Growing-up is hard to do...
This week I have had to be a grown-up or at least pretend to be one, and at times that task is quite difficult. Yesterday I worked the 3-11 pm shift by myself for the first time. I had been working it all week long (except for Tuesday) but yesterday was the first time that no one else was on the schedule at that time. I must say that I was a bit frightened.
The beginning of the shift was fairly easy. Danielle was with me until 9. We cooked dinner (which went over fairly well), cleaned up after dinner, did some charting, Danielle did an intake interview, answered the phone, etc. Overall nothing too strenuous. Most of the ladies left DaySpring to go to Celebrate Recovery, so it was a pretty slow night at the shelter. They returned after children's bed time, so it turned out to be a fight to get everyone in the bed at a decent time. It is so funny to have 55-year old women come and ask you if they can go to bed later since it is Friday night. They reminded me of myself at home, finding every excuse and reason to stay up just 30 minutes later. In the end, the ladies got to stay up until 11 pm, but even then they were pushing the limit.
That is the most difficult part of this job, I do believe, learning to say no in a loving way, learning not to budge even when women who are older and sometimes much more confident (and cunning) than you are telling you that right is left and left is right.
By the time I got off last night, I was quite exhausted, mentally and feeling a little worn down spiritually as well. This morning as I was rereading 2 Corinthians 4, I stopped at the first verse: "Therefore, since we have this ministry as we received mercy, we do not lose heart." The portion that stopped me was the "we do not lose heart." I can't allow one semi-difficult night on the job to get me down. Luke 18:1 tells us to "pray and not lose heart." The Bible tells us that the Christian life will be difficult, but in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9).
These were great words of encouragement to me! Through His word and prayer, God is prepping me for another 3-11 shift this afternoon (although I will not be alone this time!).
I am so grateful for the privilege of being challenged beyond myself, so that I MUST turn to Christ..."for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10).
In all my growing up this week, I did have a chance to act like a kid again on Wednesday, and it was SO much fun! A family from a local church offered to take us to BigSplash (local water park) for Waves of Worship. It was a really cool deal. The park was open from 7-10 pm for only $5 dollars admission. Christian music was playing the entire time and there were more modestly clad people that I have seen at the water park in a while! The Millers have 6 children, five of which came along for the water park trip. The first slide we decided to brave is one that I will respectfully call--"The Wedgie Maker." Because that is just what it did (hehe). Luckily, we all prepared by wearing shorts! There were other fun slides as well, a rock-climbing wall on which 6-year old climbed higher than me, a wave pool, and diving platform. BigSplash turned out to be a Big Splash indeed!
Pre-water slide
Post-water slide
Thank you all so very much for your prayers this week. Continue to pray for the women at DaySpring Villa and for the other summer missionaries and I. We saw two women leave this week to live with friends, pray that they made and will continue to make wise choices. We also have three new women, one of which has four children with her and three other children who are older and not here. I believe that she has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to her and the safety provided here at DaySpring. Pray that the kindness will point her only to Christ and His glory.
Please pray for opportunities to speak of the glory of God and to share what God is doing in my life with the women here.
Muchas gracias!
The beginning of the shift was fairly easy. Danielle was with me until 9. We cooked dinner (which went over fairly well), cleaned up after dinner, did some charting, Danielle did an intake interview, answered the phone, etc. Overall nothing too strenuous. Most of the ladies left DaySpring to go to Celebrate Recovery, so it was a pretty slow night at the shelter. They returned after children's bed time, so it turned out to be a fight to get everyone in the bed at a decent time. It is so funny to have 55-year old women come and ask you if they can go to bed later since it is Friday night. They reminded me of myself at home, finding every excuse and reason to stay up just 30 minutes later. In the end, the ladies got to stay up until 11 pm, but even then they were pushing the limit.
That is the most difficult part of this job, I do believe, learning to say no in a loving way, learning not to budge even when women who are older and sometimes much more confident (and cunning) than you are telling you that right is left and left is right.
By the time I got off last night, I was quite exhausted, mentally and feeling a little worn down spiritually as well. This morning as I was rereading 2 Corinthians 4, I stopped at the first verse: "Therefore, since we have this ministry as we received mercy, we do not lose heart." The portion that stopped me was the "we do not lose heart." I can't allow one semi-difficult night on the job to get me down. Luke 18:1 tells us to "pray and not lose heart." The Bible tells us that the Christian life will be difficult, but in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9).
These were great words of encouragement to me! Through His word and prayer, God is prepping me for another 3-11 shift this afternoon (although I will not be alone this time!).
I am so grateful for the privilege of being challenged beyond myself, so that I MUST turn to Christ..."for when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor 12:10).
In all my growing up this week, I did have a chance to act like a kid again on Wednesday, and it was SO much fun! A family from a local church offered to take us to BigSplash (local water park) for Waves of Worship. It was a really cool deal. The park was open from 7-10 pm for only $5 dollars admission. Christian music was playing the entire time and there were more modestly clad people that I have seen at the water park in a while! The Millers have 6 children, five of which came along for the water park trip. The first slide we decided to brave is one that I will respectfully call--"The Wedgie Maker." Because that is just what it did (hehe). Luckily, we all prepared by wearing shorts! There were other fun slides as well, a rock-climbing wall on which 6-year old climbed higher than me, a wave pool, and diving platform. BigSplash turned out to be a Big Splash indeed!
Pre-water slide
Post-water slideThank you all so very much for your prayers this week. Continue to pray for the women at DaySpring Villa and for the other summer missionaries and I. We saw two women leave this week to live with friends, pray that they made and will continue to make wise choices. We also have three new women, one of which has four children with her and three other children who are older and not here. I believe that she has been overwhelmed by the kindness shown to her and the safety provided here at DaySpring. Pray that the kindness will point her only to Christ and His glory.
Please pray for opportunities to speak of the glory of God and to share what God is doing in my life with the women here.
Muchas gracias!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Thoughts from Tozer
"Science observes how the power of God operates, discovers a regular pattern somewhere and fixes it as a "law." The uniformity of God's activities in His creation enables the scientist to predict the course of natural phenomena. The trustworthiness of God's behavior in His world is the foundation of all scientific truth. Upon it the scientist rests his faith and from there he goes on to achieve great and useful things in such fields as those of navigation, chemistry, agriculture, and the medical arts."
--A.W. Tozer in The Knowledge of the Holy
I was reading this book this morning and found this to be a very interesting perspective on science. Science is actually evidence of God and His trustworthiness, yet it has become a stumbling to many on their way to knowledge of and a relationship with the Creator, Christ Jesus.
I pray that as I continue to study science and perhaps someday teach it to others that I will not be as concerned with "the footprints of God along the paths of creation, but with the One who treads those paths."
--A.W. Tozer in The Knowledge of the Holy
I was reading this book this morning and found this to be a very interesting perspective on science. Science is actually evidence of God and His trustworthiness, yet it has become a stumbling to many on their way to knowledge of and a relationship with the Creator, Christ Jesus.
I pray that as I continue to study science and perhaps someday teach it to others that I will not be as concerned with "the footprints of God along the paths of creation, but with the One who treads those paths."
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Beginning to feel at home...
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.
1 Cor 13:1-3
This is what I must remind myself as I go on each shift, serve each meal, hand out each med basket, check each chore, and even as I write this blog. If I do these things without love, what profit is there?
This week I have work an 8-hour shift each day--Monday-Saturday. I worked the 3-11 shift twice, the middle 1-9 shift twice, and the morning 7-3 shift twice. The most difficult shift is DEFINITELY the early morning one. I almost did not make it there on time this morning. I am pretty sure that God woke me up because my alarm went off at 6:15a and somehow I fell back asleep and then heard a knock or something at 7:03 and decided I should HURRY. I changed and made it to the office by 7:05 and no one was the wiser :-) impressive huh?
My first week on the schedule has been tiring, especially for someone who has NEVER worked a REAL 8-hour job; however the Lord has given me the energy to get through each one...and I survived the entire week!
My favorite part of the daily routine is either dinner or med call. I like dinner because I enjoy eating (of course) BUT I also enjoy helping to prepare the meals and I like the interaction that we get with each of the ladies as they come through the line. Each meal is a creative challenge as one must take what is in the fridge and/or freezer and create a meal for 40 or meal in the time given. Yesterday that meant lots of left-overs, today tuna salad and other fruit salads along with sweet potatoes (a very interesting combo!). The cooks must also be mindful of food allergies and ensuring that the guests get the proper nutrients...it's a bit of a challenge!
I have dinner duty for real next week, so I am thinking of making taco soup, cornbread, and salads. Any other suggestions?
I also enjoy med call. This is the time when the ladies come to get their meds. They come to the med desk one at a time so this is a good chance for us to talk to them one-on-one. I also like to go sit with them while they are waiting on their turn at the med desk. They sit outside the room and are often cutting up with each other--it's lots of fun!
My least favorite part of the daily routine are the dead spots. I am sure that I will soon be grateful for these times, but not this week. I was shadowing this week, so I just had to watch most of the time. That meant if the house staff I was following was charting or answering the phone, I was just sitting there...twiddling my thumbs. I was supposed to be taking notes and such, but? Next week, I will be able to chart and answer the phone and the door and so perhaps there will be less dead time.
I am getting to know the guests more and I feel that they are beginning to open up to all of us summer girls. Many of them come to us with questions about the Bible and God has given me the opportunity to share with one guests about something that I was learning in my own Bible study that could perhaps provide some encouragement to her. Mostly, I believe that God is teaching me to truly love these women and that through that love I can earn their respect the opportunity to share with them more.
Love is a choice, a decision, and even a discipline at times. There is only one source of LOVE. Pray that God will pour His love onto these ladies, and that I may be a vessel.
Thank you so much for your prayers thus far. There have been times of sorrow, as guests have departed or disappointed but also times of sweet smiles as guests have shown great gratitude, worked hard on goals, or demonstrated a peeked interest in the Word of God. Please continue to pray for myself and all the staff this week as many of the staff are traveling leaving the team a few players short and struggling to cover all the bases!
1 Cor 13:1-3
This is what I must remind myself as I go on each shift, serve each meal, hand out each med basket, check each chore, and even as I write this blog. If I do these things without love, what profit is there?
This week I have work an 8-hour shift each day--Monday-Saturday. I worked the 3-11 shift twice, the middle 1-9 shift twice, and the morning 7-3 shift twice. The most difficult shift is DEFINITELY the early morning one. I almost did not make it there on time this morning. I am pretty sure that God woke me up because my alarm went off at 6:15a and somehow I fell back asleep and then heard a knock or something at 7:03 and decided I should HURRY. I changed and made it to the office by 7:05 and no one was the wiser :-) impressive huh?
My first week on the schedule has been tiring, especially for someone who has NEVER worked a REAL 8-hour job; however the Lord has given me the energy to get through each one...and I survived the entire week!
My favorite part of the daily routine is either dinner or med call. I like dinner because I enjoy eating (of course) BUT I also enjoy helping to prepare the meals and I like the interaction that we get with each of the ladies as they come through the line. Each meal is a creative challenge as one must take what is in the fridge and/or freezer and create a meal for 40 or meal in the time given. Yesterday that meant lots of left-overs, today tuna salad and other fruit salads along with sweet potatoes (a very interesting combo!). The cooks must also be mindful of food allergies and ensuring that the guests get the proper nutrients...it's a bit of a challenge!
I have dinner duty for real next week, so I am thinking of making taco soup, cornbread, and salads. Any other suggestions?
I also enjoy med call. This is the time when the ladies come to get their meds. They come to the med desk one at a time so this is a good chance for us to talk to them one-on-one. I also like to go sit with them while they are waiting on their turn at the med desk. They sit outside the room and are often cutting up with each other--it's lots of fun!
My least favorite part of the daily routine are the dead spots. I am sure that I will soon be grateful for these times, but not this week. I was shadowing this week, so I just had to watch most of the time. That meant if the house staff I was following was charting or answering the phone, I was just sitting there...twiddling my thumbs. I was supposed to be taking notes and such, but? Next week, I will be able to chart and answer the phone and the door and so perhaps there will be less dead time.
I am getting to know the guests more and I feel that they are beginning to open up to all of us summer girls. Many of them come to us with questions about the Bible and God has given me the opportunity to share with one guests about something that I was learning in my own Bible study that could perhaps provide some encouragement to her. Mostly, I believe that God is teaching me to truly love these women and that through that love I can earn their respect the opportunity to share with them more.
Love is a choice, a decision, and even a discipline at times. There is only one source of LOVE. Pray that God will pour His love onto these ladies, and that I may be a vessel.
Thank you so much for your prayers thus far. There have been times of sorrow, as guests have departed or disappointed but also times of sweet smiles as guests have shown great gratitude, worked hard on goals, or demonstrated a peeked interest in the Word of God. Please continue to pray for myself and all the staff this week as many of the staff are traveling leaving the team a few players short and struggling to cover all the bases!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Shelter Life
Let all that you do be done in love. 1 Cor 16:14
What it is like living at DaySpring Villa you may ask? Well, after one full week here, I can tell you just a bit! However, no matter how long I stay here, I will never be able to feel what these women feel as they walk the halls of DaySpring, eat the yummy food (well, the food that is sometimes yummy), do their chores, or sleep in safety.
DaySpring Villa is a 3,000 sq ft facility with three wings. The East Wing contains various rooms such as the donations room, conference room, Curves room (which I have been frequenting often), and a few offices. The Guest Wing is of course where the guests stay. There are single rooms, dorm-like rooms with 4 guests, and family rooms that house 2 families each. The bathroom is communal and there is also a Rec Room, a Parlor, and a small kitchenette on this hall. The Staff Wing is where the live-in staff stay, including myself and the other summer missionaries. Currently 8 staff live on this hall.
My roommate Danielle and I share a room with two twin beds, two dressers, a closet and a very powerful ceiling fan that we don't know how to turn off (it's always FREEZING in here!). I am not sure that we brought enough socks :-) We share a bathroom with the other summer missionary, Emily.
Our room
All of the meals are eaten in the dining room. Breakfast is a fend-for-yourself kind of meal with a wide variety of cereals, breads, and sometimes fruit and boiled eggs. Lunch and dinner are prepared AND served by either staff or volunteers. We will go to get our food handlers permit on Tuesday so that we too can begin preparing meals, although we are already learning our way around the kitchen.
The food is SO much better than I could have anticipated. Let me tell you of just a few of the meals that we had this week.
Thursday: Battered chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, homemade biscuits, cake, and salad
Friday: Baked potatoes, spinach salad, sandwiches, fruit
Have to keep Molly away from the sweets!
Panera brings us a delivery each week, so for breakfast we can have Panera bagels or Cinnamon Raisin bread. This morning at breakfast I asked one of the guests how she was doing..."GREAT!" She answered, "I have been craving one of these cheesy bagels from Panera and I come to a shelter and they have them...crazy!" I just smiled. How good is God that we are able to provide something so good for these women who so deserve it?
This past week we worked on training: watching various domestic violence videos, going over the staff manual, reading charts, etc. This week we will begin shadowing staff and then actually begin working as House Staff the following week (or perhaps two weeks of shadowing?). This week I am on the schedule to shadow 3-11 pm on Monday and Tuesday, 1-9 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 7am-3pm on Friday and Saturday.
After this week, I will be able to explain much more about what it is like to work as house staff. Currently I know that it means either preparing meals or making sure that they are prepared, answering the phone that is constantly ringing, performing intakes for new guests, doing med calls, answering the door, taking donations, signing in and out cell phones and valuables...the list goes on and on :-)
I will include some pictures that perhaps will help you to better understand what goes on around here.
This is the "shop" where the women come to do a little Saturday shopping. If they have worked on their goals and completed their chores, they are allowed to shop for 20 minutes on Saturday evenings and select up to three complete outfits.
Please continue to pray for myself and the staff. The Villa is currently under-staffed and many of the staff, especially those who live here are finding themselves over-worked and a little burnt out....Summer GIRLS to the rescue!
I have been so encouraged by the Word this week and would like to share with you just a few of the verses that have been lifting me up.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Cor 15:58 (from a former summer girl)
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Cor 12:9
What it is like living at DaySpring Villa you may ask? Well, after one full week here, I can tell you just a bit! However, no matter how long I stay here, I will never be able to feel what these women feel as they walk the halls of DaySpring, eat the yummy food (well, the food that is sometimes yummy), do their chores, or sleep in safety.
DaySpring Villa is a 3,000 sq ft facility with three wings. The East Wing contains various rooms such as the donations room, conference room, Curves room (which I have been frequenting often), and a few offices. The Guest Wing is of course where the guests stay. There are single rooms, dorm-like rooms with 4 guests, and family rooms that house 2 families each. The bathroom is communal and there is also a Rec Room, a Parlor, and a small kitchenette on this hall. The Staff Wing is where the live-in staff stay, including myself and the other summer missionaries. Currently 8 staff live on this hall.
My roommate Danielle and I share a room with two twin beds, two dressers, a closet and a very powerful ceiling fan that we don't know how to turn off (it's always FREEZING in here!). I am not sure that we brought enough socks :-) We share a bathroom with the other summer missionary, Emily.
Our room
All of the meals are eaten in the dining room. Breakfast is a fend-for-yourself kind of meal with a wide variety of cereals, breads, and sometimes fruit and boiled eggs. Lunch and dinner are prepared AND served by either staff or volunteers. We will go to get our food handlers permit on Tuesday so that we too can begin preparing meals, although we are already learning our way around the kitchen.
The food is SO much better than I could have anticipated. Let me tell you of just a few of the meals that we had this week.
Thursday: Battered chicken with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, homemade biscuits, cake, and salad
Friday: Baked potatoes, spinach salad, sandwiches, fruit
Have to keep Molly away from the sweets!
Panera brings us a delivery each week, so for breakfast we can have Panera bagels or Cinnamon Raisin bread. This morning at breakfast I asked one of the guests how she was doing..."GREAT!" She answered, "I have been craving one of these cheesy bagels from Panera and I come to a shelter and they have them...crazy!" I just smiled. How good is God that we are able to provide something so good for these women who so deserve it?
This past week we worked on training: watching various domestic violence videos, going over the staff manual, reading charts, etc. This week we will begin shadowing staff and then actually begin working as House Staff the following week (or perhaps two weeks of shadowing?). This week I am on the schedule to shadow 3-11 pm on Monday and Tuesday, 1-9 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, and 7am-3pm on Friday and Saturday.
After this week, I will be able to explain much more about what it is like to work as house staff. Currently I know that it means either preparing meals or making sure that they are prepared, answering the phone that is constantly ringing, performing intakes for new guests, doing med calls, answering the door, taking donations, signing in and out cell phones and valuables...the list goes on and on :-)
I will include some pictures that perhaps will help you to better understand what goes on around here.
This is the "shop" where the women come to do a little Saturday shopping. If they have worked on their goals and completed their chores, they are allowed to shop for 20 minutes on Saturday evenings and select up to three complete outfits.
Please continue to pray for myself and the staff. The Villa is currently under-staffed and many of the staff, especially those who live here are finding themselves over-worked and a little burnt out....Summer GIRLS to the rescue!
I have been so encouraged by the Word this week and would like to share with you just a few of the verses that have been lifting me up.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
1 Cor 15:58 (from a former summer girl)
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather boast about my weaknesses that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
2 Cor 12:9
Monday, June 1, 2009
Monday!
This is the most consistent that I've posted in quite a while, but it has been a busy day, so I thought that I would share.
We started out with orientation from Suzanne, a lady from the Oklahoma Baptist Convention. Like any good baptist, she took us to lunch, which happened to be at a very Oklahoma place, the RibCrib (funny name huh?). She was exciting to be around and really, really encouraging. She had good tidbits of advice. We did personality tests and I learned that I am a powerful choleric (i.e. lion). No big surprise there, huh? That means that I like to be in charge, make decisions, etc. It also means though that I struggle to be compassionate and often see things as very cut and dry. When revealing the results of my survey I apologized for lioness status--Suzanne corrected me. While some parts of the lion nature may be weaknesses of mine, the lion is who I am and who God made me to be. I must depend on God for compassion and other weaknesses, when He is strong them I am weak! and also embrace that "Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting!" (Ps 138:8)
The "Summer Girls"
This afternoon we learned more about ourselves as we answered a questionnaire. It was both heartbreaking and exciting to hear what the other girls had been through and God's triumph in their lives.
I was sleepy this afternoon so took an afternoon nap...there may not be time for those in the coming days.
Please pray that God will give me His heart for these woman, to show compassion with discernment. Pray also for the women, that they will find their voice and recognize that God created them for great things, regardless of what someone else has told them.
I brought a friend named Molly along with me on this trip, so you will see pictures of her on my blog...enjoy!
Molly feeling at home in "cowboy country"
We started out with orientation from Suzanne, a lady from the Oklahoma Baptist Convention. Like any good baptist, she took us to lunch, which happened to be at a very Oklahoma place, the RibCrib (funny name huh?). She was exciting to be around and really, really encouraging. She had good tidbits of advice. We did personality tests and I learned that I am a powerful choleric (i.e. lion). No big surprise there, huh? That means that I like to be in charge, make decisions, etc. It also means though that I struggle to be compassionate and often see things as very cut and dry. When revealing the results of my survey I apologized for lioness status--Suzanne corrected me. While some parts of the lion nature may be weaknesses of mine, the lion is who I am and who God made me to be. I must depend on God for compassion and other weaknesses, when He is strong them I am weak! and also embrace that "Your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting!" (Ps 138:8)
The "Summer Girls"This afternoon we learned more about ourselves as we answered a questionnaire. It was both heartbreaking and exciting to hear what the other girls had been through and God's triumph in their lives.
I was sleepy this afternoon so took an afternoon nap...there may not be time for those in the coming days.
Please pray that God will give me His heart for these woman, to show compassion with discernment. Pray also for the women, that they will find their voice and recognize that God created them for great things, regardless of what someone else has told them.
I brought a friend named Molly along with me on this trip, so you will see pictures of her on my blog...enjoy!
Molly feeling at home in "cowboy country"
Sunday, May 31, 2009
I'm HERE...
I arrived in Tulsa about 4:30 yesterday afternoon. It has been a pretty slow 24 hours thus far. There are, of course, lots of new things to see and learn which is fairly overwheling. However, people thoroughly believe in restful weekends around here, so they are allowing us to enjoy some time in our room, reading and RESTING!!
We started the Beth Moore study A Heart Like His which the three summer missionaries will do together. I have made it to chapter 6 of 10 that i have to have read by Tuesday. I haven't done any of the questions though....not a fan of questions.
This morning we went to church at Eastwood Baptist. We studied Philip during Sunday School, but I thoroughly enjoyed the worship service. Bro Gordon spoke on the indwelling Spirit. Why do I not depend on the Spirit of God within me? That Spirit which brings "fullness of joy and....pleasures forever" (Psalms 16:11).
Well, I'm off to read a little more. My roommate is reading and inspiring me to do the same.
Happy Sunday!
We started the Beth Moore study A Heart Like His which the three summer missionaries will do together. I have made it to chapter 6 of 10 that i have to have read by Tuesday. I haven't done any of the questions though....not a fan of questions.
This morning we went to church at Eastwood Baptist. We studied Philip during Sunday School, but I thoroughly enjoyed the worship service. Bro Gordon spoke on the indwelling Spirit. Why do I not depend on the Spirit of God within me? That Spirit which brings "fullness of joy and....pleasures forever" (Psalms 16:11).
Well, I'm off to read a little more. My roommate is reading and inspiring me to do the same.
Happy Sunday!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
School's OUT for SUMMER
Yeah! The semester is finally over. Today marked my first whole week of freedom and it has been utterly AMAZING. My days have been filled with reading, naps, more reading, and various adventures.
One of my most recent and favorite adventures of the week came when we went to the park on Monday--Adam, Rachel and I. We hiked around for about 2 hours and somehow I managed to stay on my feet despite the rock slides and slippery, pine-straw covered trails. After the hike we headed to the sea-saws, swings, etc. All of the playground equipment was fairly dilapidated and quite frightened but Adam had a desire to play on the sea-saw, so we did. After a few ups-and-downs, he went down too quickly and therefore I went UP and didn't stop going UP even though the sea-saw did....ahhh! I went flying forward and smacked into the board before falling off. Luckily there was only slight pain and an abundance of laughter!
There was a first for me this week--I cut the grass with a riding lawn mower. Adam has a GrassHopper (aka a really cool yard cutter that actually makes you WANT to cut the grass...imagine that). He graciously allowed me to drive it. It is his pet and I know that this was quite difficult for him to let me loose on it, but perhaps it was worth it for him as he got to see me do donuts on it....yipee! Who knew cutting grass could be so fun? Of course I didn't get to finish the yard b/c he had to take over and polish off the edges while I tried to cover the divots that I made from turning too sharply, too quickly :-)
Those are just some of the adventures for the week, surely there are many more to come!
Continue to pray for me as I enjoy my break but also prepare for OK. I found out this week that two other girls will be joining me there, so remember them in your prayers along with all of the DaySpring Villa staff and guests.
Much love!
NOTE: This blog was written last week but just now is the computer speedy enough to post...enjoy :-)
One of my most recent and favorite adventures of the week came when we went to the park on Monday--Adam, Rachel and I. We hiked around for about 2 hours and somehow I managed to stay on my feet despite the rock slides and slippery, pine-straw covered trails. After the hike we headed to the sea-saws, swings, etc. All of the playground equipment was fairly dilapidated and quite frightened but Adam had a desire to play on the sea-saw, so we did. After a few ups-and-downs, he went down too quickly and therefore I went UP and didn't stop going UP even though the sea-saw did....ahhh! I went flying forward and smacked into the board before falling off. Luckily there was only slight pain and an abundance of laughter!
There was a first for me this week--I cut the grass with a riding lawn mower. Adam has a GrassHopper (aka a really cool yard cutter that actually makes you WANT to cut the grass...imagine that). He graciously allowed me to drive it. It is his pet and I know that this was quite difficult for him to let me loose on it, but perhaps it was worth it for him as he got to see me do donuts on it....yipee! Who knew cutting grass could be so fun? Of course I didn't get to finish the yard b/c he had to take over and polish off the edges while I tried to cover the divots that I made from turning too sharply, too quickly :-)
Those are just some of the adventures for the week, surely there are many more to come!
Continue to pray for me as I enjoy my break but also prepare for OK. I found out this week that two other girls will be joining me there, so remember them in your prayers along with all of the DaySpring Villa staff and guests.
Much love!
NOTE: This blog was written last week but just now is the computer speedy enough to post...enjoy :-)
Friday, May 1, 2009
WOW!
It has officially been a whole semester since I have posted....sorry :-( I am still alive!
I am sitting in class, waiting on the teacher to return. I am not sure if she went for a coffee break or what? This is our last class meeting though, and for that reason I will patiently wait a little longer.
The end of the semester is so very near. I have a test on Monday and one on Wednesday and then I am DONE! yeah! I am so excited that summer is coming soon. Adam and I have officially labeled May as Me And You month (get it M-A-Y). Well, it is officially here. I am going to spend a week or so in Opelika and then we are going to go to the ATL for a weekend at Aunt Beverly's.
After that, only a week or so at home at then off to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is where I will be spending the months of June and July. God has led me to a place called DaySpring Villa, a home for battered and homeless women and children. I am not quite sure what my exact task will be, but I will be working as housing staff. I hope to be able to blog a lot this summer and keep everyone updated on what is going on in the great OK.
In the mean time, please pray that God will prepare me for the journey ahead!
I am considering packing up sometime this weekend. The room in Rast is beginning to get a little stiffling, and I can no longer study in there because I find myself just looking around thinking "Oh my goodness, I have to pack that, and that...how did I get so much stuff in this small space...is this going to fit in my car...what am I going to eat for the next 6 days...where are the boys when we need them???" I suppose that I am going to head to the library where the distractions fewer in number.
Happy May day!
I am sitting in class, waiting on the teacher to return. I am not sure if she went for a coffee break or what? This is our last class meeting though, and for that reason I will patiently wait a little longer.
The end of the semester is so very near. I have a test on Monday and one on Wednesday and then I am DONE! yeah! I am so excited that summer is coming soon. Adam and I have officially labeled May as Me And You month (get it M-A-Y). Well, it is officially here. I am going to spend a week or so in Opelika and then we are going to go to the ATL for a weekend at Aunt Beverly's.
After that, only a week or so at home at then off to Tulsa, Oklahoma. This is where I will be spending the months of June and July. God has led me to a place called DaySpring Villa, a home for battered and homeless women and children. I am not quite sure what my exact task will be, but I will be working as housing staff. I hope to be able to blog a lot this summer and keep everyone updated on what is going on in the great OK.
In the mean time, please pray that God will prepare me for the journey ahead!
I am considering packing up sometime this weekend. The room in Rast is beginning to get a little stiffling, and I can no longer study in there because I find myself just looking around thinking "Oh my goodness, I have to pack that, and that...how did I get so much stuff in this small space...is this going to fit in my car...what am I going to eat for the next 6 days...where are the boys when we need them???" I suppose that I am going to head to the library where the distractions fewer in number.
Happy May day!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Where did the time go?
I cannot believe that it is 2009! The past year seems like a big blur of school, school, and more school. In the midst of all that school, there were some pretty amazing moments. I would like to copy Jess and list just 20 magnificent things that God has blessed me with this year. I am sure that I could name 365 for every day of the year or maybe even 2,008 things--God is that GOOD!
1. Amazing roommates--I have relocated three times in the past year (or was it four?), and no matter whether I find myself of the 1st, 3rd, or 6th floor of Rast, I am surrounded by the most amazing roommates who constantly encourage me and spur me towards Christ.
2. Brookhills--A church to call home where I am challenged by the Word of God
3. Family--I spent the past few weeks at home and was reminded just what an amazing family I have.
4. Corey--Over the past year I have seen him grow so much (as have I). We can now play video games together or even go out in public without fighting.
5. Peru--The short trip to a land that seems so far away awoke my heart to the treasure of children.
6. Small group--These girls challenge me weekly and the responsibility of Bible study keeps me in the Word.
7. Adam--Perhaps he should be further up the list? :-) Last night I stayed here with Rachel while he went to work and this morning, when I awoke to the sound of his truck in the drive-way, I couldn't help but ask myself--"How did I get so lucky?"
8. Baking--I have discovered a great love--decorating cupcakes. Thursday I used my new decorating kit for the first time to jazz up a key lime cake that I created for Adam. I believe that it worked quite well!
9. Cheese dip--sad? It is my favorite and of all the cheese dip that I have had this year, I will have to say that Wing's has the best (thanks Jessica for always ordering it).
10. Animals--We got a new kitty at home (she still doesn't have a name). She is so precious, even when she knocks over the water bowl.
11. Old friends--Karly, Hannah, Valerie, and Jill--I am so blessed to still be able to hang out with each of them.
12. Running--I have discovered an exercise that I never thought I would enjoy. It feels great (afterwards)!
13. podcasts--David Platt's sermons have challenged and encouraged me along many a road trip and there have been many
14. babysitting--sometimes this is the highlight of my week; i love the funny things that children say
15. Allison--our weekly lunch dates provide the pick-me up that I often need on Tuesday afternoons.
16. Pictures--isn't it cool that we can capture so many memories and relive them again and again?
17. Grandparents--this year has brought the loss of one very, very funny and incredibly special man. Over Christmas, we laughed, as we always do, at many of Pawpaw's crazy antics, except this time he wasn't there to laugh with us.
I must share this one story with you:
Someone, not sure if it was Aunt Linda or Nana, had received a new set of Corelle dishes. If you know Corelle, you know that they "won't break." Well, he decided to test this theory by using one as a Frisbee. After discovering that they would break, he didn't stop there, but continued to throw them, all the while upset that the company had lied.
18. Sand--the trip to the beach this year, although short, was a perfect weekend getaway.
19. Grace--This year I have dropped the ball so many times. Despite my inadequacies, His grace is enough!
20. Direction--If you would have asked me last year, "What are you going to do with that degree?" I would have shrugged my shoulders and asked if you had any ideas.
This year, I can say, with great excitement and a tinge of fear--"I am going to teach." This time next year, I may say something very different, but I know that God is in control, and, wherever He leads, I pray that I can follow, whether that means making Him famous in a high school in Alabama or an orphanage in the Philippines.
21. All of those who take the time to read this blog! Thanks!
Happy New Year!
1. Amazing roommates--I have relocated three times in the past year (or was it four?), and no matter whether I find myself of the 1st, 3rd, or 6th floor of Rast, I am surrounded by the most amazing roommates who constantly encourage me and spur me towards Christ.
2. Brookhills--A church to call home where I am challenged by the Word of God
3. Family--I spent the past few weeks at home and was reminded just what an amazing family I have.
4. Corey--Over the past year I have seen him grow so much (as have I). We can now play video games together or even go out in public without fighting.
5. Peru--The short trip to a land that seems so far away awoke my heart to the treasure of children.
6. Small group--These girls challenge me weekly and the responsibility of Bible study keeps me in the Word.
7. Adam--Perhaps he should be further up the list? :-) Last night I stayed here with Rachel while he went to work and this morning, when I awoke to the sound of his truck in the drive-way, I couldn't help but ask myself--"How did I get so lucky?"
8. Baking--I have discovered a great love--decorating cupcakes. Thursday I used my new decorating kit for the first time to jazz up a key lime cake that I created for Adam. I believe that it worked quite well!
9. Cheese dip--sad? It is my favorite and of all the cheese dip that I have had this year, I will have to say that Wing's has the best (thanks Jessica for always ordering it).
10. Animals--We got a new kitty at home (she still doesn't have a name). She is so precious, even when she knocks over the water bowl.
11. Old friends--Karly, Hannah, Valerie, and Jill--I am so blessed to still be able to hang out with each of them.
12. Running--I have discovered an exercise that I never thought I would enjoy. It feels great (afterwards)!
13. podcasts--David Platt's sermons have challenged and encouraged me along many a road trip and there have been many
14. babysitting--sometimes this is the highlight of my week; i love the funny things that children say
15. Allison--our weekly lunch dates provide the pick-me up that I often need on Tuesday afternoons.
16. Pictures--isn't it cool that we can capture so many memories and relive them again and again?
17. Grandparents--this year has brought the loss of one very, very funny and incredibly special man. Over Christmas, we laughed, as we always do, at many of Pawpaw's crazy antics, except this time he wasn't there to laugh with us.
I must share this one story with you:
Someone, not sure if it was Aunt Linda or Nana, had received a new set of Corelle dishes. If you know Corelle, you know that they "won't break." Well, he decided to test this theory by using one as a Frisbee. After discovering that they would break, he didn't stop there, but continued to throw them, all the while upset that the company had lied.
18. Sand--the trip to the beach this year, although short, was a perfect weekend getaway.
19. Grace--This year I have dropped the ball so many times. Despite my inadequacies, His grace is enough!
20. Direction--If you would have asked me last year, "What are you going to do with that degree?" I would have shrugged my shoulders and asked if you had any ideas.
This year, I can say, with great excitement and a tinge of fear--"I am going to teach." This time next year, I may say something very different, but I know that God is in control, and, wherever He leads, I pray that I can follow, whether that means making Him famous in a high school in Alabama or an orphanage in the Philippines.
21. All of those who take the time to read this blog! Thanks!
Happy New Year!
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