Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Almost to the top of the mountain and I come falling down again...
...that is how the last 6 days have felt. I went on our women's retreat and felt like I had opened up and started dealing with some of the "gunk junk" that was building up inside of me. By the end of the weekend, I felt like God had done some great things in me and that hopefully things would start to be a little less draining...I guess I wasn't prepared for what was to come. I came home and was on a 'high' more or less just feeling like I was at peace and God had changed me in many ways...and he did. Then came the realization that I had to deal with all the situations I had spent time fighting with God about and trying to deal with. I feel as though I've lost God already....I'm feeling less at peace and many things have happened that have been different than when I left. 'Friends' aren't repsonding to attempts to communicate with them and they are people that have always been free and open in talking with me and wanting to know how life is going--suddenly, I feel as though they no longer care....about anything including whether I'm alive or not..... As I recounted the strangeness tonight to my mom and then to a friend, I realized just how much was different. I'm not really sure what this all means but if its what I think it is, God is planning something huge and I'm not sure its going to be easy in ANY WAY! Please pray for me as I enter into a very trying time...as if the past year hasn't been enough! I would love to crawl into a corner and not come out for a while...(I know its not good...its just the way I feel right now).
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Day by Day
Each day, I'm amazed at what God has plans to do in my life in the coming months. I know that He has already done so much and yet I feel like there is so much more.
This weekend, I have a wonderful opportunity to go on the Women's Retreat with GEBC. I know that it will be a weekend of inspiration and growing closer with Christ. I also have some fears and hesitant feelings because of some of the people going. I am praying for a peaceful heart to enjoy the weekend and the fellowship I know I will enjoy.
Finally, I'm still really excited about the church plant and can't wait to see what God is going to do through it. I'm nervous and estatic (sp?) each and every day!
Thank you for your support and friendship through this crazy year of transition!!!!!!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Catch up!
Anyways, this week I started my new job as an RTI tutor at Oak again and have really enjoyed it. My schedule is still being finalized but they've had plenty for me to do while I've been there.
I also have been watching the Wetherells' since Wednesday and will be here until Sunday. It has been really fun and we've had lots going on so it's normal life for me.
Last night, we had our 3rd church plant meeting and I'm really excited about the opportunity even though I have not made a final decision. I know it will create some change in the way I interact with my family and I will have to be more intentional about coming up here to see them...but I don't think that will be a problem though.
I am still looking for a job for the fall and can't wait to see what God has in store. I'm trying to be patient but I also am tired of feeling like everything is waiting until the last minute to be decided...not by me but by God. Please pray that I can have continued patience and perseverance through this process.
I also have been watching the Wetherells' since Wednesday and will be here until Sunday. It has been really fun and we've had lots going on so it's normal life for me.
Last night, we had our 3rd church plant meeting and I'm really excited about the opportunity even though I have not made a final decision. I know it will create some change in the way I interact with my family and I will have to be more intentional about coming up here to see them...but I don't think that will be a problem though.
I am still looking for a job for the fall and can't wait to see what God has in store. I'm trying to be patient but I also am tired of feeling like everything is waiting until the last minute to be decided...not by me but by God. Please pray that I can have continued patience and perseverance through this process.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The Power of Love (and God's amazing miracles)
Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby
was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.
They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member
of the Panther Creek United Methodist Churchin Morristown , Tennessee
In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor.
Would a C-section be required?
Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born.
But she was in very serious condition.
With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the
infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville ,
Tennessee .
The days inched by.
The little girl got worse.
The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope..
Be prepared for the worst.
Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a
burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new
baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral.
Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his
sister...I want to sing to her, he kept saying.
Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come
before the week was over.
Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids
are never allowed in Intensive Care.
Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not..
If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive..
She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him
into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket.
The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, 'Get
that kid out of here now. No children are allowed.'
The mother rose up strong in Karen,
and the usually mild-mannered lady
glared steel-eyed right into
the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line.
'He is not leaving until he sings to his sister' she stated.
Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.
He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.
After a moment, he began to sing.
In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang:
'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
you make me happy when skies are gray.'
Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate
began to calm down and become steady.
'Keep on singing, Michael,' encouraged Karen with tears in
her eyes.
'You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take
my sunshine away..'
As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained
breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr
'Keep on singing, sweetheart.'
'The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held
you in my arms'
Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest,
seemed to sweep over her.
'Keep on singing, Michael.'
Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse.
Karen glowed.
'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my
sunshine away.'
The next day...the very next day the little girl was well
enough to go home
Woman's Day Magazine called it
The Miracle of a Brother's Song.
The medical staff just called it a miracle.
Karen called it a miracle of God's love..
NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE
YOU LOVE.
LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.
was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling.
They found out that the new baby was going be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in mommy's tummy. He was building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.
The pregnancy progressed normally for Karen, an active member
of the Panther Creek United Methodist Churchin Morristown , Tennessee
In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes, every three, every minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in hours of labor.
Would a C-section be required?
Finally, after a long struggle, Michael's little sister was born.
But she was in very serious condition.
With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the
infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville ,
Tennessee .
The days inched by.
The little girl got worse.
The pediatrician had to tell the parents there is very little hope..
Be prepared for the worst.
Karen and her husband contacted a local cemetery about a
burial plot. They had fixed up a special room in their house for their new
baby but now they found themselves having to plan for a funeral.
Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his
sister...I want to sing to her, he kept saying.
Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would come
before the week was over.
Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister, but kids
are never allowed in Intensive Care.
Karen decided to take Michael whether they liked it or not..
If he didn't see his sister right then, he may never see her alive..
She dressed him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him
into ICU. He looked like a walking laundry basket.
The head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, 'Get
that kid out of here now. No children are allowed.'
The mother rose up strong in Karen,
and the usually mild-mannered lady
glared steel-eyed right into
the head nurse's face, her lips a firm line.
'He is not leaving until he sings to his sister' she stated.
Then Karen towed Michael to his sister's bedside.
He gazed at the tiny infant losing the battle to live.
After a moment, he began to sing.
In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-year-old, Michael sang:
'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine,
you make me happy when skies are gray.'
Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate
began to calm down and become steady.
'Keep on singing, Michael,' encouraged Karen with tears in
her eyes.
'You never know, dear, how much I love you, please don't take
my sunshine away..'
As Michael sang to his sister, the baby's ragged, strained
breathing became as smooth as a kitten's purr
'Keep on singing, sweetheart.'
'The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held
you in my arms'
Michael's little sister began to relax as rest, healing rest,
seemed to sweep over her.
'Keep on singing, Michael.'
Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse.
Karen glowed.
'You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don't take my
sunshine away.'
The next day...the very next day the little girl was well
enough to go home
Woman's Day Magazine called it
The Miracle of a Brother's Song.
The medical staff just called it a miracle.
Karen called it a miracle of God's love..
NEVER GIVE UP ON THE PEOPLE
YOU LOVE.
LOVE IS SO INCREDIBLY POWERFUL.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Finding.....strength...
I had a long discussion this week with a friend who challenges me in my thinking and although I love that, I have to say that it can bring out the worst in me, or maybe its just the insecurities in me that it brings out. In either case, I intend to change the way it can make me feel. I know that part of it comes from different struggles I have encountered in my life. I am praying for strength and challenge but when it comes--it scares me. I'm not sure where my life is headed but I know that God has great plans for me.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Another transition....could it be?
Well, the pattern continues! I am going to accept a position at my previous school (fall 08) to be an RTI tutor....basically an in-school tutor. The job is only until May 15th but that works for me. I have enjoyed my two weeks off and will feel good having some steady income. I think it will be a good experience and am excited!
Other than that, I've celebrated my "little" brother's 13th birthday this week and have learned a lot about who I am and what I have to look forward to in life.
Have a blessed Easter!
Other than that, I've celebrated my "little" brother's 13th birthday this week and have learned a lot about who I am and what I have to look forward to in life.
Have a blessed Easter!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
101 Things in 1001 Days
This is going to be edited so check back soon for any updates!
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Learn More: Here
Start Date: Monday, December 22, 2008
End Date: Monday, September 19, 2011
Watch My Progress
Tasks that are in progress
Tasks that are completed
Tasks that have not been started
Because I Love My Family
1. Spend 5 days with Aleia (1/5)
2. Spend 5 days with Austin (3/5)
3. Spend 5 days with Pierson (1/5)
4. Write a letter to my family about what to should He take me home sooner than I expect
5. Make portraits of all of them and create a gallery for our house.
Because I Love Christ
7. Go on a short term missions trip (I went with Students to Minneapolis!)
8. Write my sponsor child 5 times (0/5)
9. Read all the Psalms
10.Write my own Psalm for the Lord
Fun Things I Want to Do
11. Go to 5 Bears games: 12/22/08 (Coldest in Bears history) (1/5)
12. Sell a piece of my photography
13. Have 10 parties at my house-baking night, movie night, game night, etc... (1/10)
14. Take a 3 dance classes (0/3)
I Want to Make a Difference
15. Serve with organizations like FMSC 10 times (1/10)
16. RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness) (1/100)
Because I should...
17. Learn to drive a stick
18. Find a new dentist
19. Find new health insurance
20. Update my resume
Because I WANT to....
21. Learn the sign language alphabet
22. Learn conversational Spanish
23. Write 3 songs and record them (0/3)
24. Finish at 1 scrapbook
25. Finish my pillows that are half done.
26. Organize the rest of my recipe collection in my self-made recipe book
27. Write a children's book
28. Paint my office
29. Make another scrapbook: "Adventures in Teaching"
30. Spend 25 hours practicing guitar
31. Spend 25 hours practicing piano
Because I want to Change
32. Read 3 leadership books (o/3)
33. Read 10 books (0/10)
34. Listen to John Maxwell's The 360* Leader on CD
Because I Need to...
35. Pay off my students loans
36. Finish my quote/vision board
37. Get one box of give away stuff and take it to Repeat Botique
To Make My Body Feel Better
38. Register and run a 5K or 10K with the Schuberts/Antho (Blackberry Farm 5K Spring Gallop)
39. Use my step at least 200 times (4/200)
40. Take a cardio kickboxing class at COD
41. Walk 100 times during the summer (0/100)
42. Go for 10 bikes rides (2/10)
43. Go rollerblading 10 times (0/10)
Other/The Rest of my 101 things--LOL! :)
44. Get a dresser for all my non-housed clothing
45. Throw a surprise party
46. Set up my keyboard and rearrange my office
47. Re-organize my office closet
48. Re-organize my shelves
49.
I'm having trouble thinking of more...let me know if you have any ideas....LOL!!!!!!!!!! :)
The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.
The Criteria:
Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).
Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.
Learn More: Here
Start Date: Monday, December 22, 2008
End Date: Monday, September 19, 2011
Watch My Progress
Tasks that are in progress
Tasks that are completed
Tasks that have not been started
Because I Love My Family
1. Spend 5 days with Aleia (1/5)
2. Spend 5 days with Austin (3/5)
3. Spend 5 days with Pierson (1/5)
4. Write a letter to my family about what to should He take me home sooner than I expect
5. Make portraits of all of them and create a gallery for our house.
Because I Love Christ
7. Go on a short term missions trip (I went with Students to Minneapolis!)
8. Write my sponsor child 5 times (0/5)
9. Read all the Psalms
10.Write my own Psalm for the Lord
Fun Things I Want to Do
11. Go to 5 Bears games: 12/22/08 (Coldest in Bears history) (1/5)
12. Sell a piece of my photography
13. Have 10 parties at my house-baking night, movie night, game night, etc... (1/10)
14. Take a 3 dance classes (0/3)
I Want to Make a Difference
15. Serve with organizations like FMSC 10 times (1/10)
16. RAKs (Random Acts of Kindness) (1/100)
Because I should...
17. Learn to drive a stick
18. Find a new dentist
19. Find new health insurance
20. Update my resume
Because I WANT to....
21. Learn the sign language alphabet
22. Learn conversational Spanish
23. Write 3 songs and record them (0/3)
24. Finish at 1 scrapbook
25. Finish my pillows that are half done.
26. Organize the rest of my recipe collection in my self-made recipe book
27. Write a children's book
28. Paint my office
29. Make another scrapbook: "Adventures in Teaching"
30. Spend 25 hours practicing guitar
31. Spend 25 hours practicing piano
Because I want to Change
32. Read 3 leadership books (o/3)
33. Read 10 books (0/10)
34. Listen to John Maxwell's The 360* Leader on CD
Because I Need to...
35. Pay off my students loans
36. Finish my quote/vision board
37. Get one box of give away stuff and take it to Repeat Botique
To Make My Body Feel Better
38. Register and run a 5K or 10K with the Schuberts/Antho (Blackberry Farm 5K Spring Gallop)
39. Use my step at least 200 times (4/200)
40. Take a cardio kickboxing class at COD
41. Walk 100 times during the summer (0/100)
42. Go for 10 bikes rides (2/10)
43. Go rollerblading 10 times (0/10)
Other/The Rest of my 101 things--LOL! :)
44. Get a dresser for all my non-housed clothing
45. Throw a surprise party
46. Set up my keyboard and rearrange my office
47. Re-organize my office closet
48. Re-organize my shelves
49.
I'm having trouble thinking of more...let me know if you have any ideas....LOL!!!!!!!!!! :)
To Infinity....and Beyond!
(In case you don't know, that title is a line from Toy Story).
I know that this is only my 2nd post in a VERY long time. Things have been very busy. Early last week, I was watching the Johanson kids while working and finishing up my last week. Then I raced through the last couple of days and had a very stressful day on Friday. I was leaving my students, I found out that I didn't get the job I interviewed for on Wednesday and then on my way home....my car almost blew up--but at least it was something that could be fixed. I spent the whole weekend and first part of this week without a car. That's a hard thing for me to do. On Saturday, I ran my 5K and then I threw a surprise 50th for my stepdad and it was a success.
The 5K was a great experience. I had to push myself through it but I RAN the whole thing. I finished in about 33:34 which is good considering I had "trained" twice before the real thing. And my training....the most I ran straight through was 17 minutes the Saturday before!
Then there's my car....well, it's just another bump in the road but its driving again and I'm going to get a couple more things done here soon once I get a little more in order.
Hope all is well! I'm free to do lunch, coffee or whatever you need! Let me know!
I know that this is only my 2nd post in a VERY long time. Things have been very busy. Early last week, I was watching the Johanson kids while working and finishing up my last week. Then I raced through the last couple of days and had a very stressful day on Friday. I was leaving my students, I found out that I didn't get the job I interviewed for on Wednesday and then on my way home....my car almost blew up--but at least it was something that could be fixed. I spent the whole weekend and first part of this week without a car. That's a hard thing for me to do. On Saturday, I ran my 5K and then I threw a surprise 50th for my stepdad and it was a success.
The 5K was a great experience. I had to push myself through it but I RAN the whole thing. I finished in about 33:34 which is good considering I had "trained" twice before the real thing. And my training....the most I ran straight through was 17 minutes the Saturday before!
Then there's my car....well, it's just another bump in the road but its driving again and I'm going to get a couple more things done here soon once I get a little more in order.
Hope all is well! I'm free to do lunch, coffee or whatever you need! Let me know!
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