Let it Snow!

I am so excepted for the snow to come! Yes, it is not necessarily good timing with New Year's Eve being tonight and everyone out on the road. But positively speaking, I am looking forward to getting out my winter attire and going out to play in it :) Find a nice hill and go sledding. Bond with my neighbors as we shovel the sidewalks. And hopefully soon, go snowboarding or skiing at one of the local trash hills. Yes, I am excited! Woo Hoo :)

Elf Yourself

So, my brother-in-law and I were playing over the holidays and found this fun website. Check it out :) I included pics of myself, Nanette, JT and little Katie.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1847534607

Women Power :)

My phone rang last night aroung 9:15..It was my friend calling me with car issues. Her car died sitting at a traffic light in the 2nd lane a little less than a mile from her house. Thankfully she only lives a few miles from me, so pretty convenient. One of my friends was with me, so we jumped in my car, after making sure my jumper cables were in my trunk, and headed out to save her :)

There she was sitting in the middle of the street with her hazards dimly flashing. We did a big u-turn and pulled up behind her. Well, since there was a decent amount of traffic. We decided that we were going to push her car into the gas station right at the corner. Since she has the same car as me, I knew that it was a pretty heavy car, but knew we could do it :) So she threw the car into neutral and steered as we pushed the car.

What a sight - two girls pushing a car right on 12 mile. We really didn't expect that much of a work out last night! We had one guy stop to help, but by then we had it under control. We pulled out the cables and jumped her car. Hoping that her battery would be able to hold a charge until we got home. So, we let it charge for 5 mintes, disconnected the cables, and ended up talking for a few minutes. Her car died again. Oh no, we were in trouble... This was going to be an interesting drive home. So we jumped her car again. As soon as we charged it and disconnected the cables, we hopped in the car, threw on the flashers and raced down the road.

There were three traffic lights and we hoped that we would make it though all of them. We followed her and about a 1/2 mile into the drive her lights started to dim. We knew she would be coasting into her parking lot at the most... We made it through the last light (just as it was changing) and her car really started to slow right before her turn. It was as if it were a race, I'm sure it was a sight to be seen! We were right behind her, so we threw the car into park, and she put it into neutral just as we got behind the car and pushed her into the lot. It was all pretty seemless. Granted, she was diagonally parked in two space, but at least we got her home!! Woo hoo. I think we got our exercise for the night. Now today, she will need to either get a new battery or get the alternator fixed.

Our weekly adventure :)

Simplifying Life

Airplanes really do simplify life. On Monday, I was in San Fran walking around the city on a whim when I found airfare for $200 round trip. Today, I was wondering around Boston and Cambridge, which came about after receiving a text message on Tuesday from a friend needing a date for his Christmas party tonight. From coast to coast in a week. The spontaneity that frequent flyer miles allows us. Course look what this does for the business world. People are traveling on planes just like others hop in a car and go to work. But look what it has done to families. The husband/wife being gone all week, living in hotels, and eating out all the time. How long can a person withstand this before it gets old? How long before it tears a family apart? In my case, it allows me to see my family. My nieces and nephews know what I look like. I can afford to see them on a decently regular basis. So, there are many pros and cons to planes. For now, all there are are pros :) To living life!

Something New...

I went to bed last night not knowing where I was going to church today. Sometime early this morning, as I was tossing and turning, the name of a church came to me. With that, I woke up this morning, got ready and walked to church. Yes, I walked to church.... I have lived here for over a year and have thought about visiting the church, even drove to it and then decided to keep going to my old church. But this Sunday it was meant to be. I walked into the sanctuary and was greeted by smiling faces. What hit me was the praise and worship. It was definitely an awaking of my spirit. This is what I have been looking for, right in my backyard. It was about 30-40 minutes of worshiping God. The music was so sweet and sincere. The teaching was good. The people were friendly and kind. As soon as people found out I was new, they reached out to me and invited me to the women's Christmas party, the wed night ministry, etc.. It is a great church community.

What makes you tick?

What makes you tick? What makes you smile and makes you want to wake up every morning? What are the things you enjoy doing? I had a dream last night and happened to be awake at 4:00 in the morning pondering this question. I know crazy... Here are a few things that came to mind - most of them I just enjoy doing alone - but depending on the person could make an exception :)

• After a hike, sitting on the summit of a mountain/cliff just taking in the beauty - I could just sit there for hours in total peace.
• Walking along the beach, with my shoes off just feeling the sand between my toes and then just taking a seat and watching/listening to the tide come in.
• Gliding through the ocean on a sailboat just feeling like you are free.
• Sitting in front of a big bonfire on a cool fall evening just watching and listening to the fire crackle and pop.
• Walking through a big city, taking in the architecture, shops and just people watching :)
• Going to a small village in a foreign country - like the little fishing villages in Italy - and watching the city wake up and start milling around.
• Going skiing and being at 10,000 elevation just out in the middle of a winter snowy wonderland, then taking a blue/black diamond feeling the wind whip around you as you cruise down the mountain.
• Standing outside on a warm raining day with my eyes closed just feeling the water hit my face.
• Sitting in a hot tub outside in the evening on a lightly snowing day or even on a clear day gazing at the stars and seeing your breathe hit the cold fridged air outside.
• Sitting at a coffee shop - reading a book and occasionally people watching.
• Going to the symphony and listening to classical music and just being moved - especially a solo violinist.
• Riding horses and cantering across a wide open field.
• Ice skating and then enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate.
• Latin/swing/ballroom dancing - I feel so free and one with my partner :)
• Being out on the vball court - I feel alive.
• Going to the big house to watch a michigan football game. I think this is the only sport that I really enjoy watching :)

The list goes on and on...I love life and what it brings..There are so many things that make me feel alive and am ready for the next adventure.

Can I say awesome??!

So I checked out the rec vball league that occurs every Tuesday. It has been about 5 months since I have been there. It was awesome. We played 2 games on and 1 game off for 3 hours - each game lasting about 15 minutes (at the most). I was on fire serving, setting, and my hits weren't too bad. I was a little rusty in the positions, since we play differently in my league and I have been a little lax lately. We played so hard, that I broke a blood vessel in my thumb, slipped something in my knee (I have an ice pack on it right now :( ), and I can feel every muscle in my body.... That's what I call playing :) I can't wait to get back on the court next week!

Social Burnout...

These past two weeks have told the tale....I am starting to getting socially burnt out. I have kept my usual committments, but I am just happy to stay home and watch a good movie or read a book. I have met so many people in the last year, that my energy to maintain these relationships is on a downward spiral. Bah humbug. For now, I think I will just focus on a few friendships and let my social energy rebuild itself. I looked forward to the fact that I had nothing planned yesterday. I didn't leave the house until 9:00 last night. It was a wonderful day :) I think I go through this every year around this time. I think it starts with the time change. I get most of my energy from the sun and when it disappears around 4:30, I start to fade and my will to keep going also fades, laziness kicks in :) I look forward to the many nights of low lighting, candles, a good book and the occasional glass of wine. I don't drink often, but sometimes it nice to have 1/2 a glass to set the mood. Guess I'll have to stock up when I go to Napa Valley in a few weeks :) Welcome to the onset of winter!

Beautiful Morning :)

It is a beautiful morning :) This is the first Saturday that I have been able to sleep in in I don't know how long. I woke up, grabbed my gatorade to help rehydrate, and sat down to dive into the word. I have been on a rollercoaster lately and am back in a place of peace this morning. I am listening to a CD mix of worship songs. I absolutely love listening to worship music :) It just awakens my spirit. I would say it is my choice of music about 80% of the time. I love hitting the play button in the morning as I am walking from the shower back to my bedroom. I can't think of a better way to start the morning. It is my inspiration and comfort to be constantly reminded of how important God is in my life.

I was also browsing the internet this morning and found this video. I have to say that I love this song. I can't even tell you how many times I have cried listening to this song when I struggling and going through tough times. Casting Crowns song "Praise You in This Storm."



I just need to hold myself accountable to maintain the same longing relationship with God in the good times, as well as those when I struggle. So, on I must go with my day...

Top 12 Adventures in Atlanta

Here are the top 12 adventures that I had in Atlanta this weekend while visiting Vicky.

1. Figured out the Marta system (Atlanta's rail system) and took it from the Airport to the Downtown North Ave Station for $1.75, while being entertained by giggly teenagers on their way to the Ben Harper concert at the Fox Theater.

2. Ate appetizers on the patio at The Grape in Buckhead, while people watching and taking in the ambiance of Atlanta. We tried the beef tenderloin quesadillas (Beef tenderloin, cheddar cheese and caramelized onion, served with a horseradish cream sauce) and tuscan quesadillas (Roma tomato, oregano, basil, roasted garlic, mushroom, spinach, fontina and Chèvre, served with marinara sauce). They were amazing!!

3. Wondered around Atlanta while Vicky attended a conference at Georgia Tech. Stopped at the Barnes and Noble on the Georgia Tech Campus, walked down Peachstreet, took in the architecture of the Biltmore, Margaret Mitchell house, etc.

4. Met up with a random unknown boy (a friend of a friend) at the Dunwoody station who was driving a red blazer. We drove to stone mountain to conquer the 1.4 mile hike up the "mountain" to take in the view of the city.

5. Came across the 8th Annual Stone Mountain Indian Festival and Pow Wow where there was chanting, dancing, and Native American merchandise for our purchasing pleasure.

6. Devoured enormous burgers and sandwiches on the patio of the Vortex in Little Five Points - Delicious! I ordered the Italian Stallion, Vicky ordered the Classic Reuben and Matt order the Coronary Bypass

7. Guided by Homeless Joe to the Churchill Ground Jazz Club, where Mace Hibbard was featured with his quintet.

8. Discovered a gazebo and odd ducklings at Piedmont Park as we soaked up the sun and strolled through the park.

9. Checked out J. Christopher's for a brunch, where we order the Pantry's Feast consisting of Blueberry granola pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and potatoes, while we checked out the art work and decor.

10. Posed for a picture - kissing a statue - and got picked up by a bartender in the underground, where he offered drinks, entertainment and 80's music and treated us like VIP in a not yet open Bar, in exchange for our company.

11. Happened upon a little salon for a spa pedicure to mend our feet and relax in nice massage chairs.

12. Attended a production of King John at the Shakespeare Tavern, where they served dinner and a wonderful warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Starving Jesus

In the past month, two of the sermons that I have seen preached (at various churches) showed this video. I was going through my notes last night and stumbled across the second sermon preached on October 14th. This being said, I had a conversation tonight with a man who teaches a young married Sunday school class at his church in Indiana. We had a long discussion on religion, ranging all over the place and ended up discussing Nooma videos (specifically "luggage") as well as other possible topics for his class. I immediately thought of this video and promised I would email him the link when I got home tonight. So, I figured I would share it. I hope that this may impact your life and remind you not to just go through the motions, not to starve Jesus, but to focus on your relationship with him. We tend to get so overwhelmed with life, that we don't hear him knocking on the door.

Just Wanted to Share....

So I was just searching the internet for ideas of things to do this weekend in Atlanta when I came across this website - http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/. You would have thought as much as I love to travel, that I would have stumbled across it in the past. I found some really great tips from locals - places off the beaten path, ways to get around paying money for everything, cute little cafes, etc... Check it out the next time you are looking for a new adventure in an unknown place!

One Year Older....

So last week, I was all ready and excited for my bday! Well, unknown to me someone gave me strep in the meantime :( Bah humbug. I always said, I didn't like presents ;) My actually bday was a great day! Spent the day at meeting at the RenCen on the 31st floor. What a view! Then paraded down to Pegasus in Greektown to have dinner with about 20 other co-workers. Then it was off to Sangria where I met up with the gang for drinks and appetizers and then a little latin dancing. Most of my guy friends escaped this night, knowing that we were going out the next night. So, here I was surrounded by 12 of my girlfriend's and 3 guys. I thought I would be smart and at least a few leads to show up, just in case... Well, Friday seems to drag on, but I took a much needed nap when I got home from work. Since it was my bday, I stilled dragged myself out to Bahamas Breeze. It was fun, but I was so tired and I had a flight leaving the next morning to visit my fam in Virgina Beach. I would've called it a night, but my college friends from Battle Creek and Ann Arbor showed up and I couldn't just leave. It was good to see everyone, but my body was warn out. But onto VB the next day. I was extremely fatigued, but had a smile on my face. About 4 years ago, I visited my brother's family in Georgia and I left them with the flu. I know not very nice...They warned me never to come back sick...What could I do?? So I took it easy this weekend. The boys had me up at 7am playing chutes and ladder, candy land, trouble and yes, even twister. I also got away with just walking around the neighborhood while they rode their bikes, and decided that it would be fun to lay down and try to find cloud animals. I tried to find as many low key activities without letting on that I was sick. It was a good weekend. But I think I pushed myself when I came home Monday and went straight to work. Mistake.... I had a 1:00 meeting and by 4:30 I was ready to go home and crash. So, that is what I did...I slept and I slept some more. I felt worse Tuesday morning, so in search of a doctor... I found one, made an appointment and went back to bed. I made it to the dr and after about an 1/2 hour wait, found out I was positive for strep. Off to get some drugs and back to bed. Boy it feels good to sleep. I am finally feeling better, but I just hate taking days off of work, especially when I am sick. I should have just stayed in VB a couple extra days. Well, I guess this serves me right for doing too much. But I see it as every moment counts and I make the most of them. Well, I am off to rest a little more. I will be back and running and look forward to my first fully day back tomorrow. In the meantime, here are some fun pics of my bday weekend :)

Lunch Time!

So, it's Friday and I just got back from lunch. I rarely go out to lunch, but today it was my friend's bday. So, I got in my car on this beautiful sunny day and drove to Taco Loco. Hmm, Mexican - I was ready for it :) I only knew the bday girl, so it was time to meet the co-workers. I walked in the door and was directed to the table "party of 8". My eyes grazed the faces and my eye caught one face and hesitated for a split second before moving on. Than my face lit up as I smiled at the bday girl and walked over to sit next to her. The hesitation, you ask? Yeah, my ex who I haven't seen in over a year. Weird, but not so weird. The introductions were made and of course it was an awkward greeting but I expected as much. The shiny piece of metal on his finger was strange to see, as he has been married for two weeks as of today. But as conversation continued throughout lunch, I remember the salesman act, the part of him that always urked me. He always seemed to have a mask on. He really was a great person, but he covers up his true self with this fake want to be cool act. He was even wearing the purple button down shirt that I bought for him, I think for his bday a year and a half ago. I still remember deciding which one to buy, but it was unmistakable with the black striped collar (on the inside). He also looks more gumpy now than ever with about an extra 20+ pounds, even in the sweet shirt (can't help I have good taste). My co-worker who was with me told me (after the fact) that she can't see me with him. That I could do so much better. This was a great day of closure. I am so glad I got to see him. The song is running through my head..."Better off without you" and I can say it with all the confidence in the world! God is great and is looking out for my future :)

This Week...

This week has been a great, but it has flown by!! My sister came into town with my 14-week old niece and stayed with my parents. My other sister also came over with my nephew. It was great to spend time with everyone :) Besides the fact that we were able to celebrated my bday a week early. I saw them on Monday and Wednesday so that was awesome. Even though my sisters are 12 years apart, they are having children at the same time. The only downfall is that they live 8 hours apart. But we try to keep in touch as often as possible. I am just excited that holidays will be even more special :) With 4 brothers and sisters and 3 nieces and 3 nephews, it just makes life more fun and enjoyable. One day, I will have to play catchup and get married and start having children of my own. But for now, I am just enjoying the single life and they always say that there is a time for everything and my time will come :)

My Brothers...

Here are pics of my brothers while they are working. Well, my older brother doesn't seem to be working to hard, but I'm sure this is one of the few things that make the trip a little easier. A little down time.

Within the last month, my brothers have both received assignments and are preparing to take 6 month journeys. My oldest brother is a Lt. Col. in the Airforce and was sent to Afganistan about a month ago and will be back around March. My other brother is in the Navy and is stationed on a nuc sub. Right now he is acting as the navigator of their sub and will be heading out in November.

I have always been proud of my brothers. They are very intelligent and hard working. I am closest to the one in the Navy. He is 3.5 years older than me. We are a lot alike. Some good, some bad. I am excited because I get to visit him next weekend, then he will be gone until April. I also get to see my two nephews. Must make sure they know who their Auntie is :) I love my nephews! My other brother I saw last Christmas when I spent 10 days with them overseas. I think I am closer to my nieces since they are only 10 years younger than me. But all the same, it is great when I get to see everyone and catchup. Even if it is only through email or postcards.

I guess that is what life in the service is. I feel for their wives and children. I just talked to my sister-in-law and she is having a hard time with the fact that he will only be home for 3 more weeks and she won't see him again until April with very limited communication. I will definintely be keeping their families in my prayers.

The only good thing about my brothers being in the armed forces and moving every 3 years is that I have plenty of places to visit!! But it also means I have to make an extra effort to stay in touch. What did we do before email??

Relaxation.. :)

So, it's been a whirlwind week. Mexico was great, but in reality it consisted of long hours at the plant, a long plane ride, and I didn't even get to see the sights. But it was great to meet and interact with the people who are making it all happen. We took a couple hour tour on the second day of the whole construction site. We left the temporary offices - which is just a bunch of trailers just outside the fence from the plant. Showed up onsite with jeans, polo shirt, steel-toed boots, safety glasses and a brain-bucket :) It was about 75 degrees and hardly any clouds in the sky.

It is quite interesting to be onsite of a mexican construction project, where it is sometimes cheaper to higher 10 men than to rent a piece of equipment to do the work. I can't imagine making between $0.50 and $2.00 an hour doing manual labor. I think the average price was $1/hour. We watched electricians setting up temp utilities, welders, tanks construction..the list goes on. We took a tour of the whole site asking about quality/design/etc? I told them to pretend I was a kid and explain everything to me. I have been in plants before and have helped put together contracts/purchase orders/etc. I have seen technical specs on plant layouts and air compressors, chillers, sanitary/storm/sewer/firewater pipelines, lighting diagrams, powerhouses/wastewater designs.. I have seen a lot, but it's interesting to see it all come together. We talked with our subcontractors and were able to streamline the processes and make sure everything was on schedule and see what items might slip if we're not careful. This ended up being a very worthwhile trip.

We also had some really good mexican food/entertainment and got to relax in the pool (after hours) before we headed home on Friday. hmmm... 3 hours in a 90 degree pool. It was wonderful. We even got to practice our minimal spanish with the pool maintenance man who spoke only spanish, except about 5 words of English. I also met a women on the plane who I ended up having dinner with in Houston who is from Monterrey and said she would tutor me in spanish if I was interested. We got along great, so I'll probably take her up on it :) She only lives about 20-25 minutes from me. So we shall see...

Cincy was also a good time. I went with my sister and her family to the Creation Mueseum in Kentucky on Sat morning. It was great to see my little niece. She is getting so big, so fast. 12 weeks :) Then I spent the rest of the weekend at Octoberfest with my South African friends and then we played about 3 hours of sand vball and had a BBQ and watch the game on Sunday. I can't believe it has been 2 months since we got back from SA. I can't wait to go back next year!!

Life is so great having all these opportunities to connect with people and learn new things and constantly running into life's challenges.

Time Alone...

I wanted to warn everyone that I will be turning my phone/computer off for the next week. Beside the fact that I am leaving town tomorrow and will not return until late Sunday night. Those hours spent in the car/airport/plane/hotel will not be spent with people or on the cell phone. I need to remember what silence is. With as busy as I am, it seems like weeks fly by. But I want to make this week stand still. I want to process life and really take it all in. I need some quality God time. We had a bible study tonight on fasting. This is what I am fasting from for the next week - the ability to communicate to anyone at anytime. You don't even know how excited I am!!

The Search...

As much as I go, go, go...I still need reflection time... So, another weekend away, why not? :) I went to the Kensington/North Ridge retreat in Lake City this weekend. I really had an issue with the decision, but knew there were reasons I was supposed to be there. My prayers were in fact answered and I crossed another bridge that I have been dealing with as well. God knew what I needed and he was there with the answers.

I only knew of one other person going on the trip out of 350 people. I love going on trips alone because I have more freedom and I don't feel like I am held back from doing something or hanging out with someone else. Well, come to find out, I started seeing more and more people I knew..okay, so there were only about 6 other people, but there were other people who had connections to various areas of my life.

Harvey Carey was the speaker for the weekend. He was a very dynamic man of God. We had four 1.5 hour sessions. The four subjects that he touched on were The Verge of a Breakdown, Of Belief, Of a Breakthrough, and of Beginning. The first two were good, but I am pretty solid in those areas. However, the sermon on Breakthrough really hit me hard. This was where I really found answers that I was looking for. I felt like I hit a wall in my spiritual walk with God. I really had to take time aside to process my thoughts. Then the Beginning was a great way to end the retreat. As a group, we all wrote down what we were giving to God in order to start new, tied these papers to balloons, and as a group, released them into the air and watched these heartaches and memories released for good. Now is where it begins, now is where I need to take action and will start to see things change.

Here was one of my realizations....I didn't know what it meant to be in love until a little over two years ago...With all my heart and soul, I was in love, I just couldn't say those words. Not just yet, I wanted to make sure it was right. Then one day on July 19, 2005, I was able to say it for the first time and really mean it. It wasn't just to be in love, it was to make that commitment. I had finally taken down that wall that protected myself from being hurt. After that, I started saying it to my family...my mother in particular. I remember when she would say it and I would never say it back. It was just words that I couldn't get out. Then one day, I started saying it back... However, 9 months later, it was to be said no longer. I decided that the one thing I learned from my relationship was that I needed to love God in the same way, but to even a greater extent because he would never leave me nor forsake me. That lasted for a couple months, but I was still struggling with the hurt and pain and started to build the wall again. I'm not sure exactly when it all happened, but I don't remember the last time I said I love you to anyone...well and really and truely with all my heart meant it. And I have also put the wall up in my walk with God and didn't really see this as the rootcause until this weekend. I finally opened my heart back up to him on Saturday and just let the tears fall down my face. I was finally feeling again. I finally was able to say I Love You and mean it. Where does the path lead from here? I must relearn how to love. To love that which can't be seen. To have faith and trust in a God who is the Maker of all heavens and earth, those things which can be seen. I pray that I will find my way back, and will stop building walls to protect myself. It will most likely only hurt my relationship with God.

I am Free

I started listening to a new CD a few days ago and know there are a few songs on it that I like, but am not sure what number or the song name, but when I hear it, I know that the words hit me and connect with my emotions. Well, I was in the car with my friend last night and the first song was playing. I mentioned that I really liked the song. He asked what song it was and why I liked it, but until I heard the words, I realized that I had never really "focused" the reasons why I liked it or what it really meant to me. I think I am like that with most things. I can only recall it while it is happening.... So, on my way home, I played the song a couple times and it made me start to think. Here is the song....

"I Am Free" by Newsboys
Verse:
Through You the blind will see,
Through You the mute will sing
Through You the dead will rise,
Through You all hearts will praise
Through You the darkness flees
Through You my heart screams I am free

Chorus:
I am free to run (I am free to run)
I am free to dance (I am free to dance)
I am free to live for You (I am free to live for You)
I am free (I am free)

It is a simple song, but think about what it means. Through God anything is possible... Through Christ we are free. He lifts the burdens off our hearts. He is capable of anything. This song also makes me realize that living in America we are free to believe. Religion is something that we take for granted. In some countries, it is prohibited to believe another religion. In some families, you would be disowned. In our bible study yesterday, Kelly read an excerpt from a book she was reading about how Perpetua, and her slave Felicitas who stood up for what they believed and were beaten and then beheaded (~203AD). By order of Septimius Severus (193–211), all imperial subjects were forbidden under severe penalties to become Christians or Jews. However, they stood firm in their beliefs. They knew the consequences and still continued to live and breath God's word.

It is just like the Jesus' disciples. I found a list of people in the New Testament and it lists how they were tortured/imprisoned/died.

Traditional tales of the fates of the Apostles & other New Testament names
· Stephen (= crown) is 1st martyr.
· James (John’s brother) died under Caligula: falsely accused converted one of his accusers who died w. him beheaded by sword in 44.
· Philip (52) traveled Asia, Phrygia, Hierapolis where conversions led to destruction of serpent idol —> imprisoned, tortured, crucified
· Matthew (60) (Account is source of Mt being written in Heb) went to Ethiopia, then Parthia wherekilled by sword
· Mark Established bishopric at Alexandria went to Libya, back to Alexandria accused by jealous Egyptians dragged feet-first through streets left overnight in dungeon body burned in the morning
· James (author of Epistle) beaten & stoned to death by Jerusalem mob
· Mathias (Judas’ successor) stoned & beheaded at Jerusalem
· Andrew went to Asia then Patrae, Greece where crucified w. ropes on X-shaped cross continued to thus preach 3 days released ordered by governor died on release
· Peter According to the records of the bishops of Tungenr, about A.D. 50, Peter sent Eucharius, Valerius & Maternus to Belgijs-Gaulen (Incl. Trier, Tungern, Luyck, & Cologne) Christianity came to Zeeland from Luyck. Crucified head-down during Nero’s time
· Paul Beheaded by sword under Nero Roman Catholic Church (RCC) myth that no blood, only milk issued from his veinshis head jumped thrice & at each spot raised a spring of “living water,”place is still called “The Three Fountains”claimed that the water still tastes like milk5
· Jude (brother of James) = Thaddeus, Persia crucified in 72
· Bartholemew slain with sword? beaten with clubs?
· Thomas Preached Parthia to India thrust through with spear
· Simon Zelotes - Nicephorus reports that he preached in many landsMauritania to Africa to Britain crucified in Britain in 74
· John Ephesus, Domitian had him caught & sent to Rome escaped being boiled in oil banished instead to Patmos Released by Domitian’s successor, Nerva John returned to Ephesus died naturally at age 100:

I also found a write up where a Marine Chaplain references this song as he is talking about the wars America is fighting.

This is freedom for life, freedom in life, freedom to live life in all its richness, fullness, and delight as it was meant to be. This only truly begins to be found through freedom in Christ. In the Bible, we read of our Freedom in Christ in Galatians 5. It says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This is freedom for life and freedom from sin. So many search for this type of freedom in so many different ways, some less healthfully than others. Still, this freedom for life that God speaks of is so open, so liberating, so available through personal acceptance of Jesus Christ. This is freedom from the penalty of sin and my myriad of past sins. This is freedom from the present loneliness, depression, sadness, discouragement, worry, etc, and freedom from having to do the same things and fall again for the same sins that got me into so much trouble in the first place. Lastly, this is freedom in the future to live in heaven above when my short life is done.

Whitewater..Yeah Baby!!

This weekend was quite the adventure...We left my house on Saturday morning at 6:30am. Here is a pic of us all packed and ready to go.

It took about 8.5 hours to arrive at the Ace campground in Fayetteville, West Virginia (http://www.aceraft.com/). Upon our arrival, we found out that they booked our trip for Monday instead of Sunday....After a little bit of stress and frustration...we were able to switch the trip and were scheduled for the 10:30 trip instead of the original 8:30 trip. Woo hoo, we got to sleep in!! Once we got that all settled, we setup camp at the top of the mountain, changed into our bathing suits and headed back down to the pond play area to play with all the inflatable toys.

We played on the trampolines, the huge slide, the big saturn ball, the inflatable bridges, and the teeter tooter. Then we found the Chicago crew who were all about climbing the inflatable wall. That is where OOC originated... Out of Control. A great start to the weekend..hehe... After a few tumbles, face plants, welts...okay, it wasn't quite that bad, but boy was it fun...Amanda and I had the best OOC moments, that's for sure :)
Then after we had our fill of water, we built a fire, cooked some hotdogs and chilled out for the rest of the evening. Sunday was going to bring some fun...So, we woke up, grabbed some breakfast, continued our reading from Nehemiah (our goal was to finish the book by the end of the trip), threw around the football and headed down to the departure area to play some vball while we were waiting to leave. It was time for another adventure!! We got grouped with 3 guys from Chicago (Dominick, John and Jason) and our guide Josh. He was awesome. He had been a guide for 14 years and really seemed to know the river. Since the water levels were low, we made the most of the smaller rapids, by either standing up through them (that was interesting...) or swimming though them. Here is a pic our our crew.

About an hour from the end, we also had the opportunity to do a cliff jump ~50 ft. That was awesome. Dominick and I did somersaults, while the rest of our team just jumped in feet first. OOC baby!

Anyway, long story short, it was a great time. We are already planning our trip back over memorial day!!

Story of the day....

Everyday there is a crew of us at work that go for a walk at 11:30. This is my 1/2 hour learning opportunity of the day and it varies based on who I talk to. Conversations range from politics to lawn care to gas hedging to determining the thickness of insullation needed to keep a pipe from sweating. Try to get technical knowledge when I can, right? I go as often as I can, but sometimes work is just too busy. However today I needed a little bit of sunshine, so we decided that we would have a work "meeting" as we walked. Well, my boss decided to join us today, and conversations ventured elsewhere. I love talking to him about his life. Today is his 40th anniversery of being in this country. He told us what life was like in India. His family did not have a lot of money, so he decided to come here to make money to send back to his family. At that time, he was working for the India Gas Pipeline and was accepted into Detroit Mercy for a master's degree. He told us the application process and then talking out a loan to come here. Arriving at the airport and talking the bus to the school. This was also 2 months after the riots in Detroit, so his first impression of Detroit was a bunch of charred buildings. He also had nowhere to live, so how he found a roommate and a little hole in the wall flat on the second floor of a house for about $70/month. Then he told us about his start at GM and then how his life was the first few years. He also told us all about his arranged marriage. It was a spur of the moment decision, he never actually met her before the wedding, guess he didn't see the need?? He said he was young and didn't really think about it. He had to go back to work right after he got married, so he flew her here about a month later. However, he only booked the ticket to New York, so I can imagine her thoughts when she called him after he never showed up and wondered where he was. They eventually got her on a plane to Detroit and then story went on... He never did ask her about those first four months. I think he was afraid of the response... So this is only the first of many conversations to come. He always has a story to tell :)

An Early Morning..But a great start :)

It always seems like when I am looking for answers, God wakes me up early than my alarm and even earlier than my roommate. I was up at 5:30 both yesterday and today. Yesterday, I was awake and aware, just giving God the praise and glory that he deserves and being open to what he was trying to show me. This morning, he gave me reassuring dreams of old chapters of my life that have been closed and a feeling a peace and knowledge that he is taking care of me and has a plan for my life. However, this morning, I was not so awake, a little more groggy I would say. Direction has been an issue lately and the past three days have been both eye opening as well as more confusing, but God and I are working on that :)

A Different Perspective...

Today, I was forwarded an email and thought I would summarize it. It has a great message. I'll let you see for yourself...

NINE THINGS GOD WON'T ASK ON THAT DAY:

1. God won't ask what kind of car you drove. He'll ask how many people you drove who didn't have transportation.
2. God won't ask the square footage of your house, He'll ask how many people you welcomed into your home.
3. God won't ask about the clothes you had in your closet, He'll ask how many you helped to clothe.
4. God won't ask what your highest salary was. He'll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it.
5. God won't ask what your job title was. He'll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability.
6. God won't ask how many friends you had. He'll ask how many people to whom you were a friend.
7. God won't ask in what neighborhood you lived, He'll ask how you treated your neighbors.
8. God won't ask about the color of your skin, He'll ask about the content of your character.
9. God won't ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He'll lovingly take you to your mansion in heaven, and not to the gates of Hell.

A good day...

Today was a good day :) I went to work early, so I could leave by 3:30 to visit my sister. Today was "family" day. I got to my sister's house, just as Connor was waking up from his nap. He wanted to go for a ride on the tractor as soon as he woke up. And since we were outside already, we decided to go to the pond at the back of their property to feed the fish before we started dinner. Since I haven't ridden in a while, I grabbed a bridle from the barn and threw it on Pony and jumped on (i'm not as young or agile as I used to be...). I knew bareback riding would leave me a little sore, but it is so much easier than dragging the saddle out. So, I met my sister and Connor out at the pond and fed the huge goldfish, the catfish (boy did he have a big mouth!), and all the other little creatures swimming around. On the way back, Connor rode with me, as Renee led the horse. He was smiling ear to ear, having a good time :) He is such a cute little kid :) After spending another couple hours with them, Stephanie (my niece) called me from the airport, her flight from Venice just landed. She is off to college tomorrow and is in just for the night. Since I haven't seen her since March? It was good to spend a couple hours catching up. We went straight to my parent's house from the airport. She was starving and tired from traveling all day. So, by 10:00, I was ready to call it a night, and so was she... Now I am home and feel like today was two days in itself. I will definitely need sleep this weekend. Hopefully I will get it.

Something Profound?

Hmm, I have realized that I have not written much lately, but really I have nothing profound to say. I enjoy each day, but the end of each day I wonder where the day went? Right now I am mentally and physically tired. I went to work this morning at 8:00, which is later than usual...it was 11:30 before I knew it which meant time for our 2 mile walk at work, then by 4:30 I started getting grumpy because I was hungry. So out the door to get sushi in Farmington with Robin and then off to volleyball. I am finally home and I am just drained...where did the day go..I felt like I floated throughout the day. Usually I have a smile on my face all day and everything is filled with joy. Now I am just tired...bah humbug..yes, that is my word for the day. I am starting to realize just how different I feel when I smile. It seems to pierce my soul and you can see it in my eyes. I love to smile and I love to see the effect it has on people. I feel like when I don't smile, I am unapproachable, but when I do, everything turns around. Along the lines of a smile is laughter. My boss Kamesh actually started a laughing club at work...well, sort of...Sharon and him will just start laughing and it is contagious. They usually do this when they get out of a staff meeting. This just puts a smile on everyone's face. Laughter is such a wonderful medicine. Check out these links and see if you don't feel better :)
http://www.mikekerr.com/clubs.asp
http://www.youtube.com/laughteryoga

Places of Peace...

A social butterfly, maybe, but I need that alone time to unwind. I always am running around with a million things going on. So, downtime is so important! I need time to read, listen to music or just spend time with God. Tonight was one of those times. I headed out to Metro Beach to rollerblade and then sat out on the beach just taking it all in. I started thinking of some of my favorite places to go and decided to take pictures of my places of "peace". In the summertime, it is on the beach, my sunroom or walking around downtown Ann Arbor. In the fall, I love sitting around the firepit in my backyard. In the winter, I love my living room with candles lit and music playing.

Another Random Adventure...

I love vball, so when I was asked to play a little mud vball this past Sunday, I figured why not! It is an annual tournament, but I haven't played in it since 96. We ended up taking 3rd place out of 36 teams, so not to shabby. It was a lot of fun and I think we all ended up with weird burns/tans because of the caked on mud and lack of sun screen. I was told that I needed to take a pic to show proof, since I ditched out of our weekly after-church lunch tradition, so here you go... I'll be around next week :) And just because I wasn't covered in mud doesn't mean that we weren't slipping & sliding. It was a good time and we got to show off our mad skills. woo hoo!

A Long Week..and random thoughts..

Well, it has been a long week. Trying to get back to a job that once seemed fullfilling, it was very difficult, especially being inside all day! Getting tired every afternoon and wanting to go to bed early every night. So not me! :) (I guess the time change did a toll on my body.) Sending most people to VM, until they started stopping by to make sure I was still alive :) hehe :) I took this week seriously. Everytime I talked about the trip, I was excited, not that I don't love my life, but now I felt a sense of incompleteness that I didn't feel before I left. I think the first time I really felt back to normal was Thursday night, gathering the crew to go salsa dancing. I feel a certain enjoyment and freedom when I'm on the dance floor. I have been dancing for about 7 years, anything from country to swing to ballroom to latin. It has become my stress relief and my "out". To not think, but to just be led across the dance floor. It helped me get back on track at work Friday, but I think it also helped that at 5:00, my weekend would begin. I have no real obligations this weekend, just options :) I don't know what big changes will occur as a result of this trip, or when, but I will keep praying. In the meantime, I will post my little slideshow within the next couple days telling my SA story. Okay, off to enjoy this beautiful sunshine!

Experiences

South Africa felt like my second home. I'm sure it had to do with the people that I spent the time with as well as the ministry that we were there for. I would love to wake up every morning and spent the day outside working instead of in cube city behind the scenes. I have attached the links for the pics to show you my experiences.

South Africa
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?Uc=58y5mdh.8ufdnqn1&Uy=55ci6q&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0&mode=fromshare&conn_speed=1

I'm Back

These last two weeks have been incredible. I don't even know where to begin. I am still processing everything that has happened. I will start off by saying that I am not ready to be back. Everything in me wanted to stay. I knew that I really didn't have a choice, so I tried to prepare myself for getting back to normal. I thought I was ready, but after a day of work, I know why I should have taken a few days off. God has done so much and really gave me a lot to think about. I'm not really clear on the direction, but I know if I was able, I would rewind back to last week, so that I could wake up in South Africa, and get back to work, get back to building relationships, get back to making a difference and seeing it through the smiles on their faces everyday.

I met a lot of amazing people from Crossroads and connected with some of the individuals in the Charity & Faith church, the hotel and the community in which we were building the house. There were about 300 people on this trip and there were so many ministries - medical, dental, gardening, construction, business basics, IT and computer networking, kids club, music, dance, etc.... We tried to reach people in all aspects. I didn't realize what I was a part of until I arrived. To see the lengths of where the church in Mamelodi has gone and how much effort they have put into reaching the community. They built a hospice (with the main purpose of given hope vs our definition of the "last days"), a school, an orphanage (which will be opening in a few weeks) and now are trying to build homes through the communities.

Upon my arrival at the church in Cincy on July 4th, I was filled with a hesitation. I was under attack, why was I there, why did I decide to do this alone... But instead of letting fear take over, I prayed for peace and flexibility. Everything started falling into place.... I met a group of people who invited me out to dinner after the "send off", one of whom was in my "Go Group". This was essentially a group of approx 10 people who we traveled with as well as turned into the people that we shared our daily experiences with throughout the week, i.e., what God was doing on a daily basis, etc. I also connected with one of the other "Go" Groups that included two of the girls I had dinner with the first night. Last, but not least, was my construction group. The people I spent the majority of my days with at the site.

I couldn't have asked for anything more. I looked forward to waking up every day to share experiences with these people. Every day brought a feeling of fullfillment. Every day brought a realization of how much we take for granted, how much we base our happiness on material possessions, and how easily we get depressed or angered if things don't go our way. I have learned so much on this trip. I can't even get it all on paper. I just know that deep in my heart, I have an imprinted "GO" and I need to figure out what to do with it and what it means.

I am a little overwhelmed at the moment, so I will write more tomorrow.....

My New Niece!!

I have a new little niece!! She was born last night around 9:12pm after a long couple days and over a week overdue! Her name is Kathryn Sue Carradice, 7 lbs 3 oz, 20 1/4". I can't wait to see her tomorrow :) I am leaving straight from work to the airport. Woo hoo. I will post pics tomorrow night! I'm sure she is adorable. I mean, she has to be, she's related to me :)

Who needs sleep?

So, it is 3:52 in the morning and I am wide awake... Am I crazy?? I think not, well.. :) I have many things playing through my head at this moment. First of all, the reason?? I have worked so much the past two days that when I got home at 7:00 I was going to take a short nap, and hmm...I just woke up. I am sitting here pondering why am I doing this to myself again.... Again? Well, 5 years ago I officially became a workaholic. Well, more or less. They laid our manager off and before you knew I had 50% of his work load along with my usual work. But I was used to it. Everytime someone left I got loaded up with work. But I loved it because it continually challenged me and I was learning every aspect of the business. But a person can only stand so much work... At that time I was driving from Northville to Ann Arbor, so I would start working the second I got into the car and already be in "overdrive" by the time I got to the office. I brainstormed the best in the car :) I would do the same thing on the way home. I figured on a daily basis, I worked at least 12 hours a day. I found myself going in early, working through lunch and getting home late. I would email myself files and take home work on the weekends. My life was turning into work! After about a year, I started to hit a brick wall. It was anything from getting a speeding ticket on the way into work, and I had no idea the cop was behind me (I don't think I remember my drive into work most days - autopilot) To trying to fall asleep on New Year's at 4:30 in the morning thinking about what changes needed to be made at the office when I went back to work.. hmm... 26 hours later. I was starting to realize that I was losing my "life". I was going to go over the edge soon than later, so before that happened, I started cutting back my hours, eventually moved back to the Ann Arbor area and starting to recover the "life" I once had. So, long story short, I feel the same things stirring up inside me..When I work like this, I am "on" all day. I love the feeling, but by the time I get home, I am exhausted. I will find a balance, but for the next three days, I must work through it... Okay, off to be productive :)

Compassion

Lately I have been praying for compassion and searching for ways to just begin to pour out love on a daily, hourly basis. Going on this trip is going to be awesome for my heart, for soul and my life. I was searching for sites on the culture and the life of the people of South Africa. I found a website that I would love to share with 5 stories of people living in the midst of HIV and AIDS. http://hivstories.org/main.htm
A nurse name Margaret stated "I'm not here by mistake... Jesus washed his disciples feet and said, 'I do this, so that you do this for others'. This scripture is fulfilled every day in my life."

It certainly means that we are to serve one another in love.

212 Degrees..

Check this out....

http://www.walkthetalk.com/the212movie.php?refsource=gpc1&gclid=CNnG-5_-posCFQYMZQod8BPQjA

The Simple Truths of Service

Occasionally I'll see or read something that truly touches my heart. This story captures the spirit of customer service.

Just click on the link below to watch The Simple Truths of Service: Inspired by Johnny the bagger. It takes only three minutes to watch, and I hope you'll share it with your friends, family, and coworkers. I guarantee it will touch their hearts!

http://www.simpletruths-of-service.com/?SRC=W712SERVICE&ref=64

What is my place?

I often wonder where I will be five years from now.... I wonder what will be the next occurence in my life that will lead me in a new direction. When will it occur? I have been trying to prepare myself for my trip in 3 weeks. In the meantime, I have been very content in my alone time. I have had no unrest, well, not until this past Tuesday. After work, I received some news that hit me and stirred my heart. I longed for peace and wanted to be okay. One of my friends who I haven't seen in a while dropped by. She only said a few words and I fell apart. She said that she knew that this trip would change me. She said it with such emotion and confidence that tears just started falling. Before I knew it she had her arms wrapped around me. It's been awhile since I have let my emotions overtake me. Part of me, can't wait to go, even though I have so much to do before I leave. Tonight I was thinking and part of me doesn't want to come back. Part of me wishes that I had no responsibilities here. That I could just leave everything I have here and just stay abroad work and really take in their culture and lives. I don't know why I feel so strong about this. I have a life here. I have people who care about me. God has given me so much. But I still feel as if I am missing something. I feel as if things are getting stale. My ADD is kicking in ;) Please pray for me in this time, as I am searching.....

A Deeper Look...

Over the past couple weeks, there has been a lot of discussion on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator in my small group. I took the test back in February and did not think about it until recently. I was on my friend's blog and she had dug up an old book and looked into her personality type and it inspired me to see if the description of my results actually fit. For those of you who know me, or think you know me, do you agree? I see myself in many different ways. But how has society changed me? How has it made me think, feel and act differently? If I took a snapshot of me 5 years ago, 10 years ago, etc....what has changed? Why have I changed? hmmm..many questions...more to inquire about, but back to the results....

The Giver
As an ENFJ, you're primary mode of living is focused externally, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system. Your secondary mode is internal, where you take things in primarily via your intuition.

ENFJs are people-focused individuals. They live in the world of people possibilities. More so than any other type, they have excellent people skills. They understand and care about people, and have a special talent for bringing out the best in others. ENFJ's main interest in life is giving love, support, and a good time to other people. They are focused on understanding, supporting, and encouraging others. They make things happen for people, and get their best personal satisfaction from this.

ENFJ's are so externally focused that it's especially important for them to spend time alone. This can be difficult for some ENFJs, because they have the tendency to be hard on themselves and turn to dark thoughts when alone. Consequently, ENFJs might avoid being alone, and fill their lives with activities involving other people. ENFJs tend to define their life's direction and priorities according to other people's needs, and may not be aware of their own needs. It's natural to their personality type that they will tend to place other people's needs above their own, but they need to stay aware of their own needs so that they don't sacrifice themselves in their drive to help others.

ENFJ's tend to be more reserved about exposing themselves than other extraverted types. Although they may have strongly-felt beliefs, they're likely to refrain from expressing them if doing so would interfere with bringing out the best in others. Because their strongest interest lies in being a catalyst of change in other people, they're likely to interact with others on their own level, in a chameleon-like manner, rather than as individuals.

Which is not to say that the ENFJ does not have opinions. ENFJs have definite values and opinions which they're able to express clearly and succinctly. These beliefs will be expressed as long as they're not too personal. ENFJ is in many ways expressive and open, but is more focused on being responsive and supportive of others. When faced with a conflict between a strongly-held value and serving another person's need, they are highly likely to value the other person's needs.

The ENFJ may feel quite lonely even when surrounded by people. This feeling of aloneness may be exacerbated by the tendency to not reveal their true selves.

People love ENFJs. They are fun to be with, and truly understand and love people. They are typically very straight-forward and honest. Usually ENFJs exude a lot of self-confidence, and have a great amount of ability to do many different things. They are generally bright, full of potential, energetic and fast-paced. They are usually good at anything which captures their interest.

ENFJs like for things to be well-organized, and will work hard at maintaining structure and resolving ambiguity. They have a tendency to be fussy, especially with their home environments.

In the work place, ENFJs do well in positions where they deal with people. They are naturals for the social committee. Their uncanny ability to understand people and say just what needs to be said to make them happy makes them naturals for counseling. They enjoy being the center of attention, and do very well in situations where they can inspire and lead others, such as teaching.

ENFJs get excited about possibilities for the future, but may become easily bored and restless with the present.

ENFJs have a special gift with people, and are basically happy people when they can use that gift to help others. They get their best satisfaction from serving others. Their genuine interest in Humankind and their exceptional intuitive awareness of people makes them able to draw out even the most reserved individuals.

ENFJs have a strong need for close, intimate relationships, and will put forth a lot of effort in creating and maintaining these relationships. They're very loyal and trustworthy once involved in a relationship.

An ENFJ who has not developed their Feeling side may have difficulty making good decisions, and may rely heavily on other people in decision-making processes. If they have not developed their Intuition, they may not be able to see possibilities, and will judge things too quickly based on established value systems or social rules, without really understanding the current situation.

In general, ENFJs are charming, warm, gracious, creative and diverse individuals with richly developed insights into what makes other people tick. This special ability to see growth potential in others combined with a genuine drive to help people makes the ENFJ a truly valued individual. As giving and caring as the ENFJ is, they need to remember to value their own needs as well as the needs of others.

Go!!

I just met a girl who is going on the South Africa trip. The only sad thing is that she is going the first week :( However, I checked out her webpage and it is pretty cool.

http://web.mac.com/alobas/iweb/MSA/Welcome..html

I like how they defined the word "Go". How does the word go apply in your life? Are you standing still just waiting for something to happen? Are you supposed to be going in a different direction. I love how they state: "Go change the world", "Go change your life" It is an action..it is a command...it is putting one foot in front of the other to make a difference. It may even be stepping outside your comfort zone - taking a chance. Where is God telling you to go?

I have been praying about this in the last six months and going to South Africa has been just one of the many pulls. I am praying that this will open my eyes in another direction, that this trip will touch my heart and make me more into the person that I know God wants me to be. I want to be renewed and refreshed. I can't wait to be surrounded by his presence in this new place, in heart felt prayer and praise and worship, while being a witness to the people of Mamelodi. There is so much I am feeling right now that I just can't express on paper, but I know God knows my heart, my wants and desires.....

Matthew 7:7-8 "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

Good Morning :)

Good Morning World :) Life is good and God is great! To set the scene, I have been listening to 103.5 since the second I woke up. Breathing the breathe of God into my life and into my day. Today is my day of spring cleaning, well, at least this morning. I can hear the drone of the dryer behind the music and am watching the rain drizzling and streaming off the side of the gutters. It is a beautiful day. I am excited to see the greenery and flowers that are so in need of this water and am enjoying this spring! I am looking forward to this weekend with the extra day off. I intend to take full advantage of it, right here in good old RO and surrounding areas. I tend not travel during the big holiday weekend and instead try to feel like I am on vacation right here in this great state of Michigan. So here is to the start of a great weekend!
Psalms 100:4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.

What a day...

Boy, it's been such a long weekend and now it is only Monday and I am completely exhausted. We had core night at church tonight and I just couldn't find the energy to go. I decided to take it easy tonight and catch up on life. This past weekend was great though! I saw all my old college friend's at Amy's wedding. Everything went without a hitch and it was awesome to hang out with friends that really know me. Maybe that's why I have been a little non-social since I dropped Vicky off at the airport yesterday. A little too much social time - never thought that would happen ;) Yesterday was a good day though. I had lunch with my parents and then headed downtown to the Eastern Market and wondered around for an hour or so. By the time I got home, I was ready for a nap. Yeah, so I wasn't planning on sleeping for 3 hours but I guess that's what I needed to get refreshed and recover. I am still in that mode, even though I really need to get out of the house. Blah...I am trying to do laundry and clean up, but I am finding many distractions :) I'm good at that. I think one more day and I will be back to the norm. I think not having bible study tonight threw me a little. We don't meet for another 2 weeks because of Memorial day. I am sad... But the time off will do me good. I can concentrate on my own studies. Actually that reminds me, I have 3 more chapters to read in my book "Making room for life" before I go to bed, so I need to get cracking...

It's Official!

Woo Hoo!!! I just received the confirmation phone call this weekend that I am going to South Africa on a mission's trip in July to help build homes in the region of Mamelodi. I have been looking for the right opportunity during the past couple months and everything is falling into place! Thanks to everyone who have kept me in their prayers on this decision.

___________________________

Trip Overview - This summer, June 28th – 14th, 600 people from Crossroads Church in Cincinatti will be heading to Mamelodi, South Africa. Mamelodi is a large township just outside of Pretoria, the capital city of South Africa. Due to the injustices of apartheid, Mamelodi is one of the poorest places in South Africa. Crossroads has an existing partnership with a church in Mamelodi called Charity and Faith, and we are joining them, in person, to serve their immediate community. We’ll be planting sustainable vegetable gardens, repairing and building homes, playing with and teaching children about God, visiting with AIDS patients, and praying with the people in the community. We will also have the privilege of going to church on Sunday with Charity and Faith Church!

An Answer to Prayer....well, not exactly

God can move mountains, right? So I asked him for firewood last night (for all my bonfires this year) and look what he put in my front yard!! Talk about an answer to prayer. Okay, okay, so that’s not quite what happened, but this was what the quick storm brought in this afternoon. I got out of work a little early and got home right after it happened. My roommate called me just as I was pulling up to the house. For those of you who have been to my house, this is the spot that I usually park, so I am blessed that I wasn’t home when it fell! Needless to say, I filled a section of my garage with this wood, so when it dries out, I can split it and we can have some nice warm fires on those chilly nights! I was also given the opportunity to meet a lot of my neighbors. It’s interesting to see how people gather when something like this happens. I think 3 people called the city within ½ hour after it happened. So, my yard is back to normal and I am now parking on the other side of my house ;)

Family

This weekend was great. I spent Saturday with my parents working on my place. My dad came up to help rototill my backyard and fix a leak in the pipe which leads to the faucet outside. It was a beautiful day to be working outside. We grilled some nice steaks on the grill and fed our appetites. Definitely a day to replenish our energy. I worked from about 8-7 yesterday, so put in a good 11 hours. A little tiring but worth it! I can't wait to see the results.

Today I spend with my sister and my little nephew. We took Connor over to the Marshs about a mile from my sister's house. The Marshs is a pretty sweet place. There are bridges and paths all over through all the swampy areas. It was beautiful, but a bit windy today. When we got there, it was almost his nap time, so we were hoping that he would fall asleep in the stroller. No such luck. He was too intrigued by the little ducklings and swans and didn't fall asleep until we pulled in the driveway back at the house.

Here is a pic of my nephew. He is getting so big, I can't believe it! His birthday is on May 22nd. He is such a cutie pie :) He loves his little teddy bear and blanket. This was an accidental picture, it shows his true self. I am so glad that I only live 45 minutes away. I have no excuse not to visit and see him grow up.

National Day of Prayer

Tomorrow is the National Day of Prayer. A day when we can all join together, when we can show God what he means to us, to communicate with him as one, as one body in Christ. How amazing it is that we can come together, no matter race or denomination. Tomorrow, let's pray for those in our lives that need him, those in our lives that are struggling. And pray that God will change us, truely change us in our everyday walk. That in everything we do, we will honor God. Pray that the way we live our lives will glorify him. Let's show our loved ones and our friends what it means to be a christian, what is means to give ourselves to God, what it means to be a follower of Christ. Tomorrow, let us start the day out right. First thing when you wake up, thank God for the Day that He has made - Let us rejoice and be glad in it!!