One of those days!

Two Saturdays ago I had one of those days. My plans consisted of hanging out all morning, going to get my oil changed, meeting Em to go get our hair did, and then I was supposed to go to 2 parties that night. I know, I know...I am such a party animal right?

Well as my Saturday progressed, I was running late and decided to nix the idea of getting the oil changed. The problem with that thought process was that I had not changed the oil in my car since I bought it last April. Now in the past that decision would have been bad but not as bad as now when I have a car worth more than $500. I had put 10,000 miles on my car without an oil change and with the -60 degree weather and the fact that I was now 7,000 miles overdue for a change, the oil change should have been top priority.

My dad had been on my case for months to go get it done. I decided to do other things. Now, on that Saturday as I flew out of the house to go get my hair did, I went to start my car and there were some strange noises coming out of it. Then the check engine light came on and it died. I knew at that moment that I had waited too long. Too be honest I knew WAY before that moment, but it took the realization that I had blown my engine up and was going to have to get a new one (I think that's what happens when you don't get the oil changed), to realize that I had pushed the limits and there would be consequences. I prayed the whole way to getting my oil changed that God would grant me the grace with my car that I was completely undeserving of. I vowed (which I don't do lightly as I know a broken one is not a good idea) to get my oil changed regularly from now on. Well, so far so good. The oil has been changed and at the rate with which I drive it will be 3 weeks before I have to get it changed again:)

In comes the picture of the frying pans. I don't know if you are like me, but why is it that we sometimes have to get hit over the head with something to get it. I've always thought I was pretty good at learning from others examples and listening to what God is telling me....obviously not. I had warning signs with my car and I have warning signs in life. Usually it isn't until some consequence happens that causes me to come to a screeching halt that I finally realize "Oh, so that's what God has been trying to say." That week was a good one for God and I. There were a lot of tears (I'm no longer talking just about the car) and there was a definite reconnection that I haven't felt in some time. I feel God's hands guiding my life so strongly these days and I couldn't be more thankful.

There have been some pretty hard moments. Moments where I question the promises he has given me. Moments where I have thought going on my own would be easier than the feelings I was experiencing. Moments where I lost hope. I know, deep down and now on the surface....he is working in my life. Waiting is hard, but knowing and truly believing that it will be worth it is amazing. Feeling his love for me, his joy over my growth and his hope for my future will sustain me. I am thankful for the people he has placed in my life that help me through and most definitely for the ones that pray for me so diligently. I am thankful for the examples of grace, perseverance and love he has given to me.

Sorry to babble but when my Savior is at work in my life and in the lives of those around me, I just want to talk about it. May you feel His presence this week. May you know the plans He has for you are great and may you acknowledge that you need to relinquish the power to him. May you feel hope, trust and joy for what is to come.

A new day.

Last Saturday I was able to go to my parent's church and volunteer for Feed My Starving Children. It is a local charity that has a worldwide impact. I wasn't feeling the greatest as I hurt my neck really bad last week on the way into work (long story). I had been excited to go volunteer but the morning of, I was having second thoughts because of my neck. When I got there, I saw a video of some of the lives that were impacted by FMSC and what exactly their mission was. Now I have been to Haiti...twice. I have seen true poverty and it has changed my life. Maybe I should say it altered my life...for a time. I remember having little children stare at us as we "missionaries" ate our meals. We packed our own food from home and as we grumbled about having to eat these Dinty Moore's or Instant oatmeal or beef jerky make-shift meals, I saw little children who probably hadn't eaten a real meal in weeks, months or even years. We were told not to share with the children because they didn't want to encourage begging.

One story I will never forget is when one of the guys that was with our team decided to give a little boy his leftovers. Later that week when we went out to evangelize we saw that little boy, inside his house heating up those leftovers in a little can..to feed to his family. That was probably the only food they would have that day and it was less than a couple of bites of what we normally consume in glutinous amounts daily.

So anyways, back on track. At the church there were stations set up. The workers from FMSC explained the different parts that made up the meals and how to do each job. For the next 2 hours I watched (and helped..a little) as these volunteers...most of whom were children, enjoyed packing these meals. It was so much fun and so valuable. In the end we made over 13,000 meals and got to pray over them before they were loaded on a truck. Each meal costs $1 and contains Rice, Soy, Meat and Veggies....all of which are valuable to the malnourished children's growth. Each package provides 6 meals. Six meals for $1....THAT IS AMAZING!! If you want to learn more about Feed My Starving Children go to http://www.fmsc.org/ . I know I will be doing more with this organization as hunger is such a prevalent issue all over the world. I also know that once again I was reminded of all that I waste,take for granted and need to be thankful for. Again, I believe my life was altered and now I must fight to make sure I don't forget.

26 days!!!!

Only 26 more days until I am cruising the beautiful Caribbean! I can't wait. I am a little sad though as I leave Super Bowl Sunday and am not too sure I am going to be able to watch for the first time in who knows how long...OH WELL!!

And here...it continues!

Well there they are. The three most precious people in my life. Elise on the far left is 4 now and she honestly is so special. The day she was born I knew that she was going to keep us in stitches and that she would bring a smile to many people's faces. For Christmas she got a plastic 3 foot tall pony from my parents and her reaction was priceless. I love her to pieces.

Elijah is 9 months old tomorrow. Upon arriving on Santa's lap he automatically reached up and pulled on his beard to check and see if it was real. He is an incredibly happy baby, who also happens to be the cutest little boy I have ever seen (I am not biased!). I can't wait to see his personality develop. Although it is evident he likes music. His favorite song of the moment is Jason Mraz's -I'm yours. As soon as he hears the words he starts grooving!

Isabelle is 6 and she will always hold a special place in my heart. Being the first grandchild in a family makes it that way automatically. I bonded with her more than I have gotten to with the others because I got to watch her half days a couple of days a week for the first 9 months of her life. She is the "big sister" to all.

Christmas was good, not great as I feel this season went by WAY too fast. I never got to drive around looking at lights, or enjoy making Christmas candy with my family. With this new job and the weather being what it has been I feel like life has been a little hectic. I'm sorry to those of you who have been trying to call and hang out. I am going to do better:)

Life is full of transitions right now. I am watching more and more friends get engaged, have babies, start new exciting jobs, move to new homes....whatever. This time of year is always a little hard with that. Trusting God is something I have to remind myself of daily. I know that he has a million plans for me and I really do believe they are greater than I can imagine. I know I need to be ready, willing and able to go and do as he plans when the call comes. That doesn't always make the waiting easier. I also know I can't just sit at home, in the corner and expect change to happen. I also know that I have A LOT to be thankful for right now. And I am...thankful.

Well, I watched this movie for the first time ever last night. I was pretty impressed. I love Christmas movies. My parents started the tradition a long time ago. We watched a Christmas movie every year on Christmas Eve. Now as I've gotten older I have become quite attached to watching as many Christmas movies as I can each holiday season. The list of favorites includes: Elf, Love Actually, Little Women, The Grinch, Miracle on 34th Street, The Family Stone, Prancer, The Holiday, and of course my personal favorite A Christmas Story! There are so many memories attached to times watching those movies and just spending time with my family. I love this time of year.

The first week at my new job went pretty well. I say that now that the week has passed. I was late my first two days and had pretty much a 2 hour commute to work every day with at least an hour and a half on the way home. I can't wait until this summer when I will be moving much much closer!!! I decided to write personalized notes to the old co-workers so not to bore anyone (if there is anyone) who reads this with information about people they don't know.

I got the Casting Crowns Christmas CD yesterday and might I just say it is probably one of the best overall Christmas Cds I have ever heard! I can't believe Christmas is almost here. I have SO much to do to get ready as we will be hosting in my apartment. I think we are going to be having about 13 people or so! Also, I get to puppy sit for my brother's friends. I will be having a 3 month old Boxer puppy over Christmas. I can't wait! Hopefully he will wear Jada out! Merry Christmas to you! May you truly experience the joy that this time of year is meant to bring! Blessings.

Free Dog!!

Looking for a cute puppy for Christmas? Worried about the potty training? Looking for a breed that will be good with kids? Well I may have the answer for you. I have a 2 year old Puggle that needs a new home. She's potty trained, GREAT with kids and is pretty much the cutest dog ever seen (as evidanced by the picture at left.

In all honesty, Jada is not up for sale...at least not today:) Sometimes though I question when she will ever grow out of her puppy stage. I remember when I first went to the pet store, before Jada arrived from Oklahoma. I told some people there that I was getting a puppy, and when they asked "what kind?", I excitedly replied "A PUGGLE!!!" (for those of you who don't know, a puggle is a cross between a pug and a beagle...there is absolutely no poodle involved). The responses usually were something to the sort of "good luck" or "best wishes". I thought people were just being nice. That was, until Jada arrived.

As stated above, she is adorable. She is SO great with kids which is a nice break from the Cocker Spaniels we had growing up. The problem is...she is hyper. Imagine if you will, a 5 year old, Halloween night at about 9pm...hyped up on sugar. This is Jada on your average day. Since getting her she has, broken 2 retractable leashes and a heavy duty re enforced metal chain. She has actually jumped out of a moving vehicle while driving down a very busy highway. She has gotten loose(see broken leash example above) on 2 softball fields (while games are being played) and in one case it took 3 full teams to catch her. She has chewed up at least 10 pairs of shoes, lost numerous mittens and as of this week my dad's prescription bifocals (why a 48 year old wears bifocals is beyond me).

The thing is, as I am sure at this point most of you are asking why I still have this dog, I love her. There is nothing like coming home after a busy day and having her greet me at the door. She has been waiting for that moment all day. She gets up with me every morning and waits ever so patiently for me to leave for work, so she can go back to bed. She sits on my lap and lets me know that there is no other person in the world that she loves as much as me. Now, I will say it. I am a dog person. I have loved dogs for as long as I can remember and my life feels somewhat incomplete without one in my life. This dog though, has been the absolute best...and hardest pet I have ever had.

Friday was my last day at Riverside. Saying goodbye to my coworkers was harder than I anticipated. There were some tears and one of my friends, who I expected to be the last to cry... had to be consoled in the hall. I know there will be things I miss. Saying goodbye is so not easy for me. I am excited to start my new job on Monday and know I will create new relationships there, I will just miss all of our inside jokes. I will miss so many things. And tomorrow I think I shall write a blog about a few of them. For now, it is off to bed.

It's been awhile...

This picture is for Conni Jean! I know how much you miss the snow sometimes, and to be honest I completely understand why. Even after my evening commute took me 2.5 hours on Monday night. I LOVE SNOW! I think if I am ever to move away, I will have to visit home during the winter, just to enjoy the beauty and fun of snow.

So, it is finally here. My last week at Riverside and I couldn't be more ready. I will miss my co-workers and some of my customers. Saying goodbye is never easy for anyone but I feel that I tend to become attached to a lot of people and saying goodbye is about as hard for me to do as giving up baseball would be (please note the word about in this sentence).

Things spiritually have been a little hard lately. As many of you know, I have been attending a small church for the last 2 years now. My brother and Anna got me started, as they lead the worship and were looking for help. I have SO enjoyed worshiping with them and watching the church as more and more people are coming. The church truly has a special purpose. My trouble has been, that I am not connecting. The people are very nice and I do enjoy seeing them weekly, but I have not found any relationships that I really "click" in. This is hard for me because clicking with people has never been a problem for me. I tend to get along with pretty much everyone and find lasting friendships wherever I go. It is just hard to not fit in and I am not sure how to make that happen...believe me, I've tried. So, with all of that being said...I am pretty sure that within the next few months I will be trying to find a new church. I have been praying about it and will continue to do so but this is where I am at right now.

I have to go now as Jada is literally attacking me and driving me CRAZY. She is over 2 now and still acts like such a puppy....and to think, I am thinking of getting another one! HAHA, we'll see. God bless your day!