Journey On

The Perfect Ending

2011-02-06T01:50:00.002-05:00

I was attempting to write a paper this evening.....

The Integration of Psychology and Theology.....da da dum.

At this point in the class I can give you the five models of integration, which happen to be Enemy, Spies, Colonialists, Neutral Party, and Allies (from David N. Entwistle's viewpoint). These five models can be placed in three categories: Antagonists, Intermediate, Integrative.

Entwistle believes that before one can effectively integrate psychology and theology one must have a Christian worldview. This worldview is based upon the foundational truths of creation, the Fall, redemption, and consummation. Stop. Consummation.

I know all about creation. I have been able to tell that story since kindergarten.

The Fall. Yep, got that one covered. It goes with the story of creation.

Redemption. I have a hard time comprehending the concept in its entirety, but I am thankful we don't have to understand all of God to be His child.

Consummation. I was introduced to the word at the Creation Museum, and I know essentially that it refers to the resurrection and return of Christ.

I looked it up. Do you know what the word consummation means according to the Microsoft Works Word Processor dictionary? Very first definition...allow me....perfect ending: the bringing of something to a satisfying conclusion, or the final satisfying completion or achievement of something

In every fairytale we are promised one and as a human in this fallen world, I long for perfect endings. Sometimes my perfect endings are simple.

I want my checkbook to balance.
I want to go to bed early.
I want my car to run without a noise.
I want my class to walk down a hall quietly, just once.
Simple everyday things.

Other times my perfect endings require a little more.
I want every child to know a parent's love.
I want all the hurt to stop.
I want war and destruction to cease.
I want my faith to overcome my doubt.

I have been told, "Life's not a fairytale. We don't always get a perfect ending." The Fall effects us and causes us to sin, but God, through His consummation, redeems us and provides the perfect ending for our humanity.

22 Everybody dies in Adam; everybody comes alive in Christ. 23 But we have to wait our turn: Christ is first, then those with him at his Coming, 24 the grand consummation when, after crushing the opposition, he hands over his kingdom to God the Father. 25 He won't let up until the last enemy is down - 26 and the very last enemy is death! 27 As the psalmist said, "He laid them low, one and all; he walked all over them." When Scripture says that "he walked all over them," it's obvious that he couldn't at the same time be walked on. 28 When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking his place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive - a perfect ending!---The Message

As I wrote the last sentence in my paper tonight I smiled knowing, that despite my humanity, I am gonna get my "perfect ending."

Entwistle, David N. (2010) Integration of psychology and theology, Cascade Books: Eugene, OR.

Carving Apples

2011-01-22T21:50:00.000-05:00

Before we moved to our new apartment....which I still need to introduce in all it's glory....I was bored so....the following occured.

They were just sitting there!

They really smelled like stewed apples when you lit a match in them.

Okay, I know.....disgusting, but still....I laughed really hard.

The Good Ole' Days

2011-01-15T10:34:00.000-05:00

First things first, I AM POSTING FROM MY OWN HOME! Yay! We have internet!
Okay, I am done.

Last weekend a dear friend, Jenny, came for a visit. We were roommates the last year in college and the good times just rolled! From late night chats to walrus impersonations we had a blast! One of my favorite times was making pancakes and breakfast parties. In honor of this tradition......

I usually make the pancakes. Fun, fun! This time we decided to add blueberries.

I am getting hungry.

And the winner is.....!

I did the cookin', who's cleanin'?

I didn't take pictures of us because....well.....it was morning! It would not have been good!

Just Thinking....

2010-11-23T09:38:00.000-05:00

(I found this post and it was a soft reminder. One day I just might finish it.)

There are so many good and wonderful thoughts that I have been mulling on lately. This post will most likely be random and not a bit organized, but....oh, well!

I have been faced with a few very blatant reminders of how "different" a Christian's worldview is from a secular worldview as of late. How we see situations and circumstances are just the opposite in most cases.

My apartment is not, nor will it probably ever be, a mansion in the world's eye, but my Father is building me a dwelling in a place that no mind can imagine.

My checkbook can be balanced without a calculator, but my Father owns the cattle on a thousand hills.

My chosen profession will not put my name in lights or on a billboard, but my Father knows my name and it is written on the palm of His hands.

I Love Thanksgiving

2009-11-28T11:12:00.003-05:00

I love Thanksgiving. It is the one time of the year that our family gets together with no real expectations. No one has scrambled to find that perfect gift for the gift exchange. No argument over who gets the kids in that morning. Everyone is invited, family members, friends, or enemies. No hurry for families to scurry over to the in-laws because we are already together. There is laughter in every room. The cousins play card games, uncles cheer for their favorite sports team while the aunts discuss Black Friday tactics with store ads scattered over the floor. Christmas music plays in the background with the occasional group joining in at the top of their lungs. Food lines the counter, table, stove, and kerosine heater.

But my favorite part this year was sitting at the table, sharing. My brother had arranged the tables and chairs in "normal" fashion and you could see everyone. We all stood behind our chairs and gave thanks before heading to the dining room to fill our plates. The TV was turned off and we all just talked. My aunt started a new tradition this year by naming one thing she was thankful for this season. Everyone took a turn. Jokes and stories were shared. We laughed. Grandma cried as she shared that she had decided to give her heart to Jesus. This lasted all day. I love Thanksgiving.

(Did you think I was kidding about food on the kerosine heater?)

Update One

2009-11-21T08:50:00.003-05:00

Summer.... (just a few details.)

-Moved off campus into a beautiful third floor loft apt. (I love it!)
-Acquired a new roommate.

(The following is a hodge-podge of events that occurred in no particular order).
-Babysitting fiasco: In short, a mother left her child alone. I got to talk to a nice detective with my new roommate and the vice president of GBS. LOL (It wasn't funny at the time. I was scared, but think about a 30 minute car ride to the police station with Bro. Miles and Brittany).

-Totaled car: I was on my way back from Wal-Mart when a Nissan, going very fast, rammed the back of my car and fled the scene. (How do I know it was a Nissan? Oh, that's because he hit me so hard he left the emblem in my bumper. Too bad it wasn't his license plate number!) Funny part of this story was that I had forgotten my cell phone so the policeman had to take me home......I had just come from visiting my parents and hadn't taken my clean laundry up yet. So picture me in a cop car with two baskets and a trashbag full of laundry in the backseat.

-Brittany tried to do sit-ups in my already lame desk chair. She broke it and fell flat on our kitchen floor.

-We "missed our exit" on the way to Cinci Mills and ended up driving down an exit that was under construction. Hilarious! Not safe, but funny.

-Brittany tried to be thrifty with her laundry and let it air dry on the fire escape. Result? Laundry all over the backyard and Dr. Farmer's backyard. Oh, let's not forget the tree. One shirt didn't make it to the ground. The nice cable guy got it with his ladder.

-We went to the Kroger in Bellevue. Saw a mouse run down the aisle, shopped, got out to discover a flat tire on Brittany's car that has no jack or spare.

-I consumed a whole Chinese meal in a movie theatre without detection.

-I was mistaken for Brittany's mother! Now that is funny. Brittany is trying on shoes and claims that she doesn't know if they are too big or not. I give my opinion, but it didn't satisfy so she turns to ask a lady walking by. The nice lady asks where her foot ends and then looks at me and asks "Is she done growing?" HAHAHAHAHA

Focus

2009-02-09T09:42:00.005-05:00

I originally had an extremely long post of the "exciting" life I have led so far in 2009, but as I neared the end I found myself slightly focusing inward and asking myself, "Why me?" I deleted it so as not to have a public record of my self-centeredness, but also because as I typed I heard the voice of a rather mean, heartless, and painfully honest friend...."What is your focus?" Just to be transparent, this has been a rather difficult task. It seems as though I have been hit from every side so far this year and I find myself looking up from the bottom of the barrel often. I am learning, albeit ever so slowly, that I can not be in control of my circumstances, but I can be in control of my focus. Am I feeding at the bottom of the barrel or looking up and expecting to see my Father reaching down to pull me up?

Which brings me to another lesson...What can I expect from my Heavenly Father? Do I expect to see Him working things for my good? Do I expect Him to be consistent with His track record?

Illustration #1, as pointed out by my "mean" friend: I baby-sit a genius. His name is Vipul. Though he is very intelligent, he is only three. At times I find myself stressed because he will refuse to complete a task when I know he is fully capable. Yet many times I have watched him attack a job with vigor only to learn that it is beyond his ability. Usually I watch him for a few minutes and chuckle to myself, then hold out my hand and offer assistance. It is a joy to help him. How much more would my Father stretch His loving arms out to offer hope, comfort, healing, and ultimately His kind assistance? I can expect Him to be consistent and stand by His record and do it again, and again, and again!

Illustration #2, 3rd Grade Bible Lesson on John 3:16: This morning Mrs. B introduced the lesson in a rather unique way. She started out calling the students to attention for a game called the "rhythm game." Pad your legs twice, clap hands twice, snap each finger once. On the first snap say your name, second snap a friend's name, continue until someone misses the beat or says the wrong name. After practicing for a few rounds she changed the name of the game and added a different aspect. "We are going to call this game Life and when you mess up it is a sin. Sin must be punished!" Mrs. B pulled out a long roll of what looked like bulletin board paper. She took a marker and wrote punishment. "When you mess up the rhythm or miss a name you will be punished."

The game started again and you could see the concern and concentration of the students. They were really trying not to mess up out of fear of getting swatted by the rolled up paper. The first student to break the rhythm looked like she was getting ready to pass out. As Mrs. B went toward the small girl, she suddenly turned and LIGHTLY swatted another student. This went on for several turns. Each time the same student was swatted. The class questioned the fairness of this method, but Mrs. B continued without a word. Finally the class was called to attention and a explanation was given. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not parish but have everlasting life! The children were so upset at the injustice of one person getting swatted, but the point was driven home and you could see the lights come on

I sat in the back of the room at my desk as tears formed and flowed. I can expect my Father to come through with a solution to the problem. I can expect Him to love me when I feel unlovable and ugly inside, He has already proven it true.

One more lesson I am learning. Most of my life the verse stating that "the truth will set you free" referred to lying. Always tell the truth, it keeps you out of trouble. While telling the truth is a great thing and requirement by God, there is more to this verse. Knowing the truth will set you free. When my mind runs about wildly with doubts and fears, the truth will set me free. The truth is God is faithful, God is available, God is CONSISTENT, God is God and I should let Him be. Knowing the truth will set me free.

The Twins Are Here!!!!

2008-12-21T10:20:00.004-05:00

The family I work with finally had their twins Wednesday! It has been crazy. I'll post a few pics from my cell but let me warn you the high quality my astound you.

Vishal

Vimal

Pretty sure I spelled the names WRONG but I will figure it out soon! I haven't gotten to hold them yet because I have been at home with the big brother Vipul. I quickly snapped these pics when I dropped him off at the hopsital after work. More high quality pictures to follow.

The "Confederates" (Written as a freshman in college)

2008-12-17T22:04:00.004-05:00

The soldiers gathered around the colonel swiftly and quietly. Plans must be made; for the enemy lie in wait on the other side of the valley. Every year about the same season the enemy came haunt the surrounding woods and forests. It had become quite an annoyance to the inhabitants.

"Quiet!" Colonel said as loudly and demanding as was possible under the circumstances. "The element of surprise is of the utmost importance. There is no way that we will win the battle if we are announcing our arrival!"

Immediately the rustling and whispering of the soldiers ceased. All of their attention was focused on their seemingly invincible leader. He had been in the thick of the battles for many years now and deserved the honor and respect due someone of his position.

Colonel had a grim outlook on life. His parents were killed in a battle when he was very young. Because of their premature death Colonel had no siblings. He grew up alone and it had made him hard. This was a quality much needed in the service. His anger at the foe for killing his parents stayed with through the years. It had festered a hatred for the enemy deep within. Despite the hard trails that life had brought him the colonel stood tall and handsome with tufts of chest hair protruding in every which direction. He had a demanding presence about him.

"We need to plan for the adversaries. The same plan that we use every season is good. They fall for it every time. Prancer, you run directly through the field. Run fast or they might have half a chance to shoot. Blitzen, you stand behind that clump of bushes on the east side of the battlefield. Make sure your chest and sides are well hidden. Don't give them a clear shot. The rest of you split into groups. Group One scatter yourselves over by Blitzen. Groups Two quietly work your way over to where Prancer will exit the field and enter the forest again. Your job is to help distract in case of an emergency. Alright, each of you have a job. Let's do it!"

As the colonel finished his analysis of the procedure, the members of the Confederacy dispersed to their assigned positions.

Once again, the deer would win against the dull-witted human.

*Remember I wrote this as freshman. All grammar and plot critiques will be ignored. lol
** Inspired by my brother's many "almost" stories during deer season.

And how does that make you feel?

2008-12-10T20:41:00.003-05:00

As I sit at my computer on this dark, dismal day a poem came to mind. I hope it warms your heart as it did mine.

Homework! Oh, Homework!
I hate you! You stink!
I wish I could wash you away in the sink,
if only a bomb
would explode you to bits.
Homework! Oh, homework!
You're giving me fits.

I'd rather take baths
with a man-eating shark,
or wrestle a lion
alone in the dark,
eat spinach and liver,
pet ten porcupines,
than tackle the homework,
my teacher assigns.

Homework! Oh, homework!
you're last on my list,
I simple can't see
why you even exist,
if you just disappeared
it would tickle me pink.
Homework! Oh, homework!
I hate you! You stink!

Expertly written by Jack Prelutsky

Kaiden Wesley

2008-12-03T01:20:00.003-05:00

Almost 3 1/2 months ago Ethan Michael received a little brother. I have yet to hold the little guy that I named, but the Lord is helping me deal with that!

At Last....

2008-12-03T00:56:00.007-05:00

I will spare you the reasons and excuses for not blogging.

My life is currently very full of school and work. I did so much homework over Thanksgiving break that my mother banned me from it for an evening. My father responded with, "You yell at her if she doesn't and you yell if she does!" I laughed.

Work. Really it is not hard. I love working for this particular family. I babysit for a 3 1/2 year old named Vipul. The kid is a genius. He loves to read! This afternoon I gave him a book, one of those golden series books, and he read it to me! I am going to test him, but I am pretty sure this kid is on a 1st or 2nd grade reading level! The picture is of him at the computer with his reading glasses.

Vipulisms:
Oh, Tarter Sauce! (Working on a table leg with a plastic screwdriver and it doesn't go his way)

Come on...don't be shy...you can do it...TURN GREEN! (After I expressed my frustrations at a slow stop light.)

I will buy you a 2nd car. (He thinks everyone should have two.) I have at least $100!

Highlights

2008-09-20T20:40:00.002-04:00

Just a few quick highlights of my life.

Another school year has started and so far it has turned into a rather light semester. Another big plus is the fact that I no longer live in the girls' dorm. I have two room mates and we rein terror on campus from our campus apartment. It is great. Bittersweet though. Bitter because it signifies the end of a chapter in my life. Sweet because it signifies the beginning of another. I am so very excited about what God has planned for me.

I work off campus too. My three year old charge is amazing. I love hanging out with him.

The electricity was out for a week so the school shut down. It was beautiful (for those of us that were FORCED to find lodging elsewhere! lol) I am very ready to go back to campus though. I am pretty much a home body and I love the comfort of my own room and my routine.

Lots has happened and I even have pictures for some of the events. For example, the night Lauren and I got locked, the demolition of the guest bathroom, Vipul, and pictures of the new edition to my "sister's" family-Kaiden. But for now I am going to end this very unorganized post! The sentence structure and grammatical errors are the result of my exhaustion after a church spaghetti dinner. Until next time.....

Update Part Two

2008-08-13T11:37:00.002-04:00

Meet Morris the Taurus. lol

One of my main goals this summer was to buy a car. I have been without transportation for the better half of two years. This has become a great trial so I set out to remedy it.

I began shopping a few weeks ago and found this great car. I loved it, shopping for it, that is. My favorite part was negogiating with the car's salesman. He thought he was going to give me a run for my money, but I had done my homework and made him work hard to GET my money! As of last Saturday I am the proud manager of a 2007 Ford Taurus. What!? A family car, you may ask. Hey, it's a car. I am not going to get picky. When it came right down to it I just wanted a car that started when I turned the key and was reliable enough to get me from point A to B.

Update Part One

2008-08-07T13:56:00.005-04:00

I keep meaning to blog, but I don't know where to start. I think it will be easier for my small brain to achieve my blogging goal if I organize my thoughts chronologically.

"Long-Long Time Ago"

After my origami flower bouquet I attempted yet another homemade gift. Brandy (see candy bouquet post) went on to bigger and better things and no longer works in our office. As a goodbye gift I found a really cool idea...chocolate covered fortune cookies! Donning gloves and armed with toothpicks, tweezers, and a fingernail file a co-worker and I pried all the fortunes out of the cookies. Allow me to digress...all the fortunes were pretty much the same. It varied between maybe three different fortunes. Anyway, we had people in the office write their own messages and stuffed the cookies. You maybe thinking, Jo, that must have taken forever. You're right it did. We had to be really careful because the cookies would break easily. The unstuffing and restuffing (I know that these are not words, but they are fun) was completed at work and I took them home to finish. The end result was amazing. We made 31 with revised messages so that for the next month at her new job she would have a message from one of us. We ate the leftover 94 cookies ourselves.

She left on a Friday and that day after work I took a road trip! Thursday I remembered that Mode Camp was in progress. A friend of mine had asked me to come so I took her up on it. It turned out to be one of the best weekends of my summer. Mode Camp is a quaint little place in Illinois about three hours from my parents home. Campers stay in small cabins that may or may not have a sink with running water or air conditioning. I am not sure about every cabin, but I got the impression that not all of them had these commodities. As far as I know none of them had a private bathroom or showers. Every one used the main bathrooms that turned out to be outhouses. It was a shock, but they were the cleanest bathrooms I have seen at any camp!

We have all heard about camp food. Worry no more. Everything was homemade and served to you at your table by the young people. In the mornings after breakfast, people volunteered to snap the green beans, peel potatoes, and help the cooks in any other way possible. In the afternoons everyone would gather in the shade to chat and just spend time with each other. Topics ranged from school to child rearing and from cooking to ants. Over all, it was the most relaxing weekend of the summer. It seemed like all pressure was off. It was a weekend to "come just as you are." I could go on forever about a wonderful little place in Illinois and the remarkable people I met there, but I will spare you.

"Long Time Ago"

VBS. Enough said. I had no intention of participating in this annual event because by the time I got off work and traveled home it had already started and I was afriad my patience would be to far gone to deal with children. One night, however, I decided to drop by. After sneaking into the sanctuary conviction set deeply in my heart. There was probably 60-70 children and maybe five able adults! An older lady in our church was getting beat up in the second row by a 3 year old, one of the young people had five girls crawling all over her, and my aunt was holding down the boys side rather unsuccessfully. To the best of my knowledge we have always had plenty of help for VBS. I have no clue what happened this year, but they were definitely short staffed. I attended the rest of the week.

VBS was different in many ways. In the past we have had very well behaved, calm children that were easily corraled and organized. This year, not so much. It didn't bother me that they misbehaved, didn't sit still, or loudly announced their dislike for the story. It was the hurt, anger, bitterness, and other emotions that you could see in their eyes that got to me. I know that it all sounds cliche, but it was the first time it has effected me so much. One little girl who was about 4 or 5 sat in my lap most of the time and just wanted to be held. She looked at me one time and called me mommy. I corrected her by saying something to the effect of, "Oh silly, I am not Mommy" and giving her a big hug. She looked up at me with big brown eyes and asked,

"Then who are you?"

"I am Ms. Kim. Do you miss Mommy? Where is Mommy?" I fully expected her to say that she was at home. I just wanted to reassure her that she would see her mother soon and in a more familar place.

"In jail." came the little reply. I sat there stunned and feeling very ridiculous for being so naive. I did the only thing I could think to do, I gave her a big hug and said,"You call me anything you want!"

From this point on I saw the children so differently. As I looked at the little people around me I saw beyond their behavior and saw more of the hurt. Because of my chosen profession I am being trained to see more than the surface, but it never ceases to amaze and shame me how many times God has to remind me that there is more than the exterior.

Odds and Ends

2008-07-23T16:51:00.002-04:00

Some an instrument,

Some a brush,

But me?

Just about anything will do!

(I was paid $20 bucks to "decorate!" I am going into the wrong profession)

Another birthday occurred among the office staff this week. Her gift from me? A money plant! I fold paper and money to create flowers and wala (sp?)

A random pic of Kelly with the biggest chip in the bag. Seriously I did not zoom in!

2008-07-18T08:40:00.013-04:00

Yeeppiii! I can post pictures now. Get ready. Here they come!

Remember my job in Michigan? Well, I worked a couple of weeks in Cincinnati for them and one week in Michigan. Bless their hearts, the house they were going to buy was taking longer than they thought so they were living in a hotel. I ended up going back to Cinci and then to my parents home and getting another job at a staffing agency. To the left is a picture of Lauren, the youngest charge. I know she looks adorable, but she was certainly a hand full. She kept telling me she didn't like me because I put her in timeout too much, but her dad called this morning and said she was really missing me. She needs a time0ut for lying to me! lol

My new job title is Administrative Assistant at Pro Resources Staffing. It has been a long standing joke in the library at school that when I answer the phone my voice inflection changes. Apparently I act sweeter than I am. hehe So a few summers ago I needed a job, but no one would hire me for just the summer. I finally thought of applying at a temp agency. When I talked to them on the phone they fell for my "voice trick" and hired me directly to work for them as the front desk receptionist. To make a long story short...I am working there again. I love it.

I have found a new talent. Several months ago almost a year maybe a friend's brother was killed. I couldn't afford a flower arrangement and I didn't think he would really want flowers. So I thought, Hey, he loves Reese cups...let's make a "flower" arrangement with them. So that is how it got started. Yesterday my new talent was put to use again when we celebrated a co-worker's b-day.

Below is the birthday girl! Brandy takes care of all the unemployment and workman's comp. claims in our office. Last Sunday was her b-day, but we were so busy that we had to put off her celebration until yesterday. The little nerd (meant in the nicest way possible) is leaving for bigger and better things soon. We will miss her. :(

Meet Ginger and Emma. They were adopted by my brother and sister-in-law a few weeks ago. Both are female so we call them The Ladies. What makes me laugh is that when talking to the crazy things Justin and Kelly refer to themselves as Mom and Dad, my parents are Grandma and Grandpa. So that makes me Aunt Jo! Well, guys meet my two furry twin nieces. Weird.

Just because I am proud of this fact....I wrote this blog backwards. When I tried to upload a picture it kept placing it above instead of below the other pics so I decided to post the one I wanted last first. Aww, who cares?! I was too excited that I could finally post pictures.

Martyr's Song

2008-07-15T12:40:00.002-04:00

Martyr's Song

Sing O son of Zion

Shout O child of mine

Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind

For you are finally home

I’ve been waiting to dance with you

In fields full of colors you’ve never seen

I’ve been waiting to show you beauty

You never dreamed that’s always been in you

I’ve been waiting to see you tremble as you’re embraced

By a world saturated with my love

I’ve been waiting for the day when at last I get to say

My child you are finally home

Sing O son of Zion

Shout O child of mine

Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind

For you are finally home

I’ve been waiting to watch you realize

What all your longing was for

I’ve been waiting to show you the thread of grace

That ran through all your pain

I’ve been waiting to let you drink the water of which

Your greatest joy on earth was just a taste

I’ve been waiting for the day when at last I get to say

My child you are finally home

Sing O son of Zion

Shout O child of mine

Rejoice with all your heart and soul and mind

Sing O daughter of Zion

Cry out O child of mine

Dance with all the strength that you can find

For you are finally home

Every tear you cried dried in the palm of my hand

Every lonely hour was by my side

Every loved one lost, every river crossed

Every moment, every hour was pointing to this day

Longing for this day…

Written by Todd Agnew

'nough said.

Jo's Jolting Journey

2008-07-11T12:40:00.003-04:00

Well, dear friends, I am considering a name change. Not my personal name, but the name of my blog. Speaking of a change in name directs my thoughts to the change of ones name when one is married. This in turn makes me think about dating which again causes me to ponder the "relationship status" option on the illustrious Facebook site.

***"Ahhumm." Clearing her throat she stepped up on her soapbox.

What is the purpose of this option? It makes my laugh wholeheartedly. Say you begin your Facebook page with the declaration that you are single. A few weeks into the new school year you meet your "one true love." Time to change your status. All is well for several weeks (some make it months) then the relationship status is on the proverbial rocks. So now "It's complicated?" This particular status, in my personal opinion, serves a dual purpose..."I want to date, but he/she won't date me." So at best "it's complicated" advertises that a relationship is struggling and reader should wait patiently for an update. If couples counseling (well intended friends determined to give well meaning relationship advice) works well status update is "in a relationship." If not "single" is the best option. Let's not forget that all of this is publically displayed for your "friends" on the Facebook home page. Then you have to deal with all your friends inquiring about why you are now "single." How stressful!

Now let me say that I am not, by any means, demeaning those who choose to utilize this option. You are simply stronger than I am, which is why I chose to remove that option from my profile. When I removed it the feed on the home page stated "Kimberly is no longer single." For all of my friends that are inquiring...wait patiently.

The explanation of a name change will have to wait. This post is getting too long.

I'm Glad that I Made It!

2008-06-22T22:04:00.002-04:00

This title for this blog was inspired by a song title. Many times I have come through a crazy situation and then expressed myself by blaring Brooklyn Tab singing it as loud as my speakers and the Dean of Women would allow! I currently do not have a the song on my MP3, but if I did I would dance around the hotel with it at a volume higher than the recommended decibels. It has not, by any means, been a bad day. I have simply conquered the unknown and navigated through many unforeseen occurrences. Bet you're ready to hear (read) the story, huh?

Well, to inform the uninformed. After my last post I received two job offers. First, Sears Portrait Studio in the mall. Second, a nanny position that involved a summer relocation to Michigan. The benefits of this opportunity far out way the slight inconvenience of being on call 24/7. I accepted the latter offer. One of the perks is traveling. As it stands now I will spend most of my summer (what is left of it) traveling all over the country. One of my charges is a GOOD tennis player. She is ten and ranks 2nd in the Midwest, for her age bracket and like 19th in the nation. The tournament are everywhere and so I travel along to keep the younger charge occupied and the mother organized. Charge number two has ADD and then some :) She is seven. By the end of today I engaged her in a ten minute "quiet time" some I would have half a chance to catch my breath! She is a blast to hang out with and whether or not the munchkin would admit it, I know she has fun, too. I am rejoicing in the end of today because it was my first official full day. I have babysat for a couple hours for the past few weeks and helped as much as I was asked, but today was the day. I drove all the way to Kalamazoo, MI with a GPS system for the first time (Ever tried it? After I got the hang of it, it was great, but at first...I preferred Mapquest and a printer!), entertained a very hyper seven year old for hours without a TV, and gave several firm commands to our two canine traveling companions, Cutie Pie and Honey Bunnie! Over all, it has been a very fulfilling day.

Change of subject: "Peace that passeth all understanding." Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on a situation and realized throughout the whole ordeal you weren't worried? For the first time, probably in my life, I have been able to rest in God and just realized it. I don't know how to explain it, hence the "peace that passeth all understanding," but I know when it started and I know why. I know that I haven't conquered everything in my Christian walk, but this one thing I know "my Redeemer is faithful and true."

Ok, I think I am done.

On my list of things to do...

2008-06-09T16:01:00.001-04:00

Find a job.
Find a job.
Find a job. Had one. Lost it. (Long involved story.)
Post resume on online nanny service.
Respond to email inquiring about an interview.
Set up the interview-Friday night-7pm
Find the house where the interview is to take place.
Enter duplex.
Find the mother of two children sitting in recliner.
Make small talk to aid in good first impression.
Inquire about her health.
Ignore the complaint of really bad headache.
Proceed with interview.
Note pertinent information in notebook.
Observe interviewer drop pen, clench hands.
Update health status.
Note comment about numbing hands.
Listen carefully to given info. about meds and allergies of son.
Observe interviewer clutching chest.
Stay calm.
Inquire about chest pains.
Suggest a trip to the ER.
Call cousin to help.
Stop talking to cousin.
Ask interviewer to respond.
Stay calm.
Stay calm.
Stay calm.
Hang up on cousin.
Stay calm.
Call 911.
Talk to rude operator.
Calm children.
Watch EMT's take now conscious interviewer.
Attempt to give three year epileptic his meds.
Note syringes.
Call trusted friend with medical experience-no answer.
Call another trusted friend with medical experience-no answer.
Call another trusted, smart friend with no medical experience.
Hang up on friend to answer call from trusted friend number one.
Get advice.
Give meds.
Stay calm.
Contact S's father.
Answer call from S.
Note that the Dr. thinks it was a mild heart attack.
Watch Jonah-VeggieTales with children.
Wait for S's sister to arrive.
Take a deep breath.
BLOG!!!!

I am pleased to inform you that I have accomplished everything on my list of things to do.

The Long Overdue Thought-out Post

2008-04-07T13:23:00.005-04:00

As I logged in to post the following profound and thought provoking statements I realized that when I changed my background (forever ago) that I didn't reload any pictures, making this site rather boring and unattractive. For those who care, please accept my most humble apologies.

So I asked myself "What shall I write about today?" It is been quite awhile since I posted anything of great significance so today I thought I needed to blog more than random ramblings. Some of it will be random thoughts, but hey, it's my blog and it is in the description.

Band Tour:
Only one word needed-AWESOME! I was really looking forward to tour anyway, but my expectations were definitely exceeded this year. Even though I attend a Bible college and the people around me are supposed to be focused on the same "stuff" as I am, there is no guarantee. Anyway, I looked at this particular tour as an opportunity to grow and set aside time to regain some perspective. I had specific prayer requests that I brought to God with an open mind that He may not provide the answer in the way that I thought was the best. By day two one of the top requests was answered in a marvelous way. Along with the answered prayer came dishearting news, but in the midst of it all I had a very really peace and calm assurance that I was going to see the other side of the storm. A verse from one of the songs we played kept coming to my mind.

Pardon from sin and a peace that ENDURETH.

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide.

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Blessings all mine with ten thousand beside.

Great is thy faithfulness.

Morning by morning new mercies I see.

All I have needed thy hand hath provided.

Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

I made it. Another source of great joy was the prayer times we had together. You know how sometimes a group will go to prayer and all you hear is one person and, at least for me, it is hard to concentrate? Not so, my friend, when this band went to prayer we went to prayer. Overall this was a great tour.

(And you thought I was going to keep it to one word. hahaha)

Substituting and Library time:

Every once in a while the academy will call and ask me to sub when they are in a bind. This occurred not too long ago. I was in the first grade, which is not my favorite grade but for a day I don't care. There is a little boy in the class that stole my heart a long time ago. He calls me Ms. Cookie because I passed out cookies for snack time while he was in kindergarten. He always gives me a hug and smiles the biggest smile. His glasses are usually dirty and constantly slipping down his little nose. Anyway, three different times that day I had to repeat directions at least three times before he would obey. Finally, I pulled him aside and asked, "How many times have I had to ask you to obey today?" He hung his little head in shame and replied "At least a hundred!" It was so hard not to smile, but I think he got the point of the question.

I also interact with the academy for story time in the library every Thursday. It was raining a few weeks ago and a little boy was running after I asked them not to, but I assume the sprinkling was really getting to him. He fell. As any good overseer of children would do I asked if he was okay. Rubbing the arm of his leather coat he exclaimed, "Uuuugggghhh! And this is genuine leather, too!"

The Ah,ha! Moment:

Well, like I previously stated along with the answered prayer on tour came bad news. My grandfather had cancer and wouldn't make it through the week. On the way home from watching his father die, my father got REALLY sick and was admitted to the hospital for a bleeding ulcer. This was just the tip of the iceberg when considering my life for the past two years. One thing after another seemed to happen in our family. It has really stressed me out sometimes. After this past week I was feeling very insecure about life and what it had to offer. Change affects everyone, but for me it really throws me for a loop. For some reason it makes me really insecure and I feel like I have to fix the problem. As I was trying to wrap my mind around all the information I have gathered this past week about my family I had these struggles. Can I handle any more? What if the rest of my life is this chaotic? Will I ever feel secure? Then the moment came. The, "ah, ha! I get it!," moment. God doesn't change. I knew that, but I don't think I have ever appreciated it. In all the chaos and turmoil of living. The life changing situations that we as humans have absolutely no control over. God doesn't change. In Him we can rest assured that He will always be the one constant.

In the words of one of our favorite chapel speakers...."Can I get a witness?"

tagged

2008-04-03T11:00:00.004-04:00

What was I doing ten years ago...
well, I was 13 years old living in Houston, TX.

Five things on my to-do list today:
1. go to class
2. unpack and repack
3. finish online class for Math Methods
4. meeting at one
5. go out to eat with Jenny Fikes

Snacks that I enjoy:
popcorn, doritos and french onion dip, anything gummy like fruit snacks or gummy worms (not to be confused with gummy bears)

Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Buy my parents a house
2. Buy a car
3. Pay off school loans and other misc. debts
4. Go back to South Africa

Three of my bad habits:
1. Trying to fix the world's problems
2. Throwing my clothes on the floor :) (my mom would kill me)
3. Procrastinating

Five Places I have Lived:
1. Anderson, IN
2. Evansville, IN
3. Linton, IN
4. Houston, TX
5. Cincinnati, OH

Five jobs that I have had:
1. Shift Manager at McD's
2. Taco Bell Crew Member
3. Administrative Assistant at ProResources
4. Head Teacher in 2 yr. old room at Kidz Zone Daycare
5. Library Clerk at R.G Flexon Library

Break

2008-02-28T15:40:00.003-05:00

The rest and recuperation that I desperately needed has finally been made possible by Mid-Winter Break. I have spent my time in South Carolina with a few dear friends. This little man has put many of smiles on my face. We are taking him to the zoo tomorrow so I will post more pictures soon. (and better quality ones, I must say)

I am wornout.

2008-02-18T14:20:00.003-05:00

My sentiments exactly

On Practicing

2008-02-09T12:48:00.000-05:00

I am suffering from a serious case of blogger's block. There is a sufficient amount of feelings, thoughts, and events to discuss, but I can't seem to form them into a coherent post. Believe it or not I have tried several times. I begin, backspace, begin, delete, and begin again only to click Return to list of posts without maneuvering my mouse close to Publish Post. But alas, I have been dutifully reminded by a loving, faithful, caring, and knowledgeable friend, who leads only by example, to "practice what you preach." That being said I will continue in the way of the bloggers.

A prevalent thought lately is how blessed I truly am. God has been so good to me in many ways. My life has not taken all the turns I would have chosen, but I am reminded daily that God has my best interest at heart. Psalm 56:9- But this one thing I know, God is for me. How amazing it is to know that God is on my side. He is rooting and cheering for me. Not only does He want me to lead a successful Christian life more than I want to, He does everything short of making the decisions for me.

In the midst of all the warm fuzzies of serving Christ, He has also reminded me that I have a few more areas in which to convert myself to His likeness. For the past few weeks we have talked in Wisdom Literature about "abhoring sin." Abhoring is equivalent to hating. Do I hate sin or am I more conformed to this world than I thought. Worldliness is deeper in form than standards and dresscodes. It permeates your thoughts and conduct. As a Christian in a fallen world I must be vigilent not to allow my worldview to be formed by the "world." The way I view sin is part of a Christian worldview. If I allow myself to mock sin by entertaining myself with it in any form I will become accustom to it. Sin will not be a big deal. The ramifications of such I dare not imagine.

Announcer: And that is the end of today's broadcast. If you would like an audio cassette with today's show please write to:

1234 Bloggers Block Ln.

Soapbox, Timbucktoo.

On a lighter note, Pinocchio is Italian for "pine head."

http://www.funfunnyfacts.com/fun-facts/funny-useless-facts.html

Random Thoughts and Ponderings

2008-01-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

Well, that's start at the beginning, Christmas day. I woke up very early Christmas morning to finish making my first ever batch of homemade bread. It was actually a sweet breakfast treat called St. Lucia's bread. It turned out awesome and I must confess that I was proud.

My poor sister-in-law did not have as much luck with the baking. It was her duty to make the pumpkin pies. They looked wonderful. The crust was perfect and the filling was even. However, in the words of my beloved younger brother, "They tasted like you just took a bite of the Pacific!" Kelly somehow not only doubled the salt, but quadrupled it! She is a great cook for real and tried the pumpkin pies again on New Year's. All was well.

Though being at home is nice I finished break with a strong desire to return to my dormroom, my stuff, my closet, my computer!, and my "normal" life. Right before Christmas break I moved into a new room with a new room mate and I was anxious to get back so that I could finish putting everything away. All that to say that the first night we stayed in the room was...interesting. We have a blast together. Probably too much of a blast. (Add Jenny to the mix and we are down right crazy). Anyway, to make a long story short I was lying on the bottom bunk while Lauren made the top bunk. All of the suddened there was a bed on top of me! The bunk had fallen and Lauren was hanging over the side of the railing kicking her feet because the crash made her loose footing. I didn't move for a few minutes. Finally, we were able to remove the bed and set it up again.

I pray every night that it doesn't happen again.

(Lauren wants me to clarify that she was NOT on the bed. She was standing on mine trying to put the sheets on the top bunk. She's a genius.)

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T01:44:00.000-05:00

Well, Merry Christmas ya'll! I haven't posted in awhile so I thought I would bless you with one.

Update---I made it through Final's week and did pretty well if I say so myself!

I am currently enjoying a break. It was much needed let me tell you. Not a lot has happened, in fact nothing has happened. Everyone has been sick so most of our Christmas festivities have been canceled. Oh well, gives us all something to look forward to after Christmas!

Speaking of Christmas, I have a cute story. The first week I got home the kindergarten teacher in our church school got really sick. I was the replacement. (I didn't mind. It was a lot of fun!) During break one day the class was playing "shepherds." They had stuffed lambs that were supposed to be used in the Christmas program and sat in a circle around an imaginary fire. They also found a large paper cactus and two rubber balls. I am not sure about the significance of the cactus, but the balls were tumbleweeds. It was adorable.

The smell of Christmas turkey wafts through the air as I sit typing by the light of the tree and greenery. All is quiet except the radio that softly plays Christmas music. It is the most peaceful feeling.

"Heaven Father, thank you for the Gift."

Merry Christmas, my dear friends.

Jo's Jargon

2007-12-10T05:12:00.000-05:00

It is 5:11 am and I am out about ready to run down the halls of the dorm screaming like a wild.....something or another. I have had a total of 2 hrs sleep and I am going strong. Actually, God really deserves some credit here. I prayed that He would make the 2 hrs. seem like 8. So far so good.
************************************************************
My Counselor Growth paper for Basic Counseling Skills is due in roughly 5.5 hrs.
************************************************************
My father is sweeter if I wake him up to say good morning at 5am. And I quote "Whatcha need, hon?" Good morning caught him off guard! Hehehehehe (I didn't mean to wake him up. I was trying to get a hold of my mom who is suppose to be up getting ready for work.)
************************************************************
Cherry Coke and Mint Skittles give me a sugar rush.

Lemonade isn't as good as Cherry Coke (Stupid Coke Machine!)
************************************************************
It is officially Finals Week!

Twas the Week Before Finals

2007-12-06T18:21:00.000-05:00

Twas the Week Before Finals

Twas the week before finals,

And all through the college,

The students were praying

For last minute knowledge.

Most were quite sleepy,

But none touched their beds,

While visions of essays

Danced in their heads.

Out in the taverns,

A few were still drinking,

And hoping that liquor

Would loosen their thinking.

In my own apartment,

I had been pacing,

And dreading exams

I soon would be facing.

My roommate was speechless,

Her nose in her books,

And my comments to her

Drew unfriendly looks.

I drained all the coffee,

And brewed a new pot,

No longer caring

That my nerves were shot.

I stared at my notes,

But my thoughts were muddy,

My eyes went ablur,

I just couldn't study.

"Some pizza might help,"

I said with a shiver,

But each place I called

Refused to deliver.

I'd nearly concluded

That life was too cruel,

With futures depending

On grades had in school.

When all of the sudden,

Our door opened wide,

And Patron Saint Put-It-Off

Ambled inside.

His spirit was careless,

His manner was mellow,

He looked all around and

He started to bellow.

"What kind of student

Would make such a fuss,

To toss back at teachers
What they tossed at us?"

"On Cliffs Notes! On Crib Notes!

On Last Year's Exams!

On Wingit and Slingit,

And Last Minute Crams!"

His message delivered,

He vanished from sight,

But we heard him exclaiming

Outside in the night.

"Your teachers have pegged you,

So just do your best,

Happy Finals to All,

And to all, a good test."

(The views-stanza 2- expressed are solely those of the author/speaker-which I don't know beacuse 100,000 different people claim it-and do not reflect the views of the author of this blog.)

The Commentary

2007-11-26T18:26:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving break finally rolled around and I took advantage of the down time. Probably a little too much, the homework that I took home with good intentions never left the bag! I thought of blogging several times, but I didn't have convenient Internet access. Now I just have a lot to say.

I arrived home Wednesday evening after a long car ride in the backseat of my cousin's car. She had said yes to too many people about hitching a ride home SO it took forever to pack the car to fit everyone! We made it, but not before I had to pray several times for God to help my attitude!

Once I unloaded the car at Mom and Dad's the evening was spent vegging...well...until about 11pm. My mother decided that White Castle's sounded good. My parents and I jumped in the car and off we trucked.

Thanksgiving day was odd this year. In our family it is getting to the point where several people have moved or gotten married and have to alternate holidays. I guess it was just weird not to have everyone there. Change comes and life goes on! We did go out to my aunt and uncle's that night. That's when the real party started! lol

Now, along came Friday and with it Lauren! A friend from school spent the rest of the weekend with us. We all went to Kent and Lisa's again to watch the Colts game and Christmas movies.
Ok, let me pause the commentary here to insert another mouse story (see older post). Allow me to set the scene...Meaghan and Lauren were sitting on the loveseat directly accross from the couch on which I was sitting. My mom was in the recliner next to the loveseat and Lisa was sitting in an office chair by me. My mother very calmly states " There's a mouse." For a second we all just looked at her like she had a third eyeball, then we saw it! Apparently it came from underneath the loveseat and charged towards my couch. Feet went up everywhere. Meaghan and Lauren huddled on the loveseat. My mom reclined and laughed so hard she needed her oxygen. Lisa stood on the office chair. My feet were already on the couch, but I did scream.
The guys were watching the ball game upstairs, but after the screaming they came down to rescue us. Lisa started setting traps and my cousin Nathan started placing them under the couch. The poor mouse was frozen under there. Probably because of all the commotion from the humans. By the time it was all said and done there was a barricade of mouse traps around the couch. We caught the mouse within a few minutes.

Craziness. Anyway, lots more happened. The weekend was full of blogging moments, but now this post is EXTREMELY long and my mind is starting turn to mush.

One more thing....on Thanksgiving day.....I backed my parents 2006 Envoy into something. I am not really sure how or what, but the car was in my possession so apparently it was me!Needless to say there were a few stressful moments that morning. I'm okay though that is what is really important. Right?

Resting

2007-11-15T19:30:00.000-05:00

Every once in awhile we college students get a day of rest. Rest from the everyday grind and tedious schedules we are forced to keep "during the best years of our life." Our brains sit idle while we laze on the couch eating potato chips and watching movies. I must say, dear friends and prayer partners, I am looking forward to it. Thanksgiving break is coming. The end is in sight.

There is, however, another thought I would like to share. Though I truly enjoy the few days at Thanksgiving to recuperate from the busyness of life, I am learning that resting on God is more important. The thought finally penetrated my mind and heart this week. God had a lot to say. The words of a song that I posted earlier kept running through my mind: "And even as I lay my all at Your feet, oh Lord, still I know You are worthy of more." Anything we can muster up just isn't good enough. Our good character, the people we please, the heartache we've have made it through, the many times we just do "the right thing"or make the right decision is not good enough. That thought is so depressing at first, but the most amazing thing is that God isn't asking us to be "good enough." He doesn't require us to prove ourselves worthy of His love and grace. He just gives it! We can actually rest on the fact that we are not perfect, and never will be, because God loves us anyway!

Truly resting is nice.

"I Will Survive"

2007-11-12T15:47:00.000-05:00

I was putting away books in the library the other day when a friend stopped to say hello. Apparently I looked like I felt...overwhelmed and stressed out. He gave me some of the best advice I have recieved lately. "Go to your room and blare 'I Will Survive' or 'Deliver Us' from the Prince of Eygpt soundtrack." A smile surfaces thinking about it now! I plan on following the given advice...and soon!

It is short, but that is all I have to say for now.

2007-11-01T23:19:00.000-04:00

My brain is going several different directions today so the following might seem like incoherent psychobabble.
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I am very thankful for a few key people in my life. I have been thinking about what life would be like if I didn't have certain folk around. One being my mom. She was in the hospital all last weekend with bronchitis. For most people that is not a big deal, but for her it is life threatening. She has a lung disease called Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonia so even a simple chest cold is dangerous. I love her! She is great and I don't relish the fact that one day she won't be here.

Janette is another one I have been thinking about. She is my bestest friend in the whole world! Enough said. She is awesome!
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School. Wow. Three weeks until Thanksgiving break and we are all counting down the days. Sometimes it seems like the wonderful holiday will never arrive. I am so excited about sitting around with the family and visiting, eating, remembering, and playing games. Not having class is also a nice plus :)

We just hosted a Leadership Conference here and it turned out better than I ever thought. I must confess that I wasn't thrilled with being required to attend services every night, but H.B. London (VP of Focus on the Family) was great. He really got me thinking and probing around in my life. One of the most introspective times for me was Wednesday night. He talked about our dreams, the "Reubens" in our lives, and the cisterns in which we are caught. I learned a little about myself. It was good for me.
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I got new pictures of Ethan. One is on display at the side of this blog page. He is growing up too fast! Hopefully I will get to see him over New Years.
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OK. I think I am done for now. Maybe I'll post something worth reading in the next few days! Until then hope you weekend is as good as mine will be. I AM FINALLY GOING HOME!!!!!!

Worthy of More

2007-10-20T13:41:00.000-04:00

First, let me just say that I will never cease to be amazed at the fact that God is so good. The past few weeks have been somewhat tremulous, but He has made Himself so close to me. The peace that has He has granted leaves me to stand in awe. Several times this past week God has calmed my fears or sent someone to encourage me. I guess I shouldn't be so amazed that God keeps His word and takes care of His own, but I am.
I learned a new song last weekend called "You Are Worthy of More." It has been on my mind all week so I am going to share it with you.

You Are Worthy of More
You ordered every planet into place.
Then came and washed my soul in Heaven's Grace.
And I will never understand all the kindness of Your Hand,
but I know I owe You all I am.

You are worthy of more than I could ever offer.
I am kneeling before Your Holiness, dear Father.
And even as I lay my all at Your feet, oh Lord,
still I know You are worthy of more.

You know my deepest heart before I pray.
You walk the path ahead of me each day.
And I will never understand all the kindness of Your Hand,
but I know I owe You all I am.

You are worthy of more than I could ever offer.
I am kneeling before Your Holiness, dear Father.
And even as I lay my all at Your feet, oh Lord,
still I know You are worthy of more.

The Mouse and other Stories

2007-10-16T23:08:00.000-04:00

I have started attending the best church in the world. Wesleyan Evangelistic Church in Dayton, Ohio. John Manley is the pastor. I absolutely love going. Not only are the church services meaningful and uplifting, the people are awesome. One, in particular, needs mentioned :Grace Anne. Truly a Proverbs 31 woman. She has two daughters, sixteen and two years old. Every weekend she allows Jessica and I to invade her family on Saturday night so we don't have to get up early and drive to Dayton from Cinci. She fixes the best home cooked meals I have had in a long time. Aside from the two of us, Grace Anne has another family of five over for dinner every Sunday and sometimes they spent Sat. night too. Her house is absolutely kept immaculate, which brings me to the mouse story!
Saturday night was a CRAZY night. We didn't get to the house until after nine because Jessica was teaching piano lessens at the church and we were so tired. Anyway, I was sitting on the couch when Grace Anne walked through the kitchen and stopped to pick up a piece of "dirt." It was actually a slug! So Jessica grabbed the salt and we tried to get rid of the thing. A few minutes later I ran up stairs to change. On my way back down I saw something running on the stairs. Of course it was a mouse. I stopped with my feet on two different steps. The mouse was not even as long as my finger and it crouched in the corner at the other end of the step. It really was cute. I called for Jessica, trying to be as quiet as I could because I didn't want it to move off the stairs. Jessica called for Dave (Grace Anne's husband). I knew if I called Grace Anne she would scream, but she came along with Dave. Dave grabbed a kitchen towel and came at me and the mouse. The mouse ran straight for my foot. I screamed and jumped backwards and up a few steps. I was so scared that it would run up my leg! Finally we got it outside. (No, we didn't kill it!) Grace Anne was mortified and kept asking if we were scared to sleep in her house.
This post is getting too long so I am going to end it. Tune in next time to read...The Other Stories!

I'm Back :)

2007-09-14T19:39:00.000-04:00

Well, the title of this post applies to a number of things in my life. First, I am back to the blogging world. Second, I am back on the ol' hilltop. School is in full swing, which is the main reason I have not posted in awhile. I am so busy! There are simply not enough hours in the day.
Not a lot has happened, but I will give you a short rundown on the recent happenings. The school year always starts with a Fall Revival. This year was no different. It was a VERY good week. God really met with us in a special. You know how some revivals are uplifting and encouraging? Others are soul searching times and still some are just a series of services we feel an obligation to attend. This particular revival seemed to be more of a soul searching time. It was great to feel a spiritual connection with the rest of the school.
Classes are decent. That is all I have to say on the subject. Fun has been had though. (Not during classes.) One of my favorite things in the world to do is to see just how much I can get the freshmen to believe. The stories have ranged from Ms. Vernon (the Dean of Women) turning the water off at eleven to checking student ID's on the elevator. Pranks are always fun too. (I am not going to confess a thing so you can stop sitting on the edge of your seats, my friends.)
Overall life has been pretty mundane. This is not a bad thing. I am actually quite thankful. It is peaceful.
Well, there you have it. If I think of anything else to say I will blog again!

Learning

2007-08-05T00:22:00.000-04:00

For most of the summer I worked as the lead teacher in a classroom full of two year olds. They taught me a lot of things.

1. I learned that two year olds are not logical. Telling Nigel that "it is not okay" to jump off of the foam tunnel because we might hurt someone and "our friends are not for hurting" never worked. Three words did the trick..."No, time out."

2. I learned that they are smarter than we think. I was ranting at Kiya one day for disobeying and she kept interrupting me with...
"Ms. Brownie?" (Don't ask why. I don't know.)
"Kiya, it is Ms. Brown's turn to talk."
"Ms. Brownie?"
"What Kiya?" "
"Can I give you a hug?"

3. I learned that two year olds have to learn the same lesson over and over and over and over again. Nigel still jumps off of the tunnel. Terrence still loves to play jump rope with the Fisher-Price drums. Rileigh still tries to take everyones shoes during nap time. And the whole class still uses their "outside voices" inside.

4. I learned that two year olds will stop throwing a temper tantrum if you get on the floor and start screaming with them! Yes, Norris and I threw many tantrums this summer. (In my expert opinion :), what he really needed was a good spanking, but I wasn't allowed to administer corporal punishment, so if you can beat'em join'em.)Norris would stop screaming, look at me like I had grown an extra head, and I would say "It's not that serious, my friend." It was great!

5. I learned that sometimes I can act like a two year old and that sometimes I treat God like He is only two. I give God a "time-out" so to speak when I feel that I've got it all under control. I don't really know where I get the idea that I am smarter than God and that my plan will work out better in the long run. I tend to have to learn the same lessons over and over again. Have you ever thrown a spiritual fit? Telling God at the top of your lungs that life isn't fair and you don't understand what in the world He is up to, when in all reality He owes you no explanation? It's nothing to brag about, but I have.

Learning isn't aways fun, but it is necessary.

Boating

2007-06-12T23:29:00.000-04:00

Saturday we (Justin, Janette, Jerry, Ethan, and I) went boating on Lake Wateree. (No it is not a typo.) The guys had gone ahead to go fishing while Janette, Ethan, and I waited until 11 to go out. Well, the plan was to be there around 10, but Janette grabbed the wrong paper off of the counter and we ended up in the boon docks with little to no cell phone reception and no directions. We finally made it. Once we got there I had to overcome my fear of the boat suddenly capsizing in the middle of the lake or our "crew" being stranded on a "three hour tour...a three hour tour." (I wasn't actually too far off.) We launched sail and made it to the middle of the lake where we hooked up the inter tube for added fun. After 45 minutes or so we killed the engine and dropped anchor to enjoy sitting on a boat in the middle of a lake. Ethan was being so good. He has just learned to walk so he was waddling around with his life jacket, playing, and continually throwing his pacifier overboard. Well, we decided that it was time to head out into the open waters again so Jerry started the motor...or tried. The motor would not start so yes, my fear became reality...it truly was a three hour tour. The guys took the motor apart basically, trying to figure out what was wrong, but to no avail. Finally Justin used the inter tube and paddled to the nearest house for help. Our rescuers came with a platoon boat and tugged us back to the dock. The funniest part was when we found out what was wrong. In the midst of Ethan being an angelic baby he is, he had pulled the kill switch, making it virtually impossible for the motor to turn over. All we would have had to do was plug it back in! Overall we had a really good time.
Speaking of Ethan....

Here he is on the boat.

I think he just threw his pacifier over.

Ethan

2007-06-08T19:04:00.001-04:00

Well, here it is, a picture of my favorite guy. I was so sad when I arrived in Columbia Wednesday and he didn't remember me! It has only been a few months. Today I won him back over though and he reached for me. My heart is overflowing with love for this little guy. (Oh, yeah. I finally made it South Carolina.)

Update

2007-05-31T20:52:00.000-04:00

Just an update for all who need to know. The transmission in my car has gone to live with Cricket in car purgatory. (I don't plan on praying either Cricket or the transmission out anytime soon. I've decided to make them think about what they have done for awhile and be really sorry). Anyway, I am at my parent's house for a few days then I plan on going BACK to Cincinnati, picking up my WORKING car, and finally heading to South Carolina. Maybe I'll make it this time. Enough said on that topic.

Ethan took his first real steps by himself today while Janette and I were on the phone. Janette screamed and I about swallowed the phone. He walked from the couch to the middle of the living room before he plopped down and Janette screamed. He just started giggling.

They have paused the movie in the family room for me so I better go.

The Car's Name is "Burger!?"

2007-05-29T04:28:00.000-04:00

The first car I ever owned was a gray 1993 Chevy Corsica. It was given to me by my Grandma Closser (on my mother's side). I named it Cricket because it was constantly making some silly noise that made me more nervous than anything I can describe. Finally, last semester the engine blew and Cricket went on to meet its eternal reward: the dump (insert smiley).
Soooooooo, last weekend I bought a new car. New to me anyway. I bought it off my Grandma Brown's (this one's on my father's side) ex-friend, Jerry, who is a used car salesman. He gave me a really good deal on a hunter green 1997 Ford Taurus. Not my first choice, but I was in dire straights and I needed a car in two weeks. My dad asked me what I was going to name this one and the only thing that I could think of was "Burger!" Why? Because it was green! What? I know I should be embarrassed, I was just kidding around, but for some reason the name stuck (there is not an innuendo intended here).
I proudly drove my "new" car, Burger, to school, packed it full of all of the junk that I would need, and started for my summer location, Columbia, South Carolina. About an hour down the road I saw a blanket of smoke billowing out of the back of my "new" car. I pulled over and before I even got out of the car prayed "God, PLEASE don't let it be anything drastic!" To make a long story short....I still don't know what is wrong. It's Memorial Day and every mechanic this side of the Mississippi is closed for the celebration. I must admit that I struggled A LOT at first with keeping my head on my shoulders. It was frustrating and I wanted to get to SC. Plus, add $15 bucks to the tow bill and I will have paid the first month's car payment!
As I look back on the situation though, I can really see how God was watching out for me. First, my parents called Saturday night and informed me that they were "not comfortable" letting me drive to SC be myself. I wasn't upset with them, just a little inconvenienced. So to appease them I waited longer than I planned to leave and was following the Stewart's. Second, I was only one hour away from school. Third, my cell phone worked. My parents didn't tell me that I couldn't drive down alone, but since they weren't real keen on me moving in the first place I decide to give in on this one. Thank God I did! I could have been stranded, scared, and an emotional basket case all alone. (I was all of the afore mentioned, I just wasn't alone)! Since I was only an hour away it was too difficult to get back to school where I have a mechanic I know and trust, where I have a safe place to stay the night, and where I have a little support system built. A little later the Stewarts called and said that almost exactly one mile down the road all cellphone signal stopped! What would I have done if I had been several hours away from school, all alone in this big scary world, AND without a cellphone? That is nervous break down material right there! Anyway, Burger is currently sitting at the shop waiting to be fixed and I am safe in the dorm typing this very long blog. God is good even when we don't recognize it!

First Time for Everything!

2007-05-24T22:01:00.000-04:00

Well, this is the first blog I have ever written. I decided that I might as well join the ranks and start posting my jargon! (It took me awhile to come up with a word that started with "j"). Anyway, I will write more later, but for now I am going to explore my new found hobby!