Ever feel like there is tons of stuff going on and then not very much at the same time? That's my life lately. A quick recap....
Winterfest - It was a fun experience, however it is crazy. Definitely not my idea of a relaxing weekend, but we got to know alot of the kids better. On our way home, it started sleeting. We drove the last 3 hours in heavy snow. NOT FUN when you are responsible for 30 teenagers that aren't your own. However, as a result of that snow I had Monday off work and Mike stayed a few days longer.
Scrapbooking - It can be such a long and tedious process. I have a book that I have to have done in 2 months. I am going to have to kick it into high gear. I spent most of Friday night having a low key night at home working on that. I only got one page done!
Saturday - I was sooo looking forward to just having a leisure morning. Topaz was up at least every 30 minutes sick during the night Friday. Ugh. Needless to say I ended up waking up many times during the night and very early Saturday morning. I also ended up with 5 loads of laundry from it. However, saturday night I escaped and went to a cooking party. It was a lot of fun. We made salsa, fajitas, quesadillas, and fruit pizza. I met a couple of people I didn't know that are about my age.
Sunday - These are always crazy days. Since Mike works for the church, I feel I do to at times. I haven't had a relaxing Sunday in a long time. The problem is I still work Monday thru Friday too. After church I had a meeting, had a break, and then was back at church dealing with stuff. However, I got to enjoy dinner with lots of fun people and got to know a couple that has been visiting the last few weeks.
It is getting warm here and staying light longer. I love this time of year. It is so renewing and refreshing.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Something Fun
Just came across this and was curious what it would say. Guess it pegs me well since this is what I do. However, some days this is not what I want to do. I get really tired of having to end my relationships with people when they walk out the door. My real dream is to work beside my husband in family ministry. This way I could walk beside people as they deal with turmoil and be a friend but use my skills to enrich and teach about healthy families within a spiritual framework....Maybe someday!
| Your Career Type: Social |
 You would make an excellent: Counselor - Dental Hygienist - LibrarianNurse - Parole Officer - Personal TrainerPhysical Therapist - Social Worker - Teacher The worst career options for your are realistic careers, like truck driver or farmer. |
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Weekend Recap
-Friday night I enjoyed a progressive dinner that was designed to allow our church an opportunity to bring friends and have fun together. It was hectic in the days leading up to it, but went off without a hitch Friday night, snow and all.
- I had a sleepover for two girls (18 months and 7 years old). The little one woke up puking about 6:30am Saturday. Talk about an unexpected experience. We both changed clothes three times before we dozed again for a few hours.
- Experienced a local flea market with a friend....not sure it will be a frequent shopping stop. Later enjoyed a stroll around the mall. Children's Place was having a HUGE sale. Both of my friends found great deals. I love buying for kids even though I don't have any, but resisted the temptation this time.
-Hosted my small group for lunch Sunday. Enjoyed a nap while watching the Olympics.
-Watched Grey's. This is my hands down favorite show right now. I was so shocked at many different points. I was cracking up at Dr. Bailey's new term.
-Low key, but fun. The next few weekends will be really busy and I will be ready for a low-key Saturday.
- I had a sleepover for two girls (18 months and 7 years old). The little one woke up puking about 6:30am Saturday. Talk about an unexpected experience. We both changed clothes three times before we dozed again for a few hours.
- Experienced a local flea market with a friend....not sure it will be a frequent shopping stop. Later enjoyed a stroll around the mall. Children's Place was having a HUGE sale. Both of my friends found great deals. I love buying for kids even though I don't have any, but resisted the temptation this time.
-Hosted my small group for lunch Sunday. Enjoyed a nap while watching the Olympics.
-Watched Grey's. This is my hands down favorite show right now. I was so shocked at many different points. I was cracking up at Dr. Bailey's new term.
-Low key, but fun. The next few weekends will be really busy and I will be ready for a low-key Saturday.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Tag..........
Maybe this will be more interesting....
Four Jobs I've Had:
1. Waitress at Cowboy's BBQ - it was my very first job when I was 15 1/2.
2. Youth Intern - Atlanta, GA; Pensacola, FL; The Woodlands, TX
3. Baby Gap - This was a great job. I got a discount at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. This was a definite perk. I am constantly thinking about doing it again in the evenings. Mike keeps telling me NO.
4. Therapist at the Christian Counseling Center - My first real job!
Four Movies I've NEVER Seen: (I am tweaking this one because I rarely watch movies so this will be much more interesting)
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Star Wars
3. Harry Potter
4. Most of the Classics
Four Books (Authors) I could read over and over:
1. Francine Rivers
2. Karen Kinsbury
3. Penelope Stokes
4. Lauren Winner
Four Places I Have Lived:
1. Muskogee, OK
2. Nashville, TN
3. Abilene, TX
4. Paducah, KY
Four TV Shows I Watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. ER
3. Oprah
4. Today Show
Four Places I've Been on Vacation:
1. San Francisco
2. Europe
3. Egypt
4. Gatlinburg, TN (honeymoon)
Four Websites I Visit Daily:
1. Blogs
2. US Bank
3. Google
4. More Blogs :)
Four Favorite Foods:
1. Fajitas
2. Brownies and IceCream
3. Pineapple
4. Italian
Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:
1. Greece with Mike
2. Shopping with unlimited funds
3. With my family in OK
4. The weekend with Mike
Four Jobs I've Had:
1. Waitress at Cowboy's BBQ - it was my very first job when I was 15 1/2.
2. Youth Intern - Atlanta, GA; Pensacola, FL; The Woodlands, TX
3. Baby Gap - This was a great job. I got a discount at Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic. This was a definite perk. I am constantly thinking about doing it again in the evenings. Mike keeps telling me NO.
4. Therapist at the Christian Counseling Center - My first real job!
Four Movies I've NEVER Seen: (I am tweaking this one because I rarely watch movies so this will be much more interesting)
1. Lord of the Rings Trilogy
2. Star Wars
3. Harry Potter
4. Most of the Classics
Four Books (Authors) I could read over and over:
1. Francine Rivers
2. Karen Kinsbury
3. Penelope Stokes
4. Lauren Winner
Four Places I Have Lived:
1. Muskogee, OK
2. Nashville, TN
3. Abilene, TX
4. Paducah, KY
Four TV Shows I Watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. ER
3. Oprah
4. Today Show
Four Places I've Been on Vacation:
1. San Francisco
2. Europe
3. Egypt
4. Gatlinburg, TN (honeymoon)
Four Websites I Visit Daily:
1. Blogs
2. US Bank
3. Google
4. More Blogs :)
Four Favorite Foods:
1. Fajitas
2. Brownies and IceCream
3. Pineapple
4. Italian
Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:
1. Greece with Mike
2. Shopping with unlimited funds
3. With my family in OK
4. The weekend with Mike
Just the routine...
Absolutely nothing seems to be going on right now....It is pretty much the same routine everday. So that doesn't leave me much to blog about. But I will try to come up with something...
-My friend Megan came to hang out with me Friday and Saturday. We went to the gym Saturday morning and then walked around the mall before she headed home.
-Sunday was church and small group. Since my small group met at lunch I joined another small group that night.
-Topaz is definitely a spaz and is experiencing doggie adolescenthood. He will be experiencing a small surgery in the near future. :)
-He is REALLY enjoying the attention but hates the extra time he has to be in the kennel. He is ready for things to be back to normal.
-I actually cooked dinner last night. I haven't cooked a real meal in at least a month. (I still eat, but have a few families that have me over almost EVERY night)
- I tried to start gathering our tax stuff up to take to the accountant but it was overwhelming so I abandoned that project for another day.
Maybe I will have something more exciting to report later....but for now, it's all I've got.
-My friend Megan came to hang out with me Friday and Saturday. We went to the gym Saturday morning and then walked around the mall before she headed home.
-Sunday was church and small group. Since my small group met at lunch I joined another small group that night.
-Topaz is definitely a spaz and is experiencing doggie adolescenthood. He will be experiencing a small surgery in the near future. :)
-He is REALLY enjoying the attention but hates the extra time he has to be in the kennel. He is ready for things to be back to normal.
-I actually cooked dinner last night. I haven't cooked a real meal in at least a month. (I still eat, but have a few families that have me over almost EVERY night)
- I tried to start gathering our tax stuff up to take to the accountant but it was overwhelming so I abandoned that project for another day.
Maybe I will have something more exciting to report later....but for now, it's all I've got.
Monday, January 23, 2006
3 More Days
Only three more days until I get to see my husband. Can you tell that I am looking forward to it? But the exciting thing is that not only do I get to spend the time with him, I also get to see MANY friends that I miss so much. I am really looking forward to catching up with our small group, some of my best friends, and whoever else I happen to run into. It will be great!
This past weekend was pretty quiet. I hung out with a family from church Friday night. They are so kind to invite me to dinner EVERY night. I really feel at home with them. Saturday, I laid around all morning and then went to the gym for a few hours. I spent the afternoon and evening cleaning. Sunday morning was spent at church and then at the gym and cleaning some more. I hosted our small group Sunday night. We are switching groups now, so I look forward to that as well.
I am looking forward to getting a few projects completed in the next few weeks. There seems to always be something waiting. I want to learn more about my camera and get a good jumpstart on my sister's scrapbook. Mike and I were dreaming about learning lots and being able to open a business one day. I would really love to do that as a side job. Now I just have to figure out how do everything with it.
Back to work this morning and definitely looking forward to the short week. Thursday I will be headed to A-town. Hurray!
This past weekend was pretty quiet. I hung out with a family from church Friday night. They are so kind to invite me to dinner EVERY night. I really feel at home with them. Saturday, I laid around all morning and then went to the gym for a few hours. I spent the afternoon and evening cleaning. Sunday morning was spent at church and then at the gym and cleaning some more. I hosted our small group Sunday night. We are switching groups now, so I look forward to that as well.
I am looking forward to getting a few projects completed in the next few weeks. There seems to always be something waiting. I want to learn more about my camera and get a good jumpstart on my sister's scrapbook. Mike and I were dreaming about learning lots and being able to open a business one day. I would really love to do that as a side job. Now I just have to figure out how do everything with it.
Back to work this morning and definitely looking forward to the short week. Thursday I will be headed to A-town. Hurray!
Friday, January 20, 2006
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Where do I start....
Sometimes, I avoid blogging because I can't narrow down what I want to talk about. Kinda funny when I think about it. If I would just start writing I wouldn't have to narrow it down.
It's amazing how life continues to move and change. Since the last time I blogged, so much as happened. We enjoyed Christmas with both of our families, two severe colds which knocked us out for several days, a fun New Year's Eve party, Texas winning the National Championship (Mike was VERY excited about this), cooking dinner and celebrating one of my best friend's birthdays, painting another plate at "The Clay Chamelon", sending Mike to Abilene, and finding my routine again.
Topaz and I have had a great week. We have walked most evenings and enjoy the time to catch up with a friend or to just listen to my IPOD. I finished reading "Three Weeks with My Brother" by Nicholas Sparks. It was an excellent story about his life growing up interweaved with the story of traveling around the world in 3 weeks with his brother. I highly recommend it.
Sleeping through the night has been the most difficult part of the adjustment. Within the past year I have noticed that anytime I expereince a change in my life I have difficulty sleeping for a few days and then I tend to settle in. Last night was the first night that I didn't wake up until 5am (my alarm goes off at 5:30). Hopefully, this will resolve itself soon. One positive about this is that I get to go to bed when I want. It's not as if Mike won't let me but it seems that we always are doing something when he is here and it is at least 10pm before we make it to bed. I really like to be headed to bed about 9pm and then read for a few minutes before turning the light out. It has been 3 years since I have been able to do this. Shortly before Mike and I started dating. It also helps me to be able to get up by 5:30 to go run or work out. We'll see how this schedule holds out for the next few months.
It's amazing how life continues to move and change. Since the last time I blogged, so much as happened. We enjoyed Christmas with both of our families, two severe colds which knocked us out for several days, a fun New Year's Eve party, Texas winning the National Championship (Mike was VERY excited about this), cooking dinner and celebrating one of my best friend's birthdays, painting another plate at "The Clay Chamelon", sending Mike to Abilene, and finding my routine again.
Topaz and I have had a great week. We have walked most evenings and enjoy the time to catch up with a friend or to just listen to my IPOD. I finished reading "Three Weeks with My Brother" by Nicholas Sparks. It was an excellent story about his life growing up interweaved with the story of traveling around the world in 3 weeks with his brother. I highly recommend it.
Sleeping through the night has been the most difficult part of the adjustment. Within the past year I have noticed that anytime I expereince a change in my life I have difficulty sleeping for a few days and then I tend to settle in. Last night was the first night that I didn't wake up until 5am (my alarm goes off at 5:30). Hopefully, this will resolve itself soon. One positive about this is that I get to go to bed when I want. It's not as if Mike won't let me but it seems that we always are doing something when he is here and it is at least 10pm before we make it to bed. I really like to be headed to bed about 9pm and then read for a few minutes before turning the light out. It has been 3 years since I have been able to do this. Shortly before Mike and I started dating. It also helps me to be able to get up by 5:30 to go run or work out. We'll see how this schedule holds out for the next few months.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
3 Short Work Weeks
The next three weeks at work are 4 day weeks. That is so exciting to me. And this week is half over already. Only 2 more work days. My parents will be here and I don't have to work. I always hate it when we have company and I have to work the whole time they are in town.
This past weekend was very productive and fun. Friday night we had dinner with some friends and played cards. Saturday morning we were able to participate in creating food baskets with our church and distributing them. It was a great reminder of what we are about. At several of the houses I just wished I could sit down and let those people tell me their stories of their lives. The last house was pretty frightening. The man at the house asked us for a ride somewhere through his daughter and when Mike went to talk to him he was smoking pot. My imagination started going crazy and I could just see us ending up in the worst of situations. We weren't able to take him, but it was difficult to make that decision. The middle part of the day was spent cleaning and organizing the house. We even fixed the smelly, broken vacuum ourselves! I did a little bit of shopping for myself and found a few new pairs of jeans. While I was in line to check out at Kohl's I watched a lady get angry because she was being asked to stand in the universal line that fed to the next available cashier. She did not understand why she couldn't just walk up to the one line that didn't have many people in it. When she was asked to get in line she threw her clothes in the ladies face and walked out. We were all shocked.
Saturday night we had my office Christmas party and then we went to this pottery place and painted. I can't wait to pick it up. Sunday morning we discussed our turning points on our spiritual journey in class. Sunday afternoon was spent painting nightstands, cleaning the garage, giving Topaz a bath, and cooking for the Christmas party at church. Sunday night we had the Christmas program which was great and yummy food afterwards.
Needless to say, I was tired yesterday!
This past weekend was very productive and fun. Friday night we had dinner with some friends and played cards. Saturday morning we were able to participate in creating food baskets with our church and distributing them. It was a great reminder of what we are about. At several of the houses I just wished I could sit down and let those people tell me their stories of their lives. The last house was pretty frightening. The man at the house asked us for a ride somewhere through his daughter and when Mike went to talk to him he was smoking pot. My imagination started going crazy and I could just see us ending up in the worst of situations. We weren't able to take him, but it was difficult to make that decision. The middle part of the day was spent cleaning and organizing the house. We even fixed the smelly, broken vacuum ourselves! I did a little bit of shopping for myself and found a few new pairs of jeans. While I was in line to check out at Kohl's I watched a lady get angry because she was being asked to stand in the universal line that fed to the next available cashier. She did not understand why she couldn't just walk up to the one line that didn't have many people in it. When she was asked to get in line she threw her clothes in the ladies face and walked out. We were all shocked.
Saturday night we had my office Christmas party and then we went to this pottery place and painted. I can't wait to pick it up. Sunday morning we discussed our turning points on our spiritual journey in class. Sunday afternoon was spent painting nightstands, cleaning the garage, giving Topaz a bath, and cooking for the Christmas party at church. Sunday night we had the Christmas program which was great and yummy food afterwards.
Needless to say, I was tired yesterday!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Changes
I think all of the changes in my life over the recent months are beginning to catch up with me. I find myself feeling very tired these days and trying to make it to bedtime each night. So many things have been going on, mostly good things, but I still feel worn out. Right now I long for a day off work that doesn't involve a holiday, a day in which I could just lay around and rest. Christmas is quickly approaching. I am always surprised at how quickly it sneaks up on me. I still have a few gifts to buy and need to wrap everything! My parents will be in town next weekend and I am really looking forward to having them here. The next three weeks are four day weeks so hopefully that will give me some rest. I look forward to making new memories in our home.
Other than exhaustion, it doesn't seem as though there is much going on. I have been baking for different holiday gatherings and we have the last of our Christmas parties this weekend. It will definitely be a full weekend and will probably be ready for Monday just to not go, go, go. Hope you all can enjoy life right now without feeling stressed and worn out.
Blessings.
Other than exhaustion, it doesn't seem as though there is much going on. I have been baking for different holiday gatherings and we have the last of our Christmas parties this weekend. It will definitely be a full weekend and will probably be ready for Monday just to not go, go, go. Hope you all can enjoy life right now without feeling stressed and worn out.
Blessings.
Thursday, December 08, 2005
Holidays...Joy and Suffering
Christmas is supposed to be such a happy and jolly time of the year. But every year, I can't help but feel immense sadness for families who don't have the money to celebrate in the same way as other people. Everytime I walk through the mall and see that angels on the angel tree or hear about a family who has recently lost everything my heart aches for the parents and the kids.
A few Sunday's ago we had the opportunity to adopt some children to buy gifts for through our church. Every year they put together food baskets and coordinate efforts with a local agency to provide presents to children whose families can't do these things for them. One of the things we have tried to be intentional about when picking these children out is that we choose a type of child that would not be typically chosen. Usually that means the older adolescents to teenagers. This is important to me because I feel strongly that it will effect a 17 much more if they don't get a gift then it will a 2 year old. The older kids are embarrassed when they go to school and know what they are missing out on. As we picked them out, the lady coordinating it told me that if they had left over names they would be going shopping for them. I quickly let her know that I would love to help if they needed it.
Mike and I agreed that we would forego gifts for each other and put our money towards these kids. We set a budget and have found them quite a few things. The lady in charge invited me to help finish the shopping for the kids that were leftover. When I met them Monday night I found out that we are only able to spend $20-$25 on each kid. This broke my heart. Most of these kids were older and their clothes naturally cost more than a 5 year old. So they will get very few items. I could hardly stand it. The other downside to this is many of their siblings have been "adopted" by someone in the church and will get a sackful of presents and they will only have one or two. It is times like this that my heart sinks. I just hate that kids have to experience pain during what is supposed to be a joyful holiday. I try to take joy in knowing that at least many of these kids will receive something and they might understand that their are people that truly care about them.
I love opportunities like this because it forces me to recognize how blessed I am. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. May he be present in the lives of those who are broken hearted this holiday season.
A few Sunday's ago we had the opportunity to adopt some children to buy gifts for through our church. Every year they put together food baskets and coordinate efforts with a local agency to provide presents to children whose families can't do these things for them. One of the things we have tried to be intentional about when picking these children out is that we choose a type of child that would not be typically chosen. Usually that means the older adolescents to teenagers. This is important to me because I feel strongly that it will effect a 17 much more if they don't get a gift then it will a 2 year old. The older kids are embarrassed when they go to school and know what they are missing out on. As we picked them out, the lady coordinating it told me that if they had left over names they would be going shopping for them. I quickly let her know that I would love to help if they needed it.
Mike and I agreed that we would forego gifts for each other and put our money towards these kids. We set a budget and have found them quite a few things. The lady in charge invited me to help finish the shopping for the kids that were leftover. When I met them Monday night I found out that we are only able to spend $20-$25 on each kid. This broke my heart. Most of these kids were older and their clothes naturally cost more than a 5 year old. So they will get very few items. I could hardly stand it. The other downside to this is many of their siblings have been "adopted" by someone in the church and will get a sackful of presents and they will only have one or two. It is times like this that my heart sinks. I just hate that kids have to experience pain during what is supposed to be a joyful holiday. I try to take joy in knowing that at least many of these kids will receive something and they might understand that their are people that truly care about them.
I love opportunities like this because it forces me to recognize how blessed I am. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. May he be present in the lives of those who are broken hearted this holiday season.
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Commenting Complex
For some odd reason, I don't like to comment on blogs. I love reading them (I read alot) and many times I have comments that I want to make but yet I don't. Certain bloggers have asked why I never comment. Last night I had to admit that I am a blog lurker to a friend at church :). I can't answer this question completely, except to say that I freeze when I think about leaving a comment. I think part of it is not wanting to sound stupid and another part, well who knows. In the last few weeks it is getting a little better....so I will keep working on it. I think I have the same complex at times with posting. Silly, I know. Just so my few readers know, I am working on it.
-ssd
-ssd
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Highs and Lows
During September and October I co-taught a class of 4th and 5th graders. One of our routine questions each week was their highs and lows of the week. After everyone shared we would pray about those highs and lows. I thought I would participate today....
Lows:
-We had awful storms blow through yesterday damaging alot of homes.
-Mike is putting in alot of time with school right now.
-Mike's stay in Abilene is quickly approaching.
-Topaz is still working on being completely obedient.
Highs:
-I have a job that is helping me toward my license.
-We have been welcomed with open arms since we moved to Paducah.
-I have a husband that loves me and makes time for me despite his school work.
-Thanksgiving is next week and I get to go see my family.
-Mike will be done with school for the semester in 2 weeks.
-We have a clean house.
-We were not affected by the storm in any major way.
-I got to go home from work early.
This is just a few things that come to my mind at this moment. Thankfully, it was much easier to think of highs than lows at this point in our journey.
Lows:
-We had awful storms blow through yesterday damaging alot of homes.
-Mike is putting in alot of time with school right now.
-Mike's stay in Abilene is quickly approaching.
-Topaz is still working on being completely obedient.
Highs:
-I have a job that is helping me toward my license.
-We have been welcomed with open arms since we moved to Paducah.
-I have a husband that loves me and makes time for me despite his school work.
-Thanksgiving is next week and I get to go see my family.
-Mike will be done with school for the semester in 2 weeks.
-We have a clean house.
-We were not affected by the storm in any major way.
-I got to go home from work early.
This is just a few things that come to my mind at this moment. Thankfully, it was much easier to think of highs than lows at this point in our journey.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Memories
Friday is finally here! As long as I can remember I have always looked forward to Fridays. Who doesn't? I am especially looking forward to this weekend. Tomorrow Mike and I are going to make the short trip to Nashville for the day. I am going to a shower for a friend/sister of mine and he is going to spend the afternoon in the library. I think I am looking forward to the trip more than he is.
However, this has brought alot of memories back to me. I am amazed as I think about the number of people in my life that have been significant and still hold such special places in my heart. Today, I want to write in particular about the Osburns. After my freshman year in college, I decided to pursue a youth internship. That summer I ended up in Atlanta, GA at the Campus Church of Christ. It was an incredible summer. I had the joy of working with a childhood friend and two new friends and vetern youth ministers, Ken and Donna Ellis. Before I go any farther, I have to say that they are great ministers and have really impacted alot of lives. I learned so much that summer and could share many stories. While all of these relationships were special, the family I lived gave me and showed me something I really needed that summer.
The Osburns loved spending time together as well as to take others in their home. The summer I was with them their family (James, Jayne, Julia, and Jayme) was there as well as Freddy, their foster son, and the two female interns. This family laughed together, watched movies together, talked about God together. James and Jayne were not afraid to laugh and have a good time with their kids. They were involved in their lives, but they also disciplined them as well. They became confidants for me during a difficult time and continued to be there for me during the next two years. Their house was the frequent gathering place for the teenagers and they didn't mind. They have always considered me their third daughter and I easily consider them my second family. Those are my sisters and I care deeply for them. Several years later, it was interesting that Julia began her freshman year at Lipscomb as I finished my senior year. I have made special trips just to spend the weekend. I know they have open arms.
I am so happy for Julia as she prepares for marriage, but it is so difficult not to think of her as still being a junior in high school. My dream has always been to get to host an intern and show them the love that I received from this family. My heart is so excited to spend the evening with Jayne, Jayme, Julia, and David. I long for Mike to know them better so he can understand the connection we share.
Our lives change, but my memories of that summer will forever be engrained on my heart.
However, this has brought alot of memories back to me. I am amazed as I think about the number of people in my life that have been significant and still hold such special places in my heart. Today, I want to write in particular about the Osburns. After my freshman year in college, I decided to pursue a youth internship. That summer I ended up in Atlanta, GA at the Campus Church of Christ. It was an incredible summer. I had the joy of working with a childhood friend and two new friends and vetern youth ministers, Ken and Donna Ellis. Before I go any farther, I have to say that they are great ministers and have really impacted alot of lives. I learned so much that summer and could share many stories. While all of these relationships were special, the family I lived gave me and showed me something I really needed that summer.
The Osburns loved spending time together as well as to take others in their home. The summer I was with them their family (James, Jayne, Julia, and Jayme) was there as well as Freddy, their foster son, and the two female interns. This family laughed together, watched movies together, talked about God together. James and Jayne were not afraid to laugh and have a good time with their kids. They were involved in their lives, but they also disciplined them as well. They became confidants for me during a difficult time and continued to be there for me during the next two years. Their house was the frequent gathering place for the teenagers and they didn't mind. They have always considered me their third daughter and I easily consider them my second family. Those are my sisters and I care deeply for them. Several years later, it was interesting that Julia began her freshman year at Lipscomb as I finished my senior year. I have made special trips just to spend the weekend. I know they have open arms.
I am so happy for Julia as she prepares for marriage, but it is so difficult not to think of her as still being a junior in high school. My dream has always been to get to host an intern and show them the love that I received from this family. My heart is so excited to spend the evening with Jayne, Jayme, Julia, and David. I long for Mike to know them better so he can understand the connection we share.
Our lives change, but my memories of that summer will forever be engrained on my heart.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Why GOD?
God, why do people have to hurt so bad?
Why do some people that seem to hurt the worst not have a good family support system?
Why won't it go away?
Why don't you heal them?
Why can't they see your hand in positive aspects of their life?
Why is it so hard to ask for help?
Why don't children feel they can trust adults?
Why do we get so stressed?
These are alot of deep questions that I find myself asking lately. The first few months of my job have been really rough. I have dealt with many serious things over and over. I tend to go home worried and stressed and for the first time in my life it is hard to leave it at work. My heart breaks for the people that walk through my door everyday. I feel helpless at times even though I have been through 6 years of college and grad school to do this. The cry of my heart is that I can see God's hand in the lives of these people, but at times I begin to wonder alongside of them where God has been. It seems that he is distant or deserted them altogether. There is such a huge segment of our society that is writhing in their pain. Will we seek them out and love them? Or will we just leave them there to suffer? Many people just need a support system that is healthy and doesn't perpetuate these patterns. Won't we look past the outside and see how we might offer them a cup of cold water?
Why do some people that seem to hurt the worst not have a good family support system?
Why won't it go away?
Why don't you heal them?
Why can't they see your hand in positive aspects of their life?
Why is it so hard to ask for help?
Why don't children feel they can trust adults?
Why do we get so stressed?
These are alot of deep questions that I find myself asking lately. The first few months of my job have been really rough. I have dealt with many serious things over and over. I tend to go home worried and stressed and for the first time in my life it is hard to leave it at work. My heart breaks for the people that walk through my door everyday. I feel helpless at times even though I have been through 6 years of college and grad school to do this. The cry of my heart is that I can see God's hand in the lives of these people, but at times I begin to wonder alongside of them where God has been. It seems that he is distant or deserted them altogether. There is such a huge segment of our society that is writhing in their pain. Will we seek them out and love them? Or will we just leave them there to suffer? Many people just need a support system that is healthy and doesn't perpetuate these patterns. Won't we look past the outside and see how we might offer them a cup of cold water?
Monday, October 17, 2005
Great weekend
My parents were in town this weekend for their first visit to Paducah, KY. It was so great for them to be able to finally see our house and the area where we live now. We got to enjoy all of our favorite pasttimes....eating, shopping, playing with Topaz, and laughing. They arrived on Thursday at lunch and I made a beeline for the house so I could give the grand tour. Mike and I had to work Thursday afternoon and Friday but Mom and Dad explored Paducah and met us for lunch. Friday we grilled chicken and steak and made fajitas and then went out for ice cream. Saturday we started the day at a greasy spoon for Breakfast. This is one of my dad's favorite pasttimes. He calls them greasy spoons because they are local flavor owned by individuals rather than a big chain. After breakfast, my mom and I headed out to do some shopping. This is one of our favorite things to do. We met back up with Mike and Dad and went downtown for dinner. We spent lots of time playing with Topaz. He ate up the attention my mom lavished upon him and has been incredibly needy since they left. In all, it was a great weekend. I love having my parents here - the conversations, the stories, and all the memories that we make for the future. I hope we will have many more visits.
Last night we went to the youth care group. Mike continued to use questions to create discussion. It is amazing how good these kids are at regurgitating the "right" answers. I pray that we will be able to help them think beyond the bounds of the "right" answers and let them stretch their minds to think for themselves. This is truly what it means to form faith in our kids.
So I found myself back to Monday, already looking towards next weekend! What a cycle!
Last night we went to the youth care group. Mike continued to use questions to create discussion. It is amazing how good these kids are at regurgitating the "right" answers. I pray that we will be able to help them think beyond the bounds of the "right" answers and let them stretch their minds to think for themselves. This is truly what it means to form faith in our kids.
So I found myself back to Monday, already looking towards next weekend! What a cycle!
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Finally....
Well, I think we are very close to feeling settled in our house. We have pretty much finished all of the projects that we have scheduled for the time being. Tonight we will put our bedroom furniture back in place and be done for a few weeks at least. It has been a stressful few weeks with work and not feeling totally settled. I needed to find some closure with getting some projects done. I definitely allow those things to stress me out and want everything done yesterday!
In other news, my parents are coming to visit this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. They are very excited to meet their granddog, Topaz, and see this new place that we have moved to. It is always alot of fun for my mom and I to go shop together.
Mike and I went with Reidland to the ZOE conference this weekend and it was great. We saw SOO many old friends and a few that we hadn't seen in 3-4 years. The worship was refreshing and we had some great conversations with members of the church about the language of blessing and using it in our conversations. The classes that we attended were really helpful and one of the things that I think we brought home with us was teaching with the use of questions. It was interesting that Mike and I were in different classes but both talked about it.
The idea is that kids are used to being told what they are supposed to know and the "answers" to the questions. However, postmodern kids are not always satisfied with these answers. They ask the hard questions and are frustrated when they are silenced for asking questions. As I thought about it, the idea of asking questions is similar to what I do in the therapy room. My goal is to ask questions so the client come up with the answer. When this happens it is much more powerful for them than if I just told them. I think this is the same idea with our kids....let's encourage them to find the answers so that it will be a more powerful experience.
Mike tried this out Sunday night in a discussion with the kids. It was difficult at first on both ends. You have to learn to ask the right questions that open up discussion. The kids were really good at giving the "right" answers. When they were pushed to go beyond that, it was amazing what they came up with. They really think about things and have good things to say. I would really encourage parents to ask questions and not get angry with the answers but learn that this is the reality of what kids are experiencing. They need an outlet to talk about it. If you react they will just find another outlet and you won't get to experience the process of them evolving and learning to think for themselves.
In other news, my parents are coming to visit this weekend and I couldn't be more excited. They are very excited to meet their granddog, Topaz, and see this new place that we have moved to. It is always alot of fun for my mom and I to go shop together.
Mike and I went with Reidland to the ZOE conference this weekend and it was great. We saw SOO many old friends and a few that we hadn't seen in 3-4 years. The worship was refreshing and we had some great conversations with members of the church about the language of blessing and using it in our conversations. The classes that we attended were really helpful and one of the things that I think we brought home with us was teaching with the use of questions. It was interesting that Mike and I were in different classes but both talked about it.
The idea is that kids are used to being told what they are supposed to know and the "answers" to the questions. However, postmodern kids are not always satisfied with these answers. They ask the hard questions and are frustrated when they are silenced for asking questions. As I thought about it, the idea of asking questions is similar to what I do in the therapy room. My goal is to ask questions so the client come up with the answer. When this happens it is much more powerful for them than if I just told them. I think this is the same idea with our kids....let's encourage them to find the answers so that it will be a more powerful experience.
Mike tried this out Sunday night in a discussion with the kids. It was difficult at first on both ends. You have to learn to ask the right questions that open up discussion. The kids were really good at giving the "right" answers. When they were pushed to go beyond that, it was amazing what they came up with. They really think about things and have good things to say. I would really encourage parents to ask questions and not get angry with the answers but learn that this is the reality of what kids are experiencing. They need an outlet to talk about it. If you react they will just find another outlet and you won't get to experience the process of them evolving and learning to think for themselves.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Interesting
| You Are Likely an Only Child |
 In friendship, you are emotional and sympathetic.Your ideal careers are: radio announcer, finance, teaching, ministry, and management.You will leave your mark on the world with organizational leadership, maybe as the author of self-help books. |
The Birth Order Predictor
I definitely agree with parts of this but would not totally agree. What does it say about you?
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Welcome to the Family
Yes, we now have a dog. This is our new 11 month old Labradoodle, Topaz. He has been with us for about a month now and is making himself at home. He has traveled alot this first year, he was born in South Illinois and then bought by a family in Chicago along with his brother. However, after sending him to Paducah for obedience training and then going home his family realized they were in over their heads with two big dogs and two small children. He was then sent back to Paducah with the trainer who ran a few ads to try to find him a good home.
One Sunday night I mischievously told Mike I was going to look for a lab puppy in the paper. We weren't really planning on getting a dog so soon! However, much to my delight I found the ad for Topaz. He is 11 months old, obedience trained, microchipped, and house broke and he was a Labradoodle (my dream dog). It seemed too good to be true, but with the encouragement of my friend Randi I called about him. Randi, Ali, and I went to check him out the next day and I was sold. Mike came and fell for him as well. Well, Mike initially fell for the fact that he doesn't shed. Needless to say, he came home with us later that day. He is a great people dog, doesn't shed, but still has enough puppy in him to be a goofball.
As you can see above in the first picture he already has a beloved monkey. The monkey goes everywhere that he does. He also has a great friend in Ali. She was mimicking that he was laying down curled up in a ball the other night. So they are two peas in a pod. It was pretty hilarious.
I am sure I will have many Topaz stories in the future. Stay tuned.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)