Wow...I've been absent for a while. I'm jumping back into the blog world by sharing some powerful things that God is showing me. I have referenced the book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young before as a tool God is using to speak simple and pure truth into my heart and today's post is no different.
"LET ME BLESS YOU with My grace and Peace. Open your heart and mind to receive all that I have for you. Do not be ashamed of your emptiness. Instead, view it as the optimal condition for being filled with My Peace.
It is easy to touch up your outward appearance, to look as if you have it all together. Your attempts to look good can fool most people. But I see straight through you, into the depths of your being. There is no place for pretense in your relationship with Me. Rejoice in the relief of being fully understood. Talk with Me about your struggles and feelings of inadequacy. Little by little, I will transform your weakness into strengths. Remember that your relationship with Me is saturated in grace. Therefore, nothing that you do or don't do can separate you from My Presence."
Why do I forget these things so quickly?
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
I Am Yours - Misty Edwards
The song "I Am Yours" by: Misty Edwards has quickly become a powerful force in my life. I can't seem to stop listening to it and let its truth sink into my heart.
My heart yearns...
My heart yearns...
A New Habit
A beautiful friend of mine gave me the book Jesus Calling by: Sarah Young and it has been such a blessing. The book is filled with short daily devotions for every day of the year. Though the devotions are "short" they do not lack in depth or power. Each devotion has several verses that go along with a brief narrative of what the writer heard God saying to her. I'm so thankful she felt lead to share these intimate words that our Father spoke to her. Here is one I read today and has griped my heart.
"I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective-through the Light of My universal Presence-fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to me."
Psalm 63:2; Isiah 40:10-11; Psalm 139:7-10
I am starting this day to make this a habit.
"I want you to learn a new habit. Try saying, "I trust You, Jesus" in response to whatever happens to you. If there is time, think about who I AM in all My Power and Glory; ponder also the depth and breadth of My Love for you.
This simple practice will help you see Me in every situation, acknowledging My sovereign control over the universe. When you view events from this perspective-through the Light of My universal Presence-fear loses its grip on you. Adverse circumstances become growth opportunities when you affirm your trust in Me no matter what. You receive blessings gratefully, realizing they flow directly from My hand of grace. Your continual assertion of trusting Me will strengthen our relationship and keep you close to me."
Psalm 63:2; Isiah 40:10-11; Psalm 139:7-10
I am starting this day to make this a habit.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Bragging Rights
Can I be totally and completely biased for a quick minute?
How unbelievably precious is this little one... ?
Meet my beauitful niece Emma. I just can't get enough of this girl. I could sit and stare at her for hours and never get bored. Her sweet little triangle mouth, her rounded nose and her dark blue eyes. I love the way she moves her tiny hands around so that they are near her face. I adore that she loves to cuddle and snuggle up to whomever is holding her. I so badly wish I lived closer so I could snuggle with her all day...and believe me, I would!
I can't wait to see more of her little personality, to hear her laugh and say my name. Oh i could gush about her till the end of time. Emma Marie...you are pure sunshine and you are SO very loved. Don't EVER forget that.
How unbelievably precious is this little one... ?
Meet my beauitful niece Emma. I just can't get enough of this girl. I could sit and stare at her for hours and never get bored. Her sweet little triangle mouth, her rounded nose and her dark blue eyes. I love the way she moves her tiny hands around so that they are near her face. I adore that she loves to cuddle and snuggle up to whomever is holding her. I so badly wish I lived closer so I could snuggle with her all day...and believe me, I would!
I can't wait to see more of her little personality, to hear her laugh and say my name. Oh i could gush about her till the end of time. Emma Marie...you are pure sunshine and you are SO very loved. Don't EVER forget that.
Monday, July 5, 2010
About Funerals
My sweet grandpa passed away this past weekend. He was 86 years old and his health was failing. He died peacefully in the care of hospice and at his home as he had wished.
The dying process is really quite fascinating and full of so many varying emotions. During the week that my grandpa was home under hospice care, his house was filled with a combination of family, friends and caregivers. Everyone coming to say goodbye and spend just a few more moments with him. The hospice workers gave our family a booklet titled Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience by Barbara Karnes. The booklet outlined for us what the dying process could be like for him and what to expect. We all found the material very helpful. Check it out here:
Throughout the weekend, I made several observations:
- Planning a funeral helps with the grieving. They say that funerals are really more for the living than the deceased. Yes, it is a way to honor and pay your respects to the one who has passed on, but perhaps more importantly it is to help the loved ones say goodbye and start the grieving process. The business that comes from planning a funeral helps somewhat to distract from the shock of losing someone so dear to you. Choosing flowers, writing the obituary and planning the details of the service take the place of your daily routines. It's later...after the funeral, the burial, the prepared meals and all the family goes home that life must return to "normal". Only now you must create a "new normal", one that no longer includes your loved one. And this process is no easy feat...and certainly not something that happens in a day, month or even year. As terribly painful as it can be you have to experience the "old normal" activities, locations, routines, events without your loved one in order to create the "new normal", and this can take a lifetime. The tasks that a funeral creates help keep your heart and mind from becoming so overwhelmed with this daunting reality. You literally have to take it "one day at a time".
-Food- Food becomes such a comfort during this process. During the time that my grandfather was in hospice care, many people bought food by to his house for the family and any other visitors. There were trays of all kinds: meat, cheese, veggie, fruit, cookie, etc. All delivered with love and care. People were showing their love and support for us by providing for one of our most basic needs. I have noticed that when the death is a tragedy or the person is younger, food is often the last thing that anyone wants. The family and friends are so immensely grief-stricken that they have completely lost their ability to eat. However, in this case, where my grandfather was quite a bit older and had lived a long life, eating was very natural and needed.
Death forces you to look at your life in a way that few other things do. As I stood near the casket at the viewing and greeted those who came through to offer their condolences, I was privy to story after story of my grandfather and his interactions with the community, business men & women, friends and family. This was his legacy. They talked of his caring heart and his hardworking nature. They laughed as they retold stories of his thriftiness and strong-will. I was honored to listen to these stories as they painted a perfect picture of the man I have known for 27 years as my grandfather. I also found myself thinking about what legacy I would lead. We have a tendency to idolize people after they pass on. Now, I know for fact that my grandfather was not perfect and I know for a fact that I'm not either and I would never want someone to think that I was. I am left pondering the legacy that I want to leave on this earth and realizing that saying I want to leave a "certain legacy" and actually living my life in a way that will leave said legacy are 2 different things and I must do the latter.
The dying process is really quite fascinating and full of so many varying emotions. During the week that my grandpa was home under hospice care, his house was filled with a combination of family, friends and caregivers. Everyone coming to say goodbye and spend just a few more moments with him. The hospice workers gave our family a booklet titled Gone From My Sight: The Dying Experience by Barbara Karnes. The booklet outlined for us what the dying process could be like for him and what to expect. We all found the material very helpful. Check it out here:
Throughout the weekend, I made several observations:
- Planning a funeral helps with the grieving. They say that funerals are really more for the living than the deceased. Yes, it is a way to honor and pay your respects to the one who has passed on, but perhaps more importantly it is to help the loved ones say goodbye and start the grieving process. The business that comes from planning a funeral helps somewhat to distract from the shock of losing someone so dear to you. Choosing flowers, writing the obituary and planning the details of the service take the place of your daily routines. It's later...after the funeral, the burial, the prepared meals and all the family goes home that life must return to "normal". Only now you must create a "new normal", one that no longer includes your loved one. And this process is no easy feat...and certainly not something that happens in a day, month or even year. As terribly painful as it can be you have to experience the "old normal" activities, locations, routines, events without your loved one in order to create the "new normal", and this can take a lifetime. The tasks that a funeral creates help keep your heart and mind from becoming so overwhelmed with this daunting reality. You literally have to take it "one day at a time".
-Food- Food becomes such a comfort during this process. During the time that my grandfather was in hospice care, many people bought food by to his house for the family and any other visitors. There were trays of all kinds: meat, cheese, veggie, fruit, cookie, etc. All delivered with love and care. People were showing their love and support for us by providing for one of our most basic needs. I have noticed that when the death is a tragedy or the person is younger, food is often the last thing that anyone wants. The family and friends are so immensely grief-stricken that they have completely lost their ability to eat. However, in this case, where my grandfather was quite a bit older and had lived a long life, eating was very natural and needed.
Death forces you to look at your life in a way that few other things do. As I stood near the casket at the viewing and greeted those who came through to offer their condolences, I was privy to story after story of my grandfather and his interactions with the community, business men & women, friends and family. This was his legacy. They talked of his caring heart and his hardworking nature. They laughed as they retold stories of his thriftiness and strong-will. I was honored to listen to these stories as they painted a perfect picture of the man I have known for 27 years as my grandfather. I also found myself thinking about what legacy I would lead. We have a tendency to idolize people after they pass on. Now, I know for fact that my grandfather was not perfect and I know for a fact that I'm not either and I would never want someone to think that I was. I am left pondering the legacy that I want to leave on this earth and realizing that saying I want to leave a "certain legacy" and actually living my life in a way that will leave said legacy are 2 different things and I must do the latter.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Share
I follow this wonderful blog called The Polished Pickle. I can't even remember how I came across it, but it is absolutely enchanting. While I am not yet a mother, I often find myself identifying with many of the feelings/desires she expresses. I also love the way she adores her children and hope that when I have children, I remember to delight in them in this same manner. She recently wrote a strikingly beautiful post about caring for one another. Check it out here.
There really isn't much more I can say, because she says it all so perfectly in her post. Enjoy.
There really isn't much more I can say, because she says it all so perfectly in her post. Enjoy.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
What do I say?
So I had an interesting conversation the other day. I ran into a woman that I used to work with and the following convo unfolded:
Her: Hi! How are you?
Me: Very good.
Her: (Grabbing my left hand) Are you married?
Me: (Somewhat awkwardly taking my hand back) No
Her: Girl, What is wrong with you?!
...
How am I suppose to answer that question? I mean, she was smiling when she said it, but the fact that she said it shocked me more than anything.I know that she did not mean anything offensive by it, because I trust this person's heart, but I also realize that for her generation a 27 year old woman who is not married, is rare. I dismissed the conversation and went on with my evening, but found myself coming back to that comment over and over again..."What is wrong with you?" I was shocked, then offended, then left wondering if there was indeed something wrong with me. Now, I consider myself to be fairly logical and consider all sides of a matter, so I like I said, I assured myself that the reason for the comment was generational, cultural and said in innocence, but it certainly left me with lots to think about.
Well, after lots of wrestling with this comment, here is where I landed:
Is there something wrong with me? No more so than there is with anyone else!
Do I want to me married? Absolutely. But I want to marry for the right reasons and not just because everyone else is or it is "culturally" time for me to do so.
Am I too picky? I don't think I am TOO picky, but I certainly have things that I am looking for in a spouse and some of those are not negotiable.
Do I want children (since "time seems to be of the essence")? More than anything. My heart yearns for this. But I want to be fully prepared to bring little ones into the world and parent them in a way that is pleasing to the Lord and equips them with the tools to be individuals of character.
Am I less of a woman/person because I am not yet a wife or mother? To say I haven't struggled with this issue, would be a lie. But I believe there is so much more to a person than if they have a ring on their finger or someone that calls them Mom. I have worth in my Creator. I have things to offer society and will choose not to be defined by my marital status...whatever that may be.
There you have it. It may not make sense...but thats where I am...at this point anyway.
Her: Hi! How are you?
Me: Very good.
Her: (Grabbing my left hand) Are you married?
Me: (Somewhat awkwardly taking my hand back) No
Her: Girl, What is wrong with you?!
...
How am I suppose to answer that question? I mean, she was smiling when she said it, but the fact that she said it shocked me more than anything.I know that she did not mean anything offensive by it, because I trust this person's heart, but I also realize that for her generation a 27 year old woman who is not married, is rare. I dismissed the conversation and went on with my evening, but found myself coming back to that comment over and over again..."What is wrong with you?" I was shocked, then offended, then left wondering if there was indeed something wrong with me. Now, I consider myself to be fairly logical and consider all sides of a matter, so I like I said, I assured myself that the reason for the comment was generational, cultural and said in innocence, but it certainly left me with lots to think about.
Well, after lots of wrestling with this comment, here is where I landed:
Is there something wrong with me? No more so than there is with anyone else!
Do I want to me married? Absolutely. But I want to marry for the right reasons and not just because everyone else is or it is "culturally" time for me to do so.
Am I too picky? I don't think I am TOO picky, but I certainly have things that I am looking for in a spouse and some of those are not negotiable.
Do I want children (since "time seems to be of the essence")? More than anything. My heart yearns for this. But I want to be fully prepared to bring little ones into the world and parent them in a way that is pleasing to the Lord and equips them with the tools to be individuals of character.
Am I less of a woman/person because I am not yet a wife or mother? To say I haven't struggled with this issue, would be a lie. But I believe there is so much more to a person than if they have a ring on their finger or someone that calls them Mom. I have worth in my Creator. I have things to offer society and will choose not to be defined by my marital status...whatever that may be.
There you have it. It may not make sense...but thats where I am...at this point anyway.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Wait...what was I doing?
So I got on the Internet to renew my library books...
Of course I will just check my email real fast.
Ok, maybe just jump on facebook for a quick minute.
Might as well take a glance at twitter. Oh, that's an interesting tidbit...must retweet.
Hmm...I should checkout the blogs I follow. Well, lookey there...So&So finally updated and What's Her Name posted new pictures. Oh, Whosey Whatsit's clever posts always make me laugh!
Ok, time to get off the computer & get things done...
And then I remembered that I hadn't even renewed my library books which was the whole purpose for getting online in the first place.
So, I open my laptop and start typing in "Anderson" on google. As in "Anderson Public Library". Didn't get too far. As I typed in the word "Anderson" the name "Anderson Cooper" popped up and one of my dear friends LOVES him, so naturally I clicked on one of the links to find out some interesting info for her. The link lead me to an interview of Anderson Cooper by Oprah. He has a fascinating story. After reading for a few minutes, I started to close my computer again...
WAIT! Then I remembered that I needed to renew my library books! SERIOUSLY??? How does one forget that many times? Perhaps I should start renewing them in person so as to avoid getting sucked into the time warp!
Of course I will just check my email real fast.
Ok, maybe just jump on facebook for a quick minute.
Might as well take a glance at twitter. Oh, that's an interesting tidbit...must retweet.
Hmm...I should checkout the blogs I follow. Well, lookey there...So&So finally updated and What's Her Name posted new pictures. Oh, Whosey Whatsit's clever posts always make me laugh!
Ok, time to get off the computer & get things done...
And then I remembered that I hadn't even renewed my library books which was the whole purpose for getting online in the first place.
So, I open my laptop and start typing in "Anderson" on google. As in "Anderson Public Library". Didn't get too far. As I typed in the word "Anderson" the name "Anderson Cooper" popped up and one of my dear friends LOVES him, so naturally I clicked on one of the links to find out some interesting info for her. The link lead me to an interview of Anderson Cooper by Oprah. He has a fascinating story. After reading for a few minutes, I started to close my computer again...
WAIT! Then I remembered that I needed to renew my library books! SERIOUSLY??? How does one forget that many times? Perhaps I should start renewing them in person so as to avoid getting sucked into the time warp!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Crabby...
Tonight I'm crabby and I can't seem to do anything about it.
It's probably best that I have limited interaction with the outside world.
In an effort to cheer myself up I found these little jewels:
Cheered up a little? Yes!
It's probably best that I have limited interaction with the outside world.
In an effort to cheer myself up I found these little jewels:
Cheered up a little? Yes!
Friday, January 22, 2010
One Hundred Things...
I have come across several "One Hundred Things" post on other blogs and enjoy learning little quirky tidbits of information about people, so I am going to give it a try. Feel free to join in the fun!
1. I don't eat red meat and haven't since middle school.
2. I use old lady phrases such as "Bless her heart."
3. If I had my way..Ice cream would be good for you.
4. Growing up, my siblings & I had a Hispanic invisible friend named Julio.
5. I was a flower girl in a wedding around age 7 and frowned the whole time because I did not like the boy I had to walk down the isle with.
6. My Dad often called me Brookie Elizabeth growing up even though Elizabeth is not my middle name.
7. One day I want to have a dog named Sukie or Egg roll.
8. I could eat Sushi everyday of my life.
9. As a child I aspired to be: a teacher, choreographer, whale trainer, author, or an architect.
10. I used to watch I Dream of Jeannie and A Different World every morning before school.
11. I love children's books.
12. One day I hope to write a children's book.
13. I have a not-so-secret dream of wanting to rap. I practice this often.
14. Sometimes in the morning I dance around my room like a crazy person.
15. I once played the triangle in a Cajun band performance.
16. My aunt is a ventriloquist and her dummy "Danny" often makes an appearance at family functions.
17. I plan on adopting children one day.
18. Babies and Elderly are the cutest.
19. I like playing car games.
20. I have some relatives that for religious reasons, do not go to movies.
21. Laughing is my absolute favorite.
22. I'm very snuggly.
23. My family often quotes the movies: Father of the Bride 1 & 2, and Elf.
22. I have seen every episode of Friends hundreds of times & it still makes me laugh out loud.
23. The library may be one of the greatest places on earth.
24. My family names our cars.
25. My mom & I have birth marks in the same exact place on our legs.
26. Growing up, I was not allowed to watch Scoobydoo.
27. I love Fall & any Fall activities.
28. I am a loyal Jennifer Knapp fan.
29. Modern Family is my new favorite show.
30. My cousins & I used to play orphanage & Resort Hotel in my grandma's basement.
31. Jumping on a giant trampoline makes my heart happy.
32. I have been blessed with some of the most incredible friends & family.
33. I'm proud to come from a line of very strong women on both my mom and dad's side of the family.
34. I am a middle child.
35. I am a founding member of the Merna Schnur Fan Club.
36. I like sleeping.
37. One of my favorite places to visit is Lake Charles, Louisiana
38. I love working with and meeting new people.
39. I have great respect for those who choose to place their children for adoption.
40. I love smoothies.
41. My favorite sport to play & watch is volleyball.
42. I love wearing ballet flats, especially my purple ones.
43. My sister & I dressed up as picnic tables for Halloween one year...pretend food included.
44. I mix up words & phrases ALOT...and find it hilarious.
45. I could listen to Brandi Carlile's music all day.
46. I'm going to be an aunt soon & could not be more thrilled!
47. I love the PBR (Professional Bull Riders)& Guilherme Marchi is my favorite rider.
48. I used to be afraid to ride in elevators alone...I have since conquered that fear.
49. My drink of choice is diet coke.
50. My favorite family vacation as a child was going to Williamsburg, Virginia.
51. We were not allowed to say the word "sucks" in my house growing up.
52. I have my own tool box & it makes me feel tough.
53. I find myself more & more turning into my mother...& I am honored.
54. I have a fear of choking in the car so I try to always have something to drink.
55. I love learning quirky things about people.
56. Whenever I hear children's church songs, it makes me happy.
57. I sometimes choreograph dances in my head, even though I rarely dance in front of others.
58. I notice weird things.
59. I once literally cried over spilled milk.
60. I have a list of words that I like & another of words that make me gag.
61. The night before the first day of school, my whole family would kneel by my parents bed & pray for the school year.
62. I have trouble saying the phrase " A week & a half ago".
63. There is a special place in my heart for VBS.
64. I'm very ticklish
65. I saw Paul Hamm at the mall & literally almost threw up cause I was so nervous.
65. I'm a little self-conscious about my handwriting.
66. I absolutely HATE the expression "Get her done"
67. My sister & I have kept lists of names we hope to name our children since we were little.
68. Sometimes I daydream about what it would be like to be interviewed on a talk show.
69. I believe Molly Shannon & Kristen Wiig may be 2 of the funniest women on the planet.
70. This list took me 3 days.
71. I have & always will be a Hootie & The Blowfish fan...no matter how uncool it maybe.
72. I am continuing to realize just how much my God loves me...No Matter What.
73. My great - great uncle Lawrence Brooks wrote the hymn " He Lifted Me Out".
74. I can't draw...seriously even if my life depended on it.
75. I use the words "seriously", "definitely", and "perhaps" a lot.
76. I love & am completely fascinated by adoption.
77. I LOVE my job & the amazing people I get to work with.
76. Even though working with middle schoolers was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I miss them.
77. I like to hear other people's stories.
78. I cry when I watch Juno.
79. I wish I had one of those impressive belt-it-out kind of voices.
80. I am on an endless search for the perfect jeans.
81. I like candy that few people like: Bullseye caramels, Mike & Ikes, Fruit Wedges.
82. I am mildly claustrophobic.
83. Having someone play with my hair or rub my back makes me melt.
84. I hate selfishness & I hate even more that I am sometimes.
85. For along time I was scared of driving...thankfully I'm not anymore.
86. I have a hard time being near trains.
87. I once played Mary the mother of Jesus in a church play & am fascinated by her.
88. I'm excited for the day that I have a family & I keep a list of things I want to do with them.
89. I have a few friends who I can tell absolutelty anything too & that feels good.
90. Psalm 139 is forever my favorite passage in the Bible.
91. I was in orthodontia from 2nd grade until sophomore year of college.
92. I still have one snaggletooth, which is my fault for not wearing my retainers.
93. I have a large face.
94. The feeling of someone I love hugging me, is the best feeling in the world.
95. My best prayer time is in the shower & when I'm getting ready for the day.
96. I want to be a person who invtes others to be themselves.
97. I am often awkward & I'm pretty ok with that.
98. I like grass-roots work.
99. Politics scares/confuses/frusterates me.
100. I'm certainly not perfect & I like knowing that other people aren't either.
1. I don't eat red meat and haven't since middle school.
2. I use old lady phrases such as "Bless her heart."
3. If I had my way..Ice cream would be good for you.
4. Growing up, my siblings & I had a Hispanic invisible friend named Julio.
5. I was a flower girl in a wedding around age 7 and frowned the whole time because I did not like the boy I had to walk down the isle with.
6. My Dad often called me Brookie Elizabeth growing up even though Elizabeth is not my middle name.
7. One day I want to have a dog named Sukie or Egg roll.
8. I could eat Sushi everyday of my life.
9. As a child I aspired to be: a teacher, choreographer, whale trainer, author, or an architect.
10. I used to watch I Dream of Jeannie and A Different World every morning before school.
11. I love children's books.
12. One day I hope to write a children's book.
13. I have a not-so-secret dream of wanting to rap. I practice this often.
14. Sometimes in the morning I dance around my room like a crazy person.
15. I once played the triangle in a Cajun band performance.
16. My aunt is a ventriloquist and her dummy "Danny" often makes an appearance at family functions.
17. I plan on adopting children one day.
18. Babies and Elderly are the cutest.
19. I like playing car games.
20. I have some relatives that for religious reasons, do not go to movies.
21. Laughing is my absolute favorite.
22. I'm very snuggly.
23. My family often quotes the movies: Father of the Bride 1 & 2, and Elf.
22. I have seen every episode of Friends hundreds of times & it still makes me laugh out loud.
23. The library may be one of the greatest places on earth.
24. My family names our cars.
25. My mom & I have birth marks in the same exact place on our legs.
26. Growing up, I was not allowed to watch Scoobydoo.
27. I love Fall & any Fall activities.
28. I am a loyal Jennifer Knapp fan.
29. Modern Family is my new favorite show.
30. My cousins & I used to play orphanage & Resort Hotel in my grandma's basement.
31. Jumping on a giant trampoline makes my heart happy.
32. I have been blessed with some of the most incredible friends & family.
33. I'm proud to come from a line of very strong women on both my mom and dad's side of the family.
34. I am a middle child.
35. I am a founding member of the Merna Schnur Fan Club.
36. I like sleeping.
37. One of my favorite places to visit is Lake Charles, Louisiana
38. I love working with and meeting new people.
39. I have great respect for those who choose to place their children for adoption.
40. I love smoothies.
41. My favorite sport to play & watch is volleyball.
42. I love wearing ballet flats, especially my purple ones.
43. My sister & I dressed up as picnic tables for Halloween one year...pretend food included.
44. I mix up words & phrases ALOT...and find it hilarious.
45. I could listen to Brandi Carlile's music all day.
46. I'm going to be an aunt soon & could not be more thrilled!
47. I love the PBR (Professional Bull Riders)& Guilherme Marchi is my favorite rider.
48. I used to be afraid to ride in elevators alone...I have since conquered that fear.
49. My drink of choice is diet coke.
50. My favorite family vacation as a child was going to Williamsburg, Virginia.
51. We were not allowed to say the word "sucks" in my house growing up.
52. I have my own tool box & it makes me feel tough.
53. I find myself more & more turning into my mother...& I am honored.
54. I have a fear of choking in the car so I try to always have something to drink.
55. I love learning quirky things about people.
56. Whenever I hear children's church songs, it makes me happy.
57. I sometimes choreograph dances in my head, even though I rarely dance in front of others.
58. I notice weird things.
59. I once literally cried over spilled milk.
60. I have a list of words that I like & another of words that make me gag.
61. The night before the first day of school, my whole family would kneel by my parents bed & pray for the school year.
62. I have trouble saying the phrase " A week & a half ago".
63. There is a special place in my heart for VBS.
64. I'm very ticklish
65. I saw Paul Hamm at the mall & literally almost threw up cause I was so nervous.
65. I'm a little self-conscious about my handwriting.
66. I absolutely HATE the expression "Get her done"
67. My sister & I have kept lists of names we hope to name our children since we were little.
68. Sometimes I daydream about what it would be like to be interviewed on a talk show.
69. I believe Molly Shannon & Kristen Wiig may be 2 of the funniest women on the planet.
70. This list took me 3 days.
71. I have & always will be a Hootie & The Blowfish fan...no matter how uncool it maybe.
72. I am continuing to realize just how much my God loves me...No Matter What.
73. My great - great uncle Lawrence Brooks wrote the hymn " He Lifted Me Out".
74. I can't draw...seriously even if my life depended on it.
75. I use the words "seriously", "definitely", and "perhaps" a lot.
76. I love & am completely fascinated by adoption.
77. I LOVE my job & the amazing people I get to work with.
76. Even though working with middle schoolers was one of the hardest things I have ever done, I miss them.
77. I like to hear other people's stories.
78. I cry when I watch Juno.
79. I wish I had one of those impressive belt-it-out kind of voices.
80. I am on an endless search for the perfect jeans.
81. I like candy that few people like: Bullseye caramels, Mike & Ikes, Fruit Wedges.
82. I am mildly claustrophobic.
83. Having someone play with my hair or rub my back makes me melt.
84. I hate selfishness & I hate even more that I am sometimes.
85. For along time I was scared of driving...thankfully I'm not anymore.
86. I have a hard time being near trains.
87. I once played Mary the mother of Jesus in a church play & am fascinated by her.
88. I'm excited for the day that I have a family & I keep a list of things I want to do with them.
89. I have a few friends who I can tell absolutelty anything too & that feels good.
90. Psalm 139 is forever my favorite passage in the Bible.
91. I was in orthodontia from 2nd grade until sophomore year of college.
92. I still have one snaggletooth, which is my fault for not wearing my retainers.
93. I have a large face.
94. The feeling of someone I love hugging me, is the best feeling in the world.
95. My best prayer time is in the shower & when I'm getting ready for the day.
96. I want to be a person who invtes others to be themselves.
97. I am often awkward & I'm pretty ok with that.
98. I like grass-roots work.
99. Politics scares/confuses/frusterates me.
100. I'm certainly not perfect & I like knowing that other people aren't either.
Monday, January 18, 2010
We Are Free
The music of Alanna Story, a local group from AU, touches my soul in a way that is hard to explain . The lyrics are full of passion and power and speak undeniable truth about humanity. Their music is life-giving. It tells the story of my Saviors fascinating love for his people regardless of their age, race, orientation, gender, political views, job, status or any of the other countless labels we put on each other. The video below combines 2 of my favorite songs with a Post Secret project done at AU. It gives me chills every time I watch it.
The song We Are Free from this video has become a beautiful reminder for me, that the battle has already been won. This is a song hat I listen to often and pray that my life reflects its truth.
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The song We Are Free from this video has become a beautiful reminder for me, that the battle has already been won. This is a song hat I listen to often and pray that my life reflects its truth.
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Saturday, January 9, 2010
Blogger Confession...
Confession: Sometimes I don't blog because after reading other blogs, some of people I know and some of people I don't I feel that I have nothing to offer. They write with what seems like such clarity and purpose. Their phrases are smooth and powerful....mine are awkward and plain. Writing does not always come easy for me, though I wish it did. Sometimes I find myself "in a zone" that provides for words to come more freely to my brain and out on to paper. This usually occurs when I have had experiences that evoke strong emotion within me...whether that be sadness, anger, gratefulness, or excitement. Other days (that happen more frequently) I sit down to write, so badly wanting to free the thoughts and feelings that are bouncing around in my head...but nothing happens. Perhaps this is due to a lack of perseverance on my part. Sometimes when it does not happen easily I allow myself to give up. A dear friend of mine shared that she has made a goal to write something every day and that got me thinking. Her commitment to this has inspired me to make this a priority also. I may not write everyday, but I will make sure that I do some writing each week. Some entries may be shared here and some may not be, however I'm hoping that confessing this will help hold me more accountable. So there we go...this year I will try to overcome my writer's fear.
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