This is what happens when you lock yourself out of your APT with no spare key in sight...

Last night my BFF Lauren and I were headed out of my apt to get some dinner and do some shopping for our BFF Erin's bridal shower, when after walking about 5 steps I realized that I had only grabbed my car keys and no apt keys.... Shock at my absent mindedness and immediate, Oh Crap moment lasted only seconds as I frantically searched my purse... before... I started to try and break into my apt.

Breaking in is not as easy as they make it look on TV. I tried and successfully took the screen off my window just to stare at the glass and go hmm what to do now? Then I tried a bobby pin. People I was desperate, but to no avail the bobby pin also did not work. So I had to muster up some courage and walk 10 steps across the hall to call on Josie for help.
The First question Josie and her lovely daughter asked was, did you call the land lord? To which I replied, no, their number is in my phone, which I had also left in the apt. So praise Jesus Lauren was here, she let me use her phone!
So after we found the landlords number I called, but no answer... Are you serious Landlords, how do you expect to have an apt complex and only be on call 9-5, wait scratch that you aren't even available then either! Uhhhh. By this time I am suppppppper annoyed at myself and frustrated for doing something so dumb.
You may also be wondering why I don't have a spare key. Well funny story, I was only given one. And I never made a copy because I was worried about getting in trouble or something from the landlords. Well poo poo on that, I made a copy last night and I plan on making more. Thank you for your complete non-helpful ways LL (landlords)!

So then begins my frantic phone calls to find some locksmith that was on call, also let it be known... not that many in the metro east area... In the midst of this I call on my uncle David, who can fix and do just about anything! I told him that I locked myself out of my apt the locksmith is on his way but if he can do it before he gets here, he would save me $80. Yes, that's right folks you read that correctly, 80 DOLLARS! What in the WORLD!
Here are some helpful hints:
1. Never lock yourself out of your apt/house/car/boat/anything.
2. ALWAYS get copies made of your keys and give at 3 of them to people you trust
3. Never lock yourself out of said places on 1. A weekend. 2. A holiday weekend. 3. During they're "off" hours.
Because you will have to pay an arm and a leg!

All this to be said, uncle David did not get the door open either, so I resigned myself to the fact that I was going to be paying 80 flippin dollars for this dumb door and situation.
When the locksmith arrives he tries 3 of the things that we had already tried. It's probably best that they didn't work for him either because I would have been.... soo mad.
But he tried is little tool kit and what we had been working for about an hour he did in less than 3 min. How embarrassing!

But here are some good things that surely came out of the situation:
1. I got back into my apt and retrieved me keys and phone.
2. Paid locksmith guy and in return he let me know that if I have renters insurance (which I do, because it makes my car car insurance cheaper) they will fully reimburse me my $80. Yesss
3. If you have a locksmith make copies of keys for you they only cost $2, yep the cheapest key maker around!
4. If your locksmith can't make the 2 copies that you requested but only 1 for whatever the reason being, he will give you the key for FREE! Score.

So, even though Lauren and I had a very late start to our night, the whole rest of the night went really well! And this will be a time that we wont forget for a long time! hahah. And all the old ladies were so sweet to rally up and try and help!

Have you ever fasted?

I need a little outlet, and since pretty much no one reads this, next to my prayer journal, I am out letting some things.

Fasting as a spiritual discipline. I have fasted in the past when I was making a big decision, I wanted to be clear of mind, clear of distractions and fully content in my actions and decision to be made. Or to show God, and prove maybe to myself that I am serious about what is before me.

Fasting is hard, and hard enough when in all of our general (mid-west, especially) society are known for gathering together around food/meals. It's made even worse, when you are fasting and people are aware of it and they treat you like a leper. I understand wanting to not make the experience harder than it already it is, but not treating and acting normal around that person does not help things either. It makes the fact that you are not eating something to not be mentioned or talked about or feel that people are sorry for you. That is not the reason behind fasting.
That is the exact reason I believe that God tells us to not tell anyone. In scripture he says in Matthew 6:16-18 "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your  Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you." So very true. And I have found out that, hey I should maybe have heeded said words.

So for now, do not shun, and not invite someone somewhere, or act out of the norm with anyone who is fasting. In the long run that is more hurtful for them then your thoughts of protecting them by not including them.
It is better yet to engage them, include them, and keep them to some extent, occupied. Fasting is a lonely process, especially when doing it alone. Be normal and the fast and the fasting person will be normal. Like the scripture says it should be done in secret. However if the secret is out, I think/wonder if then it does not also become the responsibility of those who now know to be an accountability to the faster(s)?

Content(ment)

What. is. this.? Webster (yes, yes, I am starting with this) says, it is to be in a state of peaceful happiness. And or one is satisfied with a certain level of achievement, good fortune, etc. not wishing for more.
Ok, good.  Webster this is a good place to start, thank you.


I am unsure if we as humans are ever able to attain a state of peaceful happiness or satisfaction for an extended period(s) of time. It's kinda like in the song, "I can't get no, satisfaction." I think at just the right moments we have contentment within our reach or have hold of it, it seems to last seconds in the lifetime we try to really hold/find it. Why? What does it mean? Or is it true that we can't find satisfaction or better yet to be content?


These past weeks, being content has been something that really hit my heart.  True contentment; peace, happiness, satisfaction- not constantly wishing for more, passion, love and trust in God. 


Having this realization has opened me up, or as one friend put it, I have blossomed (once again). Friends and family have even noticed, saying things like, I have a glow about me and I look less anxious! Which for me has added to the wow factor of giving up control and finally allowing God that control, so that I can relax. It's pretty much amazing. 


I would say that I have been anxious about life for quite some time. I know this might sound silly. But I am what my fam likes to call me a 'futureistick' thinker. I will take one thought and think it completely through before anything ever happens. Now, I understand that there is strength in this, but there is also weakness. Over thinking everything= not a good. It leaves you anxious- practically all the time. 
And where it might sound impossible to give all that over thinking up, it's not. Ok, well I will be realistic, most all of it up. The nature of life and safety and what have you, causes us to think about outcomes for obvious reasons. 


But to fully let it go, is such a freeing feeling. And I think, how can anyone not want this? How can having things, possessions and such be such a driving force in our lives? Because this feeling is something that I am willing and wanting and working to hold on to. I am tried of being anxious- it's getting me little to no where, with lots of frustrations and annoyances. 


And I like the newer me, I like the change. It is definitely God, it is definitely good, it is definitely something I am serious about committing to. 




I have more to share on this topic, but for now, think about your life. Are you content? 

Rainbow Cupcakes

I volunteer at an after school program on SIUE's campus for low-income families and I LOVE IT! Our team of volunteers were on for this week- a few days before St. Patrick's day so we thought that a fun snack would be these rainbow cupcakes- for obvious reasons. And how fitting, I have eaten rainbow cake before- my Aunt makes it for pretty much every birthday for my cousins, and why not? It. is. fun!
I found a recipe from a blogger and followed the instructions- only changing them to cupcakes instead of a cake...  And here is what they looked like...

The inside... part of my problem is that I had only one cupcake pan, so I had to take these guys out before they fully cooled... not recommended :(

I am selfish

Moving out on my own has caused me to really have to face a few facts. For instance when I am home, come home or leave home there is NO ONE here. I am by myself. This is new for me. All my life I have lived with family or friends, so yes, new AND weird. There are days when it is great to be alone. But there are more days when it's not.
Does this make me selfish? Not really. Does it make me more self-centered, most likely. I have become a bit more concerned about me. And I don't like it, and I don't like that part of me.

After what has happened in Japan with the earthquakes and the Tsunami I have recognized that I am 100% selfish and self centered. I was watching CNN the night that the earthquake hit. I went to bed with Japan having a tsunami warning, and woke up to find complete devastation and chaos. I prayed for Japan that night before bed. But then woke up the next morning with thoughts about me and my life and what my day looked like and what I was going to buy for my new apt. All the while in parts of Japan people were and continue to be missing, lives have stopped, where clean water and food and clothes will come from- survival, becomes the main mood and mode of being. I'm selfish.

Yes, I will pray for the people, I will pray for the country, I will pray for those who have gone to physically and emotionally be their with the hurting, and the lost. But I want more, I want to do more I want to give of what I have been so greatly blessed with. And when I feel lonely in my apt of many things I want to not be so self centered...

Understanding and Frustrations

I learned something about myself today. Or maybe this something fully came to light, either way it's something that I am not entirely proud to own up to.

But here is my learning moment...
When I lack the understanding of something, my immediate response is a flash of anger for not getting it, then understanding that I am ignorant about it, then the overwhelming flustering frustration of the situation on hand.
Example...
I just moved out. Fact.
Today Charter came to install cable and internet. They arrived late on a day that late, like most days is inconvenient. Though I am sure that most people share this sentiment about things that are scheduled.

Anyhow...

I called my dad, the being of all knowledge that is technology. As if he could do anything about Charter being late. No. I was simply ticked that they were not there.
So as little M and I were getting packed up to head back to my parents house... knock knock... who could it be... of course none but the Charter man himself....uhhh ok, well let's do this.

So the Charter man comes in and asks where the cable is.. it is across the room because in the hast to move and be done for the weekend, it had yet been moved. But unbeknownst to me that would be a problem... awesome.
And because Charter is so honorable, they could not just drill a hole in the floor with out a letter from landlord... (dude I have know the landlords for 25 years it's ok, but fine, whatever). By this time many of thoughts are running through my head...
"Seriously dad, we could not move the cable before today, really? I bet I sound super dumb, I am asking questions that I should  know the answers to. Great dad would be so proud to know that I know NOTHING, uhhhhh. (Anger. Frustration.) I am so calling dad and letting him know what I am thinking and that I am ticked, and that it's partly due to him."
Because clearly it's his fault the cables are not moved...
Except that it's not.

And the moment that I called and relieved my heavy, angry, flustering, frustration I knew I was wrong. And that I needed to relax because NO ONE but myself expected me to know what was going on or how to answer the(se) questions. How would I? I have never done this before...

So after the cable guy left, an hour and a half later... I called my dad and apologized. I knew that it was not his fault, it was beyond wrong for me to even call or lets go further, to think/feel the things I did toward my dad. To really learn from this I will need to remember that I a) need to relax. b) understand that it is ok and I will learn.

My dad forgave me, and I am thankful. I still feel awful about what I did and said. But most importantly I want and need to learn from this...

Need vs. Want

So, most of you know that I changed the content of my blog a bit to fit a new journey/adventure in life... it just so happens that in life we tend to have many different adventures so really this blog is not tethered to one thing or another, aside from journeying and adventuring. That being said, one part of my J.A. (Journey and Adventuring) is not buying clothes for 1 whole year.

It has been 59 days since I started. And it is getting a little more difficult. I like clothes, there is no shame and I feel no shame. But they are not a need in my life. I have plenty. I like trends, I like stay up-todate with fashions things and therein lies the difficulty. I went into Old Navy the other day to do an exchange, got overwhelmed and found myself pinning over things that I liked and knew I couldn't have. So I just left, I didn't even do the exchange.
Now, I know that what I am doing doesn't seem like a big thing. But in a culture and society where we have over the amounts of things that we could ever need or want, I need to make a change. A change to my own spending and change to my thoughts and habits and a change most importantly to my heart. I need to change something that was very tangible to be effective in my own life. It's like in Lent when we reflect on what is keeping us from being closer to God and let it go/get rid of it for the duration of the Lenten season. And for everyone those hinderances it are different. I have found that in my 59 days that this was something keeping me from God.
Because, listen... I want to have the newest pretty things, who doesn't- really? I would think, "If I wear this it will help me look skinner", or "I bet I will catch his attention with this outfit-cuz I look so good" or "so and so had this on or something similar and I really liked it- so I want it to." These were real thoughts- now does any of this thinking bring me closer to God, heck no! And do any of these thoughts speak need, hecck no! My money and time and thoughts need to be spent differently.

Now I need to be clear about a few things. There are some exclusions, such as...
Undergarments, and bridesmaid dresses. The first because there becomes a need for those things- and I am not going to be gross about it. For the later, I am unwilling to say no to my best friends getting married because I have taken on this J.A. for a full year. It happens, people get married and if asked want to be apart of the celebration in they way that they would like.

Something else I need to be clear on...
Accessories and shoes... are two different things. Accessories are just that, accessories- they add flare to whatever it is you are wearing, but they do not clothe you.
Shoes are also not clothing, they are shoes, that is why they have their own stores. Also when I buy shoes I keep them pretty much forever. So there is also no need for them but I do tend to buy and replace.

What are the needs v.s wants in your life? What will you do about them? What will challenge you to the point of really experiencing what it means to long for (something simple, even?) and not reward yourself? Think about it. Then do something.

My New APT

So, as of March 1st I will be a first time apartment renter! I am moving on and growing up a little bit more... I am excited, nervous, anxious, happy... and all emotions in between.

Trying to live bit more frugally every day feels good. As a result I feel good about being able to afford an apt!

So this is what the apt looks like as of right now... retro, but I am excited to make it my own.

We have the kitchen, the bathroom and the living room: the counter in the kitchen has a sweet gold flecks and the bathroom has sweet wall paper...

The Blues

I am going to my first Blues Hockey game in a couple of Saturdays and I am super excited about it! I am looking forward to being at a sporting event in person- it's been way to long. I am even more excited to go with friends- which 3 of us have never been to a Blues game, so it has to be good!

All this to say, I kept thinking to myself "I need or would like to get a blues shirt" I like supporting STL in whatever way I can. And so I got online to hunt for the shirt... but I wasn't finding what I wanted. So I thought "I will just get one when I am at the game. Sure it will be more expensive but it will be what I want- and most likely my one and only Blues attire- it's worth it."

And like a slap in the face (ok maybe not that aggressive) I remembered! Hello, idiot! You can't buy a shirt online or at the game- YOU CAN'T BUY CLOTHES!

I was shocked by this revelation! I shouldn't be of course, but it was one of I am sure so many more moments to hit me, that I have made this promise to do this and how easy it was for me to fall right into habit.

So I will either pull the not so many blues and golds from already owned attire or borrow one from someone. Because, I do not NEED a blues shirt.

In addition

In addition to my not buy clothes endeavor... I am trying to fill my life with more meaningful things. Such as reading through A Year with Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The prayers of Kierkegaard, and maybe even the Bible- this one I stole from my friend Amanda as it was something she completed this past year.

So here are the meditations and prayers of the day...

From D.B.
God's Promises Kept
God does not give us everything we want, but God does fulfill all God's promises, i.e., God remains the Lord of the earth, God preserves the Church, constantly renewing our faith and not laying on us more than we can bear, gladdening us with Divine nearness and help, hearing our prayers, and leading us along the best and straightest paths to holiness. By God's faithfulness in doing this, God creates in us praises for God alone.
- from Letters and Papers from Prison 206




From K.
Thy Word
Father in Heaven, what is man that Thou visitest him and the son of man that Thou art mindful of him?- and in every way, in every respect! Verily, Thou didst never leave Thyself without a witness; and at last Thou didst give to man Thy Word. More Thou couldst not do; to compel him to make use of it, to hear it or read it, to compel him to act according to it. Thou couldst not wish. Ah, and yet Thou didst do more. For Thou art not like a man- rarely does he do anything for nothing, and if he does, he at least would not be put to inconvenience by it. Thou, on the contrary, O God, bestowest Thy Word as a gift- and we men have nothing to give in return. And if only Thou dost find some willingness on the part of the single individual, Thou art prompt to help, and first of all Thou art the one who with more than human, yea, with divine patience, dost sit and spell it out with the individual, that he may be able rightly to understand the Word; and next Thou art the one who, again with more than human, yea, with divine patience, dost take him as it were by the hand and help him when he strive to do accordingly- Thou our Father in Heaven.

And so it has begun

And so it has begun. I actually started Sunday, I bought tunic/dresses for spring summer and who knows by that time, I might be going crazy. Ok most like I wont, but who knows.

I feel good about what I am doing. I am in no way in need of clothing, I just like it. And that is not a good enough reason- to just buy it because I like it.

I am however already struggling- in that I find myself thinking that since I am not going to be spending all this money( not like I spent a lot anyway) on clothes that I have it for other things. Therein lies dangerous thoughts and the challenge of this journey. I don't want to stop spending money on clothes, just to turn around and start spending it on everything else. That sure wont teach me anything!

I want to stop spending money on clothes as a lesson to myself to stop spending money on things that are unnecessary. Now it is a little presumptuous for me to think that I will stop spending money on ALL things that are unnecessary- but I want to learn and form the habits of a wise steward of money, and a wise consumer.

So, I will see what happens

25

Being a quarter of a century old is a big deal. It’s exciting. It’s worth celebrating. It’s momentous. Think about it; your 25-year class reunion, your 25th-wedding anniversary… 25 is a big number, a big deal. Turning 25, having 25 years of life, that is something to be blessed with!

So in my 25 years of life…….. the blessings, the challenges, the discoveries, the loves, relationships, passions, the people, the accomplishments, goals, achievements, the learned, etc.

25 years of Travels: I have been so blessed to be able to travel. I have been on a weeklong cruse to Mexico. I have gone on mission trips to, NY, CO, TN. I have road tripped from IL to CO and seen that beauty of the land. I have visited FL and Disney World. I have been to WI while visiting family. I have been to IN to visit friends. I have road tripped from IL to NY with one of my best friends. I had a job interview in the San Francisco Bay area. I took a 3-week course in Israel. I have visited the Vegas strip of the mid-west, Branson, MO.

25 years of Challenges: Parents divorced and being raised in a broken home. Being challenged with learning to deal with and choose to also be at peace with the death of my father and uncle one year after the other. Broken home and relationships between mother- daughter, sister-brother, and aunt/uncle- niece. Experiencing the thrill of being a high school graduate. A joyfully challenge at being a college graduate. Buying my first car. Being accepted, welcomed, loved and apart of a different family. Being loved and learning to always love.

25 years of Developing: Once being so shy that I hid behind my dad’s legs. Then being on academic probation freshmen year of college for being too social, to a nice medium at 25. I have discovered that I take my time with most things. I gather information, opinions, thoughts; idea’s all the while trying to figure out my position on things. God. Without God in my life, I would not be the woman you all know me to be, to this day. It has taken me awhile to love me. I mispronounce words on an hourly basis. I make up ‘Cori-isms’ – words that I think are right in a phrase and turn out to not even be close. I love laughing at myself. I love that I come from a broken home God has blessed me. I love people. I love community.

25 years…: I am blessed and have been blessed with more than I could ever think to even ask. I am a high school and college graduate. And hope to go back to school for at least a couple more things in life. I love learning. I have the best sister’s who love me- and we all hail from different families. I love working for God. It is hard work, shoot is hard being a follower of Christ, but it is a life I would not choose any differently. Being in Youth ministry now, but having that time when I was searching for a couple of years to figure out where to go, what to be, what to do and when, is such a wonderful affirmation. I want to continue to travel, to see what wonder this world holds along with its people. I love people. I love that God loves me. I have loved another and hope to love in such away again. I am working on loving me every day. I love running and hope to continue to get better.

Yes, these past 25 years have been wonderful in many ways. Reflection really makes a difference. Things now I can laugh about or understand or accept but once would bring on a fountain of tears. And so many wonderful memories made, bring joy and smiles to my face. Or remind me of times that I need to make better choices. Yes, I pray for at least another 25 years to go and see, do and be open to what God has opened and set for me. Thank you to all who have been apart of my life. May we have more years together!

Branson, Mo: It's like the Vegas Strip of Mo: Part 3

Wednesday we went to Table Rock and went skiing ALL day! That made dad very happy. :)

Welcome to Shady Bird Beach. When/as we were trying to figure out how to get the boat out into the water. Micah, Mimi and I were dropped off here... Mimi saved us from the birds. And for real, there were 30+ birds on this beach...

Ben loved playing in the water. Bubba learned how to ski and that was awesome!!!

Branson, Mo: It's like the Vegas Strip of Mo: Part 2

The second day of Silver Dollar City was so much fun. Only a few times did we have to wait a bit for a thunder cloud to vanish so we could get back on the coasters. I wouldn't say that I like SDC any more or less than 6 Flags, but it is very different. There is so much more to do at SDC in the forms of shops, and shows vs 6 Flags. But the Flags by far have more coasters, that is for sure.

On Tuesday we went to the Butterfly Palace. Well me, Papa, Mimi, the Johnson children and Micah. It was such a neat place or rather palace. There were so many butterflies! I think that a butterfly landing on everyone that was there at some point or another. Micah thought it was fun that landed on him but not for long, Leah and Nathaniel kept trying to get them to land on them. And Ben, he did not want any bug to be on him. It was fun, funny, and beautiful.

After the Butterfly Palace we went to the Sight and Sound Theater to see Noah the Musical. It was really pretty good. Thanks to Mimi and Papa we had awesome seats and what made it even more awesome, it was inside and air conditioning... ahhh. Refreshing on hot days for sure. I only have pictures of the outside and some inside because we were not allowed to take pic's inside, which was not surprising. But like I said it was realllllllllllly neat.

After the show it was time for dinner! FUDDRUCKERS! This was my first time going, and I like it. I had a buffalo burger.

Branson, Mo: It's like the Vegas Strip of Mo

So On Friday the 23, myself, mimi and papa, Micah, Ben, Leah and Nathaniel piled into the Honda Pilot and left for what we hoped would only take about 4.5hr to get to our Cabin in Branson. Well, no, no. It did not take us 4.5 hours but closer to 7... Now, I genuinely enjoy car rides/road trips. This one when all is said and done I will say the same. But for now I will chalk it up to THE LONGEST CAR RIDE EVER. By time we had made it to the cabin I was nuts! And maybe 75% scared to have kids.

But we made it. And everyone 'patiently' awaited the arrival of mommies and daddies the next day. So on Saturday mimi and papa took all of us down the 'strip' and we hit up a buffet breakfast. It was good, I think it is safe to say that the kids liked it. After breakfast we went to Walmart to get some essential items to hold us over till the parents arrived. Mine were to arrive 2 ish and the Johnson's were not much further behind.

Let me emphasize were, we received a phone call about 12:30 from the Johnson's with this story: "Remember that one time when Adam and Erin were on their way to family vacation and pulling the boat with them and then their car stopped." Me: "What?! Oh, Gosh" The Johnson's were about 30 miles behind the Swanks, so as the Swanks called a tow and waited for the Johnson's, we-the kids and mimi and papa got worried and more anxious. After all this was dealt with on part with the parents, they finally arrived a little sunburn and warn out at 7 pm- all to our great relief on many levels.

We all proceeded to have dinner which was ready when the rents arrived and I would say relax, but the kids were more wound up! Haha.

During the kids nap, mimi and papa went and got more things from the store since now the rents were so much further behind to getting here than before. Things defiantly calmed down then. But alas that did not keep us from having to go back to the store later Saturday night. So all the girls went out to find an open store at 9/9:30 at night. After getting turned around more than once and potentially hitting an animal on the road, we finally made it to good and trusty Wall-Mart. So that made for a long night!

Well that long, anxious, stressful day ended like this for me... puking at 3:30 in the morning. I went to bed not feeling all that great anyhow, then to be waking up with stomach cramping pain that almost had me crawling to the bathroom, added to the fun. Let me tell you. So then I was awake till 5ish just trying to get back to sleep.

The next day came way to fast, the rest of the family made breakfast, I tried to sleep. Then they, all the family, decided to hit up the pool-I was excited because that meant sleep for me!

Then later, after sleep I was getting to feel A Lot better! Which is good because it was Silver Dollar City time... I have been waiting for about 15 years to go to this place! NO lie. It sounds silly, but it's true. My brother and I since we were kids have want to go this theme park. And we are going back again today, it's fun, not fantastic- not that I expected it to be, but it's just right for a theme park. :)

So, where that leaves us... running out of milk for cereal, our Jeep is apparently in no rush to get fixed which means postponing skiing even longer, going back to SDC and ... we shall see

Happy Birthday MOM!

<--- This is my mom. Today is her Birthday!!!! I won't tell you how old she is, but she is 10 years my sr. Doesn't she look GREAT? She does, I know.

Let me tell you how much I love this woman and why I am so excited that I get to be with her this day and hopefully so many more to come...

She is a Godly woman. She is so smart. So Beautiful. Supportive. An awesome mother. A giver. Mostly selfless. FUNny. A confidant when needed. Approachable. Gentle. LOVING. A teacher. A leader. Lovely. Genuine. A bright light in our family and in my life. This woman I am so blessed to have in my life- and I would not be 1/3 of the person I am without the things she has done with and for me. For these reasons and so much more, Blessings to you Mom! Happy, Happy, Happy BIRTHDAY!

I LOVE YOU !!!

Salem United Church of Christ and it's Youth Director

I have been working at Salem UCC for 1 month and 7 days- as of today. I love it! http://www.salemuccalh.org/(sorry for the lame website) At the beginning and some might say that this is still the beginning, but at the beginning I have had much to adjust to and learn. This past month has taught me A LOT about myself and A LOT about church and it's people from a staff position.

I defiantly was one of those people who had the perfect job fantasies, meaning that once I finally was able to do what I have been called to do and get paid for it, it was going to be perfect. Errrr. Wrong.

I have learned that I just can't say whatever is on my mind/ stick my foot in my mouth. And for those of you who know me... this can be a great challenge. I have also learned that I have 1 boss and 50 'CEO's' that are also watching and wanting to know every move I make, or don't make. I have learned that to be called into ministry you are truly called. My passion, my drive comes from the youth, comes from Christ. This is why I am in ministry. But it is not without it's own challenges, self doubts, and reservations.

I have also learned and been reminded that I am a youth at heart. My 25th birthday is quickly approaching and I can say that I don't feel the way society says a 25 year old should feel or act for that matter. Maybe this is frustrating for my parents/family, I don't know. But I have always gone just a little slower than most other people so maybe not. I am learning to be a great deal more organized and time managing. I am learning to be more of a leader to delegate and to minister with others and to ask for help.

So, I love my job. I am happy with where I am at in these moments. Happy first month to me!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day!

Dad decided he wanted to go to the Driving Range and drive golf balls- of course. So we all went! It was a lot of fun and a lot of frustrations-mainly because I didn't get it. But mom, dad and Micah all did a great job! And M is reallllly looking forward to going back. I as well am looking forward to going back and improving my sweet skills.

I rescue worms

So, I understand that this is another post about animals... but I feel like I should post about this since it happens all the time and it is a bit of a confession and it is funny...

I rescue worms from the hot sidewalk and the ants who are antsy to feed on the worms.

It all started when Micah, Ben and I were on our way to the library on day this past spring and M and B wanted to touch the 'snakes.' Well to them they were snakes. So we would stop every time we saw a 'snake' and I would get a stick and pick the 'snake' up and put or throw into the grass.

Now I understand there are a few things in that last paragraph that are weird and maybe even contradictory...

Like the fact that I hate snakes and I am afraid of them... or the fact that I am rescuing the worms, but not picking them up. I have never as long as I can remember voluntarily picked up a worm, I think they are GROSS! So I use sticks or grass blades, or something to pick them up and rescue them.

Also the fact that as I am running, I will stop and rescue said worms pretty much every time. Why you may ask... I have no idea other than I just feel like I should.

Turtle Killer

Today started out not quite the way I had planned but it has continued quite nicely until about 3:30 on this Friday afternoon.

I went to Greenville to have a lovely business lunch meeting with my friend and colleague Stefanie Montgomery. We tried out Bentley's and I think it safe to say that we both really enjoyed our lunch. And we defiantly both enjoyed catching up and talking ministry and youth- it was great!

Then I went to Jo's Java on Greenville College campus... where they house the best Chi Tea in the Midwest- of this I am fairly certain. So I was able to indulge in the fine iced chi tea as I visited with my sister Erin! So for a day that started out of sorts was continuing on nicely.

Until...

On my way home, I decided to take the interstate so that I could get home more quickly and hopefully more coolly. I was very wrong about the cool part. My air conditioning selectively works... on this 90+ degree day, it selected to not work. awesome.

Here I am on the interstate, SWEATING and thinking about how much I hate that my air doesn't work when all of the sudden I see this spot on the road. And I wonder what it is. Turns out that as I got closer it was a small turtle! And I thought I managed to miss it, but when I looked in my mirror... it was no where to be seen... I was horrified!

Now, this all may sound very silly and it just might very well be silly. BUT it makes me sad to see animals dead on the side of the road and it crushes me if/when I ever hit them. And on this fateful friday afternoon, a turtle I pray RIP. I am so sorry turtle.