62+ Hours

I departed Friday night with a group of youth to Alabama! At the Foundation I have the priveledge of working with what is referred to as a youthpod. Our youthpod is known as PULSE of Noble County. The group of youth work together to serve the community, whether it be through grants or through their time...and talents. And discovering our talents was the theme of the retreat hosted by the Alabama youthpod. It was a weekend of wonderful speakers, of encouragement, of passion, of service, and growth.

Of course I lived on coffee the entire weekend as sleep was not an option, or wasn't really built into the agenda. But it was all worth it. It is always exciting to not only grow personally and learn, but to watch youth really begin to understand what they have to offer this world...how they can reach out to others. Many of you work with youth or have in the past, and know exactly what I am trying to say...to see them learn, to see them grow, to see their passion...there is nothing like it! Basically, the retreat was a wonderful opportunity to see people come together to learn how they can better serve others, and that was encouraging!

There are many moments I could share, the lessons learned, the messages spoken, but it was action that I will remember the most. Action! It was the time when we spread across Huntsville Alabama to serve. I visited Huntsville Hospital and worked with the foundation by making pillows for patients, and decorating pumpkins for the nurses stations. Delivering these items made many people smile and brought us into some really good conversations with the patients. There was a connection made between people, strangers, and that was just amazing.

The weekend ended too quickly as we collected our luggage and made our way to our buses for the long drive back, but I know the students from PULSE not only grew as a group, but individually. I know I came away with something new. I don't know exactly how our new knowledge will be used, but I know that we all will take what we have learned to reach out to others...

62+ hours of service and learning...and I'm ready to go...

BE...

Last night I read 1 Chronicles 22: 11-13: David's words to his son Solomon...

"Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Why do I hide? Why do I put things off, scared to take that next step...afraid of what I may be called to do? Why do I doubt? The real question is...Where am I putting my security?

I am going to be honest here...Do I find my security in the things I own, afraid of where I would be without them? Yes. Do I find my security in the relationships in my life, scared of losing them, of losing that closeness and support? Yes. Do I find my security in myself, staying in the limits of what I know I can handle? Yes.

and I doubt...I fear...I hide...because my security is not where it needs to be....

in the hands of the One who has been with me always, the One who has brought me success, the One who has held me during the difficult times, the One who wants me to put all my faith and security in Him so that I can be free to BE...

BE strong and courageous...

BE open...

BE used by Him...

BE free to take that next step...

to BE...

Is There Such A Thing...

as a good problem?

As I made my way to Northwood this morning, I found myself caught in a line of traffic. There was a mass of people who came to help with the cleanup. And as stressed as I am sure the organizers were with the overload, more than they could accomodate, I can't help but be glad that this was the problem that occured...many people...many people who came to give of their time...many people who came to help out a community...many people who were willing to work hard for those in need. It was a sight that I was glad to see.

After realizing that it wouldn't quite be feasible to work through the volunteer effort being organized from the high school, a group of us headed to where we knew help was needed. We ended up spending our time at Phil's and then worked our way to Rudy's. We battled corn stalks, thorns, etc...to pick up pieces reminding us just how powerful this tornado was. There was a lot of insulation, siding, roof shingles, even a cabinet door, and a yellow slide all spread across the fields. All the other stuff collected was twisted and bent and broken causing it to be unidentifiable scraps. As I worked my way through the fields, I looked up to see a neigborhood where the houses were either missing a part of their roof, missing their second floor, or just completely destroyed and I realized that though this was a great showing of volunteers, I hoped that the giving spirit continues as it is only the beginning for some.

A huge thanks for all of you who showed up today, and let's continue to reach out to those in need.

*Pictures taken from camera phone...

Alicia working hard!

Jess is so strong!
Beginning to collect stuff

Loading a pile we gathered
Caught in the tree
One of the smaller metal piles we collected

Thinking

Just sitting here thinking about the friends I know and the many others who were affected by the storms last night. If anyone knows of any volunteer efforts being formed in the Nappanee area or any surrounding areas, let me know.

What can I do for you?

Another day...

A small dog who has been here all day jumps into the lap of the repair man fixing the dishwasher. Pictures are shared of staff members participating in our organization's olympics. A conversation takes place about sending someone to Tajikistan. And the list goes on...

Definitely not a dream, but another "average" day at work.

And when I was little I thought I wanted to be a teacher... Someone needs to start teaching kids about the adventurous field of nonprofit work ;).

What I Learned...

So yesterday I spent some amazing time with some friends of mine in Chicago. We caught the train in south bend and made our way to the windy city...no real plans, just to explore and of course eat ;).
On the way the four of us, Jess, Alicia, Jessica, and I talked about how excited we were to be spending time together in Chicago. We occupied our time on the train watching all the different people, cheering on the Bears fans with their jerseys and painted faces, and even booing the viking fans...just a bit.

Navigating our way around Chicago made the trip very interesting especially during the morning rain. After several attempts to get directions to any restaurant as we were starving (attempts that included asking complete strangers and even reading some city guides we found in a bookstore), we stumbled into a wonderful place to eat....Pizano's! Not only was the food good with our deep dish pizza, cheese bread, and brushetta, but there were three tv's in which to watch the Bears Viking game...which any sports fan knows, watching a Bears game surrounded by many other Bears fans makes the game even more entertaining. Did I mention how good the food was?

We spent the rest of the day walking around, going in and out of stores, buying some Christmas presents, and just enjoying the perfect temperatures and the great company, of course finishing our day at the Cheesecake Factory for some delicious dessert!!!

The day trip to Chicago was a lot of fun and educational as well....For this is what I learned....

Jess is very good with directions as she states, "I know the Cheesecake Factory is by a building"...very helpful Jess ;).

Jessica is very easy going as she says something along the lines of...I will eat with dirty silverware as long as it is only dirty on the handle. She is so accomodating ;).

Alicia has probably the greatest style I have ever seen as indicated in the following picture! Breathtaking right?


But mostly I learned just how much fun I can have with these ladies...getting lost in the rain...doing nothing, but laughing the entire time.

This Far...

Things are always changing...relationships...plans...life in general. Sometimes there are small changes that we may not even notice. Other times the changes can seem a bit overwhelming. Lately a lot of big changes have been taking place in my life. And it is just all becoming more than I can handle, it seems. I begin to question what is going on. I begin to get anxious and restless. I try to hold on to the familiarity of what used to be...and fight what is. I'm not ready...what next?

And then last night I read 1Chronicles 17:16. And I begin to embrace the changes. Why? Because I am not alone. I shouldn't be so comfortable in this world, focused on this world and my life that I lose focus on the One who has brought me this far...

God has been with me through every change and has blessed me greatly through it all, so why continue to fight change, instead it is time to embrace it...to embrace Him...looking forward to all that is and is to come.

1Chronicles 17:16
Then King David went in and sat before the LORD, and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God, and what is my family, that you have brought me this far?"

What Is Beauty?

Where did we go wrong?...

I heard a co-worker of mine sharing how her daughter tells her of middle school girls who do not eat lunch because they don't want to eat infront of boys. So they are starving when they get home.

I heard a student the other day talking about how if someone is wearing an item of clothing, no one is "allowed" to buy it because the other person had it first.

I heard and stopped a group of kids laughing at a boy only because he had red hair.

and the list goes on...

I write because I am concerned. I write out of the sadness I feel for the youth growing up with the wrong idea of beauty...even my own idea of beauty which is blind sometimes. What are we teaching these children? We can blame society and the millions of messages and propaganda they encounter everyday, but where are we?...What are we saying?...What are we doing about it? Shouldn't we be examples, but we too sometimes get caught up in image. When did beauty = image?

I am lucky enough to be surrounded by children...children of friends...children of family. And as I watch them interact with the world around them, I just pray that they see beauty in all people and in everything...that they see beauty in themselves. Maybe by being surrounded with God's love and ours they will have the freedom to do that.

What is beauty to you...honestly...?

I'm An Aunt Again...

Okay, just need to clear the air that Jess and Amos did not have another child...

But my great friends Ang and Brad did! Their family is beautiful and while we visited the new little one, Ethan, I could see just how loved he is. As I stood there taking pictures, I realized just how blessed he is to have grandparents who are ready to spoil him and to support and love him...how blessed he is to have a sister, who if isn't getting him into trouble ;), will be watching out for him...how blessed he is to have parents who put their faith and trust in the Lord to guide them in raising such wonderful children. I am blessed to know this family and to once again be called..."aunt".

Moving Slow

So I am moving a little slow this morning...why?

Bears 27 - Packers 20!

Enough said ;)! What a great game! Maybe tonight I can catch up on some much needed sleep!

To See...

I am driving to work and there it is. It is a figure in the distance. I know exactly what it is. As I get closer and closer it becomes more and more apparent that it is the man. It is the man I pass by every morning on my way to work. We do our quick waves to acknowledge each other. As I drive past, I look in my rear view mirror watching him continue to walk to his destination. Who is he? I don't know. I can only assume he is the farmer caring for the fields he is walking infront of. What is his name? I don't know. What is his life like? I don't know. Do I see him?

I am walking to my sister's house and there she is. The same neighbor I pass everytime I walk to my sister's house. She is always walking her dog Oliver. We have our "Hello, how are you doing? Good...and you? Good. The weather is beautiful isn't it? It sure is. Well, have a nice day. You too!" conversation and continue on our way. Who is she? I don't know. What is her name? I don't know. What is her life like? I don't know. Do I see her?

I have a friend who I see occassionally. We have a good time together, but don't seem to get passed the surface stuff. Who is she? I don't know. What is her name? That I know. What is her life like? I don't know. So do I really see her?

Who are the many others I miss seeing? Who needs help? Who needs love? Who needs a friend? Who needs fellowship? Who needs to be heard...to be seen? How many have I missed?

Even beyond that, how many times have I missed the greatness of God?

To See...

I am blinded by my selfishness, my own life. I am blinded by fear. I am blinded by distractions...all blinding me from what God is trying to show me.

To See...

After reading 2Kings 6:17 which states, And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." I prayed that the Lord open my eyes to see what He wants me to see. I prayed for assistance in removing the blinders that keep me focused on myself, that keep me from really seeing others, that keep me from really seeing His greatness, that keep me from really seeing...

To See...

Last night was the first choir practice for this season. We all joined together afterwards to enjoy some delicious pie and icecream. As we sat there talking, I saw an older gentleman who I wanted to get to know. So I left my table of people I knew, my comfort zone, and joined this gentleman at his table. There we talked and laughed and I listened...I saw him...I saw...

When I got home I didn't go inside, but instead walked down to the lake. I sat there for a moment to take in all that was around me, especially the massive sky full of many stars. I saw God's greatness...I saw...

To See...

Let my eyes and heart be open...to see...to see YOU!

Not Too Far Away

I came home yesterday and went through my daily routine of walking down to get the mail and then sorting it between my roommate and I. I then weed out all the junk mail addressed to me, leaving me with bills in another stack. But yesterday was different. Buried between a preapproval credit card notice and a flyer notifying me of a sale I can't miss, I find this!....
I drop the mail instantly and tear the envelope open. It is a letter from my good friend Jimmy, who I refer to as Mr. James Issac. I hung on every word that I read. Happy not only to hear the wonderful things he had to share, but just full of joy to receive a letter from him...to know that our friendship remains strong. I placed the letter in a safe place to remind me that my friend is not far away.

I know that we will continue to correspond and I will enjoy reading of life half way around the world. I am blessed to call him friend. How blessed we all are to be able to relate to one another, to connect with one another, to reach out to one another, to love one another. Love crosses all boundaries and connects us all. No one is too far away...

*The only friend I let call me "Jenny"...thought you all would enjoy that ;).

Football and Fishing

Disclaimer: this post could get confusing!

I have no idea what the Bears need? Hence I am not a coach or manager or even a fan who thinks she can even begin to understand all that needs to take place to pull out a win. But every week I have hope...hope that something wonderful will transpire and that I will once again see the Bears dominate the field. To me it is a bit like fishing! I know it is a strange analogy. But as I watch the games week after week, getting frustrated at the turnovers and interceptions that one could blame on the quarterback, on the injuries weakening the defense, on any reason why the Bears are losing, I keep watching...anxiously awaiting that great catch, that hard tackle, that "big fish" that makes me see what I know the Bears can do.

So I sit here listening to Uri Caine on yahoo radio, ready for a good week at work, and getting ready to support the Bears once again...hoping that this weekend will bring in that "big fish"... a win for the Bears!

Okay, now I am hungry for fish!

I Love Africa in the Spring Time...

Okay, for those of you who don't know the song I love Paris...the title is just a play on the lyrics. Don't know why the song is in my head, but it is...so there you go ;).

Anyway, just received word that I may have the opportunity to return to Malawi with a visit to Kenya in the spring. Needless to say I can't stop smiling just thinking about it! As I am ready to pack and go, I do realize the need to take the time to figure out if this is something I should or can do. So let the praying, planning, and logistics of it all begin...

Please keep me in your prayers as I only want to go where God is leading...

All You Need

All you need for a great conversation and fun time with a roommate you hardly see because of busy schedules is....

a nice large pot of freshly made rice crispy treats and a spoon! It works every time ;)!

It is always nice to catch up with each other....Thanks Dina!

More Than Enough...

I have shared with many of you before my struggle with how I can be used by God. There isn't anything extraordinary about me...no real talent or skill that stands out. I am who I am, and though I accept and appreciate that God created me as I am, I often wonder how He could use someone small as me. What can I contribute or give?...and then I read 2Kings 4:42-44...

I have been studying 2Kings for a while it seems, and just am trying to work my way through it, but last night these verses really hit me. The story is similar to the feeding of the multitude with bread and fish, but as I read this scripture I really grasped that nothing is too small when God is involved.

2Kings 4:42-44 states, "A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. "Give it to the people to eat," Elisha said.
"How can I set this before a hundred men?" his servant asked. But Elisha answered, "Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the LORD says: 'They will eat and have some left over.' " Then he set it before them, and they ate and had some left over, according to the word of the LORD."

It was a small amount of food...a small amount that was given to the people. Elisha's servant doubted that this small amount would be able to feed a hundred men. But the Lord commanded that it be given to the people and as it was, there was more than enough. More than enough! God took something small and made it more than enough!

Why do I doubt God's power? Why do I question what He can use? I read this scripture and am reminded that nothing is too small to be used by God. When we give Him all we have...When we give Him all of ourselves...no matter how small we think it might be...

He makes it more than enough!

The First Sleep Over...

Okay, I admit it. I am probably not the first person anyone calls to watch their children. Not because I don’t like to or anything, but I am definitely not one of those ladies that knows a lot about raising children and just haven’t even begun thinking about such a responsibility…maybe that is just the stage of life I am in right now. But I absolutely love being an aunt. I get to see them everyday. I get to be the one who spoils them and lets them get away with things their parents might be a little strict on…shhh…Jess and Amos, skip over this part ;). But they have a piece of my heart and always will. I love to hear them laugh. I love to see them smile. I just love them...and so drum roll please….

I watched them both Saturday night so that Amos and Jess could go to his 10-year high school reunion. The decision wasn’t easy because to be honest I was a bit nervous. Could I handle both a five-month old and two and a half year old? I figured if Amos and Jess trusted me enough to watch both kids, then why not. So I accepted and even invited the two and a half year old to spend the night. I figured she was old enough to enjoy a sleep over with her favorite aunt.

And that is exactly what we did! It was a girls night, well once Tyler went to sleep. First, I must say, Tyler was great…pretty much ate and slept…what five-month old babies typically do. He must have known to take it easy on his favorite aunt.

While he was sleeping, Grace and I had the ultimate sleep over. I am talking, running around the house, football playing, pizza and junk food eating, cookie baking, movie watching, dancing, nail painting, stay up until early morning (yeah, church was the next morning…probably not too smart, but hey, I’m the fun aunt ;) sleep over. This will definitely become an annual event!
I of course documented this momentous evening with a few photos…enjoy!

And the junk food feast begins...with cheetos!

Followed shortly by pizza of course

Of course we had to mix it all around by playing football and

jumping on the bed

Dancing to Life is a Highway!

That worked up our appetite for some cookies!

Which we enjoyed right before bed ;)!

Bed time being after midnight as we had to paint our nails and watch Cars!
It was just a special night for Grace and me. We had some wonderful quality time together as we spent the night just making each other laugh. She is a special person and I hope I can teach her so much as she grows up...maybe not how to eat so much junk food all the time and stay up late every night ;)...but just how I will always be there for her...that I will always love her...and just how special she is.

Taco Night

We started off as friends, but family is the best way to describe our relationship. I am pretty sure the group of us girls and our families have been unofficially adopted by Randy and Susan. And once again we are able to meet up for a delicious taco dinner topped off with an incredible cheesecake and a lot of laughter!

Randy, Addie, Jess, and Tyler enjoying some salsa...Jess seemed to hover around the salsa bowl ;)

Brad, Addie, Ang, and Tyler...Addie getting used to another baby around and she did a great job!

Aunt Dina...pretty much one of the best aunts around. Who else laughs as much as the kids?

Amos and the kids...I think Amos was learning more playing with the puzzle than Grace and Addie...just kidding!

Someone loves tacos!

Susan was lucky enough to be so close to such a special kiss!

Addie getting ready to have her own journal!

I just want to send my thanks to these special people in my life for showing so much love and hospitality. They are another wonderful family I am very blessed to know...blessed to be a part of! I love you all!

"Whom I Serve"

How can I serve You, God?


Last night I came across 2Kings 3:14 "Elisha said, "As surely as the LORD Almighty lives, whom I serve, if I did not have respect for the presence of Jehoshaphat king of Judah, I would not look at you or even notice you." And as I read that verse I couldn't help but think about the phrase.."whom I serve".


I wonder, am I able to say that phrase? have I served God? Do I serve God? What does it mean to serve? How can I serve?


...with time...money...with all I have...with all of me...


I want to be a servant, to have a life of service...not just moments, but a life of service to the only One who is worthy and deserves nothing less than all of me.

Ahhhh....

Last night I met up with some great friends, sisters, of mine. Jess, Ang, Dina, and I try to meet up as much as possible. It is amazing how hard it is for us to actually get together. Three of us live in the same area, while the other lives less than an hour away. Yet, with our busy schedules we find it somewhat difficult to get together. We do keep each other updated through emails and blogs, but last night we were able to just spend time together. As I sat there with my girls, I couldn't help but feel a nice sigh at how nice it was to just be together, laughing, eating ;), and enjoying the company. We are each so different, but it works. It is a great group of friends who is always there to encourage, comfort, and rejoice. And as I sit here and think about the wonderful night I sigh once more at just how great life is....

Ahhh....

Note to Ang and Dina: No need to comment ladies, I know how busy you are ;).

Touchdown!...Another 6 Points...

Though I am a Bears fan, I do enjoy a good Colts game and found myself rooting for them in the opening game last night. I put on the old jersey and cheered for the Colts and watched as Manning kept scoring points for me...yes, for me as I was lucky enough to draft him in my fantasy football league. Don't worry, I drafted the Bears defense too...so all is well ;).

What day is it?

Just a random post to share...

Well, it was another wonderful, yet busy, labor day weekend. And I can't imagine spending it any other way than with family and friends.


First, there was Saturday...


I joined some lovely ladies in Mishawaka to order bridesmaid dresses for a wedding coming up this winter. It is always great to see these ladies, not to mention it was a fun afternoon with lunch and shopping as well.


Then Sunday came...


After a wonderful church service, I met with another group of ladies for lunch and a couple hours of indepth football discussion...also known as...the fantasy football draft. The teams look good and we are all ready for the season to begin. There is nothing like sharing the joy of the football season with friends ;). Good luck ladies!..and I must say..."Go Bears!"



Following the draft, Jess, Grace, Alicia, Kelli, Jamie, and I took the boat out on lake Syracuse while the boys were still finishing up their draft. It was beautiful weather and the water was warm...well, after you swam for a bit ;). After spending some time by ourselves, we picked up Amos, Danny, and Tyler and enjoyed a fast and somewhat rocky ride around Lake Wawasee. The rest of the evening was filled with some time spent in the hot tub dodging mosquitos and games such as around the world table tennis, which wore us all out!



And Monday...


I had an amazing time meeting up with Kelli for lunch at probably one of my favorite restaurants (though there are many)...Panera! And then I did a little more shopping on my way home...only to get one item that probably everyone I know has been pushing me to get...and I finally caved. Yes, I finally bought a new pair of athletic shoes. I call them athletic shoes, because I am pretty sure they weren't really designed for any particular sport...they were the cheap ones ;). But hey, I guess it is better than running in shoes that I have had for 10+ years. What a great pair of shoes...ahhh..memories.

It was a great weekend and I am excited for what the rest of the week has instore. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well and that you take the time to appreciate the wonderful relationships and opportunities we are all blessed with every day!