Mister Penguin!

Oh, how the song, Mister Penguin, takes me back to the days when I began taking piano lessons. Mister Penguin was the first song I played. I can still hear its simple melody as if I had just learned it yesterday.

That is because it was practically yesterday. Yes! That's right! I am now taking piano lessons! I actually had my first lesson on Sunday...and am being taught by the one and only Mrs. Hahn. That is how I probably should refer to her since she is my teacher now.

I had a great time as I learned about different intervals and octaves. And even begin to play a bit. I know I am not going to be the greatest pianist or anything, but I am excited to learn this instrument. I enjoyed this lesson with Mrs. Hahn and am so very thankful for the time she is taking to teach me. She is a great instructor and an even better friend!

Thank you Mrs. Hahn (Alicia ;). I am playing Mister Penguin loud and proud! And Yankee Doodle is coming along great! Ha! Well, I better get to practicing!

I hope you all keep learning! It is never too late!

About 20 Days Later...

But it was still quite the celebration!

It was our annual Kings Day Party...Día De Los Reyes Fiesta! Though this usually is celebrated at the beginning of January, when trying to get college friends all over northern indiana together, you have to go with the date that works best for everyone!

Therefore, the party took place on Saturday. We didn't put out our shoes filled with hay for the wisemen's camels, but we did spend the night enjoying some great mexican food! And what fiesta is complete without a battle of the sexes game of pictionary!

A huge thanks to Jess for her wonderful and very helpful cooking skills as we spent the day cooking for the party. Thanks to Amos, Grace, and Tyler for helping keep the house clean, and making me laugh the entire night. Thanks to Dina for being a kid herself and spoiling the kids! Thanks to Brad, Ang, Addie, and Ethan for great conversation, good visit, and just the wonderful time I always have with you. Thanks to Scott and Sarah, not only for the amazing brownies, but for the fun times we share!

I love you all and am so grateful to share such a wonderful celebration with each one of you every year!!!

Unlocked Doors

Those who I am close with know the paradox I face in regards to entering the mission field long term. And that paradox was confirmed last night as I listened to the Hardenbrooks share their own story as they begin their journey to Sudan. The excitement and passion fills their hearts, but to say goodbye to their family and friends is a challenge, a struggle at times. Yet, through it all, they know it is what they are called to do and that God has and will continue to provide that strength.

Throughout their presentation they made a call for others to join them in this journey. And my heart was filled with hope. I listened intently, eager to learn more about the initiative, and anxious to consider this an opportunity.

But taking that next step means putting things in motion. It is no longer a thought, a dream, a desire...something to face down the road. Instead, it is about the present...moving forward knowing that no matter how challenging the path might be, God is with me and I am not alone.

I sat there going back and forth about whether I should talk to them about my interest in being a part of this initiative. And at the moment that I began to let my fear in taking this step get to me, a member of my church family approached me to let me know that he thought of me during this presentation and has been praying for my guidance. And then another member informed me that he and his wife have been praying for me and that they were so glad to see that I came to hear this presentation. What struck me is that none of these members knew of my desire to enter the mission field, and yet they prayed for me.

So I approached the Hardenbrooks to share my interest. They were very grateful and asked for my contact information. They even provided some great advice on where to attend some mission trainings. I will continue to pray for guidance. And whether God leads me to Sudan or another part of Africa, I trust in Him. I took that next step.



I do struggle at times discerning God's call, but have learned that He does not do it all for us. He unlocks the doors and it is up to us to have the faith to open them.

Wrapped In Love...

I have mentioned before just how rich I am. Not because I own all the latest gadgets, the expensive clothes, the fancy house, or the next great thing that is out on the market. For I have more than I could ever want and need in the love I find in my friends and family. When I have searched for encouragement, support, love, and hope, God wraps His arms around me and shows me that I am not alone. I can't count the many times God has used Matt and Alicia to show His love. For they have become family to me. And my life is richer for that. They have shown me that no matter how much you give, love never runs out.

You see, everyday Matt and Alicia give of themselves. They show love through teaching, through coaching, through leadership, through the interaction they have with each other and others. And now they are in the process of blessing another life with their love, through adoption.

The waiting process isn't always easy, and so all of us who have been touched by this couple wanted them to be wrapped in love...

We wanted them to feel the encouragement and support...the love that they have graciously shown us. We united together to share messages of encouragement. We worked together to create a quilt of hope. We gave financially to help provide support. And we came together to celebrate the love we all have to share.

Thank you Matt and Alicia for being an example of love to many! I am excited for this next step in your life. I don't know when things will take place, but I do know that God's timing is perfect. Just as you will be blessed with a child, I know this child will be very blessed with your love!

Thank you everyone for your assistance with the Wrapped in Love Project. Your words, your donations, your support made all of this possible! Thank you for sharing your love!

1 Thessalonians 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

In His Presence...

Saturday, I had the complete honor to serve as a bridesmaid for an incredible friend of mine.

I must first share how blessed I have been to know Sarah. You see, Sarah and I have developed quite the friendship over the course of a year or so. She has inspired me with her experience in missions. She has encouraged me as we talk about where life is leading. She has just taken the time to listen to anything I need to share. And I enjoy anytime we have together, whether it is talking over some good coffee or even traveling together. She is such a special person and God has blessed my life with her friendship.

God has blessed both Chris and Sarah with the love they have for each other and many of us gathered together to celebrate that love. To see them together, is to see the great amount of love that exists. You see the respect they have for each other and how much they appreciate the uniqueness of one another. Chris has become a good friend to me and it has been such a pleasure getting to know him. With the compassion they have for others, I can only imagine the lives they will continue to touch with their love.

And in His presence...they were united!

Thank you my beautiful friend for allowing us all the honor to be a part of this wonderful moment.

May God continue to bless you two and your marriage!

For He has such great plans for you! Love ya lots...M.E.

A Walk In The Rain

How easy the rain came. How fast it came and how hard it rained. Have you ever had those moments in life that just open your eyes and you know you will never be the same? Have you ever been acutely aware of how truly difficult it can be sometimes to say, no matter what is thrown at me I will not waiver in my walk with Christ? I will not retreat.

I think we all face those times. We have those times that set us back, that make us question, that make us worry, that bring pain, that make us aware of just how human we are and how difficult life can be. So what do we do?

Some of us retreat to a place where we feel safe, maybe build that wall around us that we tried so hard to finally break down. Some of us turn from what we know, question why we ever believed in the first place, and try to run for cover...to find protection from the rain.

But I choose to walk...to walk in the rain. I choose to stay on my walk, vulnerable and open to Him. I choose to walk, not run, but walk with God who leads me on.

And I find the peace walking in the rain...

Welcome

A beautiful welcome to 2008!

2008 and Always...

Happy New Year everyone! As I rang in the New Year with friends and family, I thought about what 2008 might be like...and the words to the following song filled my heart...

Jesus, be my center
Be my source, be my light, Jesus

Jesus, be my center
Be my hope, be my song, Jesus

Be the fire in my heart
Be the wind in these sails
Be the reason that I live
Jesus, Jesus

Jesus, be my vision
Be my path, be my guide, Jesus

I don't know what the next year holds, but I know with Christ in control I will be doing His will. Some important decisions have been made and I will follow where He leads.

May He be your center in 2008 and always!

Open Eyes

Most of the people who know me would categorize me as a pretty optimistic person, but I do understand reality. I may not understand all that is going on in the world around me, but I try. I was saddened by the assassination of Bhutto. It is the reminder of the violence people face every day. It is an example of the hate and fear that exists between people. Her life is one of the many that have been taken violently. And yet, the question posed by reporters on the story is, how are "we" affected by this?

How about the simple fact that violence is terrorizing the world? How about the simple fact that fear is a part of many people's lives on a daily basis? How about the simple fact that others are suffering, dying?

I can't help but be affected by this and refuse to close my eyes to any of it. So I continue learning about all that is going on and continue to ask, what can I do?

The Gift of You

As wonderful as the gifts were and as delicious as the food was, I can honestly say that those won't be my Christmas memories. You know that old saying...giving is better than receiving? I can't help but wonder what it would be like if people took that phrase past the simple idea of gifts...to the giving of oneself. Because it was during those moments that the spirit of Christmas was seen and enjoyed! See for yourself...

What is your gift to others?

Just a Little Longer

There was a moment last night where I was sitting on the couch talking with Jackie who was sharing some funny stories of her children, watching Carrie who was being surrounded by the kids as they threw their toys all around her, and hearing Jess who was running around the house while being a great hostess at the same time. I sat there surrounded by all of this and thought to myself...just a little longer.

I knew it was almost time for them to leave, but I just wanted to continue to enjoy my time with these ladies and their adorable families...just a little longer.

We met in college and our friendship continues to grow. I love catching up with these friends, and of course tasting their delicious food as they all definitely know how to cook and bake!!! How lucky am I? I love how the love and appreciation we have for each other allows our friendship to flourish...just a little longer...and longer...and longer...

I hope that the time you have is spent in such moments!

Seek Him Fervently...

A couple of days ago I took the chance of being honest with some close friends of mine about a restlessness that I have been feeling. Being able to share this with them has been more helpful than expected. I was honest with myself. I was honest with them. And most of all I was finally honest with God about the fears that hold me back from truly listening to Him.

Seek Him fervently was something that was shared with me. It is a message that I have been thinking about lately. How easy those fears crept in and grabbed a hold of me. How easy doubt set in. Why? Because I stopped seeking God in all parts of my life...in every moment. I tried to compartmentalize Him, seeking Him only in certain parts of my life, calling on Him only when I face big decisions or when I finally realize I can't do it alone.

It is time to seek God fervently in all of life's steps. It is time to passionately seek Him and listen to Him. It is time for Him to exist in all areas of life leaving no room for fear and doubt...

and where He leads...I will follow

Dear Gillbillys:

December 11, 2007

Dear Gillbillys:

I write to you out of respect from one coach to another. I have received valuable information that affects your team. And to be fair, I must share this privileged information with you. I thought long and hard whether or not to tell you this as we are competitors this week in the playoffs. But I know you would show the same respect if you were in my position.

There have been reports that your quarterback, Tom Brady, is tired of carrying your team. I am sorry to say that he believes that he is your team and it is due to him that you have made it to the top of the league. To show his importance, he has discussed the option of not performing up to his full potentional this week...causing your team to lose. He believes this will allow all to see how important he is to the team. As a coach myself, I find that mindset highly disturbing and would fully support and respect your decision to bench him in this upcoming matchup.

I wish you luck this week!

Sincerely,
DC

"Let the Giving Begin"...

I recently saw an ad from Target with the slogan "Let the Giving Begin" and couldn't help but think about how true that message is!

Let the gift of love be given to those who have hate and anger in their hearts...

Let the gift of friendship be given to those who feel alone and separated...

Let the gift of compassion be given to those who are just trying to survive...

Let the gift of hope be given to those facing dispair or life's challenges...

Let the gift of encouragement and support be given to those who need a helping hand...

Let the gift of God be given and shared with all...

"Let the Giving Begin"...and let the giving CONTINUE...

1 Thessalonians 3:12
May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

Blessed By Another Year...

with my wonderful sister!

She is turning 28 this week, though she looks 17 most of the time ;).

Being her twin has been wonderful as it is such a compliment when I am mistaken as her. Though she has grown into an incredible woman, a loving mother, and a loyal friend...I look at her and still see my little sis ;).

I see my little sis who would always get me into trouble with her creative ideas...like the time we got our garlic bread stuck to the ceiling during a dinner party, or the time she taught me how to draw on the back of the seats in the car.

I see my little sis who always makes me laugh...like the time she answered the phone with my name, forgetting who she was for a brief second, or the time she stopped not once, but twice on a major highway that we have traveled on many times because she confused the signal poles that have the flashing red lights as railroad crossing warnings. Did I mention that there have never been any railroad tracks on this highway?

I see my little sis who always looks for the best in people, who never gives up on me, who is an example of a life focused on Christ. She lives a life of love always looking at how she can reach out to others... like the many times she gives anonymously, the times she listens to me and encourages me, the times she gives of herself to help better a life, to show God's love. I may be older by 60 whole seconds ;), but my little sis has taught me so much...

And I have been blessed with another year of her love!

Happy Birthday sis! It is such a pleasure to share my birthday with you and I am blessed to have known you for 28 years!

Reflection

It was one of those mornings when I wish I had my camera. On my drive to work, the sun was rising casting a red tone on the clouds that filled the sky. As I past a pond, the reflection was incredible as it looked like the water was on fire. God's beautiful creation was reflecting on the water.

I couldn't help but wonder, what is being reflected in me? Am I letting God's love and work in me be seen, or is it being blocked by my own pride and selfishness...my doubts and fears...my own desires?

What is my reflection? What do people see?

I pray that, like that water, His work and love can be seen and done through me...that He be my reflection.

Planes

Today is a great day! Why? Because later today I will be picking my lovely sister and her family up at the airport. They will probably come back with tans from the warm sun they have experienced the past few days and arrive with some great stories of their trip. I can't wait to get a huge hug from my niece and see my cutie nephew smile. Yes, it has only been a few days, but I miss them.

There is just something so wonderful about airports...

Maybe it is all the good memories...Like the time when Dina took me to the airport, but we arrived a bit early and my flight was delayed. I couldn't have asked for a better time with my roommate. She stayed the entire time which was about 4 hours or more. But we talked and laughed and she really calmed my nerves as I was getting ready to take a life changing trip. To this day, we still recall that memory.

Maybe it is about the people and stories. Somehow airports and planes make you break your comfort zone, and talk to people. You find out where people are heading, what they do for a living, and just find out some interesting things. You get to watch kids press against the windows to watch the planes, passengers sleeping in those comfortable chairs waiting to hear that their plane will not be delayed once again, and just the welcoming of family and friends when those arrive at their destination.

Maybe it is just wandering around the airport, seeing all the destinations and thinking to myself...hmmm...maybe one day I will travel there...maybe one day I will just come to the airport, find an interesting destination, and just go...


All I know is that today... that plane...at that airport...will bring my family back to me and that is wonderful!

A "little" Competition...

Okay everyone...it is the battle of all battles. Will it be close? Who will come out victorious?

I sit here waiting patiently, cheering on my players and watching anxiously as points begin to increase. I know my sister is in Florida, trying to enjoy her vacation, but is nervous as she watches the games, wondering if this is the week that my players will out score hers. Will she be taken down by a team that is in desperate need of another win this season, but is actually pretty crippled with injuries?

Only time will tell.

Good luck sis! When I win, that will just give you another reason to look up to your older and wiser sister ;0. I have learned a lot in that extra 60 seconds of life ;).

And to the rest of you ladies...good luck to you as well!

I sign off with one parting phrase, even though it has been difficult to say this year..."Go Bears!"

Thankful!

Surprised at the title? Probably not. But I am not here to write about all the wonderful times in my life or the amazing relationships I am very thankful for. As you know, I am definitely blessed! But instead I am here to say that I am truly thankful for...

...the storms...

the storms and challenges I have and will face in life. Those moments where I am stripped bare to see the One who is and will always be there.

I am thankful for those times when I finally realize that I can't do things on my own, and instead find courage, comfort, and hope in Christ.

I am thankful for the storms that humble me, challenge me, change me.

I sit here and listen to the rain pounding outside...longing to be out there...just thankful for the storms!

I've Been Tagged...

...And normally I don't do these kinds of things, but it is a two and a half workday week for me, so why not!... Let me see, five things about me that you may or may not know...

1. I want to be a missionary. But I let doubts and fears sink in and I begin to question if I could really be used in this capacity.

2. I love learning!!! I could be a full time student if it weren't so expensive. I love listening to different ideas and thoughts, researching, and just growing.

3. I really enjoy classical/jazz music, especially attending the symphony and or jazz concerts. I believe it is because it brings back so many great memories with my parents. There is nothing like watching musicians perform and listening to all they create! And on the other side of that, there is nothing like a great game at a stadium surrounded by fans. I think in both cases, the energy is just incredible!

4. Relationships are very important to me. There are no lines or differences between friends and family. My friends are included as part of my family and I love connecting with new people and just building on other relationships as well. I think we all are connected in one way or another.

5. I still don't know my way around Lake Wawasee! Or...any other parts of Northern Indiana really ;). So needless to say, I am not the best with directions. Did I mention that I have lived up here for over three years now?!? So if you see me driving around in circles or it looks like I am lost, just point me in the right direction ;).

Well, since I am slow at getting this done compared to my sister who already tagged those I would have tagged, I am still going to refer you to them...Ang, Dina, and Melanie. I figured since we are twins, that is acceptable ;). Ha! So many benefits to being a twin!