Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, November 25, 2010
I am thankful for.....
I got this idea from another blogger and I thought it would be fun to do. Thanksgiving is a great time to remember what we are thankful for.
A) Applesauce muffins - a great recipe from a great friend.
B) Best friends - my closest girl friends are the world to me.
C) Coffee.
D) My Dad.
E) Ellie Mae - both my dog and my KY friend :).
F) Family - I love y'all, so much.
G) God.
H) Happiness.
I) Ice cream
J) Jumper-cables - they have certainly come in handy in my life.
K) Kids - they make me laugh, smile and keep me young.
L) Love.
M) My Mama - she is an amazing woman.
N) Nightlights - I'm scared of the dark.
O) Opportunities.
P) Pancakes. :)
Q) Quiet mornings - I simply enjoy listening to the sounds of life around me.
R) Roses - such a beautiful flower.
S) Steamer - I LOVE my steamer...it beats ironing.
T) Technology - it helps me stay connected with friends and family.
U) Universities - I am a full supporter of a college education, it's my job.
V) Valpo.
W) Writing.
X) X-rays - ok, X words are difficult.
Y) Yesterdays. - Because yesterdays mean that the mistakes from that day are behind us, and that today is a new day.
Z) Zodiac signs - I enjoy reading my horoscope.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
are you married?
Yesterday, I met with a H.S. senior female for an interview.
She saw the pictures in my office on my desk and asked, "Oh, is this your family?" -- pointing at a picture of me and my three brothers: Marky, Bill, and Cody, taken at my engagement party 3.5 years ago.
I answered, "Yes, those are three of my brothers."
I don't know what prompted her to ask the next questions, but...
"Do you have any kids? Are you married?"
High School students are so innocent and I know she was simply trying to make conversation (the girl was nervous).
My heart stopped for a second. I thought, how do I answer this?
"Ummm, nope, no kids...not married yet."
Awkward...for me -- this girl had no clue.
She replied, "Yeah, well...you're young still."
She saw the pictures in my office on my desk and asked, "Oh, is this your family?" -- pointing at a picture of me and my three brothers: Marky, Bill, and Cody, taken at my engagement party 3.5 years ago.
I answered, "Yes, those are three of my brothers."
I don't know what prompted her to ask the next questions, but...
"Do you have any kids? Are you married?"
High School students are so innocent and I know she was simply trying to make conversation (the girl was nervous).
My heart stopped for a second. I thought, how do I answer this?
"Ummm, nope, no kids...not married yet."
Awkward...for me -- this girl had no clue.
She replied, "Yeah, well...you're young still."
Monday, November 22, 2010
Guardrails...
This last Sunday's service was truly inspiring.
The Pastor shared a story about a young girl and her journey without guardrails in her life.
The series we have been covering in Church has been about the guardrails we all need in our lives.
Guardrails to protect us from bad decisions, the wrong path, etc.
I'm not going to lie, I wasn't really sure how I felt about this "theme" in this series.
It wasn't until this last Sunday (the last day of the series) that I really understood.
A story about a troubled girl traveling down a rocky path in life and making every "bad" and "wrong" decision she could possibly make.
Drugs, sex, and bad influences in her life led her to jail, the hospital, and to a half-way house.
Her life was spinning out of control.
"Gracepoint saved my life" were her words that brought tears to my eyes.
In the middle of everyone around me, singing after this eye-opening story, I broke down.
Hearing this story reminded me of a family member who has led a very similar troubled life.
Every time I thought her life was heading in a positive direction, she forgot about guardrails and was led astray.
I pray every day that something or someone will save her.
The Pastor shared a story about a young girl and her journey without guardrails in her life.
The series we have been covering in Church has been about the guardrails we all need in our lives.
Guardrails to protect us from bad decisions, the wrong path, etc.
I'm not going to lie, I wasn't really sure how I felt about this "theme" in this series.
It wasn't until this last Sunday (the last day of the series) that I really understood.
A story about a troubled girl traveling down a rocky path in life and making every "bad" and "wrong" decision she could possibly make.
Drugs, sex, and bad influences in her life led her to jail, the hospital, and to a half-way house.
Her life was spinning out of control.
"Gracepoint saved my life" were her words that brought tears to my eyes.
In the middle of everyone around me, singing after this eye-opening story, I broke down.
Hearing this story reminded me of a family member who has led a very similar troubled life.
Every time I thought her life was heading in a positive direction, she forgot about guardrails and was led astray.
I pray every day that something or someone will save her.
hidden behind texts
Texting: a new form of communication in today's society.
It has also become the new way of saying what is on your mind without saying it in person...face-to-face.
Why are some of us so much braver to say the things we really want to say to someone through a text message?
Is saying "I care about you" easier to share in a text?
On the flip side, texting can allow someone to hide their true feelings.
It is easier to avoid conflict or the questions in your heart?
Texting seems to have replaced email.
While emails are still used for a variety of reasons, even including those mentioned above.
Why is it so difficult for people to communicate in person anymore?
During my interviews for my marriage paper for graduate school, communication is one thing every person mentioned as an important key factor in a marriage (and any relationship).
Instead of sending that text, I challenge you to call that person.
I challenge you to call and say "I miss you" or "I love you", or make plans to meet that person for coffee to tell them how you feel, rather than texting it.
Stop hiding behind your texts and say what you really want to say.
It has also become the new way of saying what is on your mind without saying it in person...face-to-face.
Why are some of us so much braver to say the things we really want to say to someone through a text message?
Is saying "I care about you" easier to share in a text?
On the flip side, texting can allow someone to hide their true feelings.
It is easier to avoid conflict or the questions in your heart?
Texting seems to have replaced email.
While emails are still used for a variety of reasons, even including those mentioned above.
Why is it so difficult for people to communicate in person anymore?
During my interviews for my marriage paper for graduate school, communication is one thing every person mentioned as an important key factor in a marriage (and any relationship).
Instead of sending that text, I challenge you to call that person.
I challenge you to call and say "I miss you" or "I love you", or make plans to meet that person for coffee to tell them how you feel, rather than texting it.
Stop hiding behind your texts and say what you really want to say.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
better together
I just love this song. It's the perfect song for the way I'm feeling today. Listening to it brings a smile to my face and cheers me up...thinking of the happy moments in my life.
Just go with it
Sometimes you gotta quit thinking so much. If it feels right, it probably is. So just go with it. - Sex & the City
Monday, November 15, 2010
What's "right"?
You only get one life to live, so live it to the fullest, people say.
Every day we are faced with decisions and questions....big and small.
How do you know you're making the "right" decisions? Giving the "right" answers?
People say to not live a life of regret....
...to not give up on your dreams...your heart, but I still ask the same question...
What's "right"?
I look to God to give me direction.
Mixed messages and feelings can sometimes cause us to take different directions..."bad" directions.
Will we look back and regret those decisions?
Will we regret doing the things we want to do right here, right now?
Skip the regret and live your life the way you want.
Forget trying to figure out what's "right".
Live in the moment.
Quote (from a friend's blog): "There's the future, and there's the past and the only thing that we truly have are those shining moments in between where one crosses over into the other."
Every day we are faced with decisions and questions....big and small.
How do you know you're making the "right" decisions? Giving the "right" answers?
People say to not live a life of regret....
...to not give up on your dreams...your heart, but I still ask the same question...
What's "right"?
I look to God to give me direction.
Mixed messages and feelings can sometimes cause us to take different directions..."bad" directions.
Will we look back and regret those decisions?
Will we regret doing the things we want to do right here, right now?
Skip the regret and live your life the way you want.
Forget trying to figure out what's "right".
Live in the moment.
Quote (from a friend's blog): "There's the future, and there's the past and the only thing that we truly have are those shining moments in between where one crosses over into the other."
Explore. Dream. Discover.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. -Mark Twain
My little sis is getting married!
That's right, little Amanda, my step-sis, is getting married.
Her boyfriend, Kurt, popped the question Sunday, Nov 7.
As I was heading into the library to work on grad school papers, I received a text message from her saying Kurt proposed. Ahhh!
She called me last night saying she got her dress.
They are hoping to get married this Christmas. Kurt is finishing up bootcamp with the Air Force right now.
I can't believe it...my little sis is growing up...and so fast. :(
Congrats to her and Kurt!
Her boyfriend, Kurt, popped the question Sunday, Nov 7.
As I was heading into the library to work on grad school papers, I received a text message from her saying Kurt proposed. Ahhh!
She called me last night saying she got her dress.
They are hoping to get married this Christmas. Kurt is finishing up bootcamp with the Air Force right now.
I can't believe it...my little sis is growing up...and so fast. :(
Congrats to her and Kurt!
Friday, November 12, 2010
changes in life
Do not look forward in fear to the changes of life; rather look to them with full hope that as they arise. God, whose very own you are, will lead you safely through all things; And when you cannot stand it, God will carry you in His arms. - Saint Frances de Sales
Thursday, November 11, 2010
choose happiness
I'm choosing happiness over suffering, I know I am. I'm making space for the unknown future to fill up my life with yet-to-come surprises. - Elizabeth Gilbert
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Mean
Halloween is a time of fun, candy and dressing up as something different or creative.
This year I was Tinkerbell.
Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky were other costumes people chose to wear this year.
These costumes are fitting for all three people in this particular case.
Tinkerbell, innocent and naive.
The other two, guilty and proud.
I didn't know people enjoyed flaunting their infidelity.
I am totally disgusted and offended.
A joke and a slap in the face for me.
Ouch.
This year I was Tinkerbell.
Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky were other costumes people chose to wear this year.
These costumes are fitting for all three people in this particular case.
Tinkerbell, innocent and naive.
The other two, guilty and proud.
I didn't know people enjoyed flaunting their infidelity.
I am totally disgusted and offended.
A joke and a slap in the face for me.
Ouch.
Dare to....
Dare to look foolish. The real fools are those who never attempt anything.
Dare to make mistakes. They are the best teachers you will ever know.
Dare to take action. There’s a risk you may fail. Yet if you take no action failure is a certainty.
Dare to be fully alive.
Dare to speak your mind.
Dare to enjoy the beauty of the world.
Dare to make a difference.
Dare to love.
Dare to be the person you know you can be.
Dare to expect the best, with your words and actions. You’ll usually get it.
Dare to do what is right rather than what is convenient or expedient. It will truly make a difference in the way you see yourself, and the way others see you. You’re here, with this magnificent day available to you.
Dare to make it the best you can.
Dare to make mistakes. They are the best teachers you will ever know.
Dare to take action. There’s a risk you may fail. Yet if you take no action failure is a certainty.
Dare to be fully alive.
Dare to speak your mind.
Dare to enjoy the beauty of the world.
Dare to make a difference.
Dare to love.
Dare to be the person you know you can be.
Dare to expect the best, with your words and actions. You’ll usually get it.
Dare to do what is right rather than what is convenient or expedient. It will truly make a difference in the way you see yourself, and the way others see you. You’re here, with this magnificent day available to you.
Dare to make it the best you can.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
2 little girls now women....
I first met my friend, Carrie, when we were standing at the bus stop. The good old Middle School days.
She and I have remained good friends ever since. It doesn't matter how much time passes between visits, we are always able to pick up right where we left off.
Carrie has become one of my closest and best friends.
We have grown up together....from birthday parties, prom, boyfriends, bridal showers, weddings, and now baby showers, we have remained very close.
Last weekend was her baby shower, and I asked her,
"Where has the time gone? Just yesterday, we were two awkward junior high girls and now you're going to be a mother and have a daughter of your own."
Even though we are not biological sisters, I will always consider her my older sister...someone I truly admire and is always there for me.
Love you.
She and I have remained good friends ever since. It doesn't matter how much time passes between visits, we are always able to pick up right where we left off.
Carrie has become one of my closest and best friends.
We have grown up together....from birthday parties, prom, boyfriends, bridal showers, weddings, and now baby showers, we have remained very close.
Last weekend was her baby shower, and I asked her,
"Where has the time gone? Just yesterday, we were two awkward junior high girls and now you're going to be a mother and have a daughter of your own."
Even though we are not biological sisters, I will always consider her my older sister...someone I truly admire and is always there for me.
Love you.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Starbucks date with Auntie Nikki
Last weekend I had a little visit with my newest nephew, Camden, and the mama.
Women love their coffee, so we met at Starbucks for a brief visit.
He makes me so incredibly happy.
I can almost imagine how new mothers feel when their child is born and they feel this instant love for them.
Women love their coffee, so we met at Starbucks for a brief visit.
He makes me so incredibly happy.
I can almost imagine how new mothers feel when their child is born and they feel this instant love for them.
growing in your faith
I think one of the biggest steps a couple can make is attending Church together.
There is something to be said about two people growing in their faith...together.
I watch older couples holding hands singing hymns...
Men with their arms around their wives/girlfriends during sermons...
Hugs and gentle kisses shared between couples when asked to greet those around.
It makes my heart melt to see all of this love and faith shared between two people.
To me, Church is a big step in a relationship.
It is like meeting the parents.
It is something about singing together, praying together, and discussing the sermon after Church together on a Sunday afternoon over lunch that creates a bond like no other in a relationship.
You get to know the other person on another level.
It is important to me to grow in my faith with my significant other.
There is something to be said about two people growing in their faith...together.
I watch older couples holding hands singing hymns...
Men with their arms around their wives/girlfriends during sermons...
Hugs and gentle kisses shared between couples when asked to greet those around.
It makes my heart melt to see all of this love and faith shared between two people.
To me, Church is a big step in a relationship.
It is like meeting the parents.
It is something about singing together, praying together, and discussing the sermon after Church together on a Sunday afternoon over lunch that creates a bond like no other in a relationship.
You get to know the other person on another level.
It is important to me to grow in my faith with my significant other.
choose to get back up
On a quest to start a new life, you will face a lot of challenges and uphill battles that will try to bring you down. Fears will arise that will make you stumble and the only way to stop them is to face them. As a friend, I would like you to know life will knock us down, but we can choose to get back up. Remember to always be strong...root that in your heart. -Chemirmir
Thursday, November 4, 2010
the little moments in life
"I'd rather fold laundry with her than go to the bar with the guys."
Enjoy those little every day life moments with your significant other.
This is just one thing I have learned from my interviews for my final paper about marriage.
I have experienced some very insightful and interesting interviews, but my aunt and uncle's interviews yesterday have been 2 of the most inspiring.
They are one couple I truly admire. They have been married for 18 years and together for 24 years.
It is their open and constant communication with each other and their friendship that has helped their marriage be successful.
Enjoy those little every day life moments with your significant other.
This is just one thing I have learned from my interviews for my final paper about marriage.
I have experienced some very insightful and interesting interviews, but my aunt and uncle's interviews yesterday have been 2 of the most inspiring.
They are one couple I truly admire. They have been married for 18 years and together for 24 years.
It is their open and constant communication with each other and their friendship that has helped their marriage be successful.
Dream big dreams...
There is always time
Does it seem that there's not enough time? The fact is, at the moment, there is nothing other than now.
Time is something you look back upon or imagine moving through. Now is what you have to work with.
No matter how long you think it might take, what matters is what you are doing about it right now. Now is when you can make the effort, and now is when you can have an influence.
Everything that has ever been accomplished has been done by making use of a succession of present moments. You have just as much time as everyone else because everyone has this same moment right now.
Instead of putting off the effort, now is your opportunity to make it real and to make it happen. By making full use of this present moment, you make the next one more valuable.
Dream big dreams, then jump right in and live those dreams. There is always time, and it is always now.
-- Ralph Marston
http://greatday.com/motivate/100918.html
Does it seem that there's not enough time? The fact is, at the moment, there is nothing other than now.
Time is something you look back upon or imagine moving through. Now is what you have to work with.
No matter how long you think it might take, what matters is what you are doing about it right now. Now is when you can make the effort, and now is when you can have an influence.
Everything that has ever been accomplished has been done by making use of a succession of present moments. You have just as much time as everyone else because everyone has this same moment right now.
Instead of putting off the effort, now is your opportunity to make it real and to make it happen. By making full use of this present moment, you make the next one more valuable.
Dream big dreams, then jump right in and live those dreams. There is always time, and it is always now.
-- Ralph Marston
http://greatday.com/motivate/100918.html
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
"Trouble" - Ray Lamontagne
I absolutely love this song.
I heard it again this morning on Pandora and it made me think about the interviews I have been conducting for my Marriage & Sexuality grad class final paper.
I'm writing about the qualities of a successful marriage. Ironic, since mine was not successful. Nonetheless, it has been extremely helpful for me...to learn, heal and move forward. I have really enjoyed the insightful feedback friends and family have shared with me over the last two weeks. I am more than willing to share my final paper with those who are interested.
This particular song came to mind regarding my paper, because of a message I received today from a friend. This person wanted to share just a little bit more regarding his marriage and the potential he realized in himself after meeting his wife. It made my heart melt.
"I got married because she saw potential in me that I was blind to. I stay married, because she gives me the opportunity to be the best version of myself. In turn, I challenge her to be the best version of herself and experience fulfillment seeing her embrace it."
A few lines from the song....
I've been saved...
by a woman
She won't let me go
She won't let me go now
She's good to me now
She gave me love and affection
I Said I love her
Yes I love her
I heard it again this morning on Pandora and it made me think about the interviews I have been conducting for my Marriage & Sexuality grad class final paper.
I'm writing about the qualities of a successful marriage. Ironic, since mine was not successful. Nonetheless, it has been extremely helpful for me...to learn, heal and move forward. I have really enjoyed the insightful feedback friends and family have shared with me over the last two weeks. I am more than willing to share my final paper with those who are interested.
This particular song came to mind regarding my paper, because of a message I received today from a friend. This person wanted to share just a little bit more regarding his marriage and the potential he realized in himself after meeting his wife. It made my heart melt.
"I got married because she saw potential in me that I was blind to. I stay married, because she gives me the opportunity to be the best version of myself. In turn, I challenge her to be the best version of herself and experience fulfillment seeing her embrace it."
A few lines from the song....
I've been saved...
by a woman
She won't let me go
She won't let me go now
She's good to me now
She gave me love and affection
I Said I love her
Yes I love her
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