My brother....my hero

My brother, Mark, was deployed to NY to help with Hurricane Irene evacuation efforts and search and rescue. While he was there, he was made the "strike team leader" and was in charge of 8 trucks. He assisted with an evacuation of a hospital in Queens, which took several hours of planning in meetings with FDNY and a few hours to actually accomplish their mission. A few days later, he returned home safely. I am so proud to call him my brother.....an amazing hero.

Day 12: something I never get compliments on

Hmmmm.......

I guess I don't pay much attention.

If I have to truthfully write something........it would be my chest. Not that I would want anyone to compliment me.

It's a pretty obvious physical feature of mine that I don't get compliments on and I am ok with that. :)

Day 11: something people compliment me the most on

My eyes.

I get a lot of compliments about my "pretty blue" eyes.

People often ask if I wear color contacts. I don't.

Thank you genetics. :)

I'm a new woman!

Sunday, August 28, 2011 will forever be marked as an important date in my life.

I gave my life to Jesus.

I was baptized in Lake Michigan along with 47 other people. It was an AMAZing experience.

I have never witnessed such a large baptism before.

I woke up that morning feeling as if it was my wedding day - that's how excited I was. 

I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. 

This commitment means so much to me....I know it is forever.

I have found happiness again. 

I feel love again.

My life is complete now that I have given my life to Him.

Life is good.

A very special day: my baptism

I'm being baptized today!

My parents never baptized me, because they wanted it to be my choice. I am really excited and have been looking forward to this step in my faith for a long time.

My church does a second baptism in the summer in Lake Michigan and I have been waiting all summer for this, so pray for good weather. My mom, step-dad and brother, Cody, surprised me by coming down from Michigan for my baptism (it's a 3 hour drive). I wasn't expecting this, but so happy they will be there with me as I take this big step in my faith.

This is a step I have prayed about. I am ready to commit my life to Jesus Christ.

I have  wonderful friends and family who support me and have been cheering me on in my faith. I want to thank some very special people in my life who have led me to today.

- my Pastor, Ben Lamb, he has been such a huge supporter, listener and educator
- Matt, he has been an amazing boyfriend and we have connected on another level because of GracePoint.
- Ryan, my co-worker, he helped me get back on my feet and step foot into a church again
- Elyse, a very good, long time friend, she has been a Christian I have admired over the years
- Chelsea, another dear friend, she helped me get through the toughest time in my life
- my mom, for listening to me ramble on about the sermons over the last year and what I've been learning, even though she might not understand.
- Steve & Erin, my community group leaders, they have taught me so much about servant leadership
- Sam & Sue, my starting point group leaders, they welcomed me with open arms and opened my eyes to the Bible again.

Day 10: Someone I need to let go or someone I wish I didn't know

I believe that everyone comes into our lives for a reason. 

I don't wish I didn't know someone who has ever been in my life, regardless of the situation. 

I feel that anyone who had had a negative impact on my life, I have been able to let go of. 

Sorry, that's all I have today. 

Day 9: Someone I didn't want to let go, but just drifted

Oh gosh. This is a hard one. I feel like the last few posts with this 30 days of truth have been total downers. :/ Not my style at all.

I was really close with my friend, Danielle. I used to tell her everything. I could call/text/email her about anything. And she did the same with me.

Over the last year we have drifted apart. This has been hard for me. I feel as if our lives are going in two different directions. She is younger, going out and living life by the seat of her pants, and having fun. Gosh, my life sounds so boring next to that.

I have been focused on my Masters degree and creating a life in Indiana for myself (I used to go home to Michigan every other weekend, sometimes every weekend). I found a great church, jumped back into the dating pool, met a wonderful guy and I've thrown myself into my career.

I would love to get back to a point where we called/texted each other almost every day. She was there for me when my marriage fell apart....she helped me get back up and live again. I miss her.

Day 8: Someone who made my life hell

The other woman.

October 2009-March 2010 were the worst 6 months of my life. It was pure hell. The life I have always dreamt of and thought was perfect quickly fell apart before my eyes.

I thought I had met, fell in love, married and was going to spend the rest of my life with my Mr. Right. Lies, betrayal, and distance destroyed our marriage. I know it takes two people. I honestly feel as if I could have done more, just as he could have.

We reached a point in our relationship where we were going through the motions. Instead of trying to save our marriage and seek couples counseling, he gave up, moved on and refused.

The sight of her and him together was hell. It's not like seeing an ex-boyfriend or an ex-girlfriend after a break-up, because this was someone you said vows with in front of God to love, cherish, until death do you part. You vowed to be together through sickness and health....to be faithful.

"I didn't do anything wrong," she said.

She knew we were married and had even met me.

My heart was broken. I was devastated. She didn't care that I was sobbing on the other end of the phone. How could someone do this to another person? Why would someone cause someone this much pain and feel nothing?

I will never understand. Him....or her.

Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. [Hebrews 13:4]

All the single ladies

An amazing post for all the single ladies by Kelly at  Kelly's Korner.

This really made me feel better about my life. Thank you, Kelly for your kind and encouraging post.

As I get older, I have fewer single girl friends, because many of them are engaged, married and having babies. I think it is harder for women than men. Women are nurturers by nature. We long to care for something, someone.

As little girls, we mimic our mothers and grandmothers with our baby dolls. We have pretend weddings with the neighborhood kids. We play "house" and "school" with friends.

It seems natural for women to become a wife and mother. When many of your friends have that life, it's easy to begin to feel as if you're the last single girl.

I have played countless baby shower games.....purchased bibs & teething rings probably as often as I do toothpaste......I know how to make diaper cakes (I've made 5!).....and I have been asked if I want a Babies-R-Us rewards card, because I am there so often.

Single women can't help but ask God, "When is it my turn?"

Just call me Professor . . .

That's right, in two weeks I will begin my first semester as a College Professor. This is something I have on my bucket list. :) I will be teaching freshman and some sophomores.

The class is called Strategies for Academic Success. The class is about study skills, learning styles, time management, college support services and academic resources (i.e. writing center). This is right up my alley. The class is 1 credit and meets twice a week for 6 weeks.

I currently enjoy helping my high school students prepare for college and this is another way I can help them when they enroll in college. I feel so honored to have been asked to teach two sections of this class this fall. This is such a great experience. I feel so blessed. My professional life is moving forward. I am excited to see what is to come after this spring.

Day 7: Someone who has made my life worth living for

I can think of more than one, but I will keep it to two.

The first person who immediately came to mind was my great-great grandma Berry. That's right, two "greats" - I was lucky enough to have met and known my great-great grandma. I have always admired her. She lived until she was almost 101. She passed away when I was a freshman in high school. I will never forget her. She was an amazing woman. She achieved so many great and notable things in her life.

Because of her, I have always been passionate about education. She was a teacher. I went to college to become a teacher and now work in higher education, helping high school students chase and achieve their college dreams. I help them reach their goals of a higher education and career preparation. I will now be stepping back into the classroom this fall, teaching college freshman strategies to academic success. I am honored to be offered the opportunity to teach again and to teach at a prestigious University. Thank you grandma for instilling that drive and passion within me.

My grandma was a farmer's wife, teacher, mother and so much more. To me, she was a superwoman. She did it all and with patience, grace and ambition. Whenever I think I can't go on, life is too hard, I think of her.

*         *          *          *         *         *         *         *         *         *        *         *        *        *        *        *

My mom is another person who has made my life worth living for. She is another superwoman in my eyes. She was a young single mom, raising 3 children. She made mistakes along the way, but she taught me that no one is perfect and life sometimes cannot be planned out. I learned how to think on my feet and improvise because of her. She is a strong, brave and tough mother, but she loves me and my brothers.

Growing up, there was no question I would go to college. My mom didn't finish college. Raising 3 kids is tough to go to school. Because of this, I chose to attend a private liberal arts school, where I knew I would get the best college education in an environment where I would thrive. She worked tremendously hard to pay for my tuition, as did I during the summers (this was our agreement). My mom raised us by leading by example. She worked hard, so I worked hard - I wanted to be just like her.

I strive every day, even now, to continue to make my mom proud. I will be the first in my family to graduate with a Masters degree this spring......my mom is so excited for graduation. She has always wanted her children to be able to have the things she never had growing up. She is selfless person. I hope one day I can re-pay her for everything she has given me.

Day 6: Something I hope I never have to do

Something I hope I never have to do.......

The first that came to mind was something so sad, but it's honest. 

I hope I never have to bury my own child. 

I will never forget when my Aunt had to bury her 6 month son, after he died of crib death. 

I was only in elementary school when it happened. 

My Aunt still struggles with his death. 

Day 5: Something I hope to do in my life

I hope to some day be a mother. 

I watch friends and family starting families of their own every day.......

.....baby showers, baptisms, first steps, first words, first day of kindergarten, birthday parties.....

Sigh. 

I know it will happen.......eventually.

I think, like many women, I am just anxious. 

I see an adorable pair of tiny baby booties and my heart just melts. 

Ever since I was a little girl....playing dolls with friends.....I knew I wanted to be a mother. 

I pray it is in God's plans for me.

Day 4: Something you have to forgive someone for

My ex, for his choices and actions when we were together.

While it hurt me terribly and still does occasionally, my life has to go on, and it has.

That time of my life was devastating.

I felt like my world was tumbling down around me.

I thought I'd never be the same again.

I was right.

I'm not.

I'm better because of it.

I have learned who I'm not, who I was pretending to be to please others, who I am and who I want to be.

It has been a long process of forgiveness for me.

I thank my Pastor and the support of my church for helping me through it.

I have forgiven him.

Day 3: Something I have to forgive myself for

Hmmmmm.....I need to forgive myself for....

......being a bratty older sister to my brothers growing up

...giving my mom an attitude as a pre-teen, teen and post-teen

......being awful to my mom during my engagement and planning for the wedding.

I think the last one is one of the biggest things. During the planning of my wedding, my mom and I fought almost every week about something. We lost touch and grew apart during that time. I regret it so much. I now know I will never let something like a wedding...one day of my life...come between me and my mom or anyone in my life. Weddings are important and very special, don't get me wrong, but sometimes people become so wrapped up in the planning and preparation for them, they lose all civility.

The lesson I can take away from that time of my life is to know how to handle the situation differently and better next time. People are more important than bridal showers, seating charts, and money.

Day 2: Something I love about myself

I love....

.....I like to challenge myself - I never settle for easy.

....I don't let people or things get me down (this is a work in progress - I am getting better)

....I am close with my siblings.

......my blue eyes. People always ask me if I wear color contacts. :)

....my hair. I always have.

........my small feet. I can almost always find a pair of shoes in my size.

...my height. Since I have tended to attract shorter men, it's good that I am only 5'2''.

.......my outgoing personality. I can be shy sometimes, but my job has really brought me out of my shell. I can talk to pretty much anyone.

....I have 3 published writings (in college magazines). I am really proud of those accomplishments.

....my ability to forgive quickly and love deeply.

......my passion for education and teaching our future leaders of tomorrow.

....I have never given up - no matter how bad things have been.

Day 1: Something I hate about myself

Ugh. I really don't like the word, hate. It's just such a strong word, but nonetheless, here goes nothing.

I hate:

....that I am so sensitive. I'm a baby sometimes, ok a lot. I blame it on my big heart. I care about others and what they think (even though I know I shouldn't). Criticism can be difficult for me sometimes.
.....I take things too personally. I wish I could let things roll off my back more often. I just become too invested in things and people to not care.
....I am terrified of heights. I despise driving over bridges, climbing trees (even though I did some rock climbing at Red Rock Canyon with my brothers in Vegas...CRAZY!).
...I am sometimes claustrophobic. Small elevators and crawl spaces are not for me.
...I didn't try harder in high school and college. Now, I never settle for average. I bust my rear for A's in grad school now.
...love too hard too quickly. This is good and bad, depending. I've been really hurt in the past with opening myself up and falling in love.
....my widow's peek....sometimes. I have grown to embrace it. I don't hide it under short bangs anymore.
.....my hair color. Naturally, it is a dishwater ash blonde with red undertones (thank you Dad). This is why I highlight/lowlight my hair.

Of course, I have learned to accept and embrace all of these qualities of myself. Some things I know I need to work on.

30 days of truth

The idea is simple: 30 days, a topic a day, to tell the absolute truth.

I thought this was a fun idea (from Katie at Love is everywhere). The truth can be challenging to say aloud,
even to yourself. I know some of the topics below are going to stump me - maybe take me some time to
really sit down and answer. I am hoping this will teach me some new things, and reaffirm the things I’ve
known all along.

Here are the topics for each day. Stop by my blog as I begin this journey of 30 days of truth.

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

it's a quote kind of day. . .

‎"I’m not the silly romantic you think. I don’t want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don’t want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want…a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved." -Shana Abé


"We saw too much beauty to be cynical, felt too much joy to be dismissive, climbed too many mountains to be quitters, kissed too many to be deceivers, saw too many sunrises not to be believers, broke too many strings to be pro's and gave too much love to be concerned where it goes...." -Glen Hansard



‎"Don't attach yourself to anyone who shows you the least bit of attention because you're lonely. Lonliness is the human condition. No one is ever going to fill that space. The best thing you can do is know yourself... know what you want."
-Janet Fitch

‎"The joy is that we can take back our bodies, reclaim our health, and restore ourselves to balance. We can take power over what and how we eat. We can rejuvenate and recharge ourselves, bringing healing to the wounds we carry inside us, and bringing to fuller life the wonderful person that each of us can be." -John Robbins

‎"I've always believed that you must be able to appreciate the things that people can give you, and forgive them for the things they can't." -Elizabeth Isaacs

One of the most beautiful gifts in the world is the gift of encouragement. When someone encourages you, that person helps you over a threshold you might otherwise never have crossed on your own. -John O'Donohue

Thankful Thursday

1. I am thankful for the amazing things my church is doing for the community this week during The Big Serve and The Wee Serve.

2. I am thankful for the opportunity to teach an undergraduate class this fall and accomplish one of the things on my bucket list.

3. I am thankful for tuition remission. If it weren't for that, I don't know if/how I would earn my Masters degree.

4. I am thankful for the experience to work with wonderful students at an outstanding University.

5. I am thankful for the do-over button God has provided me with. I have learned so much about myself, life and love over the last year and a half. I am slowly gaining my confidence back.


What are you thankful for?

Blissfully Burton

friendships

I found this on Pinterest and just had to share.
As we get older, there are some friends that we grow apart from and others we're able to always pick up right where we left off.
I am so thankful to have the close friendships I do have.
I feel blessed to have amazing friends.

Fall Love

I cannot wait for the fall! It's my absolute favorite season. 


I love the taste of pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks...
The sound of rustling autumn leaves under my feet...
The smell of mulled cider candles...
Hay rides...
Apple cider...
Halloween...
Thanksgiving...
Uncle John's Cider Mill...
My favorite sport: football....
The beautiful colors all around....
The fun fall fashion: boots, scarves and hats....

What do you love about fall?

My weekend in pictures

My brother and his family came down to visit me and Matt this past weekend. We had a blast in Chicago at the Shedd Aquarium and at the beach on Lake Michigan. Here's my weekend in pictures . . .

Happy Friday!

I LOVE Fridays! I thought I'd post a little bit of everything on today's post.

Here's what I've been loving lately . . .

1. Matthew

2. the beach

3. my cottage

4. mango passionfruit smoothies from Uptown Cafe

5. roadtrips to visit friends and family

6. planning for the fall....a trip with friends, grad classes, another year with amazing students, and my trip to New Orleans in September....and new wardrobe ideas. :)

7. catching up on other blogs and finding daily inspiration in them

8. GracePoint (my church) valpograce.com (I will be baptized the end of this month!)

9. my dog, Ellie Mae

10. daily email chats with my beautiful future sis-in-law, Amanda

Here's what I'm looking forward to this weekend . . .

1. my brother, Mark, and his family are coming to visit!

2. I get to see my super adorable nephews

3. Chicago tomorrow. YAY!

4. Introducing my church with my family

5. the beach

6. snuggling with Matt & Ellie Sunday night

7. NO homework! :)

Here's the music I've been loving and listening to lately . . .

1. OneRepublic, Good Life

2. Nicki Minaj, Super Bass

3. Adele, Rolling In The Deep

4. LMFAO, Party Rock Anthem

5. Britney Spears, I Wanna Go

6. Afrojak, Take Over Control

7. Patrick Stump, Lupe Fiasco, This City

And SO many more, but that's just a sample.

Have a FABULOUS weekend!

Thankful Thursday Link-Up

Thankful Thursday Link-Up

 Hope you join in on the fun!

*The rules are very simple: be a follower of my blog, add my Thankful Thursday picture below on your post, and link my blog address in your post!

1. I'm thankful for tonight being my LAST summer grad school class.  Only 4 more classes to go.

2. I'm thankful for my job and the amazing opportunities it has given me.

3.  I'm thankful for my brother, Mark, and beautiful future sis-in-law, Amanda and my two adorable nephews who are visiting me and Matt this weekend.

4. I'm thankful I live close to Chicago. LOVE going into the city for day trips!

5. I'm very thankful for the blessings from God over the last year (Matthew).

*Remember to add your actual blog post; not your blog address so visitors will read your Thankful Thursday post. If you don't have a blog and you want to play, leave your thankful thoughts under the comments! Be sure to check out other people's posts! :)

Thankful Thursday Link-Up:

1. Megan at Blissfully Burton

R & R

Last weekend Matt and I experienced some much needed R & R (rest and relaxation). We traveled 4 hours north to visit my grandparents.

1st stop: the Richards (my mom's parents) Lake George, MI

We arrived Friday afternoon after a vet appointment in the morning for Ellie Mae. *She did so great at the new vet!

My grandparents are in their 60's (I know...ahhh! They are young!) and they are so active. They're now retired and enjoying every day with each other. I love it. My grandma is super competitive and games are very popular in my family.

First game: rings. Also known as washers. It's basically a hole in the ground or like the picture below (part of a PVC pipe in the ground) and you try to get the metal rings in or near the hole in the ground. It's kind of like horseshoes. The gals won! Oh yeah, my grandma likes to play gals vs. guys. :)

Second game: ladder ball. Also known as tailgate toss or "hillbilly golf." LOL. I believe the gals won this game as well (we let the guys win one of the rounds).

We finally ate some dinner after many rounds of both games. Matt and my grandma were hilarious to watch - they are both extremely competitive. There were a lot of laughs and dancing on mine and my grandma's part. I love her.

After dinner, it's tradition to play cards. My personal favorite game: hand and foot. Here are the rules and instructions on how to play: hand and foot card game. The gals won . . . again.

The next morning, Matt wanted a hand and foot rematch before we left. The guys won.

Next stop: the Graham's (my dad's parents) Harrison, MI

Norm and Sandy are in their 70's, so they are a little more laidback and enjoy relaxing a bit more. They live right on the lake. After brats and burgers, Ellie Mae and I went for a swim. We had so much fun. I love spending time with my dog.

We also celebrated my dad's big 5-0 birthday! Ellie Mae even got to enjoy some ice cream (she licked everyone's plates).

It's tradition at the Graham's to go for a boat ride on the Pontoon after dinner. I love these. I remember going on them when I was a little girl, snacking away on Teddy Grahams and sipping on juice boxes.

We built a fire and ate my favorite summer campfire snack: S'mores. I have been waiting all summer to have these. I ate 2. :)

Overall, it was a fantastic weekend! I didn't think about work (for once) and truly enjoyed some much needed R & R.