domestic.

I've had all these ingredients stacked on my shelf at the house since I lived in Milford, and I never had the desire to use them or create something with them....until this weekend!

Call it procrastination, but this past weekend I decided to bake everything I could think of.

I had a 16 oz. can of pumpkin and a spice cake mix...plus a few other ingredients and I created this recipe....

PUMPKIN CAKE
1 spice cake mix 3 eggs 1 (1 lb.) can pumpkin 1/4 c. water 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 c. brown sugar, packed 1/4 tsp. powdered cloves 1/2 tsp. grated nutmeg Grease and flour 9x13 inch pan. Blend cake mix, pumpkin, spices, water, eggs and brown sugar. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes.

I drizzled a little homemade frosting on top and it was quite tasty and moist!

I also had about 5 apples that were borderline getting to old to take and eat, so I decided to give my first stab at making apple crisp. This is my favorite desert...and I did a decent job at it...but my mom's will always be better!

4	medium tart cooking apples, sliced (4 cups)
3/4	cup packed brown sugar
1/2	cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1/2	cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned oats
1/3	cup butter or margarine, softened
3/4	teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4	teaspoon ground nutmeg
	Cream or Ice cream, if desired

1.	Heat oven to 375ºF. Grease bottom and sides of 8-inch square pan with shortening.
2.	Spread apples in pan. In medium bowl, stir remaining ingredients except cream until well mixed; sprinkle over apples.
3.	Bake about 30 minutes or until topping is golden brown and apples are tender when pierced with a fork. Serve warm with cream.

Then, tonight my best friends from high school made the road trip up to see me for my birthday. In attempt to take after Katie and Mark's tradition of doing something for others on your birthday, I decided that I would surprise my girls with a delicious dinner when they walked in! haha. This was quite funny since I consider my expertise to be in baking and not...cooking.

I decided to go with a simple casserole, salad, cornbread, and potatoes.

Mistakes:

• I didn't boil the noodles before I put them in the casserole...which wouldn't have been a big deal if the pasta sauce had covered everything.
• I didn't grease the cookie sheet well enough that the sliced potatoes were on...next time I also need to try tossing the diced potatoes in olive oil BEFORE arranging them on the cookie sheet.
• More Italian seasoning in the casserole next time...it was lacking a zest!
• Timing of meals is tricky...I should have put the potatoes in first.
  

I've just really developed this domestic nature the past week. I can't wait to have my own space to clean, cook for, and serve other people in. Some girls might call me crazy, but I have zero problems being domestic...I love it. You work hard, see a result, and most of the time end up serving people in the process. And no matter what...my mom always gets a great laugh out of the attempts I make to do all this :] Hopefully I'll be a pro by the time it counts for my future family!

bing crosby.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I will speak joy until joy speaks of love. [chris hall]

UPDATES on the events of Novemeber:

• I decided to stay in the Lansing Area for next year to student teach! Mark and Katie have opened their hearts and home to me and although Mark continues to tell me that nothing great happens in their house and not to have high expectations...I know that God has me with two amazing people for a reason next year. God does great work through Mark and Katie, and their lives individually and as a married couple in Christ continue to teach me new characteristics of who Jesus is. It is going to be fantastic, no matter what it looks like. Three people on a mission to serve the Lord and live like Jesus...couldn't get any better then that! If anything, I get to hang out with a woman I admire, a man who chose a great wife, and a gosh darn really cute baby :]
  
• My best friend from high school, Brandy, married the love of her life over Thanksgiving weekend. Brandy's wedding was so beautiful. the family. the friends. the parents. the ceremony. It was a perfect mix of people, the bride and groom were incredibly excited and thankful for everyone who was there. I couldn't stop dancing for two days afterward [CUPID SHUFFLE!]. It was incredible.
• I came home from Big Rapids (where the wedding was) with a changed heart. Since we were so busy with wedding events, we did not celebrate Thanksgiving the traditional way. Not being with my own family celebrating our traditions together was a weird feeling. I realized that, although I love my family and our gatherings, I do not need them to make my heart happy during the holidays. This gave me a boost of confidence for the upcoming years of my life, knowing that I can move anywhere to start my teaching career and I know I'll find another family/friends to share the holidays with if I can't make it home.
• God has just opened the lens through which I've been looking through. A lot of changes are stirring up in my heart, a lot of things are shifting and moving...I'm realizing that the only way I am going to start understanding what God's promises are for my life are by spending more time reading his word and seeking his grace. I tell my self all the time I can do it on my own, but it's time to jump off my personal independence fence and creature of comfort fence (thanks Steve) and take the sword to the areas of my life I've been too stubborn to change.
• I need to get off my soapbox and start seeing the world as God sees it and not as my heart desires to see it. I need to stop cocooning in what I know and am familiar with, and start seeking changes in relationships, life decisions, and self-control.
  
• There is a start to what I'll probably blog about on the 9th. stay tuned :]

Love you all.

Prayer request: My Nonno (grandpa) was admitted to the hospital last night. Please pray for his comfort and rest as we figure out what is wrong. Thanks everybody.

thinking in tunes.

Hold me close
Let your love surround me
Bring me near
Draw me to your side
And as I wait
I'll raise up like the eagle
and I will sore with you
Your spirit leads me on
By the power of your love

crash and burn.

Welp. It finally happened.

My computer has been making gurgly-googly-clicking sounds at me for about a month now. it was getting slower and slower for a few days then...I was tricked! It seemed to be working like brand new for about two days before Halloween and I thought the little booger fixed itself.

Boy was I wrong. Went to open the computer after my long trip to Chicago and I have a flashing black screen with lots of white pretty numbers.

Crash and burn.

Despite all the warnings about backing things up and buying an external hard-drive, I just sailed along feeling invincible to the world of computer viruses and bugs. And now I've got a million gigbytes of space and nothing to fill them with. No resumes, club talks, favorite pictures, all my college assignments, the whole shebang it shot to the ground and gone.

Honestly, I was completely okay with it. 100% didn't bother me until I went to open my I-tunes tonight and realized that thousands of songs were also gone. I might have cried a little when I realized this.

Let me just say, there were three lessons learned in this situation.

1. Buy a Mac next time.
2. Our world is way too dependent on computers for communication.
3. Microsoft Word documents can become one of our material possessions that we cling too...be not to make your computer life an idol/attachment.


Anywho. Missed my blog and thought I write :] HAPPY THURSDAY!

my heart.

just a few BEAUTIFUL girls I could never live without.
they remind me that God is steadfast and perfect.

"Battery exhausted? Does that mean we have to go home?"
-madison marshall-

pray for me.

I can't do it on my own. Please help :]

Wednesday Festivities.
7-8:15 Donuts before the Middle School Starts
10-12:30 Classes
1:25 - 2:45 Student Teaching
2:45-6 With our 8th grade girls at Starbucks!!!!
8-9 p.m. Group Meeting

Biomechanics Exam on Thursday....and I am currently failing the class. Need I say more?

moisturization (edited).

I don't like anything about lotion.

It makes my pants stick to my legs. It sweats out of my pores when I run. It feels slimy in the pool. It is cold to apply in the winter and makes sand stick to you in the summer.

Lotion grosses me out.

However, the process of moisturizing my skin is important to me. It adds nutrients to my skin and quenches the thirst of my skin cells. Using lotion also means I am preventing my skin from getting scales like an alligator or cracks like an old 1940's linoleum floor. It is also important because I know it keeps my skin healthy and "moist" which ultimately means WRINKLE FREE! :] haha. yeah right.

Anywho. I think this can apply to alot of areas of my life. Things I know I should do/use because they will benefit me in the long run but still make me feel uncomfortable for the time being.

Not only does lotion protect us from the sun, keep me shiny smooth like a waxed car, and prevent me from attracting other reptiles.....I guess lotion makes me step out of my comfort zone. Who knew?

an extra morning.

I set my alarm last night for 8:00 a.m. this morning.
Subconsciously I knew I wouldn't wake up until 8:30.
I also knew that I would probably be skipping tumbling but making it in time for swimming class (11:30 a.m.).

Funny how you make these plans in your head but your heart is just not into it :] I ended up enjoying a fall morning to myself. I took an extra morning. Did a little devo time with a warm bowl of oatmeal, threw in a load of wash, went for a fall jog/walk, made a cup of coffee (yes...I officially like coffee), scrubbed up and just sat down to discuss my thoughts of this fall morning.

Just like my friend (and almost birthday girl!) Katie Burley, fall is by far my favorite time of year. The sweatshirts snuggles, hot beverage tickles in my throat, the crisp fall air in my lungs on a run, the COLORS, the reminder of where I started some of my best friendships, and the beginnings of holiday festivities. It's magical.

I just wanted to check up on my blogging readers. Remind you to find something great about today. God's spirit is the wind and his passion for us is in those colors outside. Try to take an extra morning this week to take it all in...I promise you it will be worth missing how to do back handsprings and learning the backstroke.

that feel good feeling.

I've got that feel good feeling....know what I'm talking about?

It's that flutter in the bottom of your stomach, have a new crush, watched a really great movie, even though everything seems out of place you still know that no matter what everything is going to be okay kind of feeling.

It's that stand up for what's right, choosing to turn on confidence, smile because you are alive, and living like there is going to be no tomorrow kind of feeling.

It's that nine hours of sleep beauty glow, happy endorphins, day dream all day, can't wait for the future while still embracing the past kind of feeling.

It's that feel good feeling.

just great.

My greatest strength is also my greatest weakness.

I've know this to be true for pretty much my whole life.... but today it became crystal clear to me for the thousandth time in my life (thanks to Noel' message).

I've pretty much always been a softy - a tender hearted and caring girl who sees the good in most situations. I unconsciously smile all the time and just seem to have this ongoing source of encouragement for other people in my life. That has been me since I can remember and (in response to Katie's blog) That is what the sign would say if people wanted to know me before they met me, and these qualities are what I know others would say are my strengths.

The twist is that this type B personality is one that weighs me down and defines the weakness in my life.

In the process of being this picture perfect person that everyone loves, there have been so many times in my life where my personal validation ha relied on what people think of me. My money, time, resources, and stressful time in my life has been spent maintaining the Lauren Wojcik image that I feel held too.

I can encourage just about anyone in the world. I can find the best qualities of the worst person. I can see joy in the hardest situations for my friends. But I can't do this when it comes to my heart and my life.

My greatest strength is also my greatest weakness.

This is the reason for my struggle with relationships, my weight, and my in ability to take leaps of faith. My strengths are the shiny clean outside of a dirty and unscrubbed pot.

The first step in cleaning out the inside of my pot? Taking another grip with my tired hands. Digging into something I feel like I've been digging into my whole life. This is my struggle and will continue to be my struggle my whole life. My pride comes from the picture perfect Lauren Wojcik image and the clean outside of a shiny pot. My humbleness comes from honesty with people in my life to hold me accountable to seeking Jesus's perfection in my heart.

What do you know... I'm going to find ways to enjoy this struggle :]

creating my own unknown

Even with the gas prices the way they are I still find pleasure in lacing up my running shoes, grabbing my water bottle and journal and getting in my car.

Maybe I'll go for a run, maybe I'll have some quiet time...but most of the time I just drive.

Music off. Windows down. Cell phone at home.

It's a powerful feeling to me. I feel like I can speed up and catch up with the world, turn on my blinker and merge into the left lane, pass the world, and speed into an open highway. Most of the time I'm trying to stay ahead of my emotions and driving for the first cloud break I see.

I have no directions, no destination. The one and only rule is that I travel down a road I've never been down before. I create my own unknown.

On one of my recent drives I discovered a beautiful lake nestled in this rural town. Only half of the lake was occupied by residents, and the other half was already burning with autumn colors. Kayaks and fishing boats were within sight and small ripples were seen from the deck of a local ice cream parlor. People were engaged in conversation, enjoying their late afternoon and spending time surrounded by God's creation. It was one of those moments in my life where I was content. I felt at home. I was overwhelmed with this sense of perfection and peace.

If I don't have expectations for where I am going. If I am open to anything that shows up on the side of my road, how much more will I be able to experience God in my life...how much more will I have that "Good to be Home" feeling?

i hope...

Today I hope ....
you found joy when waking up
you smiled really big
you noticed the fall leaves changing colors
you took time with God today
you learned something new about politics
you experienced unconditional love
you looked in the mirror and realized God created you in his image
you did something productive
you were stress free
you ate a delicious piece of fruit
you remembered a part of your childhood
you made a mistake
you realized that you are only human
you found a comfy spot to sit
you realized just how strong God made you (inside and out)
you thought about something funny
you had a great chat with a friend
you confronted the unconfrontable
you asked a hard question
you raised your hand in class
you found peace when sleeping
and that God blessed you in so many unexpected ways today, you are excited to wake up tomorrow and take on whatever comes your way :]

grape jam :]

When I am a PE teacher and have my soccer unit, remind me to teach the kids how to spread out from the ball. Here is my creative cue that I will use to help the kids remember where they should be in relation to the ball... I came up with it in class on Monday and my peers really liked it!

In soccer we don't cluster like grapes, we SPREAD OUT like jam :]

Am I going to be a darn good teacher or what!?

smiles!

five again?

Lately I've been going to bed at night full of excitement for the day ahead. I feel like I'm five again and having trouble sleeping because tomorrow show and tell day! It's a bit crazy, but I think alot of it has to do with the fact that I am around people I love all the time now! Even though I'm busy up the wazoo just like everyone else in this world...I'm busy in a routine...and it feels great!

This summer was far from anything routine, and it was HARD. Working at crazy times and never feeling like I was rested...it all takes a toll on me. Now, with a set routine and a schedule that seems consistent, I really do function at my best. And I'm not ashamed to say that I LOVE routines :] I should probably think more like a five year old and schedule a nap!

On another note...Starbuck's rocks :]

waiting fowardly.

This morning about 5 minutes after I woke up, I started my day with a telephone call from a great friend. We dove right into a heartfelt conversation about love, life, and Jesus. It completed my day before it even began :]

There is something special about the people I am surrounded by and the conversations I've dove into the past 24 hours. Every conversation reminded me of what it means to "wait forward".

If you are waiting for God to tell you something, you can't just stand there still and quiet. You have to keep moving, keep searching, keep reaching...you have to wait forwardly. (If that is incorrect English, I apologize, I read it in a book one time).

At the end of every conversation, I felt like I had new insight to something I never thought of before...and that reminds me that I am no longer waiting on God. Discussing life, Jesus, and our struggles with those around us is one of the most active things we can do in our faith (after prayer).

So that might just be the second part to my favorite phrase.

Enjoy the struggle friends, and continue waiting forwardly.

thanks max.

My little devotional by Max Lucado really spoke to me this morning. I thought I'd type it up and share it with those who read my little blog!

Please note that the following words are not my own, but they are the words of Max Lucado. I am not certain how Blogger wants me to cite my sources (APA, MLA, ESNLA...) but I figure a little paragraph explaining that I didn't have anything to do with the following words in quotes would do :] Please don't call the plagarism police on me.

A Life Free of Clutter
"Your heart will be where your treasure is." Matthew 6:21

"The most powerful life is the most simple life. The most powerful life is the one that knows where it is going, that knows where the source of its strength is, and the life that stays free of clutter and happenstance in hurriedness. Being busy is not a sin. Jesus was busy. Paul was busy. Peter was busy. Nothing of significance is achieved without effort and hard work and weariness. Being busy, in and of itself, is not a sin. But being busy in an endless pursuit of things that leave us empty and hollow and broken inside - that cannot be pleasing to God. One source of man's weariness is the pursuit of things that can never satisfy; but which one of us has not been caught up in that pursuit at some time in our life? Our passions, possessions, and pride - these are all dead things, the result is only weariness and dissatisfaction. "

Max Lucado
"Grace for the Moment"

wearin' it on my sleeve.

Insecurities have been on my mind a lot lately. We all have them they just look different for everyone, and lately I've come to realize that my insecurities can't be hidden or brushed aside. Within the past 2 weeks I've been extra sensitive to this part of my heart...and I'm trying to grasp what God intends for me through it all!

My insecurities are always visible for people to see or hear 24/7. It's my hearing aids and speech impediment in case you hadn't guessed already :]

For some reason I've gone though my whole life trying to brush both of these things aside, trying to act as "normal" as possible. However, as I get closer to a professional world of first impressions and necessary communication skills I am made extremely vulnerable to the fact that I am not normal on a communication aspect.

I'm having tons of conversations and seeking loads of help from audiologists and speech therapists, but the frustrating part is that there is little help financially in covering both of these items. Insurance companies do diddly squat, and most speech therapists are not trained to help adults. Let me know if you have any resources or connections in these areas, because I am saving up and trying to make these insecurities something I'm proud of :]

For the time being I'm just going to keep wearing these pesky weaknesses on my sleeve with a smile and I challenge you to do the same with yours. Imagine the vulnerability level the world would reach if we all just lived confidently with our insecurities instead of trying to hide them.

It's be phenomenal.

speaks to the heart.

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all, mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."

George Carlin

SUMMMMMMMER!

I am officially on summer break! 11 summer credits and twelve weeks later and I am 28 credits away from a degree!

Wow. It's an amazing feeling knowing that I have no discussion boards to respond to, no papers to write, and no text books to read! Praise God for giving me the patience and perseverance with my hectic class schedules and catch up courses. I have no idea how I've made it this far, but there is no doubt that if God has brought me this far He will bring me to the end.

So cheers to summertime...I'm sleeping in until 6 a.m. tomorrow! WAHOO! Then hanging out with friends all night. It's going to be great.

Enjoy the start to summer too friends. Or if you've been at it for a while, keep it up...autumn is right around the corner (my f avorite season!)!

Love you all.
Woj

i-tunes

I love i-tunes. I just purchased four new songs to add to my paper writing play list. I am currently listening to them over and over and over and over :]

JOURNEY: Don't Stop Believing
Just a small town girl, livin in a lonely world
She took the midnight train goin anywhere
Just a city boy, born and raised in south detroit
He took the midnight train goin anywhere

A singer in a smokey room
A smell of wine and cheap perfume
For a smile they can share the night
It goes on and on and on and on

SUGARLAND: Life in a Northern Town
A Salvation Army band played
And the children drank lemonade
And the morning lasted all day, all day
And through an open window came
Like Sinatra in a younger day
Pushing the town away, away

Ah-heya ma ma ma, into the night-ahh
Hey-ah ma ma ma, hey-ay-ay-ay, ah
Life in a northern town
Ah hey ma ma ma ma

AMY GRANT: Better Hands Now

It’s hard to stand on shifting sand
It’s hard to shine in the shadows of the night
You can’t be free if you don’t reach for help
You cant love if you dont love yourself

There is hope when my faith runs out
Cause I’m in better hands now

It’s like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down
It’s like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine there’s no doubt
I’m in better hands now

MATT REDMAN: You Never Let Go
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We’ll live to know You here on the earth

ten-ISH days.

Let's just say I'm having trouble keeping up with time...but one of my co-workers husbands told me "When time speeds up, God has something really important He wants you to get to."

I like that idea. I'm really excited about that too!

Here are my past ten-ish days in nutshell.

• 'Thou shall not waste their days trying to prolong their life."
• I miss our WYLDlife girls.
  
• Dark Knight, Stepbrothers, and Mama Mia
• No Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants...date with Kortarba soon?
  
• Co-worker's farewell to corporate Starbucks
• Tried brie cheese
  
• Pictonary with coworkers...try drawing "Recall"
• Had to decline opportunity to be a work crew boss (one of my dreams)
• 4 a.m. or 4:30 a.m. wake up calls 7 out of the past 10 days.
• No more speech therapy...frustration.
• "It's not complicated...it's just hard"
  
• Iced tall non-fat coffee misto with one pump of mocha or SF vanilla :]
• 10 page Research paper on illegal immigration: compare and contrast the effect humanitarian groups have on improving human welfare.
• Panera (location right now) and Grand Traverse Pie Company are my writing places
• Too many naps.
• Dad's 56th birthday yesterday! Successful gifts were purchased...credit goes to the twin.
  
• I spent 2+ hours with a MSU police officer yesterday in front of the MSU Library.
  
• I have no idea what to do with all my stuff during my two-day limbo between houses.
• I can't wait for 581 Hagadorn.
• I'm going to miss 274 Milford. And Amy. And Teal. And Chels. And Mere. And my closet room.
  
• Selma is a fantastic musician, she captured my heart.
  
• Fun new facebook!
• I've officially been AIM-free for 4 months and three days.
  
• I've missed way too many phone calls. Sorry for that.
• A bit sad Sleeping Bear Dunes isn't going to work out, but I'm looking forward to a catch-up weekend.
  
• Went to Illinois to see my 75 year old Nonno and 50 year old aunt!
• An Italian dish with the words, CAPRI...SCAMPI..and CAPARELLI?
  
• My seven year old and YOUNGEST cousin is in a relationship before me :]
• Allison Jenney is home. Shannon is home. Dilyn is home. Flessland is home. AHHH! I LOVE IT!
• Maryclaire Micallef is simply the most amazing person you'll ever meet.
• Jesus is and always will be the bomb.com....speaking of which... "More than a Carpenter" is a great. So is Paul and everything he writes in Colossians and Ephesians.
• Ephesians 4 is where it is at.
  
• I'm procrastinating writing this paper.

Happy Wednesday friends. A special shout out to my friends the Burley's for being especially influential people in my life and in the past ten days. Even Hazelnut who is full of smiles to brighten the world :]

pimple.

I've got a pimple. Its a monster of an iceberg resting on the left corner of my often moving bottom lip. It's surfacing like a child getting it's first tooth. It doesn't want to move and I swear it talks back to me in the mirror.

I imagine it having a thick German accent, "Looking good today Miss Wojcik...and might I say I'm a great addition to the lower half of your face. [chuckle chuckle]."

"How long do you plan on residing on the better half of my smile?" I ask out of frustration while trying to find my old and never used concealer.

"Well considering I only visit about three times a year, I figured I'd lay low for a few days until we get to know each other. Hopefully with your help, I'll continue to grow and peak until I'm so full of your love I want to burst!" Said Mr. German Pimple.

"Great. That is just awesome. I'll be glad to love you all you need...especially through tight squeezes and nail popping hugs." I slyly say.

"Oh no no no. You squeeze or pinch or poke...and I promise I will be here forever. You know how easily your skin scars. Nothing but tender love and occasional low-alcohol cleanses please." Smiles Mr. German pimple.

Mrs. Wojcik doesn't know if she can resist the temptation to pop this little German man. He seems nice and maybe she could learn a thing or two from him. Yeah, this will be good, lesson learned to drink more water, wash off makeup before bed, and to lay off the stress and chocolate.

Whoops. See you later Mr. German man. Sorry if the squeeze was a little to tight. :]

I'm IN!

Noel posted about this on his blog and I am totally going to give it a go. Sic weeks from now...I should be able to do 100 pushups! WAHOO!

lots of posts...

I've been writing...but I haven't been posting. S0 here are some updated posts!

Sweet Home...Chicago

the FAMILY (pictures are of Arizona and Chicago Cousins)
I haven't gotten to see my family in Illinois yet this summer and I am starting to feel a little bit bummed about that.

Ever since I was a little girl my family has always been my most prized possession and the most important thing in my life. I was always the girl who was homesick at a slumber party, cried for my parents at a week long camp, and just never wanted to be away from my family. The same is true with all my grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins. It's not that I have outstanding or super close relationships with anyone, it's just the comfort of family and the memories that come from our time together.

My dad's siblings live in Arizona and Seattle and my mom's entire side of the family is from the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Up until the end of high school, we would always go into Illinois in the summer and spend a week hanging out with my cousins and chatting with my grandparents (Nonni and Nonno). Before I knew it, we were all heading off to college, getting demanding summer jobs, and going in became more and more difficult. Even now it's hard to sacrifice a few days of pay to go in and see the people I love most.

This little reflection in my life has lead me to determine that I don't think I could ever be far from my family, I wouldn't want to. But the hard realization is that we are already starting to spread out...My Dad is always telling us that "You need to go where you can find a job" and I know its true, but it makes me tear up a little bit! In fact, I might just have to spray my teddy bear with my mom's perfume like I did when I was 6 :]

My sister has done amazing for herself in Arizona, my brother is looking at Grad Schools around the nation, my parents want to retire out west, and my cousins are all starting their BIG high school and college adventures or are already in Texas and Washington... I'm starting to think about life after college and where my path is going to lead. Maybe I'll have to take a leap of faith and teach PE classes in Zimbabwe? Who knows.

My family always reminds me what my favorite part about my relationship with Christ is. No matter where I am, Christ will be there too. I can always find a community of other believers who I can love just like I love my family. Thank you God, for the people and the relationships you have blessed in my life.

bugs and soreness :]

I bought a bike before school last year and not even a week after I owned it, someone took from our garage and stored at the YL house as a prank (thank you very much :) ), but I didn't find it until about four rusty months later.

This entire year I was without a bike and always wishing I had one. At the beginning of the summer I added it to my "List of Things to Save Up For" and after many unexpected expenses and higher gas prices, I was finally able to settle for a lower end bike off the shelf at Meijer (with my Mom's discount)! Let's just say that I am VERY excited!

Tonight I went for a ride all the way out to Chandler (State Road) and back around campus, was gone for about an hour and rode somewhere around thirteen miles. It was quite the learning experience. What did I learn you ask?

• Cars like to race bikers.
• Don't open your mouth unless you want a misquito sandwich on your ride.
• Take the path less traveled.
• It's better to warn people that you are passing them so they aren't scared (they could wear hearing aids and not be able to hear bikers coming....like me!).
• Dogs are not intimidated by bikes, sooooo... Stop for Dogs.
  
• Get some extra butt cushioning, if that still doesn't help then take IBprophen.

I also got to see a lot of really amazing things on my bike ride. A father and his autistic daughter blowing bubbles, an apartment complex getting hosed down after a pretty severe fire, a beautiful yellow and green bird that flew in front of my bike for a while, and just the beautiful town I live in but never appreciate.

I will always be a runner, but I'm thankful for a little bit of a change up in my exercise routine.

we're all in this together.

The Girls: Lacey, Me, Sween
Madison, Emma Jean, Emma, and Lauren

My friends. My Co-leaders. My eternal Sisters in Christ!

I am on a "Jesus high" probably for the first time in way too long. Camp was amazing this year. Nothing really out of the ordinary happened but at the same time everything happened too. Sween was awesome, like always, the girls were great (except for cabin clean-up) which is expected, and the weather was beautiful. What made it so great? I have a few ideas...

• I was rested before I left and I woke up early each day to spend time with JC
• So many people I love were up there and I got to see them all hard at work serving Christ.
• The head leaders were FANTASTIC (Josh, Jodi, and Janie)...but even more then that... I felt like I took the time to get to know the staff which I've never done before.
• The girls were asking every question on the planet, every little annoying finger pressing detail....they were challenging me....what about this, who was that, compare and contrast that, tell me more about that... Haha. I was challenged, I was put under the light, I was also humbled because there was still a lot of questions I had no answer for.
• The girls prayed out loud for the first time together, and even though we prayed for an entire population of donkeys at one point...it was the most beautiful thing my hard of hearing ears had ever heard.
• The Jesus Chills were constant this week...every little thing just reminded me that God is great, that his timing is perfect, and that I will never EVER be able to do anything without Him.

More to come, but I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd try updating! YL 5k tomorrow! HOOORAH!

"I Choose" by Max Lucado

It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.

In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.

For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.

I CHOOSE LOVE…

No occasion justifies hatred;
no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.
Today I will love God and what God loves.

I CHOOSE JOY…

I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.
I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…
the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see
people as anything less than human beings,
created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as
anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I CHOOSE PEACE…

I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE…

I will overlook the inconveniences of the world.
Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll
invite him to do so. Rather than complain that the
wait is too long, I will thank God for a moment
to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new
assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS…

I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.
I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to
the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.

I CHOOSE GOODNESS…

I will go without a dollar
before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked
before I will boast. I will confess before I will
accuse. I choose goodness.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…

Today I will keep my promises.
My debtors will not regret their trust. My associates
will not question my word. My wife will not
question my love. And my children will never fear
that their father will not come home.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…

Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle.
If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.
If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.
If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.

I CHOOSE SELF-CONTROL...

I am a spiritual being…
After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.
I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.
I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.
I will be impassioned only by my faith.
I will be influenced only by God.
I will be taught only by Christ.
I choose self-control.

Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
To these I commit my day.
If I succeed, I will give thanks.
If I fail, I will seek His grace.
And then, when this day is done,
I will place my head on my pillow
and rest.

When God Whispers Your Name by Max Lucado

we will survive.

About a week ago Starbucks announced that they were closing 600 stores and laying off 12,000 people. Howard Schultz, our CEO, has gone above and beyond to make sure that each store is informed properly and that each partner understands the reasonings behind store closures.

It was also stated that each partner who was layed off would have the opportunity to work at another store or receive a buyout, Starbucks was no just going to leave us on the street. They were determined to redistribute their partners and help them in any way the company could. I wasn't worried because I still have my parents to help me out and who I am dependent on, but the majority of the employees depend on Starbucks for insurance, tuition reimbursement, and for a salary. We were all willing to give up our jobs so moms, dads, and people who rely on their job to support others wouldn't have anything to worry about.

We officially found out yesterday that our store on Jolly and Okemos gets to stay open! This is a huge relief for everyone, but there is still a huge tug on all of our hearts for the thousands of people who are being put out of a job.

I just really can't believe all the crazy things that are happening in our economy. Along that note, when I went home to Saline a while ago I learned that a house in our neighborhood had been foreclosed. In our affluent and established neighborhood, a family had been forced out of their home because they could no longer afford to live there. It was a devastating picture and a terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I just see all this tension, anxiety, and end of the rope living going on everywhere. I want to help whoever I can, I want to reach down and pull them out of their misery...I wish I had a million dollars to put straight into an account that goes to families who have lost their jobs and another million to give to every American so money would never be a problem.

Then I stop and realize I have more then millions of dollars to give to people. I have an eternal bank full of unconditional love and grace to give to people. I have God to share with the world. I have this amazing knowledge of Jesus who died for my sins and who will one day come and remove me from a world full of misery and shame. That is worth more then any amount of monetary donation I could make to the world.

That's cool.

Affirmative Prayer for Confidence

I know that God is the one and only source of my being.

Spirit Itself created me. Life Itself lives through me. Love Itself sustains me. I am in important and connected part of this spiritual universe.

If God loves me enough to create me and to give me life, then I can love and respect myself no less. Therefore, I no longer believe in unworthiness, limitation, and shame. I no longer believe that I am undeserving of the best life has to offer. I deserve and accept all the good things in life - for myself and everyone else in my world.

I ACCEPT my own beauty, and I see it reflected in the world around me.

I ACCEPT my own power, and I use it wisely.

I ACCEPT my own worth, and I live abundantly.

I ACCEPT my own love, and I share it freely.

I ACCEPT my own potential, and I live it fully.

My past, my false beliefs, and my feeling of unworthiness no longer limit me. I accept full responsibility for my life, my thoughts, my feelings, and my actions. I may not always like what I do or how I feel, but I choose always to love myself in the meantime. Never again will I judge myself as undeserving.

Growing and evolving feels good. Accepting responsibility feels good. Giving myself permission to become the person I was meant to be feels good.

And I deserve to feel good about myself and my life.

And so it is.


[wow.]

God speaks :]

When I was a kids, I remember saying to God, "Well, if you really want me to be nice to that person then just send me 18 shooting stars and a rainbow tomorrow...then I'll do it."

To be honest, I still ask God for some big sign to tell me what I should be doing, where I should be going, etc.....

[insert better transition here]

So if there is one thing that I have been having trouble with in the past two months, it is my responsiveness. Today at work there was an article from our district manager on the desk in the break area. This article was titled "What's Your Secret to Success?" by Micheal Hyatt.

Well my friends, if you have a few minutes to read it...it is a bit true and quite honest. Now, I do not have any desire to gain corporate acceptance, or climb my way up the corporate ladder. BUT, I do have the desire to treat my peers, co-workers, friends, and families with the highest respect I possibly can while showing them who Christ is in my life.

So please accept my apologies for being unresponsive these past couple of months. I'm going to work on that :)

I just thought it was quite funny how God manages to speak to me in the most obvious ways sometimes...this time it was laid out in front of my during my ten minute break AND in paper format.

Maybe next time I'll get a burning bush or a rainbow and 18 shooting stars :)

The Wooden Bowl

My Aunt Mary sent me this forward via e-mail...I opened it this morning and thought it was worthy of posting. I know that I will have this tale in mind when I am serving my parents, my family, friends, and the strangers I interact with everyday.

The Wooden Bowl

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson.

The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and

failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor.

When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.
'We must do something about father,' said the son.

'I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor.'

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.

There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.

When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.

Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.

He asked the child sweetly, 'What are you making?' Just as sweetly, the boy responded,

'Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up.
' The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless.

Then tears started to stream down their cheeks.

Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.

That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,

neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.

On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens,

how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:

a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.

I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,

you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a 'life..'

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.

You need to be able to throw something back

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you

But, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,

your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.

People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

The thing that I think about most after reading this is how I can be bringing middle schoolers to Jesus's table... I've learned that it is as simple as always opening the door for them, letting them have the best seat at club and meals, NEVER letting anyone sit on the ends, and by letting them know that they are loved, important, and bring joy to my life.

Which brings me to a final note. I was reading "The Secret Lives of Bees" and one of the characters in the book said that the only way to have joy in your life is by loving these three things (in this order).

Jesus
Others
Yourself

I thought that was cool too. Happy Thursdaying friends.

getting lost in the meijer's parking lot

I walked out of Meijer's this morning with a cart full of groceries and I was lost. The problem wasn't forgetting where I parked but remembering what car I was driving!

After about 10 aimless minutes of wandering up and down row one, I was struck with the realization that I was looking for my old Aztec (which my family loving calls "Lightening").

I laughed and immediately saw the car that would drive me home, my "new" Black Escape.

I immediately thought this would be a slightly funny blog post. As a special treat, I'll throw in some historical pictures of the cars my parents have generously given to me to drive!
Car #1

Name: Bruce (named by my twin brother)
Model: 1995 White Dodge Caravan
Random facts: The sliding door fell off at Cross Country practice one day. This car was shared mutually between my brother and I...but mainly I drove it everywhere because I was the selfish twin!
* That is my awesome twin on top of Bruce...This van was pretty much sweet!

Car #2

Name: Eggplant (or lovingly called Eggie by myself)
Model: 1995 Eggplant Ford Explorer
Random Facts: Loved to guzzle gas and show off her engine light.







Car #3

Name: Lightening (named by my father after we saw the movie Cars)
Model: 2001 Red Pontiac Aztec
Random Facts: I loved this car but it developed many problems in the short year and a half I had it...especially a liking for making unecessary noises and refusing to brake at appropriate times.



Car #4

NO PICTURE YET! :]

Name: To Be Decided. Any Ideas? (Shadow, Bullet, Ebony, and Maynard have all been proposed)
Model: 2001 Ford Escape
Random Facts: The Escape is actually my favorite car and has been for a long time. I just really like the way it looks and rides...it also has a 6 CD changer and has already driven quite a large number of miles!

a nail biting U.S. Open

Did you watch the U.S. Open this weekend? If you did, ,then you saw the spectacular battle between Rocco and Tiger! 91 holes of golf later and Tiger is the 2008 U.S. Open Champion. It was phenomenal.

I just can't believe he did it all on a bad knee, yet he never managed to show a wince of pain until he came up and over that bunker...

He seems invincible, he shows no fear, he makes golfing look like the easiest sport in the world...but this weekend I got to see a softer side of a man who frequently appears on the big screen in my house.

I admire Tiger Woods, I think he is a fantastic golfer and has really redefined what dedication looks like in an athlete. But even more then that, I admire how much of his heart is displayed for the world to see and how humble he is as a person and a golfer.

His relationship with his father was priceless and heartwarming...his daughter not wanting anything but to be held by her father after his sweet U.S. Open victory....and his display that he is only human, that he feels pain, he hears lies saying "you'll never do it, you're knee won't make it, just quit, leave now..." Tiger Woods. God created him to be a great golfer, a fantastic competitor, and a display of where a strong mentality can take you and what it can help you overcome.

Neur-obics!

I was over at the Micallef's House last night, and Mrs. Micallef was talking about this Brain Boosting Gym she heard about on Good Morning America. I copied and pasted the article version on here...but I really thought it was interesting to read about. I feel challenged to try some of these exercises!

Five Simple Brain Exercises

The premise of these brain aerobics or neurobics is to do familiar things, but do them slightly differently.

Switch Hands

So, a really easy thing to do is to try one of your daily activities -- brushing your teeth or dialing a phone number -- with your non-dominant hand. I used my left hand to brush my teeth this morning and it's a lot harder than you realize. I really had to concentrate. And basically, what that does, apparently, is strengthen those pathways and connections in the opposite side of your brain.

Close Your Eyes

Try a safe activity, like eating or showering, with your eyes closed. That forces you to use and strengthen your other senses. Most of what your brain does is process what your senses are bringing in. So, closing your eyes forces the brain to process that information in new ways. But one thing you obviously shouldn't do with your eyes closed is drive.

Play Games

Games help you strategize, but the brain is particularly stimulated by multi-tasking. So, play games with other people that require you to strategize and interact socially at the same time. Examples include board, word and card games.

Don't Get Repetitive, Do Something Different

Introducing novelty is crucial. Your brain doesn't need anything complicated; it just needs something new. So, take a new way to work, or sit in a different seat. It forces you to look at the world from a new perspective.

Watch What You Consume

You want to make sure to consume brain-boosting foods or supplements. Try antioxidants in food, such as berries, tea, and leafy greens. And you also want to consume fish oils, which also come in supplements.

We used to say it takes 21 tries to learn a new habit. But brain exercise is something you should be doing constantly throughout the day. Try to integrate it into all of your daily activities. We have to constantly reroute activities throughout the day. But a lifelong habit of challenging the brain gives you a greater reserve of mind muscle to use. Think of it as your retirement account. Add to your 401k of the brain so you have more to draw from when you need it.

dreams and speeches

I had a dream last night that I was back at my high school graduation. Get this though: I was the #5 most smartest student in my class.

Shocker, I know!

Any who, in my dream I had no idea that I was honorary Valedictorian, and so I was just sitting in the crowd enjoying graduation and minding my own business...and then they introduced me to come up and give a speech!

I was so confused, but I walked right up there and whipped out this speech off the top of my head. I remember quite a bit of it, but the real kicker is that all I talked about was enjoying the struggle and Rachel Townsend (my former CC coach and gym teacher who also came up with the motto enjoy the struggle!).

It was a really encouraging speech and I felt like my fellow graduates left ready to conquer the world! (Anything can happen in a dream)

My conclusion to this post and my interpretation of this dream is one of two things:
a. I'm blogging way to much
b. I'm going to be Valedictorian of my College here at MSU.

Sleep tight friends! I'm on a quest to get 8 hours of sleep tonight.

woke up this morning....

i woke up this morning. ( I know...right!?)
after about 4 alarms. (not typical)
sore quads and one sore right calf. (ouch)
i had to do a little bit of stretching. (duh)

all from a run in the rain. (with puddles!)

Mere and I hit the cement yesterday when it was rainin' cats and dogs outside.
I loved it.
Running reminds me that I am alive, that my heart beats, and that God has given me two legs for a reason. I need to use them, move them, and groove them :]
There have been three instances in my life where I feel like God has told me that running is good, it's something I should be doing, and something that will be of benefit to a healthy heart, soul, and mind. [plus keep me cancer free!...more on that next post]

I need to keep running as long as I possibly can....So in my quest to keep my running life interesting....I'm going to sign up for something.
a couple of 5k's?
maybe a 10k?
half-marathon?

to the left: a 2003 old school picture!

I like running with slow/talkative runners. I prefer it to be competition free. And I don't like feeling like I'm slowing people down.

Fit the criteria (haha)?
You in? Let me know! :]

A good friend is always better then my outdated Cristina Aguilera and Nelly-filled MP3 player.

The Way to Love

Maryclaire Micallef gave me the book, "The Way To Love" by Anthony De Mello, and it has become part of my devotional time each day. Claire warned me that this tiny 5 inches by 3 inch book was loaded with honesty and ideas about "grappling the question of love."

Man was she right. This book is so convicting that there have been days where I can't keep reading because I am still trying to grasp what was spoken to me the day prior.

Two days ago I read about going the extra mile, based off the bible verse:

"And if anyone would sue you and take your coat, let them have your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

Matthew 5:40-41

He talks about how our family, culture, religion, society, and past experiences program this computer inside of our heads telling us how we should be, what we should want, and how the world should be. This computer operates at every second of every day, demanding that certain standards follow the criteria of it's program. And when the criteria is not met, we experience anxiety, bitterness, anger, tension, etc. In the meantime, we try and change the world around us to meet the demands of our computer, and we are granted a temporary precarious peace. That is, until the next trifle thing happens in our life. (insert correct citation for paraphrasing here, pp.13-18)

So we live at the mercy of our computer, that we didn't even program ourselves...how unfair! And this whacked-up created program prevents us from going the extra mile. This program tells us, "It's all about me me me me" before it says, "Love others, love others."

BUT the cool part is that we can change it. It will take loads of time, lots of "stopping to think" and "thinking before we speak."

It will require me to look at each situation with the eyes of me heart (as God intends) instead of the eyes of my computer.

It's a work in progress :]

Happy gloomy Wednesday!

sticks and stones

May break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

Well that's a little bit of a lie! I've been thinking about why people's words can cut us deep sometimes, why they cause us to be left speechless and dealing with a knot in the pit of our stomach and a ball in our throat.

Do you know what I'm talking about? Someone making a comment, usually nonchalantly, that just cuts you in the wrong way?

I think a lot of the time some people speak with such honesty that they lack the grace - or vice versa. This leads to conflict, hurt feelings, and misunderstandings. For me, most of the comments that hurt the most are the comments that I know are true, but refuse to believe on my own.

So when it is addressed publicly and by another person, my immediate reaction is to blame them for throwing the sticks and stones, when in reality my bone was broken the entire time.

But then there are other times, when the comments are just plain insults from those that you love the most, those are painful. Those comments create a wound that is deep, jagged, and usually struggles to heal.

I don't understand God's plan with those wounds, I don't understand why conversation has the potential to be hurtful, and I really don't like that I'm sure I've caused quite a few wounds in my lifetime as well.

I do understand that God is great, his words are true and honest, and that His intention is never to hurt us but to love us, guide us, help us, and teach us.

He heals the broken.

i so loved today

Today I got to hang out for six-ish hours with some of my friends from Work Crew. We were at Lake Champion way back in June of 2004, so it has been almost four years since we spent a whole month together.

Dana Sherry, one of my great elementary and high school friends was in attendance as well as Selma Nunes and Tony Pyle, both with whom I now share a lot of my college memories with. Then our friend Russ Brasher, from Toledo was able to make the drive to Ann Arbor to see us too!

Now here's the deal. For most of you who know my work crew experience, you will know that I didn't really enjoy it quite as much as the average person does. I was homesick the entire time and wanted to be back in my sheltered unchanging world, where I was cross country captain and on top of the world :] So needless to say, I never spoke highly of my experience except for the fact that it was sweet to get to see another YL camp.

Looking back on the past four years of my life, that month has set me up for an eternity of love. Selma and Tony both have this incredible ability to make me laugh for hours on end...but there is even more to it then that. They challenge me, call me out, tell me how it is, and force me to think outside the box. They have shown me what it means to lead a ministry, what it looks like to sacrifice and persevere. They are just a phenomenal part of my life, especially in the past year.

I got to hang out with Dana for the first time in WAY too long of a time today/tonight too. She is beautiful. I can't believe how long we've been friends, but what really gets me is that we have become completely different women in this world who are united because of a bond that God has eternally tied between us. She teaches me confidence, patience, and calmness...she lives a stress free life and let's God take care of things...it's great.

Russ is great too. I love that he came and I love that he is about to become a bigger part of my life. We didn't really talk much at work crew...and not for any bad reasons...really just because there was no reason for us to associate that much. But because of God, and because He loves us so freakin' much, He brings old acquaintances and makes them into new friends.

I am eternally grateful for work crew. If you ever get the chance to do it, just do it. I'll send you mail :]

Love you all. Thanks for being a part of my walk with Jesus.

you're in.

So today, I received a phone call from one of my favorite friends. she gave me a suggestion for what I should blog about next, and in the process left me a 4 minute voicemail on the topic.

Towards the end of the message i was thinking
"Dang, I'm glad Shannon Murphy has Verizon."

Seriously though, there are only a few people in my life who don't have Verizon and aren't "IN". On our family plan, between my dad, mom, brother and I... I have over 1000-1700 minutes of "IN" minutes and another 300-500 of "OTHER" minutes. More then my mom and brother combined.

That is just crazy. That is about 30 hours of talking on the phone, every month. I'm not sure if this is a problem or not?

When I was in the dorm I was always known as the phone $&#%@, and in my house now, I am certainly always a part of the statement..."she's probably on her phone..."

It's not a bad thing. But sometimes I struggle with whether or not it is a good thing too.

How has this little silver device become such a central part of my life, and I haven't even had it for three years of my life yet? How have I managed to become so dependent on a piece of plastic, when I struggle to remain dependent on God and the grace he places in my life?

Note to self: Say a prayer every time you talk on your phone, or pick up phone to look at it.
Note to self #2: Thank God for long voicemail messages...I LOVE LEAVING THEM!

sneezing

hi friends.
it's april 14th and i have a cold.
it's the first one i've had all winter, and it came when it finally got warm out today.
gosh darn-it. but oh well...i took some vitamins, drank a gallon of water, and now i get to look forward to a few days of tasteless food and a runny nose. WHOOOO! :]

stay healthy. spray lysol. and REST WELL (according to a great little sticky note I recieved yesterday.).

That's what I am going to go do. rest :]


happy night before taxes are due...i have to mail mine tomorrow!

my dad :]

So this weekend I was fortunate enough to take a last minute trip with my mom and dad to Illinois for a little weekend with the family. My favorite part was the car ride, because my Dad is just hilarious and my mom and I can never stop laughing.


He has this funny/corny/"I can't believe you just said that" kind of humor. Here are a few examples of what he said/says all the time.

Driving on the highway, a VW BUG passes us, and he says "Man...that car just bugs me."

I wake up from sleeping, and we are at the gas station in Indiana...
DAD: "Want anything from inside Yor?"
ME: "I'm good Dad, but thanks?"
DAD: "Well, I know your good, but do you want anything?"

My mom asks me for a Clementine that is in the back seat and my dad decides to serenade my mom with any song that comes to his mind.
"Oh my darling, oh my darling, oh my darling CLEMENTINE..."

And he continues this for the next 45 minutes, picking any word my mom and I say in conversation and finding a song that goes with it...

"whoa, black betty (bam-BA-lam), whoa, black betty (bam-BA-lam)"
"[ohio state fight song]"
"one round of Hose Cuervo..."
"I like it, I love it, I want some more of it..."
"You are so beautiful to me...."
"Bye bye Miss American pie..."

OR... in attempt to still be an informational source in my life, he decides to teach me how to tell if a car is rear wheel drive/all wheel drive/ or front wheel drive. So the entire last hour of our trip was spent being quizzed on what cars are which. I passed with flying colors, except for the Honda CRV....that was a tricky one :)

My mom gets so mad when I laugh at his outbursts, because I am encouraging his wacky behavior...but I just can't help it...he makes me laugh. I love the people in my life who do that for me.

I am not gifted with the talent to be a funny person, but I am gifted with laughing... and I can tell that God continuously places people in my life so I will always be laughing. If I look around, some of the funniest people I know are my best friends and for that I am grateful (THANK YOU). I can only hope that if I can't return their gift of comedy, at least they can receive my laughter!

night friends. hope this was an entertaining second blog post!