Sorry for the Silence

It has been quite here lately because I have been spending my time celebrating my new job!  I start tomorrow:)  I am so excited to begin this new chapter of my life...


I am working on a post that will hopefully capture the thousands of thoughts and feelings that I have had over the last several months.  I am looking forward to giving you a glimpse into the amazing work that God is doing in my life and how He is preparing me for the amazing things that lie ahead!


Stay tuned, because it is coming!

BREAKING NEWS!

After a process that has increased my reliance on God, taught me about trust and drawn me closer to the One who hold my life in His hands....I am happy to announce that I accepted a job as an Early Childhood Pastor at Eagle Brook Church today!

Not wasting any time...I start in 3 days:)

I am looking forward to getting my thoughts written down, but I want to give myself time to process.

until then...THIS SONG.  on repeat.  all. day. long.

Sunday in Pictures

Lake Johanna (@Northwestern College) canoeing with Abby.  Such a  GORGEOUS day

Ice cream and people watching at Lake Josephine.

Playing cards with Abby at the lake

Scenic drive around White Bear Lake.  I love this drive way and yard so much!

I could totally live here.

Week in Pictures

This past week was a little crazy (AND HOT!!).  Here are a few pictures to show you some of the highlights:

It was oppressively hot.  Several days with a heat index over 110.  Yuck.

To deal with the heat, the girlies and I went to the water park on Monday.  It was hot, but the water was wonderful!  I think I wore the girlies out.

After about 4 minutes in the car

After about 2 minutes in the car.

 When it is painfully hot outside, it forces me inside.  Into the mall.  Which resulted in a new purse.  This beauty retails for $129.99.  With a sale, a coupon, a scratch-off card and a tiny scratch on the buckle, I got this wonderful bag for $27.99.  I was so excited:)

 After being stuck inside for a few days, I decided to play miss fix-it.  

The toilet was running so I fixed it like a pro.

 The heat forced me to do my Target run after the sun had set.  I saw something that was incredibly confusing:

How exactly does this one work?  if you are handicapped, maybe you shouldn't be riding a motorcycle to Target.

 This had nothing to do with the intense heat, but when I got home from work on Wednesday, there was quite the welcoming committee.  Not exactly sure why they were here, but there were 4 cop cars at my apartment.

The craziest thing is that my apartment is not sketchy and this was incredibly strange.

Not exactly the most reassuring thing.

And there you have it...my week in (kind of boring, incredibly random) pictures.  Come back tomorrow for my (slightly less boring, way more beautiful) weekend in pictures:)

Loving Life

Today has been fabuloso!

I had the most amazing conversation with a friend and coworker.  So many smiles, happy tears and heart-felt words of affirmation.  Loved every second!

The weather has finally started to return to normal Minnesotan summer weather.  I went outside this morning and instantly had a smile on my face because the last several days have been oppressive.

I am so looking forward to some major things that are on the horizon...BIG things are coming y'all.  Stay tuned for more information.

I absolutely LOVE my church.  God is working in my heart by surrounding me with amazing people who are so passionate about reaching people for Christ.  LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I am LOVING LIFE.

The Body of Christ at Work

Hearing stories about the Body of Christ in action gives me goose bumps like nothing else.  When people come alongside their brothers and sisters in Christ to provide support, I get the chills.

Today, I heard the story of Christ's love being shared in an incredibly tangible way.  It was so incredible that it makes me want to do everything that I can to help others who are in need.

God uses His children to pour out His love and provision into the lives of those around them.  We are called to give sacrificially of ourselves.  We can show God's love through our actions--Get to work!!

Summer

This last week has really given Minnesota everything that I loathe about summer.  It is rather unfortunate...multiple days with the heat index above 100, temperatures in the high 90s, dew points in the high 70s/low 80s (gag) and no breeze.  Overall, kind of sad.

So, yesterday, I had the idea that I would come up with a list of things that I love about summer.
**This is my way of taking my mind off of complaining about the nasty week we are having here in Minnesota**

Here it goes.

1. I like the sun.  I love getting some sun every summer.  I feel like everybody just looks a little better when they are not extra-mega-Minnesota pale.  Especially me.
2. I love flip-flops.  Definitely my favorite thing about warmer weather.
3. I like being able to leave the house with a purse and the keys.  Putting on boots, tucking my jeans into my boots, putting on a scarf, mittens, a hat and a winter coat is a lot of hassle to just get out the door.
4. I love not having to scrape ice off of the windshield.  And all other things about a car in the winter.
5. I like scenic drives in the summer.  Being in the A/C is so great and just looking around at the lakes, people out running, riding or walking, parks filled with people, etc.
6. I love the occasional day in the summer when I can put a sweat shirt on.  This is unique to Minnesota (it doesn't happen in Indiana...) and I LOVE IT.
7. I love summer food.  Fresh fruit and veggies.  Corn on the cob, watermelon, strawberries, zucchini, etc.
8. I love summer drinks.  Iced tea, lemonade, anything with ice. 
9. I love water activities.
10. I like that everything is pretty and green.

So, if you are hating this weather...I hope that you can think of some summer-y things that you do like:)

Holy hot and humid Batman!

Holy hot and humid Batman!  It is sooo disgusting in Minnesota.  I heard on the news today that it is actually more hot and humid here than it is in Managua, Nicaragua.  Insanity.  Today we topped out at 97 degrees and the dew point was 80.  Like I said...Holy hot and humid batman.

Today, I enjoyed this disgusting weather in the water with friends all afternoon and in the A/C all evening.  So great.

In other news...I LOVE MY CHURCH.  I can just leave that right there.

I have a special post planned for tomorrow, so check back in for the most exciting blog post of your life.*


* - minor** exaggeration.
** - major

Just What I Needed.

Sometimes, spending the morning with some precious kiddos is just what I need.

I spent Tuesday morning with a co-workers precious boys (2 yrs old and 15 weeks old) and it was so great.

"I get to spend the day with Jamie!!!"

"That sounds pretty awesome!"

"Jamie even lets me play with her debit card!"

"I could get used to this..."

Crafting: Step-by-Step

The goods...

Step One: remove ridiculous amount of stickers.

Step Two: Prepare the paint

Step Three: take art-sy photos of painting materials

Step Four:  Let the painting begin.

Repeat Step Four multiple times.

Step Five: Let the air work its magic.

Step Six: Paint the other side.

Step Seven:  Make sure that your strokes are smooth.

Step Eight:  Hot glue the letters into the base

Step Nine: Fill small holes on the ends with hot glue and paint over the glue.

Step Ten:  Fall in love with the THE FINISHED PRODUCT!
Find it a home...mine will be on my dresser.
I love it more because I made it:)

Exactly.

Tonight, my thoughts are many, but my words are few.


Have you ever heard just the right thing at just the right time?  Today, I leave you with what hit me today:


1 Corinthians 15:58--"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."


Do you serve Him enthusiastically?

I Love it When...

things shift a little bit and it makes it 100 times easier to be optimistic about what's next!  Things are lookin' up y'all.

Sorry it has been so quiet lately.  I fully intend to step up my blogging performance this week.  It has been quiet because I have a double ear infection and I have been busy busy busy.


I have so much to write about, but this post will be an update post.

1. Ear infections are for the birds.  I am now on antibiotics and am on the mend.
2. It has been wicked hot in Minnesota.  Yesterday was so hot and humid...the "feels like" feature on the Weather Channel app said that it felt like 108 degrees.  I believe it.
3. The weekend was wonderful despite the sickness.
4. Yesterday, I was able to work at the summer baptism.  It was incredible.  We are still waiting for the final numbers because we allowed last-minute registrations and there were a bunch of them.  We do know that there were over 850 people baptized yesterday in Lake Johanna at Northwestern College.  It seemed as if my worlds were merging.  Being a part of the Eagle Brook baptism on the campus that I called home for 4 years.  Absolutely incredible.  It was a God-sized party.



Here is a pic before I sweat for 3 hours straight.  We were all so hot and sweaty but it didn't even matter---It was all about the hundreds and hundreds of people who were publicly declaring the hope that they have in Jesus Christ.  Our sweat was irrelevant:).  It was all about congratulating those who had taken this major step and getting hugs from dripping wet people who only knew me as an Eagle Brook staffer who was excited beyond belief for them!

5. After the baptism, I took a cold shower...It was great!
6. Today, I am nannying for my girlies.  Fun and crafts will happen!
7. Tomorrow, I am babysitting a co-workers precious little boys in the morning while she is at an off-site meeting.  I am thinking we will go to the park.  There will certainly be pictures of the precious kiddos.
8. Please continue to be in prayer for where God is leading me.
9. My prayers for the leaders in my life are constant these days.  My hearts desire is that God will grant them the wisdom that they need so greatly as we move forward.
10. I feel like I am being cryptic.  I will fill you in when it is appropriate.

Ouch.

I have an ear infection.  Therefore, I have a new found empathy for babies.  I feel like it is not quite normal for an adult to have an ear infection...but hey, I am living proof that the ears of an adult can produce rather uncomfortable issues.

Last night, I neglected to post because I was lying motionless in bed with an ice pack on my forehead attempting to keep myself from puking due to a severe migraine.

It is safe to say that my head/face/ear region is kind of busted right now.

And, I am now prepping a script to teach about 100 preschoolers tomorrow afternoon.  Pray for healthy-ness, excessive energy and super-awesome memorization skillz.

Mighty Wave

Who would have thought?!  2 posts in the same day!!


Before you read this post, read this one.  God's timing is so perfect.  When I am overwhelmed, He knows just what I need.  While flipping past commercials and looking for something great on the radio, I discovered a song that had to have been put on the radio just for me.
Sarah Reeves' new song "Mighty Wave" is now on repeat.  The words encouraging my heart!
Here is the story behind the song...INCREDIBLE!!!



"Mighty Wave"  
You know me in and out and lovely are your thoughts about me. 
How great is mercy. You chose me though I am unworthy. 
All that is within me - cries you are holy. 
Even when I'm walking through the valley of death. 
Even when I'm broken and nothing is left - you lead me on... you lead me on 
So I'll pour my tears in the ocean. And I'll leave my pain by the shore. 
With your mighty wave you'll sweep them away, till they are no more. 
You hide me - in your wings and carry, - all my fears and worries -You lift the lowly. 
You wrap me in your arms of safety - When the battle's raging - you're fighting for me. 
So I'll pour my tears in the ocean. And I'll leave my pain by the shore. 
With your mighty wave you'll sweep them away, till they are no more. 
*There's freedom from my past - And there's hope in my future 
You are my today and you are my forever*
So I'll pour my tears in the ocean And I'll leave my pain by the shore. 
And with a mighty wave, you'll sweep them away, till they are no more. 
You'll sweep them to the ocean floor.

What If...?

Am I the only one who wonders what life would be like if one decision would have been made differently??


Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if I decided to go to a state school in Indiana.  I wonder what life would be like if I had decided that serving with kids at church was as lame as it sounded when I was 15.  I wonder what would be different if I had decided that Minnesota was too far for school.


What if Northwestern College would have been my second choice?  What if I had never been a nanny for the family that invited me to attend Eagle Brook Church with them almost 4 years ago?  What if my pride had stopped me from attending EBC alone for years?


Would God have led me to this place that has changed me as a person?  Developed my passion for reaching people for Christ? Given me a hope in the local church that can only come from being surrounded by passionate leaders who are empowered by Christ? Taught me things like acceptance, effective conflict management and patience?  Drawn me closer to His heart?  Given me opportunities to lead?  


I am so grateful for the opportunities that have come along the path that has been set out for me.  


When I am stuck in the moment, wondering what is next, I have to force myself to remember that God knows what He is doing.


When I want nothing more than to have a meltdown due to excessive uncertainty, I have to remind myself that all things are certain to the One who has the perfect plan for me.


When my heart is unsettled and my thoughts run wild in the quiet of my room as I struggle to fall asleep, God has a plan that is so amazing that I cannot even begin to fathom what He has in store.


When my frustration builds as time passes, I have to remember that His plans are always good.


When I am overcome with fear, doubt and insecurity, I have to remember that my identity is found in Him, not in the things that I do.


When I wonder...What if?...What now?...Am I good enough?...Is this the right thing?...What if I fail?  I need to rest in the arms of the all-powerful King of the Universe who will do what is best for me. 


He wants what is best for me.  He knows what is best for me.  It might not be easy, but it will be perfect.  Because He is perfect.

Randoms

1. Every time I watch "America's Got Talent", I lose a little faith in humanity.  Some people are embarrassing.
2. Working at home is the bomb-dot-com.  I feel like I had another day to relax even though I worked 11 hours.  Such a strange feeling.
3. I am going on a cruise in February 2013.  
4. 2013 is basically forever away.
5. These are my favorite commercials right now:
1. Hilarious.
2. I feel her pain.
6. I miss watching The Voice.  Such a great show.
7. I am learning the importance of patience.  In a not-so-easy way.  Waiting around when you want nothing more than to move forward is super hard.
8. I want to go to Indiana.
9. I want to go to Greece.
10. Today, it rained so hard that I looked like I had showered after 45 seconds outside.
11. I bought a maxi-dress.  This could have been a bad choice.  I really wanted a second opinion but no one was there.  I shall ask the roomie.  
12. I am getting rather tan.
13. I want to snuggle a newborn baby for an entire day.  Any takers??
14. I have watched a lot of movies in the last week.
15. I went to fireworks last night.  It was pretty great.

The Ideal Sunday

Today started with breakfast with my best friends.  Laura is in town for a wedding, so we reunited across the street from where we lived.  We had a great breakfast and had fun catching up...I love them so much:)

Then, with hours left in the day, I did some mall walking, ran a few errands, bought a dress then it was off to the beach.  Everyone in Minnesota had the same idea, so the beach that I chose was packed.  I found a nice little spot away from the swimming beach area, laid down my blanket and people watched.  It was wonderful.

A day at the lake.

An *almost* perfectly clear day.  

toes buried in the sand...trying to get rid of the flip-flop tan lines.  I am pretty sure it's a lost cause at this point.

Like I said, the beach was packed.  I was content in my little quiet spot away from children and adults screaming profanities and strutting their stuff like no one's business.  I tell ya, spending a few hours at a public beach has the ability to make me feel incredibly "normal."


Just when I thought I had seen it all--thong swimsuits, little girls swimming in boys underwear, teenage girls taking off their swimsuit tops, somebody dropping about 20943487 f*bombs while on the phone (she really wanted her left flip-flop back...)--then this happened:

I mean, who doesn't have a mildly pornographic photo shoot at a public beach where there are families having picnics and  about 100 people around?!

It started as a swimsuit modeling session, then quickly took a turn for the worst.  that is when I decided that some creeper pictures were necessary.

there was purring. and kissy-lips.  and an inevitable wardrobe malfunction resulting in a brief moment full-frontal nudity.
That was my cue to pack up my stuff and leave.  things were getting too weird for my liking.  As I was leaving, the lifeguard came over and cancelled the photo shoot.  

Now, I am enjoying the air-conditioning and looking forward to an evening of cleaning, laundry, movies and general awesomeness.  Weekends are so much better when they are not bombarded with homework.

Yawn...

So tired. For some reason, this week has been exhausting. It could be that last weekend was filled with lots of sun and 4 nights on an air mattress in a tent on a sloping ground.

I was chatting with a friend tonight about how busy I truly am. I thought for sure that my life would be painfully boring once the chaos of school and moving was over, but I am starting to realize that I will always find something to keep me busy. Maybe busy is good for me. Or maybe, it is draining me. I can't quite tell because I haven't had any extended period of time in which I was not busy. I need to make that happen. But, until then, I am loving life.