Ed's story

Flannel (The creative people behind the Nooma Videos) has released 5/7 films about hope through the story of Ed Dobson. Ed is a beloved Grand Rapids pastor who continues to inspire and impact many communities and individuals.

Second Chances.

Gifted

A few of my Favorite things given for Christmas this year:

Grandpa Mike-- personalized sterling silver guitar pick from Love Stamped.

Grandma Jan-- Therapeutic Massage ring and pretty candle

Cousins-- 

Roommate--

Jewelry and Ceremic coffee mug from Lee and Birch

(I may have picked up one of these for myself too because they were BOGO 50% off!)

letter

via lifeinflux

"so as I've been thinking about my sermon here today, i found myself returning again and again to the
power of a good letter. 

Someone may text you or ping you or email you or direct message you or contact
you on facebook—but none of those particular mediums of communication can begin to compare to a
letter in which the person has labored over every word, going back over it again and again and again,
crafting the phrases and searching for just the right word and turn of phrase to capture precisely what you want to say.

Technology has given us a wide array of methods to communicate and because of this
variety, it's important we remember that there is a distinction to be made between diversity of form and
depth, significance, and soul.

So, I've written you a letter."

- Rob Bell Grace and Peace to Mars Hill Bible Church 12.18.2011

Written cards, letters and notes have been especially meaningful to me in the last few years. In college, Sarah Beth taught us how to make scrapbook journals to hold the special words and encouragement that others write for us.

Written text is powerful; I am thankful for those who cherish and practice this form of communication.

Craft + Friends

On Sunday evening, a few friends came over to spend some time together crafting. We knitted, painted, made trees, ate chocolate, drank wine. And of course, discussed the standard things: family, faith, friends, school, work, our dreams, and males.

I have such amazing friends all over...
These young women are no exception.

Cyndl- Has 10 siblings and a massive heart for others. She provides respite care to families with severly special needs children. When you watch her love her kiddos....you just know that that is God working through her.
Julie- Is so creative and so passionate. She works at a craft store (and puts up with a lot of crazy folks) and is going to interior design school. Julie has been mentoring a young Hispanic girl at Burton Elementary for the past few years. She just loves life, adventure and caring for people.
Teresa- is awesome. She has a degree in interior design and works at UBU. She has a talent for making things look so fun and comfortable. Teresa has been working with middle school girls at Mars for several years. She is going on to more design school next year.

I am so glad that God made such good, diverse qualities to give his children.

Ready set...sew!

Last Sunday, Grandpa and Grandma McIntyre surprised me with a Sewing Machine!

This is a belated graduation gift; I am so grateful and very thrilled.
Now on to teaching myself some skills :)

In googling 'how to sew' on my machine/model I came across this cutie (yup, I'm learning from a 10 year old)!

Fragmented

I'm feeling a bit on the 'stretched' side emotionally. My mind is filled with thoughts of car searching, finances, job issues, school worries, family status' and more. What do you do during these moments, days, weeks or seasons?

Of another note, I worked 20 of the last 48 hrs at DAB/St.John's home. On Saturday, I spent a significant amount of time processing with a 13 yr old boy. The night before he attempted to throw himself into traffic. These things make my soul ache....

Later in the day, a confused little boy continually referred to me as his  'mom'. He told me, "my mom is signing over her rights, so will you adopt me?" An eight year old shouldn't have to say this.

That evening I took 4 teenagers to a cultural training event at GVSU. On the way home we we discussed our city, god, and family. Such hurt in these young lives. My days are often a up-and-down mix of joy and grief.

Tonight, this melody is playing in my head:

Jesus loves the little children
All the children of the world
red and yellow, black and white
they are precious in his sight
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

scarlet red lips

I don’t know who asked for lipstick. I wish so much that I could discover who did it, it was the action of genius, sheer unadulterated brilliance. I believe nothing did more for these internees than the lipstick. Women lay in bed with no sheets and no nightie but with scarlet red lips, you saw them wandering about with nothing but a blanket over their shoulders, but with scarlet red lips. I saw a woman dead on the post mortem table and clutched in her hand was a piece of lipstick. At last someone had done something to make them individuals again, they were someone, no longer merely the number tattooed on the arm. At last they could take an interest in their appearance. That lipstick started to give them back their humanity.

- Willet Gonin was among the first British soldiers to liberate Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp in 1945
via "Sex God"

Oh Lord, use me and my voice in naming the humanity and the divine within those I interact with.

about my church

My story has been richly enhanced but that of the Mars Hill Bible Church Community
Our community is currently going through some changes, and I have been wrestling through the emotions that occur whenever things like this happen in important areas of our lives. Twice in the last few weeks I have come to tears while thinking about how my Church has impacted my life.
It is within this eccentric tribe, that I have seen love, experienced grace and been challenged beyond words:

This is where I learned what Discipleship looks like
Where I've seen BIG-time generosity
It is here that I have been taught to ask questions and be curious
This is where I fell in the love with the Biblical text and was given a yearning for learning more.
I went to Mars Hill Students the night I learned that my dad was leaving.
This is where I learned that suffering, pain and grief are just as valuable emotions as joy
These are the people that stand and sing next to me when I cannot find my voice
I was invited into Elohim-Echad and Chutzpah
This is where I have been able to serve in Preschool Pier for over 7 years
I have been encouraged to explore the important, sacred rhythms in life
I was baptized here in 2003
I was invited in to the lives of the Powell's and Berryhill's
This is where I went to Al-Anon
This is where redemption work and the Kingdom of God was taught
I was taught that Love (will always) Win.
Where I have been encouraged to think about technology and faith
These are the teachings I listened to while away at college
This is where my appreciation for art, writing, science and music exploded
This is the community that remained constant for me when my family life was drastically changing
I was shown how to love refugees and was stretched while sharing my room with an African peer
I learned that how we care for the earth and each-other is deeply reflective of our relationship with Christ
This is where I have been taught about forgiveness and have been invited to join in the process
Everything is spiritual.
This is where I have been encouraged to expect the divine.
This is the community that continues to teach me about grace, peace and what these look like in real, raw life

This is where I have been truly introduced to a Lord who is alive, active and present in my daily life and is constantly challenging me to become more fully the girl he created me to be.
Thank you Mars Hill for being my people and my place of worship.

I want to see this film...

 

"The Tree of Life" Written and directed by Terrence Malick. 

Rob Bell referenced this film in church today (along with D.Willard and Eminem :) I did some quick wikipedia research on Malick. He studied philosophy at Harvard, has directed five films and appears to be a pretty mysterious artist. There is very little information on him, and he never participates in interviews or publicity.

All is Love.

By Irene Suchocki via poppytalk

"He called them out of believing that ordinary life is ordinary. He called them to see that no matter how ordinary it may seem to us as we live it, life is extraordinary. Life even at its most monotonous and back-breaking and heart-numbing has the Kingdom buried in it the way a field has a treasure buried in it"

- Fredrick Buechner

Film

The Mars Hill Young Adult group is showing films this fall at the Awesome and historic Wealthy Theater. This Thursday we watched, "Happy, Thank you, More Please". The Sundance 2010 festival favorite. I definetly reccommend it!

Next up, Sigur Ros' new film "Inni". Sooo looking forward to seeing it!

Aware

There seems to be an 'Awareness' month dedicated to nearly everything.
Lately I've been thinking about a few that are especially important to me:

1) Celebrate Recovery Month (September)

This past month, I was involved in planning the West Michigan/Lakeshore Recovery Fest Event. Too me the redemption work that must take place within a recovery individual's life is extraordinary. It is truly a cause worth celebrating. It is an honor to stand with those who fight everyday for healthier substance-free living.

I also participated in presenting at Michigan's substance use disorder conference in Lansing with my team. I was incredibly nervous. It was my first time time speaking in front of a room full of professionals. Our team did a wonderful job presenting our adolescent substance abuse program. Our session was very interactive and it felt good to be able to answer some questions.

2) Depression Awareness (October)

This one is deeply personal for me. There are so many people suffering and wrongly diagnosed with this condition. Depression is commonly talked about these days, yet I don't think the public really understands much about it. The symptoms vary and effective treatment is unique to each individual. I remember being hurt when told, "What do you have to feel sad about?" or, "What's so bad about your life?". They were right, there wasn't any outward reason why I should be feeling the way I was. It has taken me years to accept that my body does have a different chemical balance than most. Medical, spiritual and alternative therapy fields all have different views on the causes and treatments for this mental health issue. Without support, depression can be lonely and severely serious.

The folks behind awareness months are putting forth their voice to a pain. These months typically convey the importance of education and knowledge.
At work I often hear the question, "why do I need to know this stuff?"

Why?
Maybe because it simply allows us to be a better "brother's keeper". Knowing more about the experiences of others enables us to better sit with them in their struggles and celebrate with them in their triumphs.

Are there certain awareness months that are special to you?

Songs for Fall

“Elephants Never Forget” by Anne Hale Murra at Art Prize 2011 via Shane Hipps

These days as I spend more time in-doors, I like to listen to great music while I sip my beloved tea and work on random and seemingly endless projects (i.e. organizing bills :)

Here are some good ones:

"Spirit of Memory" and "There is no Death"
by the Soil and the Sun
http://thesoilthesun.bandcamp.com/

"Half Acre"
by Hem
http://youtu.be/pgy1rbYXj5g

"Working Poor"
by Horse feathers
http://www.last.fm/music/horse%20feathers/_/working%20poor
Music with hauntingly beautiful melodies and rich texts are my favorite.

What are you listening to?

new habits

Since beginning the 'adult' lifestyle I have picked up a few new behaviors:

1. Nail Polish
I have been painting my nails so much more than I ever used to. Painted nails seems to be a common denominator among my female co-workers. I have joined in.

2. Coffee
I never, ever used to drink coffee...until now. Whether its the iced coffee from McD's or a fresh little cup before church....I have broken out of my 'tea-only' preference!

I found this fun little mug at Marshall's for a buck!

tea

Today as I sip my beloved tea, I am remembering these women.

A blend.

Oh my goodness, Summer where have you gone?
So many wonderful and so many unexpected things have happened throughout the months of July and August.

I am happy, tired and ready for the newness that Fall always brings.
I have been reading a lot lately.
Mostly about adolescent mental health issues and new neurological research studies.
I like to read; I love learning.
I have been visiting friends.
Playing outside.
Holding babies at church.

Oh, so many blessings. I am undeserving. God is very good.

Missing you...

I have been going through 'withdrawals' from not being near many of my wonderful college friends. I miss their support, spirit, creativity and faith. I am lovin' MI, but still feel like I am in such a transitional period on the relationship side-of-things. You know what I mean?

Adult Summer?

A year ago, I was thinking, "I better really soak up all the moments I can this summer, because it's gonna be my last one without a 'real' job"

However, I have been having such a great summer with so many fun moments! Want to see some of what I've been up to?

So grateful to be working and still having plenty of time to enjoy friends and God's creation.

Hmmm....Even Toyota is questioning social networking vs. REAL life!

And He said "It is Good"

A you a farmer's market foodie? Or a home-grower?

On my tiny homestead, I am growing: tomato, lettuce, lavender, lemon verbena, basil, and mint

The fresh bounty of these warm months is terrific isn't it?

Week in Review

This past week was 'heavy'. A student that I worked with tragically lost his life in a drowning accident. Also, my childhood best friend's mom passed away. Tough Stuff. I was filled with mixed emotions and perplexed by how temporary, fragile, fleeting, and beautiful life is. 

Then the weekend came.

On Friday I completed CPI training (certified physical intervention) training.

On Saturday I swam in the Flieman's pool and stopped by my Grandparents' annual 4th/ Outdoor music party.

Sunday through Monday was spent at the Barnes' cottage in Cadillac, MI. I enjoyed swimming, soaking up sun, attempting to water-ski, putting on temporary tattoos, cooking, and playing on the sand-bar.

I have a feeling this shorter week is going to go by quickly. I am anticipating another fabulous weekend with my girl friends: ikea, birch run and dancing in Canada. Excited :)

Grace and Peace to you.

Gr6

I know, I know I talk often about my love for West Michigan and Grand Rapids.
So here is just one more little post about this place I am proud to call home. Amway Corp. launched a contest where contestants enter six words describing Grand Rapids and what they love about this special city. It is pretty fun.
Just a few years ago when the auto industry took a fall, Grand Rapids had a much more depressive feel. However, our community has RE-BOUNDED!
I think 'Your Trip Begins', MichiganAwesome, Art Prize, and more music venues are just a few of the recent initiatives that have put Grand Rapids back on the map as a creative and alive place to be!

Dancin' in the streets

It is for sure...the ppl of GRap love their Small-Big city!

I love you Mr and Mrs Hoffman

Tulip Time

It is tulip time!

Tulip Time is a seasonal rite-of-passage for west michiganders.
It signifies that we have made it through the winter...finally
..now we can experience pretty flowers, fast rains and refreshing breezes.

Tulip Time also celebrates the dutch heritage of many people who live in the area. Holland was settled in the late 1840s by Dutch Calvinist immigrants seeking religious freedom. A Reverend led the founding of the city and also Hope College. To this day, religion (I live within feet of the street in the Guinness book of World Records for number of churches) and tradition are VERY important in these parts.

It's been a number of years, but as a little girl I had the privilege of being dressed up in traditional dutch costume for tulip time festivities. My neighbor is a first-generation dutch American...he wears wooden shoes when he does yard work and gives out nasty black licorice (in my opinion).

If you get a chance, check out downtown Holland, MI it is a treat (although I'm a bit culturally biased :)

Do you participate in any cultural traditions or celebrations?

I'm going to try..

to run a 25K this Saturday.
I hope I can finish within a reasonable amount of time.

I am running for Alpha Women's Center of Grand Rapids.
They are a wonderful organization that do so many wonderful things for the women and children in the community. They value human life and provide services including: testing, counseling, ultrasounds, abstinence education, awareness/self-esteem teaching, GED testing, mentoring, clothing, baby supplies, homemaking course and personal/spiritual development classes.

I hope that I will represent this agency and what they stand for well!

Check out alphawc.org

Hot Yoga.

Have you heard of Hot Yoga?
I particiapted in my first Hot Yoga power vinyasa class this past Friday. I went to the super cool LEED certified funky Buddah studio in Easttown Grand Rapids, MI.

Each class is heated to at least 95'. And they are typically packed!! Men and women rom a wide spectrum of ages participated.

It is a hard-core workout. You sweat. A LOT. People brought towels and jugs of water with them.

I did feel dizzy at times, but aftewards sooo good and stretched. Looking forward to trying hot yoga again soon!

My weekend...

Friday I worked.

Saturday I 'motorcrossed'....

I chaperoned my little bro up north to Big Air Motocross Track in Newaygo, MI 

He drove the truck and I watched his speed and told him to keep two hands on the wheel

I held my breath and prayed as he rode his dirt bike over the big jumps

said lots of little prayers

I had fun

We ate a picnic lunch in the truck

We laughed much

We sang country songs on the way home.

He had a big smile on all day

He said it was the best day of his life.

These are moments that I will treasure.

Happy 16th birthday Connor!

Find more Elbow songs at Myspace Music

New Eats...

This afternoon I went out with the ladies from the office for lunch. 

We went to 84 East in downtown Holland.

I felt like such a grown up!

I ordered the Spring asparagus and light Alfredo chicken. Yum, yum!

Work was CRAZY today. Lots of end-of-the-month paperwork.

After going on a quick run to blow to clear my post-work head...

I was invited to a date/dinner. We went to Outback (another first for me). I had the spinach artichoke fat bread pizza....again...delicious.

I have been spoiled lately. All this good food is not so good for my running training efforts..:)

Snoopin' on...

Obliously, I don't have children. I hope that someday I will...

In the meantime I love on the Berryhill and Powell gangs and get some disciplining practice at work ;)

Also, I sneak peeks at      http://ledansla.blogspot.com/     this french mom has fresh and simple pics of her children...I enjoy the little detail.

Heavy Things.

How do you handle big, heavy, anxiety rich things or thought in your life? 

Do you pray it out with God?

Is their different things and routines that help you put things in perspective?

What relaxes and soothes you during these times?

Are their people that you go to and process with?

I am slowly, very slowly learning what works and what doesn't for me in terms of handling the heavy things I encounter while working with adolescents.

Sometimes, I really wish I could just turn off the thoughts and worries after 6pm.

Or, fall asleep exactly when I desire to.

At other times, I am grateful for the reminder that I am ALIVE that I do FEEL and that I do have a Loving God who will always listen.

Resurrection Sunday.

Dear Friends,

I hope that you had a joyous weekend filled to the brim with reminders of life and its beauty.

I worked at DA Blogett/St. Johns on Friday and Saturday. Saturday afternoon I was able to attend a Easter celebration even with kids from the home I was working in. An eleven year old boy chose a wicker basket knitting set as an Easter prize. So I spent the afternoon teaching him to knit ;). I also took a trip to the pet store with a small group (one of our fish is sick and requires $10 fish food). Gosh, critters are expensive! I felt dirty and itchy after walking through the store isles...but the kids enjoyed it!

Saturday night I went with my girlfriends to downtown Holland. We went to Fricanos and then to the top floor of CityVu. Much fun! It was one of those nights when a lot of reminiscing stories were brought up. Many of us are dealing with the excitement and apprehensiveness of the many changes around the corner.

Sunday....Church. Worship. Family.

Christ RESURRECTED he was not just RESUSCITATED.

After he rose again, the witnesses knew that something had changed and was different. They didn't recognize him...they were afraid.

RESURRECTION implies change. It is new life.

Thank you God for change. Thank you that we can live resurrection that we can SEE and FEEL and KNOW that Resurrection is real.

Hope

Daffodils have bloomed in West Michigan. I have been enjoying seeing them along the road during my runs and drives. I picked a bunch the other night, placed them in a light blue vase with 'hope' stamped on it, and brought them to the office to enjoy!

drifting

Are you someone whose daydreams tend to drift towards the past or towards the future.

I'm definitely a past girl.

A few weeks ago, I stopped in my neighborhood coffee shop. I hadn't been there in years. Emily, the d-group girls and I used to meet up here. We would talk about everything under the sun of a a high school girls' world. Often would would ask each other questions. Sometimes silly things like,  "Who will be the first one married?" Emily was right--Chelsea!

Anyway, I sipped the cinnamon slumber while on this visit....in honor of what I used to order back then (before I discovered chai :)

p_r_o_c_r_a_s_t_i_n_a_t_i_o_n

ohhh boy,

sometimes I don't use my time too well.

I have worked the last 17 days straight.
(I have the upcoming Sunday off -- HALLELUJAH)
I have two loads of laundry that need to be folded
a heap of clothes that need to be ironed
paperwork that needs to be submitted
a refrigerator that needs to be replaced
and about 6 more miles that need to be added to my running regime.

Yet, what did I do last night after work?
picked up a shamrock shake, watched 'little women', got out some craft stuff and painted my nails.

Praise God

Dear Friends,

Guess what?
I have had the chance to talk about God twice this week at work!

First, with a seventeen year old student who has been virtually homeless since he was 14; he believes in God, but is extremely frustrated because God never seems to be answering his prayers.

Second, with my boys in IOP group. We got on the topic through talking about healthy relationships. It was a surprise, but none the less a very cool thing!

I am not sure if I said anything particularly profound, hopeful to them, or even if they took anything to heart....but it is so neat that God is trusting me and the words I say when working with hurting young people.

It feels so good to finally feel like you are where you need to be...using the qualities that God has given you, doesn't it?

On a similar note,
I began seeing Individual Outpatient clients this week......so different from group therapy!
But, I like it. It does feel more draining...completing giving your attention to the needs of one person for an hour.

Bonus--I 'ran into' my brother while visiting a client at his high school today. It was cute...He came up and said "hello" with a friend. How is my little brother such a cool, tall, and hip high school student? How did this happen...he was like 12 two days ago......

tiny cottage.

This itty-bitty cottages was recently featured here. It is only 144 square feet! Amazing! Wouldn't it be dreamy to spend a little holiday here? I think so.

via apartment therapy re-nest

Begin: lent

“Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth: Grant that these ashes may be to us a sign of our mortality and penitence, that we may remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.” ~Book of Common Prayer

When lent comes around it feels like a deep breath. I love that this is a waiting time, a time when slowing down, introspection and grieving or even feeling emotion as it is- is accepted. 
We pause.
We listen.
We recall.
We repent.
We return.

It is March!

The past week has been full, but good. Last Sunday afternoon, I was able to have a few girls from my high-school small group over to celebrate the anticipated baby Powell. It was a lovely time. We sat around the dinning room table and shared the things on our hearts and what we have been drawn to lately. This group of friends are such creative and kind people and so precious to me. It was 5pm before we even realized it!

Also, this week I have begun training at St. Johns home. For the next few Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sundays I will be training during 10 shifts. The home is a home-away-from-home for children who do not have a safe place to live; they stay here until more permanent foster or adoption placements are made.

To be honest, I am not sure how exactly I feel about this job- it can feel overwhelming. My first night working a sibling group of five and a sibling group of six was all admitted. It was a lot to take in, and I had to keep my own emotions in check well helping the children sort through theirs.

But, it is getting better. I feel that I have something to give: whether its doing laundry, cutting up veggies, or playing legos.

via roman and williams

Reading this week:

The people at the library know me by name.
I have gone there precisely on Friday afternoons over the past few months.

Yet, can't reminder the last time I have read a fiction book.
I think college contributed to my being drawn to non-fiction, and the feeling that I need to consume more information.
So, I am going to try to read a feel-good-easy fiction read this weekend. Just because!

And also, In re-reading Girl meets God by Lauren Winner on Sunday, I am thinking that 'giving up' reading may be something I should pray in preparation for lent.

notes, cards, and letters

Irish philosopher Peter Rollins taught at Mars on Sunday. I need to listen to his sermons 2+ times to even get my head around half of what was said.

But something little, did stand out to me:
"In a sense, love letters are written for the people who write them"

I think that this is so true.
If you know me, you know that I really enjoy making little notes, cards and writing letters.

There is probably much truth in that maybe I do it because I need to be reminded of the love and things that I write to others just as much as I feel the need to speak these truths to them.

What God and I have been doing in the Middle of the Night

I am grateful for my new job.
But it is difficult. Very Difficult......the weakest parts of me are being attacked every afternoon with this group of teenage boys.
I know that this is a transition, an adjustment, and that I am where I need to be, learning what I need to at this specific time.
But still, it is H-A-R-D.

I have awoke at 4 am many nights in a row (seriously) thinking about these young kids- my clients.
I feel worry and anxiety for them.
I wonder if I have said or have not said the right things.
I wonder if I am 'relating' too little or too much.

And so I pray for them, and I ask for grace and strength for me..And I breathe in God and out each worry that pops in my head.

Eventually, I fall back to sleep....55 minutes before the alarm goes off.

Back in the Saddle again...

I'm excited today. You wanna know why?
I just started up a new gym membership (using a groupon of course...I may have a problem).
I am sooo ready...
24 hr access, classes (I wanna try body pump, Pilate's and spinning), and a SAUNA.
Yay!
Besides a little bit of yoga, I haven't ran at all since before my un-planned emergency surgery. So...it...is....time.
I am starting to train for the RiverBank Run 25k.
I have also decided to run the race supported Alpha Women's Center (more on that later).
I have also also been taking my calcium/vit D supplements regularly for the last 2 weeks.
I'm ready for some change, some movement and some strength!

Meet my new BF

This past weekend I had a lot of fun puppy sitting my mom's new canine boy: Bentley.
He is a 5lb black furball. Our weekend consisted of walking through the snow, eating snow, watching cable television, going outside every 30 minutes, and lots and lots of playing with his many toys. P.S. he kinda looks like that furry creature from star wars, you think?

Sorry Bentley-- this picture doesn't exactly due your cuteness justice

On Saturday night, I did sneak away for a few hours to join a few friends at Bar Diviani. None of us had ever been to this little restaurant so it was fun---It's a very eccentric place. You walk through big drapes when you enter. We had the brushetta and spinach artichoke dip for appetizers. Our server was actually a guy who had graduated a year ahead of us in high school, so that was a little fun too.

Have a Happy Day!

The sun is out! The snow is melting away, and its Valentine's Day!
I baked ginger spice cupcakes this morning, and made some paper valentines too!

Are you doing anything special today? After work I am going to deliver my cupcakes and valentines.

Here is my wish for you today:

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how WIDE and LONG and HIGH and DEEP is the love of Christ. Ephes. 3:17-18

Reading

Valentines

From DesignSponge

Now....these are my kind of Valentines! I plan on picking up some loose leaf at Global Infusion and putting together a few of these sachets.....yum and fun!

up to....

Today I took MyLeah (Jen's baby girl) to lap time at the beautiful EGR library. So pretty...it looks over Reeds lake, so we watched the snow fall and the ice fisherman. I blended in with the EGR 'nannies' in the caregiver population. It was fun.....though, I think MyLeah liked checking out all the other kids more than listening to the stories and songs. She's a cutie! Even though she is 17 mos and can say quite a few words---she still uses her signs (adorable)!

For lunch, I drove over to my mom's and played with the little puppy for a while.
Then, I had a graduate school interview....I don't know what to do yet...such big decisions...and confusing certification and licensing mumble jumble.

Now, I am at Panera awaiting my high school friend Teresa.

Later I will put together my curriculum for my last Thursday afternoon working at the Muskegon IOP Office. I am much looking forward to the switch to the Holland Office, but I will miss these kids even though they are a handful <---understatement

Commercial

Did you see this commercial during the superbowl?

hmmm....I like it. Home-State pride :)

Founders

fOn Saturday night, Elizabeth, Stephanie and I went down to Founders.
It was a lot of fun. Stephanie noted the eclectic mix of people. So true, pretty much everyone can fit in and enjoy themselves at founders. There was live music, but we were tired before the second band even began to play, so we went home...I was in bed by 11pm. A good night!

The trio on New Years Eve.

mud

This past week was a messy one.

I forgot things, lost things, locked myself out of house and car, became stuck in snow, broke my garage door and overall 'dropped the ball' on numerous things.

I have felt like all week I've been walking around with muddy shoes, bringing dirt and grime with me wherever I've gone.

Thank God for the people who've helped calm me down, dig me out, and lift me up in prayer.

Whew....Joy comes in the morning!



The Princess' Things

Tonight I am going to see the Princess Diana Exhibit at the Gram. And guess what? My momma won tickets from a radio station! So excited, we were originally supposed to go on my birthday, but the tckts have been selling out like crazy.

For the most part, Princess Diana's era was before my time of being aware of such things. However, I clearly remember watching her funeral with my extended family while staying at a cottage in Traverse City (which, side note...was one of Al Capone's holiday hideout homes...included trap doors and all).

Anyway, I can't wait to see Di's royal wedding gown!

Going to the Salon



http://hipparis.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/vintage-hair.jpg

 Today I am going to The Douglas J Aveda Institute in downtown GR. This will be my third visit to Douglas J and I'm using a groupon :) I enjoy the environment, prices eco products, scalp massage and the complimentary tea that they serve!

I'm trying to decide if I want to do a 'real' haircut...something different than I've had for the last um....20 or so years of my life.
Its a hard decision for me, because I'm a really simple girl with two hairstyles: just plain and down or in a ponytail.
I hardly ever use a hair dryer and I'm really not that skilled at styling even my own hair.
I'm scared to go too different, yet change is good, right? It might be a decent time for something new with a new job and all....but I just don't know.
Being a girl....having to make hair decisions sometimes feels pretty silly.
What do you think?

Wallpaper

Are you a wallpaper person, or no?

I'm apprehensive when it comes to the product because in the early 90s my mom decked out our ENTIRE house in wallpaper. A decade later when we were ready for some interior updates....we learned the big downside of this decorative practice. We spent days with our spray bottles of water/fabric softener and little scrapers slowly removing the stuff.
So, I'm still in a wallpaper-recovery phase I guess.
However, I thought this use of paper spotted on http://www.re-nest.com/ was really unique. I like it. It definitely takes some guts to pull it off!

Oooh, and there are hydrangeas on the counter...my fav!

Siblings

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;

rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.

And by him we cry, "Abba, Father".

The Spirit himself testifies with our Spirit that we are God's Children.

Now if we are children, then we are heirs-heirs of God

and co-heirs of Christ,

if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Romans 8:14-17

This past week I witnessed some beautiful things. I saw the love of God that my Aunt and Uncle have instilled in their four kids. Staying with B, S, E, and K while their parents were away was a refreshing and blessed seven days for me.

I observed: K helping E find his snowpants, B assisting E with spelling, putting others' stuff away without being asked, S reminding all of making better tv choices, E and S reading their Bibles, sharing, serving, playing, wrestling..........

I had a sociology professor that told our class that, "The Sibling relationship is likely the longest relationship that you will have in life". It is important. I think that God specially designed the sibling relationship...to teach us somethings, to show us more of him.

My time of getting to live in the same household with my own younger sister and brother prematurely ended, and I grieve this. Yet, I am excited knowing that these aren't static relationships and they are not over.I look forward to how God can work in growing these relationships as we get older. I hope that God will mold me a bit more Christ-like in the process of loving and knowing my siblings.

Thank you B, S, E and K for a great week and for the glimpses of God's love shown through your relationships with each other.

Thinking of Warmer Days

It's a snowy wonderland here. I'm watching Gidget and thinking ahead to warmer days at the beach!

hmmm....

But to everything a season, right? I'll try to wait patiently.