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My name is Courtney. I am a Substance Abuse Therapist training to be a Mental Health Counselor. I desire to possess a sense of wonder each day. Join me.

Friday, March 18, 2011

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 :)

Thursday, March 17, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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......

Friday, March 11, 2011

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.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

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.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

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.