cool chick

Light in the Night. Art Prize Oct '12 Grand Rapids, MI

I've probably mentioned before that encouraging feedback is hard to-come-by in my line of work.

Today I received a fun exception,

"Courtney, now don't take this the wrong way, but you are a cool chick"
"Thank you for what you do. I wish you all happiness".

This from a guy who has dual-diagnosis, significant life stressors, and has been working very hard on building up his coping skills....
his simple encouragement and gratitude brightened up my day so much!

three strands

 

This October Mike and Jan McIntyre (aka my Grandpa and Grandma) celebrate FIFTY years of marriage.

Their marriage is a testimony; their love for the Lord ripples out in endless ways.

When the Bible talks about "three strands"  Grandpa and Grandma are the example I hold.

I love them. I am so very grateful for them. They are my favorite people.

They complete each other in the best ways. Their lives are deeply interwoven.

I can't imagine what my life and my faith would be like without their influence.

They have been active in every aspect of my life (from prayer, car repairs, college care and every sickness I have ever had). They've been there.

Do you know what it feels like to know that you are prayed for everyday? I do. I can't really even fathom how true and blessed this gift is.

If you know them, you know that all this and more is true of them. They are a legacy.

Maybe someday, I'll enter into a marriage like theirs (ha, they also pray for this regularly :)

Grandpa and Grandma, here's to you! Happy 50th Anniversary! I love you.

Lord, make me

Note: I did not take this pretty photo

These past two weeks have been full in many ways.
I have much to share (maybe I'll write about it soon?).
I am loving my job.
It is so very challenging, but oh, so good.
 Every person that sits in the chair across from me has a unique story.
These are riddled with pain, trauma and hope.
Yesterday, Aaron led worship at church. We read this prayer. I love it and want to regularly pray this with my entire being.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
 

- St Francis of Assisi

ultimate mystery

"Aristotle was perhaps the first of many to observe that true knowledge proceeds from wonder. To wonder is to stand in awe of the ultimate mystery of life and to understand that mystery exists not merely in the ecstatic but in ordinary daily life..Wonder, unlike curiosity, does not try to figure out, to answer, or to explain. We do not wonder "at," "about," or "why"--we wonder "with."
--- Rob Lehman


Classes have begun again. A Busy and good time. I am enjoying them all and especially intrigued by my Intro to Holistic Health Care. I love how so many of the lessons directly align with my faith.

patient. good and healthy

via Alice, Eve & Lithium

I've been reading this blog for a while. I appreciate Lauren's thoughtful posts and her pretty pictures.

Her husband is also a writer. 

When I taught communicable disease/ healthy relationships in group therapy, I would sometimes share his writings with my teen boys...sparked some good convos.

From a recent post entitled,   

"Top 10 Saddest/Craziest/Understandable Things I’ve Seen Christians Believe About Relationships":

9. You’ll meet The One when you don’t want him anymore. Thanks to this gem, 95% of single women at your church are silently punishing themselves for not yet figuring out how to obliterate their desire to get married or have a boyfriend. And simultaneously blaming themselves for keeping a good man away (with their thoughts? their energies? vibes? Karma? God’s punishment/reward system? I’ve never understood the mechanics of this part.). Look, if you really want to be a mom or wife one day, don’t kill off your natural healthy desires just because you can’t fulfill it right now. You wouldn’t try to convince yourself that hunger is a sin just because dinner isn’t served for another hour and a half, would you? No. You recognize it as good and healthy, and you wait patiently before the Lord. Or the cook.
- Lauren Nichole 

A tattoo Story

I am a pretty conservative gal, but getting a tattoo has been something on my mind for almost a year.

I always wanted something simple, personal, and likely in Hebrew (I have a big interest in this Biblical language; studied it a bit during college).

I got one! Here's how it happened:

Stephanie came over last night "just to hang out".
We sat around, talked, and shared pinterest findings. 
Around 9:50pm I asked her if she wanted to watch a movie. 
She said, "Um, no, I think we should go get you your tattoo" (I had been talking about it for the past three months).

So, in literally five minutes I made the decision to follow through (so unlike me). We had to go to the only area shop (Pure Addictions; how ironic for me) still open after 10pm! 

On the ride over, I called Emilie and Logan to get their 'approval' and then I called my mother who did not have much of an opinion either way.

My tattoo artist was really chill and funny. He actually officiated the wedding for Stephanie's cousin a few weeks ago :) It really is a small world...

The process did not take long at all. He was shocked that this was my first tattoo, because I handled it "so well".


I've known that I would want the Hebrew word Chesed for a tattoo. 
This word is beautiful and complex. 
It is not easily translated into English, but here are some shots at defining it:


- describes a mutual relationship between man and between God
- loyalty, kindness, unchanging love, mercy

 I decided to get it in place that is visible for me. 
A glance at it should remind me of my covenant with God.

If I need to, I will be able to cover it up with a watch, bracelets...but really, in the addiction/counseling field EVERYone has tattoos, so I won't have to worry about fitting in :)


I did it; I can't believe that this is on my wrist..but I like it!

Too much

My day was too full. My heart is heavy. My mind is busy. 

I want to yell or cry, but I don't have the time or energy for either.

Blessing

Courtney Lyn

daughter of Michelle Kay

daughter of Janet Kay

daughter of June

daughter of Margaret

Tonight I was able to attend the baby/belly blessing of my dear friend, Jen.
We made yarn bracelets that felt together as you wear it.
As you wrap the strands around your wrist you share your lineage as the Hebrew women would do.
The bracelet is a reminder to pray for this new baby and the family.
Traditionally, you cut the bracelet off after the baby arrives.

We discussed connection and womanhood.

I was the only single/childless woman present, and it was an honor to be include with this group of beautiful, Christ-following ladies.

We prayed over Jen.

Her tummy was decorated with Henna.

A special time of celebration, wonder, and anticipation.

This day

I haven't felt too happy in my job as of late.

I do care deeply about the teens that I work with,
but I've felt so exhausted, drained and discouraged by the little details of my position (driving too much, late nights ect).

 Isn't it amazing that The Creator of the universe knows our hearts perfectly?

Today, I was provided with necessary encouragement.

After lunch, I went to see AJ. It was my first time seeing him since he's returned from intensive treatment. AJ said to me, "Courtney, I just feel so good (being clean)". He shared how he has gotten rid of his drug paraphernalia and had his mom clean out their medicine cabinets. "I'm just really into skating and staying out of trouble now". Happy for him.

At 2:30pm, I returned to the office and found two former clients waiting for me. They randomly stopped by "just to check in". They are both doing well. One told me about his new job. The other pulled a mini NT out of his backpack. Then, he read Acts 17 aloud to me. I felt that Christ was literally the fourth person in our unexpected conversation that followed.

I mean seriously? only God could be making up this stuff...

Most days, I feel that I put in lots and lots of effort but rarely see clear pictures of redemption, but on this day I have been acutely aware of the greatness of God and my role in His story.

Thankful.

Moment of the Week

This little lady was 'Special Person' of the week at school and chose me as her hero because, 

"we do crafts together".

Humbled.

Preserve and Share

 20liters.org

For this sacred land  

It has seen many hands 

It has wealth and gold  

Yet it is fragile and old 

And all the greedy souls  

Just don't care to know  

Of the changes it will confront

So speak out loud 

Of the things you are proud  

And if you love this coast  

Then keep it clean as it hopes 

'Cause the way that it shines  

May just dwindle with time

 

 XAVIER RUDD - MESSAGES LYRICS

Stones

The past weekend was beautiful in 1000s ways.

Rejuvenated. Satisfied. Encouraged. Awed. Rested.

One of my favorite things was spending hours wading in the cold and clear waters searching for Petoskey stones.

Finding treasures and treasuring the moments.

Being a Young-Adult is Awkward.

I'm not really into labels.
At dinner tonight, the topic of "Emerging Adulthood" was brought up.
I didn't even know there was such a thing.

Developmental psychologists typically categorize the stages of life as: infancy, early childhood, late childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle adulthood, old age

In the past decade, Emerging/early adulthood has been a proposed new stage to follow adolescence.

I remember reading in college about the development of the adolescent period. If I am recalling correctly, It began after the industrial revolution when more emphasis was placed on education for those in late childhood. A gap of time began to grow between childhood and kids going into full-time work (farms, factories, trades ect).

And now, apparently, the gap between adolescence and adulthood is growing. Many believe that society and economy trends are influencing this shift.

Emerging adulthood is evidenced by: increasing amount of education needed for employment, later  marriage ages, childlessness, not owning a home, unstable income, continued dependence on parents, growing debt.....

How should I feel about being in this so-called demographic?

Most of the time, being a young adult does feel awkward.

I'm trying to figure out a zillion different things and learning to be independent financially and so on..

Some of us are single, some of us are married, some are still in school, some work full-time, some are job searching, some live at home, some in apartments.....Oh, and it seems that the vast majority of young-adult social events involve alcohol.
Is this to take away some of the awkwardness?

Many days I feel like I am just attempting to play the role of 'adult'.
How about you? What things do you think 'make' you an adult?

I relation, we were reminded in church today through the story of Ruth, that roles are not one's highest calling. Our highest calling and purpose comes from our creator God.

Thank goodness.

eucharisteo

Emilie gave me this set of notebooks for my birthday.

Yup, they are from THE Rifle Paper Co. I feel like I joined a cool-kids-club :)

I have decided to use them to begin listing the things that I love, blessings, and the gifts that God gives.

I know, I'm a little behind the times, but I just picked up "One Thousand Gifts" and I highly recommend it!!

Ann's soft, observant, and relevant writing is a very special treat to read.
She reminds of living with eucharisteo (thanksgiving) as a central focus.
Love it.

Lent and Hope

I really have a really big place in my heart for the lenten season.

I am a born-and-raised non-denominational girl who truly values the symbolic practices of this time.

I love the tension, introspection, slowing down and reminders of our humanity.


There are so many authors, artists and musicians that produce such great works in attempts to make sense of the connections between pain, humanity and hope that are embraced during this season.


I love it. All of it.


I feel that Lent offers freedom....it is a time when suffering is especially validated.

"The Glory of the Gospel is that our lives, our worship, and our relationships need not end in a minor key. The kingdom Hope is the dominant tune, albeit thrown off-key by our trials and tribulations. The minor key of lament is an important reminder that we’re not Home yet, and an invitation to sing songs that reflect our deep hearts and truest struggles, knowing always that our long-suffering Savior will win the day.

So, lament. Join the chorus of ancient voices in their universal cry. Speak honest words to a God who does not fear a complaint born in desire, but actually responds to it. And by all means, live. Pain, as CS Lewis says, is God’s megaphone to call us to be awake, and the awakened, passionate life is a lot better than the false realities our neurotic and fearful world has to offer. Lean hopefully in to lament, and be honest with those who don’t lean with you. The wintry valley of suffering will eventually lead to green pastures, tall-snow capped mountains, and a sunrise that will break through the darkness to a final chorus of praise."

--- Dr. Chuck DeGroat from

 http://www.drchuckdegroat.com/2009/02/from-kleenex-theology-to-messy-spirituality-the-biblical-invitation-to-honest-lament/

Commute

Her hair is great. In 2008, Emilie and I seriously considered dreds before a Spring Break Adventure Trip

During all my driving this week, listening to Anne Lamott's "Grace Eventually; thoughts of Faith" was a saving factor for my sanity.
I appreciate her honesty, questions and humor.
Her stories are thought-provoking. Hearing her beliefs, opens space for me to contemplate my own.
She is a fresh voice.

Excited to read:

when it comes out this Spring. Her 23 (same age as me) year old son now has a child too!

Birthday

"So as you get one year older, look for the beautiful things this year. See the healing that God has done. Embrace a few new adventures, and know that if all else fails you can always come to TN!"

- my girl-- Katelyn Rosendall