I have not updated in a long while, and for that I am sorry. I guess life just got in the way...That being said, I have a lot of things I want to talk about, so be looking in the coming days for more updates :)
However, tonight I think I will just give you one of those random lists of the happenings of my life this summer so far:
-I am currently sitting outside by the pool; sort of. If you have been to my house, you can probably picture where I am. As you go out of my basement through the slider door, I am sitting on the patio furniture under the deck thing. All totally irrelevant, but maybe someday I will look back and read these and remember, "Oh yeah! I was sitting there that night drinking coke." hah.
-Currently I am super warm, which I like. My mom has the air cranked up in our house so I wear a sweatshirt inside. Right now, I am still wearing the sweatshirt and I feel hot, which is a rare occasion for me. It is also raining out, which in turn, has brought a lot of mosquitoes to inhabit the living quarters I am currently in at the moment...but I figure it is better to be outside (sort of) then be inside wasting away the summer.
-I love coca cola. Seriously.
-I love my home, and I love the trees on the property, and I love my pool. Whenever I get anxious to get my own place I am reminded that moving out for good means leaving all of that behind.
-I love my work. I a super busy and the days go by so fast, but I couldn't imagine spending my summer anywhere else.
-I have met so many amazing people this summer, who I know will remain in my life for a while. The most exciting piece of that is that many of them are from different parts of the world and bring with them different cultures and customs. I think at one point last week, a bunch of us were talking and laughing and sharing our own customs and we realized that each of us brings something totally different culture wise to the table. One of my good friends is from China and it we went to her first baseball game ever last week! She is teaching me a lot about the Chinese culture, but also she has shown me just how humble, brilliant, kind and hilarious the Chinese are! She has made me want to travel over there! My other friend, Yana, was born in Serbia, raised in Germany, and moved to Michigan when she was 18. She can speak 4 languages and has given me endless tips on traveling throughout Europe. The girl cracks me up. Then, I recently met a few people who just moved up from Mexico. They are so funny and together we are teaching each other about the cultures we come from. Then, there are my new friends from the U.P. and together they tell me the hilarious tales of hitting over 10 deer a winter. And, I have been introduced more to the Southern culture, as many of my new friends have moved up to Michigan from the South this summer. They too are hilarious and we all have so much fun together! Every time I say that I am hot, they tell me that this is nothing and that I should travel anywhere past Indiana and I will know what they are talking about. I guess, what I have enjoyed so much about this summer is being able to spend a lot of time with people whose backgrounds are so different from mine, and being able to be the inside scoop to West Michigan culture and all that is wonderful about Grand Rapids :)
-I spent a quality weekend up north. It was fantastic. Speaking of 'up north,' this is something else I have learned this summer from my friends further south from the Michigan line. Did you know that the term 'up north' is super confusing to anyone who is not from Michigan? When we (as in, Michiganders) say it, we typically are referring to heading somewhere north of Grand Rapids for a weekend at some sort of cabin or cottage. When we hear the term "headed up north" that is what we know is happening. People outside of Michigan have no idea what we mean by that because to them, they are already up north. When I said that to one of my friends from Georgia, she just started laughing and told me that I was like the tenth person who said that and she needed clarification on what it meant. So there you have it.
-I recently bought a ton of Laura Mercier makeup. It made my entire weekend all the better, even though I had no where to go to wear it, since I was just 'up north.'
-My family talent show is coming up in two weekends and I am no where near prepared. YIKES.
I could probably continue on and on since I am in a rambling mood, but I won't. But, please, tell me what everyone else has been up to this summer!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, June 3, 2010
The Real World
Part of my assignment for work is to research blogs and then contribute to Amway’s Intern blog. Throughout my research I have stumbled upon several interesting blogs and articles that have led me to some random thoughts. This may come out slightly (okay, being sarcastic) harsh, and so I am just going to jump right in and feed myself to the wolves here: I am disappointed with my fellow peers. I hate to say it, but no wonder 44% of employers are not planning on hiring employees from the graduate class of 2010 (https://mymail.huntington.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=9e2b234469f2489ca385ab27d017ae0c&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.courierpostonline.com%2farticle%2f20100524%2fBUSINESS%2f5240312%2fCollege-graduates-face-hurdles-in-finding-jobs) . Feel free to disagree with me, or challenge me on this, but all that I am saying is how do fresh college graduates think that they can walk out of their cap and gowns one day and into a business suit the next when they haven’t put in the effort and lazed away their college days sleeping and maxing out credit cards?
Upon leaving school this past May, I had a conversation with a soon to be 2010 college graduate. His major: Youth Ministry. I said somewhat excitedly to him, “Oh! So you plan to be a youth pastor right away?” His response? “What?? Heck no. Never.” Wait a second. Am I missing something here?
My question to you is, why? Why would someone go to a private university for 4 years working toward a degree (which, by the way, can’t really be used anywhere else other than a church), and then not even plan to go after an actual job in that field? Do they not want to earn a living? I am not asking to be critical, but rather out of curiosity, because I honestly just don’t get it.
I see this in other ways as well. Students attend college with lots of potential, but then they don’t do anything with it. I realize that jobs are hard to come by these days, but, if you were really talented and ambitious, I think I would be safe in saying that you would have a good chance in landing a new hire position. The fact is: if you have talent and you are dang good at what you do, employers will want you. Isn’t that what we have all been working for ever since we walked into our kindergarten classroom with our box of crayons and side pony tails? Why don’t students work toward this? Why do they (and, maybe I should be saying “we” in some of these cases, because I can be just as guilty sometimes) just take the statistics and assume they don’t have a chance so they just don’t even try.
I have heard the story thousands of times over the past three years about how my generation is lazy and wants to spend too much time “finding themselves.” At first, I tried fighting this generalization on my own people, but I hate to say it, but it is kind of true. It seems as if too many fresh college graduates leave college physically but not mentally, almost enabled to actually enter the real world of work. Do I think it is because they can’t do it? Of course not. Actually, I think my generation is probably made up of some of the most brilliant people the world has yet to know. Do I think it is a sense of laziness and selfishness?
It is kind of ironic to me that the very people who say they are very caring (which they are) people who want to reach the world and make a difference; who say they are selfless, are the very people who won’t give up their “freedom” and get to work. They rather play then go out and use their talents. One of my absolute most favorite quotes (by Marianne Williamson) describes this pretty well:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Why aren’t we going out there and being all we can be? Why are some of us staying in the past and trying to live a childish life when we could be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Maybe going out there and being a career person or a missionary or an amazing coach is not for everyone. Maybe it is okay for some people to do what they do. That’s okay. All that I am saying is if we really are those great, passionate, selfless people that we claim to be, then it’s time to show it.
To me, the 44% of employers hiring us statistic needs to change. But, guess what guys, only we can be the ones to change it.
Upon leaving school this past May, I had a conversation with a soon to be 2010 college graduate. His major: Youth Ministry. I said somewhat excitedly to him, “Oh! So you plan to be a youth pastor right away?” His response? “What?? Heck no. Never.” Wait a second. Am I missing something here?
My question to you is, why? Why would someone go to a private university for 4 years working toward a degree (which, by the way, can’t really be used anywhere else other than a church), and then not even plan to go after an actual job in that field? Do they not want to earn a living? I am not asking to be critical, but rather out of curiosity, because I honestly just don’t get it.
I see this in other ways as well. Students attend college with lots of potential, but then they don’t do anything with it. I realize that jobs are hard to come by these days, but, if you were really talented and ambitious, I think I would be safe in saying that you would have a good chance in landing a new hire position. The fact is: if you have talent and you are dang good at what you do, employers will want you. Isn’t that what we have all been working for ever since we walked into our kindergarten classroom with our box of crayons and side pony tails? Why don’t students work toward this? Why do they (and, maybe I should be saying “we” in some of these cases, because I can be just as guilty sometimes) just take the statistics and assume they don’t have a chance so they just don’t even try.
I have heard the story thousands of times over the past three years about how my generation is lazy and wants to spend too much time “finding themselves.” At first, I tried fighting this generalization on my own people, but I hate to say it, but it is kind of true. It seems as if too many fresh college graduates leave college physically but not mentally, almost enabled to actually enter the real world of work. Do I think it is because they can’t do it? Of course not. Actually, I think my generation is probably made up of some of the most brilliant people the world has yet to know. Do I think it is a sense of laziness and selfishness?
It is kind of ironic to me that the very people who say they are very caring (which they are) people who want to reach the world and make a difference; who say they are selfless, are the very people who won’t give up their “freedom” and get to work. They rather play then go out and use their talents. One of my absolute most favorite quotes (by Marianne Williamson) describes this pretty well:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Why aren’t we going out there and being all we can be? Why are some of us staying in the past and trying to live a childish life when we could be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Maybe going out there and being a career person or a missionary or an amazing coach is not for everyone. Maybe it is okay for some people to do what they do. That’s okay. All that I am saying is if we really are those great, passionate, selfless people that we claim to be, then it’s time to show it.
To me, the 44% of employers hiring us statistic needs to change. But, guess what guys, only we can be the ones to change it.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
It's Good To Be Back
"There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged to find the ways in which you yourself have altered." _Nelson Mandela
I am currently at the cottage. Honestly, I wish there was a better way for me to start of this post, but I don't even know how to begin. For those of you who do not know, the cottage is my absolute most favorite place in the entire world. The quote above is perfect because the cottage is a place so close to my heart; a place that has literally been here my entire life. My grandparents bought it back when it was blue and a simple lakehouse a week before I was born. Three weeks after I was born I made my first appearance at this incredible place. While the siding is no longer blue, and the porch wraps all the way around now, this place is still the same place it has always been. This perfect summer getaway where my dreams grew, and somehow, I grew too. It never has changed in my mind, so as the quote says, returning to such a place that has not changed and seeing how you have is incredible. That is how I feel every summer.
My childhood summer days were spent in absolute bliss and wonder. I remember my family driving up on Fridays and stopping for fast food along the way. The first thing my sister and I would do was run down to the lake to feel the water. Then we would swing for a while, grab some licorice and sit on the porch and watch the moon come across the lake. The rest of the weekend would be spent eating tons of candy, riding the boat, playing Barbie Dolls, providing fashion shows for the family, and laying out in the water until we were burnt and exhausted. We would play "pioneer" out in the yard, have bon fires, and go on long walks to Bozos for ice cream. Today, much like then, I still eat a lot of candy, play in the water, go on the boats all day, and walk to Bozos. My life is much different from then, of course, and there is something so beautiful about returning to this place that has always provided such a serene and magical place for my thoughts to run wild. It seems that whenever I am here my dreams get crazier and somehow my mind becomes clearer.
Today was my first day of Summer 2010 at the cottage. I drove up with the windows down and the music up. For some reason, you just have to listen country music on your way up. I can't explain why, but you just do. And I am talking about the classic country: Tim McGraw, Brooks and Dunn, Garth Brooks, etc. Then, of course, you have to get a donut and make sure you have licorice for the weekend. That is exactly what I did today. And, the best part about your first trip up for the summer is when you first pull up to the drive and look down and see it. It is the true sign that summer is here. Walking into the airy atmosphere and hearing the waves crash along the beach, and the sound of boats and children screaming on their tubes, and hearing my family laugh throughout the place is wonderful. And I haven't even gotten to the smells here yet. Oh the smell. There is a certain smell of the cottage that I can't explain...but it is just great. The same smell since I was a baby; a mix of coffee, bon fire, my grandma's perfume, and this soap that we have been using ever since I can remember. It may not sound like a great smell combination, but it represents this place perfectly. I am ready for another summer of my wild imagination going crazy, long boat rides, s'mores, family traditions, and playing rock the boat with my sister on the dock. Just like the cottage seemed to be saying, "Welcome home, Erica," as I pulled into the gravel and looked at the beauty, I say, "It is good to be back."
Saturday, May 8, 2010
A Look Back
"I've learned that things change, people change, and it doesn't mean you forget the past or try to cover it up. It simply means that you move on and treasure the memories. Letting go doesn't mean giving up... it means accepting that some things just weren't meant to be.""I want to be able to look at you and not be hurt by you."
After a horribly long and stressful week, I am finally able to breathe. Through this process of breathing tonight I realized that I only have 4 days of my junior year left. Next year at this time, I will be graduating and saying goodbye to people who mean a whole lot to me. This year has been crazy, and I have seen my friends and I go through many different changes. I learned a lot this year, and matured, made new friends, said goodbye to some, and had a lot of fun. Of course there were moments when I absolutely did not think I could take it another minute being down here, but I was always brought back to the beauty of everything by good friends and great people. It is strange to think that the seniors that are graduating this year I probably will never see again. I think this year has shown me that people come into your lives and you don't know how long they will be there, but for that moment that they are apart of your life, they are there for a reason. Things do change, relationships change, friendships come and go, and just because it is over does not mean they were not significant. Sometimes it is sad to think about those people you were so close to who who now are not that front and center in your life anymore. However, I have realized that even though things do change, as they have to, God always brings someone else in your life that you need right then. So, here is a look back on my junior year at Huntington University. I am warning you now, there are a lot of pictures, but I can pretty much guarantee that you will enjoy looking at them :)
First, the lovely ladies I lived with all year in the 807: Lindsay, Megan and Emily. Life with them is pretty great.
My roommate Lindsay. Let's just say that we have had a lot of amazing times...most of them happening randomly in the middle of the night! She always makes me laugh!
Megan and I. We are probably the best Principle and Superintendent out there, who can sing "I Will Always Love You" pretty well too.
Emily and I. She has always been such a steady friend in my life, who I love watching movies and going crazy with!
First day of junior year classes! Courtney named this bush by our apartment Winnie. Many great dance parties happened by Winnie.
Brynne came and visited me for a weekend! It was one of the best weekends. Love her!
This picture sums up a lot of what happened throughout the year. Basically, the boys would steal stuff from our apartment and then we would go and steal their stuff and the cycle would continue. This is one of their prized possessions that we hung up in our apartment.
Halloween: my dreams came true. I was finally able to dress up as Dr. Quinn. Great Halloween.
The baseball boys made this for us after coming to one of our get togethers. This was back when we used the "strike" method of keeping everyone align in our apartment.
I was very lucky to get closer to these amazing girls! This apartment was definitely my second home! I so appreciate them listening to all of my crazy stories :)
After one of our junior block classes we had to go to the Huntington Museum (blah). Don't worry though, Erica and I made it fun by taking random pictures throughout the place while we were supposed to be paying attention.
Making Christmas cookies at home with my sister = a very good time.
Is November 2 too early to decorate the apartment for Christmas? HECK NO! We got decked out in Christmas colors ready to get down to business!
The lighting of the 807 Christmas tree :)
Nothing better than Christmas in Grand Rapids!
Annual Christmas party with my high school best friends! Love these girls so much!
So...we love coffee. Starbucks has gotten some pretty great business from us this year.
Scotty became very famous this year. He is just a natural model.
Chicago at Christmas time with the girls!
All of us!
Milly and I ice skating downtown!
Brynne and I at the New Year's Eve Party! So fun. Of course, we are standing next to the trellace. Beautiful memories.
We had some great birthday moments in the 807. Hiding cupcakes in the microwave was one of them.
One of the most amazing experiences of my life was working with these students in Fort Wayne over J-Term. I learned so much from them and miss them daily! This experience has opened my heart for wanting to teach in an inner city school.
Driving to Harrison Hill during J-Term everyday with Chelsey, Jackie, and Beth was amazing!
I learned that candy really does inspire some students :)
Basically, we love to eat anything and everything at this counter. So many good memories of just standing there and eating popcorn with m&m's!
I spent about 6 hours on average with these people. We grew very close and struggled through the sometimes annoying year together. What is life going to be like without them? haha.
Disco ball. Another thing we stole from the boys. Provided lots of good entertainment!
We had to write children's songs in one class. I wrote the "Zoo Song" to the tune of "Home on the Range." It soon became a number one hit on campus.
I was blessed enough to make myself at home in Boca Grande. My first trip was over spring break with Chelsey, Christen, and Lindsay. This place has already become a special place in my heart and I can't wait to be back!
Once again, Scotty. For those of you who read my big book, this picture is for you ;)
Spring break! I could not have asked for a better location, or better people to spend a week with!
Making bulletin boards was the essence of my being this entire year.
Tennis breakfasts!
Kellyn, Beth, Carrie and I at the Tin Caps game! These girls and I have become so close and I am so glad I got to spend so much time with them!
Beth and I in the backseat while we all creep on people around campus at night. More fun than you will ever know.
April Fools Day turned into April Fools Month, which now (I am happy to announce) has turned into April Fools Year. You better think before you believe what goes on this year :)
Our reading table: Beth, Kellyn, (Carrie), me, and Jake. We suffered through a lot of pain from thsi class by writing notes to each other on little blue pieces of paper. We made it!
This year truly has been a wild adventure. I hope that everyone at some point in their lives gets to experience living away from home for a while and gets to meet new people and experience new things. Also, take this advice, from what I learned this year:
-If you want to tell someone you love them, do it right then. Don't go home and analyze it. Say it when you feel it.
-Think before you do anything drastic. If you know it will hurt the person, don't do it.
-Feel what you feel. It's annoying when people act like they don't care, anyway.
-Say you're sorry. Don't let friendships or relationships die on your part.
-Meet new people.
-Don't be afraid to get close to someone or to let yourself love someone because you are scared.
-Don't wait until 8 p.m. to start your bulletin board the night before it is due.
-If you want to complain about teaching and how stresesd you are, always complain with other pre service teachers.
-Pray every morning before the day starts. No, really. It helps.
-Starbucks makes everything better.
-The best memories you will take away always seem to be those silly moments like when scary boys are pounding on your apartment door and you and your roommates are lying on the floor screaming. It really is all about those little moments.
So, with that, goodbye junior year. It seems like just yesterday I was moving everything into an empty apartment infested with bees and no working air conditioning. Time goes by much too fast.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Stumbling Upon My Childhood
I'm not going to lie, this week has been intense on so many different levels. I am exhausted and I feel very overwhelmed for many different reasons. So, tonight I literally locked myself in and I have been doing homework for several hours, until now, when I just couldn't take it anymore. So, what better to do then get on youtube for a quick break? Somehow, and I'm not even sure how, I ended up revisiting an old memory...Shania Twain. Here is where I should warn you about this blog: you may make fun of it, but I am only sharing another piece of me that you probably never knew :)
I don't know what it was when I was a little girl. Maybe it was the fact that Shania actually had brown curly hair and seemed independent. I don't totally know, but I do know that from the time I was about 8 years old, I loved Shania Twain. The first song that I ever heard from her was "Any Man of Mine." The lyrics caught my attention even when I was just a small girl who didn't even really understand...but, none-the-less, from that moment I really did believe that "any man of mine better be proud of me, even when I'm ugly he still better love me, and I can be late for a date that's fine, but he better be on time." Perhaps I can blame some of my annoying independence on this song?
Then, I saw the music video. I officially became her biggest fan. There she was in ripped jeans, a grungy bandana, dancing around with horses, and that is when I knew that is all that I wanted out of life. A cabin in the wilderness with some horses. My eight year old self did not care about how I would actually earn money. I just knew that the simplicity of a life taking a bath in a trough was where it was at. As the years went by, I still loved that song. I remember listening to it on my portable CD player as I earned money mowing for my aunt and just loving life in that moment, and not worrying about anything else. It seemed like then all innocense and wonder was unbroken and true enjoyment came from just living.
I am not saying that it is not like that now. It is just different. Now I know about 'life' and now I have actual responsibilities and deadlines and stresses and worries. I can no longer go out by the creek and dance around in wripped jeans to "Any Man of Mine." But, the song sure does bring back some beautiful memories of my beautiful childhood. And as silly as it seems, I am so glad that I stumbled upon this song again tonight to remember the simple stuff and to relive those times of being young.
Oh, and one more thing: I will always be Shania's biggest fan :) haha, and I am making a promise now to do some horseback riding this summer and listen to some country music. Can't wait.
I don't know what it was when I was a little girl. Maybe it was the fact that Shania actually had brown curly hair and seemed independent. I don't totally know, but I do know that from the time I was about 8 years old, I loved Shania Twain. The first song that I ever heard from her was "Any Man of Mine." The lyrics caught my attention even when I was just a small girl who didn't even really understand...but, none-the-less, from that moment I really did believe that "any man of mine better be proud of me, even when I'm ugly he still better love me, and I can be late for a date that's fine, but he better be on time." Perhaps I can blame some of my annoying independence on this song?
Then, I saw the music video. I officially became her biggest fan. There she was in ripped jeans, a grungy bandana, dancing around with horses, and that is when I knew that is all that I wanted out of life. A cabin in the wilderness with some horses. My eight year old self did not care about how I would actually earn money. I just knew that the simplicity of a life taking a bath in a trough was where it was at. As the years went by, I still loved that song. I remember listening to it on my portable CD player as I earned money mowing for my aunt and just loving life in that moment, and not worrying about anything else. It seemed like then all innocense and wonder was unbroken and true enjoyment came from just living.
I am not saying that it is not like that now. It is just different. Now I know about 'life' and now I have actual responsibilities and deadlines and stresses and worries. I can no longer go out by the creek and dance around in wripped jeans to "Any Man of Mine." But, the song sure does bring back some beautiful memories of my beautiful childhood. And as silly as it seems, I am so glad that I stumbled upon this song again tonight to remember the simple stuff and to relive those times of being young.
Oh, and one more thing: I will always be Shania's biggest fan :) haha, and I am making a promise now to do some horseback riding this summer and listen to some country music. Can't wait.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
It has been such a long time since I have updated. Okay, probably not a super long time, but so much has happened between when I last posted until now, so it seems like it has been a while. Here is an updated list of the current events in my life:
-I have been having just a wonderful time with friends. From going to the Tin Caps game, to eating pizza, to driving around creeping, life with all of the wonderful girls in my life has been wonderful.
-Tennis is here again.
-I started my Junior Block Practicum 2 weeks ago. I am in a great first grade class in Ft. Wayne where I have been challenged in extreme ways concerning my abilities to teach. My co-op teacher is intense, and probably one of the best teachers I have met, so I feel intimidated and slightly nervous...something I haven't really experienced in the classroom yet. The experience is teaching me a lot!
-Afternoon classes = busy and I am tired.
-I have had some great conversations that have challenged me and pushed me and lots of good laughs and some wonderfully awkward moments.
It seems like life is just flying by right now and I am not totally sure how to make it stop. I don't know where to begin with my homework load, and if I am being totally honest here, my emotions have been getting the best of me lately. I have always known this about myself, but it has become more evident in these last two weeks: it is very hard for me to give up control of my life. I have been lacking in the area of faith lately and doubting silly things and spending way too much time worrying, even after I have given it up to God. For this reason, I am going to make a small list of goals for things that I need to work on this week:
-Begin each day with prayer (yes...even before I leave for school at 7 a.m. - it will be a challenge)
-Try to stop over thinking things haha. So easy to say, but so hard to do.
-Clean my car out.
-Try my best at tennis, even when I am tired and have other things on my mind.
Well after looking at that list I think it definitely calls for this quote, and my motto for each day this week: "Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." -Dr. Seuss :)
-I have been having just a wonderful time with friends. From going to the Tin Caps game, to eating pizza, to driving around creeping, life with all of the wonderful girls in my life has been wonderful.
-Tennis is here again.
-I started my Junior Block Practicum 2 weeks ago. I am in a great first grade class in Ft. Wayne where I have been challenged in extreme ways concerning my abilities to teach. My co-op teacher is intense, and probably one of the best teachers I have met, so I feel intimidated and slightly nervous...something I haven't really experienced in the classroom yet. The experience is teaching me a lot!
-Afternoon classes = busy and I am tired.
-I have had some great conversations that have challenged me and pushed me and lots of good laughs and some wonderfully awkward moments.
It seems like life is just flying by right now and I am not totally sure how to make it stop. I don't know where to begin with my homework load, and if I am being totally honest here, my emotions have been getting the best of me lately. I have always known this about myself, but it has become more evident in these last two weeks: it is very hard for me to give up control of my life. I have been lacking in the area of faith lately and doubting silly things and spending way too much time worrying, even after I have given it up to God. For this reason, I am going to make a small list of goals for things that I need to work on this week:
-Begin each day with prayer (yes...even before I leave for school at 7 a.m. - it will be a challenge)
-Try to stop over thinking things haha. So easy to say, but so hard to do.
-Clean my car out.
-Try my best at tennis, even when I am tired and have other things on my mind.
Well after looking at that list I think it definitely calls for this quote, and my motto for each day this week: "Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way." -Dr. Seuss :)
Friday, April 9, 2010
Blessed.
"Sometimes I ask the question, 'My Lord is this your will?' It's then I hear you answer me, 'My precious child...be still.'
Sometimes I feel frustrated, cause I think I know what's best. It's then I hear you say to me, 'My busy child...just rest.'
Sometimes I feel so lonely, and I think I'd like a mate. your still small voice gets oh so clear and says, 'My child...please wait.'
'I know the plans I have for you, the wondrous things you'll see; If you can just be patient child, and put your trust in me.
I've plans to draw you closer. I've plans to help you grow. There's so much I know you cannot see, and much you do not know.
But know this child...I love you! You are precious unto me. Before I formed you in the womb, I planned your destiny.
I've something very special I hope for you to learn. The gifts I wish to give to you are gifts you cannot earn. They cam without a pirce tag, but not without a cost; At Calvary, I gave my son, so you would not be lost. Rest child, and do not weary of doing what is good. I promise I'll come back for you, just like I said I would. Your name is written on my palm, I never could forget, therefore do not be discouraged when my answer is...Not Yet."
I found this poem last year on accident and I love it! I often read it to remind myself that I am not in control and that God really does know what is best. I think that sometimes people my age sit and worry about doing God's will and making sure that they are in it. This poem reminds me that I am in God's will if I stay in communication with Him.
I feel like this past week has been very strange. I was in Florida over Easter, and it was amazing! I flew into Ft. Wayne Tuesday night at 10, and as soon as I got back to Huntington I was hit hard with homework and the realization of the real world. As most of you know, lately I have been choosing the social life over the academic life which has forced me into long nights of staying up until 4 a.m. finishing homework. You would all be proud to know that tonight, I have chosen homework over friends haha. Let's see if I can get anything done...
Besides all of that, I have been totally blown away by life recently...in the best of ways. Lindsay and I seriously spent a good ten minutes just laughing about the way our lives our turning out. Never in a million years would I think I would be in the positions or experience what I have. It only shows me that you never ever know what God is going to do in your life, and it simply amazes me how when you think something is impossible, God goes and shows you that it is not impossible for Him. Life truly is beautiful, and friends are truly beautiful and I feel so blessed to be where I am right now.
Sometimes I feel frustrated, cause I think I know what's best. It's then I hear you say to me, 'My busy child...just rest.'
Sometimes I feel so lonely, and I think I'd like a mate. your still small voice gets oh so clear and says, 'My child...please wait.'
'I know the plans I have for you, the wondrous things you'll see; If you can just be patient child, and put your trust in me.
I've plans to draw you closer. I've plans to help you grow. There's so much I know you cannot see, and much you do not know.
But know this child...I love you! You are precious unto me. Before I formed you in the womb, I planned your destiny.
I've something very special I hope for you to learn. The gifts I wish to give to you are gifts you cannot earn. They cam without a pirce tag, but not without a cost; At Calvary, I gave my son, so you would not be lost. Rest child, and do not weary of doing what is good. I promise I'll come back for you, just like I said I would. Your name is written on my palm, I never could forget, therefore do not be discouraged when my answer is...Not Yet."
I found this poem last year on accident and I love it! I often read it to remind myself that I am not in control and that God really does know what is best. I think that sometimes people my age sit and worry about doing God's will and making sure that they are in it. This poem reminds me that I am in God's will if I stay in communication with Him.
I feel like this past week has been very strange. I was in Florida over Easter, and it was amazing! I flew into Ft. Wayne Tuesday night at 10, and as soon as I got back to Huntington I was hit hard with homework and the realization of the real world. As most of you know, lately I have been choosing the social life over the academic life which has forced me into long nights of staying up until 4 a.m. finishing homework. You would all be proud to know that tonight, I have chosen homework over friends haha. Let's see if I can get anything done...
Besides all of that, I have been totally blown away by life recently...in the best of ways. Lindsay and I seriously spent a good ten minutes just laughing about the way our lives our turning out. Never in a million years would I think I would be in the positions or experience what I have. It only shows me that you never ever know what God is going to do in your life, and it simply amazes me how when you think something is impossible, God goes and shows you that it is not impossible for Him. Life truly is beautiful, and friends are truly beautiful and I feel so blessed to be where I am right now.
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