Brooke's Insights

What would I have?

2012-01-07T20:57:00.000-06:00

This simple little phrase has left me thinking all week long. All too often when things don't go exactly as I would like, I become discouraged. When hard times come into my life, I get frustrated. How quickly I forget about all the wonderful things God has done for me.

As I read this small phrase, I began to think back over the past several weeks of my life. If I woke up today with the things I thanked God for yesterday..what would I have? Or perhaps the real question should be..."Would I have anything?"

In the year 2012 I am going to make a new habit for myself. Even before I open my Bible for my morning devotions and before I bow my head to pray; I will simply stop and think. Think back to all that God has done for me, for my family, for my church. Then, I will silently thank God. For at any moment, it could all be taken away from me.

Next time I am tempted to get down and discouraged..I will simply stop, think, and thank God.

I have truly been blessed beyond measure. I have an incredible family. I have two parents who love each other dearly, and put God first in all they do. My sisters..are my best friends, lucky me! I have friends who stick with me through thick and thin. I have the privilege of attending the best church in the entire world led by a true man of God. I've been blessed with a job that works with my crazy school schedule. A job in which, I have the opportunity to touch little people's lives. I live in the greatest country in the world, a country where as of now I still have the freedom to worship as I please. I could go on and on. God is so good!

If I wake up tomorrow with only the things I thanked God for today I hope and pray that nothing would change.

You see I truly believe God wants to give me so much. After all, He loves me more then I can possibly imagine. However, if God gives to me and I am ungrateful...why would He give me more?

So, Thank you, God! Thank you so much for Life!

Christmas Celebration in Photographs

2011-12-25T19:52:00.001-06:00

Because Christmas landed on a Sunday this year, our celebration was a little different than most years.

We started off the day by all traveling in our separate directions. We each hopped on our buses to go pick up children for our Christmas morning service.

Our Christmas Service was absolutely wonderful. The children did a short Christmas program in which they portrayed the true meaning of Christmas. How easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and bustle the holidays bring, however Christmas is all about the Christ Child who was born to die for you and me.

After the Christmas service we headed back home again. We all helped finishing up the last minute preparations before our dinner.

A confession: This cheese ball is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. It is divine!

Some others get a little too excited about the deviled eggs!

Homemade candies, a holiday tradition.

While the ham was in the oven we enjoyed messing around getting a few pictures in front of the Christmas tree.

Anticipation is building...

This Christmas was absolutely wonderful in every way!

Merry Christmas to you!

Seven down one to go

2011-12-24T16:29:00.000-06:00

Last week I officially completed my student teaching. I was filled with mixed emotions as I stood before my students for the last time.

I can not believe I have successfully completed seven semesters of college now, and only have one more semester to go.

I am excited as to what the future holds; as for God His way is perfect!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

2011-12-10T20:45:00.000-06:00

Beginning with Thanksgiving, we entered into what I like to call the most wonderful time of the year.

I love everything about the Christmas season. I love the hustle and bustle the holiday season brings. I love the smiles on every one's faces. I love the winter chill in the air. I love boots, scarfs, and puffy vests. The Christmas season also brings many holiday traditions. One of which include the infamous Christmas Lights Activity.

This activity begins with all college students loading up on several buses and taking a trip to Chicago. From there, we simply split up and go and do as we desire. This year was my final Christmas Lights Activity so I decided to make it my best.

We began the evening by going to Ed Debevics. If you have never eaten at this "interesting" place..it is most definitely a must try. Yes, the food is good....but the service is the best. All I can say is a table of nine girls made for a lot of fun!

Our waiter, whose entire purpose and job was to aggravate, provoke, and annoy each and everyone of us, definitely succeeded and was tipped well.

After dinner, we walked around window shopping in the Windy City.

We made our last stop at Starbucks. After all, a trip to Chicago would never be complete without a stop at one of the hundreds of Starbucks in Chicago. Honestly, I am not a huge coffee fan. However, a vanilla bean frappuccino...that's a different story.

This Christmas Lights Activity was definitely an activity to remember, one of the best yet!

Busy Busy Busy

2011-11-19T18:28:00.001-06:00

This semester seemes to be flying quickly by. So quickly in fact that I have hardly had time to blog much at all. So, I thought I would do a quick update of few things that have been going on in my life the past couple months.

First of all in September, I began student teaching. I absolutely love it! Something about finally being able to stand behind the podium and tell people what to do. :) I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching my 7th and 8th grade American Republic class and my 12th grade Speech class. I will be sad to leave them in just a few short weeks.

College life in general has kept me on my toes as well. In October the college had an activity in which we went on a hayride. It was alot of fun to simply be with my college buddies:

One of my biggest highlights of the past month, was my trip to Michigan. This was a trip my girlfriends I have been wanting to take for some time. And finally we were able to make the trip out to visit our friend, Susan. We had so much fun catching up with each other. We have all been friends since the times we were babies, we have so much in common, and it was a blessing and joy to all talk about where our lives were all taking us.

We had such a good time together!

Now, i promise to write before 2012. :)

Happy Birthday to my Daddy

2011-09-10T19:29:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to the man

who makes me smile when no one else can.

The man who taught me to do right

when no one else does.

The man who believed in me

when no one else did

Happy birthday to the man that I loved first

and always will!

I love you more than I can possibly express.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Love Them Anyway

2011-09-04T21:05:00.001-05:00

Today I would simply like to share a poem that I came across several years ago. However, it truly never effected me until recently. The other day while reading my morning scripture this poem came to my mind. I immediately got up and searched the internet for this poem. And I found it! I read the words over and over again. Now, I would have to say this is definitely a favorite poem of mine. Each time I read it I am touched and inspired. All to often I protect myself. Rather than being completely transparent, I put on a sort of covering, shell, or layer to keep people distant from me. After all I have been hurt by people before. After all I have tried to help people before only to be stabbed in the back in return. Therefore I justify myself the right to protect myself from any more hurt.

However, for the past few weeks God has been working on me over and over again. My goal for this school year is to simply be transparent. No more protecting myself. I have promised God to open myself up completely. In life I will be hurt. In my life people, friends, and family will let me down and fail me. Someday in the future I may be lied about and perhaps hurt by someone I truly love. However, I am determined whatever happens- I will love anyway.

Everyday I go to work and I look into the eyes of people who are hurting. People who are without Christ, wondering through life without hope. For several years, I have gone through life selfishly, caring for no one but self. Wearing my "protecting layer" not allowing people to get close to me...after all they may turn on me and hurt me in the future. Well, today I vow to God to change. I am going to be transparent. Yes, by opening myself completely, I will be opening myself to be hurt time and time again possibly by one I love the most. However, by opening myself completely I am allowing myself to become the biggest blessing, encouragement and light to a lost and hurting world. No matter what - I will love them anyway!

Love Them Anyway

People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered.
Love them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Be good anyway.

Honesty and frankness will make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.

People need help, but may attack you if you try to help them.
Help them anyway.

Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth.

Give the world the best you have anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.

What the fair means to me

2011-08-13T19:44:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago my family and I were able to make it to our annual county fair. I absolutely love the fair for several reasons:

I love the large variety of different food to chose between.

I love the foot long corn dogs!

The corn on the cob is absolutely divine!

I love spending time with my sissy!

Have I mentioned all the delectable frozen treats...for example: chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered bananas!

Yes, I truly love the fair for many reasons...the FOOD being the main reason. However, this year while walking around the fair my mind began to race back to the many fairs of years past. My mind traveled farther and farther back until I finally remembered- my very first memory of the fair:

I recall my older sister tugging on my father's arm.

"Hey daddy can Brooke and I go in there..please daddy"

* Note: no one asked Brooke if she would like to go, it was just assumed that Brooke was going to accompany Nicole.

" Daddy, can Brooke and I please go in the House of Mirrors all by ourselves!"

* Note: Notice once again, no one asked Brooke if she wanted mommy or daddy to come along with her for her safety and well being.

Well, daddy being the good man that he is agreed of course that his two little girls could go on...alone.

We entered into the swirling tube.

Nicole began to race ahead..."Hey Brooke look at this , it's a whole trail of mirrors. Let's race to the end Brooke. Come on!"

* Note: notice that Brooke is not asked if she would like to race, Brooke is practically forced to race through a house with images of herself reflecting all over, confusing her poor little mind.

I stood there watching my sister and her reflection racing through the house of mirrors to the end. I had to go on... I couldn't stay in this ridiculous house forever. I took the first step, only to run smack dab into my own reflection. I looked around only to see thousands of little mes! I was absolutely horrified Where was my sister? Where was my family? Why did I see my image all over. I began to run about..every time colliding with my own image. I became frantic calling and screaming for someone to help me. Eventually, one of the creepy fair workers came to the screaming little girl and help her safely though the house of mirrors. When my feet were safely out of the creepy little house, I quickly ran to my parents crying. Asking them why they had made me go through such a terrible house.

* Note: I have never ever again gone through a house of mirrors
* Note: I will never again go through a house of mirrors
* Note: I will never force my child to go through a house of mirrors.

At this point and time of my life, I absolutely love the fair- that is the food. However, there is still something in me that repulses when I walk by the House of Mirrors. There is still something in me that stays completely clear of that the creepy little house.

Teach me Lord to Wait

2011-07-17T21:46:00.000-05:00

I remember my elementary days in which every year I participated in a cross country race. I will never forget that rush of adrenalin as my friends and I lined up on the white line. My shoe laces had been tied extra tight by my father. My friends and I were all talking smack about who would win the prized trophy. Then, the gun was raised into the air...

On your mark, get Set, go!!!

Then the gun would fire into the air.

Every year it would happen..one of my friends or I would start before the gun fired. Filled with excitement the rest of us would follow behind, until we were all called to the starting line, and we were told to wait!

I then remember my high school days on the track team. Time after time sprinters were disqualified for false starts. Although they may have come in first place...they were disqualified all because they did not wait!

This entire week God has been emphasizing the point of Patience to me. It seems like every day in my quiet time with God..He gave me a verse showing me the importance of waiting...waiting on the Lord.

Just this morning I came across this poem:

God's time is never wrong,

Never too fast nor too slow;

The planets move to its steady pace

As the centuries come and go.

Stars rise and set by the time,

The punctual comets come back

With never a second's variance,

From the round of their viewless track.

Men space their years by the sun,

And reckon their months by the moon,

Which never arrive too late

And never depart too soon.

Let us set our clocks by God's

And order our lives by His ways,

And nothing can come and nothing can go

Too soon or too late in our day.

- Annie Johnson Flint

At times I jump the gun, I get excited and try to make decision on my own. Yet, every time I do, I fail. This past week, God has truly shown me time and time again through His Word to simply wait.

There are no dates in His fine leisure.

My Mom

2011-07-13T20:10:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, my family and I celebrated the birthday of a wonderful and amazing woman. A woman that I have the privilege of calling my mom. This woman means the world to me. She is my first memory and inspiration. When I look at my mother I see all that I long to be one day as a wife and mother. Every day I see how selfless she truly is. Never thinking of her own desires and her own wishes. She gives of her time, money and her self to others. Not only is she selfless but also she is genuine and sincere. Today, so many people are fake, they say one thing but do the opposite. On the other hand, every day I see my mom live out the life she strives to teach me to live out. She teaches me to stay close to the Lord, to pray, read my Bible, and put God first in my life. I then can sit back and watch as she lives out each of those areas in her own life.

If I had one word to describe my mom, I guess it would be my role model. You see, I have big plans for my future life. I want to be a pretty amazing woman someday I want to touch people lives all around me, I want to be an incredible wife and mother. When I look at mom- she is all I long to be!

Happy Birthday to the Woman who is all I want to be!

From: the little girl who is still following in your footsteps.

Independence Day

2011-07-09T20:48:00.002-05:00

Independence Day was celebrated this year by traveling to Shipshewana where my family and I enjoyed shopping, eating, and simply being together. After walking around to the many different vendors we traveled to a friends house where we had a BBQ. Although I have no pictures to prove from it, we had such an enjoyable time together. We spent many hours sitting around the living room simply laughing and rehearsing old memories together.

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever.

When you look at your life, the greatest happinesses are family happinesses. ~Joyce Brothers

Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family. ~Anthony Brandt

Summer Happenings

2011-07-02T18:19:00.001-05:00

Can you believe it is July already! The month of June seems to have flown right by me. However, I have enjoyed every moment of my busy summer. This is the most busy summer that I can recall. But in the mean time I try to find a little bit of time to hang out with some of my favorite people:

I also celebrated my 21st birthday! Yes, I truly feel old now!

And now that I am "old" I get the awesome priviledge of being able to work with the youth in my church. My focus is more on the 7-8th grade girls. I have had so much fun working along side of these young people. This last week we had our first activity of the summer. We went Frisbee golfing! Even though we were being eaten alive by the mosquitoes, we had such a great time. I really enjoy working with these girls. I hope to truly impact even just one of these girl's lives.

Not only do I get to work with these young people in the youth group, but also this next semester I am going to be student teaching these junior high kids. I am going to be teaching 7-8th American Republic as well as 12th grade Speech. I am so excited to actually put my education to use and stand before a classroom! This big responsibility has greatly added to my business this summer. Every spare moment I have I have been making visuals, games, and anything else to add to my teaching. I know teaching will be a lot of work for me, however, I simply can not wait!

Good Reads

2011-06-09T21:40:00.001-05:00

I would briefly like to share with you a few good reads that I came across on my vacation:

This first book came highly recommended by a friend of mine. This fairly large book kept me captured the entire way through. It begins with a young rebellious boy who seems to always be getting in trouble at school and with the town police. However, as the boy grows up he eventually ends up going to the Olympics and breaking several mile records. However, in the middle of the Olympic he was called into WWII. This is where the story gets amazing. I could go on and on explaining each and every detail to you. But don't worry I won't. All I will say it that is a book that I think every American should read. It will make you to appreciate all that are soldiers do for us, and it will also will renew your pride in America. We truly have the greatest country in the world.

This second book also came highly recommended. This book was a great inspiration! Encouraging Christians to trust God even when God doesn't work as we think He should. Angie writes so personally and she is completely transparent, letting her readers see what was going through her mind when the doctors told here that her unborn baby was incompatible with life. She shares the many lessons she has leaned through the trial she has gone through. In the end she confidently tells her readers that God meant it for good. God has a plan for all He does.

Now, I would like to recommend these two amazing and inspirational books to you!

Wild West

2011-06-04T21:05:00.002-05:00

If I could sum up my life right now in one word it would be... Busy!

But that's okay, that's the way I like it.

Right after my little sister's graduation from high school,my family and I headed out West!

We started our trip by taking a nature walk, the view was absolutely amazing! It was something we Hoosiers were not used to at all.

We then headed back to our beautiful cabin to catch up on our scrap booking

We also played several games of pool.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming was one of my favorite places.

However, no matter how hard we tried, we just could not fit in with the cowgirls around us. Let me tell you we kinda stuck out! Every person around me had on flannel, cowboy boots, and a hat...and there we stood... The answer to your question is YES, people did stare at us and ask us where in the world we were from.

During this trip I finally learned how to bead. :) And believe it or not I actually really really enjoyed it! It was so much fun to create my own bracelets. I already have many people in mind in which I can give these small gifts to.

Proudly showing off my creations

Despite the cold weather Yellowstone National Park was beautiful!

Patiently waiting for Old Faithful to shoot up!

There she goes!

We saw hundreds of buffalo!

Teton National Park was absolutely breathtaking!

Then..we spotted him... the creature we had been longing to see the entire trip... a MOOSE!

On this trip we saw buffalo, moose, deer, elk, and several other strange creatures that I could not identify However, this little marmot was my favorite.

Bar J Ranch was quite entertaining. It is definitely the place to go if you long to hear a grown man yodel!

My trip out West was definitely a trip I will never forget!

My little sister's graduation

2011-05-21T20:43:00.000-05:00

On May 19, 2011 my little sister graduated from high school. Even now as I type these words I can hardly believe it. My little sister is now a high school graduate!

I remember the days when it was nigh to impossible to go a day without a large blown out fight. I also remember the days of playing from dusk to dawn. I remember the days of going off to day camp together. Then we hit our teen years together. We had a lot of good times together.

Then Thursday, I watched that little girl walk across the stage and receive her diploma.

I sat there wondering where the time had gone. My little sister now stood before me as a beautiful young woman.

Lauren- I am so proud of the woman you are becoming. You are beautiful on both the inside and out. I look forward to making many more memories with you in college. I love you little sis.

College Fun...

2011-05-20T18:13:00.001-05:00

Wednesday I took my last final as a junior! I cannot believe I am officially done with my junior year of college. Only one more year to go!

My last few weeks of college were filled with many projects, speeches, tests and finals, but also a lot of fun.

Several of the college boys attempted to play flag football. It was interesting to say the least.

Then the college was able to take a trip to the Creation Museum. I had tons of fun, and I also learned a lot.

We enjoyed the Imax Experience

We also enjoyed the many fascinating exhibits.

Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden

Adam and Eve making a sacrifice because of their sin

The Noah and the ark exhibit was also very educational.

The Tower of Babel

Outside of the museum they had a petting zoo with many strange animals. However, I prefer to look rather than pet.

On this trip I learned so much. I feel that I am now more confident in my belief of creation. When my beliefs in the beginning of the world are questioned, I feel like I can better combat the evolutionists. I know that in the beginning God created the earth!

I also learned that being on the bus for 5 hours can make one do pretty strange things:

For the last couple hours on the bus we played the game of mafia over and over again. I learned that my friends are extremely good liars at times..kinda scary, how good actually...

Derek trying to convince that he is not in the mafia, he is the Nurse!

It was a great activity to end the school year with!

Four women and a cat

2011-05-05T21:40:00.000-05:00

Before I begin this week's memory let me introduce you to my cat, Midas. You must understand that Midas is very much a part of our family.

It was two years ago, my father was away on business leaving my mom, sisters, cat, and I home alone. We were all heading off to bed. Nicole, Lauren, and my mom were in bed. I went into my parent's room to say good night to my mother. Midas followed me into the room, jumped onto the bed, and then into the window.

Then,

happened...

The screen popped out, and down he fell..two stories into the thorn bushes below.

I immediately began to cry and scream, which aroused my sisters out of their beds. We all ran to the back porch, slid open the sliding doors, and ran outside. There we all were running around outside at 11:00 at night. As I thought back upon this event I distinctly saw all our unique personalities come forth. Let me explain:

Mom: Brooke, you just need to accept it...that is a far far fall. Midas is dead. Brooke stop crying and just accept it. You need to prepare yourself he is dead. And if the fall didn't kill him then he will stumble into the road and get run over.

Brooke: Well, all I did was cry and cry and cry.

Lauren: ran around and around and around and around the house,

Midas, Midas, come here boy!

Nicole: All right guys, cam down. Mom, stop saying he is dead. Cats always land on their feet therefore Midas is not dead. He is probably just scared and ran off. Brooke stop crying calm down and call for him. He will come eventually.

Eventually Midas rounded the corner, shaking and trembling in fear. I swooped him up in my arms held him tight. I carried him up the stairs, put him in bed with me, and then silently thanked God for protecting my little man.

Mom entered into the house peeked into the room, and told me that Midas may have hurt some of his organs on the inside, he may have internal bleeding. He still may not make it.

Lauren, well I think she ran a couple more laps around the house. She then came in, gave Midas a cheerful rub. She hopped into bed and fell sound asleep.

Nicole, she went straight to bed, without acknowledging Midas. All the while muttering that don't we know cats land on their feet. He will be okay.

Two years later, Midas is still alive and well. That night was truly one of the scariest nights of my life. Yet, every time I think of it, I cant help but smile.

Brooke

Happy Birthday Lauren

2011-05-04T19:43:00.002-05:00

Today my little sister turned 18 years old.

I love to simply think back and reminisce over the past 18 years of our lives together. I love to think of all the fun we had together as children. How we would awake early in the morning to simply play with our Barbie's. How we would lie awake late into the night talking about anything and everything, laughing until we finally dozed off.

This past year Lauren has grown and changed a lot. She is no longer that girl that I used to play doll house, paper dolls, and Polly pockets with. It seems like my little sister suddenly grew up in a year. Now as she stands before me today, I see a beautiful young woman. A woman that I know God will one day be able to use in a mighty way.

Lauren, I love you so much!

Happy 18th Birthday

Friend of Photographers

2011-04-30T16:58:00.004-05:00

This past Saturday, my sisters and I took a train to the beautiful city of Chicago. Chicago is a great town for shopping, sight seeing, and eating. However, the purpose of this trip was something entirely different. In fact I would have never made that trip to Chicago if I was not friends with photographers.

Last Saturday, a couple of photographers met up to have a photography workshop. I was invited along for the sole purpose of carrying my sister's many belongings and to be the subject of young and eager photographers.

Lucky me to be the friend of photographers:

Nicole Jack

Alyssa

I had a lot of fun watching the photographers. It really was quite interesting to watch how involved one can actually get in taking a simple picture. Jack practically did the splits each time he shot a photo. And I noticed for the first time that when Nicole takes her photos her left eye winks each time she pushes the button. Photographers really are interesting people.

Lauren and I enjoyed posing

Jack's little sister Emily also came along for the fun

Alyssa's little sister, Alexis came along as well.

After a couple of hours of taking photos, we headed to the Grand Lux for lunch. This was my delicious meal of Chicken Parmesan.

After lunch we headed to the John Hancock building. The photographers were able to get several excellent photos at the top. I was content to get a good picture on my cell phone for a new background.

We continued to spend the rest of the day taking more pictures, editing, and laughing. I had a great time in Chicago with my sisters and new friends. On the way back home, I sat contently, happy to finally let my cheeks rest from smiling so much. I then let out a sigh and thought I am a lucky girl to be friends with photographers.

PS: none of the above photos were actually taken by me :)

Take hold of my hand

2011-04-21T22:51:00.001-05:00

So, I decided to join my sister for Memory Thursday. I will try my best to write every Thursday. I am very excited about this endeavor. There are so many times that a memory comes to my mind, and I find myself smiling.

For those of you who grew up sharing a bedroom with a sibling you know that it can be a blessing and a curse. Mostly a curse...well that is until it was night time. The two of us would just lay on our bunk beds. I was on the top ( because I am older) and she was below me; we talked long into the night. I recall many a night where my dad would walk by the room and say, "Brooke and Lauren stop talking you have school tomorrow" or "Girls, quiet down in there!" We would try so hard to lay quietly but then one of us would start giggling and then it would start up all over again. So, we came up with an idea... Since we had to go to sleep and we had to stop talking, we would try to hold hands all night. I hung my arm down under the rail of my top bunk and grabbed a hold of my little sister's hand. We vowed to never let go of each other all night long. Most of the time my little sister's hand fell to her bed in the middle of the night. However, there were some mornings where we would wake hand in hand. Those were also the mornings that we would both wake with sore arms. Our entire arm seemed to ache,

Memories like that make so thankful that I have the privilege of sharing a room with my little sister. So many precious memories were made those nights when we were suppose to be sleeping.

Lauren,

We are a lot older now. And we have not attempted to hold hands while sleeping in quite a while. However, I just want to let you know my hand is still outstretched. Not literally like when we were children. But rather as you get ready to graduate from highschool, get a job, and enter into college... I will always be here for you...Always

Simply take hold of my hand.

Beautiful in my eyes

2011-04-09T21:03:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday I forever parted with a companion that I had known for most of my life.

I remember the day he was first brought home...

I was a nine year old little girl when I first met him...and I loved him that first moment I crawled into the back seat and my feet dangled. Oh, the places we went in that little green Taurus. We drove a 24 hour journey to Texas. We drove to Wisconsin Dells, we drove all over... I was always so proud of my little green Taurus.

When my big sister, Nicole turned 16 she got her learning permit, my poor little car got abused for a few months. But he was such a good sport, never complaining. I will never forget the countless times my poor car was forced to go over curb after curb. This little Taurus even got its side view mirror knocked off the first time Nicole tried to go through a bank drive through. After a year, Nicole improved in driving...a little, bit at least:) The Taurus got a break from abuse. A couple years later I got my learning permit.... Once again the Taurus became the car in which I practiced driving in. All went well. I must admit I was, and am a very careful driver. Then the day after I got my licence, it happened. I decided to drive around the church to pick up my sister, that way every one could see me driving...ALONE... I proceeded to pull around the front of the church, all the while scraping the side of the car along the side of the brick wall. Yes, I believe everyone saw me driving that night and my car got a few marks and bruises.

Then my poor little Taurus got scraped by a yellow pole in a parking lot...once again by Nicole... it really is quite a funny story.. She thought she managed without getting a mark on it, she drove home, thanking God all the way that she didn't bang up the car. Then she pulled, as the whole family gawked at the thick yellow line of paint all down the side of the car. Thankfully with a lot of elbow grease it came off!

Then just a few months ago...he was driven into a ditch...a deep deep ditch...that was me!!!

But all the while he kept chugging along; faithfully driving me to and from school, work, and church...

Regretfully, the Taurus became quite ill. He began to fail emission test after emission test. This past month he really suffered. My dad told me to be prepared to part with him.

It was hard....

But I knew the time had come when he could only go 30 miles per hour down the highway. I knew the time to part ways was coming when I couldn't push the break for an extended period of time because he would shake so terribly. I knew time his time was drawing to an end, when I would proudly get out of the car, only to scrape my leg on the rust on the bottom on my car, and then enter work with blood trickling down. I knew his time was coming to an end when I had to put the car in neutral for it to be in drive, and drive for it to go in reverse.

But in spite of all its faults, I had a bond with that little green Taurus. After all, it was a part of my family for almost as long as I can remember, it was the first car I ever drove, it was the first car I ever banged up, and it was the first car that I truly developed a lot of good memories with...

It was the first car that I had to say goodbye to. And you know when I said goodbye, I was actually really sad. I had Nicole go and take a few pictures of him just so I can always remember my little green Taurus, a beautiful car in my eyes:

Then we replaced him....

with a dashing black Chevy:

I look forward to making many more memories

with him!

Where have I been

2011-04-02T19:42:00.002-05:00

So, haven't written in a quite a while. But you see, I have been very busy. The school year is slowly coming to an end... just about a month and a half and I will be done with my junior year of college.

The past few weeks have been filled with reports, speeches, a debate, sewing, and teaching! Let me expound a little...

For my Persuasive speech class I did a three on three debate to a group of about 100 retired folks. I was on the affirmative team debating that drinking three or more cups of coffee a day was detrimental to one's health. And guess what..my team and I won!!! And I actually succeeded in even persuading myself. I am sure my belief is pretty unpopular with most of you. However, I am fully convinced that drinking too much coffee has bad effects on one's health. I would love to go on and on. However, I am not trying to persuade you that too much coffee is bad but rather that I have been too busy to blog.

Last Thursday I was able to teach a high school history class. That was a lot of fun! I was able to teach on anything from the 20th century. Pretty broad time period, I know. I choose to do a topic that I knew very little about, and would like to know more about.So I did the Hindenburg. It was actually very fascinating!

Do you realize how massive the Hindenburg was? It was 804 feet long and 135 feet wide. It was almost as large as the Great Titanic! It weighed approximately 240 tons! Now isn't that amazing!

Did you know that Hugo Eckner (the man who designed the Hindenburg) was forced to put the Nazi symbols on the tail fins. He spoke out forcefully against the Nazi's brutal ways. Because of this, the Nazi's made him a "non person." This meant his name could never be printed in the paper, and he could never have his picture taken. If Eckner didn't comply to put the Nazi symbols o the Hindenburg, the Hindenburg would become the property of Germany. Thus Eckner complied...

Did you know it only took 34 seconds for the Hindenburg to burn to nothing but burning wreckage.

Now the fact that is most amazing to me.... 97 souls were on the Hindenburg when tragedy struck....and 65 of them survived. Now, that is fascinating!

Today, I finished making my culottes! I am actually pretty impressed! I made them without too much stress too! :) I now feel like I could make them again and again without a problem!

Showing off my creation!

Yes, I have been pretty busy with school work. But, I will do my best to keep my blog updated. Now, I must go write another report and prepare for another speech...

Happy Birthday Nicole!!!

2011-03-15T05:51:00.000-05:00

Happy 24th Birthday Nicole! Today, on your birthday I would like to dedicate an entire post to you and try to express my love for you on this special day...

Nicole I don't think you will ever know how much you mean to me...

You are...

My Support:

Nicole, you have always supported me in every decision I have ever made. You continue to stand by me in both the good times and the bad. You are my shoulder to cry upon, my strong arm to lean on, and a warm hug to run to. Thanks so much for all the support you have given me through the years.

My Ally:

Nicole, you are my ally. You have always been on my side defending and protecting your little sis through thick and thin. I can think of so many times in elementary and high school days when girls picked on me. I knew all I would have to do is tell my big sister and she would take care of the rest...

My Entertainment:

Nicole, oh, how I could expound on this point.:) Just thinking back over our childhood days, a smile comes to my face. We had so much fun together didn't we? Then I think of more recent days... Times when we are at work laughing so hard together during quiet time that the other teachers have to reprimand us to try to keep us quiet. You have a way of making me smile and laugh when I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders.

My Audience:

Nicole, I can always count on you to be my audience. Whether it was my first oral book report in the 7th grade, practicing my ventriloquism, or my articular phonetics, or until now practicing my debate and speeches. I know I can count on you to be audience. You simply sit there and listen, although I know you have one hundred other things you would rather be doing.

My Critic:

Nicole, we both know you are definitely my critic as well. But don't take this wrong..I mean who else would tell me when my top totally crashes with my shirt. Or if that long beaded necklaces I have been dying to wear just doesn't compliment my outfit too well. Who else would tell me when I have a crease in the back of my hair, or my makeup no longer matches my skin color. Only a sister, could tell me the truth... that yes- that does make me look fat.

My Biggest Fan:

Nicole, some of early memories include running cross countries, on to running sprints in track, and attempting at girl's basketball and volleyball. I knew I could count on my big sister to always be in the stands cheering me on (and taking pictures ;)) Thanks Nicole for always cheering for me, for always applauding, for always saying great job- even when I felt like I had the let the entire team down.

My Best Friend:

Nicole- I don't know if you will ever understand this...but you truly are my best friend. Sometimes I feel like I am a little girl looking admiringly up at my big sister, trying to mimic all she does. Then we go to work together, church together, home together. We laugh to together, cry together, vent together pray together... You are the greatest friend I could ever ask for.

My Sister:

Lucky, Lucky Me!!!

Happy Birthday!

I Love you!

Faith is Walking

2011-03-12T19:04:00.000-06:00

This title for a post has been running through my head for over a month now. However, putting my scrambled thoughts into words is the hard step. But here I go:

No doubt most of you have heard of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho. Perhaps, some of you, like me, have been told this familiar story since you were a young child. Some times these wonderful stories become all too familiar to me. About a month ago, I was reading through this passage, and something in particular seemed to intrigue me... As a child I was fascinated by the walls tumbling down, but now as I get older it seems like the little things capture my attention. Let me explain...

Put yourself in the children of Israel's shoes. Your leader simply commands you to follow the priest. You are told to walk around the walls of this enormous city without speaking. I don't know about you, but I know immediately my mind would be filled with questions. Most likely I would have questioned the authority of Joshua. Did Joshua really know what he was doing? Why are we simply walking, shouldn't we lay siege or attack? We are soldiers- why are walking? The men didn't understand what God was going to do; they simply walked. Joshua didn't reveal how God was going to destroy the city of Jericho. He told the people to walk. Then it struck me...Faith is walking.

Walking, even when I don't understand the master plan.... Walking, even when My plan seems more logical. My journey lies in front of me still unclear. At times I question the master plan. But when I am tempted to run ahead of God's plan. I must remember...Faith is simply walking.

An Eventful Saturday

2011-03-02T07:03:00.000-06:00

Saturday was quite the eventful day for my family and I.

As my sisters and I get a little older sometimes it gets more difficult for us all to do something together. It seems like one of us is always working, or at a teen activity, or at school. But this Saturday, one of my babysitting jobs fell through. So my dad decided that after our morning ministries we have some fun together.

We left for Chicago at about 11:45

And we ate at Lawry's!

Need I say more? It was absolutely divine!

The food was great, but the company was even better. I had such a great time with my family.

After our delicious meal, the dessert came...

I love the Windy City!

When we got back home at about 3:30, my dad announced that we would be going to the High school play in a few hours. I have always enjoyed going to the hometown plays. As a speech minor, I find it entertaining to watch the kids act. They actually do a really good job!

This year they did "The Surprise Story of the Three Little Pigs."

At about 8:00 our eventful day came to a close.

I had such a great time with my family!

Hope

2011-02-23T20:56:00.000-06:00

In "hope against hope," I wait Lord,

Faced by some fast-barred gate, Lord

Hope never says "Too late," Lord,

Therefore in Thee I hope!

Hope though the night be long, Lord,

Hope of a glowing dawn, Lord,

Morning must break in song, Lord,

For we are "saved by hope."

Expressions by Nicole

2011-02-14T21:03:00.003-06:00

I would like to give a shout out for my sister. My sister, Nicole, is incredibly talented. I could go on and on telling you how amazing my 4.0 sister is. Yes, she has a 4.0 GPA... And if you're wondering if it gets a little annoying at times...um... ya it does. But wait a minute, I am suppose to be giving a shout out here. My sister is pretty incredible. She started this Etsy Shop not too long ago:

You must check it out... She designs beautiful jewelry, bookmarks, and key chains, and all for great prices! They make wonderful gifts for women of all ages.

And might I add, it is definitely a plus having her for a sister. I get bracelets, necklaces, and earrings for every holiday.
Looking forward to St. Patrick's Day! ;)

Ronald Reagan

2011-02-06T20:34:00.000-06:00

Happy 100th Birthday President Ronald Reagan

"Freedom is never more than one generation away form extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."

"Within the covers of the Bible are the answers for all the problems men face."

"The most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the government and I'm here to help."

"Government's first duty is protect the people, not run their lives."

"Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged."

"There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right."

America, misses you!

Snow Day!!!

2011-02-02T19:30:00.000-06:00

I woke up this morning to this beautiful view. It felt absolutely wonderful to sleep in (I didn't even set my alarm), and wake up with out a care in the world. All schools were cancelled in our area. So- being a preschool teacher that brought me great joy! I love my job and my kids, but I think it is best for the both me and kids- if I get a break every once in a while...:)

By 9:00 this morning we had approximately 25 inches of snow

My sisters, dad, and I got on our snow gear and headed out to shovel the driveway.

We came back in to the house and had a late breakfast consisting of pancakes, scrabbles eggs, and potatoes.

Now, the day is drawing to an end. The snow is still gently falling down. The yard stick in the front yard is almost completely covered. And I just received a text saying the school are closed again tomorrow. I simply have to smile to myself and say, I love snow blizzards!

Photo card

2011-01-31T20:01:00.001-06:00

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"There is nothing..."

2011-01-24T21:40:00.001-06:00

I Kings 18: 41- 45

And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. And it came to pass in the mean while, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain."

This morning I read this familiar passage for my devotions. I have heard this story time and time again, yet for the first time something struck me about this story. Elijah declared there was a sound of abundance of rain when the sky was blue, when the birds were singing, and when there was not a single cloud in the sky. Elijah hoped perfectly ; hoped against hope until the abundant answer came. He continued in the very face of darkness and perplexity, to expect, because the very God of hope lived in him and expected through him. Therefore, Elijah cast himself upon the ground and prayed to God to grant his request. After he fervently prayed he was told, "There is nothing." Yet, this did not stop Elijah, he was confident in His God.

Much later, Elijah was told that a cloud had appeared, however it was a small cloud, the size of a man's hand. However, Elijah had faith enough to believe that that small cloud would be the answer to his prayer. In fact he was sure that that small cloud would produce an abundance of rain.

As I read this story, so many applications seemed to drive home to me personally. Do I count God faithful when only the still small voice speaks? When I see no wind nor cloud? When I feel as if God is no where near and when I pray and I see no immediate results; when "there is nothing" do I wait on God? When my mind is dark regarding the way I am to take, do I wait upon God?

What a great reminder this story is to me. At times I may see nothing- Yet God promises to never forsake me. Perhaps only a small cloud lies ahead, yet God prepares the cloud to yield forth an abundance of rain.

"There is nothing"- though the raindrops needed sorely and so long

Have been promised by Jehovah, by the Father true and strong.

And sky is blue and cloudless, and the earth is parched and dry,

Yet no showers are forthcoming from the reservoir on high.

"There is nothing"- but the prophet knows and trust his Master's word;

He is not a senseless idol, but the mighty powerful God.

He has seen His wondrous working, he believes Him faithful still;

So he humbly waits in patience for Jehovah's simple will.

"There is nothing"- oh, how often doth the enemy declare,

Nothing for your constant wrestlings; nothing for your cries and tears.

And the faithless heart says "Nothing," though deceived she ne'er has been,

For the little cloud so longed for, at the seventh time is seen.

"There is nothing"- but there shall be: God is still the Great "I AM."

He is NOW Almighty, faithful, and forevermore the same;

And the tears, and cries, and wrestlings, have recorded been on high;

Not forgotten , nor neglected, to be answered by and by.

-James Boobbyer

Reflection

2011-01-01T21:42:00.000-06:00

I can not believe we are now in the year 2011!!!

As I reflect over the past year so many words come flooding over me in which I could describe the year 2010. However, if I had to describe 2010 in one word I would chose the word:

LEAN

I know, you are probably wondering how in the world a year could be described in such a word as lean, but let me explain. I began the year 2010 as a second semester sophomore. In the first month of school, I had computer problems, and temporary lost all of my note, reports, everything. Another month past, and heart break came into my life. As time went on, I saw some people that I loved and respected change. And it hurt. Time when on... I finished my sophomore year. More time passed... I began my junior year in college. I was required to take a class called, Articulatory Phonetics. A class I knew I could never pass. Time went on... people that I longed to see grow in the Lord, quit. More time passed. A child that I had grown to love over the past several years had serious thoughts of suicide running through his head. More time passed... That little boy began having seizures. The doctors found scar tissue covering his brain. More time passed... people that I invited out to church all year long never came...
Leaning is something I rarely do. I am a very independent person; I like to do everything on my own. However in the year 2010, I began to learn to lean, ever so slightly on Jesus. You know, no matter how hard I try I can't make it on my own. Machines will fail me, my closest friends may fail me, but Christ Jesus promises me that He will never fail me.
In 2010 I leaned a little on Jesus. And I watched Him work miracles. Maybe in your eyes they may not qualify as miracles but to me they are miraculous. I watched as Christ worked out everything just in time so I could get my reports off my troubled computer. I watched as God filled the void I had in my heart, and gave me such peace that I had done the right thing. As I leaned I saw that Jesus was the greatest friend ever. As I continued to try to lean I saw that Jesus help me not only pass that extremely difficult class, but also help me to thoroughly enjoy the class and actually understand most of it. By leaning on Jesus I was reminded that man will fail me. People will hurt me, but Jesus never fails. By leaning on Jesus I was reminded that Christ Jesus is the Great Physician and He can heal the broken hearted and the physical ill. By beginning to lean on Jesus in 2010 I learned that leaning is the best way to live. I now know that I cannot stand alone. The very moment I stop leaning will the be the moment I fall. In 2010 I began to learn to lean, and in 2011 I plan to continue to lean.

Christmas Caroling

2010-12-24T13:54:00.001-06:00

I love this time of year. I think people in general are all just a little bit happier. I think part of the reason people are jolly around this time, is for the simple reason that they are thinking of others. Everyone is hustling about trying to buy that perfect gift for that special someone. People are purposely setting aside those few extra coins or dollar bills to give to the man standing outside of the grocery store ringing the bell. People are simply pushing self aside and thinking primarily of others.

This year, a few of my friends and I were able to go Christmas Caroling. I just love caroling! I love watching the faces of the people as they open the door to be greeted by the singing of the traditional favorite Christmas hymns such as: Silent Night, Noel, Joy to the World, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, and Oh Come All Ye Faithful.

After singing a couple songs to the people we presented the family with a candy cane and a simple Christmas gospel tract.

I don't know if caroling really makes a difference. I don't know if anyone actually reads the tract. I can't even been sure if anyone was really encouraged or uplifted by our singing. But, I do know that by caroling my friends and I headed home a little more joyful.

You see, I believe that giving to others and living for others makes you truly happy.

Reads from this semester

2010-12-18T17:53:00.001-06:00

This semester I was required to read several books. Here were some of my favorites...

This book was inspiring. Although the book started our rather slow by the middle of the book I was anxiously turning each page. Through this book I was reminded that God makes no mistakes. As I read of the many terrible tragedies that came into the life of Adoniram Judson, I was tempted to feel bad for Judson and wonder why God allowed so many trials into his life. Yet, as I read on, I saw how God worked everything for good. God truly has a plan in everything He does. At the end of Judson's life he looked back and was able to say, "No regrets." I decided that was what I wanted. Some day when I come to the end of my life, I long to be able to say, "No regrets." However, if I desire to say that in my last days, today I must live my life to the glory of God.

This book is one that have been wanting to read for some time. I know what you are thinking...who would want to read a book with a picture of pig on the cover? But trust me, it was actually really good. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned a lot from it. If you are interested in Government it is a must read for sure.

Now this book is AMAZING!!! It is probably my favorite book (as of right now.) It is absolutely eye opening! I could go on and on about this book. However, I won't because I know I could never do this book justice. I learned so much from this book and I would like to encourage each and every Christian to read this book. I promise that you will not only enjoy the book but also learn many important lessons. You will truly walk away from the book with a different view on many aspects of life.

What have I been up to???

2010-12-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

It seems like I have not written forever! But I think I have a good enough excuse. I have been pretty busy...

Let me tell you all that I have been up to the last several weeks...

The Christmas Lights Activity

My group

The Girls

Girl's Dorm Christmas Party

The electricity went out before the party even began, but we still had a great time eating, talking, and playing games.

Now, the interesting part...on the way back from the Dorm Party....

I was driving one of my friends home... Well let me explain...the weather was bad, real bad. I mean I could hardly see anything in front of me. Well let me just get to the point...I went into a ditch...

No, it wasn't that bad, but it did look something like this...

I wanted to take pictures so bad, but I just couldn't bring myself to be snapping pictures while 4 men furiously worked to get my car out of the ditch. And did I mention I went into a ditch on the school property... Embarrassing!!!

Now, the school year is coming to an end. Tomorrow I will take my last final...

All this to say, starting next week I will be back to my normal blogging self.

Thankful

2010-11-27T15:36:00.005-06:00

I had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As I sat around the table with my family and a large and delicious meal, I couldn't help but become overwhelmed with all that I have to be thankful for. God surely has blessed me in so many ways. Today I would like to share with you, just a few of the many things I am so grateful for:

1. My family

I have the best parents in the entire world, the kind of parents that love me enough to discipline me and the kind of parents who never give up on me.

I also have the best two sisters anyone could have ever asked for. Nicole and Lauren truly are my best friends. The older I get the more I realize how lucky I truly am to have the two greatest friends anyone could ever ask for.

2. My church

My church is amazing! Not only is my church absolutely beautiful, but the people are as well. The people of my church are not perfect, but together we all strive to be more Christ- like.

3. My school

I have a great school, and I am so blessed to have been able to grow up in a Christian school, but even more than that I have been blessed with teachers that truly care. I know that each of my teachers pray for me and want the best for me.

4. My country

Without a doubt I can say that I live in the best country in the world. A country that was founded upon religious principles. A country whose very Declaration of Independence and Pledge of Allegiance acknowledges the fact that there is a God.

5. My job

Now, I don't know if I can say I have the best job in the world. But I am very content with my job and I do thoroughly enjoy it. I am so blessed...The week after I graduated from high-school I started my job at the Preschool. It has been a very steady job, although stressful at times it is a very rewarding job.

I could on and on...God has been so good to me

Let's give thanks not just on Thanksgiving but the entire year through...

"Lamp unto my feet..."

2010-11-06T16:11:00.000-05:00

Lately I have been doing a lot of thinking, thinking about my future. I don't know why, but thoughts of my future have been consuming my mind. As a young child, I really didn't think too much about my future. Of course, occasional thoughts of what I would be when I grew up would enter into my mind. However, I figured I had a long time to figure all that out...Then I entered into college, in my first two years, I planned my life out. I was pretty content with where my life was heading.

Then God changed my plans... Now, several months later, I can honestly look back and thank God for His change in my plans. He knew what was best for me. He knew I wouldn't be happy with my own plans. He knew He could make my life better than I could ever imagine.

Now, I am in the midst of my junior year. I find myself asking people, "Where do you see me in 5 years?" I always get so many different replies. I then ask myself the same question. I think and think, yet I have absolutely no idea what lies in store for me. People have told me that that is the fun of growing up, they claim it is exciting to not know what lies ahead. Yet I can't possibly agree. I dislike not knowing. I want to plan, I want to prepare, I simply want to know.

Then God led me to this verse...

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet..."

I meditated on this verse for a while. I thought about lamps. God in His omniscience wrote the word lamp, not headlight, not strobe light. He said lamp. Lamps are not incredibly bright. However, they are bright enough to allow one to see what is necessary to be seen. God then included the words "unto my feet." He could have said for my life. Yet, God knew better. He said, "Thy word is lamp unto my feet."

I don't need to see five years ahead, I don't even need to see 6months ahead. God promises to lead me day by day. I just need to take one day at a time. God will guide my feet. If I allow my God to direct each of my footsteps, how can I err? This verse was such a great reminder to me. God truly knows best. I don't need to worry about five years from today. If I allow God to lead me through today He will take care of tomorrow and five years from now...

Old Friends are the Best Friends

2010-10-27T13:12:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I haven't written in a while. I have been preoccupied with school work. Last week was mid terms! I can't believe how fast this school year is going by. But amidst my very busy schedule, I was able to find time to go out with some old friends. The very girls that I went to school, church, and Awanas with all my life. However, one of my best friends that I grew up with moved to Michigan our junior year. Another one of those friends began to be home schooled her junior year. Another friend moved to Iowa... Last Sunday afternoon we were all able to get together. All of us girls, who had been together since we were in kindergarten, some of these girls walked across the platform form with me in 2008 on our Graduation Day...

We had such a great time reminiscing over our Elementary school days together. Wow, what a great time we had together. We discussed our many teachers and student teachers we had. Then about all the naughty things we did and never got caught for. :) About the time 4 of us got suspended together... The more I remembered the more I realized I was kinda naughty as a child...just a little.

The longer we sat, the more memories came sweeping over me. So many good times together, and also some not so good times together in the principal's office. As I sat at the table I couldn't help but look around the table at each of every one of the girls that I went to school with. Now we are young adults. As we sat at the table I once again felt like an 8 year old girls giggling with her best friends.

Then our discussion changed. We had all shared great times together, but now what were we doing with our lives. We each went around the table telling each other what we are now doing or planning on doing in our lives. We are all in college training to be elementary or high school teachers, nurses, secretaries, coaches, etc...

After a great time together, we said our goodbyes. And promised to keep in touch. As we got into our vehicles, I thought...what a lucky girl I am. I have amazing friends. Friends that I went to kindergarten with , friends that I plan on knowing for the rest of my life.

Family

2010-10-16T15:45:00.000-05:00

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there. ~Barbara Bush

In time of test, family is best. ~Burmese Proverb

The family is one of nature's masterpieces. ~George Santayana

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he's rich. ~Dan Wilcox

Other things may change us, but we start and end with the family. ~Anthony Brandt

Success

2010-10-06T20:10:00.000-05:00

I successfully donated blood yesterday...I would have written all about it yesterday but...something happened, let me explain...

I was so excited that October 5th had finally arrived. I have been taking my iron pills every day, well actually whenever I remembered, so maybe twice a week. And I had even been eating my mini wheats. I walked in to the health center, trying to remove from my memory the big let down that had just occurred there only 5 weeks earlier. I bravely walked back and sat down. Once again they pricked my finger. The nurse looked at me and shook her head. I couldn't believe it. After all I had done to prepare myself I was still anemic!

"Could you please test me again" I pleaded, "you don't understand I have been taking iron pills eating wheat, and blogging about this...so please just let me donate so I can move on in life!" She pricked me again....And I made it!!!

They then walked me back where I would donate blood. I was fascinated as I watched the needle slide into my arm. I laid there and gave a pint of my blood.

I drove home, and I planned on writing and telling you that I was successful, finally!

But then it happened...

I passed out, not once- but twice. I have never passed out in my entire life! So I went to bed immediately. Where I got a good nine hours of sleep and still awoke feeling weak. I don't know what those nurses did to me...but I didn't feel too good about about saving lives at all...

There is another blood drive on November 30th. But..I don't know if I will attend. I mean I hear on the radio all the time that one pint of blood saves three lives. So..yesterday I saved three people's lives, I think that is good enough for a while...you know what I mean...

Why I do what I do...

2010-09-28T21:29:00.000-05:00

My last post I wrote about my church's 40th Anniversary. At times in my life I have been asked the question of why my church does all that it does. And honestly some times I wonder the same thing. Many times going to the Nursing home week after week and seeing no salivations or going visiting and catching no one home, and going door to door to spread the gospel only to have the door slammed in your face can get discouraging... Many times in my life I have come to a time where I wonder why I am do all that I am doing. Why do I go visiting every Saturday? Is it really worth it...

Last Sunday proved to me that it is worth it all..

Last Saturday I went visiting with my little 10 year old partner, Sabrina. Sabrina was dressed as a birthday present to show everyone that it was the Church's 40th birthday. We went from house to house not catching anyone home. As I drove to the next place I got a text from a fried at work telling me that she wasn't going to come to the service the following day. I was devastated. I had been praying that she would come out for such a long time. She had promised me she would come, and now I had no visitor for the big day. It seemed like I had asked everyone possible yet, still no one was willing to give of their Sunday to come to church with me. I was feeling a little bit down...

I drove up to a house Sabrina and I hopped out of the car, I knocked on the door. There was no answer. I began to walk to the car when I noticed two little girls riding their bikes. I figured I might as well give them a flier and invite them to ride the bus to church. The girls were so very excited when I told them about the events that would take place the next day. I could easily see they wanted to ride the bus to church. So I went up to their house to ask their mother's permission. I went to the door and talked to mom- and she said yes!

I was so excited, I gave her my phone number and walked away.

However, part of me was still pessimistic. I mean, this is Chesterton! People don't just let their children ride on church buses with strangers.

However the next morning as a got on the bus my phone began to ring. I answered it. It was the mother, Lila, she told me that her daughters were up and waiting. She continued to say that both she and her husband were going to drive to the service as well. I was ecstatic! As we drove up to the house- I was filled with such joy as I watched those three little girls climb on.

After the service I was told that Lila would be a little late getting to the bus- you see, both Lila and her husband were getting saved.

That evening I watched both of them get baptized.

My friends- that's why I do what I do... because of people like Lila and her husband.

Anniversary in Pictures

2010-09-27T21:04:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my church celebrated its 40th anniversary. I count myself so very lucky to have been apart of the best church in the entire world all of my life. Some of my very first memories are in my church, some of favorite memories take place in my church, and I plan on making many more memories at my church, along side my friends here at church. I love my church for several reasons, however one of the reasons I love of my church most is because the people are constantly busying themselves in the work of the Lord. From the time I was a little girl I watched as my parents, and many other church members gave of their time, efforts,and money. Never once did I hear anyone complain about the many under privileged children who messed up the hymn books and the carpet. Never once did I hear anyone complain about the Spanish, handicapped, or crippled elderly. My church is certainly one with a great heart. I am so proud to be a member of the greatest church ever.

Every anniversary we have a helicopter candy drop for the children. I love watching the faces of the children as the helicopter flies overhead dropping hundreds of pieces of candy to the ground.

Every five years we celebrate our Anniversary with an Old Fashioned Sunday service.

We all dress up in old fashion attire and eat in a large tent.

After the food, several old fashion games are conducted for the children- such as bobbing for apples, searching for money in the hay etc...

My life long friend Josh and his beautiful finance, Brittany

This year we even had a small petting zoo for the children...

After the evening service we all headed to the gymnasium for cake and fellowship. We presented our pastor and his wife with gifts for their 40 years of faithful service.

I had a hard writing this post. I didn't know quiet how to put to words my love for my church. My church is absolutely everything to me. I honestly don't know how people can survive without a church. I tried my very hardest not to be bias, but I can't help it- I have been a part of this great place all of my life and it truly is one of my favorite places on earth.

Happy 40th birthday, Fairhaven!

Back to School...

2010-09-18T17:13:00.001-05:00

School started up again... I can't believe I am a junior. I can hardly believe that I have already successfully completed two years of college, and now I have only have two more years to go. I have half way completed my college degree! This school year, however, seems to be especially difficult. My classes include: Church History, Christian Education, U.S. Constitution, Economics, Systematic Theology, and Articulatory Phonetics. I am sure throughout the year you may hear a story or two about my "favorite class", Articulatory Phonetics. I walked into the classroom for the very first time two weeks ago to be greeted by some strange guttural noise coming from the mouth of my teacher. I honestly didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Laugh because my teacher sounded and looked absolutely hilarious as she pronounced that strange noise. Cry because I knew that this course was required for me since I am a Speech minor. Cry because I knew that my teacher was going to expect me to make those strange guttural noises as well. However rather than laughing or crying I just looked at her in complete shock. My eyes got big, real big, as I watched her lips form in ways lips should not form, and her tongue go back so far that it almost touched her uvula (that dangling thing in the back on her throat.) I gaped as I watched my teacher almost gag over her own words. All I could think was "what type of people would honestly speak this kind of language!" Now, I am two weeks into the course. I have now learned to keep my mouth closed even though I am completely in shock and horrified at what happening to my teacher's mouth, lips, and tongue. I have to simply giggle, a nervous little giggle, because in just one week I have my first Phonetics word lists. In which I will have to say words that are spelled with letters that I have never seen before. So- just pray for me to pass this class! I think I will really need it!

School is going well so far. I will try very hard to keep my blog updated. But during the school year I am so very busy, but I will do my best... So until next time

Nine years ago...

2010-09-11T19:33:00.001-05:00

I am a History major. So, obviously some time and some where in my life I became interested in history. Actually, I became interested in history nine years ago today.

Although I was only 11 years old I remember the day like yesterday. I remember hearing my mother frantically call my dad who was at work and ask him he had heard the news. I remember how confused I was when my mom told me a plane had crash into the Twin Towers. Honestly, I had never even heard of the Twin Towers, but I figured they must have been pretty important buildings. I remember going to school that day, nine years ago. I tried so very hard to intelligently discuss with my friends what I thought was going on...

I remember going home that day, nine years ago, I remember sitting down and watching my country get attacked. I watched in horror as I saw people jumping to their death. I didn't understand, why would someone want to hurt America? I fell asleep that night to the sound of radio. That night, nine years ago, I fell in love with my country.

The very next summer I was able to take a trip out East. One of the places I was able to visit was New York City. Everywhere I looked I saw the American flag, my flag, flying high in the sky. As I walked down the streets of New York, I saw the many vendors selling pictures, books, shirts, etc..all in remembrance of that fateful day. I then approached Ground Zero. I remember the distinct smell that I breathed in. I stood there thinking of all the Americans that lost their life that day. I remember reading the papers posted all over vehicles and store fronts asking if I had seen their son, daughter, husband, or wife. I then approached a wall- the most beautiful wall I had ever seen. A dirty white wall, covered with the thoughts of my people- Americans. It was that day that I fell in love with the people of America. I picked up a pen and I signed the wall. "I love you America, I will never forget." I put my pen back in my pocket. As I walked along I continued to read the wall, although I was only 11 my heart broke as I read of the many who had lost loved ones that day. I then walked into a small store and for the first time in my life I bought a book- not just any book, a history book. A book that gave a detailed outline of what happened that day. A book filled with pictures of my country, the land I had grown to love, and my people being attacked. And for the first time in my life I loved history. That day, as we drove out of New York City I quietly flipped through the pages of my new book and for the first time in my life I vowed I would never forget. And America- I don't plan on ever breaking that promise.

Waking up in Glory

2010-09-05T14:24:00.000-05:00

In my life time, I have been to several funerals. Funerals for teenagers and young people that I grew up with, funerals for those who lost a long and difficult fight with cancer, and funerals for those who passed away after a long and successful life. Yet in all of these funerals there has always been one thing common to all: the deceased person was in heaven. There was doubting- we all knew that that person was now with God.

Of course I do not like funerals. However, every time I attend a funeral at my church I get a little excited to one day meet that person in heaven. As the soloist gets up and sings:

Just think of stepping on shore and finding it heaven,

of touching a hand and finding it Gods

Of breathing new air and finding it celestial,

of waking up in Glory and finding it home.

I like to imagine what would it be like to wake up in heaven? To reach out and grab the very hand that was once nailed to an old rugged cross. What would that be like to awake and look into the eyes of Jesus?

The entire congregation stands and sings:

It will be worth it all, when we see Jesus,

Life's trials will seem so small,

when we see Christ

one glimpse of his dear face

all sorrow will erase,

so bravely run the race till we see Christ!

When I finish singing those words I can only encourage myself to keep at it. I then think of that dear person in heaven who is now cheering me on. The family and friends cry; however, they think ahead to the day when they will be able to join them in heaven.

Since I was a child, I have watched people go up to the family and remind them that now their loved one is in a better place. A place where there is no pain, no sorrow, and no cancer. I have listened while people told the family that now their father was looking down from heaven cheering them on. I listened intently as the church family encouraged them with so many verses of hope and encouragement.

However, a few weeks I attended another funeral. A funeral of a young man that I only had the opportunity to work with for a very short time. This funeral was so very different from the ones that I attended all of my life. In all funerals people grief and cry. However at this funeral the people cried a different cry, they grieved in a different way. You see these poor people cried and grieved without hope.

As I stood there I tried to comfort his sister (a co-worker of mine) but how? What do you say?

I stood there silently observing the grieving people all around me. The people were all so saddened- their loved one was gone- would they ever see him again?- what happened to him after he died? As I left the funeral home I was surprised to see a group of people outside of the funeral home drinking. That was their only consolation. They had to drink-they couldn't deal with life- they had no one to turn to- nothing but alcohol.

As I got in my vehicle and drove away I could only thank God that someday when I pass away, my funeral will be so different from the one I had just attended. Yes, there will be crying and grieving. Yet, the tears will be filled with hope. My loved ones will not have to wonder what happened to me. They will know for sure that I woke up in Glory, that I reached out and touch God.

Funerals are time filled with sadness- for both the saved and unsaved. However, the Christian's funeral is also a kind of "celebration"- the celebration of another one going Home.

Our Vacation

2010-08-28T18:59:00.000-05:00

I'm back, and with a lot of awesome pictures might I add. Tybee Island was all I anticipated and so much more. This will definitely be a trip that will forever be looked back upon with fondest of memories. It was absolutely perfect in every way.

We rented this lovely cottage. It was so perfect for our family.

Then, the beach of course. The view was absolutely breathtaking! We spent a lot of our time here. Salt water was something new for me. I kept finding myself choking on the foul taste that would be on my lips. However, getting used to the water didn't take me too long. I found myself not wanting to leave the water... We had so much fun. I have to admit before I left for this trip I found myself fretting and worrying about SHARKS. Yes, I am absolutely terrified of sharks. I could just imagine myself swimming then..Da dum Da dum Da dum Da dum...he would grab my leg and pull me under. Or perhaps he would take a bite into my side and then just leave me to suffer. Of course I wouldn't have the strength to cry out loudly for help. My dad wouldn't hear me struggle because his ears would be to clogged up with salt water, my mom's eyes would be closed off course as she was soaking up the every last ray of the sun, Nicole would be too infatuated with her next Charles Martin book to come to my aid, and Lauren... well she would think I was waving to her and simply wave back. However once I got well acquainted with the sea I realized that sharks were the least of my worries...

Instead I became well acquainted with the jelly fish. I got stung at three different times. I don't know what it was but I think the jelly fish liked me...a lot! I got stung twice on my ankle. Then came the third time- I got stung several times all around my leg. Yes, sharks really were the least of my worries...

My family was able to take a boat ride to Little Tybee. Along the way we were greeted by many dolphins. The ride to Little Tybee was beautiful!

But Little Tybee was Amazing!

And guess what my sisters and I found... Sand dollars!! Six of them to be exact. However, only four of them are with us today :( Nicole's flip flop killed one, and the long and dangerous voyage back to Indiana took the life of another. :( Nevertheless, I am so glad to have a sand dollar of my very own!

With much regret I have to say we have zero pictures of the boat ride back home. My sister decided, with the best interest of her camera in mind, not to take pictures on the journey to shore. We were greeted with ...what do I call it...storm doesn't quite give you the picture I want you to imagine. We arrived back on shore wet to say the least.

I could not fully describe our trip to you without mentioning the food. You see we are Northern City Girls. I like shrimp- well...that is popcorn shrimp. Did you know shrimp have legs???

You see this fake smile Nicole is giving you. Ya, she honestly didn't enjoy that shrimp she is pretending to eat. My mom, Nicole, and I all agreed that shrimp should definitely be de-legged and de-veined and preferable breaded before it is acceptable to be eaten.

So, this guy along with my little sister ate all our food, which was fine with us.

From then on at all those Seafood Restaurants my mom Nicole and I ordered food kinda like this:

Parasailing was definitely one of the biggest highlights of the vacation for most of us... (my mom opted out of this one. I don't know why but I think the thought of being on the other side of flying a kite must of scared her... She must of had a bad experiencing flying a kite as a child.)

Getting ready

AND AWAY

Lauren and Dad

Big Smiles

Another highlight of the trip enjoyed by all, was cruising around Hilton Head and Savannah.

Tybee Island- a vacation that I will never forget, whether it be the jellyfish, great food ;), storms, or parasailing. However, what I think I will will remember more than the pain of a jelly fish sting is the love of my family

The Big Let Down

2010-08-10T20:41:00.000-05:00

August 10, 2010 has been the date that I have been looking forward to with much anticipation all summer long came. However, this day, rather than providing me much joy and fulfillment, left me feeling sad and useless.

You may find this rather strange but think what you may. I have always had a desire to donate blood. Strange, I know. This summer I decided this would be the year that I would fulfill my long awaited desire. My dad reluctantly decided to go with me. We set the date- we would go right after work on the 10th of August.

Seriously, I have been looking forward to this day all summer long. I know what you are all thinking...I need I hobby...But let me finish here. I am so interested in blood. I remember when I had to get blood taken when I had mono- I was so enthralled with watching the blood leave my body. (Am I completely altering the opinion you had of me?- I am a little weird- I know) And I have always desired to give blood-just think one little pint could possibly save someone's life.

Today: August 10, 2010: I have been talking about donating blood all day today. I told all my coworkers, the children, and even my boss. I was so excited. After work my dad came and we drove in together. The red cross gave me a pin and sticker that said I was a blood doner. It was even better than I had imagined. I proudly place the pin upon my shirt. My dad was then called in the back- where he donated blood for the first time in his life. Then my name was called. So many different emotions came over me both fear and excitement. I proudly walked to the back room. I sat in the chair. I gave the nurse my licence and some personal information. She then asked for my finger. She proceeded to poke my middle finger. Then she spoke, "Oh sweetie you can't donate blood" I was awe struck- what? I thought they would be so very grateful for my blood- now they were rejecting me? She proceeded to ask me if I wanted to get retested. Well of course I did, perhaps she didn't realize that this was the day I have been looking forward to all summer long. Another nurse came over to me- and once again I was pricked in the finger.

The big let down: "Honey- you don't have enough red blood cells we can't take your blood." I was crushed. What exactly does that mean I asked. She explained to me that I was anemic and she continued to say that my blood was worthless, good for nothing, and they wouldn't take it if it was the last pint of blood on earth- ok- maybe not all that... But let me tell you that was truly the biggest let down ever...

A New Talent Unveiled

2010-08-02T18:55:00.001-05:00

So...I have found a new talent, well I'm not sure if it really can be called a talent. However, it is something that I found that I really like doing, and actually, I am pretty good at it...well at least I think I am...

Tie Dying

At the beginning of July my boss informed me that I would be in charge of tie dying this summer. I didn't know what to think. I had never tie dyed in my entire life. But nevertheless, for the entire month of July I tie dyed at work. Regretfully, I didn't keep track of how many shirts, skirts, leggings, dresses, sweatshirts, and pairs of socks I did. However, I think I could estimate that I did about 100 different things. The children had so much fun choosing the different colors and watching the colors blend together. The children were able to see how no shirt was ever the same. It was a lot of fun. However, the children were not the only ones who had fun, a lot of mothers actually got involved this year as well. I ended up doing many shirts for the moms who are kids at heart. And of course, all the teachers had to have a few things tie dyed, I mean we couldn't let the children be the only ones wearing crazy attire.

This picture is going to appear in our local newspaper Tuesday:

Sisters

Best Friends

Me and my little boy

Here we are styling in our tie dye

Why I love the fair

2010-07-31T17:43:00.000-05:00

I absolutely love our county fair. I look forward to it with great anticipation each and every year. I have to admit my favorite thing about the fair is most definitely the food. I love fair food, so much so, that I think one day I might open a restaurant of my own that sells this magnificent fatty food. Such as: fried vegetables, the fried cauliflower and zucchini are my favorite. Then there is corn on the cob, pizza by the slice, Mexican nachos, turkey drumsticks, lemon shakeups, caramel apples, cotton candy, cheesecake on a stick, chocolate dipped strawberries on a stick, frozen bananas on a stick, ice cream on a stick, corn dogs..obviously on a stick. Pretty much anything...on a stick. Oh, just the thought of food on a stick tempts me to go back to the fair one last time before it shuts down tomorrow....

Well, believe it or not I love the fair for more reasons than just the food, although that is the primary reason. I enjoy people watching. Watching the strange people dressed in strange attire. Such as this Tin man here: (Yes, that would be me...with the food)

I also enjoy watching the shows, even though the shows are pretty much the same year to year. Reptile Man still has the same jokes from when I was in elementary, nevertheless I still get a thrill out of watching him preform.

Last, I love the fair because it breaks up the monotony. And allows me to spend time with my favorite people in the world: Family.

The Miracle of Sisterhood

2010-07-26T19:43:00.000-05:00

The Mystery: You got in her stuff. She got in your face. You shut her finger in the door (okay, accidentally). She kicked you off the couch. But now when you're together, you sometimes laugh so much you feel certain Mom is going to show up and tell you to keep it down. How it can be, nobody knows, but sisters all over the world understand that it is possible to love somebody who used to drive you nuts- and maybe sometimes still does.

The time you ate all the dough before you could make the cookies? That stays between the two of you!

Beware of sisters who have joined forces against a common enemy

You're not just sisters. You're two people bound by the fact that you know far too many embarrassing stories about each other.

No matter what the scheme, you can always count her in

Forget "how are you doing?" The real question is "who weighs more?"

Definition of Cooperation: Cramming a mountain of hair products, a ton of makeup, a hairdryer, a set of rollers, a radio, and a couple of sisters in to a small bathroom with a single outlet and one mirror.

Some days it's no surprise that sister rhymes with arm twister.

With a sister no background information is ever required when you're telling a story. How great is that?

If you're going to break a house rule, it's best to do it together.

With a sister you can ask which fork to use at a fancy dinner without being embarrassed.

Off come the shoes. Out come the contents of the fridge. On and on goes the talk well into the night.

If you don't feel like talking, your sister doesn't automatically assume you're mad at her

You are never, ever required to fake a laugh when you're with your sister.

Nicole and Lauren, I love you more than words could ever express- Brooke

Something isn't right II

2010-07-21T20:14:00.000-05:00

Just yesterday I visited the local playground in my small town. I haven't visited the park for quit some time. And I most certainly have not found myself attempting to go down the slides, squeezing through the tunnels and climbing up the ladders for several years. However, on my "date" with my little girl I was practically forced to climb around on the playground. :) However, what I saw was quite disturbing, in fact it has been bothering me ever since.

I remember as a child playing at the playground. Graffiti on the playground has long been a characteristic of the bad children. I remember as I child seeing the markings on the playgrounds. Most of them read things such as:

I love Johnny! or I love Sue!

However, now things are different, different to say the least.

As I was taking Sarah though the tunnels and up the ladders, all I could think was how I glad I was that Sarah could not read. Today the markings on the playground no longer simply read of childhood romance. Rather, the playground was marked up with cuss words and obscenities. However, the the thing that bothered me most I saw next...

As I proceeded through the tunnels and up the ladders (quite uncomfortably) I noticed the wood marked with dates.

Dates that marked the first time a child/teen smoked a cigarette.

Dates that marked the first time an alcoholic beverage was drunk by a child/teen.

Dates that marked the first a child or teen got high...

It was disturbing to say the least. As I sat scrunched up in the tunnels I was filled with both anger and sadness. Where were the parents when all of this was going on? These children/teens are the future of our country. Where is are country going when our young people are hiding out having their first drinks and smokes... All I can say is something isn't right!

Excitement

2010-07-20T21:41:00.000-05:00

I can hardly contain my excitement any longer....

In exactly four weeks from today I will be on my way to:

Tybee Island

Isn't is just gorgeous.

I can't wait to stop looking at pictures, and to be able to feel the sand beneath my toes, the cool wind gently blowing, see dolphins, and hopefully if I am lucky...I really really want to find a sand dollar!

I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Our second date

2010-07-20T21:24:00.000-05:00

My little girl will be beginning kindergarten in about a month. We have been having little play dates together before we both go back to school. So today Sarah and I and had our second date together.

We started off baking Chocolate chip cookies. Well....I baked, she licked the beaters, licked the bowl, and made a mess!!!

Then, she ate the cookies

We then headed to the park

Then we went for ice cream, where I believe she got more ice cream on her face then in her mouth.

More than that

2010-07-10T17:42:00.000-05:00

My big sister could not be with me in college... She was only with me my first semester, and then she graduated. I was left alone, something I was not used to. I had grown quite accustomed to leaning upon my big sister. Then she stepped in...my big sister's best friend. And she was there. I am sure she has no idea how much her words of kindness and encouragement meant to me. But she was there and that was all that I needed. She was simply my big sister's best friend but over the past two years in college, she has become more than that to me...she has become my confident, my companion and my friend too.

Last Friday Liz got married. I never cry in weddings, but this one I did. I could not help but have tears come to my eyes when I saw my big sister's best friend, my friend, walking down the aisle. She looked absolutely radiant; she seemed to have a glow about her.

My big sister has an amazing best friend, and I am so lucky and proud to call her my friend too.

Something isn't right

2010-07-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

I live in the best country in all the world. I am truly proud to be an American. But some thing about this country isn't right. As most of my readers realize, I am studying to be a teacher, a history teacher. Perhaps that is why I got so frustrated this morning. Although I live in the best country in the world, our public schools are not educating our American children well enough in the area of the history of our great country, the USA. The history teachers should be so proud to tell their students that they have the awesome privilege of living in the greatest country in the world. A country that was founded upon the Bible, God's holy Word. Yet, the public school teachers are seriously lacking. Yet, I should not place all blame upon the teachers, for it is primarily the duty of the parents to educate their children...

In my 3rd-4th grade Sunday school class today, one of the teachers simply asked the children what holiday we were celebrating today. They all knew the obvious answer: The Fourth of July! He then proceeded to ask the children what exactly we are celebrating. Hands shot up across the classroom. However, I was filled with dismay when one by one the children exclaimed that we were celebrating fireworks. I stood there thinking... Fireworks??? Why would we celebrate fireworks? Do these kids think we celebrate presents on Christmas, or perhaps eggs on Easter? I stood there speechless. The other teacher went on to explain that we are celebrating our nation's independence. He then asked the children if they knew who America became independent from. The children looked at him dumbfounded, you mean America wasn't always independent? However what struck me the most occurred next. The pianist then began to play our country's beautiful national anthem. The song that once brought tears to people's eyes. That song that was once sung so proudly by children of all ages. Not one of the children knew what the pianist was playing. I thought, if the pianist was playing a song of Michael Jackson's, or some other famous singer, I guarantee you every child would have rose from their seat and proudly sung everyone of the words. But not our national anthem, they have never even heard of it.

I am proud to live in the best country in the world, yet I am so sad to see the children of America grow up not knowing that they live in the greatest country of all.

Memories from childhood days

2010-07-03T19:16:00.000-05:00

Girls, do you remember those silly hand clapping games we used to play when we were young. Ahh...back in our childhood days...

This week at work, I observed my two five year old little girls: Grace and Sarah doing this little hand clapping song: Cherry Cherry Ding-Dong.

As I watch them sing and clap along, I thought back to the little songs I use to sing and clap to when I was young. The girls and I at work immediately began to the show the children some of our clapping songs such: Shame, Shame Shame I don't want to go to Mexico no more more more. Do you remember that one? Or how about Miss Sue, Miss Sue from Alabama, that was always always a favorite of mine.

Yes- some things never change- hand clapping must just be a little girl thing...

Trust

2010-06-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

"Therefore the Lord heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation."

After reading these verses in Psalm 78, I began to do some thinking on trust. The verses before are speaking of the children of Israel. God did so much for them, yet they still did not trust. It is so easy for me to look at the those children of Israel and think. "What was wrong with you. God fed you angel food, He provided you water from a rock, etc..." Then I look at my life, God has done so much for me yet I still struggle in this area of trust.

I thought back to my childhood. I was sure my dad was the strongest, my mom was the smartest, etc... Don't get me wrong my dad is super strong and my mom is incredibly bright :) But I remember discovering that dad couldn't do everything (just almost everything) and I remember coming to the age where mom could no longer help me with those math problems. I lost a little bit of trust. I'm not a parent. Yet, I imagine as a parent you would feel sad when you no longer could solve all of your child's problems. Then I thought, imagine how my God feels when I begin to loose trust in Him, how angry and frustrated He must get with me. Sometimes I like to imagine God sitting in heaven with tears in His eyes, looking down upon my life. Watching me struggle to solve all of life's problem on my own. He cries to me, "Brooke don't you know you can trust me, I am all powerful; I am all knowing. You never have to loose trust in me. Brooke, trust me. Give me your problems." Yet, so often I struggle on. While God sits in heaven wondering why after all He has done I have lost trust.

I then thought back to times in my life in which I have gotten in trouble from my parents. They could discipline me, ground me, do anything to me, but the thing that would hurt me the most severely were the words , "Brooke- we cannot trust you." I hated when my mother would say that to me. Far more than anything I wanted my parents to be able to trust me. As a human I long for other to trust me. I believe everyone desires to gain the trust of others, whether it is the trust of your child or of a parent, or friend, etc.... I have a Father in heaven who simply wants me to trust Him as well. I believe He rightfully deserves my trust.

God help me to TRUST!

When I grow up...

2010-06-07T20:30:00.000-05:00

This past week was graduation at work. I was able to be the photographer this year which was a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed watching my little kids sing the songs we have been practicing, and then walk across the little bridge and answer the big question... Miss Jody proceeded to ask each child what they wanted to be when they grew up. We had quiet the variety of answers ranging from doctors to zoo keepers, from princesses to aviators, from firemen to ballerinas. Each child answered this thought provoking question.

This question made me think back to the days when I was often asked the same exact question. "Brooke- what do you want to be when you grow up?" I can hear myself answering- "a teacher."

As I watched my kiddos graduate I thought how many of them are really going to become ballerinas, princesses, aviators, doctors, and zoo keepers. Then I thought- Lucky me. I have grown up to be just what I have always wanted be - A teacher.

You see as a young child I knew what I wanted out of life- I wanted to touch the future, therefore I decided to teach...

I am so glad that I have been able to fulfill my dream...

Sometimes

2010-05-26T18:37:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I don't fee like getting up on Saturday morning after a long, hard, and tiring week. Sometimes I wish I could simply lie in my bed and catch just one more hour of sleep. After all, it seems like I never get to sleep in.

Sometimes I think that it is really a waste of time- I mean how many people have gotten saved from my efforts.

Sometimes my friends die and sometimes it hurts me real bad- sometimes they die when I have only known them for a short period of time. Sometimes they die after several years of our friendship. In fact one of my friends dies almost every month or week.

Sometimes I get angry with how some families neglect their loved ones. And I think how I will never do such a thing.

Sometimes I wonder is after going for years and years if they even remember my name.

Sometimes I wonder is this worth it....

Then I get up, get dressed and go to the Waters of Dune land Nursing Home...

I no longer wish for that extra hour of sleep when I see the elderly...I see them anxiously call for the nurse to get them ready so they can go to the 10:00 church service we hold every Saturday.

I then realize it is worth it when just one person after years of holding service, turns from Catholicism and accepts Christ alone.

Although I have lost many friends, and see so many drift away- I know that I have made a difference in their life- in fact they have made a difference in mine.

I have learned how to encourage the weak, feeble, and lonely.

I have learned that although they may not remember my name- they remember what I come for. As we sing old hymns like: In the Garden, The Old Rugged Cross, or Amazing Grace, my friends have tears come to their eyes. As we take prayer request and each Saturday they thank God that we faithfully visit them. When I leave an hour and half later and they plead for one more hug- after all that may be the only hug they get all week...

Sometimes I think...

Why do I ever wonder if it is worth it...

It is one of the most worthy things I do all week. And if I have to give up an hour of sleep for that- that I'll gladly give it up.

Sometimes- as I sit in the service and listen to my dad preach and my little sister play the piano, I have to sit back and smile- This is so worth it.

not what I was expecting...

2010-05-22T15:10:00.001-05:00

The other day I got an response that I was not expecting... Let me explain.

I came into work to find Grace ( one of my favorites) sitting at a table all alone during lunch time. I immediately knew she must have got in trouble for something. I soon found out that she had thrown a fit before lunch time, thus she was sitting at a separate table from the rest of her friends. Soon lunch ended and all the children went outside to play, all except for Grace- she was still being punished. After a few minutes, I decided Grace had sat long enough. I went inside to talk to Grace. We came to a compromise- if she could tell what she did wrong I would let her get up and go outside and play.

I looked into her big brown eyes. She looked so confused, after all how could of she done anything wrong. Then tears came to her eyes. She shook her head and looked down in shame.

"Ok Grace tell me- what did you do wrong?"

"Miss Brooke, I'm, I'm just not filled with he Holy Ghost."

I tried desperately hard not to laugh. I was in shock- did she really just say she wasn't filled with the Holy Ghost?

"Your not filled with the Holy Ghost...???"

"No, I'm not Miss Brooke, but I hope to be filled one day. Because when you're filled fire comes on your head."

Well that was certainly an answer that in all my life I never ever expected to hear from a little five year old girl.

My God is so Big!

2010-05-21T08:19:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been in the middle of doing something, going through life when out of the blue God speaks to you. Well that happened to me this past week. Every Sunday, I have the privileged of helping on a bus route that goes through the area picking up kids for church. On the way to Sunday School I lead the kids in singing Bible songs, playing a game, telling a story etc... I do this every week... However this past week something happened.

As I stood in front of the bus I began to lead the children in one their favorite songs...My God is So Big: It goes like this:

My God is so Big so strong and so mighty

there's nothing my God cannot do

The mountains are His the valleys are His

the stars are His handy work too

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty

there's nothing my God cannot do -For You!

The children yelled out the final words of the song, "for you" and 40 little fingers pointed directly at me. I stood there speechless for a moment. Thinking...I have been singing that song since I was a little girl. Yet, this was the first time those words ever really hit home to me. It just a children's song. Yet what truth is in those words. My God really is So BIG and you know there's really is nothing that my God cannot do FOR ME!

I'm Changing...

2010-05-19T20:52:00.001-05:00

Well, today I officially finished my second year of college. As I handed my teacher my last final of the year, my mind began to race through my entire Sophomore year. So much happened... I then thought of how I had changed. I have changed so much this past year... I thought back to when I finished high school I was so excited and determined to succeed in college. I was ready to plunge ahead into a Science degree. Then, I found out that Science majors must minor in Math. With a broken heart I decided not to major in Science simply because I loath Math. I then seriously prayed about Elementary education. Working at a day Care, I had realized I had a soft spot for small children, and I thought maybe Elementary Education might be a good future for me. However, I just did not have peace about Elementary Education. I knew I wanted to minor in Speech, but then what about my major? ( I know I'm weird most people would chose the major first...) I reluctantly and last minute decided on History. I have never been a History person, it simply bored me. I was a Science girl through and through. But something happened this year. I think it is that History teacher of mine....He's changing me... I find myself waking up every morning looking forward to listening to: Don Wade and Roma

I find myself looking forward to cleaning the Day Care at night just so I can crank up News Radio 890 and listen to Sean Hannity

But what I look forward to the most...is those wonderful hour between 12:00- 4:00 when my hero, might I add I am seriously considering naming my first born Rush....that prideful, cocky, brash Rush Limbaugh comes on over the air! I just love to hear him!

See, I tell you I have changed...One year ago, I would have never spent a moment of my time listening to News Radio. But now I listen intently so I can intelligently discuss Current events with my teacher.

My History teacher has changed me I tell you! I have also grown to love and appreciate this American more than any other:

What a great President he was.

My History teacher has changed me so much. As I was looking through my day planner, I had to scratch my head and ask myself, what is happening to me...I'm changing. I looked at the list of books I want to read this summer, I found a list of history books, books my History teacher has endorsed. What's wrong with me? This isn't the Brooke I knew a year ago, wanting to read History books????

I then have found myself anxiously telling my parents, sisters, girls at work, and you how excited I am about next year History classes. I get to take Economics, 20th Century, Government- Boy, I can't wait till History Class!

Different Infatuations

2010-05-08T17:38:00.001-05:00

I thought I would do something a little more...um, light hearted today...

Many of you who read my blog are also readers of my sister's blog. If you aren't let me just encourage you to read her blog. It is a lot more interesting than mine. Nicole and I are alike in many ways. Let's see, we have the same parents, we work at the same place, go to church together, we are both somewhat laid back...I know that we are alike in more ways, however, I think the list of differences would be much longer. Today I would like to show you one difference between the two of us. We have different infatuations...

Do you recall my sister's strange infatuation with Charles Martin? (To read her post of him click here.) Might I add that she has a book mark in his website. She watches previews for his newest books (ya- I didn't know their were previews for books either, until now) She has a life size poster of him - ok she doesn't. But- he is one of her infatuations. So, who is my infatuation you might be asking.

I like to read. If I had to choose an author it would probably be Mary Higgins Clark. However, never once have I even had a remote desire to look her up on line, follow a website of hers, or even check and see when her newest book will arrive at the library. So...she is not my infatuations. But I guess you could say that he is....

I can read your mind..."who in the world is this man..."

Have I got your curiosity yet?

How about now?

No, he is not an author by any stretch...

But...he did make something...

Something absolutely amazing...

Something so amazing that I took the product name and made it into my email address....

Do you know yet...

Ok. I'll give you a hint:

Ah..he makes amazing hair products: He is the sole founder of Brilliant Brunette hair products. Have I said yet they are amazing! Without them I would die.. Ok- that was an exaggeration- but my hair would be dead. Seriously- before I met Brilliant brunette, my hair was burnt and broken Thank you John Freida. What a difference you have made in my life! :)

My Father's Pleasure

2010-04-24T17:59:00.000-05:00

"Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom."

Luke 12:32

I am sure I have read over this verse several times in my life. Yet, it has never struck me as it has now. It has definitely become one of my favorite verses.

How easy it is for me to become so consumed with self. What do I want to do some day, where am I going to live someday, on and on. Honestly, everything I desire and want out of my life are good and noble things. But, are they what God wants for me?

Lately, I feel as if all my plans have blown up in my face... Now, I am slowly learning to stop all my planning. Yes, I still have dreams and aspirations for my future. And I believe that God will give me the desires of my heart- however- he may also change those desires into something I would have never imagined. Something so much better.

I guess I am writing this all to say that through this wonderful verse God has been reminding me time and time again, that He has plans for me too. When I give over my plans then and only then will He reveal his plans for me. And I believe God's plans are so much better than mine. Sometimes I like to sit back and hope and dream of what my future my holds. Then I remember...it is my Father's pleasure to give me the kingdom. I think so many times Christians settle for a house or a cottage when the kingdom is just a few miles away and ignorantly not realizing that God had something so much more for them. But they had their own plans... I have decided that I am done planning things out myself and trusting and relying on self. God has something so much better for me.

God, I have been in control, it is as if I have given you a piece of paper with all MY plans in life and I have been asking for your approving signature. God, now, I give you the piece of paper with my signature on the bottom - You write the plans and I will simply follow!

I Heard Footsteps

2010-04-17T14:13:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd shared with you one of my recent favorite songs. I have found myself singing the words and humming the tune everyday (much to the dismay of my family.) I really like it and I hope you will be blessed by the words as I have been.

I Heard Footsteps

You ask me about the mountains, Yes, I've been there

Felt the sun shine on my shoulders and the warm wind blow.

You ask me about the valleys, Yes, I've been there

Had my heart to break in two and felt the tear drops flow.

But I heard footsteps walking in the shadow,

and a hand reached out to tell me, He was there.

Yes, I heard footsteps waling in the shadow,

and a hand reached out to tell me, He was there.

Talking about the good times, Yes, I've had them,

Had my heart ring out with laughter as the Lord answered my prayer.

Talking about the bad times, Yes, I've had them,

Had my world to crumble down and no one but God to care.

But I heard footsteps walking in the shadow,

and a hand reached out to tell me, He was there.

Yes, I heard footsteps walking in the shadow,

and a hand reached out to tell me, He was there.

Lunch Break

2010-04-14T20:38:00.000-05:00

So...I thought I would do something a little different- I have posted several pictures and written many posts all about my job. Have I mentioned how very much I love my job? Yes- I absolutely love my kiddos. But today I thought I'd talk about my lunch break- yes that one hour of freedom away from my children. That one hour that flies by so quickly. The hour in which I do not have to hear the word, Miss Brookey, spoken one time- well...unless my sister, Nicole, accidentally calls me that out of habit. Ah...the lunch break...

Today my lunch break was exceptionally wonderful. First Nicole and I got to take our break together, which is always a plus. Then, we went to Dairy Queen, another plus. Side note: I really really like DQ. Let me give you a brief Dairy Queen commercial- did you know you can get a drink or arctic rush, a small treat, a fries, and a hot dog, hamburger, or chicken strips all for the grand total of $3.59- It's that great! Well- there is a catch-it's not that good. You do have to suffer the humiliation of saying- "I'll take the kid's meal" Ya- I do get kind of embarrassed as I say those words, however I have found if I say those words then turn to my sister and start talking about a kid in the car- it works a lot better....

Well anyway, Nicole and I then took our meal to the Dunes. It was such a beautiful day and we really enjoyed our food....oh ya, and our time together Seriously, I had a great time with my sister and it really was the best part of the day. Well, then again lunch is always the best part of the day isn't it?

Just a few pictures from our lunch break:

Me and my favorite Co-worker

Bye- now it's off to work we go...

Never Again!

2010-04-12T21:27:00.000-05:00

Never ever again! I have finally successfully finished my History textbook- History of the World. It was approximately 922 pages, and I read every word. However, I do not plan on reading a book that large ever again in my life! Beginning with the Foundations of the world and first civilizations spanning to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War in 1991. This book covered more than I could handle. And I will never, ever read a book this large again!...Well, maybe not unless it covers a topic I thoroughly enjoy then, maybe, maybe...

Smile!

2010-04-12T20:55:00.000-05:00

Little people who make me smile!

The Holacaust

2010-03-30T20:56:00.001-05:00

A requirement for one of my history classes is to teach a day in the high school. So I taught yesterday- I really enjoyed teaching. I am still a rookie for sure, it was only my second time. Last semester I taught on the Ancient Olympics. That was a lot of fun. The students seemed to thoroughly enjoy the topic- and let me say it is interesting to say the least- Did you know if a married woman attended the Ancient Olympics they would be thrown off Mt. Typaeum? Yep, there is a lot of stuff you probably wouldn't know about this interesting topic. This semester however, my topic wasn't as "fun" but I really enjoyed digging in and finding out more and more about the Holocaust. What an interesting topic! It broke my heart to read all the first hand accounts of the millions and millions of people: people who perhaps watched a friends die, walked the hundreds of mile on the Death March, or maybe attempted to hide a Jew away- but they were caught and hung in public as a warning to others. I was even able to find some videos of people who gave first hand accounts of what happened in those Death Camps. I encourage you to read into this. The more I read the more I became disgusted with those Nazis...what was wrong with them...I read one story in particular... a young teenage boy describes what he saw the day his family was taken to the Death Camp. He says:

"...And everything went so fast: Men separated from women. Children torn from the arms of mothers. The elderly chased like cattle. The sick, the disabled were handled like packs of garbage. They were thrown in a side together with broken suitcases, with boxes. My mother ran over to me and grabbed me by the shoulders, and she told me "Leibele, I'm not going to see you no more. Take care of your brother.” And I never did."

The more accounts I read, the more disgusted I became. I read phrases describing the elderly and handicapped as worthless, good for nothing, and unprofitable to the society. After all, how would they help Germany become racially pure. They were unwanted. Did you know 80,000- 100,000 thousand elderly and disabled were killed during the Holocaust. Why? Because they were no longer useful to the society, that's why....Hmmmm.... Sound familiar??? Does it remind you of this man:

How easy it is for us to be disgusted at the cruelty of the Nazis. But what about us...what about our Health Care Plan. Are we really much better. Is Obama really much different than this man:

You see..they both believed people like this:

were no longer useful. After all they can't contribute to society any longer. After all, they have lived a long enough life, it is simply time for them to die....

Maybe I am taking this a bit out of context, I don't know. But the more I read about the philosophy of Hitler and his army the more I thought about Obama and his Health Care....Am I really making too big a contrast??? Where will America be in 25 years???

My Bulletin Board

2010-03-30T11:54:00.000-05:00

My Spring Break has certainly been a busy one. Yesterday, with the help of Nicole I put up my bulletin board. I have such a hard time coming up with ideas. I finally decided on doing a good work board. With "a little" help from Nicole and my mom, and Liz (thanks for letting me use your cricut) I was very pleased with how it turned out.

Impress or Impact

2010-03-14T14:47:00.000-05:00

I just finished reading the above book: Teaching to Change Lives by Dr. Howard Hendricks. I was assigned to read this book for one of my classes. It was a great book!

I am the type of reader who can be reading for a long period of time without truly comprehending everything I am reading and then all of a sudden something will jump out at me and get a hold of me. This was definitely how this book was. I was reading along when this small paragraph jumped out at me.

"“You can impress people at a distance. But you can impact them only up close. And the closer you are to them, the greater and more permanent the impact.”

It is just a small paragraph, but it really made me think....

I thought back to the many teacher I have had through my many years of schooling. I remember how impressed I was and still am at the brains of some of my teachers, especially some of my math and science teachers... but that is all...I was impressed. And then I can think back to one or two teachers who didn't necessary impress me but boy did they impact me. There was one teacher in particular you had more faith in me than I ever had in myself. She encouraged me, worked one on one with me, prayed for me- and told me she was, wrote little notes to me, and even worked out with me. Now...that is the type of teacher that truly impacted me. In fact because of her impact I am taking Secondary Education in History in Speech. Who ever would have thought that I, a shy backward little girl would be minoring in Speech...all because one teacher took the time...the time to impact. This little saying reminded me why I am taking Secondary Education in the first place. It is not so I can impress people, (don't get me wrong- I do want to learn it all so I can teach intelligently), but to impact my students. Like Christa McAuliffe said, "I touch the future, I teach." As I future teacher I have the opportunity of a life time. I can impact the future generation. But it is all up to me- will I impress my students with my understanding of History and my ability to speak or preform a drama, or rather will I impact one student who will never be the same all because I came "up close."

Volley Marathon

2010-03-14T14:42:00.001-05:00

Paul and I had a great Volleyball Marathon together. Actually I really don't know why it is called Volleyball Marathon- I played no volleyball at all :) But, regardless of the lack of volleyball playing Paul and I had a great time playing games of our own.