Kid in a candy shop!

"Celebrate God all day, every day.  I mean, revel in him!  Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them.  Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!  Don't fret or worry.  Instead of worry, pray.  Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.  Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for goof, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."--Phillippians 4:4-7

Check out that Chrismon tree.  The beauty of it is  not-describable. There is nothing but white and gold found amoung those ornaments.  Each ornament is a symbol of Christ, conveying the life of Christ.  Every church has their own tradition of how to decorate their church, who decorates and when.  By my church welcomes everyone, all ages to come and learn about the Chrismon tree and help decorate it.  You will see at the top is the symbol for the Father, slightly lower on the left is the Son and on the right the Holy Spirit.  These three ornaments are the highest on the Chrismon tree and represent what is number one and center of our lives as brothers and sisters in Christ.  I am blessed to have memories of decorating this tree from an early childhood.  Now I am the one who stands high and places the top most ornaments.  Many memories are made at the decorating of the Chismon tree and many are to be made. 

The season is Advent, as we all await the coming of the LORD Jesus Christ.  His birth is soon, but his coming is any day now.  The excitement that is in all this and amazing.  

Today, I just feel like a kid in a candy shop.  I don't like Candy that much, but what I do love is feeling the joy, peace and happiness of life.  Life can be stressful, and for sure I know that.  I am finishing up exams today and this time next year I will be preparing for graduation.  The choices that we make our lives are our own, and they are what determines how we will grow.  I received an email from a friend, that I would like to share with you. 

I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now..... a year from now. 

A frail old man went to live his son, daughter-in-law and four year old grandson.  The old man's hands trembled, his sight was blurred and his step faltered.  The family ate together at the table.  But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult... peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the table cloth.  The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess.  "We must do something about father", said the son.  "I've had enough of his spilled milk, nosiy eating, and food on the floor."  

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner.  There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.  When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone.  Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.  The four year old watched it all in silence. 

One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.  He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" and just as sweetly the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and for Mama to eat your food in when I grow up."  

The words struck the parents so that they were speechless.  Then tears started streaming down their cheeks.. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done.  That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. And for the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family.  And for some reason, neither husband now wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the table cloth soiled..

This story is so precious and shows us that children learn from every example that we set. We are all role models for someone in our life, it may be someone older or someone younger, btu there is always someone watching our every move.  Happiness can be found in the little things, so enjoy life and treasure what you have.  While I work on doing the same in my life, I reflect on the little things  that have made my day:

• The beauty of life and the blessing I have to help my parents decorate my home.  It is filled with snowmen, ornaments, trees, bears, crosses and more.  It is the season of Christmas that excites me.
• The gift of my friendships in the past and present and what is more to come.  I am blessed to still be connected with those from my elementary school years, middle school and high school.  I am blessed to have some wonderful friends, while in college.  Friends are a special part of our lives and each one is treasured. 
• On this rainy day, it can be hard to see the sunlight, but it is there. I am thankful to live in an area that does not have dust storms and droughts on a regular basis.

Today, I just feel like a kid in a candy shop.  No worry or sadness.  Today, later than normally I checked my email.  Most days I have a majority of junk mail or sales in stores.  I occasionally have a 'real' email.  But today, I not only had a 'real' email, I had an email that was the topping on the ice cream sundae.  One of my best friends, Aaron, is serving our country as a marine and is half way around the world.  I was blessed to hear from him and learn that all is well. 

Dear heavenly Father, 

The message that you give us as we eagerly wait the coming of your Son is so helpful.  During this time of the year, the scurry and rush is among us all and it is nice to know you are there for us. Help us to remember that every action we have is watched by not only you, but by others around us.  If we choose to misbehave, not only are we not being loyal to you, we are also causing bad images of us to be seen.  I am blessed to have you as the center of my life, whom I rejoice and praise!  Lord Jesus, as I pray every day.. I pray for all the troops that have chosen to serve our country for us.  Especially watch over those families that have a loved one away.  In Jesus holy name, I pray. Amen. 

Tis the season...

Tis the season of advent.  Yes, I know that is not the normal phase, but it is really what is happening. "Light one candle to watch for Messiah, let the light banish darkness, he shall bring salvation to Israel, god fulfills the promise." It is advent, we are waiting for the birth of Christ. 

Church was just wonderful this week.  I love my home church and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  The stress of school is overwhelming, but this morning I was blessed to be among wonderful brothers and sisters in Christ rejoicing together.  It doesn't matter the size of your church, the age demographic or the performance--what matters is coming together praising the LORD Jesus for the right reason!  Being surrounded by those that love you is more supportive than anything else in the world.  And having a place where I know that I am accepted as a child of God with my own image is breath taking. 

This time of year can be a hard one. The stress is overwhelming from the ending of college semesters.  Work load for many is more compressed then other times.  Memories are exposed from ones that are no longer in our lives.  Some may be going without things they once had.  But instead of dwelling on the negatives and the hardships of life, it is a wonderful time to rejoice and remember to live everyday like it is a new one.  Jesus gave as a wonderful gift, the ability to life live fully. 

December is such a wonderful month.  I think I have decided that November and December are my favorite months.  My birthday, friends birthdays, Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas... what more special can it get :).  The calendar is filling up and I am more than excited to know that I will be spending my Sunday afternoons decorating the church and spreading Christmas joy with those that are home bound, while spending time with the people that mean the world to me. I plan on going to Christmas concerts, volunteering at Yokefellow, visit people and remember that I am doing what I want to do. I am blessed to know that I live in a country that has the freedom to celebrate Advent and Christmas freely and openly. 

About a month ago, I learned about a mission to encourage all to wear red on Fridays to support our troops.  While at first, I thought really I support troops all the time and pray about them daily.  But then I got thinking.. they give their every moment to protecting others and standing up when they would rather lie down.  They are the reason that we can openly and freely celebrate Advent and Christmas, so why not wear red on Fridays.  In this day and year everyone knows of at least someone that has chosen to serve our country.  They may be a mother or father, son or daughter, sister or brother, husband or wife.   Or maybe a friend or a friend of a friend.  OR maybe they are someone that is just on a prayer list, but together as brothers and sisters in Christ we all know someone that is a troop serving our country and we should support them.. I wear red on Fridays now and support troops. 

Dear gracious Lord, the blessing that you have given us to wait for the birth of Christ is precious.  We often push to hard to get ready for Christmas, but through you we should remember to wait and to wait for the star to show us the way.  You are amazing Lord Jesus.  I ask for you to watch over everyone that is dealing with anything that causes a struggle and to watch over those that are caring for them.  While I wear Red on Fridays, I don't want that to be the only day I thank a solider, but instead I want to be do so as a reminder that you have chosen those to protect others like me.  I pray for all those in my church that are suffering sickness, pain, turmoil, sadness, but also those that are rejoicing, praising and being who they are everyday!  Lord Jesus, help me to remember to wait.  To take to just wait.  In your holy name, I pray, Amen.

Phil 1:6

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. 

I have shared before that my college career has had a good number of changes throughout the past four years.  During the times of struggle, I was disappointed and mad that I couldn't figure it out.  And then when I discovered that there was a major and track that I felt at home in I was frustrated that I did not locate it at the beginning of my college career.  I will be graduating a semester later than what was originally planned, but I am beginning to see the positive.  Often in life seeing the positive through the storm is very hard.  But with the guidance of Christ and the uplifting of friends comfort is found in knowing that everything will be okay.  

During high school I volunteered more than 300 hours worth in elementary schools, assuming that is where I would be working toward right now.  But now I have a new place that I feel at home.  Volunteering is a gift from God, that not everyone sees the joy and reward in.  The end of the semester is here and finals are about to start, but I spent four hours today at my "home".  As I walked in the door, I instantly felt at "home".  The destination of our lives is not what we are living for, it is about the journey that we take each day.  So much has happened and so much more is to happen in the near future, far future, and future that I know nothing about.  I am blessed to have the gift of volunteering. 

Look at the beautiful moon.  What do you see?  I see a beautiful image that I am blessed to know and understand.  After a wonderful day like today, I struggle in understanding why I still have to be in school--but then I am reminded that my journey is still in action.  Even though I have been swamped with school work, I always find time to think.  I just want to share a few thoughts with you and as a reminder to me in the future.

• After finishing a presentation on poverty, I realized that I really want to help others in any way possible, not just with materials but with hope, peace, wisdom, and believing.
• Every year my family does an Angel off of an Angel Tree and this year we had not gotten one yet, until today.  I choose two high schoolers.  These two had not been chosen and had been placed back many times.  Why do people just want to help the younger children, it is these older ones that understand and really deal with having nothing for Christmas. 
• Life is precious.  Thanksgiving was a wonderful time with my family and I am so blessed to have each one of them in my life.  Tis the season to be jolly, though the lost of uncle Henry will be on our minds.

Dear Lord, I pray to you with guidance.  I often forget to pray for myself because I think others should be first, but help us to know that praying for ourselves is okay.  Lord I ask for safe travel for people in the world.  I lift up safety for military individuals and groups that they may stay out of harm. Precious lord, ease the fire and dampening the dry, lift our worries and surround us with comfort knowing that you are with us where ever we may go. In your holy name, I pray to you LORD Jesus, Amen. 

Between squeaks and being Flat..

During the past weekend I spent my time at home, participating in Hibriten home coming, Loving Lenoir festivities, and enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of Lenoir. 

Who is Lenoir? (US census bureau--2011)

With a population of 18,091....

...we have 12 elementary schools, 4 K-8 schools, 4 middle schools, 5 high schools.  These schools are all around the county, and have their own histories and legacies.. they hold and teach 22.8% of our population.  

All of us, even myself have the wonderful memories, the scary memories, bad memories and fun memories of grade school, starting in Kindergarten and going through Seniors in high school.  We all had the time in our lives that we wanted to skip school because of a test or avoiding an assignment.  We had those days of getting in trouble in gym class because you didn't bring tennis shoes to class.  We had those days of nervously waiting for class to start, because we didn't know what was to come.  But we also had those days of being excited to see our friends, say hey to a teacher and of course eager to learn.  For most everyone, there were those classes or teachers that helped you create a family full of friends that would hold memories with you forever. 

Loving Lenoir took place for the 2nd time.  Hibriten band alumni joined the current band to play the fight song, the alma mater, and other stand music.  We stood proud with students as we remembered the wonderful days we all once had together in this exact spot.  I remember days in band like it was yesterday.  I started at WLMS with Mr. Whitener as he taught us how to put our instrument together.  This moved on learning grade 1 and 2 music as we prepared for our first concert.  And from that day on, we began a journey that none of us knew the destination or things we would go through together. A band family was created.  Three of my best friends were developed because of band. As I was approaching my 8th grade year, we learned that Mr. Whitener would be stepping down with us as we walked onto high school. 

Now starting high school was a whole new story.  Not everyone from middle school band would be in high school band, but a new family would be molded and created. My first day of band camp, I can remember thinking..."how in the world am I going to learn ALL of this music", but with help of upperclassmen and other band directors, Mr. Witcher helped us join the HHS band. We learned traditions and legacies of the HHS band and jumped right in, learning grade 6 music to take to festival.  As a large freshman class, we made new friendships and peers that we would walk with each day in years to come.  Some of my best friends resulted in being a member of the HHS band.  Freshman year came to and end, and we were on the hunt for a new band director.  Mr. Townsend joined us for my remainder three years of high school. 

High school was not an easy time for me, I was under the weather more days than I really wish to count.  For me, it was my band family that was standing by my side through every sickness, pain, and joy.  As I graduated in a class of 200 some people, my band family of 15 or so, we made an impact on each other. High school band was not just about the talent that was present, but more so the enjoying friendships and family that was created. 

Saturday morning the Loving Lenoir event continued as a few gathered at the Unity  Park and Caldwell Community Gardens to led a helping hand in working in the garden.  The mission of the garden is to help the community grow through planting, tending, harvesting, and sharing of fresh, local foods.  Being there wasn't about showing others or getting recognition, it was about sharing the love.  As a Christian, I have always been taught to love everyone and that includes the rich AND the poor.  A lot was accomplished, but much more work needs need to be done weekly. I was the youngest at this service project and I know I was sore the next day, so I can only imagine what the others felt like on Sunday.  An event like this shouldn't be something that we have to make ourselves go to, it should be something we WANT to go to.  Yes, it was at 9am in the morning, but at least we had a warm and dry place to sleep the night before. 

The day went on, and I did things around town with my dad.  Late afternoon, Eston and I went uptown to the Downtown Car Show, saw the Hot Wing Cookoff, and walked through the Cornhole Competition. The town was popping with crowds of all ages, and it really felt like a special place to be part of.  Many people whine about Lenoir not having anything, but then they don't take part in these wonderful events. 

Saturday night concluded with a all class, teachers and principals of Hibriten reunion at Alibis and while it was enjoyable it would have been nice to know someone besides my parents and boyfriend. The attendance was fair, but the representation of the 2000's classes was poor. 

Needless to say, the weekend was wonderful.  I love seeing people I knew and especially be part of a wonderful family event.  Everyone should plan to come next year, as I will hope to be part of again.  You never can know if you will be around each year, so come back and support good 'ole Lenoir as you remember the good, bad, ugly, and wonderful of your years growing up.   My roots are from Lenoir, and they will forever be... so happy to be part of a town that cares about the traditions and legacies of the past. :)

...its all about being part of a wonderful Family!

Step by step

The leaves are changing, the weather is cooling and the moon rises earlier.. it is my favorite time of the year.  Fall brings happiness and well of course my birthday, but better yet, I find Fall a time of reflecting, remembering, growing, and learning.  As I sit down now to throw my thoughts at the screen and relax, I am blown away that I am actually blogging.  Writing is not something that comes easy to me, but this is something I really enjoy.  I have now sat here and read back through many of my previous blogs and I have to brag a bit, by saying.. some were actually amazing to me. Everything that I feel like writing about today, must truly be part of me.. because each topic I have written about before. 

In life sometimes the path is not straight, it does not have walls with arrows showing us the direction.  Life does not have that little flashing "u-turn" like in the game of Mario-cart.  Life is full of challenges, falls, valleys, mountain highs, ah-has.  It is full of lessons learned, and mistakes taking place.  Life is full of pain, suffering, smiling, love, passion, struggle, and happiness.  Life is precious, so we shouldn't try to live someone else's life. Life is full.. but no matter what we are all individual humans walking our own unique path. 

Thinking back over the course of the last year, a lot has changed.  This time last year, I was studying hard for the Reading Praxis I and taking education class.  I had completely finished my school of edu application but was waiting on the score I needed.  At that point in my life, I would have never expected to be where I am now. At the end of Christmas break the score came back and it was points away from what I needed.  After many phone calls and conversation, I re-worked my schedule.  I was part time at LR and part time at CCC&TI.  I had spent my Christmas vacation working hard on studying and now was going to take remediation/developmental classes at the Community College. While studying there I made full effort to make sure my life outside was not exposed, and the same at LR.  I felt slightly ashamed/saddened by what I was having to do.  I learned so much in those classes.  And now as I am back into gear with a full time semester at LR, I can tell how much I learned. My grammar in these blogs are NOT a good representation... because to be honest, I am not paying attention. Sometimes in order to move forward on a path, you have to take some steps backwards. 

God's path

For the past 48 hours or so, I have been spending my time at Lenoir Rhyne University in Hickory with 400+ brothers and sisters in Christ.  While this may seem like something I do on a normal day during the school year, this is different.  Many friends, family, and other people have been trying to grasp what I have been talking about doing.. so I am going to try and help ya out.

I am part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA).. and their are 65 synods.

•  (some are a whole state,  some are many states added together, and some states are multiple synods..it just depends on size and number of churches.. 

I am part of Region 9

• The 65 synods are divided into 9 regions... each containing 7-12 synods
• NC Synod is one of six synods in Region 9

I am part of North Carolina synod

• There are 213 congregations
• About 68,512 baptized members
• 465 rostered leaders 

Each synod has a group of lay members and clergy (synod council) that come together to work in the name of the LORD to serve as an interim legislative authority between meetings of the annual synod assembly.  I was elected onto Synod Council when I was a Junior in high school as the youth representative, and then again last year was re-elected onto Synod Council as a female lay member and have two more years serving.

The North Carolina Synod comes together each year in June to have our Synod Assembly meeting.  Each congregation in the Synod may send two voting members to the assembly.  In addition they are allowed to send one youth or young adult AND if they are a church with minority they are allowed to send one person of minority as well.

A lot of planning and time goes into making this a wonderful event.  As part of being on the synod council, I was blessed to be able to serve on the Assembly planning committee--and was asked to serve as one of the chaplains. The chaplain is responsible for prayers throughout the assembly and this year leading vespers.
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Now that I have been able to explain some of the background, I would like to share my good, bad, excited, and nervous emotions that came with this assembly.

Upon arriving to the assembly I knew that I was serving as chaplain, however I was nervous because I wasn't really sure about what was going to take place.  I am someone that likes to know everything and how it is going to flow--and well that just wasn't the case. Everything has worked out and gone very smoothly.  This is now my third assembly that I am taking part in, and well I have been blessed to have not only my own church family members here, but my father as well.  It has been very special to be able to know my dad is out there.  He is a huge role model for me in all that he does within the church and outside in the community.  He is open to doing whatever assigned to and always eager to learn new ways of doing old things or new ways of doing things unknown to him. Today, I really saw him and his actions in me.  As part of the Synod Assembly, the participants went out into the community this morning to serve.  I was assigned to quilting--and even though my mom is a sewing queen--I was a tad unsure how this was going to go.  But as soon as I entered the building I was ready to learn it all and learn anything they wanted to teach me.  I quickly caught on, and they told me they were never letting me leave :P.  While working there, I realized that you do not have to know how to do something in order to do it.. you can learn on the spot if needed.

My co-chaplain and I spent this weekend away from our home and family to serve the LORD our God. He is surely amazing.  We are not pastors, we are not youth ministers, we are just two girls living in this world as daughters of the risen LORD.  This weekend he equipped us with the knowledge that we needed and he never let us be lost, he was there.  Why at moments we wondered what we were doing and I found myself looking to him asking for guidance.  Every time that I was preparing to go on stage to pray to the assembly, I took a moment to talk to God.

Now that my duties are over and I am taking time to reflect, I am realizing even more that I am so blessed to have so many special people in my life.  While I know there are many things I could share and stories I could tell, and while I know many that may read this wouldn't understand portions of it, so instead I am going to share about two special ladies in my life.  These two ladies do not include my mother or any other blood family, they are not part of my St. Stephens church family.  They have been in my life during my high school and college years.  These two ladies have taught me more than both I and they even probably realize.  These two ladies are always there for me it seems even when I am not realizing it or expecting it.  While these two ladies have many of the same impacts in my life, they also have many differences.

The first one is, Liz Fisher, she is truly amazing.  She always has the high amounts of energy when hanging with the young people.  She understands events of life and will listen until I am sure other people's ears would fall off.  She answers questions, even if they are dumb ones.  She has been there for me of times when I am totally unsure and feeling lost.  I do not have stories of moments with her as I do with the next lady, but I do know that Liz makes an impact in so many people's lives.  I have seen her impact my little brothers, Brandon, life as well.. and that is just as special.

The second lady is Tammy Jones-West and I know that I do not have enough time or even space to express my appreciation for the teaching, equipping and much more that Tammy has already done for me and for what is to come. But one of the most obvious things to me that Tammy has taught me, is something that is likely not clear to her.  Like I said earlier, I like to know about what is going on and how things are going to flow. There has been a few times, including this weekend, that I just didn't know everything.  And everything worked out and I didn't need to know.  While I am sure that Tammy knew the details, she did not share and actually it was for the best!  She was indirectly teaching me that everything will be okay when I am doing the wonderful works for our LORD God.

It turned out that this blog was longer than I expected it to be, it was more in depth than I anticipated, but it shares much about my weekend.  For you readers, if you have questions, concerns or comments please feel free to let me know.  I leave with this:  What are we being called for.  I know that I do not know where I am going, however I like to think I can plan it out--BUT only one person knows the whole plan and that man is looking down on us slowly directing us in that way.  This weekend many have asked me if I am interested in the ministry, and my response is no that's not where I feel I am being called.  However, like Liz reminded me today, God is in control--he is the one that knows the plan!

Oh gracious LORD!  You were with me when I was born to you and baptized in your name.  You have led me to be a member on the synod council, to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ.  While I know that I plan out my future in the way that I think it should or is going, you are totally in control and you are the one person that I need to lean on.  I ask that you continue to remind me all of this and that I am pulled toward the path you want me to go.  Sometimes I will stray away, and it is okay if you lead me down a path that gets me know where--I understand that it is all for the training of my calling.  I am now in the boat of not really knowing what I am called for, but I do know that I want to relay on you.  LORD God, you are truly amazing, I love you LORD Jesus!  Amen

forever in our hearts

Family..

Life..

Love..

Pictures..

..are those people that are there for you.  They do not have to be related to you by blood, or live in your home, or see you each day.  They are the ones that are there for you when you have no one else to turn to.  They are the ones that will try their absolute hardest to build you up, when you are falling down.

..a precious gift that we have been given.  We often do not remember and realize the value of this gift and just pass it along each day.

..a gift to each one of us from our heavenly Father.  He has taught us to do this just as he loves all of us.  Sometimes we may not feel that love that he is sharing with us, but it is always there even in some of the roughest, toughest moments.

..are a way to capture moments and memories. They help remind you of people and events, and they are precious to many.  They have a way of expressing more words and emotions that one can express. They are precious in their own way, and I personally do not think anyone can have to many pictures.

So it looks like I clearly understand what Family is.  This of course is only a sample of my family.  I have a wonderful family of people that are related to me down the line AND also people that are not related to me by blood.  My family is precious to me and I love each and everyone of them.  My mom's side is a big family (the top two pics).. and my dad's side is much smaller (the bottom two pics).  But no matter what they are all special to me and I have a unique connection with each of them.

Life is something we all live in our own unique ways.  For some it is to be the richest and have everything in the world.  For some it is living in a shack and barely being able to pay for warmth and water, let alone food and clothes.  For some it is owning your own business and maintaining a well kept yard.  But no matter your case, we all seek daily what we want to do with our lives.  We live each day like we have tomorrow instead of living today like we have no tomorrow.  Life is precious and it was given to us by Jesus Christ, he died for us.. so that we may live.

Love is something that we all do.  We each have someone that we love.  There are different types of love.  Love for a spouse and love for a child.  Love for a grandparent and love for a cousin.  Love for a friend and love for our animals.  Love for our clothes and love for our materials.  Love comes in many ways and is precious to us.  We were taught to love, by the one who loves us more than anything.

Do you like pictures, cause I know I do.  I have so many pictures and I love capturing them and looking at them.  Every picture has a story... well at least one story for each person in the picture.  Everyone has their own memory about when the picture was taken.

I started writing this entry to my blog a little over a month ago.  Something happened in my family that made a huge impact on my life.  Someone that I loved very much and that was in many of my memories and pictures was taken away.  Death you can never expect.

 There is a wonderful man that was taken from our lives.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, and friend.  He was silly, caring, smart, wise, creative, precise, and so much more. He walked into our lives like he was there all along.  He made family gatherings that much more fun.  He knew it was important when we were together that all the time was used for connection and not making food--ordering in was the way to go.  He liked to hide away to the side doing puzzles with his own special technique.  He loved hanging out with the cousins as much as with the adults.  He loved his movies and knew his movies.  He loved to fish..and boy was he good at it.  He wanted to keep us all together and be a joyous family.  He suffered through a cold CT weather, so that his wife could be with her sister and family..and to get to make Christmas cookies.  Each cousin has a special memory about him.. he had some special with each of us.. that only we can understand the whole memory.  He loved to play--esp in the ocean.  He was precise with his plants and flowers.  He played tug of war with his dogs. There are so many more memories with him.. because theses are only from my point of view.

On April 1st, we lost a special man.  I have not wrote about this yet, only because I found it very hard to review and edit.  Writing was soothing, but the reading over was the more challenging.  It is very hard to explain the heart ache that I have in my heart.  And while I know that everyone in my family also has this ache, they all are slightly different.  Memories are precious.. and now this picture is a picture that I treasure more than anything.

That is all of us together.

One thing that he loved to do with anyone that came to visit was to watch a movie.  So on the weekend of his funeral, four of the cousins figured that watching a movie together was the thing we should do.  We figured it was the most appropriate thing to do.  Now the issue was, that Henry had a very high tech process.. and well he always did so that we wouldn't mess anything up.  The four cousins realized this and it was quite an adventure figuring it out.. but we did.  Memories are forever.  Pictures help you remember.

I am blessed to have the family I have.  The ones that are there for me, and I am there for them.  We still have many things to get through, but I am confident that I can do it.. because I have such a wonderful family. 

This entry only gives a glimpse about Henry. 

It would have to be miles long to explain him to his full extent.

We all have our own memories, and I love hearing everyone's.

Henry you will forever remain in our hearts. 

Home roots

Colleges are out and college students are heading home.  It seems that about half of the statuses I see on facebook regard going home, which is of course what most college students do.  While I know I come from a small town that really has nothing to do, I often am saddened by the trashing that it receives.   I understand that there is nothing here, but it is not the worst ever.

Maybe all this is only because I have never lived any where else, but it sure isn't that I have never traveled anywhere.  I have done a good bit of traveling in the United States, up and down the eastern coast.  I have visited small towns and big cities, places that are full of stores and towns that are quaint and simple.  I am not a city girl, that is for sure.  The busyness of a city is just simply crazy and a tad overwhelming, but then again I don't think I would want to live out in the middle of the country.  I like where my home is.  In the county, outside of a small town, but not in the country.  I live in a neighborhood that has surrounding houses with families and dogs.  It makes it feel home like all the time.

So what do we not have in this small town.

• Lots of huge intersections
• A mall with Belk, Dillards, American Eagle
• Party City,  Target, Ollies
• Best Buy to fix electronics
• Fancy stores to buy gifts
• Every restaurant one could dream of
• Clubs
• Places to watch movies

Instead we have....

• Small important intersections that are named (Smith Crossroads, Cheeks)
• Rue 21, Maurcies, Belk
• Big Lots, Magic Mart, and Walmart that contain all we would ever need at a low price
• JP Computers can help you much more than Best Buy can
• She Sha's, Venti Casa, Abagails, and Treasures
• We got Sweet T's, Nara's and much more
• There may not be clubs, but we have local music concerts
• We have a movie theater that is nice
• Local radio station?  You betcha
• Travel 30 mins to the west and you are in Morganton, 30 mins East to Wilkesboro, 30 South to Hickory or 30 mins North to Boone.  (easy short access)
• Lake Hickory, Lake James all near by

Really, what is better than all of that. I enjoy being a Lenoir citizen.  Look at everything that we do have instead of looking at we do not have.  Lenoir has grown so much, it really is amazing and I am so proud of it.  

I am thankful to live where I live.  And one day, I may need to move away and that will happen as it needs to, but for now Lenoir is my home and for always Lenoir will be my hometown.  I look forward to see what it continues to grows to become. 

Volunteering is just in my blood..

What a beautiful Saturday it was... 7o-ish degree weather, with the sun shining.

On a beautiful, Saturday like this... there are many things to do.  I know I can come up with just a few.. maybe working in the yard, sitting by the pool with a book, taking a walk, playing with the dogs..or maybe it was a day for working inside, cleaning and getting ready for the week.  But while I need to do all of the above, my afternoon was spent differently.

Did you know what Saturday, May 12th was?  Have you ever heard of the National Stamp Out Food Drive?  I learned about it just a few years ago.  It is driven by the National Post Office service.  On one Saturday of the year, individuals can do the simple act of placing food out by their mail boxes.. (sounds simple right?  but how does that help anything).  Then the mail men and mail women drop off your mail and pick up all those cans of food.  The drive around their route with can food rolling this way and that, and then bring it back to their post office.  All the food is unloaded at the post office, sorted through checking the dates, divided by product type into boxes.  These boxes are then weighed and divided between different food pantries in the community (big process, you say.. you betcha!)

Today I saw cans of potatoes, pasta, green beans, corn, spinach, boxes of crackers, juice containers and so many other things.  I weighed more boxes then I think I can count and figured out which agency got the box.  Lots of food, lots of items, lots of boxes, and lots of time.  This year it seemed we had lots more food then we have had in the past.  In Lenoir, the two agencies that the food was divided between was Lenoir Soup Kitchen and Lenoir Yokefellow.  A collection of wonderful volunteers along with myself decided to spend our afternoon helping out at the Lenoir PO Food Drive.  What better way to spend a Saturday afternoon, it was spent helping others.  One may not understand that the impact that happened today helps so many individuals in the community.  It was not direct action to a person or family, but was an incredible amount of indirect action that is very special.

So why did I spend my Saturday afternoon doing this, you ask?  Volunteering is just what I love to do.  I find excitement in doing it.  Sometimes I get tired and sore, but knowing that I am helping someone out indirectly or directly is just awesome! I am connected with Yokefellow, but that is not the reason that I was there.

To those that summer time means not having school everyday--spend your time wisely.  This does not mean that you NEED or MUST volunteer somewhere, but it does mean that you need to learn something.  Maybe it is just learning how to not sit around bored everyday, or maybe it is learning how to actually do an action.  Find what it is you want to learn.  Find out what or where your niche is, maybe you want to get connected into a field of study.. well go learn that this summer. I am using this summer to learn as much as I can--most of what will benefit me in my major choice.  But some days, or evenings I am using my time to learn random things..

We are always learning things.. doesn't that sound crazy.. but don't ya think it is true as well :)

Dear God, You are holy and mighty.  You are there, watching our every move.  You teach us daily to talk to  you and to walk in your shoes.  God, I ask that you continue to walk with us and help us to remember that while sometimes it is not easy , it is what we need to do.  I ask that you continue to help me remember to not only pray for friends, family, and peers, but also those that i do not yet know and those that are my enemies.  I pray to you to keep all of those safe that are out on the road and those serving our beloved country.  I love you Lord Jesus.  Amen.

oh hello summer, where'd you come from

Summer time is here..

Today, I started an internship and I am so excited about it.  I will be spending my summer at Yokefellow, learning the ropes course.  If you are unfamiliar with what Yokefellow is similar to what you might know as Cooperative Christian Ministries. I feel that this new major, Human and Community Service, is the major that is fit for me.

Six semesters into college, and now I figure out what I want to do.  It has taken me this long.... started with an elementary education major, then a communication major, back to an elementary ed major and now human and community service.  Why, yes they are all similar but just a bit different.  I have found myself sitting and pondering about why it has taken me until the second half of my Junior year to figure out what I want to do...but then again if we all knew exactly where we were really going from day one.. we would be bored.

I always thought that I would be a elementary school teacher, but there is a different plan for me.  And I will tell you this, after today it confirmed to me even more that in a school is not where I am supposed to be.  I feel in my home today, working here and there and everywhere.  Doing things that I had no clue at first, and now I am  learning it all. This is what I am supposed to be doing, this is the path I am to be walking.  While I know that I have much more to learn and that I may come across moments of frustration, I will be learning and growing.

God has a plan for each of us.  Most of us have no clue where that path is going or what that plan is.  Most of us also try constantly to figure it out and make a schedule to how we are going to do it.  But what we don't realize is that God is the only one that knows the plan and path and knows how we are going to get there and in what time range.  HE is the one that controls it, no matter how hard we try to do it ourselves. By know means am I saying this is easy... I know I struggle at letting God lead and allowing myself to follow him.  I want to be in full control about what is going on at all times and unfortuntly I can't do that.

This summer is going to be full of learning experiences, growing moments, frustrating times, moments of wanting to give in, and so much more. BUT it will be giving me an experience that I would never have if I don't just go with the flow.

Dear God, I am so thankful for everything that you have given me.  You know that I have trouble letting you lead.  Please help me remember that you are the one that is truly in control and that I need to follow where you lead.  Lord, you are amazing. Amen.

the little things...

Just thought I would share a few of the little things that have happened in the past couple of days, that brightens up my life :) 

Something that I have always said, and now it is posted in writing :)

Two 500 piece puzzles in two days, can only happen when you spend time with someone you love spending time with :)  I enjoy every moment with my boyfriend..and puzzling is a shared hobby :) yay.  I am sure we will eventually do all the puzzles in the basement, though the 1000 piece puzzles are more than one nights of work... but it will happen :)

As I walked down to my car today, I saw this thing stuck under my windshield wipers, and my first thought was, "ugh what did someone put on my car", but as a got closer, I was happy.  This wonderful note was left to me from the best little brother ever, and my car is now colorful and decorated with happiness :)  Best little brother ever!  

I don't get mail much, and I don't check my mail much.  But tonight I checked it, and look what I found.  Thanks, mom, dad, skittles and emma! 

Capturing the little happiness moments is so special! No pose, just me dancing away from the camera

No matter how many tries it takes, we will enjoy all the silliness along the way.  I am thinking we never got a real picture, but it was the thought that counts!

These are just a few of the little things in life, that mean the world to me.  They are the things that turn a bad day upside down and turn it into a good one.  Today was definitely boosted and turned good:)  Everyday little things do not happen, and I do not want them to.  But I do hang on to the little things from day to day and am thankful for them.

Feeling like a puzzle

These days have seemed to not be as current anymore, but today is one of them.  I understand that many people are hurting around the world and may live everyday in pain, and I also understand that my pain does not add up to what some people deal with.  I really don't like to talk about not feeling well because I don't want for people to give me sympathy.  But since four people have now told me I look like I have been hit by a bus, I guess it would be a good idea to just write down how I feel.  


Since November 24th, I have been on a trial run gluten free diet and I feel that it has really helped me.  In the past 2 months I have only had like to major belly issues, but today seems to be added to that list.  The scary thing is gluten can be slipped in anywhere and no one notices unless they are allergic or intolerant to it like I am. 


My body just seems to be mad at me.. or frustrated with something that I did AND clearly I don't know what I did. Running on about three hours of sleep last night, I am sure glad that it is Friday.  Eventually maybe either I will get a nap or just go to bed early. 


Dear Lord, I ask that you watch over all those that deal with pain more often than I do.  I know it is terribly uncomfortable and I cannot imagine it any worse than I already have.  Lord, I ask that you help me through the day and helped me look as if I wasn't hit by a bus. 
In Jesus holy name, Amen. 

Turn, Turn, Turn

There is a time for everything, 
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
A time to be born and a time to die, 
A time to plant and a time to uproot, 
A time to kill and a time to heal, 
A time to tear down and a time to build, 
A time to weep and I time to laugh, 
A time to mourn and a time to dance, 
A times to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, 
A time to search and a time to give up, 
A time to keep and a time to throw away, 
A time to tear and a time to mend, 
A time to be silent and a time to speak, 
A time to love and a time to hate, 
A time for war and a time for peace. 


As written in Ecclesiastes 3, there is a time for everything that happens in our daily lives.  The world moves on and events come and go.  Somethings we wish they would stay the same or change really quick, but more times than often this is not the case.  I myself have had those same moments of wishing that something would go as planned and other times of wishing that things would hurry up and change.  


Do you have those moments in your life?  Do you find yourself wishing away the day?  Why do we do those things to ourselves?  Well, I think we do it because we are human.  What better explanation do we need to have then that God created us and we are not perfect.  If each one of us were perfect the word would be a horribly boring place.  Everyone getting what they want.. we think we are in debt now?  Man, we really would be in debt in a perfect world.  


Take a moment to smile, give thanks to God for this glorious day that he has provided to us. The sun comes after a storm.  Not only in weather but it our lives as well.  


Dear Lord, 


Thank you so much for giving us this wonderful day.  Partly cloudy or sunny, I will take it.  The sun has come in my life after the storm just like the sun is shinning after some days of rain. Lord, please watch over all of those people that may still be in their stormy lives. In your holy name, Amen. 

Hey 2012, how ya doing?

2012 you are here!  Goodbye to a wonderful year 2011, I send you away with hope and promise that this year is going to as good as you were and even better.  I prefer to not set new year resolutions that are things that I need to do, but rather things I want to do to better my own self.  While cleaning some things out today, I came across my faith statement that I shared on October 30, 2005 with my church family.  You may skim it or read it or skip it (just remember I was younger when I wrote it--and I didn't edit it). 


Today is the day that I personally confirm my faith to not only everyone sitting in this congregation, but also to my family, friends, and all Christian brothers and sisters.  As I look back to December 24th, 1990, when I was baptized at St. Andrews Lutheran Church my mom and dad, along with the congregation, promised to teach me and help me learn the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, Apostle Creed, and the concept of Communion, for me to read and learn about the Bible, and to support me in the church.  Over my past 15 years my mom and dad have helped me learn the Ten Commandments, Lords Prayer, Apostle Creed; I have learned the concept of Communion and continue to receive it, I have been taught about the Bible and continue to read it throughout Sunday school, and I have been supported by all my church family. Today I continue to come to Sunday School wanting to learn more and more about how Lutherans look at the bible each week.  As I travel through my life I will always have the influence of God on my life, shaping me to become the person that he has planned out for me.  I enjoy being a strong youth at our church, being part of the hand bells choir, serving in the service, participating in most church activities, and going to youth events held for youth.  I enjoy going to ELCA youth activities for kids my age along with one for younger children and helping while getting to know other  youth my age from other churches. 


Over the past 15 years, as I have attended Sunday School, I have learned a parable that I can practically tell you from memory:  John 2: 1-11, is about the Wedding in Cana of Galilee.  Jesus' mother was there, and Jesus and his followers were also invited to the wedding.  When all the wine was gone, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no more wine."  Jesus answered, "Dear women, why come to me?  My time has not come yet."  His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you to do."  In that place there were six stone water jars that the Jews used in their washing ceremony.  Each jar held about twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, " Fill the jars with water."  So they filled the jars to the top.  Then he said, "Now take some out and give it to the master of the feast."  So they took the water to the master.  When he tasted it, the water had become wine.  He did not know where the wine came from, but the servants who had brought the water knew.  The master of the wedding called the bride-groom over and said to him, "People always serve the best wine first.  Later after the guests have been drinking awhile, they serve the cheaper wine.  But you have saved the best wine until now."  So in Cana of Galilee Jesus did his first miracle.  There he showed his glory, and his followers believed him.        Over the years I have learned more and more about this story and have continued to enjoy it.  The miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding that day wasn't only amazing because he changed water into wine, but also because it was his first miracle.  This was a start to Jesus' miracles to come just like today is the start of my faith to continue on. 


Looking back into all the years of Sunday School I have had many teachers that have influenced my faith, but one especially that taught me something that I still use today.  Even thought I have learned the books of the Bible of the Old Testament though Confirmation, I will always remember an acronym that Heather McFlea taught me.  My 4th grade year in Sunday School, Heather was my teacher and she wanted to help us learn the books of the bible starting with the Old Testament, but we never got past the first seven, but hey 7 is better than none.  We used this to remember the first seven books, Grama Exits Leaving Nana Down and J.J. ; believe it or not, it helped me.  I have had many more teachers that influenced my faith but I will always remember my year with Heather. 


Over the past weeks, I have been preparing this faith statement and have learned that it is a lot of work to know what you are talking about.  When I was asking Pastor Tony about how to write a faith statement, he made the point to me, that confirming does not mean that I am graduating out of church.   I am just stating my faith and what I believe in and becoming part of this congregation.  I will continue to be part of the hand bell choir, occasionally sing with the adult choir,  serve in the church service, be a strong youth in our youth group, continue to come to Sunday School, continue to be part of the church, continue to grow in faith and continue to learn to understand Gods love.


Almost every year I attend Lutheridge Camp, Arden, North Carolina, to learn about my faith and continue to make it stronger every time I go, I learn a new and better why to share my faith with others, in my denomination and not in my denomination.   I learn how to make my own faith stronger without hurting anybody.  I think one factor that also helps me at Lutheridge is that it is not only kids there but all ages from toddlers to adults.  I will say that if you have never been to Lutheridge then you have missed out on a lot. 


Another thing that I have learned over the course of my faith is that know matter how big your congregation is or where you are at, you always need to be spreading Gods word and having a strong faith.   Over the past year, i have attended many other denominations with friends, and know matter where I am, I keep my faith strong.  The size of your church should never determine how strong your faith is.  About three months ago, I attended a church smaller than my home church and learned as I examined one special thing.  Even though they are a small congregation, they had a strong faith.  I really believe that visiting that church made a positive influence on my faith. 


The last thing that I would like to talk about is the people that have had an influence on my faith.  Both my mom and dad have always been an important part of the church, which has kept me there to.  My dad's parents, go to the Lutheran Church that I was baptized at, so i enjoy going to the midnight Christmas Eve service to celebrate the day I was baptized.  Both of my dad's parents attended Lenoir Rhyne College, so those activities are Christian related.   My mom's parents always had a religious house and welcomed me to their church anytime.  My friends always want me know how my church is, and what it is life, and would they like it.  And last my church family, everyone is always supportive, in everything I do.  And especially my pastor, Pastor Tony, who has been there for me and my faith and is a great Sunday school teacher along with teaching about any religious subjects.  To all these people I would to share a warm thank you.  May faith has and will continue to grow because of all of my Christian brothers and sisters.  

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To this day I have continued to do most of what I said I was going to do.  While change is important in ones life, it is also important to keep somethings close to you that you are familiar with.   I am blessed to be who I am.  


Dear Heavenly Father, you are amazing!  I love you LORD Jesus!  Praising you is something I love to do!  :)

Colossians 3:16 or 3:17

Oh, how I love Christmas. Christmas 2011 rocked my socks off.  Family means the world to me, and this year I got to see all of my family.  Christmas eve my moms whole family gathered for fun and games and then church.  

That is my grandmother, her 4 daughters (and their husbands), 8 grandchildren (2 spouses),   3 great-grandchildren and 2 granddogs :)  Don't we look like we know how to have some fun!

The true meaning for the season is often hiding behind Santa Claus songs, and singing about only wanting the love of your life for Christmas.  But what really is the meaning for Christmas. Below are two different Christmas hymns that I truly love!   Hope you enjoy reading them *-they are much more fun when sung-*

271--I am so glad each Christmas Eve
1.I am so glad each Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus' birth!
Then like the sun the star shone forth, and angels sang on earth.
2.The little child in Bethlehem, he was a king indeed!
For he came down from heav'n above to help a world in need. 
3.He dwells a gain in heaven's realm, the Son of God today;
and still he loves his little ones and hears them when they pray.
4.I am so glad each Christmas Eve! His praises then I sing; 
he opens now for every child the palace of the king.
5.And so I love each Christmas Eve, and I love Jesus too;
and that he loves me every day I know so well is true








288--Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
Good Christian Friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
give ye heed to what we say; Jesus Christ is born today;
ox and ass before him now, and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!  Christ is born today


Good Christian Friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye hear or endless bliss; Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heavens door, and we are blest forever nore.
Christ was born for this! Christ was born for this!


Good Christian Friends, rejoice with heart and soul and voice;
now ye need not fear the grave; Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all to gain the ever lasting hall.
Christ was born to save!  Christ was born to save!