My sister and niece in front of the windmill.
Sunday, May 07, 2006
My sister and I took my niece to Holland, MI for Tulip Time. Behind Lyndsay is a working windmill which really came from Amsterdam. There are bullet holes from WWII in the blades. An American soilder hid from the Nazi army in this windmill. Years later, he reunited with his place of refuge in Holland, MI.
SETTING: Target--Chips aisle
MISSION: Buy snacks for the Presbyterian Lock In.
Holly: (sees non-name brand chips on top shelf and stands on tip toes to reach them)
Joey: (standing behind the cart watching): Need help?
Holly: No....(grrrrr).....I got it.
Joey: Let me help you.
Holly: You aren't much taller than I am.
Joey: (Moves Holly out of the way) Yeah, but I don't want you to hurt your nails.
I don't care who you are, that's sweet...and weird.
MISSION: Buy snacks for the Presbyterian Lock In.
Holly: (sees non-name brand chips on top shelf and stands on tip toes to reach them)
Joey: (standing behind the cart watching): Need help?
Holly: No....(grrrrr).....I got it.
Joey: Let me help you.
Holly: You aren't much taller than I am.
Joey: (Moves Holly out of the way) Yeah, but I don't want you to hurt your nails.
I don't care who you are, that's sweet...and weird.
Friday, May 05, 2006
Which Tire Is It?
From Our Daily Bread
One sunny day, four high school boys couldn’t resist the temptation to skip classes. The next morning they explained to their teacher that they had missed her class because their car had a flat tire. To their relief, she smiled and said, “well, you missed a quiz yesterday.” But then she added, “Take your seats and get out a pencil and paper. The first question is: Which tire was flat?”
No one gets away with lying. In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira thought they were lying only to Peter and the other believers. But the apostle said to them, “You have not lied to men but to God” (v.4).
Truth is one of the attributes of God. So when we tell a lie, we offend Him. And sooner or later He will uncover every falsehood—if not in this life, then at the final judgment, when we each give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:10-12).
We live in a highly competitive world, and sometimes we may be strongly tempted to shade the truth to get ahead. But the short-term gains from lying are worth little compared with the long-term benefits of telling the truth.
If you have deceived someone, confess it to that person and to the Lord. It may be humbling, but it’s the first step to restoring integrity in your life. –Dennis De Haan
If you always tell the truth, you will never be trapped in a lie.
Sometimes the truth bites, stings and crushes us. We have all been lied to and when the truth is eventually revealed, it causes such a deep pain and distrust.
We have all lied to someone. Perhaps we wanted to spare them the pain we are well aware of or maybe we are trying to escape pain ourselves. Why is it so hard to be truthful? Even the little white lies aren’t little at all.
In RivKids, we drew a scale from 1 to 10 and told stories with different lies in them. We then asked the kids where the lie fell. If it was a little lie, the kids were to give it a rating of 1. If it was a big lie, the kids were to give it a 10. In the end, all of the lies, little and huge, were rated as a 10 because that is how God sees it: a lie is a lie is a lie.
Because we have been the victim and the criminal we know both sides. I am not perfect. When I have been squeezed, I’ve lied. My lies are always revealed to teach me a lesson. A friend of mine recently did something deceitful. It wasn’t malicious, it wasn’t premeditated. It was an error of judgment. When confronted about his actions, my friend could have lied but he didn’t. He risked his career when he admitted the truth. He risked his reputation. In fact, when I found out he told the truth, my jaw dropped. I don’t know if I could have done the same. It is my weakness to hide from the truth sometimes. But this friend of mine has taught me a lesson. By committing the deceitful act, he may have caused people to second-guess his morals but by admitting the truth, he restored his integrity.
One sunny day, four high school boys couldn’t resist the temptation to skip classes. The next morning they explained to their teacher that they had missed her class because their car had a flat tire. To their relief, she smiled and said, “well, you missed a quiz yesterday.” But then she added, “Take your seats and get out a pencil and paper. The first question is: Which tire was flat?”
No one gets away with lying. In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira thought they were lying only to Peter and the other believers. But the apostle said to them, “You have not lied to men but to God” (v.4).
Truth is one of the attributes of God. So when we tell a lie, we offend Him. And sooner or later He will uncover every falsehood—if not in this life, then at the final judgment, when we each give an account of ourselves to God (Romans 14:10-12).
We live in a highly competitive world, and sometimes we may be strongly tempted to shade the truth to get ahead. But the short-term gains from lying are worth little compared with the long-term benefits of telling the truth.
If you have deceived someone, confess it to that person and to the Lord. It may be humbling, but it’s the first step to restoring integrity in your life. –Dennis De Haan
If you always tell the truth, you will never be trapped in a lie.
Sometimes the truth bites, stings and crushes us. We have all been lied to and when the truth is eventually revealed, it causes such a deep pain and distrust.
We have all lied to someone. Perhaps we wanted to spare them the pain we are well aware of or maybe we are trying to escape pain ourselves. Why is it so hard to be truthful? Even the little white lies aren’t little at all.
In RivKids, we drew a scale from 1 to 10 and told stories with different lies in them. We then asked the kids where the lie fell. If it was a little lie, the kids were to give it a rating of 1. If it was a big lie, the kids were to give it a 10. In the end, all of the lies, little and huge, were rated as a 10 because that is how God sees it: a lie is a lie is a lie.
Because we have been the victim and the criminal we know both sides. I am not perfect. When I have been squeezed, I’ve lied. My lies are always revealed to teach me a lesson. A friend of mine recently did something deceitful. It wasn’t malicious, it wasn’t premeditated. It was an error of judgment. When confronted about his actions, my friend could have lied but he didn’t. He risked his career when he admitted the truth. He risked his reputation. In fact, when I found out he told the truth, my jaw dropped. I don’t know if I could have done the same. It is my weakness to hide from the truth sometimes. But this friend of mine has taught me a lesson. By committing the deceitful act, he may have caused people to second-guess his morals but by admitting the truth, he restored his integrity.
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Allergies
My allergies are just no good. Okay. I can't stand it. They SUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But back to me being tough about it. I really don't mind the itchy eyes (which are completely bloodshot and watery), the itchy nose and throat. Sneezes do not stop once they start. My head is foggy (no comments about that). Funny thing is I never had allergies when I was growing up. Now, only in the spring, I succumb to them. Bastard allergies. Oops. Sorry. I can take it (whimper). As I type I've got toilet paper shoved up my nose.
Suggestions other than every allergy medicine (I think I've tried them all). Kirsten suggested I find some local honey. The thinking is I'll build an immunity to the pollen from the bees. Know where I can get some of that stuff? Help!
Suggestions other than every allergy medicine (I think I've tried them all). Kirsten suggested I find some local honey. The thinking is I'll build an immunity to the pollen from the bees. Know where I can get some of that stuff? Help!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Concerts
I found out the most awesome news yesterday. Buffett is coming to town in September! I am so super excited! I haven't seen him since 2004 and the last time he came to town was 2003. I MUST get awesome seats. I wish all my friends were parrotheads, too. If only they knew how much fun it is to party in the parking lot before hand. Any stories, Kell? Ha!
The week after Buffett is Alan Jackson. I don't know anyone who likes him so I won't be forced to go :) There are some other concerts I want to go to. I missed the Fall Out Boy concert but Dave Matthews is also coming to DTE. Of course, I've seen him three times already and it doesn't compare to a Buffett concert (what does, though). I'm also tired of DMB songs. They took a tailspin in the last few years even though I did like American Baby (every time I hear that song I think of Brown singing it in Heathrow airport). The real reason I want to go to DMB is because G Love and Special Sauce is opening for them. I love them! I met them a few years ago at the Eats, Beats and Treats in Pontiac. Really nice guys. All my friends are going but....I don't know if I want to stay for DMB.
The other concert I want to go to? Huey Lewis and the News with Chicago on July 2nd. Yessssssss......
The week after Buffett is Alan Jackson. I don't know anyone who likes him so I won't be forced to go :) There are some other concerts I want to go to. I missed the Fall Out Boy concert but Dave Matthews is also coming to DTE. Of course, I've seen him three times already and it doesn't compare to a Buffett concert (what does, though). I'm also tired of DMB songs. They took a tailspin in the last few years even though I did like American Baby (every time I hear that song I think of Brown singing it in Heathrow airport). The real reason I want to go to DMB is because G Love and Special Sauce is opening for them. I love them! I met them a few years ago at the Eats, Beats and Treats in Pontiac. Really nice guys. All my friends are going but....I don't know if I want to stay for DMB.
The other concert I want to go to? Huey Lewis and the News with Chicago on July 2nd. Yessssssss......
Monday, April 24, 2006
Ahhhh!!!! I was just clicking around online here at work and whamo--ended up on my blog of all things. It isn't blocked!!! I've learned to live without it while at work but could it really be back?? First they took the blogs away and then anything that had to do with religion. The religousy stuff came back but now I wonder why these sites aren't blocked anymore. Could it be a trap? Did I fall for it?? Now I'm scared. Must not check blog at work....
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Good Day
Yesterday was oh so nice.
I started off with a healthy breakfast of Total cereal with strawberries. Yum. Then, I worked out with my step-mom at the MAC. I love that place and I really like spending time with her. We had a healthy lunch, too: tuna salad wraps with fruit, salad and a smoothie. As we left, I put my arm around her and said, "I feel so good! Thank you!" We stopped by her house so I could shower and when I got out of my car, my dad looked at me and said, "oh, you look so cute in your little workout gear." That made me smile. My daddy thinks I'm cute :o)
We then went to David's Bridal and I paid for my bridesmaid dress. Cross that off the list. Next, we went to Kohl's to look at workout gear. We did not buy workout gear but fun things like purses. When I dropped her off, my dad was standing in the driveway. He kicked my tires, all of them and then asked if I wanted to stay for dinner. I explained that JAC and I were grilling out and my dad looked sad. "Can I give you anything?" he asked. "Money?" I laughed and said no, I'm good.
Joey stepped outside to start grilling....rain. We had a healthy meal of steak (for him) and shrimp kabobs for me. I had purchased some vanilla yogurt for a healthy dessert but the orange cupcakes were so much better. Oh well, I tried.
JAC and I finished the day by driving into the country to watch a thunderstorm. We rented Lost and I fell asleep in the first 5 minutes. I still managed to make it home by 11 o'clock. I love spring (but not the allergies)!
I started off with a healthy breakfast of Total cereal with strawberries. Yum. Then, I worked out with my step-mom at the MAC. I love that place and I really like spending time with her. We had a healthy lunch, too: tuna salad wraps with fruit, salad and a smoothie. As we left, I put my arm around her and said, "I feel so good! Thank you!" We stopped by her house so I could shower and when I got out of my car, my dad looked at me and said, "oh, you look so cute in your little workout gear." That made me smile. My daddy thinks I'm cute :o)
We then went to David's Bridal and I paid for my bridesmaid dress. Cross that off the list. Next, we went to Kohl's to look at workout gear. We did not buy workout gear but fun things like purses. When I dropped her off, my dad was standing in the driveway. He kicked my tires, all of them and then asked if I wanted to stay for dinner. I explained that JAC and I were grilling out and my dad looked sad. "Can I give you anything?" he asked. "Money?" I laughed and said no, I'm good.
Joey stepped outside to start grilling....rain. We had a healthy meal of steak (for him) and shrimp kabobs for me. I had purchased some vanilla yogurt for a healthy dessert but the orange cupcakes were so much better. Oh well, I tried.
JAC and I finished the day by driving into the country to watch a thunderstorm. We rented Lost and I fell asleep in the first 5 minutes. I still managed to make it home by 11 o'clock. I love spring (but not the allergies)!
Acts 29 Update
I received my monthly newsletter from Acts 29. I was surprised to see my picture inside and amazed to see how God is working through these people. Here are two stories:
Jerome
Jerome had had a great time at the Free Store. He enjoyed the goods that he had gathered and the good, warm food that he had eaten. On his way out the door, he ran into Pastor John.
"Why are you guys doin' such nice stuff and givin' away stuff for free?" Jerome asked.
"Because we know Jesus and He would have done the same thing," replied the pastor.
"Well," Jerome said, "Where is this Jesus? I'd like to know him, too."
Pastor John shared the gospel message with Jerome and Jerome received Jesus into his heart.
Robert
Robert rode his bicycle to our store early in the morning. He shopped, at lunch with us and then left for the library to get his taxes done. He came back hours later distraught.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"No, I don't know, I just think that I need to commit suicide...." Robert stammered.
I was shocked and didn't know what to say or do so I offered him some food.
"No thanks," he said. "When I'm this upset I just need a drink of water."
I gave him some water and sat down at a table with him.
"Why are you so upset?" I asked.
He pulled out some paperwork and showed me how much money he was going to have to pay back in taxes. He didn't have that kind of money, he was unemployed, older and riding a bicycle for transportation. Then Robert started to talk.
"I must have nine lives. I've been shot twice, stabbed once, hit by a car twice and almost drowned. I don't even know why I came back here." Well, that was all it took.
"Robert," I asked, "have you ever wondered if God has a plan for your life? A purpose for bringing you to our ministry today?"
Robert listened with tears in his eyes as I explained the message of salvation through Jesus to him. I tried to tell him that even though life is difficult and won't necessarily get better materially, it can be better in his heart. He can experience peace with God and the comfort of God to help him get through hard times. When I asked Robert if he understand, he nodded.
"Would you like to invite Jesus into your heart, Robert?"
"Yes," he said.
Please continue to pray for the Acts 29 ministry as they plant seeds and provide basic needs for the people of Hamtramck.
Jerome
Jerome had had a great time at the Free Store. He enjoyed the goods that he had gathered and the good, warm food that he had eaten. On his way out the door, he ran into Pastor John.
"Why are you guys doin' such nice stuff and givin' away stuff for free?" Jerome asked.
"Because we know Jesus and He would have done the same thing," replied the pastor.
"Well," Jerome said, "Where is this Jesus? I'd like to know him, too."
Pastor John shared the gospel message with Jerome and Jerome received Jesus into his heart.
Robert
Robert rode his bicycle to our store early in the morning. He shopped, at lunch with us and then left for the library to get his taxes done. He came back hours later distraught.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"No, I don't know, I just think that I need to commit suicide...." Robert stammered.
I was shocked and didn't know what to say or do so I offered him some food.
"No thanks," he said. "When I'm this upset I just need a drink of water."
I gave him some water and sat down at a table with him.
"Why are you so upset?" I asked.
He pulled out some paperwork and showed me how much money he was going to have to pay back in taxes. He didn't have that kind of money, he was unemployed, older and riding a bicycle for transportation. Then Robert started to talk.
"I must have nine lives. I've been shot twice, stabbed once, hit by a car twice and almost drowned. I don't even know why I came back here." Well, that was all it took.
"Robert," I asked, "have you ever wondered if God has a plan for your life? A purpose for bringing you to our ministry today?"
Robert listened with tears in his eyes as I explained the message of salvation through Jesus to him. I tried to tell him that even though life is difficult and won't necessarily get better materially, it can be better in his heart. He can experience peace with God and the comfort of God to help him get through hard times. When I asked Robert if he understand, he nodded.
"Would you like to invite Jesus into your heart, Robert?"
"Yes," he said.
Please continue to pray for the Acts 29 ministry as they plant seeds and provide basic needs for the people of Hamtramck.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Mega 80s
Went to the last Mega 80s show in EL last night. Sooooo much fun. Chuck, April, Monika, Chris, Joey and I were attendence. It was interesting to hang with a couple from Riv and a very pre-Christian couple. Monika and Chris had a good time and we danced and laughed. Some girl stepped on my ankle with her high heel. The only injury of the night. Pretty clean fun. Can't wait until they come back in the fall (Carey (the lead singer) said I should quit being lame and check them out in St. Clair Shores this summer--too far for me :o).
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Easter Dinner...
...was a success. Let us back up for a moment, though.
Tuesday
My sister, Lyn: Where are you going for Easter dinner? Dad's? Corr's?
Holly: No one invited me anywhere. Joey and I were just going to do our own thing at his house.
Lyn: Cool. We'll bring the ham.
So, my mom, grandma, sis, bro-in-law, niece, nephew and Joey's parents all came over for dinner. Of course, I can not forget Miss Yi. It wasn't too crowded. Intimate. Fun. Relaxing. I'll post pictures later. Right now....Lord of the Rings is on and I might go fall asleep watching it.
I'm happy. I pray you are, too.
Tuesday
My sister, Lyn: Where are you going for Easter dinner? Dad's? Corr's?
Holly: No one invited me anywhere. Joey and I were just going to do our own thing at his house.
Lyn: Cool. We'll bring the ham.
So, my mom, grandma, sis, bro-in-law, niece, nephew and Joey's parents all came over for dinner. Of course, I can not forget Miss Yi. It wasn't too crowded. Intimate. Fun. Relaxing. I'll post pictures later. Right now....Lord of the Rings is on and I might go fall asleep watching it.
I'm happy. I pray you are, too.
Saturday, April 15, 2006
I'm an Ashley
"Ashley believes she has freedom in her spiritual life to drink alcohol, as long as she doesn't get drunk. In her opinion, Christians who won't touch alcohol are legalistic. Ashley loves to flaunt her freedom and argue her point. Anna also believes God gave her the freedom to drink in moderation. But she's aware she could cause others to stumble. Because she's more concerned about peace and building up others' faith, she exercises her freedom quietly. Addy chooses not to drink at all in order to a witness to others, but she can't help but look down on those who do. Who's got it right?"
For Christmas, I got my mother a bible called True Identity (NIV). This Bible is full of extra stories, sidenotes and questions to make you really think. When I came across the above, it made me set the Bible down. Wow. I'm totally Ashley. I thought it was okay to be an Ashley but after I read about Anna, I realized I just might have this wrong.
I picked the Bible back up and read the scripture next to it.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. Buf if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
This is the verse that really blew me away, though:
Romans 14:22
So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves by what they approve.
Crazy for me to read. I loved going around spouting off about my freedom to drink because I had it under control. I knew it was a sin to drink in front of someone who struggles with alcoholism but guess what....I tend to drink anyway because I was thinking I could show them control through me. Big ha. God says no. Don't do it at all. But here Paul is warning me not to flaunt my believes regarding this, either. Now, if I'm in conversation with someone and it comes up, I believe it would be okay to discuss but I was looking for an argument and didn't even realize it. Thanks, Paul. Those closest to me will also take a look at the verse and see it is 14:22. I've been haunted by the #22 for months now. Everywhere, all the time. Perhaps this was what God was trying to tell me (yes, I did pray and ask Him if He was trying to send me some type of message).
Now, one last thing about alcohol before I end this lecture (which was really from Paul, not me). Whether you get drunk once in a great while or if you get drunk every day, you're still sinning.
For Christmas, I got my mother a bible called True Identity (NIV). This Bible is full of extra stories, sidenotes and questions to make you really think. When I came across the above, it made me set the Bible down. Wow. I'm totally Ashley. I thought it was okay to be an Ashley but after I read about Anna, I realized I just might have this wrong.
I picked the Bible back up and read the scripture next to it.
Romans 14:13
Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. Buf if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
This is the verse that really blew me away, though:
Romans 14:22
So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed are those who do not condemn themselves by what they approve.
Crazy for me to read. I loved going around spouting off about my freedom to drink because I had it under control. I knew it was a sin to drink in front of someone who struggles with alcoholism but guess what....I tend to drink anyway because I was thinking I could show them control through me. Big ha. God says no. Don't do it at all. But here Paul is warning me not to flaunt my believes regarding this, either. Now, if I'm in conversation with someone and it comes up, I believe it would be okay to discuss but I was looking for an argument and didn't even realize it. Thanks, Paul. Those closest to me will also take a look at the verse and see it is 14:22. I've been haunted by the #22 for months now. Everywhere, all the time. Perhaps this was what God was trying to tell me (yes, I did pray and ask Him if He was trying to send me some type of message).
Now, one last thing about alcohol before I end this lecture (which was really from Paul, not me). Whether you get drunk once in a great while or if you get drunk every day, you're still sinning.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Power of One
So I realized when I looked at this picture that I'm doing God's work but don't even realize it most of the time. Noel talked about the domino effect of bringing people to Christianity. He had the first members of Riverview stand up and then the people who joined Riv 5 years ago. I looked around and saw part of a plan. The Hills and the Corrs were both standing. The Hills invited the Corrs to attend Riverview. The Corrs invited their son to Riverview. Their son invited me to Riverview (among others). I invited this girl to Riverview. She is my "step" sister. We grew up in the same house in the same church but I moved to Holt when I was 13. She went on to become a believer, I struggled to understand. Two months ago, we were talking on the phone and she answered my question: how do you get to heaven? She knew the answer and I was floored. "Why didn't you tell me?!" I said. Two weeks later, she and her husband started coming to Riv and my sis found her way back to Christ. But she isn't the only one I invited that day to One. My friend and her family also came. And I know it isn't just me. All around me were people who invited other people who have come to Christ. The ha ha part is how God doesn't always reveal these things to me right away (or at all). I pray the people we invite stay with Christ. They don't have to stay with Riverview, but Christ--yes.
Side story: when we were introducing ourselves to the people around us, Fawn and I discovered the woman in front of us was named Peggy. I was about to say, "hey, that's her (pointing to Fawn) mom's name" when the lady next to Peggy said, "hi, my name is Carrie." Snap. My mama's name is Carrie. This new Peggy and Carrie are sisters. Fawn and I are "sisters." We laughed at the "coincidence." God makes me smile.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
ONE
I was blown away by the One service today at the Wharton Center. Truly, God is amazing. While I was sitting at the service, surrounded by my closest friends, sister and the guy who brought me to Riverview, I thought about that first time I went. The Rut series on February 16, 2003 at the second service time (can't remember--there were only two times then). Steve Sommerlot taught. Paul sang. I was hung over. I didn't like the experience one bit. At least, I didn't think I did. I came back two or three weeks later and realized Riverview was my home. I never had a church home before and my seeking heart rested with relief. God pursued me. He found me. I turned toward Him. Here I am.
Yes, Riverview is big. Still, I try to make efforts to cut down on feeling the size. Trying to meet someone new every week helps. Serving in the kids ministry really helped. I have a good relationship with all the pastors and have tried to get to know them along with their families...these things help me stay connected. I know I have to make the commitment back to Riverview otherwise, as much as Riverview would not want to lose me (I'd like to think), I could easily slip through the cracks.
I don't want others to get lost at Riverview. If they get lost then they might not come back. If that happens....I just want to make that effort not to let it happen. I know Jesus would leave 99 to come find us if we lost our way but Riverview cannot be a place people get lost. They must be found, the way I was, the way so many people are.
One, though we're not the same...One and no, I don't know everyone but I might try to...One and I don't have to like everyone but if they hurt, I hurt. One because on our own, we are like dysfunctional family members but when we come together we are an efficient, well designed family...as One. I never thought I would feel this way about a church or about God. Never ever.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Yes, Riverview is big. Still, I try to make efforts to cut down on feeling the size. Trying to meet someone new every week helps. Serving in the kids ministry really helped. I have a good relationship with all the pastors and have tried to get to know them along with their families...these things help me stay connected. I know I have to make the commitment back to Riverview otherwise, as much as Riverview would not want to lose me (I'd like to think), I could easily slip through the cracks.
I don't want others to get lost at Riverview. If they get lost then they might not come back. If that happens....I just want to make that effort not to let it happen. I know Jesus would leave 99 to come find us if we lost our way but Riverview cannot be a place people get lost. They must be found, the way I was, the way so many people are.
One, though we're not the same...One and no, I don't know everyone but I might try to...One and I don't have to like everyone but if they hurt, I hurt. One because on our own, we are like dysfunctional family members but when we come together we are an efficient, well designed family...as One. I never thought I would feel this way about a church or about God. Never ever.
I'll post some pictures soon.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Joey and I had a little visitor this weekend. Monika called me Saturday morning and asked if I could take Jillian...for the night. I enlisted the help of my friend (JAC) and we went to pick her up. She wasn't too sure about us taking her but perked up when we went to McDonald's. I ordered her semi-healthy food: chicken nuggets, a couple of fries and apple slices. I was such a mom, cutting up her food into little pieces. We fed her at Joey's dad's new furniture store in Leslie (need furniture? Call Mill Creek Furniture Depot :) When Mama Corr walked in, everyone else in the room disappeared. After we pulled her away from Reta, we had to run some errands. One stop was Menards where Jillian really opened up. She smiled at everyone, laughed, rolled her tongue. She was so cute. On the way to Meijer, she fell asleep in the car but we brought her in anyway.
I made dinner with one hand and had Jillian in the other. She wasn't very helpful. We gave little girl a bath, got her in her jammy's and set up her portable bed. I laid Jillian in my lap, gave her a bottle and she went right to sleep. No fuss. I was so proud of myself. I slept next to her on the couch, listening to her little breaths. Do all 15-month-olds sleep right through the night? She was so good.
One thing she forgot to mention was the time change. I didn't figure it out until we got to Riverview and I started signing her up for the 10:00 service. It was 11:15. Its a weird feeling when you realize you've lost a whole hour of your life. I felt like the world was all in on something except for me. I guess we were just too wrapped up in caring for Jillian. Joey had a difficult time turning over to the RivWalkers. He was in my Pre-K room before church was over. We all definitely bonded.
I love how God takes sticky situations to teach you about yourself and then perhaps a lesson for someone else. Joey and I saw just a sliver of what we could be as parents...together. After we dropped her off, he turned to me and said, "you're going to be a really good mom." It made me smile.
Our arms are sore, we are both exhausted and we were relieved to be baby free again...for the moment. We aren't quite ready for a 15-month-old, yet. But God definitely helped us and showed us a lot this weekend.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
So I'm dating the varsity baseball coach for Mason. It's his first year as a coach. So far, two losses. I like the story though. If they were awesome right now, a movie could never be made about them. Who cares about winning teams. I want to see them struggle a little...and then win. Come on, Bulldogs.
Okay, funny story time. This is Jolie. She is my best friend from high school's mom. She works at the Crystal Bar. Anyhow, Jessica (friend from high school) had a 30th birthday. Someone got her a bottle of champagne. She wanted Joey to open the bottle (do you see where this is going yet?). Just as Joey was popping the cork, Jolie walked in front of him and whamo. He smacked her in the head. She thought it was funny and wore the cork the rest of the night. Joey felt like an ass.
Sunday, March 26, 2006
I love Sundays
Never, ever thought I could say I love Sundays but I do. Not sure it is my favorite day of the week but it's close.
This morning, I got up extra early and showered. My mom greeted me with a hello and a "I just went and bought you milk because I'm a good mom." I talked to a friend in need while I got ready and then Joey picked me up for some Riv (the church, not the bar). Service was cool (sat by Darren, Fawn, Katie and Yi) and very emotional. Our friend Jarred spoke on stage. He's a big guy and I've known him since high school (I was his wrestling manager). I was shocked to see him at Riverview the first time. I initially wanted to judge him based on who he was in high school (let's face it, not everyone was nice to me) but I let that go knowing I want a second chance with a lot of people. We laugh about it now and as I saw him onstage tell about what brought him to Christ, I got a little emotional. Want to know what brought him to Christ? A chainsaw.
He bought it to take out some bushes in his backyard. He let his brother use it and then it sat around collecting dust. A co-worker needed to get rid of some branches or trees and Jarred offered his chainsaw. They spent the day cutting things up and then went to the car races. As they were hanging out, they were sharing life stories and discussing issues. The coworker mentioned he went to Riverview but never pushed the subject. Jarred decided to take a chance and checked it out. He's missed three days of church in the year he's been coming. No, this isn't just Riverview. This is all Christ working on his heart.
"You know," he said to Joey and I after the service, "I got up onstage and thought, "I don't know anyone here. Cool. I can do this. I'm not nervous."
"And then we waved," I said.
"And then you waved at me and I got all nervous...more nervous than I did before wrestling matches."
"I think you worked on some people's hearts, Jarred. You're new to this but God is already using you to plant seeds," I said.
"Naw," he brushed me off with a smile.
I taught Rivkids and it went smoothly. Afterward, Yi, Joey and I tried to breeze in to the Meet the Pastors meeting so we could score some pizza. Something made us stick around for the meeting and we had awesome opportunities to talk to some people who were just checking Riv out or had just come to Christ. We then decided to go look at houses, yes the three of us, at Columbia Lakes. I love the homes and was blown away by the different views. Still, not sure if any of that is feasible and there are some major issues to work out beforehand (hello, I'm not even engaged, yet).
Joey and I just got back from having a frosty at Darb's (this would be a Miller Light frosty, not a chocolate frosty). We also watched the George Mason basketball game and talked about the future. Grabbing some scalloped potatoes and ham to go (yum), we went back to Joey's. Now, I want some strawberry shortcake as my perfect Sunday comes to a close.
This morning, I got up extra early and showered. My mom greeted me with a hello and a "I just went and bought you milk because I'm a good mom." I talked to a friend in need while I got ready and then Joey picked me up for some Riv (the church, not the bar). Service was cool (sat by Darren, Fawn, Katie and Yi) and very emotional. Our friend Jarred spoke on stage. He's a big guy and I've known him since high school (I was his wrestling manager). I was shocked to see him at Riverview the first time. I initially wanted to judge him based on who he was in high school (let's face it, not everyone was nice to me) but I let that go knowing I want a second chance with a lot of people. We laugh about it now and as I saw him onstage tell about what brought him to Christ, I got a little emotional. Want to know what brought him to Christ? A chainsaw.
He bought it to take out some bushes in his backyard. He let his brother use it and then it sat around collecting dust. A co-worker needed to get rid of some branches or trees and Jarred offered his chainsaw. They spent the day cutting things up and then went to the car races. As they were hanging out, they were sharing life stories and discussing issues. The coworker mentioned he went to Riverview but never pushed the subject. Jarred decided to take a chance and checked it out. He's missed three days of church in the year he's been coming. No, this isn't just Riverview. This is all Christ working on his heart.
"You know," he said to Joey and I after the service, "I got up onstage and thought, "I don't know anyone here. Cool. I can do this. I'm not nervous."
"And then we waved," I said.
"And then you waved at me and I got all nervous...more nervous than I did before wrestling matches."
"I think you worked on some people's hearts, Jarred. You're new to this but God is already using you to plant seeds," I said.
"Naw," he brushed me off with a smile.
I taught Rivkids and it went smoothly. Afterward, Yi, Joey and I tried to breeze in to the Meet the Pastors meeting so we could score some pizza. Something made us stick around for the meeting and we had awesome opportunities to talk to some people who were just checking Riv out or had just come to Christ. We then decided to go look at houses, yes the three of us, at Columbia Lakes. I love the homes and was blown away by the different views. Still, not sure if any of that is feasible and there are some major issues to work out beforehand (hello, I'm not even engaged, yet).
Joey and I just got back from having a frosty at Darb's (this would be a Miller Light frosty, not a chocolate frosty). We also watched the George Mason basketball game and talked about the future. Grabbing some scalloped potatoes and ham to go (yum), we went back to Joey's. Now, I want some strawberry shortcake as my perfect Sunday comes to a close.
Some God Moments
"Holly, I had an epiphany in the bathroom of Wendy's. Call me back."
I smiled as I hit send to call my friend. No answer. When we finally did hook back up, I shared a God moment with her.
"You know I work in a unique situation...some of my co-workers being Christian and one who is an atheist," she began. We had discussed this before and how she didn't know how to evangelise to people. She knew how to live by example but actually diving into personal views....well, I don't even feel comfortable doing it all the time. So, here my friend was, faced with a challenge from God. "I'm supposed to talk to the atheist, right? Of course, I am."
"Right," I agreed.
"Well, I went out to dinner with my co-worker who is a Christian and as we started talking, I realized she had a lot of things wrong. She couldn't quite accept the fact that God forgives us. She also had some views that just aren't biblical. So we talked about it and her face just lit up. She was getting it. I wasn't stressed because I was in my comfort zone with this girl. I went to the bathroom and as I was washing my hands, it hit me. Maybe I wasn't put into the atheist's life to help her become a Christian. Maybe God put me in the Christian's life to help her with her walk."
I felt a huge smile come across my face. I love it when God gives us these epiphanies, these moments where we know exactly what it is He is telling us. Signals, messages, a feeling He sends our way and we receive, interpret, accept it. There are the messages we don't get or the ones we ignore, but God gets me more than I do. When I get Him back, I just have to smile and sometimes laugh outloud.
There was another God moment for another friend of mine. This person is a teacher (oooh, hope THAT didn't give anything away) and he has been spiritually beat on for the past two weeks.
"I didn't even want to be a teacher, Hol," he told me Monday night. "I wanted to be a doctor but somehow, God made me a teacher. Maybe I got it wrong. Maybe this is His way of telling me He wants me to do something different."
"I don't know," I said. "It could just be Satan whispering crap into your ear. You've held up pretty well the past couple of weeks and you know God hasn't left your side to let you battle alone. But you could be right. It could be a sign but just wait it out a little."
My friend called me the next night with news that sent little chills through me.
"So, today I received two letters from the National Honor Society because two of my students nominated me for teacher of the year. One of the students doesn't even go to school here anymore and she still nominated me."
I laughed. To me, that is a clear signal and indication of God speaking. "Do you think God is trying to tell you something contrary to what you said yesterday?"
"Yeah," he said, "I'm where God wants me to be."
I smiled as I hit send to call my friend. No answer. When we finally did hook back up, I shared a God moment with her.
"You know I work in a unique situation...some of my co-workers being Christian and one who is an atheist," she began. We had discussed this before and how she didn't know how to evangelise to people. She knew how to live by example but actually diving into personal views....well, I don't even feel comfortable doing it all the time. So, here my friend was, faced with a challenge from God. "I'm supposed to talk to the atheist, right? Of course, I am."
"Right," I agreed.
"Well, I went out to dinner with my co-worker who is a Christian and as we started talking, I realized she had a lot of things wrong. She couldn't quite accept the fact that God forgives us. She also had some views that just aren't biblical. So we talked about it and her face just lit up. She was getting it. I wasn't stressed because I was in my comfort zone with this girl. I went to the bathroom and as I was washing my hands, it hit me. Maybe I wasn't put into the atheist's life to help her become a Christian. Maybe God put me in the Christian's life to help her with her walk."
I felt a huge smile come across my face. I love it when God gives us these epiphanies, these moments where we know exactly what it is He is telling us. Signals, messages, a feeling He sends our way and we receive, interpret, accept it. There are the messages we don't get or the ones we ignore, but God gets me more than I do. When I get Him back, I just have to smile and sometimes laugh outloud.
There was another God moment for another friend of mine. This person is a teacher (oooh, hope THAT didn't give anything away) and he has been spiritually beat on for the past two weeks.
"I didn't even want to be a teacher, Hol," he told me Monday night. "I wanted to be a doctor but somehow, God made me a teacher. Maybe I got it wrong. Maybe this is His way of telling me He wants me to do something different."
"I don't know," I said. "It could just be Satan whispering crap into your ear. You've held up pretty well the past couple of weeks and you know God hasn't left your side to let you battle alone. But you could be right. It could be a sign but just wait it out a little."
My friend called me the next night with news that sent little chills through me.
"So, today I received two letters from the National Honor Society because two of my students nominated me for teacher of the year. One of the students doesn't even go to school here anymore and she still nominated me."
I laughed. To me, that is a clear signal and indication of God speaking. "Do you think God is trying to tell you something contrary to what you said yesterday?"
"Yeah," he said, "I'm where God wants me to be."
Monday, March 20, 2006
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Rivkids
This week Grooving Dan taught on being a link in a chain meaning becoming a follower of Christ and then helping other people become followers of Christ and serving. I thought a lot about my links in my chain.
Joey
Pat M.
Noel
Steve
Kate M.
Chuck W.
Reta C.
Trenda
Tami
Then, I thought about how much time I had put into someone else. Tougher question. I wonder if I am in someone else's chain.
The other part of this was about service. I was too overwhelmed by Riverview at first. I sat in the same spot every week (far left side facing the stage...in the frontish). I remember Kate asking me to sit with her on the far right side. No way. That was foreign land. Sometime in October of 2004, I started really talking to Suzanne and Shanna. I wanted to volunteer somewhere but I wasn't good with kids and didn't know anything about coffee. After a service where Noel asked us how we were giving back, I signed up as a floater. This meant I floated from classroom to classroom and helped the teachers with any needs. That lasted one service because I was asked to be a helper in a room. This meant that I wasn't teaching kids I was only helping the teacher. I stayed in this role for many months. It helped me get used to kids, how to interact with them, how to pick up their colds.
One day, the teacher didn't show up. I was the teacher. I taught the kids some stuff from the lesson and then we drew pictures on the dry erase board. I loved it. They loved it. From that point on, I was the teacher.
And now? I signed on to keep teaching with Rivkids. I have an awesome co-teacher and we have a well run system. I teach the lesson. I discipline. She comforts them and knows their first and last names. Michelle and I love it. This is crazy when I think about how I didn't want to work with kids, how uncomfortable I was around them. I went into a scary zone and now the scary zone is being without it.
Joey
Pat M.
Noel
Steve
Kate M.
Chuck W.
Reta C.
Trenda
Tami
Then, I thought about how much time I had put into someone else. Tougher question. I wonder if I am in someone else's chain.
The other part of this was about service. I was too overwhelmed by Riverview at first. I sat in the same spot every week (far left side facing the stage...in the frontish). I remember Kate asking me to sit with her on the far right side. No way. That was foreign land. Sometime in October of 2004, I started really talking to Suzanne and Shanna. I wanted to volunteer somewhere but I wasn't good with kids and didn't know anything about coffee. After a service where Noel asked us how we were giving back, I signed up as a floater. This meant I floated from classroom to classroom and helped the teachers with any needs. That lasted one service because I was asked to be a helper in a room. This meant that I wasn't teaching kids I was only helping the teacher. I stayed in this role for many months. It helped me get used to kids, how to interact with them, how to pick up their colds.
One day, the teacher didn't show up. I was the teacher. I taught the kids some stuff from the lesson and then we drew pictures on the dry erase board. I loved it. They loved it. From that point on, I was the teacher.
And now? I signed on to keep teaching with Rivkids. I have an awesome co-teacher and we have a well run system. I teach the lesson. I discipline. She comforts them and knows their first and last names. Michelle and I love it. This is crazy when I think about how I didn't want to work with kids, how uncomfortable I was around them. I went into a scary zone and now the scary zone is being without it.
The compliment that never really was....
I know I've done this before. Sometimes I still catch myself doing it. In fact, I've probably done it to you. I'm sorry. Grooving Dan brought up an excellent point when talking about compliments a few weeks ago. It really helped me verbalize what has been swimming around in my head on this topic. I'm talking about lifting someone else up by putting someone else down. I have been running into this constantly the past few months. Actually, I've probably been dealing with it my whole life but it hasn't bothered me until recently. Here are some examples:
I make a DVD and give it to a friend as a gift. This friend likes said DVD so much but instead of expressing thanks and appreciation, it comes out like this, "my other gift sucked, but yours was awesome." I immediately felt bad for the sucky gift giver who also put a lot of time and love into their gift.
Another example: "The church I go to is so boring but your church really knows how to liven things up." I start to feel bad for the people at the other church who are just trying to love God differently.
I haven't really known how to deal with these kinds of compliments but I was tested last week. The person said to me, "You are catching on really quickly. So and so has been here for seven months and...."
"Stop," I said. "Wait. Before you finish what you are about to say, I need to ask you a question. Were you about to compare me to someone else?"
"Um...yes."
"Okay...please hear me out because I want to say this the right way. All I need from you is affirmation that I'm getting things right or correction when I'm doing it wrong. Praise is fine but please, don't put someone else down if you are trying to build me up."
The person smiled, praised me and then we moved on. Yeah, I was afraid to say it. I was afraid to offend but I just don't want to be that person people want to gossip with. Gossip is so easy and comes in so many forms. Maybe I just gossiped by making myself look like the hero. Please, I don't see myself that way. It was a difficult thing to do to stop the venom coming out with the medicine. I don't know. Maybe it might help you, too.
I make a DVD and give it to a friend as a gift. This friend likes said DVD so much but instead of expressing thanks and appreciation, it comes out like this, "my other gift sucked, but yours was awesome." I immediately felt bad for the sucky gift giver who also put a lot of time and love into their gift.
Another example: "The church I go to is so boring but your church really knows how to liven things up." I start to feel bad for the people at the other church who are just trying to love God differently.
I haven't really known how to deal with these kinds of compliments but I was tested last week. The person said to me, "You are catching on really quickly. So and so has been here for seven months and...."
"Stop," I said. "Wait. Before you finish what you are about to say, I need to ask you a question. Were you about to compare me to someone else?"
"Um...yes."
"Okay...please hear me out because I want to say this the right way. All I need from you is affirmation that I'm getting things right or correction when I'm doing it wrong. Praise is fine but please, don't put someone else down if you are trying to build me up."
The person smiled, praised me and then we moved on. Yeah, I was afraid to say it. I was afraid to offend but I just don't want to be that person people want to gossip with. Gossip is so easy and comes in so many forms. Maybe I just gossiped by making myself look like the hero. Please, I don't see myself that way. It was a difficult thing to do to stop the venom coming out with the medicine. I don't know. Maybe it might help you, too.
Updates and stuff
A lot has been happening but I haven't really been connected to the net to update. Here are some highlights of being me the past few weeks:
- I was transferred to a new department at Val. I went from making coupons specific to the individual and mailing them directly to the person home (Direct Mail) to printing the FSI, your friendly coupon book in the Sunday paper. Did I want to transfer? No. Did I have a choice? Not really. But my first day in the new department, I sat down to train with a woman named Alta. Twenty minutes later, she was telling me her faith story with tears in her eyes. I think God wanted me to spread my wings a little bit more and I trusted Him enough to follow His lead.
- Went to the individual state tournament at The Palace. Friday night, I showed up with a ticket from the assistant wrestling coach. The lady scanned my ticket and said, "sorry, this was for this morning's session. Got another ticket?" I sighed. See, Joey had given the ticket to a wrestler because Joey had to coach. Joey told me to call his cell phone when I arrived. He gave his cell phone to another wrestler and told the wrestler to wait for me. I arrived. I called. The wrestler met me at the front doors with the ticket and with Joey's cell phone. So, the ticket taker says, "Can you call someone to get you another ticket?" Um, no. I sighed and asked where I could go to buy another $10 ticket (which I knew was on the other side of the Palace." As I was standing there, my old roommate from college popped out of the side door. I knew he worked at the club but I was standing just inside of the Palace Grill. "Dan!" I said with surprise and relief. I told him the situation and he said he would walk me to the other side of the building. As soon as we got outside, Dan grabbed my arm, punched in a code and snuck me in the back. Was this stealing? Hmmm....no. Joey had just given me the wrong ticket which I could have gone to get for whoever wanted it. Was it a coincidence that Dan would come out of the side door at the moment I couldn't get in? You know how I feel about coincidences.
- Jenny asked me to be bridesmaid. I started to cry. I've known her less than a year but we are so close. God is awesome.
- My step-sister and her husband have now come to Riv three weeks in a row. God is awesome.
That's all I have for now. Watch this space...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)