Joey like
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Part 1~ I am the Big Brother
I’m in a growing phase. Faith inside me is deepening. The only way this can happen is by going through trials. These trials have been coming at me for the past few months and now, I’m feeling the change inside of me, like I “get it” more. I know for certain I am no longer a baby Christ Follower. The realm I am in would be more of a junior high Christ Follower. I have been writing about going through this change and I need to share the good, rotten and beautiful. God is growing me up.
I read in Our Daily Bread yesterday about how we represent all three characters from the Prodigal Son parable at different times in our lives. Julie Ackerman Link writes “at times we are the wayward child in need of repentance and forgiveness. At other times we are the big brother who wants to hold on to resentment and withhold forgiveness. But as we mature, we become like the father, whose highest desire is to have all his children reconciled.”
I see how I have been the wayward child...sometimes once a day...but no, overall I am faithful. The past few months, I've actually been the big brother, not wanting to forgive, not letting myself forget. But the time is coming. I feel like I'm sitting on the edge of it...I can see it...I see the lesson almost as soon as it happens. Quite an exciting time for me right now....quite a scary, difficult, painful, joyous time. Stand by for more.....
I read in Our Daily Bread yesterday about how we represent all three characters from the Prodigal Son parable at different times in our lives. Julie Ackerman Link writes “at times we are the wayward child in need of repentance and forgiveness. At other times we are the big brother who wants to hold on to resentment and withhold forgiveness. But as we mature, we become like the father, whose highest desire is to have all his children reconciled.”
I see how I have been the wayward child...sometimes once a day...but no, overall I am faithful. The past few months, I've actually been the big brother, not wanting to forgive, not letting myself forget. But the time is coming. I feel like I'm sitting on the edge of it...I can see it...I see the lesson almost as soon as it happens. Quite an exciting time for me right now....quite a scary, difficult, painful, joyous time. Stand by for more.....
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Jack
Jack's sick. The outlook isn't good. Joey says he has dropsy. I'm not sure what that means but I know it looks really gross. His eyes are protruding and the scales around his lips are all flaky. Joey thinks something happened in the tank, like maybe the catfish went after him or he was cut somehow. The cut got infected, Jack got stressed out and now we have him in isolation. He's already swimming a little sideways. I feel like I failed as a parent. I also hope Diane doesn't get sick. She's scared because Jack is gone.
I know it's dumb to pray for my fish but maybe you could pray for me. One thing is certain--I'm never buying fish again.
On another note, Joey is home safe and sound. We leave for Chicago early tomorrow morning. Go Cubbies!
I know it's dumb to pray for my fish but maybe you could pray for me. One thing is certain--I'm never buying fish again.
On another note, Joey is home safe and sound. We leave for Chicago early tomorrow morning. Go Cubbies!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
I was behind a garbage truck this morning on the freeway. The back of it said, "SMILE...everyone loves to be behind a garbage truck." Garbageman.com
Gone (Sob)
Joey left for his fishing trip on Sunday. I didn't think I would get so upset...but I did. I started becoming more and more grumpy as 6:00 approached. I realized I was making it difficult for him to leave so I pretended to be happy and that made it worse. It's so crazy how things change. When he left, I actually wasn't sure what to do with myself. I felt a little lost. Now, keep in mind that I don't even see him Monday through Thursday. Could it be God is drawing us closer together? Nah..... :o)
I hung out with my Grandma, aunt, mom and niece yesterday. We visited my grandfather's grave in Breckenridge, MI. Breckenridge is where my grandmother is from and where my grandparents started their family. It is a cute, little village in the flatest part of MI. The cemetary is beautiful with a field of wildflowers bordering the west side. I always feel at peace when strolling through the various resting places: my great-grandparents, my great uncle, friends of my grandma's. My mom usually grabs a watering can to give the flowers a drink. It doesn't matter if she knows the people or not.
My mom was telling me about a headstone that had the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on it in color. I found the headstone on our way back to the car. The rest of my family came over to see it, commented on how unique it was and then started toward the car, again. But as I stared at the headstone, a chill shot through my body.
"Mom, come back and take another look at this," I said. When she approached, she didn't notice what I had noticed...at first. Then, she exclaimed, "Oh, wow. He had your birthday." Yeah, this person who had passed away was born February 22, 1976. We were born on the same exact day but he died in 2002. It was a little creepy staring at my birthdate on a headstone, knowing that someday it would be mine. Of course, I will never die....spiritually...but sometimes I get weirded out when I think of my body decomposing in a grave. Hope you weren't eating lunch when you read that.
Anyhow, we went to visit my great aunt Marlene afterward and then went to the old soda shop for lunch. It still has the same soda fountain counter my grandma used to sit at when she was in high school. After lunch, we went to Soaring Eagle casino where I lost $40 of my own, $40 of my aunt's and $10 of my grandma's. My aunt won about $2,000 so I was happy for her.
After a stop at Tom's Western Store (I stayed in the van to take a nap), we returned to Holt. I went home from there but stopped to visit Hemi and Chessie. They were already upset at being left alone for a day but there was nothing I could do. I started to feel sad on the way home but Jennwy and Yi kept me company. I love them :o)
Anyhow, I only have three more days to go and I will see JAC on Thursday. We leave for Chicago on Friday morning and it is going to be a blast. Check out where we are staying. And yes, same room, two double beds, and a strong Holy Spirit. :o)
I hung out with my Grandma, aunt, mom and niece yesterday. We visited my grandfather's grave in Breckenridge, MI. Breckenridge is where my grandmother is from and where my grandparents started their family. It is a cute, little village in the flatest part of MI. The cemetary is beautiful with a field of wildflowers bordering the west side. I always feel at peace when strolling through the various resting places: my great-grandparents, my great uncle, friends of my grandma's. My mom usually grabs a watering can to give the flowers a drink. It doesn't matter if she knows the people or not.
My mom was telling me about a headstone that had the Pittsburgh Steelers logo on it in color. I found the headstone on our way back to the car. The rest of my family came over to see it, commented on how unique it was and then started toward the car, again. But as I stared at the headstone, a chill shot through my body.
"Mom, come back and take another look at this," I said. When she approached, she didn't notice what I had noticed...at first. Then, she exclaimed, "Oh, wow. He had your birthday." Yeah, this person who had passed away was born February 22, 1976. We were born on the same exact day but he died in 2002. It was a little creepy staring at my birthdate on a headstone, knowing that someday it would be mine. Of course, I will never die....spiritually...but sometimes I get weirded out when I think of my body decomposing in a grave. Hope you weren't eating lunch when you read that.
Anyhow, we went to visit my great aunt Marlene afterward and then went to the old soda shop for lunch. It still has the same soda fountain counter my grandma used to sit at when she was in high school. After lunch, we went to Soaring Eagle casino where I lost $40 of my own, $40 of my aunt's and $10 of my grandma's. My aunt won about $2,000 so I was happy for her.
After a stop at Tom's Western Store (I stayed in the van to take a nap), we returned to Holt. I went home from there but stopped to visit Hemi and Chessie. They were already upset at being left alone for a day but there was nothing I could do. I started to feel sad on the way home but Jennwy and Yi kept me company. I love them :o)
Anyhow, I only have three more days to go and I will see JAC on Thursday. We leave for Chicago on Friday morning and it is going to be a blast. Check out where we are staying. And yes, same room, two double beds, and a strong Holy Spirit. :o)
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Friday, June 09, 2006
Chai Revisited
After work...yay. Traffic back to Lansing....boo. New Coffee Beanery next to exit....hmmm....
I had been wanting to check out this new Coffee Beanery for a few months now. Today was the day. I pulled up to the curb and noticed the free Wi-fi. Super. This Coffee Beanery is also a Cinnabon. Bonus. I walked up to the counter and the following took place.
Friendly Coffee Beanery Employee: May I help you?
Holly: Yes. I would like a Skinny Chai.
FCBE: Hot or cold?
H: Hot
FCBE: Size?
H: Tall.
FCBE: Spiced, Vanilla or Decaf Vanilla?
H: You're kidding me. You guys have Decaf Vanilla now?
FCBE: Yes. (Pause) Are you crying?
H: (Sniffle) Um...no. I'll have the Decaf Vanilla.
FCBE: Coming right up.
H: Oh, and can I have two scoops of Chai instead of four?
FCBE: You got it.
H: Wow! You have frequent shopper punch cards?!
FCBE: Yup. (Pause) Are you crying?
H: It's been a good day.
So, I got to drive to Lansing with my tall, skinny, vanilla, decaf, hot chai. Oh...glory. It made me think about how Yi was going to rank chai but I can't remember if she did. I shall rank my favorites now.
1.) The Coffee Beanery--Now that they have Vanilla Decaf and a store right next to my office, they have pulled ahead. The Chai is like a Christmasy treat, especially when the milk is frothy. Mmmmmmm......
2.) Borders--A close second for all the reasons above, except they aren't next to my office...but they are next to Bally's.
3.) Starbucks--Eh. I could take it or leave it. I little on the spicy side. I wouldn't wait in line for a Starbucks Chai.
4.) Beaners--Yucks. I thought I liked their blend but one day I was drinking it and I suddenly thought, "wait, I hate this." It takes like black pepper. Where is the gingerbread taste? Where is the frothy milk and vanilla yumminess?
There you have it. A chai update. Perhaps I will gain all that wait back before the summer is over.
Wish me luck tomorrow on my 5k. It starts out at Mason High School. I'm not nervous at all. I'll do what I can. I'm more nervous about Max's Race for some reason. And thanks to JAC for making his homemade spaghetti sauce for me and my family tonight. It was so darn good and I liked the addition of the meatballs. Way to carb me up before the big run. Suz, Melissa, Christine and Yi....you are all invited over the night before Max's for some more spaghetti. Joey already said he would be happy to make it for our "team."
Peace out.
I had been wanting to check out this new Coffee Beanery for a few months now. Today was the day. I pulled up to the curb and noticed the free Wi-fi. Super. This Coffee Beanery is also a Cinnabon. Bonus. I walked up to the counter and the following took place.
Friendly Coffee Beanery Employee: May I help you?
Holly: Yes. I would like a Skinny Chai.
FCBE: Hot or cold?
H: Hot
FCBE: Size?
H: Tall.
FCBE: Spiced, Vanilla or Decaf Vanilla?
H: You're kidding me. You guys have Decaf Vanilla now?
FCBE: Yes. (Pause) Are you crying?
H: (Sniffle) Um...no. I'll have the Decaf Vanilla.
FCBE: Coming right up.
H: Oh, and can I have two scoops of Chai instead of four?
FCBE: You got it.
H: Wow! You have frequent shopper punch cards?!
FCBE: Yup. (Pause) Are you crying?
H: It's been a good day.
So, I got to drive to Lansing with my tall, skinny, vanilla, decaf, hot chai. Oh...glory. It made me think about how Yi was going to rank chai but I can't remember if she did. I shall rank my favorites now.
1.) The Coffee Beanery--Now that they have Vanilla Decaf and a store right next to my office, they have pulled ahead. The Chai is like a Christmasy treat, especially when the milk is frothy. Mmmmmmm......
2.) Borders--A close second for all the reasons above, except they aren't next to my office...but they are next to Bally's.
3.) Starbucks--Eh. I could take it or leave it. I little on the spicy side. I wouldn't wait in line for a Starbucks Chai.
4.) Beaners--Yucks. I thought I liked their blend but one day I was drinking it and I suddenly thought, "wait, I hate this." It takes like black pepper. Where is the gingerbread taste? Where is the frothy milk and vanilla yumminess?
There you have it. A chai update. Perhaps I will gain all that wait back before the summer is over.
Wish me luck tomorrow on my 5k. It starts out at Mason High School. I'm not nervous at all. I'll do what I can. I'm more nervous about Max's Race for some reason. And thanks to JAC for making his homemade spaghetti sauce for me and my family tonight. It was so darn good and I liked the addition of the meatballs. Way to carb me up before the big run. Suz, Melissa, Christine and Yi....you are all invited over the night before Max's for some more spaghetti. Joey already said he would be happy to make it for our "team."
Peace out.
Thoughts
Thoughts from PDL:
06/08/06
You can’t have fellowship without forgiveness. God warns, “Never hold grudges,” because bitterness and resentment always destroy fellowship. Because we’re imperfect, sinful people, we inevitably hurt each other when we’re together for a long enough time. Sometimes we hurt each other intentionally and sometimes unintentionally, but either way, it takes massive amounts of mercy and grace to create and maintain fellowship.
06/07/06
We all need mercy, because we all stumble and fall and require help getting back on track. We need to offer mercy to each other and be willing to receive it from each other. God says, “When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair” (2 CORINTHIANS 2:7 CEV).
06/08/06
You can’t have fellowship without forgiveness. God warns, “Never hold grudges,” because bitterness and resentment always destroy fellowship. Because we’re imperfect, sinful people, we inevitably hurt each other when we’re together for a long enough time. Sometimes we hurt each other intentionally and sometimes unintentionally, but either way, it takes massive amounts of mercy and grace to create and maintain fellowship.
06/07/06
We all need mercy, because we all stumble and fall and require help getting back on track. We need to offer mercy to each other and be willing to receive it from each other. God says, “When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair” (2 CORINTHIANS 2:7 CEV).
Sunday, June 04, 2006
My cousin Justin and I before he shipped out. Very sad day even though we look happy here. He's going to theatre, though and this means he's going to see a lot of bad things. His unit is transportation so...it is hard to admit this but...he's kind of a target. We didn't dicuss this stuff. What we did talk about is how much Iraq is going to be like camp (yeah right). God, please watch out for my cousin and his company...and everyone elses over there. Your will always but...well...you know.
Another Weekend Gone
I love doing these weekend updates but why can't I look forward to the weekday stuff? Is it possible to have weekend type days during the week? Should I become a teacher? :o)
Friday was a sad day. Well, the whole day wasn't sad. I tried to take a "shortcut" out of Detroit which ended up with me just being upset with myself. The shortcut added about an hour to the trip but I can't even gage the level of frustration I had with myself. See, two years ago, I took the same shortcut and remember how badly it upset me then...but of course, I didn't remember this until I was in the long back up of cars. Really, it's better to sweat it out on the freeway. I'm sure there is a life lesson in there somewhere but I don't feel like getting into it. What was funny, though, was my roommate called me.
Krissie: What are you doing?
Me: Oh, I'm in a traffic backup trying to get to Lansing.
K: You aren't to Lansing, yet?
Me: Um...no (not wanting to admit I tried to take a shortcut).
K: Well, I tried to take some stupid shortcut to Troy and now I'm heading back in the total opposite way I should be going.
Me: Wow. No wonder we are such good friends.
I got to Joey's eventually and let the dogs out. After playing frisbee with Titan for about 5 minutes, Cain wandered over to the pond. I saw him nose something and then realized what it was: Reggie. Reggie was dead and laying next to the hot tub. Now, Reggie wasn't just one of Joey's fish...he was probably his favorite. I mean, he had a name. Joey called to say he was on his way home. I told him to come straight there. The news wasn't received well. There weren't any tears but Joey was really bummed. It looks as though Reggie jumped out of the pond which would make sense because when Joey bought him, Reggie had a bump on his lip from jumping out of the tank. So, he was a jumper and he died doing what he loved.
After we buried Reggie, I introduced Joey to my two new Koi fish: Diane and Jack. I'll post some pictures of them because they are so cute. A little shy, but cute. Can you believe Joey got me into Koi fish?
To celebrate and mourn, we went to the new City Limits restaurant in the Mason Bowling Center. Not impressed. We watched the Pistons lose and then went back to Joey's. See, we were supposed to pick my aunt up from the airport at 9:30 p.m. but her flight was delayed. We fell asleep waiting for the call which came at 1:30 a.m. After driving to Grandma's to pick her up, we headed to Capital City Airport. We didn't have to wait long and I was back in bed by 3.
Grandma called me at 8:30 to say, "come get me and take me to Jackson." Oh yeah. I had to say good-bye to my cousin. So, we went there and said good-bye. After a trip to the dollar store, the gas station and Subway, I ended up at Joey's again and decided to go for a walk. I walked to the baseball field where Joey was running the state district tournament. That was fun for 15 minutes but then I was headed back to his place. This is where the story starts to hurt a little.
I let the dogs run around outside and then, as I was trying to get Cain inside, I felt a sting on my neck. Ouch. I swated at my neck but there was nothing there....and then another sting a little lower. F! I ran into the back room and ripped my shirt off. The bug/bee/wasp/whatever fell down into my sports bra and stung me in the middle of my back. Double F! Now, I was freaked out. I mean, it felt like I couldn't get the thing off me and there was no one to help. I screamed, ripped my sports bra off and ran into the house. I calmed down enough to realize a.) I was hurting pretty bad but no longer being stung b.) I was panic city and couldn't treat the bites because they were in the middle of my back and c.) I had nothing on the top half of my body. Joey eventually showed up and put some Sting Eraser on my bites. We never found the stinger. We never found the culprit. Big, fat jerk for biting me in the first place.
After watching my niece in her dance recital, Bradley and I had pizza with my dad. My night ended at Hooter's where my aunt, grandma, niece, sister and brother-in-law had gathered for dinner.
Sunday was fantastic. Church....was...fabulous...just like it always is. I loved Mark's message and loved the clip he used from Walk The Line even more. RivKids rocked and then we met up with the Awesomes to partake in frosty beers and pizza at Leo's Lodge. Fun times at the Riv party that night and now I'm playing with the computer. Time for bed....
Friday was a sad day. Well, the whole day wasn't sad. I tried to take a "shortcut" out of Detroit which ended up with me just being upset with myself. The shortcut added about an hour to the trip but I can't even gage the level of frustration I had with myself. See, two years ago, I took the same shortcut and remember how badly it upset me then...but of course, I didn't remember this until I was in the long back up of cars. Really, it's better to sweat it out on the freeway. I'm sure there is a life lesson in there somewhere but I don't feel like getting into it. What was funny, though, was my roommate called me.
Krissie: What are you doing?
Me: Oh, I'm in a traffic backup trying to get to Lansing.
K: You aren't to Lansing, yet?
Me: Um...no (not wanting to admit I tried to take a shortcut).
K: Well, I tried to take some stupid shortcut to Troy and now I'm heading back in the total opposite way I should be going.
Me: Wow. No wonder we are such good friends.
I got to Joey's eventually and let the dogs out. After playing frisbee with Titan for about 5 minutes, Cain wandered over to the pond. I saw him nose something and then realized what it was: Reggie. Reggie was dead and laying next to the hot tub. Now, Reggie wasn't just one of Joey's fish...he was probably his favorite. I mean, he had a name. Joey called to say he was on his way home. I told him to come straight there. The news wasn't received well. There weren't any tears but Joey was really bummed. It looks as though Reggie jumped out of the pond which would make sense because when Joey bought him, Reggie had a bump on his lip from jumping out of the tank. So, he was a jumper and he died doing what he loved.
After we buried Reggie, I introduced Joey to my two new Koi fish: Diane and Jack. I'll post some pictures of them because they are so cute. A little shy, but cute. Can you believe Joey got me into Koi fish?
To celebrate and mourn, we went to the new City Limits restaurant in the Mason Bowling Center. Not impressed. We watched the Pistons lose and then went back to Joey's. See, we were supposed to pick my aunt up from the airport at 9:30 p.m. but her flight was delayed. We fell asleep waiting for the call which came at 1:30 a.m. After driving to Grandma's to pick her up, we headed to Capital City Airport. We didn't have to wait long and I was back in bed by 3.
Grandma called me at 8:30 to say, "come get me and take me to Jackson." Oh yeah. I had to say good-bye to my cousin. So, we went there and said good-bye. After a trip to the dollar store, the gas station and Subway, I ended up at Joey's again and decided to go for a walk. I walked to the baseball field where Joey was running the state district tournament. That was fun for 15 minutes but then I was headed back to his place. This is where the story starts to hurt a little.
I let the dogs run around outside and then, as I was trying to get Cain inside, I felt a sting on my neck. Ouch. I swated at my neck but there was nothing there....and then another sting a little lower. F! I ran into the back room and ripped my shirt off. The bug/bee/wasp/whatever fell down into my sports bra and stung me in the middle of my back. Double F! Now, I was freaked out. I mean, it felt like I couldn't get the thing off me and there was no one to help. I screamed, ripped my sports bra off and ran into the house. I calmed down enough to realize a.) I was hurting pretty bad but no longer being stung b.) I was panic city and couldn't treat the bites because they were in the middle of my back and c.) I had nothing on the top half of my body. Joey eventually showed up and put some Sting Eraser on my bites. We never found the stinger. We never found the culprit. Big, fat jerk for biting me in the first place.
After watching my niece in her dance recital, Bradley and I had pizza with my dad. My night ended at Hooter's where my aunt, grandma, niece, sister and brother-in-law had gathered for dinner.
Sunday was fantastic. Church....was...fabulous...just like it always is. I loved Mark's message and loved the clip he used from Walk The Line even more. RivKids rocked and then we met up with the Awesomes to partake in frosty beers and pizza at Leo's Lodge. Fun times at the Riv party that night and now I'm playing with the computer. Time for bed....
Friday, June 02, 2006
Family
This weekend is going to be interesting. Let me start by giving a little family background. My mom is the oldest of four kids: my aunt from Houston, my uncle the principal of Pittsford schools and my uncle from Lake Odessa. The aunt from Houston rolls into town tonight for a couple of weeks. Now, I love my aunt. She is a lot of fun and a good person to talk to. However, my family has this thing about…spirituality. They like to say “you can’t put God in a box.” Now, I’m not exactly sure what that means but it gives them an excuse to put their faith into spirits, afterlife, witches, demons….the whole nine. I am not saying I don’t believe in evil spirits but my faith is in Christ. They tend to believe a certain precious stone or herbs can ward off these spirits. I know the Holy Spirit kicks butt if you will. My beliefs are Biblical. Their’s aren’t. This allows them to say I put God in a box (the Bible) and then they feel sorry for me because “I don’t get it.” See the back and forth here? Oy.
Now, since the last visit from the aunt last year, she has joined a church and become active in it. I pray God has given her some truth. I’m a little nervous to see. I’m also going to be asking her to come with me to Riv either this weekend or next. Please pray.
On another family note, my cousin leaves from Iraq tomorrow. He is the son of my mom’s youngest brother and his name is Justin Pelham. His best friend was just killed in Iraq last month. Remember the funeral in Lake Odessa where the war protestors went nuts at a soldier’s funeral and the bikers dudes put a stop to it? Yes, this is the friend of my cousin’s. And now….he goes. He’s had quite a life so far. The trailer the family lived in burnt to the ground when Justin was maybe 10 or so. Then, his mom left him in charge of his three younger siblings one day and she never came back. My uncle remarried in 1996 and his wife adopted all four kids. He’s such a sweetheart, though. He’s made bad decisions and good ones, just like the rest of us. Joining the army was the only thing that made sense to him. So now…he goes…and so does his little brother Joshua. Josh will leave for Kuwait but I’m not sure if it is tomorrow. Either way, please, if you remember to pray for my family, it would be appreciated.
Now, since the last visit from the aunt last year, she has joined a church and become active in it. I pray God has given her some truth. I’m a little nervous to see. I’m also going to be asking her to come with me to Riv either this weekend or next. Please pray.
On another family note, my cousin leaves from Iraq tomorrow. He is the son of my mom’s youngest brother and his name is Justin Pelham. His best friend was just killed in Iraq last month. Remember the funeral in Lake Odessa where the war protestors went nuts at a soldier’s funeral and the bikers dudes put a stop to it? Yes, this is the friend of my cousin’s. And now….he goes. He’s had quite a life so far. The trailer the family lived in burnt to the ground when Justin was maybe 10 or so. Then, his mom left him in charge of his three younger siblings one day and she never came back. My uncle remarried in 1996 and his wife adopted all four kids. He’s such a sweetheart, though. He’s made bad decisions and good ones, just like the rest of us. Joining the army was the only thing that made sense to him. So now…he goes…and so does his little brother Joshua. Josh will leave for Kuwait but I’m not sure if it is tomorrow. Either way, please, if you remember to pray for my family, it would be appreciated.
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