CO part 1

Hello bloggers!! Greetings from Manitou Springs, CO!! If you take a walk with me down memory lane for a moment, you’ll recall the post where I mentioned that I’d be in CO for an entire summer. And as most of you found out….eventually……this did not happen - at least not like I had originally planned.

Here’s what did happen…

I’ve been in CO for about a week and a half now. Total, I will be here three weeks before going back home. In short, this has been a trip for firsts – starting from the very beginning. I had to drive 8 hours. 8 HOURS!! I have never driven a car more than half an hour away from home before in my life. And get this - I’ve never even had to use the cruise control on my car (pathetic unnecessary). Well this time around, I had got to do both. Other than a major leg cramp and the most horrible route anyone could ever take to get there, the road trip was a success and I got both Lady M and I to CO in one piece. And the car.

Upon our arrival, the plan was to go straight to the house (which we did) and then stay there that first night (which we did not). As soon as we got to the house, the cleaning crew was there and quite surprised to see us ‘a day early’. Communication hasn’t been a real forte out here. So just a potato salad and a pork sandwich away, we found ourselves in the Comfort Inn just across the street for an evening. Hotels can be iffy when you’re in a room all by yourself.

The next few days while Lady M’s son was still with us, we spent our time unloading boxes, moving furniture around, and getting the place as homey as possible. Eventually, Lady M’s son left and it was just her and I…….and all of the construction workers. I can’t honestly say that we are on our own, because we aren’t. But still.

For those of you that don’t know, I grew up in a house full of girls, so living in the middle of a construction zone (no exaggeration) is a stretch. Every day, starting at 7 a.m., the men would be in the house (literally everywhere) doing their work. Definitely a first for me. After a while, freaking out every time you use the bathroom for fear of someone walking in on you, or having to get up extra early in the morning to look decent for everyone, you get used to it – believe it or not. I actually enjoy their company! The house gets real quiet without them there. REAL quiet.

Still another week and a half to go! I’m missing everyone at home, but I’m having fun being in a new place for an extended period of time. I have my moments when I just have to ask God for a new attitude or the courage to help me face my fears (CO traffic). It’s been a wonderful experience of stepping up to the plate and putting myself out there and then watching God handle it all.

That’s my update for now. Sending my love to everyone back home! I’m praying for you - especially in that 113 degree weather you all have had! I won’t mention the temperature here…..well since you asked. Today we have a high of 85 degrees! Not to mention we’ve had rain nearly every single day since getting here. I promise I will never mention the weather here again.

Summer Revamp

I have decided to stop planning everything in life all together. For some reason or another, my original plans are always changing - never fails.

In my previous post, I wrote about my amazing plan for this summer - go to CO and have awesome/amazing experiences. Apparently, what I thought was God's plan for my summer is actually far from what it's turning out to be.

It turns out that I will not be going to Colorado this summer. Well, I take that back. I'll be going there for a week on a vacation with my family, but then I'll be riding back with them in my five-passenger Mercury Sable.....instead of standing out front, waving goodbye as I watch them drive away. (mental note: must bring medicine for leg cramps)

I know I know....you all couldn't wait for me to get the heck out of Wichita for the rest of the summer. As much as you all must be extremely disappointed, no one is more upset than me. My entire summer got turned around in the blink of an eye, hence my decision to quit planning ANYTHING and EVERYTHING.

It's all going to get switched around anyways.

While I can't seem to shake the disappointment off as fast as I'd like, I'm constantly reminded that His timing is perfect and He never makes mistakes. Given time, everything will work out. I just wish He'd provide a little commentary as He carries out His master plan.

But we can't have everything in life, now can we?

CO prep

The time is drawing near to kiss Kansas goodbye for a short while and wave hello to Colorado!! (Lord-willing).

Here in roughly two weeks I'll be leaving to spend the rest of my summer in Manitou Springs, CO with a wonderful lady, M. Her son built a condo out there and that's where she's wanting to spend her time, relaxing and having fun. Can't say I blame her! She couldn't have picked a more beautiful spot to relax.

While she and I are down there, we have a list of things that will be accomplished. Work you ask? Heck no, what kind of fun is that? This is a list that M created and, of course, I'd love to help her accomplish it. Bear in mind, these are just few that I'm aware of...who knows what this lady has planned...

1. Learn Spanish. I come from a fairly long line of Germans. In fact, I was forced to take at least two years of the German language in high school. Any thoughts about taking a different foreign language and I would've been branded a traitor to my family. Fortunately, this is no longer a problem, but still this will be interesting.

2. Go line dancing. Oh we're not just line dancing. We're line dancing at the senior center. I will officially be the youngest person there, but might in fact become the most popular dance partner in the room (or so I'm told).

3. Become members of the country club. In addition to coming from a long line of Germans, I also come from a very long line of people that have never been members of a country club. I was even informed by my mother that I needed to invest in some better clothes to make a good impression on the country clubbers, or anyone else in a nice environment. Thank you, Mom. Clearly, I'll be encroaching on new territory and I think it's safe to say that I'll have no idea what I'm doing.

So like I said, just a few goals on the list. I'm sure I'll have many more stories and goals to post as time goes on. Please pray for me as we continue to prepare for our trip. There have been some obstacles thrown our way, but God is working!

1 down, 3 to go

I'm done with my first year of college!! That's HUGE! I'll never be a freshman ever again!!!

Whew.....okay I just had to get that out of my system. Let summer BEGIN!!! sorry, now I'm done.

As I reflect upon the school year that's passed, one word comes to mind - gratefulness. But that spurs on other words, such as humility, love and trust. In reference to all, I have learned many lessons that continue to shape and fashion me as time goes on. Don't ever think for one second that you've learned all there is to know, or that you have to be stuck in the same spot in life. There is always room to grow. No one said it's easy and breezy like Cover Girl, but it's beautiful because you'll be growing in Him.

where to look

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God." Colossians 3:1

What am I seeking?

Success at school. Brains. Success at work. Love from others. Beauty. Wit. Affirmation. Control. Adventure. Security. Money. Possessions - I could go on, but I'll spare you.

How many of those are 'things that are above'?

...................................................................

Why am I always looking for these things, when He tells me I won't need them? It seems I'm always muting His voice whenever He tries to tell me, "In Me, you are made new. In Me, you are beautiful. In Me, you have hope. In Me, you have love. You don't need to worry or fear, because I am in control - I've got you. Give your money and possessions to the poor, the orphans and the widows. Seek the things that are above."

I should be seeking after the things that will make me more like Him, and those can only be found in Him.

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it." Matthew 13:44-46

If we sought after the kingdom of heaven, and the things that are above, we will care for nothing else in this world. Nothing else will matter! We will sell all of it for that treasure that is far greater than any other we could possibly imagine.

What are you in search of?

My Prayer

To my audience of one

You are Father, and You are Son
As your spirit flows free,
Let it find within me
A heart that beats to praise You.
And now just to know You more
Has become my great reward,
To see Your kingdom come
And Your will be done.
I only desire to be Yours,
Lord

Audience of One - Big Daddy weave http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt0QWvBJE2Y

Passion 2011

This past weekend was so awesome - it could not have been better! Last week we (me and a whole bunch of other college students) were promoting an event called AfterDark. AfterDark travels across the country and hosts a late night event geared towards non-believers. They bring in a band, a speaker and present the gospel in a really cool and radical way. Everyone involved had been planning this event for months now and to be honest, when the night finally came, I think we were all pretty anxious maybe even nervous for the turnout and the response.

We were blown away.

We had more people than we anticipated - I think we even surprised the guys in charge of it all! But not only was the crowd big, but the response that they had was amazing! That night was an encouragement to us all - it was so neat to see the process of God stirring the hearts of those helping and the affections of those watching.

Not only did I get to participate in that amazing night, but the very next morning a group of our college group from church left bright and early for Ft. Worth, TX for the Passion 2011 conference.

That weekend alone filled me up, refreshed my soul, stirred my affections for God, and encouraged me alongside my brothers and sisters. I was reminded about how I need not fear the future - the unknown. He has paid my ransom!! Any battle I will encounter has already been won in the precious name of Jesus! Death has been defeated and has lost its sting.

This is good news - not just good news. THE BEST NEWS YOU'LL EVER HEAR! Let's act like it!

I couldn't talk about the weekend without posting some awesome pictures for you all! Enjoy!

One of our main missions was to fund Bible translations. Roughly 40% of the world doesn't know about Jesus.

My awesome family group! Continuing to pray for them!

Great night in the hallway of our hotel! We may, or may not, have gotten the security called on us for being too noisy....

L.O.V.E them! Each and every one a beautiful woman of God!

Some Solid Food for Thought

Towards, the beginning of the year, I had told you all I'd keep you updated on my Bible reading plan. Everything was going great, until I lost the piece of paper that kept track of what I was supposed to read. Needless to say, I got a little behind in my reading! Just a little bit...

Yesterday I finally sat down, found the website, and printed off another copy so I could begin the 'catching-up process'. It's going to require some definite dedication, but I'll get there!

I found myself in Hebrews. It's funny (yet not so unusual) - I've read Hebrews before (I know this because of the scattered passages I've got underlined or highlighted already), but somehow, I completely missed the main points that stem through the entire book! I must not have been paying very close attention. Silly, isn't it?

I was actually reading in chapter 5, which talks about Jesus as the Great High Priest. It specifically stresses how God appointed Jesus as the High Priest and the ultimate perfect sacrifice for our sins.

5:8-10 "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek."

More than once throughout the whole book, it mentions how Jesus 'suffered when tempted, to help those who are being tempted.' (2:18)

After reading 5:10, I continued on down to verse 11-14.

"About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Ouch. It was like a slap in the face AND a splash of cold water! But it was 100% deserved. I have become dull of hearing! How many times have I chosen my own path, instead of heeding the Holy Spirit's gentle voice urging me to do otherwise? How many times have I been taught, over and over again, the basic lessons of the Lord and His great love for me, before a light bulb finally goes off in my head? How many times have I not completely trusted Him to keep His promises? How many times have I forgotten His promises all together?

Too many.

I thank the Lord for His reminders that I'm not as good at this as I think I am sometimes. If you relate with this at all, welcome to the club! Let's all be encouraged in the fact that we all struggle , but also know that Jesus faced temptations just like we do every single day, so we are not alone.

My prayer is that we would live on "solid food, which is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil".

Jesus, Take the Wheel (my version)

I love driving! Being able to hop in my car, roll down the windows, and go on a drive in the warm, sunshine will totally make my day! However. I am told that I'm not exactly the most 'cautious' driver in town......I don't throw all caution to the wind (let's not exaggerate this!), but when I drive I can be a little dare-devil sometimes! Over time, and many many miles, I have come to find out that I love the control I get when I'm behind the wheel.

Yup, when I'm at 10 an' 2, there is nothing I won't do!

Why can't I be as control in other areas in my life, the way I am when I'm behind the wheel??

Because, like life, there is more than one seat in a car, which is sorta funny when you think about it because only one of those seats means you have control. The other three are passenger seats, which means you buckle up, sit back and enjoy the ride! In life, the passenger seat is one of the scariest places to be!! But we're there majority of the time, whether we realize it or not.

If there's one thing I've learned in the past few months, it's that life can change at the drop of a hat. One minute, you think you're in control of everything, and the next, you're not. It's no surprise that someone who loves to be in control of her [my] life (and car) get's a little anxious at times......OK, really anxious. Lately, I've been having the problem "Too many questions and NOT enough answers!!" What's a girl to do?!

Cue awesome friends: A friend shared this verse with me, 1 Peter 5:6-7

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you."

Being humble before the Lord means owning up to the fact that you don't have control over your life - He does. But it also means accepting it, and coming before Him saying, "Father, my whole life is for Your glory." If our whole life is for His glory - His purpose - then why do we worry so much about how we'll get by?? God is our Provider, our Comforter, He is our Father and He will not abandon us and make us fend for ourselves.

So when you find yourself so distracted because you don't know what to do, cry out to our Heavenly Father! He will listen. Ask for peace, wisdom, patience, but ask for His will to play out as well. And hang in there!! He won't give you more than you can handle.

Valentine's Day

It's that time of year again! That time of year when stores are completely smothered in pink and red hearts, chocolates and cards. That time of year when men (young and old) order flowers and give them to their special someone. As a Single Lady, I almost feel like I should be saying how much I dislike Valentine's Day, stating that all the candy, flowers and hearts are totally cliche and that I would rather choke on them, than participate. In the past, that's been my argument.

It was a lie!!!

The truth? I love Valentine's Day! The best part though is that I don't have to have a special someone to enjoy it. I love just going to a restaurant or store and seeing other couples having dinner or buying flowers to give to their lady. I'm a romantic - what can I say?

This year is totally different than previous years, but I don't feel neglected or completely hopeless, because here's another truth: I have a Valentine every single day of the year - whether it be a good day or the crappiest day in the history of crappy days!! He loves me so much and His love never changes or fades away - it's completely consistent. I may not get candy from Him via Angelic Candies, but He gives me flowers every time I go outside (currently they're covered in snow, but I know they'll be there eventually), He gives me the Bible which is full of His love letters to me, and I get to go back and reread the story of just how much He truly loves me. He didn't sacrifice his lunch hour to go get me flowers, or brave the crazy 5 o'clock traffic to get that card He forgot about - He sent His only Son to die so that I will be in eternity with Him someday.

I couldn't ask for a better Valentine, because no one could ever love me like my God.

So for those of you who have that special someone, have a wonderful Valentine's Day! For those of you that don't, embrace this season of your life because that's where God has you. Celebrate with your loved ones God's love for you and forget all of the eating diets for a day. Splurge on some candy :) I sure will!

where in time

I have always loved to travel!! Some of my most favorite memories come from when I'm out on the open road. I love the excitement of experiencing a new town, city, culture, people...etc. I've always wanted to visit Europe, the Caribbean, and the Middle East (though maybe not while bombs are going off everywhere).

I don't know what it is, but for the past couple of months I have felt so shut up in this bubble called Wichita, KS. Almost to the point where I want to scream, jump into Diego (my white '94 Honda Accord) and drive as far as that little car will take me. And then, once Diego dies on the freeway, I'll jump out and run as far as I'm physically able. I'm going stir-crazy!!

Reality check: I can't. I'm going to WSU. I'm living at home because I can't afford to live in the dorms. I make my own coffee and tea in the morning so I can save money instead of getting it at Starbucks. I don't go on spontaneous trips because, between work and classes, I don't have time - and even if I did have time, oh ha! I still couldn't afford to go. I feel like everything I'm doing in life right now is going to help me in the future, but it doesn't give me any fun right now!

But then I remember something - I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. God specifically has me in Wichita, KS at this very moment. This year, He has made it very clear that He wants me at WSU for college. He told me to live at home. He gave me the best job I've ever had! He's given me a car that works perfectly. He's provided money for me every time I needed it. Why the heck am I complaining if this is where God has me?!

So OK, now that I know I'm right where God wants me, I know that I should be living my life with joy and contentment!! Why is that always the hardest part? Beats me. But in doing so, I'm proving that I truly trust in the Lord. He knows what my dreams are, but ultimately what I want is what He wants. So that list of different countries I want to visit someday....it's His.

Harvard Sailing Team - Boys Will Be Girls

Harvard Sailing Team. I'm not saying that all of their videos are downright hilarious

- but to me, this is definitely one of them!

If you're a guy and you're thinking to yourself, "Wow...I wonder if that's what girls really talk about. Do they really digest huge gulps of air on the way to work and call that breakfast?

Do they really use LMAO and OMG in a complete sentence?"

The answer is 'NO'. Of course we don't swallow air for breakfast so we don't have to eat anything! And come on now....if I had a boyfriend pay me little, tiny compliments every five seconds on the second,

I'd be so annoyed after only 24 hours!

And hellooooo....we don't always like to wear our fall coat because it often ruins the look of the outfit.

Yes, we tend to ask a lot of questions sometimes. And unless you're an animal hater (there's one in every crowd),

we cry when our pets die. Fact.

This time_

At the beginning of this year (2011), I made the decision to read through the Bible in a year. Yes, I know it may sound a bit challenging to some of you and, to be honest, I thought the exact same thing. Oh, who am I kidding? I still think it is. I've never been the type of person that could consistently do one thing for long periods of time.

Case and point - "quite times". When I start out, I'm going strong! I'm hardcore, I'm getting into it....I'm unstoppable! And then I skip out on a day because I was at work, or it was family time, or I was at Orange Leaf with a friend. No matter how many times I try to remain consistent, my failure never fails! Oh the irony....

It shouldn't surprise me though, when the same pattern pops up, yet again! Only this time, it's destroying the confidence I have in my capability of doing this reading plan faithfully and consistently. I've missed one, two...ok ok, it's more like a week and a half of reading days!

I know, I know, I know. There's no need to remind me that it's only January 21. I'm not even one month into it and I'm already feeling like an epic failure! I'm setting myself up for another 'loser moment'.

Then, I got to thinking about how seriously this reading plan effects my relationship with God. The Bible are His exact words! They're one of the most precious things in life that He, Himself, gave to us! For the soul purpose of knowing Him. Knowing Him! But not just knowing Him, but knowing how to be like Him and how to better reflect Him in our lives. Each time I miss out on reading from His Word, I miss out on precious time to know all of that. I miss out on knowing Him. I'm missing it for what again? Ice cream at Orange Leaf, a movie, an afternoon of shopping with money I don't even have (don't even try to justify any of these excuses! You and I both know ways around this).

Here's a reality check for ya - nothing matters. Yup, now you're listening. NOTHING MATTERS - except Him. If He is the only thing that matters, then why do I constantly push Him farther and farther down on my priority list?? Instead of faithfully spending time with Him, I faithfully choose not to. Just typing this to you reminds me again how big of a jerk I feel.

So from now on, I will (once again) try my hardest to make it my number one priority. And I'll keep you updated! I'm excited to see what He has in store for me this year. And if there's one thing I've learned about Him, it's going to be one heck of a ride!

I'm covered

How do I completely surrender something over to God and feel entirely at peace afterwards??

How do I change my thought process to one that can just live in the moment without thinking of all the possibilities?

I try to remember that God's got His own plan for me. I certainly don't want something if it's not in accordance with His will, but I have no idea what His will is!

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Jeremiah 29:11

2011

2010 has come to a close.

I remember last year at midnight - we were all gathered in the kitchen and it had just turned 12:00 a.m. so we wished each other a Happy New Year. Then it got quiet and my sister broke the silence by asking, "So...what do we do now?" Of all the things she could have said, and she asks the question 'what do we do now?' It's funny though, because that sort of became the theme of 2010. Nearly all year long, we kept asking that question, in nearly every area of our lives.

When 2011 came around at 12:00 a.m., we did something a little different. Instead of just wishing each other a Happy New Year and then starting to gab about our resolutions that (let's face it) we all know were bound to fail, we took a moment, stopped and prayed for the year that is to come. I prayed that I would be more in tune with Him than ever, that He would show me what He wants for me, and that I would continue to place every ounce of my faith and trust in Him.

So bloggers, if you're reading this, just know that I wish you a Happy New Year! I'm hoping and praying that the Lord will bless and keep you, and make His face to shine upon you.