Soon I'll be heading off to do missionary work in Sao Vicente, Brazil. At the bottom of this blog, is a pie chart that breaks down the total monetary support required for the trip.
Don't worry, I'm not going to post a pic of a sickly child, and tell you to send 'me' a dollar-a-day so the child can eat.
I will, however...
Post links in this blog post that you can go to if you'd like to support. It's very easy. If you go to this website and order your digital prints through one of the companies listed, you can help raise money for our trip.
The ordering has to be done through this website, for the companies to know that the donations go towards our mission trip.
Thanks in advance!!!!
Let me know if you have ANY questions, and tell allll your friends!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
The One That Got Away (Part 1)
This was inspired by a post on The Duck Walk.
We were friends for years – at least that’s how we started. We attended middle and high school together, and also most of elementary school.
He was always the fun, nice guy that everyone enjoyed being around, while I held the reputation of being the nice girl that was always in a relationship (this is speculation, of course. I have no idea what ppl thought of me in high school).
The guy whose heart I ‘had’ (we'll call him Nice) wasn’t "the one" (we'll call him Long-term) this story is about. This guy (Nice) was sweet enough, but he just wasn’t for me. The fact the he pursued me with such determination and loyalty, completely scared me. I was a bit thrown by his open - and on many occasions, openly declared - love for me.
We had never dated, nor had we even kissed. He was after me, and I didn’t understand why. I wasn’t that great of a girl (really, I wasn't). I always pegged him for the type that would break my heart once he finally had it.
Women always love a good chase. Once that chase is over though, the final prize doesn’t quite present the same excitement.
Anyway, this is a digression from him (Long-term). The him that this story is all about.
The small high school that we went to afforded me the opportunity to know him, but he and I were never close friends. His crowd was a little more popular than mine (at least that's how I see it), but at a small, private, Christian school, none of that really mattered. Every one was familiar with everyone else. We had actually been in school together since first grade, as was the case with several of the other people with whom I graduated.
It’s funny that it took me close to 10 years to see just how perfect he was for me, and how unfathomably perfect we fit (seemed to fit) together....
We were friends for years – at least that’s how we started. We attended middle and high school together, and also most of elementary school.
He was always the fun, nice guy that everyone enjoyed being around, while I held the reputation of being the nice girl that was always in a relationship (this is speculation, of course. I have no idea what ppl thought of me in high school).
The guy whose heart I ‘had’ (we'll call him Nice) wasn’t "the one" (we'll call him Long-term) this story is about. This guy (Nice) was sweet enough, but he just wasn’t for me. The fact the he pursued me with such determination and loyalty, completely scared me. I was a bit thrown by his open - and on many occasions, openly declared - love for me.
We had never dated, nor had we even kissed. He was after me, and I didn’t understand why. I wasn’t that great of a girl (really, I wasn't). I always pegged him for the type that would break my heart once he finally had it.
Women always love a good chase. Once that chase is over though, the final prize doesn’t quite present the same excitement.
Anyway, this is a digression from him (Long-term). The him that this story is all about.
The small high school that we went to afforded me the opportunity to know him, but he and I were never close friends. His crowd was a little more popular than mine (at least that's how I see it), but at a small, private, Christian school, none of that really mattered. Every one was familiar with everyone else. We had actually been in school together since first grade, as was the case with several of the other people with whom I graduated.
It’s funny that it took me close to 10 years to see just how perfect he was for me, and how unfathomably perfect we fit (seemed to fit) together....
My "the one that got away" story
I'm currently at work and will definitely need more time to accurately recall the details of this account, but this is a head's up that my "one that got away" will finally get his recognition on my blog....
By the way, the continuation of this will be here
By the way, the continuation of this will be here
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Trying to be nice...
There's a surprising twist at the end of this, so don't skip ahead and don't stop in the middle. I believe in you; you can endure this lengthy blog. :)
The other day, when I was riding home from work on the bus, a guy sat beside me once the passenger that was originally beside me got off at his/her stop.
[I always look out the window when I'm on the bus, because I'm somewhat weary of strangers, and I just like the solace of watching the scenery glide by.]
Anyway, he came and sat beside me and started talking to me. I don't remember what he said, but I was in a hurry to get off the bus after our conversation (remember, I'm weary of strangers).
I couple weeks later, he sat beside me again, and actually began a short conversation. A week or two after that, he told me that he didn't have any local friends, and that his entire family was still in India.
At this point, my heart went out to the young man (who a later calculated to be at least 35 years old - talk about awkward). I'm no "friendship-denyer", so I told him that we could be friends. The Bible doesn't teach me to completely deny friendship to those who don't know Christ, at least not based on how I understand it.
Anywho, we exchanged numbers, and decided to hang out. I just can't stand the thought of someone being around so many people, and still feeling alone. That's just not fair.
So we met up for pizza. It took me 3 days to convince this person that I'd prefer to meet him somewhere rather than him picking me up or me picking him up. His argument was that in India, friendship meant that people hung out together and they trusted each other with no reservations. I'm not sure whether I completely believe that, but its fine. The point was that I had only known him for a week or so, with only very short conversations transpiring during that time frame.
I was NOT about to get in his car.
Okay, so we met for pizza, and he told me about his career and stuff. I talked all of 10 minutes during that whole evening which lasted about 2 hours. Also, we ordered a large pizza, of which he ate none...not even a slice.
Then it started.
He tried to convince me to take the pizza home (Attempts #1-13). I didn't want the pizza. That wasn't okay with him. He wouldn't accept me not taking the pizza home. After refusing to take the pizza in discussion, he tried to hand it to me as we left the restaurant. I guess he thought my words were futile, or it was opposite day.
When I was about to go home, he tried to give it to me again (attempt #14-16). Again, I refused it.
Once I arrived home, guess who was there! It was him, trying to give me the pizza out of his cracked car window (attempt #17). I was on the phone, but I just shook my head and kept walking towards my place.
I was VERY uncomfortable at this point. Instead of going into my apartment (which he would have easily been able to see from where his car was positioned), I went past my place, to the other end of the building. He couldn't see me at this point, because I was basically behind the building (in a pretty well-lit area).
I was on the phone with a buddy who only lives a few minutes from my place, and he could tell from my voice that I was very uncomfortable. I didn't tell him what was going on at this point, because I wasn't sure whether the guy had gotten out of his car and approached the building.
I prayed to myself, because I had placed myself in quite the predicament, and I didn't know what to do.
The guy had called my cell 4 or 5 times since I had arrived at home. I didn't click over though for obvious reasons.
Finally, after about fifteen minutes of standing out in the cold, waiting for a safe moment for me to escape the cover of darkness and slip into my apartment unnoticed, I did.
I was very relieved.
I explained the story to my friend on the phone, and he did his best to calm me down. It was an interesting night, but I'm glad its over, and I'm thankful for God's protection.
The guy ended up apologizing several times. He really didn't find any error in his actions. I forgave him, but I'll be a whole lot more careful in the future. I failed to entertain the thought that maybe he didn't have friends for a reason.
He's not crazy (I felt like I needed to state that), he's just a little clueless as to what is and isn't okay...boundaries.
We're still cool though (I guess).
The other day, when I was riding home from work on the bus, a guy sat beside me once the passenger that was originally beside me got off at his/her stop.
[I always look out the window when I'm on the bus, because I'm somewhat weary of strangers, and I just like the solace of watching the scenery glide by.]
Anyway, he came and sat beside me and started talking to me. I don't remember what he said, but I was in a hurry to get off the bus after our conversation (remember, I'm weary of strangers).
I couple weeks later, he sat beside me again, and actually began a short conversation. A week or two after that, he told me that he didn't have any local friends, and that his entire family was still in India.
At this point, my heart went out to the young man (who a later calculated to be at least 35 years old - talk about awkward). I'm no "friendship-denyer", so I told him that we could be friends. The Bible doesn't teach me to completely deny friendship to those who don't know Christ, at least not based on how I understand it.
Anywho, we exchanged numbers, and decided to hang out. I just can't stand the thought of someone being around so many people, and still feeling alone. That's just not fair.
So we met up for pizza. It took me 3 days to convince this person that I'd prefer to meet him somewhere rather than him picking me up or me picking him up. His argument was that in India, friendship meant that people hung out together and they trusted each other with no reservations. I'm not sure whether I completely believe that, but its fine. The point was that I had only known him for a week or so, with only very short conversations transpiring during that time frame.
I was NOT about to get in his car.
Okay, so we met for pizza, and he told me about his career and stuff. I talked all of 10 minutes during that whole evening which lasted about 2 hours. Also, we ordered a large pizza, of which he ate none...not even a slice.
Then it started.
He tried to convince me to take the pizza home (Attempts #1-13). I didn't want the pizza. That wasn't okay with him. He wouldn't accept me not taking the pizza home. After refusing to take the pizza in discussion, he tried to hand it to me as we left the restaurant. I guess he thought my words were futile, or it was opposite day.
When I was about to go home, he tried to give it to me again (attempt #14-16). Again, I refused it.
Once I arrived home, guess who was there! It was him, trying to give me the pizza out of his cracked car window (attempt #17). I was on the phone, but I just shook my head and kept walking towards my place.
I was VERY uncomfortable at this point. Instead of going into my apartment (which he would have easily been able to see from where his car was positioned), I went past my place, to the other end of the building. He couldn't see me at this point, because I was basically behind the building (in a pretty well-lit area).
I was on the phone with a buddy who only lives a few minutes from my place, and he could tell from my voice that I was very uncomfortable. I didn't tell him what was going on at this point, because I wasn't sure whether the guy had gotten out of his car and approached the building.
I prayed to myself, because I had placed myself in quite the predicament, and I didn't know what to do.
The guy had called my cell 4 or 5 times since I had arrived at home. I didn't click over though for obvious reasons.
Finally, after about fifteen minutes of standing out in the cold, waiting for a safe moment for me to escape the cover of darkness and slip into my apartment unnoticed, I did.
I was very relieved.
I explained the story to my friend on the phone, and he did his best to calm me down. It was an interesting night, but I'm glad its over, and I'm thankful for God's protection.
The guy ended up apologizing several times. He really didn't find any error in his actions. I forgave him, but I'll be a whole lot more careful in the future. I failed to entertain the thought that maybe he didn't have friends for a reason.
He's not crazy (I felt like I needed to state that), he's just a little clueless as to what is and isn't okay...boundaries.
We're still cool though (I guess).
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
SNOW!!
It's snowing!!! I am super excited.
I AM at work, but I've never been happier to be at work.
It's freakin beautiful outside, and there is nothing anyone could say or do (no one here at work) that would break my spirits.
Of course, North Carolina snow isn't usually very thick, nor does it usually last as long as more northern states, but its still beautiful.
I'll have to post my pics!!
Have a wonderful day everyone!!!
:)
I AM at work, but I've never been happier to be at work.
It's freakin beautiful outside, and there is nothing anyone could say or do (no one here at work) that would break my spirits.
Of course, North Carolina snow isn't usually very thick, nor does it usually last as long as more northern states, but its still beautiful.
I'll have to post my pics!!
Have a wonderful day everyone!!!
:)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Let's Look At Our Actions to See...How Selfish Are We?
I ride the bus to and from work everyday (and its free too!).
The other day, on my way home from work, the bus driver ended up side-swiping a suburban.
I seemed to be the only person that actually noticed the accident, because everyone else was completely oblivious to what had happened.
When the woman sitting next to me looked over and said “I wonder why we’re still sitting here.” I decided to tell the secret.
I stated “We hit that truck” while gesturing to the SUV beside us.
Of course, several others heard this, and starting asking questions. It was true; no one else had heard the “thud.”
In this moment, everyone was still pretty calm, and I wanted things to remain this way.
This was a driver (an older grandfatherly gentleman) that I was accustomed to seeing and one that I had planned on giving a Christmas card to (but never got around to doing so), so I decided to go up and ask him what was going on.
[Note: There are at least 43 other people on this bus who could have done the same thing I was about to do.]
I approached him, and asked for an approximate time regarding what time the next bus would be coming. I also asked him about his holidays, and made small talk, because he never seemed to smile or talk and I was really wondering how he was doing.
Before I could get back to seat, a bold (a.k.a. RUDE) woman asked me what was going on. After I told her, she and progressively the remaining passengers, exited the bus.
As she got off, she complained loudly, and said that she would report him (for getting into an A-C-C-I-D-E-N-T?!).
As we all walked to the next bus stop, which was only about 40 feet or so ahead of the accident site, the woman continued to complain as another young girl joined in.
I interrupted “He was going to let you off the bus, he was just a little nervous about the accident.” This was a mistake, as she retorted “He’s always nervous! People have stuff to do…” and she trailed off into the land of complaint.
Right before I exited the bus, I told the man “I hope you have a great day.” To which he kind of shook his head to signify that the accident had kind of placed a “dent” in that plan. I then corrected my statement by saying “I hope you have as good as a day as you can have considering the circumstances.” He laughed a little, said thanks, and returned the sentiment.
Which person would you have been? Would you have fussed and cussed as if the person had purposely collided with the other vehicle?
How often do we demand what we want when we want it, as if the world really does revolve around us? Although in this specific situation, he did have passengers to consider, he also had his job to consider. He was only trying to get to his stops at the scheduled time.
Before we complain, before we fuss, before we cuss, before we yell, before we cop an attitude, let’s take a second…take a minute…take a moment to consider the other person.
You don’t know what type of hours that person may be working, you have no idea what their circumstances may be, you don’t know what may be going on in their families.
It’s true that they don’t know any of that info about you either, but just be the bigger person. Be the stronger person. Be the considerate person that you would want someone else to be to you.
The other day, on my way home from work, the bus driver ended up side-swiping a suburban.
I seemed to be the only person that actually noticed the accident, because everyone else was completely oblivious to what had happened.
When the woman sitting next to me looked over and said “I wonder why we’re still sitting here.” I decided to tell the secret.
I stated “We hit that truck” while gesturing to the SUV beside us.
Of course, several others heard this, and starting asking questions. It was true; no one else had heard the “thud.”
In this moment, everyone was still pretty calm, and I wanted things to remain this way.
This was a driver (an older grandfatherly gentleman) that I was accustomed to seeing and one that I had planned on giving a Christmas card to (but never got around to doing so), so I decided to go up and ask him what was going on.
[Note: There are at least 43 other people on this bus who could have done the same thing I was about to do.]
I approached him, and asked for an approximate time regarding what time the next bus would be coming. I also asked him about his holidays, and made small talk, because he never seemed to smile or talk and I was really wondering how he was doing.
Before I could get back to seat, a bold (a.k.a. RUDE) woman asked me what was going on. After I told her, she and progressively the remaining passengers, exited the bus.
As she got off, she complained loudly, and said that she would report him (for getting into an A-C-C-I-D-E-N-T?!).
As we all walked to the next bus stop, which was only about 40 feet or so ahead of the accident site, the woman continued to complain as another young girl joined in.
I interrupted “He was going to let you off the bus, he was just a little nervous about the accident.” This was a mistake, as she retorted “He’s always nervous! People have stuff to do…” and she trailed off into the land of complaint.
Right before I exited the bus, I told the man “I hope you have a great day.” To which he kind of shook his head to signify that the accident had kind of placed a “dent” in that plan. I then corrected my statement by saying “I hope you have as good as a day as you can have considering the circumstances.” He laughed a little, said thanks, and returned the sentiment.
Which person would you have been? Would you have fussed and cussed as if the person had purposely collided with the other vehicle?
How often do we demand what we want when we want it, as if the world really does revolve around us? Although in this specific situation, he did have passengers to consider, he also had his job to consider. He was only trying to get to his stops at the scheduled time.
Before we complain, before we fuss, before we cuss, before we yell, before we cop an attitude, let’s take a second…take a minute…take a moment to consider the other person.
You don’t know what type of hours that person may be working, you have no idea what their circumstances may be, you don’t know what may be going on in their families.
It’s true that they don’t know any of that info about you either, but just be the bigger person. Be the stronger person. Be the considerate person that you would want someone else to be to you.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
My Blessing from Hon's Post
Okay, so I know I JUST posted something, but I really HAD to post this.
I'm at work, and I've been doing stuff, listening to my ipod all morning.
The music keeps me going (in my own world, of course), lol.
Whenever I switch my earbuds from my ipod to my desktop at work, to listen to music, or something on Youtube, only the right earbud works.
Even when I used someone else's headphones, the same occurred.
This has been how things have occurred for about 7 months now, ever since I've been at this job.
A moment ago, I decided to listen to one of the videos on Hon's blog http://godsmiraclegirl333.blogspot.com/
At the beginning of the blog is prayer, which I bowed my head in agreement with. After the prayer, the singing began. As I listened, I realized both my earbuds were transmitting sound.
I began to tear up as my heart melted and I thanked God for His awesome splendor. That is my blessing of the day, and I am extremely grateful for that gesture of Love from our Heavenly Father.
I hope this blessed you as much as it blessed me!!
God bless you my Christian family!!
I'm at work, and I've been doing stuff, listening to my ipod all morning.
The music keeps me going (in my own world, of course), lol.
Whenever I switch my earbuds from my ipod to my desktop at work, to listen to music, or something on Youtube, only the right earbud works.
Even when I used someone else's headphones, the same occurred.
This has been how things have occurred for about 7 months now, ever since I've been at this job.
A moment ago, I decided to listen to one of the videos on Hon's blog http://godsmiraclegirl333.blogspot.com/
At the beginning of the blog is prayer, which I bowed my head in agreement with. After the prayer, the singing began. As I listened, I realized both my earbuds were transmitting sound.
I began to tear up as my heart melted and I thanked God for His awesome splendor. That is my blessing of the day, and I am extremely grateful for that gesture of Love from our Heavenly Father.
I hope this blessed you as much as it blessed me!!
God bless you my Christian family!!
My Dear Spork
The other day, my cousin and I were at KFC. We were on our way to some destination for some reason. Anyway, we drove around to the window to get our food. Once I received my food, I checked the bag to see that they got my order correct (although fast food places neeeever mix up orders, lol). Upon digging through the bag, I found a spork - an amazing cross between a spoon and a fork. I have such a fascination for the innovated eating utensil, that I had to ask the Colonel Sanders employee for another.
My cousin was tickled to see my excitement over something so trivial, but I didn't care.
A couple days later, my brother and I fairly long trip, and we stopped at Bo-jangles for food. I ordered a 2-piece meal with cajun beans and dirty rice, and he ordered a sandwich. Once we returned to the vehicle and got back onto the highway, I opened my box to eat, only to realize that I had forgotten to get plasticware.
The Lord reminded me, "Your spork!"
All I could do was thank God!! It was small and seemingly insignificant, but very profound. God knew when I was at KFC several days prior, that I would forget to get eating utensils when I went to Bo-jangles. This served as a reminder, that trusting God with my future is the best thing to do. He knows what will happen years from now (and also makes provision), when the most I can do is speculate as to what I 'think' may possibly occur (redundant, I know, but I want to drive the point home, lol).
This is my reminder, anytime I feel the need to take the wheel, that God is a much better driver than am I. :)
My cousin was tickled to see my excitement over something so trivial, but I didn't care.
A couple days later, my brother and I fairly long trip, and we stopped at Bo-jangles for food. I ordered a 2-piece meal with cajun beans and dirty rice, and he ordered a sandwich. Once we returned to the vehicle and got back onto the highway, I opened my box to eat, only to realize that I had forgotten to get plasticware.
The Lord reminded me, "Your spork!"
All I could do was thank God!! It was small and seemingly insignificant, but very profound. God knew when I was at KFC several days prior, that I would forget to get eating utensils when I went to Bo-jangles. This served as a reminder, that trusting God with my future is the best thing to do. He knows what will happen years from now (and also makes provision), when the most I can do is speculate as to what I 'think' may possibly occur (redundant, I know, but I want to drive the point home, lol).
This is my reminder, anytime I feel the need to take the wheel, that God is a much better driver than am I. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
His Awesome Splendor
Upon seeing this view, I knew I had to capture it.
My Fave...
