10.30.12-Hipster Blog

Vacation is essentially over.  But having no commitments or obligations, I decided to take a brief detour on the way home to get some of Charlottesville's greatest Pizza, at Christian's Pizza.  In the meantime, I wanted to work on some school work but felt led to blog about how 'hipster' Charlottesville is these days.  The thought of moving to Charlottesville has crossed my mind a hundred-dozen times, to be close to Christian's, yes, but just for the opportunity that it brings for progression.

Christian's Pizza reminds me of this really funny story.  About a year ago I went on a blind date.  It was my first blind date, but also my first date since...well...you know.  So I was anxious and nervous.  Conversation was going awkwardly great and everything when we began talking about where we wanted to move in the future and where we could see ourselves in 5-10 years.  Charlottesville came up in conversation.   We both agreed that it was awesomely progressive and a great place to really connect with down to earth people.  One of the key reasons I'm attracted to the Downtown Mall and the Charlottesville Farmer's Market.  Conversation semi halted when I remembered this great Pizza place that I thought was out of this world outstanding, so I said, "You know, I love Christians!"  He paused and was like, "ummm?  Great?"  He thought I meant that I loved Christians versus loving Muslims or something.  Yep.  Not true.  Bahahah...needless to say that date didn't work out, plus he called me a Gold Digger, so It probably wouldn't have worked out regardless.  (That's a story for another blog post.  I'm still processing and interpreting that comment almost a year later).  But seriously, Christian's Pizza is cozy.  You can get a window seat and watch the passerby's of the downtown mall.  The best days to come are when it's snowing, because it has great French Arch windows that open to the sky and allow you to watch the passerby's but also the cold sky opening up with water droplets in the form of snow.  One day when I have a loft and a fantastically well off family, we will walk (or drive if we live far away) to Christian's Pizza and snuggle and laugh while eating fresh pizza.  Can't wait for that day!

A lot of people have come to me, inquiring if everything is okay because I have backed out of the 'social' setting some.  My first response is, 'do you recall all that is going on in my life?  Between work, school, work, and sleep-I have about 5 hours an entire week to decompress'.  My second response is, 'I have no problem sharing my feelings if I have something to share.  Just because I don't share doesn't mean life is caving in for me, people!'.  Honestly, between school and work I haven't had nearly as much time or energy to get out and socialize like I have.  Work has been heavy and stressful with only a few outlets to release that energy.  Don't be offended if I don't blog again for a while--eight days off allows for lots of time to get my hipster blog on.  I'm in the middle of the heaviest parts of my graduate studies and it is consuming any ounce of free time that I may have.

Until next time....'nom 'nom.  Peace and Love from Pizza Heaven.  I LOVE CHRISTIANS!

10.29.12-Thankful for Tacos

$1.00 Taco Night!!! 

10.25.12-Uplift everybody and uplift yourself

Matias' First Pumpkin Patch Visit

Two words.  Vacation Bliss.  Over the past week I have been able to decompress and spend time with little 'tias (Beckett's name for Matias-his Swedish friend).  In the process, I have found two new reasons I love Kale. 

Reason #1-Kale Smoothies
Reason #2-Kale Chips

Kale Smoothie Ingredients & Instructions: Mix pineapple, banana, kale, and orange juice together and blend.  Then, Enjoy! 

Kale Chips Instructions: Purchase fresh Kale, rinse and cut into small pieces.  Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sea salt and bake at 350 degrees until becoming crispy.

I think that I was reminded on this vacation to chill.  Grab a pumpkin', pop a squat with your goldfish, and chill.  I lead such a structured, strict, and stressful lifestyle, that sometimes we forget the simplest lessons that a two-year old didn't know they could teach.  Chill the heck out.  Yeah, sure, the wagon has pumpkins in it that need to be purchased, but who cares.  For a moment, chill and soak in the warmth of the sun.

 Tristan Prettyman, All I Want is You

If I were a flower growing wild and free
All I'd want is you to be my sweet honey bee.
And if I were a tree growing tall and green
All I'd want is you to shade me and be my leaves

10.22.12-You make the memories, I will capture them

Massanutten Mountain Sunset

Was fortunate to have a day off from work (technically on call) to spend some cherished time with family.  My brother came down to pick up his dog, and, together, we helped my parents pack up their craft show from the weekend.  Of course, he brought his toys to capture some sunset memories.  It was an awesome time to just take pictures together.  Any talent I have, any interest I have is really inspired by his passion in photography.  He probably will read this, but shhh...don't tell him I said this. ;)

Modest Mouse, Float On

And we'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
Aliright don't worry even if things end up a bit to heavy
We'll all float on alright
Already we'll all float on
Alright already we'll all float on
Ok don't worry we'll all float on
Even if things get heavy we'll all float on
Alright already we'll all float on
Don't you worry we'll all float on
All float on

10.21.12-Brethren Baptism

Noah, Heather (Interim Director of Youth Ministries), Eli

Taken from the Church of the Brethren Website, on October 29, 2012

"The Church of the Brethren traces its roots back over 300 years to 1708. Eighteenth-century Europe was a time of strong governmental control of the church and low tolerance for religious diversity. Nevertheless, there were religious dissenters who lived their faith in spite of the threat of persecution. Some of these dissenters found refuge in the town of Schwarzenau, Germany. Among them was Alexander Mack, a miller who had been influenced by both Pietism and Anabaptism.
In August 1708 five men and three women gathered at the Eder River in Schwarzenau for baptism, an illegal act since all had been baptized as infants. They understood this baptism as an outward symbol of their new faith and as a commitment to living that faith in community. An anonymous member of the group first baptized Mack. He, in turn, baptized the other seven. This new group simply called themselves “brethren.”" (Church of the Brethren Website, 2012)

At Emma's Baptism earlier in October, my niece had the opportunity to come and partake in the gathering of family at the river.  Her journey into faith was through Confirmation in the Presbyterian Denomination, with sprinkles of water on their head.  So she was definitely in for a diverse awakening when our youth were immersed entirely into the river, dunked three times from head to toe.  It was an experience to watch her experience it.  Best question?  "I don't quite understand.  Won't they be all wet when they're done?".  Yes, Love, immersed entirely in the love of Jesus.

So proud of Eli and Noah (and Emma, Laura, and Alton) that have chosen to be baptized in the past year.  It's such a profound feeling to have such compassionate and eager youth, where they come to the decision to outwardly express their faith through Baptism on their own.  I know I didn't have much say or influence in their decision to take the "dunk", but I sure hope that I have influenced them in ways that are positive and unapologetically human.  I'm overwhelmed with joy and excitement for the beautiful chaos that is coming their way...cheers to the journey kiddos!

Baptized in the North River, October 21st, 2012

10.17.12-Into the Woods

(insert whatever you want here, because I'm too tired to do it for you)

10.16.12-Deeply Rooted

 "My counsel for you is simple and straightforward: Just go ahead with what you’ve been given. You received Christ Jesus, the Master; now live him. You’re deeply rooted in him. You’re well constructed upon him. You know your way around the faith. Now do what you’ve been taught. School’s out; quit studying the subject and start living it! And let your living spill over into thanksgiving."  Colossians 2:6-7, The Message.  

I take pride in my denomination and church.  Not because it is better than anyone else's church, but because I am deeply rooted in the things for which it stands.  Opportunities such as Workcamps, Brethren Volunteer Service, Learning Tours, and Christian Citizenship Seminar are not just events to attend; rather, they are events of living.  As a child of God, I don't just learn-I live!  I am so deeply rooted in the practice of service that it is not just something I do, it's something I live.  It is engraved on my heart to do these things not out of obligation, not out of commitment, but out of pure desire to better myself through offering of service.  This is not a public service announcement by any means, because it is my hope that whatever congregation you belong to or whatever religion you belong to that you would find similar beliefs and obligations out of desire and not obligation.  (It just so happens that I also like the iced cream, 4-square, and campfire sing-alongs that are the additional bonuses of being beautifully, Brethren...)

10.15.12-Whoops...

I have chosen not to discuss or post this political election anymore; however, I couldn't help but take a picture of this and share with you.  Republican or Democratic, I hope you find humor in the English Semantics of this political campaign ad/lawn ornament.  Whoops...?  Or maybe this is his political stance...?

10.13.12-Congrats Keith & Tristan!

The signs to Tristan and Keith's wedding--pretty awesome!

 Swing Life Away, Rise Against

 Am I loud and clear, or am I breaking up?
Am I still your charm, or am I just bad luck?
Are we getting closer, or are we just getting more lost?

I've been here so long, I think that it's time to move
The winter's so cold, summer's over too soon
Let's pack our bags and settle down where palm trees grow

I've got some friends, some that I hardly know
But we've had some times, I wouldn't trade for the world
We chase these days down with talks of the places that we will go

We live on front porches and swing life away,
We get by just fine here on minimum wage
If love is a labor I'll slave till the end,
I won't cross these streets until you hold my hand....until you hold my hand

I'll show you mine if you show me yours first
Let's compare scars, I'll tell you whose is worse
Let's unwrite these pages and replace them with our own words

We live on front porches and swing life away,
We get by just fine here on minimum wage
If love is a labor I'll slave till the end,
I won't cross these streets until you hold my hand

10.13.12-Take my hand, and let it be

“Then the Lord said to Joshua, ‘See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. March around the city once with all your armed men. Do this for six days.’” (Joshua 6:2-3)

Let's be honest, we struggle with trusting.  We all come up short at times when we rely on others.  I think it's nice on paper to say we trust always, but in reality, we don't.  Something happens in the transition from childhood to adulthood where we stop letting go and trusting, and start clinging on to worry.  It weighs us down and keeps us from progression.  As children, we trust our parents, even if it seems silly because we know nothing else.  Wouldn't it be profoud if we all trusted as toddlers, naive in our understanding, but curious and excited about the next step instead of worrisome-filled?

Phillip Phillips, Home

Hold on, to me as we go

As we roll down this unfamiliar road

And although this wave is stringing us along

Just know you’re not alone

Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear

Don't pay no mind to the demons

They fill you with fear

The trouble it might drag you down

If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone

Cause I’m going to make this place your home

Settle down, it'll all be clear

Don't pay no mind to the demons

They fill you with fear

The trouble it might drag you down

If you get lost, you can always be found

Just know you’re not alone

Cause I’m going to make this place your home

10.12.12-Toast to the Weekend!

 The cotton wood fallin' like snow in July
Sunset, riverside, four wheel drive and a tail light circle
Roll down the windows, turn it on up
Poor a little Crown in a Dixie cup
Get the party, started

10.9.12-Escape

 

Everyone needs an escape.  An escape from the realities of oppression and defeat.  To say that no one needs an escape from these realities is denial of the very reason for escape.  Fear. We each have our own personal trials and fears, but we all have one thing in common-traveling that road alone is near impossible.  It's a long road, but if we can stop to take a moment for cherishing the beauty along the road, the crispness of it, the color of the journey, the smells and noises, we are better for it.  That is how our story is developed.  The saga, the journey, the story....they represent who and what.

I love my job.  I love the excitement, the challenge, the compassion, the frustration, the sweat, and the pain.  I don't speak of the things that happen inside work, because they are personal and private; they are someone's story.  Not my own, but someone's story.  I find myself holding someone's well being in my hands; their story is in my hands.  I take that seriously in every aspect, and I only hope that I am given the strength and knowledge to take on that responsibility.  The responsibility and privilege to carry someone's story on my heart.  When I share a part of someone's story through my own, respect that.  Respect the gift of life.  Respect the gift of death.  Respect that I am tired and fatigued because I carry someone's story.  Possibly five people's stories with me at any given time.  Respect my space.  Respect my way of showing compassion.  Respect my outreach of love and my inward expression of emotion.  Respect me for who and what and not how and why.  Respect me for maybe putting their story before yours.  Respect me for my choice to place many stories ahead of one story.

 

10.8.12-Touch the Sky

When the cold wind is calling
And the sky is clear and bright
Misty mountains sing and beckon,
"Lead me out into the light"

I will ride, I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky
I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky

Where dark woods hide secrets
And mountains are fierce and bold
Deep waters hold reflections
Of times lost long ago

I will hear their every story
Take hold of my own dream
Be as strong as the seas are stormy
And proud as an eagle's scream

I will ride, I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky
I will fly
Chase the wind and touch the sky

And touch the sky
Chase the wind, chase the wind

Touch the sky

 Julie Fowlis, Touch the Sky, Featured in Disney's, Brave

10.6.12-Homecoming

We've made a tradition of Dayton Days Shopping, fall air, homemade foods and drinks, and a general, all around good time.  We've seen each other through everything, and through everything we've seen each other.  A friendship made by three cords of bondage cannot easily be broken.

1 Corinthians 16-18 So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.

10.4.12-The Calm within the Storm

So today was pure chaos.  No other way to explain it.  By 10:00, the time I'm usually done passing medications to all five of my patients, I had not even finished with one patient yet, we had three major emergencies, and I felt like things were being held together only by a thin string, all before 10:00am.  Two of my patients were transferred, one because of possible ischemic stroke and another because they were ceasing to breathe.  Amongst the chaos, I had a special visitor.  My dad stopped by to pick up some medications and just checked to see if he could take me to lunch.  Surrounded by patience and grace, I withheld from bursting in to tears of exasperation at that very moment.  I was physically exhausted, emotionally weak, and mentally fatigued.  I determined that I couldn't go at that moment, that too many people needed me to be able to leave the floor for even 15 minutes.  So he called me later and asked me to go on a date with him to get some Chinese food and Sushi.  My fortune, above, was appropriate, and I let out a little chuckle when I first read it.  What I would have given to be chilling at 1000, nevertheless at any other point during the remaining 10 hours of my shift.  Ahh, the life of a nurse.

9.1.12-9.30.12-Wake me up when September ends

(Open up the YouTube Video Link in another browser, and read the blog while playing this song, 

----> Between the Raindrops <---- 

by Lifehouse featuring Natasha Bedingfield.  It sets the mood for this blog of all things September.)

Walking between the raindrops
Riding the aftershock beside you
Off into the sunset
Living like there's nothing left to lose
Chasing after gold mines
Crossing the fine lines we knew
Hold on and take a breath
I'll be here every step
Walking between the raindrops with you

I started this photo blog based off of Hebrews 12:1-3,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

 I was beginning an important and difficult journey in life and didn't want to travel it alone.  I wanted company along the way so that I could learn and grow from that company.  Hence the photo blog; sharing a piece of my heart with each of you (even if it did involve some crazy facebook and blogspot stalking).

What I didn't include in my assessment of the journey, was an important verse that led to this scripture reference of being surrounded by a cloud of witness during the race I ran and am continuing to run.  The preceding scripture, Hebrews 11:39-40 says, "These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect."   I find it perfectly timed that I only discovered a new perspective on this verse afterwards, in hindsight.  Would I have read these scriptures together, surely I would not have seen the journey I was starting as God planning something better.  But in hindsight, as it is always clearer, I WAS running a race towards something so much better.

Continuing on, September 2012 was a month that escaped me in every aspect of the concept.  September brought things that were overwhelming, stressful, and frustrating.  To the opposite of that, it also brought beauty, love, and understanding.  It was a kind of foggy haze that I just "passed through" on my way to somewhere else.  Ironically enough, I started a new Bible Study today based on the The Psalm of The Ascents (Psalm 120-134); Psalms that were sung in route from point A to point B, sung on a pilgrimage.  I think that before, things were super comfy and I got used to the way things were.  Then things were "shaken" and it really threw me for a loop.  I realized today, only after coming out of the foggy haze, that I was only passing through that stage of comfortable-ness, not staying in those moments, but actually traveling on my way to the next thing. 

So the journey through September and the photos taken in September, reflect a pensive state of mind.  They reflect a period of time where I, now realizing in it's fullness, faithfully thought about and acted out Joshua 5:14 ...then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked Him, 'what message does my Lord have for his servant?'...  I prayed a constant prayer, what is next, Lord?  What is your will?  For sure I don't have that answer; one of the frustrating aspects of September.  But I cheerfully accept that I am no longer captive.  Not captive to anything, anyone, or any one idea.  I AM FREE.  I am free to make decisions and choices that I haven't felt capable of making in so long.

So enjoy a mini journey, within a larger pilgrimage...

 A blessing and a challenge.  Having a youth group of greater than 20 youth.  Making the newsletter took me over two hours this month.  With any group of tightly knit people, there are challenges of relationship issues.  And so begins a year of focused intent on building and nurturing relationships in a more mature manner. 

Chocolate Party where we enjoyed a girls night of eating mousse, chocolate stuffed raspberries, and hot chocolate with kaluha and then watched the movie Chocolat

Traveled to Funchester to see my Niece and Nephew March to Billy Joel songs!  Captured my brother capturing photos.

....then went out for dinner and froyo.  My first Sweet Frogs experience and now I'm addicted.  Klines what?

Outside of It's a Bug's Life in October 2011

 Dad went into the hospital to start Sotalol Treatment on September 10th (the third admission this year)....

On Snow White's Scary Adventure in October 2011, which no longer exists.

...He was discharged on September 12th.  My brother had surgery on September 12th.  Mom went into the hospital on September 14th (the third admission this year).  She was discharged on September 17th.  Dad was readmitted to the hospital on October 1st for Tikosyn Treatment.  He was discharged today, October 3rd. 

James Bible Study that keeps me strong in times of weakness.  The reward of facing challenges headstrong?  Life and more of it...I'm reminded that I cannot be given a challenge that cannot be handled without the presence of God.

Color Run Richmond 2012

We ran the Color Run in Richmond, VA.  It was a great, fun way to exercise and to share laughter with friends.  We had a great time and area ready for double the color in Richmond, VA 2013.  It was more about colorful fun and less about speed and agility.

After the Color Run, we had a cookout with my brother, at his house.  We met up with Miss. Anna and had a great time catching up with her.  We had Pumpkin Beer of course, and ate outside in the crisp fall air.  It was a reminder that during the most challenging times, God is ever present through lasting friendships and relationships that are purposeful and real. 

It was my brother's birthday, also, so I created a photo tribute to "then" and "now".  Weren't we adorable?  Haven't changed one bit, I'd say.

I attended the Association of Critical Care Nursing Blue Ridge Chapter Symposium with colleagues and realized that I was exactly where I was meant to be.  I was content with my job, with the direction my career was heading, and realized the importance of working in hospital setting.

 First outing with the Jr. High Youth Group for the 2012-2013 school year.  Best quote of the night?  "Boyz II Men?  That sounds like a movie you would watch in Family Life class."  The generational gaps of the Jr. High Youth Generation is fantastically funny, but really sad in reality.

 First outing with the Sr. High for the 2012-2013 school year.  Really exciting to be a part of their busy lives, even though they are growing up so fast.  I enjoyed a football game with Eli, shared 3rd quarter Band Break with Alton, and saw many of my Jr. High Youth at the game too.  Then Riley took time from his "cool kid club" to say hi.  They grow up so fast...

 I spent a lot of time focusing on school work and getting caught up.  I spent a lot of time at Panera.  Their Green Tea is a perfect mixture of autumn air and summer sunshine.  I have been working on a teaching/learning project to teach patients about the importance of their medication regimen for anticoagulation in order to prevent ischemic stroke and how staff can effectively evaluate learning styles and educate appropriately.

The original small group bible study girls at Nichole's Wedding.

Caption This!?

Isaiah 61:3, The Message: To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion, give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,
Messages of joy instead of news of doom; a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.

Another testimony to the work being done, another one of my youth was Baptized in the North River on Sunday after my Spaghetti Fundraiser.  It was a chilly, Fall day, but a great one to be Baptized.

Happy 100th Birthday, RMH!

My Burma Spaghetti Fundraiser was held on September 30th.  I didn't have a final count on how many people came, but I raised about $1,500.00 towards my flight costs.  It was the remaining amount of money I needed for my trip.  After running out of food, or so I thought, we found several baskets full of leftover rolls.  Reminding me of the Parable of feeding the five thousand, I am reminded that whatever my needs, they will be fulfilled.  Thankfully, no one left hungry.  An excerpt from my stewardship story and testimony earlier that morning...

1 Peter says, “Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God’s words; if help, let it be God’s hearty help. That way, God’s bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he’ll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time”.  God has placed a spirit of stewardship and service on my heart, and He has allowed the experiences in my life so that I can fulfill these callings.  He has placed these experiences on my heart, He has taught my heart to love for what he loves and to break for what breaks His.  These experiences have affected me and will stay with me forever.  I will never forget these experiences, because they have shaped my life and they have shaped how I see the world.  And I will never forget.  I will never forget…..

...the children in Burma being sex-trafficked.
...the homeless men and women staying at the Roanoke Mission.

…the drug addicts and homeless in Park Slope, New York.
...the families eating at the South Dakota Little Wound summer feeding program.

…the families digging through and living in landfills in Tijuana, Mexico.
...the young men recruited and forced to fight in war in Africa.

…the orphans living in Reynosa, Mexico.
...the people giving up their lives to take care of the ugliness in our world.
...the people in our families hurting or suffering.
...and the rest of God's children around the world.
I will never forget ALL of Gods children, no exceptions.

As I prepare for the next adventure God has planned, I graciously accept your support.  The next adventure is through New Community Project’s Learning Tours to Burma in Southeast Asia.   As always, I know that God will provide whatever it is that I need for this adventure, but I ask for special prayers over our small group.  Prayers that we will continue to seek God in a way that humbles our hearts and minds, and keeps our souls yearning for more of Him.