Makin' my daddy proud

Last Sunday at church one of the elders of the church tapped me on the shoulder in the noisy lobby and said, "We're starting a church softball team. You're athletic. I signed you up!"

I smiled, politely laughed and, did nothing. Except maybe gloat at the compliment. When someone puts confidence behind your abilities, encourages you to try something out of your norm and believes in you, makes it pretty easy to give it a strong consideration. Sometimes it leads to action. So, a week later I got an email from the 'coach' announcing our first practice will be Monday night, just bring a glove. So I did.

I have maybe played softball 3 times at camp, 1-pitch softball at family camp. Prior to that... when I was 16 and playing for the Bowmansville Bobcats. Do the math... that's about 15 years ago. Gulp. I think my glove is storing up nostalgia in my parents garage. I grabbed a (leftie, rightie, which hand does the glove go on - left 'cause I throw with the right. Check) from camp's public athletic gear box. It had a rip in it.

Bowmansville Wildcats circa 1994. Oh my. Big glasses. Big frizz hair. Caps we never wore but had to be on the team photo (?). Dad didn't coach this team. His high accolades from coaching the champion little league team of my brothers - The Royals, weren't applied to softball until the next age category, the Bobcats.

I arrive at the field - in the heart of Perry County. Something about church softball feels right in PC. :) With an ounce of fake confidence I stroll out to the motley crew bundled up on this chilly windy March day. Ask to join people warming up. Others were making comments of how they'll feel sore tomorrow and while I fear the same thing, I pretend like its a non-issue for me. It's been a loooong time since I've played catch. A guy throw's the ball to me and it hits right where the rip (i.e. no padding) is and I think ouch I forgot that's how it stung when Kirby would whip balls at me.

No one knew what was going on but we all migrated to various parts of the field and someone asked who wants to bat first? No way! Do I remember how to do that? My last swing was during homerun derby on Wii and that was no pretty sight. Not going to the infield either. I like my shins and in soccer at least I wear shin pads. Flashbacks of my 3rd base shin bruises instill fear in me. I'll stick to the outfield, show off that I can run like the wind and chase down fly balls. Ha. The first 3 or so batters swing and swing and swing and can't hit the ball. Oh boy, gonna be a long night standing here feeling awkward. Shoot I don't know if I can make contact between bat & ball.

Eventually I repeat to myself enough times that batting is simple - just watch the ball hit the bat, it's all about eye contact. I go in to get in line to bat. First pitch, a little contact and slow grounder to third. Second pitch was low but I was determined to swing at everything and not waste anyone's time. Foul hit into the backstop. And THEN THE Athletic girl started to connect. Oh yeah baby! Mind you, I was swinging at everything and not terribly fast but I think I peppered the area around the short stop, 3rd, just over their heads, line drive a time or two and a few that looked good. After one to the outfield someone called 'homerun'. I said at least a double. Best part - the 'coach' who was acting as catcher to best scout his troops was joined by the other leader and said 'this girl can hit.' YES. Booyah. I connected 2-3 more times and I was done. Sooo relieved that I made contact. Got a comment out of the coach's mouth. Success.

I was not planning to play. Its a summer league. Um, I work at a summer camp. Not conducive. Buuuut, I am curious to see what how I can help. Being in my 30's its not so fun to feel like I'm having to tryout for something. But this was nothing compared to the fail that was Inferno semi-pro women's soccer. We'll see.

Best part of the whole evening though was calling my daddy on my drive home and letting him know that all the hours he poured into me teaching me how not to throw like a girl, pitching to me in the front yard (we're talking a 5 gallon bucket full) and coaching tween girls softball had made this moment possible. Mad props to my daddy. He may not be a great communicator but I know he loves me and time investment means a lot to me and he showed it through giving me softball. yes, softball, which I claim as my first (not best) sport.Crud picture but I am the one in the white shirt, blue knickers on the right. My dads all stars from the Bobcats ~ 1996.

Still enjoying making my daddy proud. :)

is it ok to bring this up?

Do I really want to post this article? It's not mine. I don't talk about this topic. Never these emotions with such openness. And yet, as I read it I thought... ' yup. That's what I'm (not) saying'. Those who are not on this side of it, don't judge. You don't understand. Yes, give support and encouragement and insight from your side, your experience, your knowledge. But in being honest about thoughts, struggles and challenges may be where I, and those rare types like me - virgins in a sex-oriented society, find the strength to resist the pressures and temptations.

It is out of God's grace only that I am where and who I am today. Not by my own strength and resolve. Fear more than faith has played a role in resistance. Thankfulness also remains an encouragement. This isn't necessarily to point fingers at anyone else's situation or experience but simply a chance to be real. I am not sure that one life is better than another. It is probably more likely that the baggage to deal with feels different but all are tools that God can use to teach us about his heart, his plan, his desire for our lives and love.

http://goodwomenproject.com/sex/the-church-needs-a-different-view-of-sex-singleness?newsletter_uid=1736&newsletter_date=02%2F03%2F12

The Church Needs A Different View Of Sex & Singleness

Editor’s Note: In May 2010, Leigh Kramer intentionally uprooted her life in the Chicago suburbs by moving to Nashville in an effort to live more dependently on God. She writes about life in the South, what God has been teaching her, and her ongoing quest for the perfect fried pickle. She is currently writing her first novel. You can follow her adventures on Twitter and her blog LeighKramer.com. – Lauren

I wish I was the kind of person that could get laid.

It’s been one of those weeks. I’m overloaded with emotions about several situations and I’m in need of release. And let’s be honest: exercise or a good cry is not going to cut it.

I rarely talk about sex in such stark terms. In fact, any discussion of sex, for me, is purely hypothetical.

You see, I am a rare breed. Some might even say an endangered species. I’m a 31-year-old virgin.

Rest easy. I’m not dating anyone right now, nor am I going to bed with the next guy I encounter. I’m committed to seeing my virginity through to marriage or death. Whichever comes first.

I can’t say I’m happy to be a virgin. I mean, I’m happy that I’ve been obedient, but trust me that there was a period in my life when it was more God’s protection than my will alone.

I’m not ashamed of my virgin status, but I don’t broadcast either. Most people assume that I have had sex because that is true of most women in their 30′s. Abstinence, chastity, whatever you want to call it, is no longer the norm.

I honestly never thought I’d still be single at this point in my life. I can’t help but wonder if I would have made the same choices had I known what lay ahead.

Does that shock you? It shocks me a little. We live in an age where premarital sex is accepted and often expected. It’s difficult to be countercultural when it comes to sex. There are even churches that don’t take a hard line on the matter.

Grace and forgiveness are extended to those who had premarital sex – and rightly so. Secondary virginity is an option. On the other hand, I’ve had friends that purposely had sex knowing they’d ask for forgiveness later.

Then there’s me. I love finding other ‘older’ virgins. Solidarity and all that. But also because I want to know why they waited and continue to wait. What do they do on the hard days?

Because hard days, or weeks, happen. Sex is best reserved for marriage but it’s hard being the odd woman out. I fervently hope I’ll be able to experience sex in the context of marriage someday. Now is the time to do the work of being faithful so that when I am in a relationship, regardless of my boyfriend’s sexual history, I will not falter.

I’m not alone in this. The church must start having a different conversation about sex and singleness. Here are a few suggestions of what I’d like to see.

1. Explore the framework of chastity.
Telling people to save sex for marriage is not enough when marriage isn’t a guarantee. Chastity is a way of life, looking at our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It’s not solely focused on the physical act of sex. We need to get away from “how far is too far” and move toward respecting ourselves (and our partners) as men and women made in the image of Christ.

2. Recognize that singles are sexual beings too.
What does this look like within the context of church? How can you be someone who is sexual without acting out sexually? For me, it’s appreciating who I am as a woman. I don’t need a man to affirm my femaleness, though it’s nice when it happens! I’m mostly comfortable with my body, but more importantly, I’m comfortable with who God created me to be.

3. Don’t teach that sex is a reward.
First, it’s not the best way to motivate someone toward obedience. This might also explain why many Christians marry young, only to divorce later. Marriage is about more than sex. Second, what message does that send to those who are obedient but don’t receive the ‘reward’? Have I somehow been a bad virgin? I don’t worship a God who would punish people in this way.

4. Don’t elevate marriage over singleness (or vice-versa).
The amount of people who are single, divorced, or widowed is roughly equal to those who are married in most congregations. Yet sermons tend to be directed toward those who are married and parenting. This leaves a good portion of the congregation feeling left out – and these are the unattached who continue to go to church. Many simply choose not to go anymore. We all have much to learn from each other, no matter what our stage of life.

5. Recognize that those practicing abstinence don’t have super-human self-control.
I’m not a better Christian because I’m still a virgin. I do have moments of weakness and that’s when I need accountability and support more than ever. We need people to speak into our lives – and not just about our attitude toward sex. Married folks, please support the single people in your life. Let them be a part of your family gatherings but also schedule one-on-one time as well. Single folks, identify the people in the trenches with you and continue to build those relationships. Having support in place now means you’re more likely to be ready when temptation hits.

What else would you add to this list?

Too good not to share

This was too good not to share.

It is from the CEO/President of 3CA (Christian Camping & Conference Association) Gregg Hunter. He's a really cool guy... I've met him and lost soundly to him on the Brain Show which by the way was totally rigged but I still helped myself lose. :)

Peace – Even When There’s No Coffee by cccablog

Last week I took my first “Focus Day” since joining CCCA more than two years ago. I had been advised to do this by a couple camp/conference leaders, and had been craving the time to get away by myself, spend time with God, dream with Him about the future, ask for His guidance on current challenges and evaluate some of the opportunities that lie ahead for CCCA.

The day, which I had scheduled months before, turned out to be one of those absolutely gorgeous Colorado winter days that make me think of heaven. I went to the Broadmoor Hotel, dropped off my briefcase in a comfortable lounge with a roaring fireplace and began my walking prayer time around the lake. The temperature was near 50 degrees at 8:30 in the morning, yet it seemed that I had the whole property to myself. In fact, as I rounded the lake, I only passed one other person.

I stopped at the first tee box on the Ross Golf Course, which is a stone’s throw from the lake. As I looked up at the mountains and sky, then around at the golf course, I prayed, “Lord, I am not even worthy to stand here in your presence. I am clearly the ugliest thing on the landscape right now.” And again I thought of heaven and why I will fall on my face in the glory of His presence one day.

I was so content to just stand there and drink in the sunshine and scenery. I didn’t care about the time, and I had no set schedule - I was simply there to enjoy God’s presence and His creation for those moments. Then the clock on the mountain above the lake began to chime. But rather than rushing me from my reverie, the sound called me to stay still and listen. I heard every note of those rich, strong bells, and only wished that they could continue to ring so I could stand and listen even longer.

Then God provided a contrast.

I went to the Broadmoor coffee shop. As I walked in, the staff member from the adjacent gift shop said, “I’m sorry. The barista had to step out to run a quick errand. I’m sure she’ll be back in just a minute.” I noticed another customer standing at the coffee counter, a stern look on her face. I walked to the magazine rack and picked up a magazine with Aaron Rodgers on the cover and began to read the predictions for who would win the Super Bowl this year. (The expert had chosen the final two AFC teams correctly, but had missed both teams in the NFC championship game.)

I overheard the customer say to the gift store staffer: “This is ridiculous. How could this happen?”

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. She ran out of here pretty quickly. I think it was rather an emergency.”

“Well, this is just wrong. And somebody needs to know about it.” Then the customer stormed out of the shop and headed toward the front desk.

Less than 30 seconds later, the barista returned, and asked the gift store staffer if everything was all right. “Well, this guest needs to be served,” she said, waving toward me and avoiding the story of the angry customer altogether.

As I stepped to the counter, I saw the angry woman walk briskly past the coffee shop and out the door, looking more perturbed than before.

I ordered a roll and a coffee, and when I attempted to pay, the barista said, “This one is courtesy of me, for making you wait.”

I thanked her and left.

As I returned to my secluded fireside lounge, I realized that the impatient woman had missed out on receiving whatever she would have ordered, for free, and instead opted to run to the front desk and vent. In the time it took to lodge the complaint, she could have left the building with a free coffee and cinnamon roll. (I love cinnamon rolls!)

I also thought of how many times I’ve been in that woman’s place. Thinking of what I want, incredulous that the people who were here to serve me had dropped the ball, cost me time, failed to meet my expectations. On this day, when taking my time was a good part of the agenda, I refused to get upset. And I was rewarded. The angry woman left empty handed and caffeine-free. I pitied the next person on her calendar.

I don’t want to be her. Ever again.

I want my life, my attitude, my countenance to reflect the peace that passes understanding. I want to demonstrate to my family and my colleagues a grace that refuses to give in to the irritation of the unmet expectation.

By the way, I caught a snippet of the barista’s comment to the gift shop employee, “It was my son. He had an accident in his car and didn’t know what to do…”

Seems like that was more important than an angry woman’s cup of coffee – and even my cinnamon roll.

cccablog | January 26, 2012 at 11:02 am

Carpetball

Mike,
The photos were too big, your email didn't want them. So I put the photos on this site. Let me know when you are done with them so I can delete this.

Kendra

the 'why' behind what I do

So the 4th(?) annual Young Adult Retreat hosted by Camp Hebron happened December 16-18, 2011. I am so thankful to report that there are a number of things to share that made me remember the "why" behind what I do, or attempt to do.

What I attempt to do with planning retreats is create an atmosphere that encourages people to 'connect with God, nature and each other' (thank you Camp Hebron tagline).

This year's retreat started out quite normal: frustrating. Three weeks out there were whole 5 people signed up. Great. At that point I start to decide if I commence nagging every young adult I know constantly, cancel the event, pout, or pray and have faith and stop worrying. Well, I only had faith in spurts (thanks to supportive friends who reminded me to do so) but the event was not cancelled. I am so glad.

My new friend Winnie found the event online last year and organized their church's young adult group from Philly. What a God-send. True to human nature, I worried about this too. I'm so white and despite not attending a Mennonite church, quite Mennonite too. I planned a retreat I thought sounded fun and good and was concerned if the weekend would feel relevant to city folk. Just because the Lord doesn't answer my worries, I mean prayers, like I want him to doesn't warrant this poor showing of faith. THANKFULLY, He is faithful and continues to work whether I'm Little Miss Believer or not.

The weekend seemed ordained for this group of 14.
First, we moved the whole retreat down the hill (since the dining hall in the youth camp area was getting an upgrade I didn't know about) to the retreat center. My new friends could have handled walking in the dark, cold winter woodlands well enough but its so nice they didn't have to since everything was in one building.
Second, the Lord is strong in their lives, drawing them into his presence, revealing in deeper ways the gifts he's given them and calling them to live for him out loud every day. Some of them were up until 4 am the first night just talking about how Awesome God is and what he's doing in their lives.

The next night I sat with them to hear what they were talking about and it was more of the same, how the Lord was becoming real, fresh and challenging each other to be willing to live and die for him. whoosh. I don't know many people who sit around and talk about that. SWEET. Create a space to connect with God and each other - check!

Special thanks to Kelly and team for leading worship. Wasn't nearly long enough. :) Josef was on target and relevant and captivating (the German accent helped - I just dig accents... except when you can't understand them and experiencing major jet lag...). Thanks to everyone who came expecting. Expecting fun. Willingness to meet new people. Experiencing relaxation, conversations, laughter. Ahh and a bonfire complete with impromptu accapella Christmas caroling. There was even an ER visit. Haha, ok. It happens.

God is good. And as I sit in a corner at Panera typing this, I just saw a high school aged kid fold his hands and pray for his meal. Love it.

Special Announcements at Christmas

I'm so happy for all the people who have gotten engaged over Christmas!!! Oh... wait a minute... no, I'm not. Jealous. Ah yeah, that's a bit more accurate.

'long' distance

there are quite a few times I get a thought and think "that could make a good blog entry". But its usually just that - a thought. One thought. Not an eloquent speech. Not a piece of writing that a teacher would approve with complete thesis statement, plot, build up, 3 main points, climax, supporting data or summary statement. A sentence hardly seems worth writing.

That, and I tell myself to just stay busy living life. I would like to think I have such a scheduled, always exciting life going here, there and everywhere that I simply don't have time to blog. If you assumed that is why I lack in regular entries, good, I want you to think that. I must admit though you would be mistaken.

Take today for example. Got up at 8 am. Got fancied up for church (mind, I work at a camp so its nice to have an excuse to look like I care about my appearance every once in awhile), packed a change of active clothes not knowing what the afternoon would bring, snarfed 1/2 bagel, manned the Welcome Center at church, listened to a sermon about what generosity should look like and what our hearts, sadly, don't show through our [lack of] actions. Wandered around between services looking for people to connect with and talk to without much luck. My change of clothes found their way back home with me to a simple life. I started to scroll through my phone numbers to see if anyone stood out as someone I should call to hang out with but 300 is a lot to sort through so I focused on lunch.

I posted on facebook 'anyone want to watch Elf?' It did get comments and likes throughout the day but no one read the pathetic-ness in my post which was really a cry for someone to reach out to me and hang out! I could have been more straight forward and added 'call me' but wanted to sound more indifferent about it. Oooooooooooooohhhhh well.

Ended up playing a LOT of spider solitaire (my new obsession), stalking on facebook, reading emails (too lazy to respond just yet....), cleaned my bathroom thoroughly (yay!), emptied out my coaching bag, whipped out some icing for cookies made yesterday, wrapped a Christmas present, drug my booty to the gym to burn off 500 calories of the way more calories I consumed of aforementioned cookies, and... prayed and pined for fellowship.

This is screaming of loneliness. Honestly, I'm not lonely, I had a quaint day at home. I kept in mind that come January (a.k.a. retreat season non-stop) I will yearn for such a day. I am thankful for today's simplicity. But why couldn't I spend part of it in deep prayer, digging in God's word, run outside during working up a healthy sweat? Or why didn't I call someone?

I wonder if people I've been hanging out with the past year are friends mostly just because its been convenient. I've felt this a few times in my life when I have expected more kindness and commitment to be shown to me through making an effort to see/spend time with me not be met because it wasn't as convenient for them as other friendships or activities. It's never a welcome experience especially because my personality type cares a ton about relationships. Not that I have to have a ton of relationships, but that the ones I do I care about, invest in and desire mutual respect, response & care. When I take the time to open up my home and invite others to come it's tough not to interpret their responses of "I'm not up for the drive", "I haven't decided yet [read: waiting to see if something better comes up]", "sounds fun/I really want to but..." to really be saying "You're not that important to me." Ouch. Especially when I put out some feelers asking if anything was going on and not too much was pre-planned. Those who did end up coming drove farther than the group I've spent way too much time driving to see. I probably won't too quickly forget but I'll get over it and forgive. Sigh.

Here's to quiet reflective days.

31 highlights

the weekend of September 23-25, 2011 was the annual White water Rafting Trip hosted by Camp Hebron and joined with Franconia Mennonite youth. What a wonderful thing that it has typically been falling on the weekend closest to my birthday.



A spin off of 31 flavors, since tomorrow I'll turn the big 3-1....

31 things I am thankful for from the whitewater rafting trip:
1. Rain
2. Sunshine
3. Mike Ford
4. Dan Cannaday
5. Food
6. Luann Ulrich
7. 6 years of whitewater rafting experience
8. Even more years of canoeing experience
9. Functioning tents
10. Fire
11. my deluxe thermarest
12. PFDs
13. Silliness
14. a fresh view of God's relationship with his children
15. hot water for showers
16. warm, dry clothes
17. Brakes
18. A sound mind to keep working a pinned raft out of a bad predicament
19. muscles to carry things and paddle
20. a knit hat
21. awe and wonder at creation
22. honesty
23. rushing water
24. Bruises a.k.a. 'bragging rights'
25. early dismissal (and therefore an earlier practice with the girls so I could get on the road for my trip)
26. mountain pies
27. thrilling adventure
28. finances
29. my job
30. bathrooms
31. 31 years of blessed life

it's been awhile...

time for some updates.

The lettuce DID NOT GROW. Sadly. I'm going to blame it on no sunshine.

It's rained A LOT this fall.
Record flood in my years of living in Halifax.

After next Monday (Sept 26) I will be IN my 30's. Ugh. But its just a number.

Coaching again. Love it. Though I don't feel like I'm doing my best at building personal, meaningful relationships with the girls.

I like a boy. and he likes me. but what are differences that can't be compromised? And who says. Sigh. Clarity is tough to come by.

I have 2 sisters now!! even if by law. One older and one younger.

Not all of the goals I set from last year are met.

I live in a trailer. and I like it. but I'm not white trash. :)

God is so good. He's given me faith. Why don't some people I care about have that gift?

God's doing really awesome things in some families through the gift of adoption. He's given me a vision to support that through a venue at Camp and I'm excited to see how it develops.

Working in ministry is far from perfect. Sometimes its down right frustrating. I need wisdom. It's easier to pray for God to give Other people wisdom, haha!

I average smushing or removing from my premises about 4 insects/spiders/creepy crawlers every day. that's a bit too many.

I like to blog and should do so more often but I just don't.

I witnessed goat showing & judging at the Gratz Fair this week. wow.

the. end.

Life on hold while in Super Non-stop Go Mode

Summer camping season is awesome. I love it. There's so much going on, ALL THE TIME. Yet life as I know it the rest of the year literally gets put on hold. I was so much more aware of that this year for whatever reason. Maybe it was making new friends at the beginning of the year (a number of them being teachers) and for them summer means no schedule, let's plan fun things to do and hang out. It's doesn't really make sense to 9-5ers year round or teachers that for me, summer means some weeks my life is put on hold. Actually, friends have been super, supportive and we've still managed to find snippets of time to enjoy summer daze but its a tough balance to maintain priorities and friendships. Kudos to the friends who've kept in touch, not taken my lack of availability for calls & texts personally and who haven't forgotten about me.

Even bigger props to JC who is working in the lives of kids and families this summer. It's such a mystery to me and I love love love that the God of the universe chose this time in history to allow me to be a part of witnessing what happens in and through Him at Camp Hebron.

Summer Solstice

i.e. National Naked Hike Day

Just going to copy & paste this article.

The Pros and Cons of National Naked Hiking Day

By Liz Tracy Fri., Jun. 17 2011 at 9:00 AM

via hikingnaked.com

It's time to get nekked. But bring bug spray.

​​ Naked Hiking Day takes place this year on June 21, a Tuesday. Seems like an innocuous day to get out of your underwear and gallop out in the open air. Instinctively, it makes sense. It's like, yes, go back to your roots, be all tribal and shit. But then the actual logistics of this "free spirited" activity awoke in us thoughts of asshole mosquito bites, and nippular poison ivy.

There are pros and cons to wandering the wilderness in the nude. The idea of grabbing a hiking stick (an actual stick, you perverts), our Nalgene filled with filtered tap water, strapping on our finest hiking boots, and taking off everything else sounds like a really fun time! Let's look at what we should be specifically worried and stoked about.

Bugs, snakes, critters: Con

Bugs suck. In Boston right now, they have an influx of giant mosquitoes the size of an orgy of wasps, saw it on TV. Down here, our mosquitoes are twenty times as hungry. The Everglades are filled with child-sized munching bugs of all sorts, things like giant beetles, fearless grasshoppers, and critters that would turn Andrew Zimmern's stomach. Without the protection of fabric, you might as well cover yourself with honey and lay in an ant pile. It's like you're a meat kabob in a pen with starving tigers.

Achieving an actual sensation of freedom: Pro
Being naked rules. Maybe you're self-conscious. Here's a little note for you: get over it, you'll be dead soon enough, enjoy those flabby tits and flat tushies to their fullest. It's not like being naked in a warm enough climate is simply something that seems liberating, it freakin' is. It's awesome.

Rangers: Con
sn't there something, maybe everything, illegal about walking around nude in public? There was that women can be topless in New York thing, but generally speaking we mean. Does it make you a sex offender to be caught in the flesh in public? If you're hiking naked in a national park, and you get caught, would that make it a federal offense? These are things we need to know before dropping trou in the outdoors. Call your nudist lawyer friends, you've got at least one. Ask around.&

Other hikers: Pro/Con
After you get over being self-conscious, it kind of seems like it'd be fun to prance around naked, but running into other people on the trails might make the whole affair kind of either exciting or embarrassing. It's safe to bet everyone huffing and puffing in the summer air over broken twigs is going to be about 300 pounds of hairy man meat, so chill out, bring some pepper spray, bear spray, bug spray, and get ready to show Mother Earth the beauty she made in you.

Happy trails!

Follow Cultist on Facebook and Twitter @CultistMiami.

Christmas in May

I moved in to the 'mobile home' (I'm told Trailer sounds too white trash) August 2010 so this is my first spring in my new place. It is so fun to see what little beauties are growing up all around. Makes me thankful for all this rain we've had. Welcome May flowers!
My grandmother has a green thumb and her roses are the BEST fragrance I have ever smelled. It's not often I get flowers but wild or home grown roses FAR outlast store bought editions. Take note future husband. And I'll keep in mind that its the thought that counts.
Maybe my interest in things that grow stems from g-ma. Or maybe its natural for God's creation to admire the rest of his creation. I planted a few strawberry seeds 2 weeks ago and am eagerly awaiting their arrival. Today I put some Simpson Elite Lettuce (Burpee brand, teehee. Really? Is that someone's last name?) in the ground. There's just something right about eating something you planted, cared for and watched grow.

Day 1
lovingly placed, miracle grow added, watered


Take a walk with me around my home. I don't know what any of them are but they are more beautiful than Solomon in all his splendor.

Jazzy planted this last summer. I kept it in my house all winter and thought it died. It was so pitiful. Now look at it! So many spiritual lessons to glean from that one.



This one is a violet. That's all I know.



I thought about posting these on facebook but honestly WHO CARES about the plants around my house. I'd bore myself with them. Yet I felt I had to document them somewhere and this is like my secret public soap box.

babies!

I like little kiddos. This seems to surprise people. My favorites are probably 2 year olds.
I don't necessarily have the burning desire to have my own (though these thoughts do frequent my mind the older I get and the more I see friends & family entering this stage of life - maybe I don't want to be totally left behind?) But I do enjoy making little stinkers laugh, get hyper and then giving them back. :) Here are some of my recent interactions.
Rielle modeling the bloomers and head thingee. They go with a dress I got her but the dress was MIA at the taking of the photo. She hates things on her head. Her daddy did some clever distraction while I quick snapped the photo - hands are in place to remove the unwanted head gear. Um, CUTE!
I like to laugh at things and take photos of funny things. Eye for the quirky is how other people call it. Whatever, I call it funny.
This photo was all my idea. Rielle was not a fan. Should the Lord choose to bless me with kids of my own some day, my poor children may be subjected to some ridiculous things for the good of photo opps. Sorry in advance!


This is one of April's twins (She & I worked at Camp Hebron together as counselors. She has 5 kids, the youngest two are twins). 50/50 chance of it being either Brynn or Brielle. I don't know. Her babies are wonderfully chunky.

Javan Michael - my cousin's fourth son. She & I are only 6 months apart in age. Can you imagine me with 4 boys now??




This is Cade. His mommy is Cherry (April's younger sister who is my age). She also has twins and then this little dude. His aunt Crystal & I had fun laughing at- with him.

spring showers bring mud

My dad once told me I don't let the grass grow beneath my feet. It's true, I don't do well when I'm not doing things. An outlet seems to be sports. I don't like to be dirty but if its earned and there was something unique being done to make myself dirty, its worthy of pictures.

This past Sunday I got to play 4 hours of soccer - in the mud. Last week the games were cancelled due to 'standing water' in the fields. This week, games were played but uh, the standing water was still present. :)

This is not a great cameo picture because I cut off the top part of my head which had mud caked in my hair from heading the ball. I only noticed the person in the background bending over when I posted this pic but it helps you get the point that everyone took some of the field home with them after the matches.

My cleats and socks got the brunt of the cake. Level of soreness the next day?: Satisfactory.


This is an after shot of my shirt after the Humdinger trail run (quite painful). This shirt is one of my favorites so I'm glad it came out clean.

Walking in the Way

Humdinger trail run

I seem to be having issues loading the videos - boo. Oh well. They were just little documentaries for me to entertain myself since I went to the race buddy-less.


Sign: Ambulance by the finish line. Good or bad? You decide.




More documenting to make the day fun and lower expectations.

I mentioned bowel movements in the previous vid, & thought this bathroom sign was quite appropriate. :)



Pre-race jitters. Chatting, stretching, jumping, medical crew on stand-by, laughing (nervously), some awaiting the free beer at mile 1, others trying not to think about the self-inflicted pain to come.


Pre-race.





With PennDOT wanting to charge extra for using their roads, the race director decided to have a 'Crossfire start' where the participants start at one of two places and then have to cross each others paths to scurry on up a hill and begin the race. It was great! I just yelled. (The subtle expletive is not me but still funny). Unfortunately I accidentally pre-maturely stopped the video. I meant for it to go longer and get a clip of the 3 inches of mud on the hill and the guy beside me happily declaring, "This is f***ing crazy!" while race volunteers are directing "up the hill! up the hill!" So classic, and so on par.


Fellow "Dingers" (what the race director named the participants) careening straight down a slightly steep embankment. Understatement. See the race volunteers standing on the road waaay down below?


Only for the trail to go right back up. Walking was an option I did lower myself to. Sigh. (more like GASP for air)


I may have done more walking than I had hoped, but there was also mudding, stream crossings, pricker picking, slush, ice (witnessed a few good wipe outs & called one guy 'Safe!'), and yes, mud. I personally missed the snow cover from last year. My descents received recognition from other racers but I wasn't able to make quite as many downhill passes as the year of the snow.
I heard one 'Dinger say pre-race gazing up into the mountain race course, "It is so beautifully warm out. It is going to be a swamp out there." True.


Wet from the head first slide finish, muddy, slightly dissatisfied, tired but happy the pain was over. Mission: Accomplished.

Another Dinger quote, "This wasn't a race. It was an experience." Hmm. Yes. But I also use that description to cover up the fact that the mountain kicked my bum!


Nappy bear suit. Unexpected outcome in hand. Kodak moment.

There were about 350 pre-registered racers. At the time I left for home only 285 timing chips had come in. The race director's wife told me at most events they have to send a search party out to find people! Gah!

All's well that ends well because its not how well you start, its how you finish. In this case, I'm just glad I finished!

a few of my favorite things

Seeing friends at a public event. (Note: the fact that it was a memorial service for our friend is NOT a favorite thing but he would love that quality fellowship was a result of remembering his life)

Having food in my cupboards, fridge and freezer.

Inviting friends over to my house to indulge in said stockage of food.

Impromptu get togethers!

Cooking together.

Figuring out just how many plates & cups I have.

Having people hang out in my living room.

Getting busted on for my embarrassingly awkward childhood photos.

Doing dishes twice in one day because of having company twice.

Vacuuming dirt off my floor because there were little feet in the house.

Notes added to my white board.

Laughter.

My face hurting from so much smiling.




This post was inspired by Sunday evening I ended up inviting a bunch of friends for the memorial service over for an impromptu dinner/hang out night. It was fun. It ended up being 5 boys and a middle aged couple and me. Random. We had supper and then ended up laughing at my elementary school photos.

gray. the human factor

The more 'life' I have, the more jaded I feel about some things.
The top three, in no particular order (at the time of this blogging) are
1.) Marriage
2.) God's will
3.) right & wrong

I really don't need to write about marriage, finding one's 'soul mate' or contentment because I could read what everyone else has to say about it for the rest of my life and still be at the same junction. And single.

God's will is awesome, perfect, right and out of my realm of human rationalization. Do we cheapen the holiness of God when we attribute all the coincidences in life as God's will? Or do we fail to recognize his intricate compassion for our very being if we don't? I had just turned the ignition of my car to go return a book to its owner who'd asked for it back a few days ago when my phone rang and she was checking to see if I remembered. "Must be the Lord's will" she says. Really? I don't know...

I don't claim to be in tune with God's spirit and know His will all the time. I'm just not that good. or disciplined. Am I being lackluster by not chasing after Him, normal, or safe for acknowledging that His ways are higher, MUCH higher, than mine? After all, I do believe that if I make a decision that isn't in his will, he'll turn it back into something good. He teaches lessons through our mistakes. He is capable of doing what He wants with or without me.

And when making a decision, especially bigger ones, there is so much gray area to sort through. Gray, the human factor. I think if everything were up to God, there would be a whole lot more black and white. It would be easy - love people. Have joy. Find peace. Practice self control. But there's this nasty little thing called sin. And oh, the way it plays out with human free will. Lord have mercy!
Have you ever tried to decide how to go about a situation, seeking counsel from others, taking time to weigh pros & cons, praying for guidance and still have no idea what is "right"? Of course you have, we all have. Seeking counsel from those we trust can be good because they think of perspectives and questions that were as out of your thought process as Pooh Bear never eating honey again. I'll talk with one person, kinda have my mind settled one way then talk to another who brings up equally good points and suggestions and start leaning towards the opposite decision. Ever get sick on a sea saw? That's what it feels like. Guess it boils down to having to trust God to make it clear - to ME. As I spend time with him, dwell in His word, listen. Yes, considering the counsel of others is good but you can't depend on them to make the decision for you.

And after a decision is made, the comforting thing is, its not too late for God to change things up, close the door, open up a window instead or upset the fruit basket. When involving others in big decision making, its important to be thankful for their time of listening and advice (even if it comes unsolicited) not to burn bridges and to gauge if they are a dependable support no matter where you go with the decision. While others aren't supposed to make our decisions, you may have to put up with "I told you so's", disapproving looks and a dose of humility in accepting their conditional support because you do need others to get you through.

About the worst thing we can do is second guess ourselves. If it turns out you've made a decision you regret, apologize, do what you can to rectify the situation and move on. Keep hope alive. All is not lost.

snow run

Snow, falling, is one of the most beautiful sights to behold. One winter evening it was falling. My lesser known, shier, adventurous side decided I needed some exercise at that moment in the form of a run. Surprisingly the fair weather runner inside of me was all about it too, no debate ensued. This photo was from a few weeks later on a much colder day and in the morning but represents the ridiculousness of the adventure. Take note of the frosties on the eye lashes, the frozen hair on photo left, the frozen condensation on my face mask and head warmer.
Now that I have one experience of night time snow running in, I want to catalog what gear was needed and what ended up being dead weight. I was out about an hour and 15 minutes and varied the run between easy jogs, fast strides, stumbling all over the place which caused laughs of joy, making snow angels on the ice down at the lake, and attempting to shovel a porch only abandoning the job after a few minutes because it was a big job and I was starting to cool off i.e. freeze my sweat.

1. wool blend socks - kept the toes toasty and dry
2. running sneaks - ok. didn't keep the socks dry
3. long johns - good for first half of run, then an excess of heat
4. wind pants -great, especially because it was snowing
5. long sleeve mid-weight shirt - wonderful
6. mid-weight fleece - a bit much (though nice for the first few minutes of warm up). ended up taking it off and wrapping around waist
7. t-shirt - good layer
8. wind breaker - excellent, esp for pockets to hold excess items
9. eye protectors - were from my eye surgery. good for keeping falling snow out of my eyes so I could have them open but ultimately useless upon fogging up
10. scarf - great for assisting breathing but added to fog problem and didn't stay situated
11. watch - useless. a few minutes into run it was doing a crazy dance on the screen. Has since died. RIP.
12. rubber duckie - unnecessary in some hearts but who else would have witnessed the snow angel?! Also, it was there to talk to any woodland creatures we came across. Its not safe to run alone at night
13. beanie with chin strings - yes!
14. gaitors - WONDERFUL! kept the ankles from unwanted snow trap
15. strings to tie gaitors under my shoes - priceless and cheap
16. headlamp - nice at times but unnecessary since snow reflected plenty of light to see the basics
17. energy - obviously
18. adventurous spirit - don't leave home without it

All this reviewing is getting me in the mood. Excuse me, time to go suit up!


(try to overlook the fact that my nose looks Gi-ginormous here!)

remembering why

I was very encouraged to be a part of the Jr. High Retreat, one of camp's biggest non-summer events of the year (actually its comparable to a full week of camp), this past weekend and wanted to share with you some direct feedback I received from the youth leaders. It was a reminder of what camp means to the kids, how God uses this setting to connect with his children and that camp shows people that being a Christian is FUN!

And let me tell you… these kids were EXCITED to come. One kid’s mom told him that Wednesday was too early to pack for the weekend. Another kid broke his foot a few weeks ago and after not being allowed to even sign up, begged his parents to let him come… and that he was indeed going to play Gold rush in the snow! (don’t think that happened but I did play some Dutch Blitz with him). One group wanted to add another girl and I said there are no more beds – someone would have to sleep on the floor and they’d be really cramped. She still signed up and brought her own fold up cot. Another girl had a hard time sleeping the days leading up to retreat saying “I’m just so Excited!” During check-in between 7-8 pm I ran from the Upper Room to the office to make a copy and the noise level of kids jabbering caught me off guard!

The 3 sessions focused on the book of Jonah.
1. Attitudes (we all need to hear this one J),
2. Like Jonah, we all have a “Nineveh” God is calling us to – what is yours?,
3. Monday is what counts, don’t fall flat on your face, go live it out.

One Jr. youth group wants to start helping to lead Sunday morning services. Another group wants to help decide what is taught at Sunday school & have their current leaders teach. One youth leader told his kids tomorrow (Monday) is a special day. They asked if it was Pastor’s Day & if he was coming to their schools? He said no, they are the “pastors”, the ones who are to be the light to their fellow classmates. THEY can do something.

Still other leaders were telling me this Jr. High Retreat at Camp Hebron is THE big event of the year the Jr. high kids look forward to and get excited about every year because it is a lot of ‘firsts’ for them – first weekend away with a speaker, first time to climb the rock wall, maybe first time away overnight from parents, etc.

One youth leader’s youth group is made up of troubled kids he gets referred that are in trouble at the public school where he is a counselor. Two little boys he brought have rough, unstable home lives – abuse, no dads, no bed at home, etc. They thrived on the activities and were even attentive during sessions (under the watchful eye of their leader) and came up with good and practical ideas during small group discussions. For one weekend at least, these boys had a bed to sleep in and were shown nothing but the Father’s love and heard of the good life Jesus wants them to have.

All of these conversations reminded me of why we do what we do at camp. In your own little part of the world, consider how to do your best (both in and outside of your ‘job description’) to help create an environment for God to move. Ask the Lord on a personal level what is the Nineveh He’s calling you to. And come see for yourself the joy and impact these weekends have.