So today isn't actually Garage Sale Day I realize, but I've been garage saling twice this past week and I just felt like talking about the wonderful experiences for a moment. The first time it was just Melissa and me. Bad idea. Melissa will be living in an apartment this year and I'll be living in a house (OCH Northside!!!) so we were both just looking for "things." You know, just to start preparing for life. And we were being horrible influences on each other, encouraging each other to buy things we really don't need at all, but it was such fun. I think we both walked away with some pretty solid purchases. The second time wasn't nearly as fruitful, but still great fun. Pete, Sarah, Nikki, and I walked to one not far from Church, and I found a Johnny Cash record (yay!). Pete inspected a madonlin while we made funny of him (just a little bit) and then laughed at some of the ridiculous things in that garage. In the afternoon, Pete and I drove around looking for more, but it was so late we only actually found one. It wasn't a bad one, though. I got a game and some sweet lights...and a shelving thing FO' FREE! The guy just wanted to get rid of everthing. We also stopped for some "Local Honey", and let me just say, de-licious.
I really enjoy garage sale shopping. You never know what sort of treasures you'll find. Things that are worth next to nothing to the seller are practically priceless to the buyer...not necessarily priceless, but you know what I mean. You also get to see all kinds of different people and hear so many wonderful stories that go along with certain objects. It's all so fascinating.
Anyway, the other reason for this post...
I am SO excited about the house. I'm living with one of my best friends, another good friend, and a complete stranger...which could be weird but it could also work out beautifully. The house itself is great, too, pretty spacious and in good shape. I really feel like this is just another step in my progression and growth in life, another step towards independece and the future.
We'll have a washer and dryer so I don't have to keep quarters around at all times. We'll have a dishwasher so, I mean, yay. And I'll have a kitchen so I can bake and cook to my heart's content. Did I mention that I'm excited?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Women's Night, Session 4: Parents
"Our Lord forged your life, shaped you, made you within me."
Just as children are a gift to parents, parents are a gift to children. God creates our souls and forms our bodies, and our parents are the vessels through which He gives us life. He chooses our parents specifically for us...He gives us to each other.
The parent/child relationship can be...difficult. Most especially when we are teenagers. They won't let you wear the clothes you want, hang out with the friends you want, see the boy you like, watch the movies, etc., etc., etc. They place so many restrictions on us, give us so many rules, it seems that they really just "don't get it." But they do. They were teenagers too. The world has changed since they were young, but the rules that parents give their teenagers haven't much. Neither have the reasons. No, it's not because they want to make us miserable. To put it simply, it's because they love us. They want to protect us.
In the book When God Writes Your Love Story, by Eric and Leslie Ludy, Eric talks about God's "father-heart", how he cherishes and adores us, that he is only interested in our "highest good", and that God knows him better than he knows himself. He goes on to say that he had trouble trusting God because he "didn't truly know His nature and character". God is our Father, the Creator of our souls, and just as he cherishes us with his "father-heart", our parents cherish us. They only want what is best for us. We don't know what it's like to be a parent, we can't truly understand them or why they make the decisions that they make because we've never been their position. We just have to trust that they have our best interest at heart.
Unlike God, though, our parent's love isn't perfect. Sadly, they don't always do their duty or fulfill their responsibility to their children. They are supposed to protect us, provide for us, love us, and sometimes, they don't. But it doesn't matter. In Ephesians 6 it says "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first commandment with a promise, 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth.'" Proverbs 30: 17 says that "The eye that mocks a father, or scorns an aged mother, will be plucked out by the ravens in the valley; the young eagle will devour it." This last one is kind of...intense, but it get the point across: despite their weaknesses and flaws, our parents need and deserve our respect because it's what God commands and desires.
We, of course, cannot accept abuse in any form from our parents, but the vast majority of us are loved by them. In most cases, they are trying their hardest to do what they truly believe is best for us. If we can really just accept and appreciate this, then it might be easier to forgive them their faults and overlook some of the things they do that irritate us.
I've been very lucky with my parents. They've always provided everything that I needed and most things that I wanted (without really spoiling me). Though I don't know what exactly, I do know that they've done so much for me, sacrificed so much. I know I don't always show my appreciation to them, but I do always feel it. We've had our problems (I'm sure I've been a bit of a hand full from time to time), but for the most part, I feel that we've had a pretty good and open relationship. Of course, I get frustrated with them, just as they get frustrated with me. Something I've come to realize, though, is that a great deal of this frustration comes from a recognition of ourselves in each other. I believe this is true of most parent/child relationships. We see our parents in some of the things we say, think, and do. I'm not sure how it started, but for some reason this is terrifying and usually rather appaling. We swear we won't be like our parents, but, inevitably, similar characteristic surface. So we try to distance ourselves from them, whether physially, emotionally, or both. Likewise, parents see characteristics in us that they possess, or possessed when they were younger. Parents want their children to be better then they are or were, have better lives, and I think when they recognize some of their own weaknesses in their children they become frustrated and perhaps a little pushy because they don't want their children to make the same mistakes they made. They want their children to be better.
It's kind of lengthy, so I won't post the whole thing, but Sirach 3: 1-16 is a wonderful passage on "Duties toward Parents". I will, however, put the last few verses here as a closing...
"My son, take care of your father when he is old: grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him: revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering--it will take lasting root. In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins."
Love and prayers
(My mom is probably reading this with tears in her eyes...and she'll probably be upset with me for saying that)
Just as children are a gift to parents, parents are a gift to children. God creates our souls and forms our bodies, and our parents are the vessels through which He gives us life. He chooses our parents specifically for us...He gives us to each other.
The parent/child relationship can be...difficult. Most especially when we are teenagers. They won't let you wear the clothes you want, hang out with the friends you want, see the boy you like, watch the movies, etc., etc., etc. They place so many restrictions on us, give us so many rules, it seems that they really just "don't get it." But they do. They were teenagers too. The world has changed since they were young, but the rules that parents give their teenagers haven't much. Neither have the reasons. No, it's not because they want to make us miserable. To put it simply, it's because they love us. They want to protect us.
In the book When God Writes Your Love Story, by Eric and Leslie Ludy, Eric talks about God's "father-heart", how he cherishes and adores us, that he is only interested in our "highest good", and that God knows him better than he knows himself. He goes on to say that he had trouble trusting God because he "didn't truly know His nature and character". God is our Father, the Creator of our souls, and just as he cherishes us with his "father-heart", our parents cherish us. They only want what is best for us. We don't know what it's like to be a parent, we can't truly understand them or why they make the decisions that they make because we've never been their position. We just have to trust that they have our best interest at heart.
Unlike God, though, our parent's love isn't perfect. Sadly, they don't always do their duty or fulfill their responsibility to their children. They are supposed to protect us, provide for us, love us, and sometimes, they don't. But it doesn't matter. In Ephesians 6 it says "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first commandment with a promise, 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on earth.'" Proverbs 30: 17 says that "The eye that mocks a father, or scorns an aged mother, will be plucked out by the ravens in the valley; the young eagle will devour it." This last one is kind of...intense, but it get the point across: despite their weaknesses and flaws, our parents need and deserve our respect because it's what God commands and desires.
We, of course, cannot accept abuse in any form from our parents, but the vast majority of us are loved by them. In most cases, they are trying their hardest to do what they truly believe is best for us. If we can really just accept and appreciate this, then it might be easier to forgive them their faults and overlook some of the things they do that irritate us.
I've been very lucky with my parents. They've always provided everything that I needed and most things that I wanted (without really spoiling me). Though I don't know what exactly, I do know that they've done so much for me, sacrificed so much. I know I don't always show my appreciation to them, but I do always feel it. We've had our problems (I'm sure I've been a bit of a hand full from time to time), but for the most part, I feel that we've had a pretty good and open relationship. Of course, I get frustrated with them, just as they get frustrated with me. Something I've come to realize, though, is that a great deal of this frustration comes from a recognition of ourselves in each other. I believe this is true of most parent/child relationships. We see our parents in some of the things we say, think, and do. I'm not sure how it started, but for some reason this is terrifying and usually rather appaling. We swear we won't be like our parents, but, inevitably, similar characteristic surface. So we try to distance ourselves from them, whether physially, emotionally, or both. Likewise, parents see characteristics in us that they possess, or possessed when they were younger. Parents want their children to be better then they are or were, have better lives, and I think when they recognize some of their own weaknesses in their children they become frustrated and perhaps a little pushy because they don't want their children to make the same mistakes they made. They want their children to be better.
It's kind of lengthy, so I won't post the whole thing, but Sirach 3: 1-16 is a wonderful passage on "Duties toward Parents". I will, however, put the last few verses here as a closing...
"My son, take care of your father when he is old: grieve him not as long as he lives. Even if his mind fail, be considerate with him: revile him not in the fullness of your strength. For kindness to a father will not be forgotten, it will serve as a sin offering--it will take lasting root. In time of tribulation it will be recalled to your advantage, like warmth upon frost it will melt away your sins."
Love and prayers
(My mom is probably reading this with tears in her eyes...and she'll probably be upset with me for saying that)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
A Sunday Night
The topic for this week's Women's Night was Parents. When we were planning the topics and order of these nights, Melissa didn't seem too keen on a night on parents, but I thought it was an important topic to cover...I really think that it's important for children to appreciate their parents and all they do. Unfortunately, this meant that I was the one leading the night. Yikes! I really am not a fan of speaking to or in front of people. It's not the attention that gets to me, though (as it used to be), it's more that I'm afraid that what I'm saying isn't really relevant, that they know it, that they've heard it, that I'm straight up wrong, that I just sound like an idiot, and so on. I'm also just not an organized person, my thoughts are ALL OVER the place so most of the time my words are as well. Oh well, I got through it, and I think it went alright...although now, of course, I'm thinking of all these things that I should have said or ways to say things better. Isn't that just how it always goes?
Some of the boys from the youth group (they call themselves AYMen...haha) were outside with popcorn and soda to share with us afterwards. We hung around for a few minutes, but then decided to go to ColdStone for ice cream. Let me just say, our teens are wonderful human beings. I really enjoy hanging out with the boys. They seem to firmly believe in chivalry, something that is sadly lacking from our world. It's not the kind of chilvary where they treat women like fragile things that can't do anything for themselves, though, it's more that they have a deep respect for women and simply desire to be kind, courteous, and thoughtful. It's really lovely to see young men who treat women this way and have such wonderful standards for themselves.
Rob, Joe, and Tim...our chivalrous young men? Oh yeah.
After this, the girls decided to go to Steak 'N Shake because, yes, we were still hungry. Oh goodness, what a time. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Some absolutely ridiculous things happened and were said, and the three girls I was with got to hear my real laugh. I laugh...A LOT. But I have this one laugh that only comes out on very rare occasions, and it's, well, it's somethin' else and it's absolutely uncontainable. I'm sitting on my bed right now, feeling as if I just got done with an intense workout because of how hard I laughed. It was very much needed though. I've been working so much this week and I've just been feeling really stressed, but for the moment, at least, I feel wonderful.
I'm going to be writing another post right away for the sake of AYM Women, just about the topic of tonight's session. Of course, you're welcome to read it, but don't feel like you have to if you don't want to hear me talk about parents.
Some of the boys from the youth group (they call themselves AYMen...haha) were outside with popcorn and soda to share with us afterwards. We hung around for a few minutes, but then decided to go to ColdStone for ice cream. Let me just say, our teens are wonderful human beings. I really enjoy hanging out with the boys. They seem to firmly believe in chivalry, something that is sadly lacking from our world. It's not the kind of chilvary where they treat women like fragile things that can't do anything for themselves, though, it's more that they have a deep respect for women and simply desire to be kind, courteous, and thoughtful. It's really lovely to see young men who treat women this way and have such wonderful standards for themselves.
Rob, Joe, and Tim...our chivalrous young men? Oh yeah.After this, the girls decided to go to Steak 'N Shake because, yes, we were still hungry. Oh goodness, what a time. I don't remember the last time I laughed so hard. Some absolutely ridiculous things happened and were said, and the three girls I was with got to hear my real laugh. I laugh...A LOT. But I have this one laugh that only comes out on very rare occasions, and it's, well, it's somethin' else and it's absolutely uncontainable. I'm sitting on my bed right now, feeling as if I just got done with an intense workout because of how hard I laughed. It was very much needed though. I've been working so much this week and I've just been feeling really stressed, but for the moment, at least, I feel wonderful.
I'm going to be writing another post right away for the sake of AYM Women, just about the topic of tonight's session. Of course, you're welcome to read it, but don't feel like you have to if you don't want to hear me talk about parents.
I know you won't actually be hearing me talk, but I didn't want to use 'reading' because it felt redundant and I hate redundancy in writing.
Love and prayers
Love and prayers
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Stumbling
I often stumble. Yes, metaphorically, I stumble. Yes, literally, I stumble even more. However, I'm not actually refering to either of these. I mean on the internet. Perhaps you've heard of Stumble because, unlike me, you're not completely oblivious and lost in your own mind. I just found out about Stumble at the very end of the spring semester from a freshman friend, and I've been pretty much addicted ever since. It's kind of sad how much time I've spent Stumbling, but it's just so much fun! I've found so many fantastic and ridiculous recipes (I really like to bake). I've discovered The Universal Packing List. There's a website of 300 love letters that this woman sent to complete strangers. I saw a picture of a gummy bear witch-burning...it made me giggle. I even stumbled (yeah) upon a knitting pattern for Nannerpus! Seriously, you find the most ridiculous and wonderful games, pictures, quotes, stories, jokes, videos, etc., etc., etc. You name it. And it's not like it's all crazy fun, either. I mean, you find serious news articles, educational sites, and Space Invaders! Okay, so that last one doesn't really fit into the serious side of Stumble, but how could I overlook this classic.
This post isn't really like my normal updates or random rantings, but sometimes I just like to rave about the wonderful things I've found when I've stumbled.
"A stumble may prevent a fall"
~English Proverb
...something I just Stumbled upon. Okay, sorry, I'm done now.
Love and prayers
This post isn't really like my normal updates or random rantings, but sometimes I just like to rave about the wonderful things I've found when I've stumbled.
"A stumble may prevent a fall"
~English Proverb
...something I just Stumbled upon. Okay, sorry, I'm done now.
Love and prayers
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
What's Been Goin' On
- Last weekend I was on the Steubenville Youth Conference. I went as a chaperone with AYM, and what a beautiful experience is was. This was only my second time attending Steubie, but there seemed to be something special about this weekend...to me anyway. The teens seemed to be so filled with the spirit, they just bubbled over with a contagious joy. It's not like it's unusual for people to be abundantly joyful on retreats like this, but it was just beyond anything I'd ever witnessed. I'm really proud of the teens. They have so much courage and love. They've really embraced their faith, something I was no where near ready to truly do throughout most of high school. They struggle, of course, everyone does, but even through their struggles they just shine from His glorious light.
On Steubenville
- Emily finally came home! She's been in Honduras for most of the summer, and I've been pretty nervous. There was a pretty big earthquake down there soon after she got there and then the military coup just a few days before she was supposed to be coming home, but she's here now. Readjusting has been (understandably) difficult for her. She's been in two completely different worlds, living two completely different lifestyles, and it's tough to find your way and reconcile them with each other. Personally, though, I couldn't be more excited. I just about tackled her to the ground in a Steak 'n Shake parking lot when we finally saw each other. Life just feels so right when Emily, Jenny and I are all together.
- So in the past week I have been to Grant's Farm 3 times. It's kind of completely ridiculous. The first time, we took my neices and nephew. It was a lot of fun, but it was REALLY hot. I got a free snocone, though (thanks Rob!), so it was totally worth it.
Joey, Megan, Taylor, and Colleen being kinda goofy
The second time I went with the youth group. We were supposed to play softball, but the fields were closed because it was kind of rainy so we just decided to go to GF. Also, a lot of fun, but we were yelled at for being loud...go figure.
The third time was with Chris Shaver and Kevin Becvar. We were just hanging out before Chris leaves for Denvar for the next year...also visiting Molly at work. She really appreciated all of our comments during the tram tour. All of the trips were bunches of fun, but it was just kind of ridiculous that I kept ending up there.
Kevin feeding a goat
- Finally, I went to the midnight premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince...wow. It was intense and kind of hilarious. Though I am pretty upset about some of the changes that were made in the "book-to-movie" transition, I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to see it again. Yes, I know I'm a dork. It's all good.
I know there'a an overabundance of pictures in this post, but I'm a big fan of visual aids.
Love and prayers
Being Weak
We pride ourselves on our strength. From the beginnings of our lives we're taught that weakness is bad and strength is good. I've recently come to realize that quite the opposite is true. In 2 Corinthians it says that "power is made perfect in weakness." Weakness is an intrinsic part of the human condition, but for some reason we just cannot accept this. True strength is in recognizing our weaknesses, accepting them as a part of who we are. True strength is admitting that we can't make it on our own. It's depending completely on and trusting totally in God's grace.
"...for when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 10
"...for when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 10
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thoughts Brought On By Women's Night
What has happened to young women? To little girls? To grown women? What has society done? Why do we let it continue?
As little girls we have such great dreams that are placed in our hearts by God. Little girls are filled with joy and hope, compassion and fairy tale visions. As we grow older we're introduced to society's vision of beauty and happiness. We become less and less content with our appearance and our life with each passing day and year. We notice more and more imperfections in our bodies, our personalities, our performance in school and sports, our relationships with friends and family, etc. As we get even older our bodies become even less beautiful in our own eyes, we don't have good enough jobs, and we're not satisfied with our romantic lives/families...or lack there of. Our culture tells us we're not skinny enough, rich enough, or loved enough.
After women's night, when we were on the playground, one of the teens asked why people (aside from old ladies) don't tell her that she's cute unless she says something. Earlier in the evening, many of the girls indicated that their self-confidence is based on others' (especially boys') opinions of them. I am , of course, prone to the same weaknesses that all women in our society are. I doubt my own beauty, appeal, ability, and intelligence. I question my future and wonder what others think of me. We all watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, read magazines and books that show us what our lives should be...what we should be. Is this enhancing the vision of femininity that God intended?
In the creation story God created Eve after Adam. Is this because men are better? Superior? They should come first? No. It's because man was not enough. He was not complete. He needed a feminine counterpart to be whole. God created woman with a perfect vision for her. A vision of love and compassion, great strength, joy, and beauty that travels past the skin, into the soul. Where has this vision disappeared to? Why does society cover it, destroy it, even, in so many women? I wish I knew. The more baffling and infuriating question, however, is why do we let society continue to destroy God's vision? To destroy the self-confidence, the dreams, the joy of little girls?
Everyone was formed the way they are by the hands of God, our Father. He created humans in His own, glorious image. Every woman is beautiful. That teen on the playground, she is beautiful. Despite what society tells us, the feminine spirit and form is a gorgeous thing that should not be altered, doubted, or stifled.
As little girls we have such great dreams that are placed in our hearts by God. Little girls are filled with joy and hope, compassion and fairy tale visions. As we grow older we're introduced to society's vision of beauty and happiness. We become less and less content with our appearance and our life with each passing day and year. We notice more and more imperfections in our bodies, our personalities, our performance in school and sports, our relationships with friends and family, etc. As we get even older our bodies become even less beautiful in our own eyes, we don't have good enough jobs, and we're not satisfied with our romantic lives/families...or lack there of. Our culture tells us we're not skinny enough, rich enough, or loved enough.
After women's night, when we were on the playground, one of the teens asked why people (aside from old ladies) don't tell her that she's cute unless she says something. Earlier in the evening, many of the girls indicated that their self-confidence is based on others' (especially boys') opinions of them. I am , of course, prone to the same weaknesses that all women in our society are. I doubt my own beauty, appeal, ability, and intelligence. I question my future and wonder what others think of me. We all watch movies and TV shows, listen to music, read magazines and books that show us what our lives should be...what we should be. Is this enhancing the vision of femininity that God intended?
In the creation story God created Eve after Adam. Is this because men are better? Superior? They should come first? No. It's because man was not enough. He was not complete. He needed a feminine counterpart to be whole. God created woman with a perfect vision for her. A vision of love and compassion, great strength, joy, and beauty that travels past the skin, into the soul. Where has this vision disappeared to? Why does society cover it, destroy it, even, in so many women? I wish I knew. The more baffling and infuriating question, however, is why do we let society continue to destroy God's vision? To destroy the self-confidence, the dreams, the joy of little girls?
Everyone was formed the way they are by the hands of God, our Father. He created humans in His own, glorious image. Every woman is beautiful. That teen on the playground, she is beautiful. Despite what society tells us, the feminine spirit and form is a gorgeous thing that should not be altered, doubted, or stifled.
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