Well, in case you haven't heard since my last post, I'm going to Zambia!! I'm going with my dad which is something I've always wanted to do, especially since he went on a trip with Tara and Eric. We are leaving for Zambia on July 7th and returning on the 21st. We have over $4,000 to raise between now and then so we definitely have our work cut out for us! In the middle of all of that, I am still taking a class, studying for my GRE (which I realized yesterday is this upcoming Saturday), and working full-time. I'm counting down the days until our Gatlinburg trip so we can just lay around and relax, enjoying each other's company:)
Here are some upcoming fundraisers for anyone who is local and is willing to support our team as we embark on this adventure! The next fundraiser is:
April 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Stuarts Draft Fire House
We are selling BBQ Chicken halves for $4.00. We have tickets to sell ahead of time if anyone is interested.
Another fundraiser will be a yard sale on May 21st. I will post more details on the place and time when I know where it is!
I have heard of other creative fundraising ideas from people outside of our church...keep those ideas coming! We can use all of the help we can get:)
Thanks for supporting our Zambia mission!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Decisions and faith
When I think about all of the decisions I've made (and Luther and I have made together) in the past couple years, I know that God has had a part of all decisions and that he has given us the knowledge to make good decisions. We decided to get married, buy a house, send me back to school (two times), etc. These are pretty life-altering decisions. Now I feel like there's another decision to be made and I'm struggling to decipher what God is saying versus what my own desire is saying.
Our church has worked with a community called Grips Farm in Zambia for the last few years. Many amazing things have occurred since the church became involved and ever since we started attending the church, I have had a little desire to go to Zambia and see first hand the work that God is doing. Anyone who knows me would understand how odd this is to be coming from me...I am not a big fan of being uncomfortable and I hate getting dirty. I'm more fond of traveling to places like NYC, Paris, Greece, the beach.... However, I can't deny that I have this yearning to go and be with these children first hand and love them the way that Christ loves us. The problem comes in because I can't tell if this desire is something that God has placed on my heart or if it is coming from my own desire for adventure. I am really praying for a sign confirming that God would want me to be with this team that is going to Zambia in the summer but I am struggling with having enough faith to believe that the money will be provided if I am supposed to go. We definitely do not have $3,000 to spend on a trip...and that is my predicament.
I am praying that God will show us if I am supposed to be on this trip and if so, that the money will be provided. I know that God does amazing things and that He can provide for all of our needs.
Our church has worked with a community called Grips Farm in Zambia for the last few years. Many amazing things have occurred since the church became involved and ever since we started attending the church, I have had a little desire to go to Zambia and see first hand the work that God is doing. Anyone who knows me would understand how odd this is to be coming from me...I am not a big fan of being uncomfortable and I hate getting dirty. I'm more fond of traveling to places like NYC, Paris, Greece, the beach.... However, I can't deny that I have this yearning to go and be with these children first hand and love them the way that Christ loves us. The problem comes in because I can't tell if this desire is something that God has placed on my heart or if it is coming from my own desire for adventure. I am really praying for a sign confirming that God would want me to be with this team that is going to Zambia in the summer but I am struggling with having enough faith to believe that the money will be provided if I am supposed to go. We definitely do not have $3,000 to spend on a trip...and that is my predicament.
I am praying that God will show us if I am supposed to be on this trip and if so, that the money will be provided. I know that God does amazing things and that He can provide for all of our needs.
Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Friday, March 11, 2011
The 11 weeks of craziness are over!
How exciting!! The "11 weeks of craziness" started December 27th when I started a one-week intensive. I completed that class and returned to Lynchburg the following Monday to start another class. Then I started three classes on January 17th (happy 2nd anniversary to us!!). These 8 weeks included the organization and implementation of a school counseling program, issues and trends in exceptionality, and curriculum theory. We had a check list on the refrigerator so I could cross items off with each assignment that was completed. I'm very thankful to have such an encouraging husband. He's good at pushing me when my motivation is lacking. My parents are also super helpful by proofreading my big papers. I couldn't do it without their support! I've added 15 credits to my transcript in 11 weeks! It was crazy at times but it was worth it:) I have one week off and then I start one more class!
During the last 11 weeks, I finished my chronological Bible. I am excited to have read the whole Bible but I still feel like I don't know anything! The chronological Bible was an easy way to read and it was definitely interesting because it gives you a different perspective since it is time-oriented. Since I finished that, I've started doing my own study on "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. This study is really good and I enjoy it for the most part! I don't like it so much when it puts me in my place and I realize there is so much more I could be doing to serve God.
Tara and the girls came down for a visit in February. I love seeing them and I wish they lived closer! The girls are getting so big...Cate turns SEVEN next week. I can't believe it!!
Softball season is getting ready to start up!! This is my favorite time of year:) I LOVE being outside and watching the guys from church attempt to play softball. I'm so looking forward to those games and enjoying drinks from Sonic afterward:)
We have some upcoming trips to look forward to also! We're going to Gatlinburg, TN in April and New Jersey to visit Tiffany and Tristan in June. Mariely comes home in June so who knows where all we will go but there's a possibility of going to Charleston, SC in July with my travel BFFs! I am super excited that the school year is coming to a close. It has been a great year so far but boy am I ready for summer!
During the last 11 weeks, I finished my chronological Bible. I am excited to have read the whole Bible but I still feel like I don't know anything! The chronological Bible was an easy way to read and it was definitely interesting because it gives you a different perspective since it is time-oriented. Since I finished that, I've started doing my own study on "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan. This study is really good and I enjoy it for the most part! I don't like it so much when it puts me in my place and I realize there is so much more I could be doing to serve God.
Tara and the girls came down for a visit in February. I love seeing them and I wish they lived closer! The girls are getting so big...Cate turns SEVEN next week. I can't believe it!!
Softball season is getting ready to start up!! This is my favorite time of year:) I LOVE being outside and watching the guys from church attempt to play softball. I'm so looking forward to those games and enjoying drinks from Sonic afterward:)
We have some upcoming trips to look forward to also! We're going to Gatlinburg, TN in April and New Jersey to visit Tiffany and Tristan in June. Mariely comes home in June so who knows where all we will go but there's a possibility of going to Charleston, SC in July with my travel BFFs! I am super excited that the school year is coming to a close. It has been a great year so far but boy am I ready for summer!
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| Ava and Cate at Cracker Barrel |
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| My checklist. 199 assignments after I finished the 2 "check-in" assignments- 201 total!! |
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| I can't wait to take a trip with the girls!! It's been since June 2010 which is way to long!! |
Friday, February 11, 2011
What a journey!
The last two weeks have definitely been trying. Work has been busier than ever and I don't think I've ever had so much paperwork due at one time! After working a lot of overtime, I came home to more paperwork, well school work that is! Out of the "11 weeks of craziness," I am in week 8. We are almost there!! I think I have 68 assignments left...and somehow that doesn't seem intimidating. Looking ahead for this week, I have three papers. I'm hoping to do them this weekend but we'll see how that goes! I know I get really frustrated with having to do schoolwork but I have to remind myself that so many things have happened to lead me to this point and I have no doubt that God has placed me right where I am. He has a plan for this craziness:)
In other news, a lot of friends are having babies! I now know of 7 people having babies!! I think I'm going to start buying baby gifts in bulk:)
Luther and I traveled to Lynchburg to hang out with some grad school friends. It was an awesome time catching up and playing games. There were definitely some "priceless" moments while playing catchphrase and while watching the random facts that came across the screen of the music channels:)
We're getting ready to pay off two more school loans...that's always super exciting:)
There's really no other news to share! Since I'm taking the GRE in April, I have a box of vocab words to learn (in all my spare time!) Here's the random word that I just picked out of the box
Inculcate (verb)- to teach, impress in the mind: Most parents inculcate their children with their beliefs and ideas instead of allowing their children to develop their own values.
499 more words to go:)
In other news, a lot of friends are having babies! I now know of 7 people having babies!! I think I'm going to start buying baby gifts in bulk:)
Luther and I traveled to Lynchburg to hang out with some grad school friends. It was an awesome time catching up and playing games. There were definitely some "priceless" moments while playing catchphrase and while watching the random facts that came across the screen of the music channels:)
We're getting ready to pay off two more school loans...that's always super exciting:)
There's really no other news to share! Since I'm taking the GRE in April, I have a box of vocab words to learn (in all my spare time!) Here's the random word that I just picked out of the box
Inculcate (verb)- to teach, impress in the mind: Most parents inculcate their children with their beliefs and ideas instead of allowing their children to develop their own values.
499 more words to go:)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Choices...choices...and more choices
I've been pretty busy with school so I haven't posted within the last couple weeks. My idea of posting once each week during the "11 weeks of craziness" didn't last long! I'm finishing up week 3 (or is it 4?!). My three classes started last week. I'm taking a class on creating a comprehensive school counseling program, one on special education, and one on curriculum theory. They're all pretty interesting to far. I'm finishing up week one but Luther, who is my biggest encourager, keeps pushing me to do more and more assignments so I won't be pulling my hair out when my huge assignments are all due...I'm finishing up week 2 and am half-way done with work for week 3. so far, so good!
Luther and I also celebrated our 2nd anniversary! It doesn't seem like it's been that long already! God has really blessed us!
This past week has been kind of rough. I've come down with something from my precious kiddos at work and was out of work Thursday and Friday. I'm still recovering and the medicine does not seem to be helping! It may be God's way of saying I need to get some rest while working full-time and going to school full-time. God always knows what we need.
So for some reason, today I have "choices" on my mind. This past week I have been reminded of all the choices we make in adulthood. Growing up we have our group of friends and as we get older, the people in our group changes, but the purpose of the group remains the same. Friends are a support system. They come to each other with dilemmas and hope to gain clarity and insight. Some choices are big and some choices are small. I have friends who are pregnant, friends who are trying to get pregnant, friends who are working on plans to get out of debt, and friends who are making life-changing decisions about jobs. It's hard when your friends vent and share frustrations/concerns and you don't really have an answer for them. Life isn't a right or wrong answer most of the time. Is my life going to fall a part if I make choice B instead of choice A??...probably not. I think as I get older I realize how important it is to pray. God doesn't have to be this scary being that doesn't seem real. He is a king, a father, and a friend. He is the guide and has all the wisdom we could ever need. Being in his presence is awesome when we take the time to do so. I know I'll never have the right answers so I'll just spend my time praying for my friends instead of trying to figure out the right words to say. That's the best thing I could do for them anyway:) Prayer can do amazing things. <3
Luther and I also celebrated our 2nd anniversary! It doesn't seem like it's been that long already! God has really blessed us!
This past week has been kind of rough. I've come down with something from my precious kiddos at work and was out of work Thursday and Friday. I'm still recovering and the medicine does not seem to be helping! It may be God's way of saying I need to get some rest while working full-time and going to school full-time. God always knows what we need.
So for some reason, today I have "choices" on my mind. This past week I have been reminded of all the choices we make in adulthood. Growing up we have our group of friends and as we get older, the people in our group changes, but the purpose of the group remains the same. Friends are a support system. They come to each other with dilemmas and hope to gain clarity and insight. Some choices are big and some choices are small. I have friends who are pregnant, friends who are trying to get pregnant, friends who are working on plans to get out of debt, and friends who are making life-changing decisions about jobs. It's hard when your friends vent and share frustrations/concerns and you don't really have an answer for them. Life isn't a right or wrong answer most of the time. Is my life going to fall a part if I make choice B instead of choice A??...probably not. I think as I get older I realize how important it is to pray. God doesn't have to be this scary being that doesn't seem real. He is a king, a father, and a friend. He is the guide and has all the wisdom we could ever need. Being in his presence is awesome when we take the time to do so. I know I'll never have the right answers so I'll just spend my time praying for my friends instead of trying to figure out the right words to say. That's the best thing I could do for them anyway:) Prayer can do amazing things. <3
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Week two...
So week two kind of went by and I had no time to post! I hope that isn't a sign of things to come over the next nine weeks!
Week two was another intensive class...Education 741- Theories of educational leadership.
This was the first intensive I've ever taken that was truly intense! After I counted it up, I had three days of 15-hours of school work. Plus Monday and Friday! We had a huge group project that taught us how to go into an organization and analyze their current situation. We had to create initiatives and benchmarks to help the organization become "better." I just turned in the last assignment for the class about five minutes ago! Another 3 credits down!
My next three classes start Monday the 17th (our 2nd anniversary, by the way!) I'm going to be working this week to do as much as possible for the classes before they all start!
For other news...I've registered to the GRE. This is something I never needed to do because of my GPA but apparently you have to do it for accreditation purposes if you want to join the doctorate program. We'll see how it goes!
I keep thinking back to two years ago when I was totally panicked and stressed about our wedding which was fast approaching:) Because my classes are going to be crazy and it is cold everywhere within driving distance, we booked a trip for April. I'm super excited to go to Gatlinburg and stay in a luxurious cabin!
Back to work tomorrow! Is it bad that I'm hoping for snow this week?!?!
Week two was another intensive class...Education 741- Theories of educational leadership.
This was the first intensive I've ever taken that was truly intense! After I counted it up, I had three days of 15-hours of school work. Plus Monday and Friday! We had a huge group project that taught us how to go into an organization and analyze their current situation. We had to create initiatives and benchmarks to help the organization become "better." I just turned in the last assignment for the class about five minutes ago! Another 3 credits down!
My next three classes start Monday the 17th (our 2nd anniversary, by the way!) I'm going to be working this week to do as much as possible for the classes before they all start!
For other news...I've registered to the GRE. This is something I never needed to do because of my GPA but apparently you have to do it for accreditation purposes if you want to join the doctorate program. We'll see how it goes!
I keep thinking back to two years ago when I was totally panicked and stressed about our wedding which was fast approaching:) Because my classes are going to be crazy and it is cold everywhere within driving distance, we booked a trip for April. I'm super excited to go to Gatlinburg and stay in a luxurious cabin!
Back to work tomorrow! Is it bad that I'm hoping for snow this week?!?!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year everyone!! It doesn't seem like it should already be January or 2011! Time is flying by!
Week one of classes are over! All post-work is submitted and another three credits are completed! I start my EDUC 741- Theories of Educational Development at 9:00 am Monday morning!
I always enjoy my solo rides home from Lynchburg because it's a great time to think and unwind! Yesterday I drove home and listened to various cds and radio stations. When I was close to Staunton, I turned on Spirit fm. It finally hit me that I think God might speak to me through song lyrics. I've been one of those people who gets frustrated when people tell you to "listen for God" because I feel like I never hear him! BUT...yesterday all these songs came on in a row came on that had certain lines that seemed like there was no doubt they were for me. It's like God is the dj and he knows I'm listening:) I'll post some of those lyrics for you too:)
The first is from "Mountain of God" by Third Day
Even though the journey's long,
and I know the road is hard.
Well the one who's gone before me,
He will help me carry on.
And after all that I've been through,
now I realize the truth
that I must go through the valley
to stand upon the Mountain of God.
I've had a pretty incredible life and haven't had many "valley's" to go through; however, I was processing all the schooling to get to my goal of counseling children and it hit me that I have to go through all of the necessary hoops in order to reach my full potential!
The other song was "Lay it Down" by Jaci Velasquez
So I’m gonna lay it down
I’m gonna learn to trust You now
What else can I do
Everything I am depends on You
And if the sun don’t come back up
I know Your love will be enough
I’m gonna let it be, I’m gonna let it go
I’m gonna lay it down
This came on at the perfect time as I was reflecting and beginning to stress about all of the new information I learned in the past week about necessary things to do before completing my internship and degree. It will work out the way God intended and there is nothing I can do so there is no reason to become overwhelmed.
God is good! I'm excited to start the 2011 year and see what all it brings:)
Week one of classes are over! All post-work is submitted and another three credits are completed! I start my EDUC 741- Theories of Educational Development at 9:00 am Monday morning!
I always enjoy my solo rides home from Lynchburg because it's a great time to think and unwind! Yesterday I drove home and listened to various cds and radio stations. When I was close to Staunton, I turned on Spirit fm. It finally hit me that I think God might speak to me through song lyrics. I've been one of those people who gets frustrated when people tell you to "listen for God" because I feel like I never hear him! BUT...yesterday all these songs came on in a row came on that had certain lines that seemed like there was no doubt they were for me. It's like God is the dj and he knows I'm listening:) I'll post some of those lyrics for you too:)
The first is from "Mountain of God" by Third Day
Even though the journey's long,
and I know the road is hard.
Well the one who's gone before me,
He will help me carry on.
And after all that I've been through,
now I realize the truth
that I must go through the valley
to stand upon the Mountain of God.
I've had a pretty incredible life and haven't had many "valley's" to go through; however, I was processing all the schooling to get to my goal of counseling children and it hit me that I have to go through all of the necessary hoops in order to reach my full potential!
The other song was "Lay it Down" by Jaci Velasquez
So I’m gonna lay it down
I’m gonna learn to trust You now
What else can I do
Everything I am depends on You
And if the sun don’t come back up
I know Your love will be enough
I’m gonna let it be, I’m gonna let it go
I’m gonna lay it down
This came on at the perfect time as I was reflecting and beginning to stress about all of the new information I learned in the past week about necessary things to do before completing my internship and degree. It will work out the way God intended and there is nothing I can do so there is no reason to become overwhelmed.
God is good! I'm excited to start the 2011 year and see what all it brings:)
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