Thursday, December 29, 2011
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Dreams of the Future...
What are your dreams for this next year?
This list is more of a "wants/goals/desires" list, instead of "dreams." Just go with it!
- to grow more trusting of the Lord.
- to seek the Lord more, and to rely on myself less.
- to use my degree, education. Preferably in an intermediate school.
- to be the leader that I need to be for my CentriKid team.
- to be WAY more trusting to people.
- to not hold grudges against others.
- to be a better friend.
- to be more compassionate.
- to be braver and more courageous.
- to not let fear hinder any aspect of my life.
- to have a more urgent heart for the lost.
- to be content where I am--single or not.
- to love better.
- to have my words match my heart.
- to read more books.
- to travel out West.
- to be a mentor AND a mentee.
These are just a few of the things I want to do/improve upon in 2012.
This list is more of a "wants/goals/desires" list, instead of "dreams." Just go with it!
- to grow more trusting of the Lord.
- to seek the Lord more, and to rely on myself less.
- to use my degree, education. Preferably in an intermediate school.
- to be the leader that I need to be for my CentriKid team.
- to be WAY more trusting to people.
- to not hold grudges against others.
- to be a better friend.
- to be more compassionate.
- to be braver and more courageous.
- to not let fear hinder any aspect of my life.
- to have a more urgent heart for the lost.
- to be content where I am--single or not.
- to love better.
- to have my words match my heart.
- to read more books.
- to travel out West.
- to be a mentor AND a mentee.
These are just a few of the things I want to do/improve upon in 2012.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Food and Fun...
Where did you eat?
- I ate at one restaurant I'd never eaten at before but had heard a lot about, The Cheesecake Factory. I ate there with my CentriKid team for our staff dinner. It was fantastic!
- When I moved to Nashville, I ate this unique place called the Pfunky Griddle. It's a place where it's all-you-can-eat pancakes. You also cook them at your table, which is pretty cool.
Which blogs did you enjoy most?
I read all types of blogs. Here are a few of the blogs I read:
I read all types of blogs. Here are a few of the blogs I read:
Personal
Leadership/Ministry
Seth Godin's Blog by Seth Godin
Bring the Rain by Angie Smith
Stuff Christians Like by Jon Acuff
When did you celebrate?
Here are a few pics from when I celebrated:
Celebrated the wedding of one of my best friends, Diana, with a bridal shower.
Celebrated my college graduation.
Celebrated the beginning of CK1 2011.
Celebrated the end of our 1st week of camp.
Celebrated "Christmas in July."
Celebrated after finishing the Warrior Dash.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Gone...
Who did you miss?
I’m not really a person who “misses” people. I’m perfectly fine moving away and being away from those I love. I don’t really get attached to people, for the most part. However, two people that I did miss this year are two people who have passed away in the past 5 years—my Nanny and my Papaw.
Nanny died 5 years ago and I still miss her every day. She was one of my best friends. She was the lady I most resemble; you can ask anyone who knew her. I look like her, move like her, and talk like her. It was tough graduating from college knowing that she didn’t get to see any of it. I know it’s been 5 years, but with every new thing that happens in my life, I still miss her.
My Papaw died this summer while I was directing at CentriKid. He had a stroke in March and never really rebounded. It was the weirdest feeling having to come home for the funeral after being at camp for 3 weeks. It was tough, yet honoring, being the family member chosen to read scripture and give the eulogy. I miss my Papaw a lot, but I know that he isn’t struggling anymore.
I know you all are thankful for that incredibly uplifting post. *sarcasm* Maybe tomorrow’s post will a little more fun!
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Catch up...
So, I've been slacking of on #Reverb11. For a while, I didn't really like the prompts and, then, I just didn't think about writing. This post of going to be kind of a "catch up" from the last week-ish of not posting.
Where did you leave a mark?
I think I felt a mark on the CentriKid team I directed this summer. I didn't know until after the summer that the things I said and had been passionate about really had stuck with some of them. I can't tell you how many times I've seen a tweet, wall post, comment, or text message that has my infamous challenge, "rock it out!" I said this multiple times a day to my team and apparently it stuck!I also think I left a mark on them in the fact that I was constantly reminding them, and myself, that camp isn't our ministry. There are 10 months out of the year when we're NOT at camp. 10 months to make a difference. 10 months to pour into others. 10 months to share what the Lord has brought us through. 10 months to spread the gospel!!! I didn't realize that my passion on this topic left a mark until I read a blog post on of my staffers, Molly, had written. She wrote about how you have to love out your faith in everyday life and that our ministry doesn't stop once camp is over. She couldn't be more true.
Who touched your heart?
I'll (try to) be quick with this one. The thing, or moment, that touched my heart the most was this summer when I helped lead to girl to Christ. First of all, I'm not a fan of that phrase "lead someone to Christ." He doesn't NEED me to do that, but hopefully you understand what I mean.
Anyway, she came down front after an amazing, Gospel-filled sermon by our camp pastor, David. Ordinarily, I didn't go down front to counsel kids. I was the camp director so I didn't have a ton of one-on-one conversations with the kids. It was the staff who spent hours a day pouring into these kids, so I left that part of the evening to them. But, on this night, all the staff was already counseling kids so I went down. This little girl walked up to me with a focused look on her face. We went outside and I asked her why she had come down front. Her response was quick and to the point, "I'm ready to accept God as my Savior. Now. Right now." I asked her a few questions to confirm that she knew what she was doing. She did. Then I asked her to pray to accept Christ. I wasn't going to do it for her or have her repeat some "magical" prayer. She began to pray and tell God that she believed in Him and she knew that she did wrong thing, but that she wanted to follow Him anyway. It was beautiful... and innocent. It was perfect. As she was praying, the tears began to flow--from both of us. When she said "amen!," She jumped into my lap and gave her the biggest hug and welcomed her as a new sister in Christ. We, then, went to told her church group leader. The leader was so happy for her and all she could do was hug and hold her. Perfect!
When were you most grateful?
There were a lot of times when I was grateful this year, but I think the most poignant memory was when my CentriKid team rallied around me when my papaw died our second week of camp. I knew it was coming, but it still hurt. My mom called right when I was about to begin our nightly staff meeting. When I came back in the auditorium, they could tell that something was wrong. I told them and they circled around me and prayed over my and my family. I felt so incredibly loved by them and could see their genuine concern. I was most grateful for them at that moment because, while at camp, they were my family. They were the ones I could turn to and be encouraged by. I love them so much!
Ok, so I've made up for a few days. I'll be better at writing in the coming days. Promise:)
Who touched your heart?
I'll (try to) be quick with this one. The thing, or moment, that touched my heart the most was this summer when I helped lead to girl to Christ. First of all, I'm not a fan of that phrase "lead someone to Christ." He doesn't NEED me to do that, but hopefully you understand what I mean.
Anyway, she came down front after an amazing, Gospel-filled sermon by our camp pastor, David. Ordinarily, I didn't go down front to counsel kids. I was the camp director so I didn't have a ton of one-on-one conversations with the kids. It was the staff who spent hours a day pouring into these kids, so I left that part of the evening to them. But, on this night, all the staff was already counseling kids so I went down. This little girl walked up to me with a focused look on her face. We went outside and I asked her why she had come down front. Her response was quick and to the point, "I'm ready to accept God as my Savior. Now. Right now." I asked her a few questions to confirm that she knew what she was doing. She did. Then I asked her to pray to accept Christ. I wasn't going to do it for her or have her repeat some "magical" prayer. She began to pray and tell God that she believed in Him and she knew that she did wrong thing, but that she wanted to follow Him anyway. It was beautiful... and innocent. It was perfect. As she was praying, the tears began to flow--from both of us. When she said "amen!," She jumped into my lap and gave her the biggest hug and welcomed her as a new sister in Christ. We, then, went to told her church group leader. The leader was so happy for her and all she could do was hug and hold her. Perfect!
When were you most grateful?
There were a lot of times when I was grateful this year, but I think the most poignant memory was when my CentriKid team rallied around me when my papaw died our second week of camp. I knew it was coming, but it still hurt. My mom called right when I was about to begin our nightly staff meeting. When I came back in the auditorium, they could tell that something was wrong. I told them and they circled around me and prayed over my and my family. I felt so incredibly loved by them and could see their genuine concern. I was most grateful for them at that moment because, while at camp, they were my family. They were the ones I could turn to and be encouraged by. I love them so much!
Ok, so I've made up for a few days. I'll be better at writing in the coming days. Promise:)
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Surprises...
Day 11 Prompt: Who surprised you?
I'm not a person who gets surprised very easily. Honestly, about the only time I can remember being truly surprised was when my mom and my best friend threw me a surprise party for my 15th birthday. Epic, I know.
I think what surprised me most this year was how close I got the my CentriKid team, the Dream Team, this summer. It was crazy, but by halfway through training week we seemed like we'd known each other for months. It was great getting to know their hearts and getting to share mine with them. From getting up early and making breakfast for 35 people to talking under shooting stars at 3 am, I learned to love them and cherish their love for children. Love you, CK1!!!! You better be "Rockin' it out!"
I'm not a person who gets surprised very easily. Honestly, about the only time I can remember being truly surprised was when my mom and my best friend threw me a surprise party for my 15th birthday. Epic, I know.
I think what surprised me most this year was how close I got the my CentriKid team, the Dream Team, this summer. It was crazy, but by halfway through training week we seemed like we'd known each other for months. It was great getting to know their hearts and getting to share mine with them. From getting up early and making breakfast for 35 people to talking under shooting stars at 3 am, I learned to love them and cherish their love for children. Love you, CK1!!!! You better be "Rockin' it out!"
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Questions...
Day 10 Prompt: What questions did you ask?
As I'm sitting here, having just thrown some things into the crock-pot for creamy chicken noodle soup for supper tonight, I'm actually not thrilled about this post because this prompt makes me think about how vulnerable I was this year. Sure I could make this post a superficial one, only typing the questions that were meaningless to life and that really resulted in little to no change, but I'm going to be very honest with the questions I really asked. Questions birthed from a strong sense of inadequacy and doubt. Doubt in people. Doubt in myself. And, regretfully, doubt in the Lord. There are few people who know how my heart struggles with these things, aside from a couple of friends and the Lord. So, here it goes. A time to be real...
What am I going to do with my life after college?
Going into student teaching, I was nervous but excited. I love kids and love teaching. This is going to sound cocky but professors praised me on how comfortable I looked teaching , even on how much of a "natural" I was. So, clearly, one would think that teaching is what I would be doing right now--wrong. I decided in March or so that I wanted to do something different (for a few years at least). I wanted to move and try something different. Something my $160,000 degree would be of no use. I wanted and felt called to apply for an internship at LifeWay. If you read my post on what I discovered, you can see how much of a struggle it was for me to justify taking the job. But I'm here in Nashville and working at LifeWay and still contemplating what to do with my life, ironically.
How on earth an I going to direct a CentriKid team?
I, honestly, didn't even understand why I was chosen for the job. I mean, give me a group of kids and I'm golden. I'm good to go! But a group of my peers, that's when I freeze up. How was I going to lead 32 people spiritually, when I felt no confidence in my spiritual leadership? How was I going to be the point-person for a camp of 900? How was I going to get hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment and 32 sons and daughters from camp to camp traveling over 1000 miles? I didn't feel as if I could. I felt the people that hired me we either deceived by me or crazy. There was no way the Lord would call a horrible sinner like me to lead a team for His Kingdom. Would I lead the team so stray that the Lord couldn't do work? Of course not!!! That's ridiculous to think,"hindering the Lord," but it crossed my mind.
When all of my friends are getting engaged, why am I perpetually single?
This is a question I used to entertain. Wasn't I good enough to be loved? Is there something wrong with me? Heaven forbid, am I called to singleness? The great this is, I try not to stress about this anymore! When I was at Secret Church, we were immersed in the topic of Marriage, Family, Sex, and the Gospel preached by David Platt of Brook Hills Church in Birmingham, AL. For 7 straight hours, participants listened to Platt and vigorously took notes on subjects from sex trafficking to homosexuality in the church. It was during the 5th hour or so that Platt preached intensely on singleness. Something he said really resonated with me, he said, "both singleness and marriage are God's gifts... and portray the Gospel." He also said, "Singleness portrays the Christian's ultimate identity in Christ." I reveled in this encouragement! Sure, for now, my singleness will continue to attract inquiries at family gatherings, but I'm trying to be content in my singleness and use it as a way to grow closer to the Lord. I pray that my future husband is doing the same.
If you're still reading, bless your heart! I didn't write about these things as a means of a pity party to or make you look at me differently, but I told you that I wanted to be real. If anything, people can see the Lord's grace and mercy in redeeming my life for His service.
Whew... I need to go rest after this post. Have a great day, friends! I hope this got you thinking about the questions you asked in 2011.
As I'm sitting here, having just thrown some things into the crock-pot for creamy chicken noodle soup for supper tonight, I'm actually not thrilled about this post because this prompt makes me think about how vulnerable I was this year. Sure I could make this post a superficial one, only typing the questions that were meaningless to life and that really resulted in little to no change, but I'm going to be very honest with the questions I really asked. Questions birthed from a strong sense of inadequacy and doubt. Doubt in people. Doubt in myself. And, regretfully, doubt in the Lord. There are few people who know how my heart struggles with these things, aside from a couple of friends and the Lord. So, here it goes. A time to be real...
What am I going to do with my life after college?
Going into student teaching, I was nervous but excited. I love kids and love teaching. This is going to sound cocky but professors praised me on how comfortable I looked teaching , even on how much of a "natural" I was. So, clearly, one would think that teaching is what I would be doing right now--wrong. I decided in March or so that I wanted to do something different (for a few years at least). I wanted to move and try something different. Something my $160,000 degree would be of no use. I wanted and felt called to apply for an internship at LifeWay. If you read my post on what I discovered, you can see how much of a struggle it was for me to justify taking the job. But I'm here in Nashville and working at LifeWay and still contemplating what to do with my life, ironically.
How on earth an I going to direct a CentriKid team?
I, honestly, didn't even understand why I was chosen for the job. I mean, give me a group of kids and I'm golden. I'm good to go! But a group of my peers, that's when I freeze up. How was I going to lead 32 people spiritually, when I felt no confidence in my spiritual leadership? How was I going to be the point-person for a camp of 900? How was I going to get hundreds of thousands of dollars of equipment and 32 sons and daughters from camp to camp traveling over 1000 miles? I didn't feel as if I could. I felt the people that hired me we either deceived by me or crazy. There was no way the Lord would call a horrible sinner like me to lead a team for His Kingdom. Would I lead the team so stray that the Lord couldn't do work? Of course not!!! That's ridiculous to think,"hindering the Lord," but it crossed my mind.
When all of my friends are getting engaged, why am I perpetually single?
This is a question I used to entertain. Wasn't I good enough to be loved? Is there something wrong with me? Heaven forbid, am I called to singleness? The great this is, I try not to stress about this anymore! When I was at Secret Church, we were immersed in the topic of Marriage, Family, Sex, and the Gospel preached by David Platt of Brook Hills Church in Birmingham, AL. For 7 straight hours, participants listened to Platt and vigorously took notes on subjects from sex trafficking to homosexuality in the church. It was during the 5th hour or so that Platt preached intensely on singleness. Something he said really resonated with me, he said, "both singleness and marriage are God's gifts... and portray the Gospel." He also said, "Singleness portrays the Christian's ultimate identity in Christ." I reveled in this encouragement! Sure, for now, my singleness will continue to attract inquiries at family gatherings, but I'm trying to be content in my singleness and use it as a way to grow closer to the Lord. I pray that my future husband is doing the same.
If you're still reading, bless your heart! I didn't write about these things as a means of a pity party to or make you look at me differently, but I told you that I wanted to be real. If anything, people can see the Lord's grace and mercy in redeeming my life for His service.
Whew... I need to go rest after this post. Have a great day, friends! I hope this got you thinking about the questions you asked in 2011.
Friday, December 9, 2011
What Scared You in 2011...
Day 9 Prompt: When were you scared?
I can't think of a ton of times when I was scared this year. There were times when I was nervous about my future, but not exactly scared. I can, however, think of one time when I was physically scared....
At our final camp location, Norman Park, we were using the cafeteria's kitchen to cook dinner (this was all approved by our site contact). I had to go into the caf for a few things and it was really dark because I couldn't find the light switch so I was already pretty freaked out going in there anyway. As I was walking quickly around the corner towards the door, one of my sweet staffers, Jensen, popped up and scared the crap out of me. I thought I was seriously going to pee my pants!!! After I freaked out for a second we both fell on the floor laughing. Great times!
I can't think of a ton of times when I was scared this year. There were times when I was nervous about my future, but not exactly scared. I can, however, think of one time when I was physically scared....
At our final camp location, Norman Park, we were using the cafeteria's kitchen to cook dinner (this was all approved by our site contact). I had to go into the caf for a few things and it was really dark because I couldn't find the light switch so I was already pretty freaked out going in there anyway. As I was walking quickly around the corner towards the door, one of my sweet staffers, Jensen, popped up and scared the crap out of me. I thought I was seriously going to pee my pants!!! After I freaked out for a second we both fell on the floor laughing. Great times!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Where Did You Spend Money...
Day 8 Prompt: Where did I spend money in 2011?
I felt like I was always spending money.
I spent money on graduation costs my senior year--diploma, senior gift, graduation cap and gown, etc.
I spent money on moving to Nashville-- apartment rent, furnature, water/electric, internet, etc.
Recently, I spent money on Christmas gifts.
It stinks being an adult!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!
I felt like I was always spending money.
I spent money on graduation costs my senior year--diploma, senior gift, graduation cap and gown, etc.
I spent money on moving to Nashville-- apartment rent, furnature, water/electric, internet, etc.
Recently, I spent money on Christmas gifts.
It stinks being an adult!!!!!! AHHHH!!!!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Remembering...
Day 7 Prompt: What do you hope to remember?
Oh gosh, there's so much I want to remember! This was a year of so many new and great things, and of changes and challenges. Here it goes!
I hope to remember...
- when I woke up during J-Term to 7 inches of snow on the ground.
- the Maryville College's only snow day in a decade.
- when my best friends and I used cafeteria trays as makeshift sleds.
- the time my friends and I made a music video to "Forget You" Glee Cast version.
- how much fun I had student teaching.
- when one of my middle school students told me something inappropriate because I "wasn't REALLY a teacher. I was fun!"
- getting tackled while student teaching.
- how tough the decision was to take my job in Nashville.
- how accomplished I felt having my thesis published in MC library.
- walking across the stage at graduation as cum laude.
- how nervous I was before training week for CentriKid.
- how dumb I felt in front of my team for the first few days.
- the bird pooping on my head and "breaking the ice" for the Dream Team.
- how quickly I fell in love with CK1.
- praying with Chloe about tough conversations at training week.
- my first week of camp without Andy there.
- how humbled I was when I was sick at Campbell University.
- when one of my best friends, Lauren, came to visit at Shocco.
- my and Kaci's epic budget ride to Shocco. Best shotty ever!!!
-how fun it was to do crazy voices with Kaci and my brother. Sparkles! YAY!!!
-Fort Time!
- how truly amazing my first year of directing a team at CentriKid was.
- what it feels like to see kids come to know the Lord. Beautiful.
- how great it was to officially move to Nashville.
- how much I freaked out when Chloe cut my feather out of my hair.
- the ridiculous "gas station" convos Lauren and I have had.
I want to remember the special moments I've had with others this year and how I've grown to learn and admire the hearts of those around me. I hope and pray that the Lord will constantly remind me of Him and his love for me and others.
You probably stopped reading quite a while back, there are so many more moments I want to remember and cherish, but there is honestly too many to type.
Oh gosh, there's so much I want to remember! This was a year of so many new and great things, and of changes and challenges. Here it goes!
I hope to remember...
- when I woke up during J-Term to 7 inches of snow on the ground.
- the Maryville College's only snow day in a decade.
- when my best friends and I used cafeteria trays as makeshift sleds.
- the time my friends and I made a music video to "Forget You" Glee Cast version.
- how much fun I had student teaching.
- when one of my middle school students told me something inappropriate because I "wasn't REALLY a teacher. I was fun!"
- getting tackled while student teaching.
- how tough the decision was to take my job in Nashville.
- how accomplished I felt having my thesis published in MC library.
- walking across the stage at graduation as cum laude.
- how nervous I was before training week for CentriKid.
- how dumb I felt in front of my team for the first few days.
- the bird pooping on my head and "breaking the ice" for the Dream Team.
- how quickly I fell in love with CK1.
- praying with Chloe about tough conversations at training week.
- my first week of camp without Andy there.
- how humbled I was when I was sick at Campbell University.
- when one of my best friends, Lauren, came to visit at Shocco.
- my and Kaci's epic budget ride to Shocco. Best shotty ever!!!
-how fun it was to do crazy voices with Kaci and my brother. Sparkles! YAY!!!
-Fort Time!
- how truly amazing my first year of directing a team at CentriKid was.
- what it feels like to see kids come to know the Lord. Beautiful.
- how great it was to officially move to Nashville.
- how much I freaked out when Chloe cut my feather out of my hair.
- the ridiculous "gas station" convos Lauren and I have had.
I want to remember the special moments I've had with others this year and how I've grown to learn and admire the hearts of those around me. I hope and pray that the Lord will constantly remind me of Him and his love for me and others.
You probably stopped reading quite a while back, there are so many more moments I want to remember and cherish, but there is honestly too many to type.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Who is Important to me...
Day 6 Prompt: Who was important to you?
There were several people that are/were important to me. The Lord has blessed me with people who constantly encourage me and who love me for me. There are many people that I could write about. Many that I love and care for so much. Some are friends. Some are family.
- One of the most important people to me is my mom. She loves me and cares for me, even though I'm 4 hours away. She's always been the rock of our family and for that I am so incredibly grateful.
- Another important person is my best friend, Chloe. She knows me so well and can encourage me so much. She's there listen to my successes and my hurts, but she's also there to tell me when I'm being dumb. The Lord has used her to show me what's it's like to constantly present the Gospel to others and have a true heart for people and their situations.
- My brother, Ty, is another person who is important to me. Do we argue? Sometimes. Do we pester the heck out of each other? Of course. But I love him and have loved watching him grow up into a great young man.
Without these people, and many others, my life would look different. It would be weird. I hope that you have friends and family that are important to you. Tell them they are!
Here are more people that are important to me...
There were several people that are/were important to me. The Lord has blessed me with people who constantly encourage me and who love me for me. There are many people that I could write about. Many that I love and care for so much. Some are friends. Some are family.
- One of the most important people to me is my mom. She loves me and cares for me, even though I'm 4 hours away. She's always been the rock of our family and for that I am so incredibly grateful.
- Another important person is my best friend, Chloe. She knows me so well and can encourage me so much. She's there listen to my successes and my hurts, but she's also there to tell me when I'm being dumb. The Lord has used her to show me what's it's like to constantly present the Gospel to others and have a true heart for people and their situations.
- My brother, Ty, is another person who is important to me. Do we argue? Sometimes. Do we pester the heck out of each other? Of course. But I love him and have loved watching him grow up into a great young man.
Without these people, and many others, my life would look different. It would be weird. I hope that you have friends and family that are important to you. Tell them they are!
Here are more people that are important to me...
Monday, December 5, 2011
New Discoveries...
Day 5 Prompt: What did you discover?
This a weird question. I mean, it wasn't like I went geocaching and found something cool. Am I supposed to share something tangible that I discovered? Something intelligent that enlightened me? I don't know! So I guess we'll see where this post goes, because, as of right now, I have no clue.
Something I discovered is that I'm much more of a people pleaser than I let on. While I don't mind going against the grain and doing (or saying) something off kilter, deep down, I was to please people. I want to make everyone's job easier for them, even if it's something small. If I can help inflict less pain or alleviate some pain and stress, I want to do that. This was soooo apparent to me when I was offered the job to come to intern in Nashville. I wanted so badly to take the job and to move away and try something different, but I knew how difficult it would make things on my family. I knew that from a financial standpoint, using my teaching degree and living at home would be much easier. But I felt called to come to Nashville and work at LifeWay and for CentriKid Camps. This decision weighed on me so heavily that I was physically sick for an entire week. I couldn't even eat. Every time I would try to make a decision, I would cry just thinking making life more difficult on my family. It was during this week when I discovered how much of a people pleaser I am. As you can tell, I'm in Nashville. I chose to do what I felt was right and what I felt the Lord was telling me to do. Was it difficult to tell my family this? Of course, but I'm so happy living here and living my life.
And that's what I discovered...
Something I discovered is that I'm much more of a people pleaser than I let on. While I don't mind going against the grain and doing (or saying) something off kilter, deep down, I was to please people. I want to make everyone's job easier for them, even if it's something small. If I can help inflict less pain or alleviate some pain and stress, I want to do that. This was soooo apparent to me when I was offered the job to come to intern in Nashville. I wanted so badly to take the job and to move away and try something different, but I knew how difficult it would make things on my family. I knew that from a financial standpoint, using my teaching degree and living at home would be much easier. But I felt called to come to Nashville and work at LifeWay and for CentriKid Camps. This decision weighed on me so heavily that I was physically sick for an entire week. I couldn't even eat. Every time I would try to make a decision, I would cry just thinking making life more difficult on my family. It was during this week when I discovered how much of a people pleaser I am. As you can tell, I'm in Nashville. I chose to do what I felt was right and what I felt the Lord was telling me to do. Was it difficult to tell my family this? Of course, but I'm so happy living here and living my life.
And that's what I discovered...
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Struggles...
Day 4 Prompt: When did you struggle?
Well, there were lots of times when I struggled. There were many times when I felt inadequate and clueless. Most of these moments were this summer at CentriKid as my first year as camp director. One particular situation sticks out in my mind where I really struggled.
While running camp at Campbell University, I came down with strep throat. It wasn't the sore throat that was so bad, it was the high temperature and the body aches that were so unbearable. I remember receiving a call at 5 am of a church group locking themselves out the their dorm. I got up, walked across campus, and unlocked their rooms. It was apparent that I was getting sick when I woke up that morning. Throughout the morning, I continued feeling worse and worse. I have never had a illness come on so fast in my entire life! In a matter of about 4 hours, I felt like I was dying. After leading adult gathering, I went and told my assistant director that I was going to have to go to the doctor. There was no possible way I could make it through the rest of the day if I didn't go. So, I drove for about an hour trying to find a clinic (our camp was in the middle of nowhere). Finally I found one, got the diagnosis, sat in a Walgreens parking lot waiting for 45 minutes, and returned to campus.
Yes, being sick was a struggle. It would be for anyone. But the part that I struggled with most was the fact the I had to be quarantined in my dorm room all day. My assistant director, Caroline, wouldn't even let me come to staff meeting. She was the voice of reason. I wanted so badly to make sure things were running smoothly, everything was taken care or, and that everything remembered to get done. This was the struggle! Not being able to do my job--my duties. I spent the rest of the day in and out of a fever, wincing in pain every time I swallowed, and thinking about what was going on outside my dorm at that moment.
During that day, I learned that the team was okay without me. Sure, there were a few things that didn't get done, but nothing major. Camp still happened and the Lord still changed lives. That day was a huge struggle for me, but I made me realize that things will get done when you have other leaders step up. This is what I love about serving with CentriKid Camps, the quality of staff we hire is second to none. Teams are teeming with leaders just waiting to step up and get things done.
Well, there were lots of times when I struggled. There were many times when I felt inadequate and clueless. Most of these moments were this summer at CentriKid as my first year as camp director. One particular situation sticks out in my mind where I really struggled.
While running camp at Campbell University, I came down with strep throat. It wasn't the sore throat that was so bad, it was the high temperature and the body aches that were so unbearable. I remember receiving a call at 5 am of a church group locking themselves out the their dorm. I got up, walked across campus, and unlocked their rooms. It was apparent that I was getting sick when I woke up that morning. Throughout the morning, I continued feeling worse and worse. I have never had a illness come on so fast in my entire life! In a matter of about 4 hours, I felt like I was dying. After leading adult gathering, I went and told my assistant director that I was going to have to go to the doctor. There was no possible way I could make it through the rest of the day if I didn't go. So, I drove for about an hour trying to find a clinic (our camp was in the middle of nowhere). Finally I found one, got the diagnosis, sat in a Walgreens parking lot waiting for 45 minutes, and returned to campus.
Yes, being sick was a struggle. It would be for anyone. But the part that I struggled with most was the fact the I had to be quarantined in my dorm room all day. My assistant director, Caroline, wouldn't even let me come to staff meeting. She was the voice of reason. I wanted so badly to make sure things were running smoothly, everything was taken care or, and that everything remembered to get done. This was the struggle! Not being able to do my job--my duties. I spent the rest of the day in and out of a fever, wincing in pain every time I swallowed, and thinking about what was going on outside my dorm at that moment.
During that day, I learned that the team was okay without me. Sure, there were a few things that didn't get done, but nothing major. Camp still happened and the Lord still changed lives. That day was a huge struggle for me, but I made me realize that things will get done when you have other leaders step up. This is what I love about serving with CentriKid Camps, the quality of staff we hire is second to none. Teams are teeming with leaders just waiting to step up and get things done.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
What I've Been Reading...
Day 3 Prompt: What books did you read in 2011?
I love reading, but this year I've been in a reading funk. I can't seem to get back into my love for books. There were times when I thought I was getting out of the funk, but once I finished a great book, it was back in it. I honestly attribute this to the fact that when I was in college, I read books to escape "real" homework. Weird, I know. Now that I have more free time, I'm having trouble rediscovering my passion for reading. That being said, there were a few books that I read and several that I am currently reading.
Books I Read in 2011
Gap Creek--Robert Morgan
Jumping Through Fires--David Nasser
Low Country--Anne Rivers Siddons
Twilight Series--Stephanie Meyer
Redeeming Love--Francine Rivers
Crazy Love--Francis Chan
Forgotten God--Francis Chan
The Last Song--Nicholas Sparks
Dear John--Nicholas Sparks
At First Sight--Nicholas Sparks
True Believer--Nicholas Sparks
Nights in Rodanthe--Nicholas Sparks
Books I'm Currently Reading
The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership--John Maxwell
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael--Elisabeth Elliot
Books on My Shelf to Read
Christy--Catherine Marshall
Safe Haven--Nicholas Sparks
A Walk to Remember--Nicholas Sparks
Barefoot--Elin Hilderbrand
Adopted for Life-- Russell D. Moore
If you've read any of these, let me know what you thought. Also, comment with others I MUST read!!!
I love reading, but this year I've been in a reading funk. I can't seem to get back into my love for books. There were times when I thought I was getting out of the funk, but once I finished a great book, it was back in it. I honestly attribute this to the fact that when I was in college, I read books to escape "real" homework. Weird, I know. Now that I have more free time, I'm having trouble rediscovering my passion for reading. That being said, there were a few books that I read and several that I am currently reading.
Books I Read in 2011
Gap Creek--Robert Morgan
Jumping Through Fires--David Nasser
Low Country--Anne Rivers Siddons
Twilight Series--Stephanie Meyer
Redeeming Love--Francine Rivers
Crazy Love--Francis Chan
Forgotten God--Francis Chan
The Last Song--Nicholas Sparks
Dear John--Nicholas Sparks
At First Sight--Nicholas Sparks
True Believer--Nicholas Sparks
Nights in Rodanthe--Nicholas Sparks
Books I'm Currently Reading
The Hunger Games--Suzanne Collins
21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership--John Maxwell
A Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy Carmichael--Elisabeth Elliot
Books on My Shelf to Read
Christy--Catherine Marshall
Safe Haven--Nicholas Sparks
A Walk to Remember--Nicholas Sparks
Barefoot--Elin Hilderbrand
Adopted for Life-- Russell D. Moore
If you've read any of these, let me know what you thought. Also, comment with others I MUST read!!!
Friday, December 2, 2011
New Friends...
Day 2 Prompt: Who did you meet in 2011?
There were tons of new people that I met throughout 2011! I met some celebrities, added to my CentriKid family, and made some new, lifelong friends.
In January, I met my new cooperating teacher, Coach Dunkel, that I'd be teaching alongside. I literally could not have chosen a better person to mentor under while teaching 700 middle schoolers. She taught me how to love children, but still be a person that was respected by them. She also reinforced that making personal connections with kdis was the way to get them to follow you as an educator. I fostered healthy relationships with my students and was able to show them that I cared for them and cared about their education.
In March, I met my second cooperating teacher, Coach Babelay. She taught me how to show tough love to my high school freshman and to not get run over by them. She showed me how to be a stong female in the male dominated profession of teaching Physical Education and Health.
In May, I officially met my 2011 CK1 CentriKid team, 32 loving, caring, hysterically funny college-aged folks who became my family for the summer. I had the priviledge of leading and learning from these people as we traveled all over the southeast ministering to children and adults. This summer I learned their hearts and they learned mine. We laughed, cried, and grew together for over 2 months.
There were tons of new people that I met throughout 2011! I met some celebrities, added to my CentriKid family, and made some new, lifelong friends.
In January, I met my new cooperating teacher, Coach Dunkel, that I'd be teaching alongside. I literally could not have chosen a better person to mentor under while teaching 700 middle schoolers. She taught me how to love children, but still be a person that was respected by them. She also reinforced that making personal connections with kdis was the way to get them to follow you as an educator. I fostered healthy relationships with my students and was able to show them that I cared for them and cared about their education.
In March, I met my second cooperating teacher, Coach Babelay. She taught me how to show tough love to my high school freshman and to not get run over by them. She showed me how to be a stong female in the male dominated profession of teaching Physical Education and Health.
In May, I officially met my 2011 CK1 CentriKid team, 32 loving, caring, hysterically funny college-aged folks who became my family for the summer. I had the priviledge of leading and learning from these people as we traveled all over the southeast ministering to children and adults. This summer I learned their hearts and they learned mine. We laughed, cried, and grew together for over 2 months.
Here is my amazing new family from the summer of 2011. Dream Team!
In August, I moved to Nashville and began my job at LifeWay. I knew quite a few people, but have met some fun ones along the way. Some of the coolest folks I've met have been the Duggars. Yep, all 20-somthing of them. Seriously, I did! Some of us working the Kids Ministry Conference even to hang out with all the kids for several hours. We played Scrabble and even taught them the "Scramble" face (see pics below). We got to see their bus they travel in and hear about their lives. I asked them about life and their walks with Christ. we talked football and photography. They were a fascinating family, not a ton different than any normal-sized one. Below are some pictures of our awesome time together!
These are just a few of the many folks I've met over the course of 2011. Until tomorrow, friends!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Beginning...
Well, it's officially day 1 of #reverb11, so here it goes!
Prompt: Where did 2011 begin?
2010 ended and 2011 began with one of my best friends, Lauren. She drove up from Alabama to spend a few days in Gatlinburg. We ate dinner, walked around town, watched fireworks, and I'm pretty sure stayed up way later than necessary giggling like 5th graders. It was both of our first times to ever be in Gatlinburg to see New Year's festivities. Yes, even though I've lived there my entire life, I've never taken part in the craziness of New Years. Lauren and I even ran into another staffer from our 2010 CentriKid team, so we had to document the event.
Prompt: Where did 2011 begin?
2010 ended and 2011 began with one of my best friends, Lauren. She drove up from Alabama to spend a few days in Gatlinburg. We ate dinner, walked around town, watched fireworks, and I'm pretty sure stayed up way later than necessary giggling like 5th graders. It was both of our first times to ever be in Gatlinburg to see New Year's festivities. Yes, even though I've lived there my entire life, I've never taken part in the craziness of New Years. Lauren and I even ran into another staffer from our 2010 CentriKid team, so we had to document the event.
Peter happened to be in town, as well, for the holiday. So fun getting to reunite! CK4Life!
Now that I've relived where I was physically in the beginning of 2011, where was I mentally and spiritually?
Mentally, I was preparing to student teach in a middle school and high school. I was busy writing lesson plans and thinking about graduating in 6 months. Typical college senior, I suppose.
Spiritually, I was trying to trust the Lord as to my future plans. I remember stressing about getting a teaching job and still working Centrikid Camps. It wasn't until several months later that my plans (for at least the next year) were set in place--my internship at LifeWay.
And that's where I began 2011, a year of new things, of transitions, of firsts, of friends, of fun. Stay tuned for more on 2011!
Mentally, I was preparing to student teach in a middle school and high school. I was busy writing lesson plans and thinking about graduating in 6 months. Typical college senior, I suppose.
Spiritually, I was trying to trust the Lord as to my future plans. I remember stressing about getting a teaching job and still working Centrikid Camps. It wasn't until several months later that my plans (for at least the next year) were set in place--my internship at LifeWay.
And that's where I began 2011, a year of new things, of transitions, of firsts, of friends, of fun. Stay tuned for more on 2011!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Reverb11...
As I'm sure you've noticed, consistent blogging has been a failure for me. I even wrote a blog post today for work that posts in a few weeks about writer's block. Ahhh! I'm tired of having nothing to say! So, I'm going in a different direction. Last year several of my friends participated in Reverb10, where a community of bloggers wrote or tried to write on a prompt every day in December. This was done so folks could reflect on the year and what they had experienced. Even though Reverb11 isn't an official project like last year, after reading my friend Laura's blog, I decided to try my hand at this project. It's not going to be easy, but I'm hoping it will turn into sort of a journal for me. Confession: I hate journaling. I don't do it. But, alas, I want to challenge. So here we go!!!
While there aren't official prompts this year, one of the creators has written some "unofficial" ones for her followers. So, I'm going to use those. Here they are:
While there aren't official prompts this year, one of the creators has written some "unofficial" ones for her followers. So, I'm going to use those. Here they are:
- Where did 2011 begin?
- Who did you meet?
- What books did you read?
- When did you struggle?
- What did you discover?
- Who was important to you?
- What do you hope to remember?
- Where did you spend money?
- When were you most scared?
- What questions did you ask?
- Who surprised you?
- What did you learn?
- When did you feel the most relaxed?
- Where did you leave a mark?
- What movies did you see?
- What did you accomplish?
- When were you the most grateful?
- Who touched your heart?
- Where did you visit?
- When did you cry?
- Where did you spend your time?
- What were your favorite songs?
- Who did you miss?
- When did you take the easy way?
- Where did you eat?
- Which blogs did you enjoy most?
- When did you celebrate?
- What are your dreams for next year?
- Who will attract into your life?
- What do you want to do in 2012?
- Where do you hope to be on Jan 1, 2013?
Friends, I'm really going to try to stick with this. For real.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Thankful...
Sorry it's been so long since an update on my life. Not a whole lot has been going on. Just working and what-not. I don't have a lot of wisdom to impart this evening, but I would like to take time to enjoy this season... no, not the Christmas season (check out my last post to see my opinions on that), but the Thanksgiving season. I really do love Thanksgiving. It has all the great aspects of Christmas, without all the things I hate about the Christmas season. Feel free to take time to read my cliche-ness--things for which I am thankful.
- My family. Yes, they are crazy. Yes, I want to kill them on occasion. Yes, they embarrass me. But I still love them. My family has always been there for me. They've loved me and taken care of me, even when I've screwed up and let them down. I'm so excited to get to sit down with them and each 29874 types of pie and casserole, watch football, and pester the heck out of each other. It's what we do!
- My friends. Words cannot express how thankful and blessed I am by the non-blood family the Lord has placed in my life. They truly are an extension of my family. My best friends are always there for me. They're there to encourage the heck out of me, but also there to call me out when I'm being dumb and irrational (both of the latter happen more often than I would like. Some of them have seen me at my worst. They've let me cry and tell them my hurts, and they've been there to love on me and pray for me. The thing I love and am thankful for most, though, is how they constantly point me towards Christ. My sisters in Christ are always directing me towards that Gospel, and for that I am ever thankful.
- My job. I love my job. I work at a place where I feel comfortable to be me. I enjoy (most of) the work I do, and I love the people I work with.
- The Gospel. I am thankful most for this. I'm thankful for the Gospel because without it, none of the above things in my life would matter. I was reminded on Sunday of the intense power and necessity of the Gospel. This song is a great picture of it in its entirety...
In Christ Alone
In Christ Alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, My All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ Alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
- My family. Yes, they are crazy. Yes, I want to kill them on occasion. Yes, they embarrass me. But I still love them. My family has always been there for me. They've loved me and taken care of me, even when I've screwed up and let them down. I'm so excited to get to sit down with them and each 29874 types of pie and casserole, watch football, and pester the heck out of each other. It's what we do!
- My friends. Words cannot express how thankful and blessed I am by the non-blood family the Lord has placed in my life. They truly are an extension of my family. My best friends are always there for me. They're there to encourage the heck out of me, but also there to call me out when I'm being dumb and irrational (both of the latter happen more often than I would like. Some of them have seen me at my worst. They've let me cry and tell them my hurts, and they've been there to love on me and pray for me. The thing I love and am thankful for most, though, is how they constantly point me towards Christ. My sisters in Christ are always directing me towards that Gospel, and for that I am ever thankful.
- My job. I love my job. I work at a place where I feel comfortable to be me. I enjoy (most of) the work I do, and I love the people I work with.
- The Gospel. I am thankful most for this. I'm thankful for the Gospel because without it, none of the above things in my life would matter. I was reminded on Sunday of the intense power and necessity of the Gospel. This song is a great picture of it in its entirety...
In Christ Alone
In Christ Alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, My All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.
In Christ Alone, who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.
There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.
No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Three Reasons Why I Tend to be a Scrooge...
Now is the time of the year where people begin playing Christmas music and talking about the holidays and what-not. This is also the time of year where at some point in the conversation it gets revealed that I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas. Actually, I could care less if it was Christmas. Friends usually respond with a sense of disbelief when I divulge my apathy towards this season.
Please don't get me wrong, I am a strong Christian and believe in the power of the Gospel; I just hate what this season has become about. It is no longer about Christ and the fulfillment of scripture, but about these things:
Commercialism -- "tendency to turn everything into objects, images, and services sold for the purpose of generating profit. There is also a tendency for intangible things such as happiness, beauty, or health to be given a monetary value and to be spoken of as commodities. Commercialism can also refer to the domination of things by business/corporate interests, or the exploitation of intangible things for private gain."
Conflict--So many people have family issues that holidays are a rough time. Families no longer get together to invest in and love one another. They (might) get together because that's what is supposed to be done, not because they genuinely care about each other. I've seen this first hand.
Craziness--The Christmas season turns into pure craziness. Whether it's families rushing from place to place or insane parents waiting in line for days to spend hundreds of dollars for their child's gift from "Santa."
I know that sounds a little weird and unnatural, but it's not that I don't love Christ, I just hate what Christmas has become.
Here is the real story from Luke 2:13-20...
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The 100 Workout...
I stumbled across this workout the other day and decided to try it since it's chilly and raining outside. This is a great workout to do in a small place like a dorm room or small apartment (like mine). It only takes about 20-25 minutes. Here are the exercises:
100 Jumping Jacks
90 Crunches (I did different types of crunches)
80 Squats
70 Leg Lifts
60 Jumping Jacks
50 Crunches
40 Squats
30 Leg Lifts
20 Jumping Jacks
10 Minutes of Running
It was a pretty good workout. Not the most intense cardio workout, but great strength training. I'm going to try to do this every day in addition to my usual workout routine. I'll definitely do it on days when I'm strapped for time. Comment below on your thoughts and let me know if you try it!
100 Jumping Jacks
90 Crunches (I did different types of crunches)
80 Squats
70 Leg Lifts
60 Jumping Jacks
50 Crunches
40 Squats
30 Leg Lifts
20 Jumping Jacks
10 Minutes of Running
It was a pretty good workout. Not the most intense cardio workout, but great strength training. I'm going to try to do this every day in addition to my usual workout routine. I'll definitely do it on days when I'm strapped for time. Comment below on your thoughts and let me know if you try it!
Monday, October 17, 2011
Leadership is a Balancing Act...
Have you ever handled a situation differently than you anticipated? Were you more relaxed than expected? More rigid?
In the past year, I have been placed in several leadership roles that have challenged me. They grew me. They made me a stronger leader and a better communicator. Ok, I may have shed a few tears at times, but I grew :) I feel like I talk a lot about CentriKid, but that's where I am in my life. Right now, most of my life experiences focus around camp/LifeWay/directing, etc. This summer at camp I thought I knew the type if leader I would be. If you know me very well, you know that I pay attention to details, follow the rules, over analyze on occasion. Sprinkle in a few other Type-A personality characteristics and you have something similar to me. Fun? Not always. Effective? Mostly. But I'm not here to tell you about my personality; I'm here to tell you about how I didn't lead the way I had anticipated.
I was surprisingly more relaxed and relational than I thought I'd be. Sure, I still had high expectations for camp, CK1, and myself, but I realized that just because something worked the way I did it didn't mean it was the only way. And just because something was important to me, didn't mean it was important to 32 other people. I learned to pick my battles and to be a stickler for the "essential/big" things, but to stay flexible on the small stuff. I don't want you to think that I've got this all figured out. Trust me, I was NOT (and still am not) a balanced leader when I first met my CentriKid team. I was like a teacher (guess my degree stuck with me). I was horrible! After a few cycles of camp, I began to loosen up a bit, and really invest in those around me. Thinking about it, this is still hard for me. I have to make a conscious effort to not be so task-oriented and to just love people and love getting to know them and encourage them.
Long story short, I quickly figured out that a leader gets farther from getting to know people, not just getting things done. If people know your heart and the intentions behind your actions and requests, they are going to be more likely to follow you, trustingly. This is one thing if many that I'm still learning about leadership, but it's one thing that I love putting into practice.
What is your leadership style? Does it match your personality?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Be in the 3%...
Two coworkers and I have been "book-clubbing" it. We're going through the book "21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership." It's been great to get to learn and discuss leadership. This is something that I could use a lot of improvement in. Yes, experience and knowledge are great, but there's a ton more I'm learning about leadership. One thing that JE, Jen, and I have spent quite a bit of effort thinking and discussing is goal-setting (something none of us are particularly gifted in). Even with us being challenged by this, we know how pivotal it can be to set goals. I learned recently that only 3% of people actually set goals and strive for them. Even with this fact, I resisted "official" goal-setting for a long time. Actually, I just gave in about an hour ago. JE and Jen began a book this past weekend where they outline their goals and journal daily about how they are striving to reach that goal. Confession: I've had the book, too, but didn't fill it out (until tonight). Further confession: I'm not much of a goals person. I'm not saying I'm not driven, because I am. But I'm not a dreamer; I'm a realist. I think rationally. So I like to set deadlines... not goals. But, alas, I gave in to peer pressure and filled out the book tonight. I made 4 goals that I'm going to strive daily to work my way towards. Rome wasn't built in a day, right? My goals aren't anything crazy like be president or become a millionaire, but they are things that are incredibly important to me.
Here are my 4 goals:
- Work out 5 days per week: Working out is important to me. It used to be easy. Being a college athlete, my workouts were always scheduled for me-- not anymore. I'm gonna step up!
- Read something everyday: This doesn't necessarily mean a "book," but anything, a blog, a magazine article, etc. I want to increase my knowledge and my perspective on life.
- Save money during my internship: I don't make a lot of money, but I do want to come out of my internship more financially stable than I was when I moved here to Nashville. Just call me Ms. Frugal!
- Grow in spiritual leadership and knowledge: There's no way to quantify this goal, but oh well. It's still a goal! I am going to become more intentional in growing my faith and my knowledge of the Gospel. I want this to transfer into my life and spiritual leadership. I want this to reflect in my CentriKid Camps team next summer. This is my weakest part of leadership, and I want to fix that!
So, here's where YOU come into play. I need your help in holding me accountable to these--ALL OF THEM!!! Ask me about them . Ask how I'm growing. Ask what I'm learning. YOU have my permission to ask me and give me a kick in the tail (proverbially, of course) if I need one. I know I can't do it on my own, so help me out.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Settling in...
Sorry, friends, it's been a while. I feel like I begin my most recent posts like that. My apologies. But, here's the deal, life is crazy and I don't feel like I have a ton of profound wisdom to impart upon you. Alas, I'll explain a few things that my life has been consisting of as of late.
Well, I'm in my new apartment!!! Technically, I moved in 3 weeks ago, but you didn't know that. I love it! I love living on my own. Not in a sense of "I'm breaking free from the stronghold of my childhood," but in a sense of "I'm so thankful to come and go as I please, decorate how I choose, and entertain my own agenda." Selfish? Marginally. Not only am I settling in to my apartment, but I'm also adjusting to Nashville life. I'm steadily figuring it out. Figuring out how to get from place to place and when and where to go at certain parts of the day. One thing that has been interesting for me to grasp is that fact that I have to get on the interstate to go anyway. In Gatlinburg, I live 45 minutes from the interstate; therefore, it's nohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift a common occurrence. But, here, it's an everyday thing. I'm getting used to it!
I'm settling in to my job. I love it, too! Mainly, I love and am encouraged by the folks I work with. They are awesome. And while I may not always feel like proofing programs, attending meetings, and mailing packages is advancing the Gospel, I know that the strategic planning and work I'm participating in is helping equip churches present the Gospel to kids, specifically.
Something fun!!! Some of my friends and I did the Warrior Dash today. It's a 3.15 mile race with 12 different obstacles to challenge you. Some include: climbing over junk cars, leaping over fire, and crawling through a mud pit while ducking under barbed wire. Intense? Yes! Tough? Yes! Amazingly fun? OF COURSE!!!!! Here are my friends and I at the end of our race (the two clean ones hadn't ran yet, clearly.)
Well, I'm in my new apartment!!! Technically, I moved in 3 weeks ago, but you didn't know that. I love it! I love living on my own. Not in a sense of "I'm breaking free from the stronghold of my childhood," but in a sense of "I'm so thankful to come and go as I please, decorate how I choose, and entertain my own agenda." Selfish? Marginally. Not only am I settling in to my apartment, but I'm also adjusting to Nashville life. I'm steadily figuring it out. Figuring out how to get from place to place and when and where to go at certain parts of the day. One thing that has been interesting for me to grasp is that fact that I have to get on the interstate to go anyway. In Gatlinburg, I live 45 minutes from the interstate; therefore, it's nohttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gift a common occurrence. But, here, it's an everyday thing. I'm getting used to it!
I'm settling in to my job. I love it, too! Mainly, I love and am encouraged by the folks I work with. They are awesome. And while I may not always feel like proofing programs, attending meetings, and mailing packages is advancing the Gospel, I know that the strategic planning and work I'm participating in is helping equip churches present the Gospel to kids, specifically.
Something fun!!! Some of my friends and I did the Warrior Dash today. It's a 3.15 mile race with 12 different obstacles to challenge you. Some include: climbing over junk cars, leaping over fire, and crawling through a mud pit while ducking under barbed wire. Intense? Yes! Tough? Yes! Amazingly fun? OF COURSE!!!!! Here are my friends and I at the end of our race (the two clean ones hadn't ran yet, clearly.)
Monday, August 22, 2011
Just Within Reach ...
I know it's been a few weeks since I've blogged, but I've had so much going on in my life that there's no possible way to focus it into a blog post. Right now, I'm sitting here thinking about what to tell you. I'm laying on a bed in Nashville that is not my own, because my apartment isn't ready yet. So my incredible friends, Nic & Meredith, have taken me into their home for a few weeks. I'm sitting in "my" room looking around and realizing everything my life consists of right now is within 5 feet of me. Don't believe me? Let me illustrate this for you... on my bed is a CentriKid Camps OMC shirt, a wallet, a cell phone, and letters that I'm in the process of writing to my amazing CK1 Dream Team. Right beside me on the floor is my suitcase and my "big girl" bag I take to work everyday. Finally, on the night stand is my Bible, devotional, and a few books I've either finished reading or am just about to start. This is my life. A life where everything I need is within reach. A life that isn't cluttered. A life that is simple... at least for now.
While times like these should encourage us and give us moments of rest, do we cherish them? Probably not. It is in these times when we relax and think... and good gracious, we analyze. We muddle. We mull. We think of what-if's and why-not's. I've been doing a lot of this lately. Have I been the best person? Am I using the gifts the Lord has given me? Am I being encouraging? Most importantly, do people see Christ when interact with them?
I was talking to one of my staffers the other day and they were talking about how they were trying to get through this school year so they could get to camp again. At that moment I challenged them not to let camp become their only place of ministry, because there are 10 other months in the year where camp isn't there. Ten other months when kids aren't right side you 18 hours of the day. Ten months where your quiet times aren't the 20 minutes before the 8:15 am staff meeting. Ten months where kids aren't tugging at your shorts to buy a Sno Cone or play Ninja. Ten months where people yearning to hear the Gospel aren't "Just Within Reach..."
Not only was this a challenge for that staffer, but for me as well. I don't want to be a person who only ministers when it's 5 feet away from me or when it first comfortably into my schedule. I want my ministry to be at my job, my church, my grocery store. I'm called to be an example of Christ where ever I go and whatever I do.
So, I ask you, are you seeing things that are just within reach or are you looking AND moving past those things to see more?
Monday, August 8, 2011
Laughing, Crying, Hurting, & Healing...
I'm sitting here on the cusp of the next stage in my life. I move to Nashville in 3 days and begin my "big girl job" in 4. While I have a nervous stomach fueled by uncertainty and anticipation about my future, but I am compelled to write about the past--this past summer, in particular. I feel I'm ready to share about this summer with CentriKid. I'm ready to share about how the team grew me and how their stories encouraged me and usually made me laugh. I'm ready to share how I was blessed by them and by seeing them truly live out the Gospel. But, more importantly, I'm ready to share how amazing our God is and how He was evident this summer.
This summer was filled with a lot of things... Intense laughter until I almost peed my pants; tears that I felt would never end; hugs that couldn't possibly get any tighter; hearts that, seemingly, couldn't be more burdened.
This summer, I laughed so hard that I didn't think I would survive. CK1... let's face it, we were full of some truly hysterical people. There were guys who would dance and act ridiculous; there were girls who's laughs were infectious. One time that sticks out in my mind was when a bird pooped on my head at training week. Here I am, I've been with my team for maybe 24 hours, and this bird poops on my head as we're acting out counseling scenarios that they might encounter with kids. Let's just say, my squeals and freak-out moment provided everyone in the room a nice break from finding out how to deal with the kid who has been"saved" 2987 times.
This summer, I cried more than I had in an incredibly long time. People that know me know that crying is not something you will see me do very often. I just don't. Call me heartless. Call me insensitive, maybe. But it doesn't happen often... or so I thought. I cried the first night of worship. I was literally pleading with the Lord to save the kids. Yes, pleading. I had NEVER been burdened for a group of 3rd-6th graders like that before. I cried when I felt like I was doing a horrible job. I cried when I didn't feel like I was encouraging enough. I cried when I didn't feel like I had prepared the team well. On one particularly emotional day, I began to tally... I cried 7 times. Why? I have no clue, other than the fact that we had 900 campers and adults, 45 staffers, and 2 camps to run simultaneously. Ok, so I freaked out a little. In that, though, I was reminded of the story of Moses in Exodus 17: 11-13,
"Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword."
During that time was when, yes, I felt my weakest, but I could also feel the strength of the team--the Dream Team.
This summer, the love present on CK1 was amazing. We had some tough situations to come through--deaths, struggles at home, differences, exhaustion. But, through it all, we found time and energy to love and invest into one another. From 10 hour budget rides to 2 am talks under shooting stars in the south Georgia sky, I came to know their hearts. My team's hearts. Their hurts and their successes. I came to LOVE their youth. and their questions. and their apprehensions. and their fears. and their wisdom. But, more importantly, I came to absolutely cherish their hearts. I loved this team. They were a great first go-around for me as a director. All this was unexpected. I didn't think I would form as great of friendships as I did, and for that I am ever grateful because the Lord provided what I needed.
This summer, our hearts were burdened with the endless hurts of kids and adults, alike. I literally dreaded Monday nights because I had to inform the team of the struggles of the kids during staff meeting as we went over and prayed for the kids with special attention cards at camp. Some weeks, there were cards I couldn't bring myself to read because I couldn't verbalize what was written. I wanted to cry. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to help them. I prayed the Lord would change their situations. As hard as it was for me see these cards, it was even harder to have a staffer come to me with tears welling up in their eyes, their voice shaking, as they told me more details of the stories. Yes, these were tough moments. Yes, they hurt. Yes, I wanted to fix it. But the greatest moments at camp were seeing these hurting kids "get it." When a kid says, "this is the first time I realize I have a purpose and I'm not a 'nobody' like I've always been told.'" When I child realizes that the reason their mom is a drug addict is so the Lord can be glorified through their life. That's why we're called to do what we do. That's why our Redeemer, for some insane reason, chooses to use corrupt college students to proclaim His name. I am humbled by this. I am encouraged by this. by the love. by the sacrifice. by the GOSPEL!
I'll leave this incredibly long post with a story our site contact at Norman Park told me the day we left to come home.
There was a housekeeper there who said that no group had ever talked to her and wanted to hear how her day was before, outside of our team this summer. She asked what was different about us and if we were Christians. Brian, our amazing site contact, asked her if she was a believer. The response was, "no." At that time, Brian was blessed with the opportunity to share the Gospel with this lady. She became a believer! Another victory for Christ! Amen!!!
So, I ask you, are you showing Christ? Are you living Christ? Is every bit of your being exuding Christ?
This summer was filled with a lot of things... Intense laughter until I almost peed my pants; tears that I felt would never end; hugs that couldn't possibly get any tighter; hearts that, seemingly, couldn't be more burdened.
This summer, I laughed so hard that I didn't think I would survive. CK1... let's face it, we were full of some truly hysterical people. There were guys who would dance and act ridiculous; there were girls who's laughs were infectious. One time that sticks out in my mind was when a bird pooped on my head at training week. Here I am, I've been with my team for maybe 24 hours, and this bird poops on my head as we're acting out counseling scenarios that they might encounter with kids. Let's just say, my squeals and freak-out moment provided everyone in the room a nice break from finding out how to deal with the kid who has been"saved" 2987 times.
This summer, I cried more than I had in an incredibly long time. People that know me know that crying is not something you will see me do very often. I just don't. Call me heartless. Call me insensitive, maybe. But it doesn't happen often... or so I thought. I cried the first night of worship. I was literally pleading with the Lord to save the kids. Yes, pleading. I had NEVER been burdened for a group of 3rd-6th graders like that before. I cried when I felt like I was doing a horrible job. I cried when I didn't feel like I was encouraging enough. I cried when I didn't feel like I had prepared the team well. On one particularly emotional day, I began to tally... I cried 7 times. Why? I have no clue, other than the fact that we had 900 campers and adults, 45 staffers, and 2 camps to run simultaneously. Ok, so I freaked out a little. In that, though, I was reminded of the story of Moses in Exodus 17: 11-13,
"Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses' hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword."
During that time was when, yes, I felt my weakest, but I could also feel the strength of the team--the Dream Team.
This summer, the love present on CK1 was amazing. We had some tough situations to come through--deaths, struggles at home, differences, exhaustion. But, through it all, we found time and energy to love and invest into one another. From 10 hour budget rides to 2 am talks under shooting stars in the south Georgia sky, I came to know their hearts. My team's hearts. Their hurts and their successes. I came to LOVE their youth. and their questions. and their apprehensions. and their fears. and their wisdom. But, more importantly, I came to absolutely cherish their hearts. I loved this team. They were a great first go-around for me as a director. All this was unexpected. I didn't think I would form as great of friendships as I did, and for that I am ever grateful because the Lord provided what I needed.
This summer, our hearts were burdened with the endless hurts of kids and adults, alike. I literally dreaded Monday nights because I had to inform the team of the struggles of the kids during staff meeting as we went over and prayed for the kids with special attention cards at camp. Some weeks, there were cards I couldn't bring myself to read because I couldn't verbalize what was written. I wanted to cry. I wanted to throw up. I wanted to help them. I prayed the Lord would change their situations. As hard as it was for me see these cards, it was even harder to have a staffer come to me with tears welling up in their eyes, their voice shaking, as they told me more details of the stories. Yes, these were tough moments. Yes, they hurt. Yes, I wanted to fix it. But the greatest moments at camp were seeing these hurting kids "get it." When a kid says, "this is the first time I realize I have a purpose and I'm not a 'nobody' like I've always been told.'" When I child realizes that the reason their mom is a drug addict is so the Lord can be glorified through their life. That's why we're called to do what we do. That's why our Redeemer, for some insane reason, chooses to use corrupt college students to proclaim His name. I am humbled by this. I am encouraged by this. by the love. by the sacrifice. by the GOSPEL!
I'll leave this incredibly long post with a story our site contact at Norman Park told me the day we left to come home.
There was a housekeeper there who said that no group had ever talked to her and wanted to hear how her day was before, outside of our team this summer. She asked what was different about us and if we were Christians. Brian, our amazing site contact, asked her if she was a believer. The response was, "no." At that time, Brian was blessed with the opportunity to share the Gospel with this lady. She became a believer! Another victory for Christ! Amen!!!
So, I ask you, are you showing Christ? Are you living Christ? Is every bit of your being exuding Christ?
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