I know, it's been a long time since we posted, and even longer since I've posted. I could write about what's been going on in my life, but I'd rather write about what's been going on in my head lately--memories.
About this time of year is my favorite time of year. Growing up in New Hampshire, this is the season when the leaves started changing colors and the temperature began to drop. The air smelled crisp and fresh and cool. I LOVED it. My mom once told me that she thought I was her most "New Englandy" child and was surprised that I've ended up in southern California. I think that some times it's good to recognize that the Lord has plans that may be different than what we want, and that's okay. But I do still get my "autumn fever" (it's a bit like spring fever, except I get it in the fall :-D).
On Saturday, Mike (my brother) came to visit and we drove to Oak Glen, in the mountains, to pick apples. Two weekends ago I went up to the mountains for the Ladies' Retreat with my church. I must say that the 45 degree evening that we found ourselves in when we arrived was simply delightful. The whole weekend was on the chilly end (upper 40s to lower 50s in the daytime and upper 30s to lower 40s at night) and while many of the women expressed their belief that it was freezing, I enjoyed being brought back to New England autumn weather. It was wonderful!
The events of the past two weekends has brought me to thinking about memories. I keep finding myself reminiscing about anything and everything in my past--from 8 years old to 23. Just a little while ago I was crocheting at my desk and watching a slide show of pictures run across my computer screen. There were pictures of my family visiting for Tom's graduation from boot camp in July. There were pictures from apple picking on Saturday. There were pictures from our wedding and several of the weddings we've been to over the past year. There were pictures of friends we still talk to and ones we've lost track of. But, they all made me smile as I thought about the memories.
What's the point of all this? I think I'm starting to realize that my memory is an incredible gift from God. Even if I can't list out the events of my life or tell you about each particular birthday or holiday, it's such a blessing to be reminded of some sweet memory and smile as I play it out again in my mind. I think of how the Bible talks about itself and how the stories of old are for us to learn from. They are examples for us to follow. We talked about God's faithfulness at the Ladies' Retreat and how it's good to look back and remember ways that God has been faithful in your life. We wrote out lists to help us remember and then spent time thanking God for all the ways He has worked in our lives. Since then I've been trying to enjoy every moment. Some days my focus is better than others, but today I was thinking how blessed I have been.
I grew up in a home with a mom and a dad who loved me and worked hard. We had a home and always had food to eat and clothes to wear. We went to excellent schools and each received a quality education. My siblings and I had fun together--playing "Clean-up Crew" and climbing trees, sledding in the winter and jumping in piles of leaves in the fall, playing tag with the neighbors' kids and waiting for the school bus in the morning. We grew up camping a lot, fishing with mom & dad in the canoe and finding earthworms and salamanders under damp leaves. We went to the beach and teased dad when he couldn't find the blanket without his glasses on. We visited cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents when we could and spent time with family friends. We had cookouts, pool parties and picnics, went on hikes, bike rides and hayrides and I loved it all!
Then I went to college all the way out in California. Every time I hear the song "Wide Open Spaces" by the Dixie Chicks (by the way, I'm not a big country music fan) it reminds me of my mom as I left for college because it was her song for me. College was another blessing as I met many Christians who had walked with the Lord longer than me and wanted to help me learn what I was doing. I had professors who invested in me both inside and outside of the classroom and new friends who wanted to love me and get involved in my life. I learned about and studied the Bible in class and on my own and the Lord has been faithful every step of the way. Then I got to spend an entire semester studying in Israel! What a blessing to read the Bible and be in the place where it actually happened! It was already an amazing semester, but God decided in His great grace to allow me to meet and get to know my husband during this time. I can confidently say that I wouldn't have picked Happy out of a crowd, but now I wouldn't trade him for anyone in the world! He has been the biggest blessing of my life (aside from the Lord saving me) and I couldn't find words to express how thankful I am that God brought us together. Happy continues to be a godly example to me on a daily basis as he seeks to serve our Heavenly Father in all he does. To top it all off, I've been a part of three church families that have loved me and encouraged me and given me opportunities to serve the body of Christ.
This post is getting pretty long, but I hope it has challenged some of you to look back over your life and thank God for all that He has done and continues to do. It's too easy to become focused on myself. It's too easy to forget all the ways I've been blessed and gifted. It's too easy to get comfortable and discontent and always want more. I hope you spend some time today thinking over your life and praising God for anything and everything you can. He truly is the Giver of all good gifts!
10.18.2007
10.08.2007
Back . . . due to popular demand! (Or because of two comments)
All right already! I'll attempt to post a brief update today.
Wanting to appease the Santa Maria contingent of our family - and the fact that it's one of my favorite places in California - Amy and I left Liberty Christian School at 3:33pm in an attempt to beat the traffic and get to Santa Maria before it got too late. Amy drove the whole way, and although we got stuck in the usual persnickety jam prior to and on the Sepulveda Pass, we made quite good time, arriving at the Parkers' around 8:00pm. We had a good time eating with the family and catching up with Grandma, Aunt Tracy, Uncle Mel, Aunt Kathy, Jess, and the Best Man, Mike.
The next day we went to the Harvest Festival in good ol' Arroyo Grande. Although nowhere near as good as the annual Strawberry Festival, it was still a fun atmosphere. Mike had gotten there earlier in the morning to work crowd control as part of a volunteer event for the Santa Maria Police Academy. Amy and I got some pretty good (overpriced) kettle korn and looked at a few of the booths selling the normal Central Coast fare. There was even a Ron Paul for President booth. Things wrapped up pretty quickly, and the wonderful matriarch of the Aris family treated us to Marie Callender's in Pismo Beach. Incidentally, that was where Amy and I ate on our honeymoon!
Mike and I drove back to Santa Maria, watched some of the Cal-Oregon game, read and then went golfing at Sunset Ridge. It was windy, some sprinklers were on and our golf games (as usual) were at top performance. I believe we only lost about eight or nine balls to the "lakes." It was good time for best friends to catch up and talk about life. For the first time in recent memory, no one had to climb over the barbed wire fence to retrieve a slightly mis-hit ball.
While we were golfing, Amy and the womenfolk enjoyed their time at an apple farm or two. Some apple cider was purchased, among other things.
That night, Uncle Mel barbecued ribs, and of course, dinner was amazing. We had another good night of talking and hanging out and watching TV.
Sunday morning we got up and drove to Grandma's for waffles and turkey bacon before heading over to Grace Baptist Church for the morning worship service. There was good music and a good sermon on Sabbath rest. Interestingly, the youth pastor, Pastor James Barr, was about to practice his preaching by taking two months off for some rest and for some observation of other local youth ministry departments. We didn't stay for Sunday School and headed back to Pleasant Place (the street the Parkers live on).
And then we watched most of the Raider game. It was a beautiful thing to watch, because Raider victories have been few and far between in the last four seasons. After that, we headed home, and made in just a little over four hours!
This last weekend was a busy one as well. Amy left on Friday afternoon with more than twenty other ladies for Idyllwild in the mountains (not sure which range) for the annual women's retreat. They had a great time, and Amy especially enjoyed the colder weather (lower 40s, upper 30s!).
While those shenanigans were taking place, I headed up to Santa Clarita after the Liberty Christian Homecoming football game (Score? 54-0. Yeah, they lost.) Anyway, the 405 was great and I got to Brian, Nick and Travis' apartment around 11:15pm. I stayed up and talked with Brian and Travis until about 1:15am. I slept in Travis' sleeping bag on the couch and slept hard until about 8:30am. On Saturday, we played video games, watched TV and had brunch at IHOP. Then, I visited my college RD, Siona Savini and just talked for about two hours in his renovated and spacious apartment. After that, I headed over to 18726 Wellhaven St. to see my dad and Trevor. My mom was at Hume Lake for a ladies' retreat, and Scott was in Ontario, CA, for TMC's Outreach Week. Trev, Dad and I ate at Baja Fresh and then went to the SCCS football game. I got to talk with a bunch of people and had a great time. I left near the end of the game and got back to Westminster around 11:15pm.
Amy got back on Sunday at about 4:15 (I think) and we went to Costco and Stater Bros. before going home and fixing up the apartment. We also put up a wall cabinet above the toilet that looks real nice and adds a little bit of storage.
And now it's a new week and God is still on his throne, so let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)
Wanting to appease the Santa Maria contingent of our family - and the fact that it's one of my favorite places in California - Amy and I left Liberty Christian School at 3:33pm in an attempt to beat the traffic and get to Santa Maria before it got too late. Amy drove the whole way, and although we got stuck in the usual persnickety jam prior to and on the Sepulveda Pass, we made quite good time, arriving at the Parkers' around 8:00pm. We had a good time eating with the family and catching up with Grandma, Aunt Tracy, Uncle Mel, Aunt Kathy, Jess, and the Best Man, Mike.
The next day we went to the Harvest Festival in good ol' Arroyo Grande. Although nowhere near as good as the annual Strawberry Festival, it was still a fun atmosphere. Mike had gotten there earlier in the morning to work crowd control as part of a volunteer event for the Santa Maria Police Academy. Amy and I got some pretty good (overpriced) kettle korn and looked at a few of the booths selling the normal Central Coast fare. There was even a Ron Paul for President booth. Things wrapped up pretty quickly, and the wonderful matriarch of the Aris family treated us to Marie Callender's in Pismo Beach. Incidentally, that was where Amy and I ate on our honeymoon!
Mike and I drove back to Santa Maria, watched some of the Cal-Oregon game, read and then went golfing at Sunset Ridge. It was windy, some sprinklers were on and our golf games (as usual) were at top performance. I believe we only lost about eight or nine balls to the "lakes." It was good time for best friends to catch up and talk about life. For the first time in recent memory, no one had to climb over the barbed wire fence to retrieve a slightly mis-hit ball.
While we were golfing, Amy and the womenfolk enjoyed their time at an apple farm or two. Some apple cider was purchased, among other things.
That night, Uncle Mel barbecued ribs, and of course, dinner was amazing. We had another good night of talking and hanging out and watching TV.
Sunday morning we got up and drove to Grandma's for waffles and turkey bacon before heading over to Grace Baptist Church for the morning worship service. There was good music and a good sermon on Sabbath rest. Interestingly, the youth pastor, Pastor James Barr, was about to practice his preaching by taking two months off for some rest and for some observation of other local youth ministry departments. We didn't stay for Sunday School and headed back to Pleasant Place (the street the Parkers live on).
And then we watched most of the Raider game. It was a beautiful thing to watch, because Raider victories have been few and far between in the last four seasons. After that, we headed home, and made in just a little over four hours!
This last weekend was a busy one as well. Amy left on Friday afternoon with more than twenty other ladies for Idyllwild in the mountains (not sure which range) for the annual women's retreat. They had a great time, and Amy especially enjoyed the colder weather (lower 40s, upper 30s!).
While those shenanigans were taking place, I headed up to Santa Clarita after the Liberty Christian Homecoming football game (Score? 54-0. Yeah, they lost.) Anyway, the 405 was great and I got to Brian, Nick and Travis' apartment around 11:15pm. I stayed up and talked with Brian and Travis until about 1:15am. I slept in Travis' sleeping bag on the couch and slept hard until about 8:30am. On Saturday, we played video games, watched TV and had brunch at IHOP. Then, I visited my college RD, Siona Savini and just talked for about two hours in his renovated and spacious apartment. After that, I headed over to 18726 Wellhaven St. to see my dad and Trevor. My mom was at Hume Lake for a ladies' retreat, and Scott was in Ontario, CA, for TMC's Outreach Week. Trev, Dad and I ate at Baja Fresh and then went to the SCCS football game. I got to talk with a bunch of people and had a great time. I left near the end of the game and got back to Westminster around 11:15pm.
Amy got back on Sunday at about 4:15 (I think) and we went to Costco and Stater Bros. before going home and fixing up the apartment. We also put up a wall cabinet above the toilet that looks real nice and adds a little bit of storage.
And now it's a new week and God is still on his throne, so let everything that has breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)
9.25.2007
Magic Mountain
Saturday was my first trip to Magic Mountain. I know I went to college for four years just down the street from said theme park, but I was also a poor college student. So, it was my first time and it was so much fun! We met at church at 7 am and organized the caravan for the trip, leaving around 8:00. After the nearly 3 hour car ride up there, making our way through 2 major construction SIG alerts on the 5 freeway, we arrived at Magic Mountain at 10:45. I think we finally got in the park around 11:15. Despite my dislike of rush hour traffic, I was thankful for the nap on the way up! Once we arrived, bought tickets and organized groups, my group headed over to Revolution (at least I think that's the name of it). We waited in line for a while in the pouring rain and then the ride was shut down when we were about 25 feet from the front of the line. Bummer. We waited for a little while, thinking it'd be better to stay more dry and wait for the ride to re-open so we could be first... especially because most of the other rides were closed. Then we finally left for The Riddler's Revenge and the rain cleared up! The best part about standing in that line was finding a soggy $20 bill on the ground :-D After that was lunch and more rides. We went on Goldrusher, Scream, Colossus (I didn't go on this one), Goliath, Revolution, X.... and maybe some more... I really don't remember since the day was pretty crazy. But it was fun! And I think X is pretty much the most amazing roller coaster I've ever been on :-D Check out the pictures from our rainy day at Magic Mountain, if you feel so inclined, and have a lovely Tuesday!
9.24.2007
Confessions of a Recovering Feminist
Happy Monday! Today I will get my permanent crown at the dentist. YAY!
However, the real reason I was posting was not to keep you updated on my dental situation, but to point out that I added a new blog to our sidebar links. It is called CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood) Gender Blog and today's post is called Confessions of a Recovering Feminist. I thought it might be a good description (for those who may be wondering) of what I, and many other Christians, think about Feminism. I don't mean for this to be a jab at anyone, but I know I've had conversations with several people about this topic. Here is someone who is a bit more articulate than me, sharing her perspective on Feminism. Let me know what you think!
However, the real reason I was posting was not to keep you updated on my dental situation, but to point out that I added a new blog to our sidebar links. It is called CBMW (The Council on Biblical Manhood & Womanhood) Gender Blog and today's post is called Confessions of a Recovering Feminist. I thought it might be a good description (for those who may be wondering) of what I, and many other Christians, think about Feminism. I don't mean for this to be a jab at anyone, but I know I've had conversations with several people about this topic. Here is someone who is a bit more articulate than me, sharing her perspective on Feminism. Let me know what you think!
9.21.2007
Pedometer
For the last two weeks, Amy and I have been walking around with little pedometers clipped to our pants at the hip. Pedometers can measure steps taken (its original function), miles walked/run, calories burned, steps per minute, miles per hour and time spent walking/running. It's actually a pretty cool way to keep track of your general exercise throughout a given day or week.
This article is one of many detailing that 10,000 steps a day is probably a good number to take for "weight management." I think this one was only $15 through the President's Challenge website.
Even as a PE teacher, I struggle to get my 10,000 steps in every day. For instance, it's 8:25 am and I'm at 962 steps. I've gone 0.436 miles in seven minutes and 40 seconds for a speed of 3.26 mph. I've also burned approximately 48.5 calories. Since Tuesday, September 11, I've taken 81,667 steps, which has taken me about 37 miles!
For what it's worth, buy a pedometer and see how you're doing.
9.07.2007
Don't Get Cavities
Yesterday was phase one of a crown on my number 14 tooth (at least I think that's what they were saying). It's my second molar on the top left side of my mouth. For those of you who are familiar with my love of needles, I was more than a little nervous about all the Novocaine shots. In light of that, my dentist was made very aware of the fact that he must keep the needles out of my line of vision, which he did very well. It went something like this "Alright, Amy, close your eyes now..." Then I'd shut my eyes tight and open my mouth imagining I was in New England walking in the snow. I was even singing "I'll be Home for Christmas" in my head.
All in all, I had two long shots of Novocaine on the outer gums to numb the two major nerves that are connected to the tooth. Then I had several (I didn't count because I was trying to transport myself by singing the aforementioned song) smaller shots on the inner gums by the tooth just before he shaved the inside of the tooth. The shaving of my tooth was not a big deal, aside from the smell and little bits of silver flying all over the place. They took an impression, made a temporary crown for me, glued it on and sent me on my way. I'll go back on the 24th after work to get the real crown.
There was only one point at which I was concentrating on anything and everything to get myself not to puke, but I was thankfully already lying down. Leaving the dentist, I was shaky and still feeling a bit ill and traumatized so I was glad Happy was there to drive me home. Once the Novocaine wore off, the throbbing started and now my jaw is pretty sore on the left side of my mouth. But, I slept great and can talk without a problem, so answering the phones today is just like normal. I figure it probably would have saved me a bunch of hassle (not to mention a bunch of money) if I hadn't gotten a cavity in the first place. So that's the wisdom I have to share from this experience: Don't get cavities.
All in all, I had two long shots of Novocaine on the outer gums to numb the two major nerves that are connected to the tooth. Then I had several (I didn't count because I was trying to transport myself by singing the aforementioned song) smaller shots on the inner gums by the tooth just before he shaved the inside of the tooth. The shaving of my tooth was not a big deal, aside from the smell and little bits of silver flying all over the place. They took an impression, made a temporary crown for me, glued it on and sent me on my way. I'll go back on the 24th after work to get the real crown.
There was only one point at which I was concentrating on anything and everything to get myself not to puke, but I was thankfully already lying down. Leaving the dentist, I was shaky and still feeling a bit ill and traumatized so I was glad Happy was there to drive me home. Once the Novocaine wore off, the throbbing started and now my jaw is pretty sore on the left side of my mouth. But, I slept great and can talk without a problem, so answering the phones today is just like normal. I figure it probably would have saved me a bunch of hassle (not to mention a bunch of money) if I hadn't gotten a cavity in the first place. So that's the wisdom I have to share from this experience: Don't get cavities.
9.06.2007
School and Travel
Today marked the third day of school at Liberty Christian. But in reality, it was the second "real" day of school. Tuesday was only the first day of school for the secondary (7-12). Wednesday, the elementary (K-6) graced us with their presence (and the presence of proud parents and grandparents, snapping tons of pictures of their less-than-eager students).
Yesterday was also the first day I had to teach my Bible class (second period) and eighth grade homeroom class. I went over the PE syllabus with 38 junior highers this afternoon. That class is really going to test my patience and my classroom management skills. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have at least 43 students signed up for junior high PE! AHHHHH!!! Yesterday I also went over some basic introductory rules and procedures with the high schoolers in PE. To end class, we played Big Booty. If you don't know how to play, then you need to learn. It's so fun!
Today was my first day of lecturing in Bible and I basically filled up the whole period lecturing on Bibliology, the origin of the Bible, the Canon, etc. It was fun. I learned a lot from it and figured out some things I need to do better. I'm really looking forward to the rest of year in that class.
Last, here's a random list of trips - in no particular order - we would like to go on in the coming years. It started as a way to figure out what we want to do next summer for vacation and expanded from there. What do you think? Any comments or questions?
1. Go camping with my parents and brothers.
2. Go camping with Emily and Steven at Buckeye Flats in Sequoia National Park.
3. Hike Half-Dome in Yosemite with Amy.
4. Climb Mt. Whitney with guys from Village!
5. Go to Monterey.
6. Visit New England in the Fall (Octoberish).
7. Visit Aunt Cindy in Colorado.
8. Take a road trip to Idaho.
9. Take a road trip to Seattle and visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara.
10. Visit the UK.
Yesterday was also the first day I had to teach my Bible class (second period) and eighth grade homeroom class. I went over the PE syllabus with 38 junior highers this afternoon. That class is really going to test my patience and my classroom management skills. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I have at least 43 students signed up for junior high PE! AHHHHH!!! Yesterday I also went over some basic introductory rules and procedures with the high schoolers in PE. To end class, we played Big Booty. If you don't know how to play, then you need to learn. It's so fun!
Today was my first day of lecturing in Bible and I basically filled up the whole period lecturing on Bibliology, the origin of the Bible, the Canon, etc. It was fun. I learned a lot from it and figured out some things I need to do better. I'm really looking forward to the rest of year in that class.
Last, here's a random list of trips - in no particular order - we would like to go on in the coming years. It started as a way to figure out what we want to do next summer for vacation and expanded from there. What do you think? Any comments or questions?
1. Go camping with my parents and brothers.
2. Go camping with Emily and Steven at Buckeye Flats in Sequoia National Park.
3. Hike Half-Dome in Yosemite with Amy.
4. Climb Mt. Whitney with guys from Village!
5. Go to Monterey.
6. Visit New England in the Fall (Octoberish).
7. Visit Aunt Cindy in Colorado.
8. Take a road trip to Idaho.
9. Take a road trip to Seattle and visit Uncle Bob and Aunt Barbara.
10. Visit the UK.
9.04.2007
Labor Day Weekend
This was the sunset that Happy & I watched on Sunday night! It was BEAUTIFUL, even if the beach was the most crowded I've ever seen it. Our Labor Day weekend was relaxing, fun and REALLY STINKIN HOT! For those who live in Santa Clarita, I'm VERY sorry. We were in Anaheim on Saturday and it was around 100 degrees. I would much rather be absolutely freezing than hot, but I've heard the heat wave is supposed to be done soon. Is it dumb to pray that it doesn't get so hot? I'm seriously hoping that this winter is really rainy and cold. I'd love it!In other news, my boss had her baby yesterday! I heard he was 8 lbs. 8 oz. and 21" long. His name is Colton (not sure on the spelling of that) and I'm told he's absolutely adorable. It seems like there are a lot of babies being born around me right now. By the way, the baby in our web album is the one I held on Saturday. He was a week old! When he was born he was only 6 lbs. 2 oz. so he is still really tiny. SO CUTE! But don't worry, I'm not going to do the "I'm pregnant" joke again ;-) Seeing and holding babies makes me realize.... I can wait! Plus, hearing the stories of not sleeping makes me think... I can wait! For those of you who are so ready for Happy & me to start having babies... Hopefully you can wait too :-) Meanwhile, I'll just hold other women's babies and say how cute they are and then give them back when they start to fuss. But seriously, what's with all the babies?!?!
But, since I am back at work, I do need to get to my invoices. I hope everyone had a lovely Labor Day weekend, even if it was stiflingly hot. I'd love to hear any stories.... but since no one ever comments on my posts, perhaps I shouldn't get my hopes up (YES, that is a guilt-trip!). Back to work for me! Have an excellent short week!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)