God continues to fascinate me in how he works. I've seen him work so many times that I'm not surprised just... fascinated. He created a perfect storm in my life by loosing my mentor and friend Melinda, my mom's declining health, stressful summer at work, growing passion and love for the PSCOC teens, success in weightloss, enjoyment in nature hikes and training workouts, and a whole host of other details.
Its hard to explain the change in my life and every attempt to seems to discount the magnitude of how God has worked in my life emotionally, physically, psycologically, financially, and Biblically. All this climaxed on trek but I see God's mighty hand long before I began my 6 day stint in the wilderness, turning and using so many occurances- peoples words, additudes, my choices and additudes.
I feel empowered. I feel a burning guilt that I couldn't physically do what my heart and mind wanted to- for myself and the people I care about so much. I feel blessed by the guides we were assigned to and the family I belong to because of His blood. I am overwhelmed by the blessing of a job to come home to that I enjoy so much and can be so passionate about.
God has called me to make some changes in my life, not because I was following Satan, but because He calls all of us to our best and I've simply been going through the motions.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Friday, May 15, 2009
Lost the Office Won the Church
By a whopping .1% (yes, that one tenth of a percentage) I lost the office biggest loser. The good news is that I won the church biggest loser by a landslide. I was so proud to beat those boys! The best part is I was able to raise $250 for the kiddos.
Now, the challenge is staying motivated without public humiliation on the line. I've tried to think about the public humiliation of pooping out on trek but that only helps a little. Its so blistering hot outside I don't want to do a thing. Its only May and already 90+ degree heat all week.
I recently finished my training for CASA http://www.casatravis.org/ (Court Appointed Special Advocates) While finishing up the required court room observations I was intrigued by a grossly dynamic and dysfunctional case. Most people shake their heads in disgust at the travesty of the situation, but I petitioned the organization to let that be my first case. So I officially take the case on Thursday when I sit down and wade through the undoubtedly stacks of files and information. Travis County definitely holds a different caliber of cases in comparison to Erath County (Stephenville) where I'd worked before. I'm anxious to begin, God has given me an undeniable love for children and passion to make a difference. I am so thankful for CASA that allows me to use my talents.
Now, the challenge is staying motivated without public humiliation on the line. I've tried to think about the public humiliation of pooping out on trek but that only helps a little. Its so blistering hot outside I don't want to do a thing. Its only May and already 90+ degree heat all week.
I recently finished my training for CASA http://www.casatravis.org/ (Court Appointed Special Advocates) While finishing up the required court room observations I was intrigued by a grossly dynamic and dysfunctional case. Most people shake their heads in disgust at the travesty of the situation, but I petitioned the organization to let that be my first case. So I officially take the case on Thursday when I sit down and wade through the undoubtedly stacks of files and information. Travis County definitely holds a different caliber of cases in comparison to Erath County (Stephenville) where I'd worked before. I'm anxious to begin, God has given me an undeniable love for children and passion to make a difference. I am so thankful for CASA that allows me to use my talents.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Loosing the Biggest Looser but still a Winner cause I Lost
Yes, thats right we are almost 7 weeks into the office biggest loser contest and I have only won once! But no one won last week because we all endulged a bit for Valentine's Day. The good news is no one gained. I've lost a total of 22 lbs and almost 4 inches in my belly but since its based on percentage of weightloss the little pip squeeks in my office have been beating me with their 1 and 2 lbs loses.
I struggle every weekend to eat right and squeeze in a work out. The temptation is church friends and activites but last week I heard rumblings of a Pond Springs c of C biggest looser so I voluntered. Then I learned of the details of the contest which include getting sponsors for each pound I loose. Ok, not a big problem and the money goes to the kiddos for their summer activities. But I have to take before and after photos and publicly announce my weight. I was pretty panicked but reminded myself I need to loose it anyway, this is great motivation on the weekends to win the work contest and if your gonna loose it anyway might as well make some money for the kids while I am at it.
Katherine, one of the youth group girls was asking silly random questions the other night. I told her I love you and the other girls so much that I would potentially publicly humilate myself and enter this contest. I told her she is on my mind every day as I prepare my body for Trek so that I can be an enrouragement and inspiration to her and the others. I told her I love her so much I am doing something for her I wouldn't and havn't done for anyone else or myself. She tilted her head, smiled, and went back to texting.
You gotta love teenagers, right!
The bottom line I've got til April 18th (also happens to be my best friends wedding) to loose as much weight as possible. I am secretly hoping to beat the boys but know thats a tough one if they really buckle down. Regardless, with my current sponsorships I will raise $11.75 for every pound for the kids.
I struggle every weekend to eat right and squeeze in a work out. The temptation is church friends and activites but last week I heard rumblings of a Pond Springs c of C biggest looser so I voluntered. Then I learned of the details of the contest which include getting sponsors for each pound I loose. Ok, not a big problem and the money goes to the kiddos for their summer activities. But I have to take before and after photos and publicly announce my weight. I was pretty panicked but reminded myself I need to loose it anyway, this is great motivation on the weekends to win the work contest and if your gonna loose it anyway might as well make some money for the kids while I am at it.
Katherine, one of the youth group girls was asking silly random questions the other night. I told her I love you and the other girls so much that I would potentially publicly humilate myself and enter this contest. I told her she is on my mind every day as I prepare my body for Trek so that I can be an enrouragement and inspiration to her and the others. I told her I love her so much I am doing something for her I wouldn't and havn't done for anyone else or myself. She tilted her head, smiled, and went back to texting.
You gotta love teenagers, right!
The bottom line I've got til April 18th (also happens to be my best friends wedding) to loose as much weight as possible. I am secretly hoping to beat the boys but know thats a tough one if they really buckle down. Regardless, with my current sponsorships I will raise $11.75 for every pound for the kids.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Biggest Looser
For a multitude of reasons, including health, looking better, fitting back into my clothes, and Wilderness Trek I decided to battle the bulge directly after Christmas. Well directly after New Year's. I really thought about what has been my down fall in previous attempts and what has helpful when I was successful. I even reasearched what makes diet plans in general successful short term and long term. That answer first was the giant cabinet in the middle of my office full of yummy goodness that I walk past 100 times a day. The next was a community and support system. I proposed having a biggest looser contest with the girls at work. As the plan developed and terms were agreed on I was stoked! I knew my South Beach Diet would stack up leeps and bounds to their Weight Watchers and work out videos.
I started my first phase of South Beach on January 2nd and agreed to start the contest on the following Wednesday when everyone was back to work. After the first week I finished up .3% behind the winner. I am trying to look at the brightest side of things. Since I started on that fateful friday morning I've lost 14 lbs! More than that I've lost a lot of inches. So much that I am frightening my office mates because they see a difference over the days. I see a difference already in how my clothes fit.
I know thats the goal and all. Loose weight, feel great, yeah yeah! I want that stupid trophy and bragging rights more inmportantly! Wednesday is the next weigh in so I am anticipating a huge loss and have cleaned off my desk so that the trophy can be promiently dispalyed.
I have to give my friends at church a huge thanks, they've been so motivating and understanding and don't seem to mind when I always suggest Jason's Deli or a place I can get a salad.
I started my first phase of South Beach on January 2nd and agreed to start the contest on the following Wednesday when everyone was back to work. After the first week I finished up .3% behind the winner. I am trying to look at the brightest side of things. Since I started on that fateful friday morning I've lost 14 lbs! More than that I've lost a lot of inches. So much that I am frightening my office mates because they see a difference over the days. I see a difference already in how my clothes fit.
I know thats the goal and all. Loose weight, feel great, yeah yeah! I want that stupid trophy and bragging rights more inmportantly! Wednesday is the next weigh in so I am anticipating a huge loss and have cleaned off my desk so that the trophy can be promiently dispalyed.
I have to give my friends at church a huge thanks, they've been so motivating and understanding and don't seem to mind when I always suggest Jason's Deli or a place I can get a salad.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Awesome Video
Happy Thanksgiving! I love this time of year... maybe its the shopping, maybe its that everyone is in a more cheery mood, maybe its traveling, maybe its seeing all my family and old friends, maybe its the decorating and parties. I don't know why I love it but I LOVE this time of year. I wish it was longer to I had more time to spend doing all the above mentioned things.
As I prepare for this Thanksgiving trip to see family in the Twinkle City and to decorate my parent's house while they are in Nebraska. (Shhh! Its a surprise!) They are gonna come home from Nebraska and Lord willing I won't be hanging from the roof by my britches and the house will be decked in white lights from the road to the tallest eve. I can't wait to see my mom's face... I hope it works out that they pull up after dark.
Anyway, after that I am taking a quick drive up to Wichita Falls to see my bff Talya and her family while I get new tires but on my pickup. I am so excited to get to see Tal again. Even though I talk to her once a week or so I am just giddy about getting to be in her presence. I was reminded of an long-story-inside joke recently between us and I'd like to share hopefully in a long story-short kinda way. You see Tal and I began our friendship in 3rd grade when we performed at the Talent Show. I sang and she played Amazing Grace on her guitar- I remember it was a Fender Strat- didn't know how cool that was at the time but I knew it was supposed to be. So that began many twists and turns of life together and some times more estranged than others by just the life happenings. A few years ago I was feeling a little big for my britches and made some sorta comment about Iowa Park not being my town, how was I supposed to know where something was or how it worked. (I think we were lost or late or something- Big Shocker) She barely skipped a beat and replied lovingly and sarcastically "ok Amazing Grace"
Thats love- when somebody knows you and all your junk and embarrasing moments and craziness and scariness and loves anyway. Especially when you need to be reminded of those moments when you wern't so profesional and smart. Isn't it wonderful that we have a heavenly father that also knows even the number of hairs on our head and loves us - loves us so much to let his son die for us and to be there with us during those rough times when things arn't perfect. Check out this video- I thought it was really powerful.
As I prepare for this Thanksgiving trip to see family in the Twinkle City and to decorate my parent's house while they are in Nebraska. (Shhh! Its a surprise!) They are gonna come home from Nebraska and Lord willing I won't be hanging from the roof by my britches and the house will be decked in white lights from the road to the tallest eve. I can't wait to see my mom's face... I hope it works out that they pull up after dark.
Anyway, after that I am taking a quick drive up to Wichita Falls to see my bff Talya and her family while I get new tires but on my pickup. I am so excited to get to see Tal again. Even though I talk to her once a week or so I am just giddy about getting to be in her presence. I was reminded of an long-story-inside joke recently between us and I'd like to share hopefully in a long story-short kinda way. You see Tal and I began our friendship in 3rd grade when we performed at the Talent Show. I sang and she played Amazing Grace on her guitar- I remember it was a Fender Strat- didn't know how cool that was at the time but I knew it was supposed to be. So that began many twists and turns of life together and some times more estranged than others by just the life happenings. A few years ago I was feeling a little big for my britches and made some sorta comment about Iowa Park not being my town, how was I supposed to know where something was or how it worked. (I think we were lost or late or something- Big Shocker) She barely skipped a beat and replied lovingly and sarcastically "ok Amazing Grace"
Thats love- when somebody knows you and all your junk and embarrasing moments and craziness and scariness and loves anyway. Especially when you need to be reminded of those moments when you wern't so profesional and smart. Isn't it wonderful that we have a heavenly father that also knows even the number of hairs on our head and loves us - loves us so much to let his son die for us and to be there with us during those rough times when things arn't perfect. Check out this video- I thought it was really powerful.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Girls Camping Trip agenda
Girls Camping Trip
Friday November 7-8
‘Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.’
-Proverbs 31:30
Who’s Going:
Lauren
Gynnalyn
Ellen
Brooke
Brittany
Kara
Katharine
Carmon
What’s Going On:
Leave: the church parking lot at 4pm
My pickup can hold maximum of 5 including me. Ellen or Lauren will need to drive also
Meet up with Carmon in Georgetown
Arrive at Jim Hogg Park around 5 pm
It is getting dark really early so be ready to help set up so we can all relax and enjoy God’s Creation
Set up tents and cook dinner: Dutch oven Chicken Pot Pie and Cobbler
The next morning - Breakfast: Raccoon Casserole; coffee, juice, milk
Exploring, games, whatever you girls want to do
Lunch: Hot Dogs and baked beans (could do something else if ya’ll wanted)
More Exploring, and games
Clean up and pack up to leave by 4:30 pm
Home by 6pm
What to Bring:
Bible
Warm, layered clothes (it will get into the 40’s at night)
Pillow
Blanket or sleeping bag
Games
$10 (to help with cost of food and site)
Friday November 7-8
‘Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.’
-Proverbs 31:30
Who’s Going:
Lauren
Gynnalyn
Ellen
Brooke
Brittany
Kara
Katharine
Carmon
What’s Going On:
Leave: the church parking lot at 4pm
My pickup can hold maximum of 5 including me. Ellen or Lauren will need to drive also
Meet up with Carmon in Georgetown
Arrive at Jim Hogg Park around 5 pm
It is getting dark really early so be ready to help set up so we can all relax and enjoy God’s Creation
Set up tents and cook dinner: Dutch oven Chicken Pot Pie and Cobbler
The next morning - Breakfast: Raccoon Casserole; coffee, juice, milk
Exploring, games, whatever you girls want to do
Lunch: Hot Dogs and baked beans (could do something else if ya’ll wanted)
More Exploring, and games
Clean up and pack up to leave by 4:30 pm
Home by 6pm
What to Bring:
Bible
Warm, layered clothes (it will get into the 40’s at night)
Pillow
Blanket or sleeping bag
Games
$10 (to help with cost of food and site)
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
God is so Good
I have been praying for some relief from the miserable loneliness I feel here in Austin. Part of it is because I don't make friends easily, so the good freinds I do have are hard no impossible to let go of. But those friends that no me inside and out arn't here and we can't live our lives on the phone every evening. So I've been trying to meet people, men, women, young, old. I am trying not to be picky. This quest has landed me becoming more involved at church which is a real blessing but still hasn't scratched the itch.
Last week one of my college roommates sent me a message on MySpace. She, her brand new baby and husband just moved to Austin. I haven't gotten to see her yet but we have made lunch plans for next week and just the increase in email and knowing that she's just an exit away on my drive home from work is so comforting. If that wasn't a big enough God-n-sidence then listen to this.
Yeasterday I had debated on asking the people at a church I visited when I first moved here to take me off their email list since I don't go there and only did for a few weeks. At the last minuet I decided not to and for no good reason what so ever. I even had the email written explaining it was nothing personal but deleated it without sending. Today I got an email from the group saying that a guy had called the church office ans wanted more information and where the group was meeting tonight. It included his full name and number. The name happened to be the same name is a friend of mine from the youth group in highschool and Junior High that moved away before we graduated. On a long shot I called the number and it was him! I was shocked! He's been living in Austin for a while and has been really needing some young christian friends too. He's comming to church with me tonight and I am so excited I could just pop. I can't wait to see him. There is just something really beautiful about someone who knew you and loved you even were you were a giant dork and still does.
Last week one of my college roommates sent me a message on MySpace. She, her brand new baby and husband just moved to Austin. I haven't gotten to see her yet but we have made lunch plans for next week and just the increase in email and knowing that she's just an exit away on my drive home from work is so comforting. If that wasn't a big enough God-n-sidence then listen to this.
Yeasterday I had debated on asking the people at a church I visited when I first moved here to take me off their email list since I don't go there and only did for a few weeks. At the last minuet I decided not to and for no good reason what so ever. I even had the email written explaining it was nothing personal but deleated it without sending. Today I got an email from the group saying that a guy had called the church office ans wanted more information and where the group was meeting tonight. It included his full name and number. The name happened to be the same name is a friend of mine from the youth group in highschool and Junior High that moved away before we graduated. On a long shot I called the number and it was him! I was shocked! He's been living in Austin for a while and has been really needing some young christian friends too. He's comming to church with me tonight and I am so excited I could just pop. I can't wait to see him. There is just something really beautiful about someone who knew you and loved you even were you were a giant dork and still does.
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