One Week of Reflection: Family

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on July and August, which were the months I drew very close to family.

We were very blessed to be a part of Matt & Angela's wedding in July and got the opportunity to spend about a week in New York, not only sight-seeing, but simply spending time together in a different environment, as well as getting to know Angela's side. What a blessing it was to have that time, especially in light of what the first part of the year had been like.
We drew closer together (at least I did with others), and got to know each other in a different way. It was fun and a much needed laid back time for all of us.
As summer progressed, things got better and better, and we got to enjoy each others' company outside of the context of holidays, which is something my side doesn't do very often. Many game nights were had and cookouts were partaken.

We also took some time to camp out with our Dominican Team family, which was of course so much fun! Another element of family that is so different and so needed in my life. I can't wait to do that again with them all next year, and hopefully more of them will be able to join in on the fun we all had!

I truly learned the blessing of family in those couple months, and carry that with me today.   Pin It

One Week of Reflection: Crazy Bold

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on May and June 2014, which I title the "Crazy Bold" months.

Not only because I attended the "Crazy Bold" conference at MCRC in May, but because I was in an "I don't care what people think" mode those couple of months. I shared my heart, I shared my faith, even if it meant people hating me for it, and I shared my thoughts on church and life in general a lot.
In fact, I was looking through my posts on Facebook from May and June, a couple of them had me saying "wow...that was what I said?"

But as I read those, I realized that they were things that needed to be said, or reflected on. In fact, as a Christian, my job is to proclaim His Word no matter how "uncomfortable" it is. I think the circumstances I faced the prior months showed me that there is no time to waste, and no time to do what pleases the world. We are called to be the "salt", the "light", the "ambassadors" for Christ in a world that is plain and dark. That doesn't mean we are to offend or to shove our values on people. We are called to love and live with all people. We are not called to become what they are, however. I've actually learned to agree to disagree many times this year. If someone knows where I stand and what I'm trying to accomplish, and still wants nothing to do with it, I back off. The Bible says not to waste time on those who could care less about changing their ways. (Matthew 7:6 puts it pretty bluntly.)

I need to be better at this. I need to sometimes open my mouth when I need to speak up. I need to move when something needs to be done. I need to live in such a way, that others question why the powerhouse light shines through me. And I need to learn who not to waste my time on.   Pin It

One Week of Reflection: Major Turbulence

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on March and April 2014, which I title the "Major Turbulence" months.

These were the months that my life took a drastic turn and that changed me for the rest of my life. I can't remember any other time I went through such an altering.
Lucy was due to come April 1st, but I was scheduled to be induced end of March.
March 10th, however, Lucy had her own ideas, and "popped" her own bubble to come quicker.
I had a c-section to get our little bundle here and I can't tell you how amazing it was to meet my little girl and see her for the first time. It was love at first sight with her.
I was in ICU for the first night after having her (precaution), and didn't get to see her as much as I would have liked.
We got home with Lucy and it was most definitely a struggle. She had her days and nights mixed up. She was colicky. And I was still dealing with the c-section recovery, as well as on many different meds that made me feel funky. I wasn't really sure how to feel that week, so I assumed all of the lack of sleep, meds and the arena of new motherhood were all taking its toll on me.

On Sunday, March 23rd, just over a week of having Lucy home from the hospital, we went to Meijer to get groceries and just get out of the house. The night before I took a shower to try and get rid of a migraine and felt like I would pass out. I slept it off and felt better though. I wasn't really sure how to feel at this point since I had been through a c-section and spent nights up with Lucy, so I knew I wouldn't feel 100%. But in Meijer, it solidified that something more was wrong. 

I walked into the store from the car, while Mark pushed a cart with Lucy in it. I couldn't catch my breath. It was the oddest, and most eerie feeling ever. I can't even explain it. I tried to pass it off as either not exercising in months or a panic attack. I decided to wait in the pharmacy area while Mark grabbed our shopping list. He came back and I attempted to walk back out to the car, feeling better than I had walking in. But again, the same "can't catch my breath" feeling returned. So, next stop was the ER.

Judging by the crazy rate they got me in, I knew I probably looked like crap. I didn't know it at the time, by my O2 saturation was in the 60's (that's 60%, when you're supposed to be upper 90's or 100.) I was covered in wires and tubes in a matter of minutes. I felt better, but something wasn't right. After getting a CT Scan, we learned I had a significant blood clot in my lungs. The ER doc didn't feel comfortable moving forward there due to the size and my previous condition. So, I got a helicopter ride to GR.

I finally began to panic for the first time that whole night. Even when I couldn't breathe in Meijer, I felt like it was nothing. I had the eerie feelings, but not the panic feeling. Now, I was in the panic/what will happen feeling. I must say I enjoyed my ride. The sun was just setting over Lake Michigan, and the snow actually sparkled on the ground below. I felt warm and hopeful, and was reminded of God's love and comfort as I watched the impressive scenery whirling by outside.

We arrived in GR in 30 minutes! I was quite impressed with the timing. From there, I remembered being wheeled through many hallways, with the helicopter guy keeping the mood light the whole time. I was quite grateful for him in those moments. The people God sent to me throughout this whole ordeal was perfect timing for when I needed them. We got to the room, and again, more wires, tubes and poking.

I don't remember too much more from before my surgery except for finding out I'd need surgery, and the terror that I felt. It wasn't just any surgery. There would be opening my sternum (again) and bypass and heart & lung machines. Dr. Haw explained it, and only a few things stuck with me, like those descriptions. By this time, I had Mark, his dad, Seth and Eric there, as I had texted them to let them know what was going on. Again, very grateful to have that support in this critical time. Visitors are great when things settle down, but having core people around you as you endure the unknown is a necessity.

I felt scared, but hopeful, and surprisingly at a certain peace that I knew came straight from heaven. Dr. Haw was so confident, but very careful with his wording. He made us aware that he had never faced a situation quite like mine, but he knew exactly the condition I had and how to work around it. He was quite hopeful and positive, but still made the risk very evident.

Everyone there prayed with me. It was probably one of the hardest prayers I ever contributed to. I kissed my husband and was taken back to surgery.

From there, things are blank. But I woke up. God had decided my work wasn't done. I still had a little girl to raise and work to do. Recovery the few days after were rough. I remember that. I felt like I had been hit by a bus, as every bone, muscle and joint hurt. I spent about 4 days in the ICU, then was transferred to the heart center where I spent the next 2 weeks.

I got to visit Lucy every few days, thanks to the people who brought her to see me, as well as many friends. All were so encouraging to my healing process. Along the way, I learned just how incredibly lucky and blessed I was. They had pulled a 7 inch clot out of my lungs... 7 inches!!!! Plus, my condition had actually been a blessing, as I has larger blood vessels that allowed blood flow to continue around the clot. I shouldn't have made it through this, yet God wanted me to. He had the best doctors there, and His hand was what brought me though.

 Seeing Lucy the first time after surgery in the ICU.

This was how I watched the sunrise each morning, as it reflected off the children's hospital.

Visiting Lucy was so great, but every time she had to leave, it broke me.

This story goes on further, and it continues even today, but hopefully it will be in book format someday, and told in a more creative way. The bottom line is that God worked in my life in incredible ways, and I want to tell the world about the miracles He still does and be a light for Him through all of this. 

I call this story in particular "Easy Faith" because it can be so easy to seek God's face when things are at their lowest. When all the cards are stacked against us and when we have no where to look, but up. However, when we remember these incredible things God does for us, then apply that faith in the times that are awesome and great in life, we have faith indeed. Let this inspire you to always look to Him alone. Pin It

One Week of Reflection: How I'm Loved

In an effort to celebrate the amazing things that God has done in my life in 2014, and to reflect on how He has moved, I am dedicating the next week (up until 2015) to reflect on what I've learned throughout 2014.
Today, I reflect on January and February 2014, which were indeed the "How I am Loved" Months.

God surely showed me people who poured out their love and encouragement on me in January and February this past year. Being in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy and enduring the icy, cruel, subzero winter, I was feeling very down in those months. But I was blessed in so many ways by friends and family who threw me baby showers, got me pedicures, haircut, drove me around, bought me treats and showered me with the blessings that I know came straight from heaven.

January 14, I celebrated 2 years with my hubby.
Late January, I was showered with baby shower number 1!
Early February, I took a fall down our stairs that left me worried about our little Lucy. After a time of monitoring, we learned she was just fine. Mommy was left a bit sore, but also good.
Early February I was again showered with baby shower number 2 (a big surprise one!)
Early February (same week as the above events) I went through a time that left me shaken and scared of what could come. I don't want to go into detail about this one, but it was horrible.
Mid February, I felt so much love from so many people in getting pampered!
Late February - another shower!

I faced trials in early February that left me bruised physically and emotionally, but God showed me that He was in control and could provide the people in my life that kept me strong, even when it felt the bottom fell out.
Little did I know at the time, He was preparing me for bigger, more major things to come.
I reflect on how He places blessings in places just when we need them and have learned that He will provide for me no matter how major or minor the problem is. It is incredible to look back on these months and realize that though things at the time seemed hard, God was only preparing me for what was to come. He knew where I'd be heading and He covered me in amazing love and grace.
Remember to look to Him for your blessings and strength!
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Nostalgia

I've had heavy yearnings lately for the Bible camp I used to work at. Summer is obviously surrounding me from all angles, and that makes me long more for those blessed years I had working in a Christ-centered community for a Christ-centered purpose. I know I have opportunities all around me to do that where I am now, but the atmosphere will never have that same feeling.
I miss the seclusion of being on summer staff in a "bubble" we would call it. 
That atmosphere was certainly a wonderful example of Christ's many parts working as one body. The support was always right next door and when something exciting happened, everyone in your "bubble" would share in that excitement. Same goes for those grieving times and hard times. My closest friends where those I made while working at PLCBC. Many of us have been married and in each others weddings, we still will make it a point to see each other if we're in town, and reminisce crazy times at camp - like the crazy flu that plowed through camp one year, and the memorable days  of camp life. 

Working with the kids and families that came in and out week after week was a whole other blessing within itself. Sitting and talking to families and kids during their time with you is such a priceless opportunity that I probably took for granted more than I know. I gained so much insight and advice on life from mothers, father, grandmothers and grandfathers. And when I was able to encourage a kid in my cabin, that showed me just how capable of God's work I am.

I can't express enough how much I grew while in staff a Portage Lake. I never would have pictured myself opening up as much as I have. I never pictured myself being an adult leader and example. But God has surely done amazing things in my life since my time there. I have now entered this new, amazing chapter in my life, however. I guess that means the next step is to be a family camper. =)

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Psalm 139:14 Collage

This is a GREAT activity to do with teenage girls! I used to unify my cabins of girls together as a camp counselor with this activity.

 (Example of my simple collage - you can definitely do more!)

All you need is:
Colored letter-sized paper
Glue stick
Magazines (appropriate)
Pens/Markers

Have girls chose whatever color paper they want. Have them write in the middle of their sheet (leaving room around the edges for cut-outs)

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful; I know that full well." - Psalm 139: 14 (NLT)

From there, give your girls time to look through and cut out things they like, or that help explain who they are. Have them glue their cut-outs around the verse they wrote on their sheets.
I had each girl hang up their collage by their bunks and told them it was a reminder that God created us all differently and beautifully. This is a great activity to remind us about acceptance of each others' differences.


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Music Review: Lecrae

 


Ok, so I must say that I have probably reviewed Lecrae's music in tons of different places, for tons of different audiences.
Over time, Lecrae has become one of my favorite artists. When you hear Lecrae, you don't hear beat-around-the-bush, cheesy Christian music. Lecrae is upfront, real and blunt in telling it like it is. Quoting scripture and real-life issues in ways that don't offend and don't use profane language is one of the best qualities of Lecrae's music.

I love hip hop/rap music, however, I HATE profane hip hop/rap music. I find Lecrae to be the best alternative to all the other crap out there tainting our society. You won't hear any F-bombing, woman-bashing, abusive lyrics here! Instead, you'll treat your ear and soul to positive, inspirational words that gives you a care-free feeling of being a Christ-follower, but a deep conviction for doing something about it.

Parents: This one is a winner. Though you may not always be able to tell exactly what the lyrics say, I can guarantee you that Lecrae doesn't create any worries about it. Check out lyrics to specific songs by searching the web for any lyric database.

Here are some from one of my favorites from Lecrae's song, "Chase That (Ambition)":

"But history repeats itself, evil's what it is.
Cuz Lucifer was cast away for doing what I did.
Created by the God who spoke the earth into existence,
Instead of chasing the Father's glory, he was chasin' his.

He lies to us all, told Adam he could ball.
"Why you followin' God when you could go get it all?"
I'll tell you what's better, or better yet worse.
Chasin' your own glory by doin' the Lord's work.

So holla if it hurts, but we were made for greater.
Our greatest satisfaction is making His name famous.
So if we're never named among the greatest,
They don't critically acclaim us,
Ain't nothin' to be ashamed of, we gave it up for the Savior."

This is a great alternative to all the crap our society has to offer. Avoid the Eminem and Kayne. Give Lecrae a try. It's all about your mindset, and Lecrae puts it into perspective for you.

Get a taste: Click here to listen to "Chase That (Ambition)"



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