Getting Ready
Joining our other Red Team teammates!
I did not take this picture, but this is the moment when we all charged into Rosa Parks Circle.
Guess who I saw there? Levi and Devon, my second cousins!
The After picture!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
The 2008 Downtown Pillow Fight
Today LaKeri, Marina, and I joined thousands others downtown in a flash mob pillow fight. Everyone split into teams according to shirt color and then it was a free for all when the whistle blew.
Getting Ready
Guess who I saw there? Levi and Devon, my second cousins!
Getting Ready
Guess who I saw there? Levi and Devon, my second cousins!
Friday, September 26, 2008
I Just Showed Up For My Own Life
I love the words of this Sara Groves song. Somewhere along the line I've lost sight of what really matters and this weekend is about reconnecting with truth. Like:
*Looking for the holy in the common.
*Love in favor of obligation
*Being an agent of redemption and restoration
This is what I love about Christianity.
*Looking for the holy in the common.
*Love in favor of obligation
*Being an agent of redemption and restoration
This is what I love about Christianity.
Spending my time sleep walking
Moving my mouth but not saying a thing
Hoping the changes would take by working their way from the outside in
I was in love with an idea
Preoccupied with how a life should appear
Spending my time at the surface repairing the holes in the shiny veneer
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
I'm going to live my life inspired
Look for the holy in the common place
Open the windows and feel all that's honest and real until I'm truly amazed
I'm going to feel all my emotions
I'm going to look you in the eyes
I'm going to listen and hear until it's finally clear and it changes our lives
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
Moving my mouth but not saying a thing
Hoping the changes would take by working their way from the outside in
I was in love with an idea
Preoccupied with how a life should appear
Spending my time at the surface repairing the holes in the shiny veneer
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
I'm going to live my life inspired
Look for the holy in the common place
Open the windows and feel all that's honest and real until I'm truly amazed
I'm going to feel all my emotions
I'm going to look you in the eyes
I'm going to listen and hear until it's finally clear and it changes our lives
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
Oh the glory of God is man fully alive
There are so many ways to hide
There are so many ways not to feel
There are so many ways to deny what is real
And I just showed up for my own life
And I'm standing here taking it in and it sure looks bright
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Music for the Soul
JJ Heller:
My friend Jes introduced me to this singer and I love her words. Acoustic/Folk is growing on me and I usually play a few of her songs as I get ready in the morning. They remind me of what I believe.
The Apprentice:
My friend Jeremy introduced me to these newcomers. It's been my comfort music as of late and I play it when I need to think some things out. It reminds me what I'm striving for. Many of the song speak to me where I'm at right now. Listen to Life Will Pass You By
Other Thoughts:
I didn't intend this post to be a shout out to Ireland friends, but it's turning into that. It's already Thursday and I'm glad the week is speeding by, BECAUSE Jes and Jeremy will be here next Thursday...in Grand Rapids!
This weekend will include debate watching, free festivaling, and pillow fighting. Oh yes there will be pillow fighting!
My friend Jes introduced me to this singer and I love her words. Acoustic/Folk is growing on me and I usually play a few of her songs as I get ready in the morning. They remind me of what I believe.
True Things
I am not the clothes I’m wearing
I am not a photograph
I am not the car I drive
I am not the money I make
I am not the things I lack
I am not the songs I write
I am… who I am
I am who I am
There are true things inside of me
I have been afraid to see
I believe, help my unbelief
Would you say again what you said to me
I am loved
I am free
I believe, help my unbelief
I am not the house I live in
I am not the man I love
I am not the mistakes that I carry
I am not the food that I don’t eat
I am not what I’m above
I am not my scars and my history
To your love
I’m waking up
In your love
I’m waking up
I’m waking up
In your love
I’m waking up
The Apprentice:
My friend Jeremy introduced me to these newcomers. It's been my comfort music as of late and I play it when I need to think some things out. It reminds me what I'm striving for. Many of the song speak to me where I'm at right now. Listen to Life Will Pass You By
Other Thoughts:
I didn't intend this post to be a shout out to Ireland friends, but it's turning into that. It's already Thursday and I'm glad the week is speeding by, BECAUSE Jes and Jeremy will be here next Thursday...in Grand Rapids!
This weekend will include debate watching, free festivaling, and pillow fighting. Oh yes there will be pillow fighting!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Becky, Michelle, and I Went to Chicago
View from the condo we stayed at in downtown Chicago
Out and about on Saturday!
I ate a Lunchable!
Navy Pier with the city in the background
Fancy dinner at the Cheesecake Factory!
Posing with the cute little baby socks Becky bought for Emma Grace!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Doing and Being
I like having a purpose to my days...to my life. I like to know what I'm shooting for and what I can accomplish.
Today started out gray. With no plans after work and the same Monday morning routine I've had for the last two years at work, I started my day with a cloud of hopelessness. I knew the feeling and what was going on, but a purpose seemed so far away and there I sat entering data in a slump. Somewhere along the morning, I began talking this out with God (this is a good conversation to have. Even though God knows what's going on with you, sometimes I like to tell him anyway...a kind of, "I know that you know." I suppose it's also my acknowledgment and confession to Him). He began to reveal little things that bring out my purpose. Helping the intern find something to do. Making a joke and bringing someone laughter. Encouraging a friend. These are all gifts God has revealed and even when I don't realize it there are times to use them throughout the day. Doing!
I also think God sometimes just wants us to be. He loves us regardless of our "doing" nature. God love you...your soul...just for being!
<-- In a note, unrelated to the rest of this post, I added more links to the side.
Today started out gray. With no plans after work and the same Monday morning routine I've had for the last two years at work, I started my day with a cloud of hopelessness. I knew the feeling and what was going on, but a purpose seemed so far away and there I sat entering data in a slump. Somewhere along the morning, I began talking this out with God (this is a good conversation to have. Even though God knows what's going on with you, sometimes I like to tell him anyway...a kind of, "I know that you know." I suppose it's also my acknowledgment and confession to Him). He began to reveal little things that bring out my purpose. Helping the intern find something to do. Making a joke and bringing someone laughter. Encouraging a friend. These are all gifts God has revealed and even when I don't realize it there are times to use them throughout the day. Doing!
I also think God sometimes just wants us to be. He loves us regardless of our "doing" nature. God love you...your soul...just for being!
<-- In a note, unrelated to the rest of this post, I added more links to the side.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
This post is going to be a little vague, but the gist is that prayers are needed. I'm praying about an upcoming opportunity. Things seemed on the up and up until an unexpected set back today. I now find myself sifting through the options to get back on track or if this is even the track God is taking me down. Sorry things can't be more specific then that. I have a tendency to shout to the world my plans before they materialize or are finalized. I'll fill you in soon, after the dust settles.
Thanks so much!
Prayer Request:
.:That I would have ears to hear and eyes to see. That God would give me confidence in my decisions.
.:That God would give me honest and clear communication as I speak/correspond with various people over the next few days.
.:That doors that need to be open are open and doors that need to be shut will shut.
.:Grace to accept the outcome.
.:That God would give me honest and clear communication as I speak/correspond with various people over the next few days.
.:That doors that need to be open are open and doors that need to be shut will shut.
.:Grace to accept the outcome.
Thanks so much!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
I pray my words hold beauty...I wish I could express it.
Autumn
The leaves are falling, falling as if from far up,
as if orchards were dying high in space.
Each leaf falls as if it were motioning "no."
And tonight the heavy earth is falling
away from all other stars in the loneliness.
We're all falling. This hand here is falling.
And look at the other one. It's in them all.
And yet there is Someone, whose hands
infinitely calm, holding up all this falling.
Translated by Robert Bly
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Unexpected Emotions
This weekend was a little more emotional then I had expected. I visited a friend and went to church with her this morning. As I stood worshiping I suddenly started crying as I realized I have no church. After deciding to seek a smaller community at the end of July, the search has since stalled, as I have been gone for so many weekends. I have visited a church in East Town and will likely go back a few more times. I'm hoping to get connected with some friend of Jill's and visit their church. Though this month will be hit and miss as I have two Sunday's I'll be away. So, prayers would be appreciated that I would feel God's comfort and guidance as I try to connect with a local body. Thanks!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Kites and Mountain
Jes and Jeremy are the type of people who make you a better person. They are amazing friends and everyone should meet them. I am so blessed.
The Story: Ohio
So, Ohio is a pretty boring state, until you get to the southern portion of it. However, the southern portion was only about the last 2.5 hours of the entire trip. I came around a bend and literally gasped at the beauty of what lay before me. Gorgeous rolling hills.
The GPS (Ralphred) took me through this tiny town and I ended up missing a turn. This mishap took me on the craziest dirt road of my life. At one point the road rose so steeply that as I crested a hill there was no telling what I would land on. Luckily it was road.
An hour until Huntington, I call Jeremy and tell him what road I had been guided to next. There was uncertainty in his voice, but I was excited to be driving through the twisty-turny mountain roads. So I drive and drive and drive and the road stops being fun when I become nauseous. Finally I see the suspension bridge that means, I'm in Huntington.
Jeremy and I run out to get food and spend the rest of the night seeing the sights of the town and hanging out with his friends...who are hilarious. I don't know when I laughed so much. I felt totally at ease.
Huntington to Lynchburg:
Saturday morning I surprised one of Jeremy's roommate, who happened to only be in his boxers. I just said, "Hey I'm Amanda." Later I overheard him tell Jeremy about the encounter and say, "She can go back to Michigan, having seen the best thing in Huntington." Ha!
We ate at Nanna's Country Kitchen, which served as a purely West Virginia experience. Had some sweet tea...no thanks. We drove through the mountains with good music and good conversation. I like to ride and Jeremy likes to drive, so he drove my car and I took pictures. At one point we stopped on top of a mountain. Breathtaking! I kept telling him to "recapture the magic." since he seemed so use to driving through these wonders.
After getting to Jes', we toured around Lynchburg and then spent the night hanging out and catching up! It's nice to know that our friendship transitioned so well to America.
Lynchburg Baby:
Sunday we went to church and met Jes' friend Jon. He proved to be quite a character. We had to leave and didn't really get a chance to speak with him. As we headed out he shook me hand and said, "Hey nice to meet you. Sorry I didn't get a chance to hit on you." I busted up.
We then eat at Macado's and tried baked mac n' cheese. Then off to a park, where we flew kites. Jes and I chalked it up, while Jeremy played his guitar. We then went on a trail through the mountains and saw an amazing train tresell.
That afternoon, Jeremy decided to shave his beard. We watched. Pandemonium ensued.
That night we listened to a friend of Jes' at a Starbucks. After we strolled around Liberty University's campus (where Jes goes). Saw the sights and talked about politics. We met up with Jon again and hung out for a while. Jeremy asked about some marks on his arm and Jon said, "I don't really like to talk about it, but (turning to me) if you want to go out to coffee, I'll tell you the whole story." Cracks me up.
We spent the rest of the night listening to Jeremy, while we laid under a tree.
Jes and I each took a before and after picture. I decided to stroke Jeremy's beard.
The Drive Back
Monday morning Jeremy and I dropped Jes off at class and made our way back to Huntington. Jes...
We got there around 4p and grabbed a bite to eat at Fat Patty's and then it was time to hit the road. If it was not for the short work week, I would have called in and stayed another night.
The Story: Ohio
So, Ohio is a pretty boring state, until you get to the southern portion of it. However, the southern portion was only about the last 2.5 hours of the entire trip. I came around a bend and literally gasped at the beauty of what lay before me. Gorgeous rolling hills.
The GPS (Ralphred) took me through this tiny town and I ended up missing a turn. This mishap took me on the craziest dirt road of my life. At one point the road rose so steeply that as I crested a hill there was no telling what I would land on. Luckily it was road.
An hour until Huntington, I call Jeremy and tell him what road I had been guided to next. There was uncertainty in his voice, but I was excited to be driving through the twisty-turny mountain roads. So I drive and drive and drive and the road stops being fun when I become nauseous. Finally I see the suspension bridge that means, I'm in Huntington.
Jeremy and I run out to get food and spend the rest of the night seeing the sights of the town and hanging out with his friends...who are hilarious. I don't know when I laughed so much. I felt totally at ease.
Huntington to Lynchburg:
Saturday morning I surprised one of Jeremy's roommate, who happened to only be in his boxers. I just said, "Hey I'm Amanda." Later I overheard him tell Jeremy about the encounter and say, "She can go back to Michigan, having seen the best thing in Huntington." Ha!
We ate at Nanna's Country Kitchen, which served as a purely West Virginia experience. Had some sweet tea...no thanks. We drove through the mountains with good music and good conversation. I like to ride and Jeremy likes to drive, so he drove my car and I took pictures. At one point we stopped on top of a mountain. Breathtaking! I kept telling him to "recapture the magic." since he seemed so use to driving through these wonders.
After getting to Jes', we toured around Lynchburg and then spent the night hanging out and catching up! It's nice to know that our friendship transitioned so well to America.
Lynchburg Baby:
Sunday we went to church and met Jes' friend Jon. He proved to be quite a character. We had to leave and didn't really get a chance to speak with him. As we headed out he shook me hand and said, "Hey nice to meet you. Sorry I didn't get a chance to hit on you." I busted up.
We then eat at Macado's and tried baked mac n' cheese. Then off to a park, where we flew kites. Jes and I chalked it up, while Jeremy played his guitar. We then went on a trail through the mountains and saw an amazing train tresell.
That afternoon, Jeremy decided to shave his beard. We watched. Pandemonium ensued.
That night we listened to a friend of Jes' at a Starbucks. After we strolled around Liberty University's campus (where Jes goes). Saw the sights and talked about politics. We met up with Jon again and hung out for a while. Jeremy asked about some marks on his arm and Jon said, "I don't really like to talk about it, but (turning to me) if you want to go out to coffee, I'll tell you the whole story." Cracks me up.
We spent the rest of the night listening to Jeremy, while we laid under a tree.
Jes and I each took a before and after picture. I decided to stroke Jeremy's beard.
After...no beard
The guy in green is the infamous Jon.
The guy in green is the infamous Jon.
The Drive Back
Monday morning Jeremy and I dropped Jes off at class and made our way back to Huntington. Jes...
We got there around 4p and grabbed a bite to eat at Fat Patty's and then it was time to hit the road. If it was not for the short work week, I would have called in and stayed another night.
I love these people!
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