Sunday, March 25, 2012
Like a Child
So I'm at Red Robin, waiting for a table and there's a little boy maybe 2 years trying to figure out how to get a balloon off of his wrist. His mother offered help but the little boys response was to give her that "I'll do it myself" look that 2 year olds are so great at. So he struggles for a bit, gives up, & then a few minutes later he walks up to mom and puts his wrist out for help. :) Doesn't that just remind you of how we sometimes respond to God? We fight for our own plan, our own way, we want to just do everything ourselves but then we stop for just a moment. And in that moment we realize that we need Him to guide us. And we surrender. Thankfully we have Gods grace when we go our own ways!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Makes You Think
"How's it hit you when you get that kind of news? ... I went Skydiving, I went rocky mountain climbing, I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter and gave forgiveness I'd been denying....Someday I hope you get the chance to live like you were dying." -Tim McGraw
If someone you love learns they are dying, do you live differently too? I would. I have. I have lost 3 people very close to my heart to cancer. I hate cancer. But I've learned that tomorrow is a gift in any circumstance, so I live fully, I love deeply and I forgive more. Each of these people have left such a different fingerprint on my life and I can't help but be better because of them.
Dana Walling said "Everyday find out what you can do for Jesus and do it!" in May of 2000. He taught me first hand what it means to follow Jesus and serve Him. When I was a junior in high school I had the flew on a trip to Mexico, Dana stepped in just like a dad would and made sure I had everything it took to feel better. He showed selfless love to who was then a stranger. Over the next 4 years as I got to know him better, he challenged me to find out where I should serve Jesus, and we talked about Australia, a place he hadn't been. We were supposed to serve on the same team in 2000 when his cancer came back and before I returned from the trip he was gone. But still today remains a guiding light in my path when I am frustrated in life. He once said, "It's ok to shake an angry fist at God, as long as your other hand has a firm grip on His shirttail."
Thank you Dana for giving of your life and for your leadership.
Lowell taught me about family. I spent the summer of 2003 living with my Grandfathers side of the family in a small highly Amish populated town in Iowa. My favorite thing about Lowell is that he bonded our family together. He had a way about him that just draws people together. He was a hard working farmer, the kind of man that got up before the sun and worked until after it went down, a peacemaker to his core. He often fell asleep in church, but man could he quote scripture! I remember this one time during my summer on the farm, I was doing chores in my "California Girl" board shorts and swim suit and he asked me if I wanted to go for a ride... in Iowa this is always a fun thing to do. Little did I know we were going to the Amish farm next door where they are covered head to toe in clothing. My attire was less than appropriate to say the least. He just laugh at my unwillingness to get out of the truck and said "Oh, come meet the Yoders" Shortly after getting out of the truck the entire family, what looked like 25 people, were all staring at me. We had a good laugh at my expense that day. But I love that day.
And finally Mamma Sharon. From the day I met her until the day she went Home she was a light in my life. She was there for me with the best hugs in the world at the most perfect times and the most encouraging words just when I needed them. Her laugh was contagious. I remember multiple moments where tears became the only response to life and she was there to show me what I couldn't. I remember our families watching the Daytona 500 together and I don't even like NASCAR (I know, but she loved me anyway). I remember family dinners whenever we could and then after we moved from SD, every time we were back in town. And I remember sitting with her last September talking about Chemo and moving and Purell and raising children. I raided her cupboards for food like any kid that comes home, but that day, just like any the other, she left nuggets of wisdom in every part of my life. When I found out Sharon had cancer, I was angry, when I found out it took her life, I wasn't ready. I'm still not ready. But I trust that in all things God works together for the good of those who love him and that we will reunite on a glorious day in heaven someday.
So what would you do if you lost someone you love too soon? Would you change the way you live? Would fishing not become such an imposition? Don't just make an adventure list, DO IT! For Yourself! I really hope you get the chance to live like you were dying, don't wait until its all you have, live fully now. I hope it makes you think what you would do with the life you have been given and what matters most.
If someone you love learns they are dying, do you live differently too? I would. I have. I have lost 3 people very close to my heart to cancer. I hate cancer. But I've learned that tomorrow is a gift in any circumstance, so I live fully, I love deeply and I forgive more. Each of these people have left such a different fingerprint on my life and I can't help but be better because of them.
Dana Walling said "Everyday find out what you can do for Jesus and do it!" in May of 2000. He taught me first hand what it means to follow Jesus and serve Him. When I was a junior in high school I had the flew on a trip to Mexico, Dana stepped in just like a dad would and made sure I had everything it took to feel better. He showed selfless love to who was then a stranger. Over the next 4 years as I got to know him better, he challenged me to find out where I should serve Jesus, and we talked about Australia, a place he hadn't been. We were supposed to serve on the same team in 2000 when his cancer came back and before I returned from the trip he was gone. But still today remains a guiding light in my path when I am frustrated in life. He once said, "It's ok to shake an angry fist at God, as long as your other hand has a firm grip on His shirttail."
Thank you Dana for giving of your life and for your leadership.
Lowell taught me about family. I spent the summer of 2003 living with my Grandfathers side of the family in a small highly Amish populated town in Iowa. My favorite thing about Lowell is that he bonded our family together. He had a way about him that just draws people together. He was a hard working farmer, the kind of man that got up before the sun and worked until after it went down, a peacemaker to his core. He often fell asleep in church, but man could he quote scripture! I remember this one time during my summer on the farm, I was doing chores in my "California Girl" board shorts and swim suit and he asked me if I wanted to go for a ride... in Iowa this is always a fun thing to do. Little did I know we were going to the Amish farm next door where they are covered head to toe in clothing. My attire was less than appropriate to say the least. He just laugh at my unwillingness to get out of the truck and said "Oh, come meet the Yoders" Shortly after getting out of the truck the entire family, what looked like 25 people, were all staring at me. We had a good laugh at my expense that day. But I love that day.
And finally Mamma Sharon. From the day I met her until the day she went Home she was a light in my life. She was there for me with the best hugs in the world at the most perfect times and the most encouraging words just when I needed them. Her laugh was contagious. I remember multiple moments where tears became the only response to life and she was there to show me what I couldn't. I remember our families watching the Daytona 500 together and I don't even like NASCAR (I know, but she loved me anyway). I remember family dinners whenever we could and then after we moved from SD, every time we were back in town. And I remember sitting with her last September talking about Chemo and moving and Purell and raising children. I raided her cupboards for food like any kid that comes home, but that day, just like any the other, she left nuggets of wisdom in every part of my life. When I found out Sharon had cancer, I was angry, when I found out it took her life, I wasn't ready. I'm still not ready. But I trust that in all things God works together for the good of those who love him and that we will reunite on a glorious day in heaven someday.
So what would you do if you lost someone you love too soon? Would you change the way you live? Would fishing not become such an imposition? Don't just make an adventure list, DO IT! For Yourself! I really hope you get the chance to live like you were dying, don't wait until its all you have, live fully now. I hope it makes you think what you would do with the life you have been given and what matters most.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
What's my Purpose?
Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshiping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion.Lion Chaser's Manifesto from Mark Batterson's, In a Pit with the Lion.
When job searching it becomes difficult to stay encouraged. Reading the Lion Chaser Manifesto not only encourages me to dream but to focus on what is ahead for me. I am blazing a new trail, I am not holding back and most importantly I am setting God-sized goals. So what are my dreams and aspirations? I want to serve God on every continent at least once. I enjoy being outside and quality time with people. I enjoy encouraging others to pursue who they are and what they should do. I love that moment when something I have shared or taught makes impact and I see the result directly. I love the feeling when someone has met Christ for the first time. When a life is changed because God choose to use me in that moment, it is both humbling and rewarding. On that note, I'd love for you to meet Him if you haven't yet!
As far as the job search, I am still quite confused. Someone once told me it doesn't limit my job opportunities to be a person that brings people together because you can do that in any field, so now I focus on what I want to do. What would I do for 8+ hours a day and still be excited for more. Welcome to my adventure in job searching, I welcome any suggestions for me in either the searching or the finding! :)
Lord, please use me every minute of everyday whether in a secular or ministry position, and allow Your Glory go before me in my endeavor to find a job. -S
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Trees of Easter Week
 |
| Redbud tree |
It is said that the Dogwood tree is associated with the Crucifixion of Christ. Each delicate white or pink blossom of the dogwood has the form of a cross – two long and two short petals. Look closely at a dogwood flower and you will see on the center of the outer edge of each petal there are small holes similar to nail prints, and the tips of the petals are rusty on one side and brown-red on the other. It is not hard to imagine they represent the spikes that pierced the Hands and Feet of Our Lord on the Cross. And in the center of the flower there is a green cluster symbolizing the crown of thorns.
And so the legend of the dogwood was born. This is the most common version:
 |
| Dogwood Petals |
At the time of Our Lord’s Crucifixion, the dogwood used to have the size of the oak and other forest trees. Because the wood was so firm and strong and there were few trees in the Middle East that were very large, it was chosen to be the wood for the crosses used in crucifixions of criminals.
Thus, the wood of the cross that would bear Our Lord and Savior was made from the dogwood tree. To be used thus for such a cruel purpose, however, greatly distressed the tree. Sensing this, the crucified Christ said to it:
 |
| It is said that some are stained red from the blood of Christ |
“Because of your compassion and pity for My suffering, never again shall the dogwood tree grow large enough to be used as a cross. Henceforth, you shall be slender and bent and twisted and your blossoms shall be in the form of a cross.
“On the outer edge of each petal there will be nail prints, and the center of the flower will resemble the cruel crown of thorns placed on My head, with bright red clusters once again recalling the blood I shed. Thus, all who see this will remember Me.”
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Whoa
In just under 2 months, I turn the big 3-0. Whenever this topic comes up there seems to be the need to reference the 2004 Jennifer Garner movie, 13 going on 30. Will I really be "Thirty, Flirty and Thriving"? I hope so. I instead found myself with the desire to watch the F.R.I.E.N.D.S. episode, "The One Where They All Turn 30". I think I'm going to be Rachel.... I prefer you don't use the words old or downhill...but if you make chocolate chip pancakes, and get me presents I may just be okay. I look around and see that so many other people have accomplished their goals by 30 and yet I still have so far to go. But 30 is the new 20 right? And at least there will be cake!
What did you do on your 30th? What are you planning? My sister dyed her hair pink, and still another friend went skydiving. I have friends that escaped for vacations whether near or far, and some simply threw a big bash at home. I haven't decided yet, so I wonder what would you do if you were me?
But to all my F.R.I.E.N.D.S. turning 30 this year, lets live it up! Happy 30th Birthday's!
Friday, December 31, 2010
The Making of A Decade
The Decade leading up to 2011 has been quite eventful. Remember Y2K? A successful turn of the millennium lead to many changes both for me and the world we live in. Its hard to believe there was once a time without an iPod, American Idol, or FACEBOOK, but believe it or not, those were unveiled in the first decade of the 21st Century. Newsweek summarized a very full decade in a few short minutes, take a look: The Decade in Seven Minutes.
As for me, it might take more than 7 min :). As the decade began, I was finishing my first year of college at Point Loma Nazarene University and about to venture off to Australia for my first LoveWorks Mission trip. While there, we lead sports camps gearing up for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Probably my favorite missions trip to date!
And who doesn't remember where they were Sept. 11, 2001? I certainly do, I was in my dorm room getting ready for my Christian Tradition class when my mom called to tell me to turn on the news. I went ahead to class where we followed the news coverage and it began to sink in all that was happening. Today My heart and prayers go out to the families directly effected by the tragedy. 2002 shaped me into the person I have become. I spent that summer working on our family's farm in Kalona, Iowa. Not only did I learn what family meant, but I also learned how to be a farm hand. Who else can say that? I dare you to call me a city girl now! Well okay, I'm still quite the city girl but at least I can cook like a mid-westerner now! The following summer was probably the most difficult of my years yet. I spent it as a youth pastor to Jr. High students on the Island of Oahu. I know it sounds like a dream, but in fact I learned how much growing up I still had to do. So many challenges at such young ages for these kids, it was very difficult to have confidence in myself as a leader. Now with most of them grown up, I continue to hope and pray that God has all of them in is arms and is leading them in wisdom.
2004 ended an Era, F.R. I.E.N.D.S concluded leaving Thursday nights never the same again, oh and I graduated from college. With BA in Social Work and no real plan of what to do next I didn't know where I was going. Working for the YMCA's PRYDE program, attempting to keep kids from becoming gang members, directed my path in social work in a way I wouldn't understand until later.
In 2005 I enjoyed a lot of time in downtown San Diego, cheering for the San Diego Padres in their 2nd year in the new stadium ultimately leading to an October of playoffs. But after unsuccessfully job hunting in San Diego that fall, I came home to Sacramento to aid my Grandfather in the caring for my ailing Grandmother. Blessed beyond measure by her life, I spent the next 3 years caring for her before she passed away. I miss her everyday but rejoice that she is dancing in heaven at the feet of Jesus now.
In 2006, I started attending Bayside church in Granite Bay after one of my favorite uncles from Iowa when to be with with Lord. It had been a while since I had found a church body that I wanted to be a part of. While attending Bayside I decided to volunteer for this conference call Thrive. Little did I know, these people would become my family too. Being a part of the Events team, I grew and learned more than I ever could have imagined.
And in 2008, I began working for the boss from the church finally using my Social Work degree. I never would have imagine that volunteering in a completely different field would lead me to the career I've fallen in love with. I have spent the last 2+ years working with a family with 3 teenage boys on the Autism Spectrum. I have a passion not only for these boys but also for behavioral therapy in general.
2009 was filled with many ups and downs, twists and turns. At one point I even found myself 13,000 ft in the air, jumping out of a perfectly good airplane ;). Checking skydiving off my adventure list was definitely the highlight of 2009, but doesn't even compare to the amazing things God has done in my life in 2010.
After a unexpected end to 2009, I had no idea what was in store for this year. Looking back now, I'm sad to see it go. From great Bible Studies, to new friends, to new adventures, 2010 was packed with good moments. In March, I went snowboarding for the first time, that was painful :). In April, I attended Thrive for the first time, and as much as I appreciated begin able to attend, I belong behind the scenes. In May, I fired my first gun... way more fun than I expected. June was full of adventures, from Iowa for a week, to Yosemite's Vernal Falls, I really felt spoiled. In July, we began to hang out with people after the Shore, which would develop into something only God gets credit for. In August, there were way to many goodbyes, but alas one last getaway would proved to cement friendships before sending those leaving on their way. In Sept, I escaped to San Diego for a week of fun, and met the infamous Joe, Christy keeps telling us about. I'm sure it doesn't matter, but yes I like him for her. I also had to say goodbye to Jenn for the next year so she could rock her internship in Pasadena. In Oct, I finally got away to Apple Hill before heading to Tahoe with the Shore for the annual retreat. In November I had the privilege of attending Bethel Church in Redding, Ca where God is moving in powerful ways. And if you're ever up in Redding, or even just passing by I suggest a stop at the Sundial Bridge, although you shouldn't expect to know what time it is when you're there. Dec was filled with all kinds of holiday fun. Two formal Christmas parties and a trip to San Francisco to see Union Square at Christmas time top the list.
Thanks for visiting Memory Ln with me, I hope you enjoyed the trip :) Im sure there are things I have forgotten, but feel free to look back on past blogs for the updates :).
Have a Wonderful 2011!!
As for me, it might take more than 7 min :). As the decade began, I was finishing my first year of college at Point Loma Nazarene University and about to venture off to Australia for my first LoveWorks Mission trip. While there, we lead sports camps gearing up for the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Probably my favorite missions trip to date!
And who doesn't remember where they were Sept. 11, 2001? I certainly do, I was in my dorm room getting ready for my Christian Tradition class when my mom called to tell me to turn on the news. I went ahead to class where we followed the news coverage and it began to sink in all that was happening. Today My heart and prayers go out to the families directly effected by the tragedy. 2002 shaped me into the person I have become. I spent that summer working on our family's farm in Kalona, Iowa. Not only did I learn what family meant, but I also learned how to be a farm hand. Who else can say that? I dare you to call me a city girl now! Well okay, I'm still quite the city girl but at least I can cook like a mid-westerner now! The following summer was probably the most difficult of my years yet. I spent it as a youth pastor to Jr. High students on the Island of Oahu. I know it sounds like a dream, but in fact I learned how much growing up I still had to do. So many challenges at such young ages for these kids, it was very difficult to have confidence in myself as a leader. Now with most of them grown up, I continue to hope and pray that God has all of them in is arms and is leading them in wisdom.
2004 ended an Era, F.R. I.E.N.D.S concluded leaving Thursday nights never the same again, oh and I graduated from college. With BA in Social Work and no real plan of what to do next I didn't know where I was going. Working for the YMCA's PRYDE program, attempting to keep kids from becoming gang members, directed my path in social work in a way I wouldn't understand until later.
In 2005 I enjoyed a lot of time in downtown San Diego, cheering for the San Diego Padres in their 2nd year in the new stadium ultimately leading to an October of playoffs. But after unsuccessfully job hunting in San Diego that fall, I came home to Sacramento to aid my Grandfather in the caring for my ailing Grandmother. Blessed beyond measure by her life, I spent the next 3 years caring for her before she passed away. I miss her everyday but rejoice that she is dancing in heaven at the feet of Jesus now.
In 2006, I started attending Bayside church in Granite Bay after one of my favorite uncles from Iowa when to be with with Lord. It had been a while since I had found a church body that I wanted to be a part of. While attending Bayside I decided to volunteer for this conference call Thrive. Little did I know, these people would become my family too. Being a part of the Events team, I grew and learned more than I ever could have imagined.
And in 2008, I began working for the boss from the church finally using my Social Work degree. I never would have imagine that volunteering in a completely different field would lead me to the career I've fallen in love with. I have spent the last 2+ years working with a family with 3 teenage boys on the Autism Spectrum. I have a passion not only for these boys but also for behavioral therapy in general.
2009 was filled with many ups and downs, twists and turns. At one point I even found myself 13,000 ft in the air, jumping out of a perfectly good airplane ;). Checking skydiving off my adventure list was definitely the highlight of 2009, but doesn't even compare to the amazing things God has done in my life in 2010.
After a unexpected end to 2009, I had no idea what was in store for this year. Looking back now, I'm sad to see it go. From great Bible Studies, to new friends, to new adventures, 2010 was packed with good moments. In March, I went snowboarding for the first time, that was painful :). In April, I attended Thrive for the first time, and as much as I appreciated begin able to attend, I belong behind the scenes. In May, I fired my first gun... way more fun than I expected. June was full of adventures, from Iowa for a week, to Yosemite's Vernal Falls, I really felt spoiled. In July, we began to hang out with people after the Shore, which would develop into something only God gets credit for. In August, there were way to many goodbyes, but alas one last getaway would proved to cement friendships before sending those leaving on their way. In Sept, I escaped to San Diego for a week of fun, and met the infamous Joe, Christy keeps telling us about. I'm sure it doesn't matter, but yes I like him for her. I also had to say goodbye to Jenn for the next year so she could rock her internship in Pasadena. In Oct, I finally got away to Apple Hill before heading to Tahoe with the Shore for the annual retreat. In November I had the privilege of attending Bethel Church in Redding, Ca where God is moving in powerful ways. And if you're ever up in Redding, or even just passing by I suggest a stop at the Sundial Bridge, although you shouldn't expect to know what time it is when you're there. Dec was filled with all kinds of holiday fun. Two formal Christmas parties and a trip to San Francisco to see Union Square at Christmas time top the list.
Thanks for visiting Memory Ln with me, I hope you enjoyed the trip :) Im sure there are things I have forgotten, but feel free to look back on past blogs for the updates :).
Have a Wonderful 2011!!
Monday, September 20, 2010
So Many Farewells
'Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.'
Having already said goodbye to 10 people in the last 6 weeks with still 3 more to go, I think I have become immune to the word. In life when true friendships are formed it becomes more of a "See you later" than a "goodbye" but this summer seems tougher than normal. I'm excited to see them go simply because I know where they go, they take Jesus too! I'm really just glad we all said Hello in the first place. So this blog is for them... You are all in my thoughts and prayers as God takes you on your new adventures!! (& PS the Justice League will be here waiting for you to come back!)
'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.' -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Having already said goodbye to 10 people in the last 6 weeks with still 3 more to go, I think I have become immune to the word. In life when true friendships are formed it becomes more of a "See you later" than a "goodbye" but this summer seems tougher than normal. I'm excited to see them go simply because I know where they go, they take Jesus too! I'm really just glad we all said Hello in the first place. So this blog is for them... You are all in my thoughts and prayers as God takes you on your new adventures!! (& PS the Justice League will be here waiting for you to come back!)
'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.' -Ralph Waldo Emerson
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