So, I am writing this post from my new iPad Air 2 in Charlotte, NC, while I visit my friends Misty and Adam for a few days. My last and most expensive jubilee was the purchase of new technology for worship. I am the proud new owner of a MacBook Pro and this fancy little iPad. While I never wanted to be an Apple snob, I had the chance to go to worship training with Andrew Ironside, where he quickly showed us the way that Mainstage and Onsong can change your worship life. I'm both excited and terrified at the possibilities!
I was able to inscribe a simple message on the back of my iPad for free, and as I thought and prayed about it, I felt like God reminded me of Hosea 6:3 - He will come like the rain. I love that verse and the imagery it brings. I am hoping that these tools will help others sense His rain. That inscription keeps that vision in front of me.
As for the coming year, I plan to continue to live life to the fullest. I don't ever want to stop adventuring. I hope to finally parasail and hot air balloon this coming year. I also hope to cross four more unvisited states off of my list this summer - Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
Looking forward to every moment.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
October&November
So, I'm not going to lie - the year of jubilee is exhausting and kind of expensive, lol. It's almost over!
In October, Mom, Dad, Sky, and I ventured to our capital city. This was a first for me, and I really loved D.C. I loved that you could navigate the streets by landmarks - and landmarks are everywhere! I loved Asian Chipotle (Shophouse), and the metro, and figuring our way around. It was great! So much history and so much to learn. We walked, and walked, and walked some more. I think I almost killed mom and dad. Sky and I had a blast! Photos are up on fbook if you are interested.
In November, for the first time, I participated in the Messiah by singing in the choir. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever done, and I loved it. It was challenging and difficult, but when all of the instruments, and voices collided, it was heaven.
I'm currently in my last month of jubileeing {is that a word?} Anyway, my last adventure is the most expensive of all, and one that I am kind of stressing over....I'll post a pic when it arrives.
In October, Mom, Dad, Sky, and I ventured to our capital city. This was a first for me, and I really loved D.C. I loved that you could navigate the streets by landmarks - and landmarks are everywhere! I loved Asian Chipotle (Shophouse), and the metro, and figuring our way around. It was great! So much history and so much to learn. We walked, and walked, and walked some more. I think I almost killed mom and dad. Sky and I had a blast! Photos are up on fbook if you are interested.
In November, for the first time, I participated in the Messiah by singing in the choir. It was one of the most beautiful things I have ever done, and I loved it. It was challenging and difficult, but when all of the instruments, and voices collided, it was heaven.
I'm currently in my last month of jubileeing {is that a word?} Anyway, my last adventure is the most expensive of all, and one that I am kind of stressing over....I'll post a pic when it arrives.
Thursday, September 18, 2014
August&September
It's funny. When you are trying to be intentional about life, it becomes very difficult. I think I'm better at spontaneous adventures!
I was hoping to parasail in August, but real life happens, so for the first time ever, my roomies and I ventured to the drive-in in Strasburg, Ohio. While you might say the adventure was watching a movie outside via drive-in for the first time, I'd say the adventure was me watching a double-feature and staying up until 2 a.m. intentionally (not to mention I drove home while other people slept). Aside from my sleep deprivation, it was so fun! I loved it!
For September, I once again tried to parasail with my best bud Misty, but once again, the weather decided to foil our plans. We opted for a girl's day of beauty (so not my thing), but it was actually really relaxing. I had my first ever mani/pedi, and I really enjoyed myself!
I have no photos to commemorate either of these moments, but I have the memories!
Barring a snow storm, October holds my first ever trip to Washington D.C. I'm excited!
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
June's Adventure - Fear Turns to Faith
My June adventure was all scheduled and ready to go. My dear friend Linda and I were ready to zipline at the Wilds - across lakes and wild animals. Me. The kid who is afraid of everything. Heights. Falling. etc. This was a Big. Deal.
We arrived - were fed dinner, (even though that wasn't part of the deal), and then we proceeded to watch the hardest torrential downpour fall from the sky. Of course this would happen. I couldn't decide if I was relieved that I wouldn't have to face my fears or extremely frustrated because I just wanted to get it over with.
June turned to July and my OCD-self was concerned that I hadn't really had an adventure in June.
However, something completely unexpected happened in June when my pastor approached me to take over my dad's position as worship leader. Talk about adventure. Talk about fear. I said yes because I know that God is calling me. I know that He is so good at helping turn my fear into faith.
And that's what happened this past Sunday when Linda and I finally (after weeks of rain) got to experience ziplining for the first time. I swallowed my fear and stepped off that first platform thinking "Only 9 more to go and I can be done." What I realized as I experienced soaring through the air and looking at the incredible beauty of the Wilds was that God is faithful. He turns fear into faith when we give it to Him. He ordains situations and people and experiences that we could never have dreamed of.
After weeks of waiting to zipline, and crumbling under that anxiety, it turns out that one of our guides was a good friend of my brothers. Both our guides were funny and put us at ease. The other folks zipping with us were fun and adventurous. Everything was perfect. The weather. The company. The entire experience. Because I faced my fear, I have a new hobby. I. love. ziplining!
As I was soaring through that first zip, my entire attitude changed, and I thought "What, I only have 9 more zips to go? Boo!"
We arrived - were fed dinner, (even though that wasn't part of the deal), and then we proceeded to watch the hardest torrential downpour fall from the sky. Of course this would happen. I couldn't decide if I was relieved that I wouldn't have to face my fears or extremely frustrated because I just wanted to get it over with.
June turned to July and my OCD-self was concerned that I hadn't really had an adventure in June.
However, something completely unexpected happened in June when my pastor approached me to take over my dad's position as worship leader. Talk about adventure. Talk about fear. I said yes because I know that God is calling me. I know that He is so good at helping turn my fear into faith.
And that's what happened this past Sunday when Linda and I finally (after weeks of rain) got to experience ziplining for the first time. I swallowed my fear and stepped off that first platform thinking "Only 9 more to go and I can be done." What I realized as I experienced soaring through the air and looking at the incredible beauty of the Wilds was that God is faithful. He turns fear into faith when we give it to Him. He ordains situations and people and experiences that we could never have dreamed of.
After weeks of waiting to zipline, and crumbling under that anxiety, it turns out that one of our guides was a good friend of my brothers. Both our guides were funny and put us at ease. The other folks zipping with us were fun and adventurous. Everything was perfect. The weather. The company. The entire experience. Because I faced my fear, I have a new hobby. I. love. ziplining!
As I was soaring through that first zip, my entire attitude changed, and I thought "What, I only have 9 more zips to go? Boo!"
Our Ziplining Team
Thursday, June 12, 2014
The Year of Jubilee Continues - I'm Officially 30 :) Here's May's Adventure
Thursday, May 1, 2014
March's Misadventure & April's Joy
This blog is terribly delayed, but that's what happens during a year of jubilee - too much celebration to write!
So, March's adventure was to go see my favorite comedian, Jim Gaffigan, live in Cleveland. The tickets were booked, the hotel was reserved, and myself along with my two roommates were dolled up and ready for a weekend in Cleveland.
Our hotel was but a block from the theatre. We drove after work on a Friday night to check into the hotel and walk to our destination for non-stop laughter.
As we left the hotel, my dearest Kristin managed to twist her ankle, and severely hurt her foot. (We wouldn't know how hurt it was until much later). It was about 9:30 p.m. The show was to begin at 10. Kristin contemplated going back to the hotel, but we coerced her to hobble to the theatre.
I remember sitting in the theatre, waiting for Jim to take the stage. Kristin had tears streaming down her face, and I had no way to comfort her.
Anyway, the show began, and was truly hilarious! I'd never so laughed so much in my life. And Kristin was able to laugh through her pain.
Following the show, Nikki and I ran back to the hotel, changed in to pj's, checked out of the hotel, and raced back to the theatre to pick up Kristin. At 2 a.m., we arrived at the hospital. There, we stayed up all night waiting for Kristin to get an answer about her foot. At 7 a.m., we were home, Kristin had a broken foot, and in the midst of tired frustration, we laughed at our crazy misadventure.
_______
April's adventure was much different in nature. For Lent, which actually began in March, I decided to go vegan. I didn't know if I would actually be able to make it until Easter, but somehow I did, and I actually didn't mind vegan life, except for the awkward moments at restaurants when you become, that person. You know who I'm talking about. The one that asks how food is prepared.... I've never been so happy not to go out to eat. You know the wait staff is talking about you in the kitchen. Anyway, I decided, I could be vegan if not for being such an inconvenience.
_______
It's May Day. Run outside barefoot, and enjoy the promise of the coming summer. May's adventure is the big one! California, here I come. Until...
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
February Jubilee
I'll keep this short and sweet. My February Jubilee consisted of a road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina to visit my bff and her hubby (and her little dog too). While this might not seem like a big deal, it was. It was the longest I have ever driven anywhere by myself since I don't really care to be alone. Here's what my long weekend included:
*3:30 a.m. bedtimes - totally an adventure for me who likes to be in bed by 9 p.m.
*4 days of quality time with my best friend
*5 mile hikes and walks each day
*12 hours of drive time (all by myself)
Food, eating, shopping, talking, laughing, Lake Norman, Latta Plantation, church visiting, did I mention food? ;)
It's always a balm to my soul to be around someone who has known you from the beginning and still loves you anyway.
I am looking forward to my March jubilee. Stay tuned!
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