Memories for a Lifetime

SAT - Ohio 2010

November was such a busy month that I didn't get an opportunity (or didn't take time) to update this blog. But November started in a wonderful way with a trip to Canton, Ohio. I worked with an amazing team of leaders, parents and students on the Ohio State Republican Party Get Out the Vote project. We basically worked the final days of the campaign for Congressional Candidate Jim Renacci, Senatorial Candidate Rob Portman and Gubernatorial Candidate John Kasich.

"He's from North America, he lives in a house"

It was an intense 7 days of driving, phone calls, curfews, door knocking, leading, laughter, and seeing God's hand at work. Our leadership team bonded quickly and by the 2nd day we were finishing each other's sentences. The late nights and early mornings made for some very interesting conversations and the hotel staff kept wondering about these poor people who sat in the lobby staring at their computer screens for hours on end. One night they even offered to make us a fresh pot of coffee since we'd been there since they got on duty.

"I slept through my alarm clock this morning....and I was sleeping on the FLOOR!"

I was responsible for 7 students during the project. Being responsible meant I had to make sure they got fed, arrived at the various locations on time and that they stayed safe throughout the project. My team was a unique group of people -- in discussing team names, one idea considered was "Team Guy Who Almost Ran Bella Over With a Truck", (Don't ask me, apparently it is from Twilight?) - we later became "Team Original" which fit quite nicely.

"I had plans, to make plans"

Each day brought new challenges, but our team met them head-on. In one day I had van troubles (with my rental van), a student from my team lost his wallet, another student was yelled at by a constituent and yet two other students took a wrong turn in the neighborhood and got lost for about 10 minutes. Most of the issues were minor, and while it was tempting to let it get us down, the students rallied their spirits and looked for the humor in our day. I remember driving down a street, laughing so hard I had to pull over to the side of the road. I broke down in tears at the end of that day, the weight of responsibility I felt for those students was more intense than I had expected. But I'm thankful for that day of trials -- that is the memory that all of us walked away cherishing.

"I almost ran over a squirrel, not like I haven't done that before, but...."

In the end, our team won. The election results were in our favor, but that was only a small part of our victory. We walked away from the week with new friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.

"Your job, is just to be awesome!"

God is in Control

I can't decide whether I'm looking forward to the next two weeks or dreading them. Today I scheduled two meetings that need to happen and need to happen soon. While I'm looking forward to them happening, I'm also scared about the outcomes. Both meetings have the potential for changing my life -- maybe not drastically, but they will definitely leave a lasting impression.

I'm praying that God will give me the words, that He will open my ears to hear all He has for me and that I would not get in the way of what He is doing. I know He is leading in this and He has gone before me and prepared the way.

I'm so thankful I know that God is in Control and I can just follow His lead. Even if the path looks scary, He is leading the way.

BREAKING NEWS!

Today was the health fair at the State Capitol for all state employees. This means that the 1st and 2nd floors and rotundas are lined with tables and vendors. Everything from gyms to diet programs, chiropractors to mattress companies, arbonne to shaklee show up to offer their services and products to us state employees, to achieve a healthier life. And then there is my favorite booth of the day, it is a free, 10 minute massage.

So, this morning I walked into work and ran the gauntlet of booths and vendors without stopping. I got up to my office and talked with the ladies around me about last year's experience and we all decided that after lunch we'd go down for our free massages.

So, 3:30pm comes around and I'm diligently working to get an answer for my boss (no, I'm not joking, I really was working). I hear the ladies on either side of me say "ok girls, lets go", next thing I know they are practically running down the hall. I assumed they were talking about the massages, and just really eager to get down to them. However, I was waiting on an answer from my boss, so I calmly pulled out my compact and reapplied some lip gloss while I was waiting. Right as my boss answers me, an announcement comes over the loud speaker:

"Attention Employees, please disregard the emergency notice just sent to your computers"

I look over at my desktop computer whose screen had gone black, I move the mouse around to clear the screen and see the emergency message: "Please evacuate the building, due to smoke and flames". Well, I laugh because I already know I don't need to evacuate, but never once did it dawn on me that the others from my hall had seen the message before going down to get their massages. I had my answer, so I decided to go and get my massage. I made a quick trip to the ladies room, where I ran into two ladies from the 5th floor. Purses slung over their shoulders they asked "Are you evacuating?" To which I responded: "Oh, didn't you hear? It was a false alarm, they just cancelled it"

Still thinking nothing of this, I proceeded to walk down to the first floor, still determined to get my massage. But alas! they were almost completely packed up! I was so disappointed. I walked back up the stairs to my floor, expecting to see the ladies from my hall, but they still hadn't returned. I checked my phone and saw a missed message from one of the ladies, then I looked out the window and there they were, everyone from my division. By then, they had received the message that this was a false alarm and they could come back to work for the last 30 minutes of the day.

I got a little bit of a "talking-to" when they all got back inside, until they realized that I had no idea we'd been told to evacuate and I didn't know why they were all running down the hall......

So, at the end of the day, I have to ask myself: what have I learned today? Well, I have learned that in the event of a real Capitol emergency, I will still be inside the flaming capitol building, while all my co-workers stand outside, wondering why they can't get ahold of me. The good news is that at least one state employee actually works and even puts work before her own personal safety. And that, my friends, is today's breaking news!

And I never DID get that massage...............

Hard Week

This week I need to spend time studying and preparing for the weekend. I have two vastly different commitments that require preparation. Yet I find myself unable to concentrate and only wishing to sleep, hoping that when I wake up, the world will be a different, happier place.

But that isn't the case, the problems don't just disappear without a fight. I can get over this, I can get through this....sad thing is, it isn't like it hasn't happened before.

University Adventures

A little over a month ago, the fan in my dining room broke. And by broke, I mean the light chain came out of its place and stayed in my hand, as I was turning the light off. My housemate and I have lived without a light in our dining room for over a month now and are starting to adjust to the life of a photophobic. 

Broken/Lightless fixture

So, my housemate and I have spent the last couple of weeks picking out new fixtures. Because, lets face it, when you have the opportunity to redecorate, why not do it right? We currently have new fixtures going into the kitchen, dining room, hall and switching the living room fan with a bedroom fan. Tuesday night, as we were waiting for an electrician to show up and preform this work of magic, we began discussing doing the job ourselves. Sure, neither of us know the first thing about electric workings, but replacing a fan couldn't be that hard, right?

After laughing at the picture of us replacing the fixtures ourselves, my housemate said "we'd probably get shocked if we tried". To which I replied, "except, we are smart enough to flip the breaker before attempting such a task, right?"

It was at this point we both realized that neither of us had a clue where the breakers in our house were located. We shot up out of our chairs and raced away. She to the garage, me to the hallway. I remembered a box in the hall closet that I wanted to inspect......

Suspicious Box

The conversation went something like: "Hey! I found a box....um....its locked...do we know where the key might be?" At this point, we were both laughing. I think the picture running through both are minds was flipping a breaker, being left in complete darkness and then discovering that we had to find a key to get to our breaker system. Thankfully, the mad search did not last long, and I discovered the key and opened the box. What I found inside scared me, it looked like something out of Chuck.......

Do I cut the red wire?!

End of the story is anti-climactic; we realized this was the alarm system and later discovered the breaker box in the master closet. (Yes, we think that is an odd location as well, but we didn't chose it) I think our next great adventure will be figuring out which switch goes to which part of the house and labeling them correctly.

Found it!

So ends this episode of University Adventures. Oh, and for the over-curious, our electrician never showed up that night, but I hear he'll come on Saturday and fix all our wonderful lighting issues. Yay!

New Location

Welcome to the new home of my blog! Check back later for new random memories of my life.

You Deliver Me

Ever have one of those days when nothing seems to go right? Or weeks? Month? Year?

I'm not saying things have been quite that bad, but they haven't been happy-go-lucky either. The challenges seem to keep piling up around me. The bad news and/or events come in waves; deaths, break-ups, job loss, depression, pride, anger and selfishness - life seems gloomy and then for a moment the sun shines brightly and you remember Who is in control.

I've always seen my faith as simple, I know that God is in control, no need to question that. In highschool I had friends questioning whether God really existed or if He was real, but I don't remember having those same questions. I had watched my parents, sisters and other influential adults respond to despairing situations with such faith and peace that I had no doubt. I'm rarely even tempted to ask the question of "why?" when bad things happen. Seriously its more of a "well why not?" attitude that I take. We were never promised an easy life, in fact, quite the opposite. Hard times help develop not only our character (pruning and helping produce fruit - John 15) but also our faith and trust in Him.

But "Why" isn't the question I find myself asking God. I know that God will use these trials to bring Himself glory. I know that God will answer the cries of my heart. I know that God can restore the broken relationships. I know that God will make all things work together for good, for those who love Him. I know that God will heal the hurting. ---- but HOW?!  -- My ultimate question seems to be "Lord, how can this possibly bring You glory? How will You answer this prayer and How will it look?"

While contemplating the lives and hurt around me, I heard a couple share their story of a routine 18week ultrasound of their baby. The ultrasound brought news no parent ever dreams they will hear, yet dread hearing it all the same: an abnormality on her lungs that would make her "incompatible with life". They went through the pregnancy, knowing that, medically speaking, their little girl would never leave the hospital, but praying and believing for a miracle. They prepared for her memorial service, even as they prayed for her healing. The doctors told them, at best, she'd live for a minute and be gasping for air her whole life. Still, they prayed for a miracle. Their precious Audrey arrived in April and lived for about two and a half hours while her family gathered around her singing hymns, praising God for this life, took pictures and lovingly held her.
The most powerful statement I heard this week came from the mother of this precious baby. After sharing the story of their loss, she simply said "He did not heal her the way we wanted Him to, [but] its important for me to say we still believe he could have. That was His choice. That was what brought Him the most glory"

So while I don't understand why, and I still don't have the answers for how, I know that God is at work and He will do what is best, because that is what will bring Him the most glory.

When I feel like, I can't go on
You deliver me, You deliver me

Wedding Joys

Recently I had the amazing joy of attending and participating in the wedding of one of my dearest friends.

The Bride and I met in 4th grade, shortly after my family moved to my current home state. We met through a mutual friend and she kept us connected. The Bride and I didn't actually become close friends till 8th grade when we worked for a summer ministry together and spent the first two weeks of ministry as roommates. We were both nervous and shy about trying something new, but we were able to lean on each other for strength and encouragement to get through those two weeks of training. Thankfully, those two weeks changed our friendship and started molding it into what it is today.

Over the years the Bride and I continued to grow closer as friends. In high school we began meeting at Panera for chat sessions. These visits continued after she moved away for college, some times this had to take place over the phone, but usually it was at Panera when she was home on break. I had the opportunity to visit her 3 times during her college years and enjoyed getting to see her new world and meet her dear college friends.

I remember the day I found out there was a boy in the picture. I couldn't help but be excited for this sister of the heart. She had worked through all of high school and college to remain emotionally pure, unattached and did not let herself get distracted. She was a role model to me, even as she told me I was a role model for her. Our friendship was a perfect picture of iron sharpening iron.

And then the day she called to tell me there was a ring on her finger, a date set and would I be in her wedding? I don't remember the last time I've so completely shared in someone's joy. I eagerly anticipated this August wedding date. The excitement of wedding dress shopping with her mom and sister-in-law and even more excitement when she found THE dress at the first shop. Trying on bridesmaid dresses and convincing her to go with the one "with POCKETS!" Running errands with her two days before the wedding and getting to see her new house. The happy memories that come with all those events are more than I can contain, but they are milestones that I will remember.

Everything about that weekend was beautiful, even down to the weather! A light rain Saturday morning cooled the hot temperature and lessened the humidity. The hurry to get ready, in less time than any of us thought would be possible. The nerves, the laughter, the joy, the tears. Before we knew it, they were man and wife and heading off on their honeymoon. I rejoice at their new beginning and look forward to keeping in touch with this special couple.

Memories:

• Bride: "Groomsman, meet bridesmaid" - Groomsman: "yeah, we just met. Like...just now....up there...at the front of the church. We are great friends!" 
• Groomsman: "Why didn't you do the cartwheel?!" 
• Bride: "In SICKNESS and in health....we are definitely getting to practice that vow from the start..."Bride: "He makes me to lie down in green pastures...." 
• Bride (to me): "What are you going to make me do?" 
• The get-away car.....and then fixing the get-away car 
• Groomsman: "I thought you stood me up!" 
• roomsmen: "Why, hello lovely ladies in green" 
• Bridesmaid: "This dress has POCKETS!! I totally forgot!" 
• Bridesmaid: "Dude.....on the left.....no, the other one....yeah, you....unbutton your jacket like the rest of the guys, you are ruining the picture" 
• Bridesmaid: "Wait, that's just a glorified clip-on tie? Why did I not know this before"
• Bridesmaid: "Shoot! Why'd they have to pray?!" 

Congratulations, Mr. & Mrs MacLachlan!

Sticky Note #10

"I'm sad, but I know that God is still in control"

A couple weeks ago I got a text from my housemate that her 18 year old cousin had driven off the road and died. This young man was the epitome of a "life taken too soon" if you were to  look at it from the world's standards. Just graduated from high school, he was headed to a great college on a sports scholarship. Having received several prestigious awards for his sport of choice, this was the type of young man that you expected to see in the major news headlines in the near future. The next greatest in his sport.

But in a second, that career came to an end. After a long competition in another part of the state, he was driving home, his mother driving somewhere behind him. He fell asleep at the road, drove off the road and into the ditch. His mother drove up to the scene and discovered her only son was gone.

Last night was the first time I got to visit with my housemate since this happened. She shared with me the reaction of the family to this loss and the thing that struck me the most was the above statement. After receiving the news, she went to her Aunt and Uncle's house and was greeted at the door by her cousin (sister and only sibling of the young man). Her cousin's response to this horrible, tragic and life-altering news was "I'm sad, but I know that God is in control"

Is that my first reaction when tragedy strikes? Am I really able to go immediately to the comfort of God's sovereignty in my life? Can I honestly say "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21)?

Jesus draw me ever nearer
As I labour through the storm.
You have called me to this passage,
and I'll follow, though I'm worn.


May this journey bring a blessing,
May I rise on wings of faith;
And at the end of my heart's testing,
With Your likeness let me wake.


Jesus guide me through the tempest;
Keep my spirit staid and sure.
When the midnight meets the morning,
Let me love You even more.


Let the treasures of the trial
Form within me as I go - 
And at the end of this long passage,
Let me leave them at Your throne.

( "Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer", Music by Keith Getty; Words by Margaret Becker, Copyright © 2002 Thankyou Music )

Sticky Note #9

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,

yet he opened not his mouth;

like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,

and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,

so he opened not his mouth."

When was the last time you read the above passage?

To any person who has grown up in the church, memorizing scripture, I'm sure they can quickly quote what book this comes from, who it is talking about, context, etc.

But if you didn't KNOW the reference and context, who would you say this is speaking about? Where would you expect this verse to be located?

The above questions were asked and presented by a commentator on "The Case for Christ" video (The story of how Lee Strobel (author of the book "The Case for Christ", "The Case for Faith" and others). I visited a new church today and class was spent watching this hour long video. The commentator said that he took this verse around to his co-workers and asked them those questions. He described the group of people as a mixture of Jews and Gentiles.

Their answer?

Everyone responded that there was no doubt this scripture was talking about Jesus and was located somewhere in the New Testament. It was too accurate a picture of Jesus to be found in the Old Testament.

Where is it really located? Isaiah 53: 7 - very much Old Testament

When it comes to detail-oriented, no one can match God. I'm so thankful I serve and worship the one and only God, Creator and Mastermind before the world and everything I see and know.

How could I not trust my King

The One who has formed me and shaped me

I will rejoice and will sing

For the One who has made me has saved me

(Isaiah 53: 7 - ESV and "So I Will Trust You" by Sovereign Grace Ministries)

Sticky Note #8

I recently ran across this "poem" that I wrote back in 2006. (I think it may be the only time I've ever tried my hand at poetry) It was interesting to look back at my old writings. A lot has changed since I started my first blog in 2004. Most of the changes are good, even though some of the changes are painful to look back on. This particular writing is from a very rough time that I sometimes wish I could forget, but when I remember what God taught me during that time, I realize I would go through it again because of the lessons learned.

The Pain Inside
I'm tired of hiding
this pain that I feel.
Can't you see it,
when you look in my eyes?
I hide behind my smile,
while those around me
think I'm fine.

But won't you take the time
to see my pain?
I reach out to others,
I see their pain;
perhaps by taking on their troubles,
I may forget my own.

But it lingers on,
that terrible ache.
Unable to hide,
unable to forget.

So I give it to Him,
He's the only One
who can take away my cares.
His plans for me, include this pain,
for He knows that, while it hurts,
it is best in the end.

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days-
Let them flow in ceaseless praise
Take my voice and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.
Take my will and make it Thine-
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.

Sticky Note #7

- The Joys of an Auntie -

August 10th will mark 10 years of me having the wonderful title of Auntie. I remember being excited about the arrival of a baby in our family. As the baby of my own family, I'd never really been around a newborn before. As a babysitter, I had been around babies and children, but never a newborn. I remember being scared and sure I was gonna do something that would damage this precious baby for the rest of his life.

But when Justin arrived, I quickly learned that newborns are the easiest to hold! Unless they are upset (typically due to hunger, wet/dirty diaper, gas, etc.) newborns are calm and sleep a lot! Justin and I spent many hours on the couch taking naps and quickly became friends, creating a bond that will exist for years to come.

After Justin came Allison. As much as I had enjoyed having a little nephew, I was excited to have a girl to dress in all the cute girly clothes (have you ever noticed how large the baby girl clothing section is compared to the baby boy? It is kind of pitiful, but I digress). Allison was my first niece and I won't lie, I think I just might be her favorite Auntie, but I think that is largely due to the fact that we are the only blondes in the family (though mine has taken on a lot more red in recent years....)

Several years after Allison joined our family, Katelyn made her entrance. I won't ever forget the year Katelyn was born because it was the year I graduated from high school. It was a big year for our family and the addition of a family member was a VERY joyous occasion.

Then, Megan joined the family and I was once again thrilled to have a baby girl to buy for, even though I had been convinced this was going to be a boy. I was disappointed that work kept me from meeting Miss Meg till two and a half days after she was born, but we eventually had time to bond and start our own unique Auntie-Niece relationship.

Now, the family is complete with our book-end boy, Jordan. This precious boy has stolen my
heart and he isn't even a month old yet! I had the honor of being there when he was born and then getting to spend the next two days with him (and the rest of his family). The day he came home from the hospital, his mother handed him to me and asked me to hold him while she took a nap. Jordan and I continued the tradition that Justin started 10 years before him, Auntie and Nephew, napping on the couch.

These 5 children have brought much joy and amusement to my life. I love that they all want the honor of getting to ride in my car. I love their little (and now big) arms around my neck in a hug. I love their view of the world. I love their expressions and statements. I love how a simple gift or treat can make their day brighter and happier.

I love being Justin, Allison, Katelyn, Megan and Jordan's Auntie!

Sticky Note #6

• To the one who I disagree with politically and theologically....
• To the one who began the "Sticky Note" saga with me....
• To the one who chose the "wrong" branch of the military....
• To the one who challenges me to think about what I believe and why....
• To the one that I can debate, disagree and argue with, yet continue to be friends....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my "Twin"!!!!!!

Sticky Note #5

My Saturday was:

1. Lacked good communication.
2. Frustratingly planned (or lack thereof)
3. Expensive (thanks to the car issues)
4. Painful (had a headache most of the day)
5. Disappointing (the "to do" list didn't happen)

But the ending was:

1. Light-hearted
2. Fun
3. Entertaining
4. Relaxing
5. Restful

I like happy endings.

Sticky Note #4

I'm at a loss for words.

I'm slightly stunned.

But mostly, I'm excited to see what God went before us and accomplished today.

"For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me." ~Psalm 18:39

Sticky Note #3

• A friend confronting addictions
• A friend facing serious, life-altering health issues
• A friend in an unhealthy, complicated relationship
• A friend with doubts about life and God

Seems like everywhere I turn, every phone call I answer, every text I read, I'm faced with some new problem that seems huge and out of control. It is discouraging, disheartening and down-right depressing.

But as I began to let the things of life overwhelm me, God brought a passage to mind that I memorized as a child, I think it was back in 2nd grade:

God is my Shepherd; I shall not want.

He makes me to lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside the still waters.

He restores my soul;

He leads me in paths of righteousness, for His names sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death;

I will fear no evil, for You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life;

And I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.

So I'm resting tonight, knowing that God's grace is sufficient for me and He will use these problems, no matter how bleak they may seem, to not only teach me and my friends a lesson, but to bring Himself glory. And after all, isn't that my purpose here in life?

"Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Far surpassing all the rest

It's an ocean full of blessing

In the midst of every test

Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus

Mighty Savior, precious Friend

You will bring us home to glory

Where Your love will never end"

Sticky Note #2

I love being an Aunt. It is actually one of my favorite things about life. This weekend I have the special opportunity to spend the second weekend in a row with my nephew and 3 nieces. I am hanging out in Kansas, half waiting for Baby #5 to make his appearance.

Waiting for a baby is an interesting game of patience and waiting. Knowing that God is in control of the timing is comforting, and only He knows what day this baby will arrive. I pray that everything goes well for my sister's delivery. Just because she hasn't had any complications or problems in the past, does not mean this one will be as well. Everything is in God's hands and I'm comfortable with leaving the details up to Him.

But back to being an Aunt -- Tonight my heart melted when the 2 yr old called to me from the other room: "Jillllll! --- Jillllll! --- Jilllllll!"

Last weekend she couldn't even remember my name, so I heard her, but figured she wasn't actually calling me. After the third time, I went to inspect the situation.

Jill: "Honey, did you call me?"

M: "yuss!"

Jill: "what did you want?"

M: "play game"

So we sat down and played a game.

These are the times that bring a smile to my face and is a perfect "Sticky Note Memory".

Sticky Note #1

When I began my first job in high school, I learned the value of Sticky Notes. As my life has changed over the years since that time, I've noticed their increased importance in my life. Going from a part time job to full time employment, moving out of my parent's home in one city to "out on my own" in another city the demands on my time have changed. Sticky Notes provide me a place to write out a corner of my brain. The act of writing helps my brain retain the knowledge longer.


At work, Sticky Notes are the first thing I reach for when I get a phone call. There isn't much space on the 3x3 piece of paper, but it is enough for a name, phone number and (typically) room for a few words that will later jog my brain as to the nature of the message. (Sometimes, I don't write enough and am left stuttering when trying to pass on the message to my boss, but not often)

At home, Sticky Notes serve as a place for grocery shopping lists, notes to my housemate and errands I needs to run or chores that need to be completed. As a Mary Kay consultant, I also use Sticky Notes to remember orders that I need to fill.

And how can I forget how Sticky Notes played a role in my love life? N, I'm sure this blog will give you plenty of material for your Sticky Note wall of "Why N and Jill would never work as a couple". We are on Sticky Note #7,850 now, right?!

Seriously though, I plan on using this blog similar to how I use my Sticky Notes. Short memories of my life, though I can't promise they'll always be short. Something I can look back and remember. Memories of how God has worked in my life, how He has proven Himself faithful to me. Memories of the funny things my nieces and nephews say and do. Memories of time spent with friends. Memories of my failings, because it is in my weakness that God is shown strong.

To New Beginnings!