Memories, oh the Memories

I've not lived for a very long time but I've had some happy, sad, embarrassing, exciting, challenging, and delicious unforgetable memories. I got tagged in one of those tell me a memory of me things on facebook and it got me thinking about my personal memories from my life.

For being alive for 22 odd years, I've had quite the spectrum of events occur in my life. Each leaving a memory etched in my mind. Some memories have been somber moments where I've learned and grown more than I ever imagined. I'm in a reflecting mood...so sit back and enjoy.

Exciting: Finding out that I was accepted on the Hands on Missions Team, graduating from high school with Highest Honors, preaching for the first time on Easter Sunday (my fav holiday) and also preaching in India! Going overseas for the first time was also an exciting moment!

Sad: Numerous deaths in my family: my grandpa, my step-aunt Gayle, my Uncle Bug (nickname), great uncle Albert, uncle Andy, and my father most recently. Growing up not knowing what it's like to have grandparents in my life. Losing all of my friends in 8th grade periodically. Living in constant fear of other people. Complicated Thanksgivings resulting in my dis-like of a generally happy holiday.

Embarrassing: Walking into the men's room at Eat 'n' Park on Halloween after trick-or-treating. Being pecked by a chicken. Spewing liquid in the grille after my roommate made the comment, "I'm on a fat diet". Wiping out in caf carrying empty ice buckets during my bev bar set-up shift and having Doug see me. Ripping my pants while hopping like a frog on stage in India.

Happy: Getting a good review on my work sample project...which I thought I had done wrong. Being told I love you by those that genuinally do. High School band was a good time. Trips: Florida in High School twice, NYC, Birmingham, AL; Statesboro, GA; Asheville, NC; Des Plaines, IL; Pittsburgh, PA; Sweetwater/Clearwater/Tampa, FL. Working at SA camps. My 21st birthday! Finding a Mr. Grinch stuffed doll for $5 at Kohl's!

Challenging: Overcoming my fear of getting hurt by other people. The grief process. Becoming comfortable and accepting of who I am. Transitioning to a different social life this semester. Actually studying and doing homework. Overcoming my fear of ropes courses (high).

Delicious: Good meals over my Fall Break last weekend My mom's broccoli cheese soup. Making homemade pizza with the fam!

Those of you that read this thing and know me, probably have different or even simliar memories of me. Most of you have experienced me at different points in my life.

In saying this I have two tasks for you. That is if you will tak on the challenge.

1.) Give me a memory or two of me...you have free range. It could be good or bad. (I've done this before but, it's been a while).

2. Tell me what the word true means to you. It can be what you associate with the word or even what first comes to mind when you see or hear the word true.

Thanks!

Thoughts from the Moment

For those of you that really wonder what goes on inside this head of mine...keep reading. For those of you those of you that don't wonder, read anyway.

I'm going to start with Sunday. I'll preface by saying that I spent that weekend in Lexington with my good friend, Captain Heather. I saw an 80s tv version of Alice in Wonderland...not too shabby and actually there were some scary parts. Anyway...back to Sunday. The sermon was on worrying...a sermon that pretty much applies to everyone at one point or another in their lives. I've actually not worried too much this semester. But really examining it...I thought about what always sits in the back on my mind...my health. For the most part I have good health. There's always possibility of something not being great. But I realized that my health is something I can be proactive in. Making good eating choices and working out. Of, course on Monday, I really overdid the working out. My legs are quite stiff and I look quite funny walking down steps. If anything, the sermon reminded me to be active in taking care of my body.

We also sang "What A Friend we Have in Jesus"...talk about a great song. A song that is easy to sing when things are going great but also a song that should be sung when we're in the valleys of life. Verse 3 says, "Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge: Take it to the Lord in prayer. Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer; in his arms he'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there. I have read, talked, listened, and seen a lot of burdens lately. From health concerns for loved ones, stress on the job, worrying about being in the right major, wrestling with moral issues, challenging dialogues about how to bring about much needed change, getting work done in enough time, the list can go on. I don't know exactly why I'm more aware of what is going on around me...but I've been spurred on to pray about the things I've read, seen, listened, and talked about.

I realize that many believers view Jesus as a friend already. But what kind of friend are you to Jesus? How many of us have friendships that are not one-sided? If you have earthly friendships that are deep...how deep are you with Jesus? I'm not trying to preach at you all...because I'm talking to myself too.

In other news, I've had a stellar couple of days. Good test grades for one...but much more exciting was an unexpected phone call. It was a very uplifting call. The person on the other end was so excited to hear my voice. It's also a big plus when someone tells you, "I Love You" and you know that he or she truly meant those words. I don't like when people throw around the phrase, "I Love You"...to me, there is so much behind that phrase...to truly love someone is not easy. Frankly, it's a phrase that shouldn't be said unless the user really means it. My one exception to this rule...it's always precious when children say, "I Love You". They may or may not fully understand the depths of love but my heart does a little dance when children utter those words.

Question of the day: Do you have a favorite part of the day and/or a day of the week?

Me: In general, I love that moment when all of my classes are done for the day. I do love weekends and Fridays are fabulous, however, I'm a fan of Wednesday. Specifically, my lunch time on Wednesday. I've had some great convos s this semester with a mentor-like person. Truth be told, I look forward to it every week!