...the world is starving for joy...

Christmas Card Time

2009-11-14T17:01:00.000-08:00

I need YOUR help.
Last year, I got a GREAT response to my Christmas Card.
Everyone loved it.
Only problem is, I feel pressure now.
Not a bad kind of pressure... a good kind of pressure to continue to bring joy.
I have my photo shoot set, but I am lacking ideas.

We are heading up to Julian for the pictures.

Here are some of the pics from last year...

What should I do this year?!?!

HELLLLLPPPPPP!!!!

If I use your idea, you may just get something sweet in the mail (more than the card itself!!!)

Holy Ladies

2009-11-10T21:26:00.001-08:00

Wow.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Wow.

Project Christmas

2009-11-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, Little Kate McRae has a brain tumor. Kate's parents recently shared their heart and vision for Christmas this year. They are unsure if Kate will be hospitalized on Christmas (and Kate’s birthday, which is the 26th) and are working through the details of the day. However, they have really felt it on their hearts to bless the kids at the hospital that they have gotten to know. Despite such dark times, the McRae family still seeks Christ and desires to bless everyone around them. So amazing!

In a recent post on http://www.prayforkate.com , Holly wrote:

“…the reality is, there will be families up here, on the oncology floor, away from the traditions, their immediate families and extended families, fighting for the lives of their children. Some their resources spent to get their children treatment. Others deciding which children to spend Christmas with. Others wondering if this will be their last Christmas together. The thought never ceases to bring me to tears. And so we thought we could ask Kate’s amazing followers to help us try and make it a special day for these kids. We are going to ask for people to send donations for kids of all ages and around Christmas we will distribute the gifts to the families from all of you! We want these kids to know they are loved, thought of and treasured. I wish fun gifts could take away a diagnosis, bring families back together, bring total healing. We obviously know it can’t. However, we can bring smiles where they may be lacking. And bring a glimmer of hope on very dark days.”

Sooo…LET’S DO IT! I’m not sure who all of you readers are, but I know that there are at least 100 of you! If we all sent one gift or volunteered our time, imagine the impact we could have on these sweet children’s lives!

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP…

Post a comment to this post by November 28th. I will forward the list of names to Holly since I’m inticipating her inbox being full from her post.

You can either send gifts, money or volunteer your time. I know many of you are states away, but you can still help!

Thank you for helping with PROJECT CHRISTMAS and for blessing the lives of some very sick little ones! Can’t wait to hear how you can help!

Top Ten...

2009-11-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

Top Ten Reasons why Swine Flu SUCKS...

10. People treat you like you have the plague.
9. You feel like crap.
8. You can't work. (I suppose this only counts if you actually like your job.)
7. Most of the shows on DayTime TV are terrible.
6. Your nose gets raw from wiping it so much.
5. You can't have people visit you, like with other sicknesses.
4. It doesn't go away as soon as one would hope.
3. Your bed, however comfortable it is, will start to be overrated.
2. You can't leave your house.
1. YOU MISS A DEAR FRIENDS WEDDING!!!!!

F the Swine Flu.
Right now, Emily is no longer a Keirstead!
She is Mrs. Eric Turner.
I should be there.
Instead, I have a credit with Southwest Airlines and a really cute outfit waiting to be worn.
More than both of those things, I missed out on a very special day.

I didn't get to see Emily walk down the aisle.
I didn't get to see the look on Eric's face as he watched Emily walk towards him.
I didn't get to hear the vows that they exchanged, promising faith, hope, and love.
I didn't get to cheer for the first kiss.
I didn't get to snap way more pictures than necessary of all of that.
I didn't get to have breakfast for dinner... which I was REALLY looking forward to. A first at a wedding for me.
I didn't get to dance the night away.

F the swine flu.

All I have to say is I better get better, cause I WILL NOT miss Kelli and Sam's wedding on November 15th.

1000 for 1000

2009-11-04T16:21:00.000-08:00

My dear friend, Jeff Gokee, is taking a trip to India in February of 2010 to lead a conference of pastors. Jeff is a man of great faith. Jeff is a wonderful friend, an amazing father, an unbelievable pastor, a gifted communicator, and a loyal husband. Jeff is going to be a blessing to these pastors in Inida.

Here is where you come in.

It only costs twenty US Dollars to get the pastors there. $20.
That is less than a week of your Starbucks/Chipotle/Fro-Yo fix.

Would you consider joining with us? $20!

Here is all of the info...

Let's come together to not only meet the goal, but surpass it...

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Thanksgiving

2009-11-03T21:23:00.001-08:00

What are you doing on Thanksgiving?

Every year, the whole family gets together at my grandma and grandpa's house for Thanksgiving. The house is packed, there is more food than any of us could even think of eating, and it is loud. I love it.

This Thanksgiving will be different.

BEFORE we head to Grandma and Grandpa's I am going to do the Father Joe's Thanksgiving Day 5k.

Wanna join?

If 15 people join me, I will wear my Chicken costume...

Recently...

2009-11-02T18:55:00.001-08:00

A Little More...

2009-10-29T20:58:00.000-07:00

"I want a catch your breath, home-run, scream at the top of your lungs, falling hard, not holding back, kind of love."

Natalie Closner does it again...

Always.

2010

2009-10-25T14:31:00.000-07:00

How will you be spending New Years?

I will be in...

On New Years Day, January 1, 2010, I will be taking in the sweet sounds of this man...

I'm pretty excited. :)

Natalie Closner...

2009-10-25T14:29:00.001-07:00

is so damn good.

I Was Here...

2009-10-25T11:43:00.000-07:00

You will notice me
I'll be leavin' my mark, like initials carved in an old oak tree
you wait and see
maybe I'll write like Twain wrote
maybe I'll paint like Van Gough,
cure the common cold
i don't know but I'm ready to start cuz i know in my heart

I wanna do something that matters
say something different
something that sets the whole world on it's ear
i wanna do somethin better, with the time i've been given
and i wanna try to touch a few hearts in this life
and leave nothin less that something that says i was here

I will prove you wrong
if you think im all talk, your in for a shock
cuz this streams too strong, and before too long
maybe i'll compose symphonies
maybe i'll fight for world peace
cuz i know it's my destiny to leave more that a trace of myself in this
place

And i know that i, i will do more than just pass through this life
i'll leave nothin less that somethin that says i was here, i was here, i
was here, i was here

Wanna do somethin that matters
somethin that says i was here
wanna do somethin that matters
somethin that says i was here, i was here

On The Bench

2009-09-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

I relate to sports analogies.

Recently, I was talking to a friend about being on the receiving end of another "I just want to be your friend" conversation. He listened to me rant for a little bit then gave some good insight.

He told me that I am the girl that every guy wants in his starting line-up.

It made me think. Of course every guy wants me in his starting line-up. I am fun, easy-going, love sports, love to laugh, am fairly simple, and am funny. As I have been told, I am a "catch."

So, alas, I am the girl that every guy wants on his bench, in his starting line-up.

The reality is.... I can't sing, "Put Me In Coach" enough. My uniform is starched and ready to go.

Trust me, I know that the grass is always greener. I get it.

But that doesn't change the fact that I am getting a little sick of sitting the bench.

For my Roommate and Freighbor

2009-09-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

Book worm

2009-09-22T19:00:00.000-07:00

I am somewhat of a bookworm.

In fact, a big bookworm.

There are three books that I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to get. Alas, I shouldn't spend money on more books. Boo Hiss.

I REALLY REALLY REALLY want my crush's new book... A Million Miles in a Thousand Years.

I also want Francis Chan's new book, Forgotten God.

And, Rob Bell's new book, Drops Like Stars.

If only I have a sweet little gift card to Amazon or Borders or Barnes and Noble.

Slums...

2009-09-22T10:03:00.000-07:00

Did you know that slums are the world's fastest growing human habitat?

Did you know that 1/3 of the world's population live in slums?

Watch this video...

http://www.theplaceswelive.com

Done bein your plan B while you're waitin for plan A to come around...

2009-09-21T19:23:00.001-07:00

I'm a one way express train
Get on or get off and stay off
I'm 'a need me a strong man who knows what he wants
I don't want none of your tongue tied indecision
So let me give you just one helpful piece of wisdom

Man up or back down
Don't hang around when you're not sure
If you're gonna stay or run
Oh honey this has been fun
But I think we're done
I don't have time to wait around and see
If ya don't know then you're not right for me
This train's heading out of town
So man up, or back down

I've been patiently waitin
For you to finally mean it
And you might really want me
But I sure haven't seen it
Don't ya go and think that I'm gonna try and read your mind
If you wanna stick around
Well it's high time to make your move

Man up or back down
Don't hang around when you're not sure
If you're gonna stay or run
Oh honey this has been fun
But I think we're done
I don't have time to wait around and see
If you don't know then you're not right for me
This train's heading out of town
So man up, or back down

Well I'm done waitin by the phone
Hopin you will call
And I'm done tellin myself that I'm not hurt at all
And I'm done being your plan B while you're waitin for plan A to come around
You're done holding on to my heart
This is the part where you finally start to

Man up or back down
Don't hang around when you're not sure
If you're gonna stay or run
Oh honey this has been fun
But I think we're done
I don't have time to wait around and see
If you don't know then you're not right for me
This train's heading out of town
So man up, or back down

Thank you Natalie Closner! :)

I care

2009-09-19T22:57:00.000-07:00

I care about what you think of me.

I might not even know you, but I care.

I am addicted to the approval of others. I am constantly questioning whether or not I am smart enough, skinny enough, funny enough, pretty enough, qualified enough... _____ enough. Some days are better than others, but I struggle everyday.

This makes life hard sometimes. When I feel like I am not _____ enough, I often want to run and hide. I abandon the person, people, place that I fear sees me as not _____ enough. It sucks.

It really sucks.

And, it makes it hard to be in community.

The fear sneaks in, and I want to run.

It takes all that is in me to stick around and wait for the verdict, and continue living my life, regardless of the outcome. The reality is... NOT EVERYONE IS GOING TO LIKE ALL OF ME. Hello, I certainly don't like everything about everyone that I come into contact with.

Life is just hard.

I think we get stuck in this mentality that if only I were _____er life would be easier. If only I was dating ____ life would be easier. If only I made _____ more money each month...

We live in the shadows of what if, if only, and maybe statements.

Lets give to the wind our fears, stop living under these glass ceilings, and live life abundantly.

Easier said than done, I know... but let's try! :)

Take A Bow

2009-09-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

Again.

Gabe Bondoc!

Amazing!!!!

Romeo's Perspective

2009-09-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

Gabe Bondoc.

AMAZING!!!

Room For Squares

2009-09-19T22:40:00.000-07:00

I listen to Pandora whenever I am at my desk at work. Some days, it does me good. Other days, I am disappointed. Recently, Pandora has been pulling out all of the stops to make me smile, laugh, take a walk down memory lane, and even shed a few tears.

It wasn't until Pandora played a few songs from John Mayer's Room for Squares that I remembered how much I love that album.

Recently, I had diarrhea of the mouth. I opened my mouth when I shouldn't have. My stupid mouth... That same day, John Mayer's song came on. I laughed and cried at the irony of the situation.

My stupid mouth
Has got me in trouble
I said too much again
To a date over dinner yesterday
And I could see
She was offended
She said "well anyway..."
Just dying for a subject change

Oh, another social casualty
Score one more for me
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find what soon

We bit our lips
She looked out the window
Rolling tiny balls of napkin paper
I played a quick game of chess with the salt and pepper shaker
And I could see clearly, An indelible line was drawn
Between what was good, what JUST slipped out and what went wrong

Oh, the way she feels about me has changed
Thanks for playing, try again.
How could I forget?
Mama said "think before speaking"
No filter in my head
Oh, what's a boy to do
I guess he better find one

I'm never speaking up again
It only hurts me
I'd rather be a mystery
Than she desert me

Oh I'm never speaking up again
Starting now... Starting now

One more thing
Why is it my fault?
So maybe I try too hard
But it's all because of this desire
I just wanna be liked
I just wanna be funny
Looks like the jokes on me
So call me captain backfire

Do you ever feel like this song can be your theme song? Or, is it just me?

Do you love what you do?

2009-09-19T22:30:00.001-07:00

I do!

When I returned from Arizona, abruptly, I had no idea what I would do for a job. By the grace of God, I got a job that taught me a lot about myself, all while being able to pay my bills. I learned what I do and don't want to do. I learned the kind of person I do and don't want to be. I realized that I probably never want to own a business, at least not if it is anything like what I saw. I just learned and grew a ton. I was in that job for 9 months, which was just long enough for both my employer and myself to know that I was miserable there. I left on good terms, it just wasn't a right fit.

I love my job now. It is SO SO SO different than anything I ever thought that I would be doing. I generally run and hide from pre-school age children. They just aren't my favorite. In fact, I would much rather deal with High School students. Having all that been said, I am surprised everyday with how much I enjoy my job.

I love the hours. I love the community that we are serving. I love that I get to speak Spanish everyday. I love the people that I work with, most of them being women my mother's age. :)
I just love it.

I don't dread going to work. I have energy when I get home, even if it is a 10 hour day.

It is a nice change.

I have been working in this job for 3 months now, and couldn't be happier! :)

I still get the itch to work in the music industry whenever I am at a show or am talking to someone on tour. I have not let that dream go. I am not pursuing it, but I haven't let it go. Maybe it will just look differently than I had originally anticipated...

We shall see!

I hope you love what you do.

What Happen In Vegas...

2009-09-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

I am FINALLY taking my inaugural trip to Las Vegas!

I have driven through Las Vegas numerous times on the way to Utah or Colorado on the annual Young Life Ride Utah trip. We even stopped there for lunch on our way home from our Colorado-San Diego Spring Break Adventure a few years ago. So, though I have been there for 4 hour increments, I equate that to being in the airport for a lay-over... it doesn't count! :)

My sister and brother-in-law, along with my sweet nephew, are going in December with one of their best friends, to celebrate Jon's birthday, New Years, and just hang out with Jason is back in the states. They invited me. Well, I kind of invited myself, but then they invited me. :)

So, we will be there December 26-January 3rd.

I am so excited...

VIVA LAS VEGAS

27 Dresses...

2009-09-19T21:56:00.000-07:00

Not Quite, but close.

As we all know, I have been IN and TO my fair share of weddings. This year was on the light side with just 7 weddings. As I say that, I feel sick. 7 weddings?! That is A LOT.

The past few weekends have been full of fun, excitement, travel, and bridal showers. :)

Dearest Kel...

Two weeks ago, we celebrated Kelli and Sam, by showering Kelli with love by giving her things that she asked for and by eating waffles. :) Kelli is one of the most talented people I know, hands down. Her eye for fashion design, graphics, and art is impeccable. More than being a brilliant artist, Kelli is a loyal friend. She has one of the most kind and caring hearts. She is a blessing to all of us who get to have her in our lives. Kelli is marrying an incredible man named Sam. Sam has a gentle demeanor about him, along with a quiet strength. Kelli and Sam are fit so well and are better together. Sam loves Kelli in a way that is inspiring and humbling to witness. I am so excited for Kelli and Sam, and their tying of the knot in November. (PS... Kelli is the one that gave me the nickname Manders) :)

Sweet Sweet Ems...

Today, we showered sweet Emily with love and gifts that she picked out, and even ones that she didn't but that Eric will be pleased with. :) Like Kelli, Emily has a kind heart. Emily is one of those people that you can tell anything to. Our friendship has had it's fair share of ups and downs, but has only been made stronger by those ups and downs. Also like Kelli, Emily is loyal. Emily is marrying a great guy named Eric. It has been a joy to journey with Emily as she and Eric went from being friends to dating to engaged. Eric loves Emily and pursues Emily the way her soul needs to be loved and pursued.

I love these two ladies, and I am a big fan of the men that had put a ring on it.

So, November 7th, we will be eating breakfast for dinner and dancing all night as we celebrate Emily and Eric tying the knot.

Then...

November 15th, we will take in the splendor and beauty of a vintage, elegant, artistic, and super fun wedding as we join Kelli and Sam in celebrating their wedding day.

Here's to wedding season 2009, part deuce.

Coming Soon...

2009-09-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

I have a lot to blog about... just not very much time to sit down and gather my thoughts.

I have started a few blogs, just need to finish them up and post them.

Here is what is to come...

1. A few blogs on sitting the bench
2. My Stupid Mouth is more than a catchy title to a John Mayer song
3. Fear and running
4. The kind of friends that you REALLY tell EVERYTHING to...
5. Importance of community
6. My job
7. Quarter-Life-Crisis
8. Vegas
9. Wedding Season 2009... Part 2
10. Ellen Show

I know, it's a lot.

I promise to post soon. :)

And, to whoever googles my name to find this blog, I would like to know who you are. :)

Help my Freighbor

2009-09-07T08:54:00.001-07:00

Please Please Please VOTE.
My freighbor's school needs this!!! :)

http://www.nikebackyourblock.com/ApplicantProfile.aspx?ApplicantId=f0f3ef9a-a4e2-4d9b-9b96-b5e33fe9b993