i know there are only a few of you that read this, but i still enjoy writing occasionally and appreciate those of you who do:) i actually started a new blog on the crazy dating situations i get myself into, if you want to check it out, here is the link.
i really cannot make this stuff up, and one day i may want to look back and laugh at it all myself.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
update::30 things in my 30th year
so, if i updated it in blue, that means i think i can cross it off, if it is red, not so much....
so for the past few years, i have made a list of things to do with the amount of things to do correlating to the age i turn that year. the first two years, i did pretty good, but for some reason last year i didn't to well. this year, i debated not doing a list, but let's face it, i turn 30 this year and i want to have a fun list, a list with small things that i can do to make myself a better version of me, and i am going to really try hard to do these things. i have been reading lots of devotions from proverbs 31 ministries, from streams of the desert, and from made to crave, and know that i can so do this with the help from the Creator of everything, My Heavenly Father:) so, some of these may be repeats, others will be knew, but regardless, i don't want to look back and think that life passed me by... you only get one and i want to know that I spent my days on this earth, drawing closer to God, having fun with friends, helping/serving others, not working all the time, and being the best version of myself! here's to my 30th year of life being the best yet!
1. reading the Bible - i'm going to be real honest here, reading is so not fun to me, no matter what it is, so instead of trying to be like everyone else, i am going to do what is best for me. i am going to focus on small amounts and really pray and focus on those. i've really got to work on not comparing/worrying what other people think. if anyone has reading plans for the Bible that are SMALL, short passages at a time, i am so for that, send them my way. good news, i am reading the the kids storybook bible, and it is fantastic, adults will like it too... works for me and on my level, but still working on reading my Bible more
2. make my bed each day - why is this on my list every year, but so far in 2012, every day that i have been home, i have made my day, so we are on the right track, haha - i'll give myself a failing grade on this one, but i work from home, live by myself and no one is ever here, it doesn't matter, but the rest of my house is spotless, haha
3. learn to sew - i met a girl at church who knows how, so hopefully one saturday, i can pay her to teach me, i hope she has a lot of patience, things do not come easy to this girl. maybe one day, can't seem to find the right person to teach me. my friend christine tried, but we never finished up. in fact, my sewing machine is still there.
4. go hiking and spend some time outdoors - for this somewhat girly girl, most of you are probably laughing, God created a beautiful world and nature is pretty, so i think it would do me some good to get out and enjoy it!!! my friend kase and i made a list of fun things to do in the next six months on new years day, and this made the list, so i think this will happen:) didn't really happen, but i am hopeful that i'll meet the man of my dreams soon and we can do this together, hahahaha.
5. food - i want to continue with my trying new foods and restaurants. i have lived in charlotte for over three years now and there are several restaurants that i have not tried, so i want to try at least five new ones this year and five new foods. i am going to cabo fish taco in two weeks, which i have wanted to go for a while, so we are already on our to a good start!!! - can't really think of a lot of specific foods i tried, but i did try some new restaurants:: cabo fish taco, crepe cellar, fern, cowfish, and i am sure there are others:)
6. serve in the local community more, plain and simple, just do it! - our church partners with greenway park, still volunteer with make a wish, and will continue to do as much as i can.
7. read more, let's face it, i said it before and everyone who knows me, knows this... i hate reading, but i have set a small goal to read 10 minutes a day, everyday. so, the first book i am reading is 1000 gifts:) - i am going to stop putting this on any list, i don't like to do it, haha.
8. break the starbucks addiction, haha - who would have ever thought that i would be so addicted to coffee. i got a keurig for christmas, so i am hoping this will help. i am drinking more coffee at home. new goal, $25/month at starbucks, I CAN DO THIS:) - according to the fact that i got 9 starbucks giftcards for my birthday, i'd say this would be a negative and i am okay with it. i have found new drinks that cost less and have less calories... Sbux 1, Kelsey 0
9. i want to go ziplining. seriously, love all things related to heights, not scared at all, so this has to happen this year! - still want to do this, so much
10. personal fitness goal:: lose 15 pounds. - this is a must for overall health and well-being:)
11. continue to get better at crocheting, i enjoy it but don't stop and sit still long enough to do it often enough... so improve, do more, and learn more patterns - needs improvement
12. be more focused in general, i get easily distracted. i think one way to be more focused would be to turn the TV off and read, journal, pray, etc. i think in this fast paced world that we live, we all need to do this more
13. try to write daily in my peaks/pits/praise/prayers journal. saw this on pinterest, and i love it!!! - i did good for six months, haha
14. cook more often. i would save so much more if i broke down and cooked more and ate leftovers, so i will do this!!! - doesn't happen, i really just do not enjoy cooking
15. try a hot yoga class. - still need to do this, maybe i can squeeze it in before dec. 31
16. live expectantly. i read a verse in my devotion the other night and it is so true. "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe." mark 11:24 - need to remember this verse it is a GOOD one
17. i want to be a counselor at camp care this summer, now if i could get in touch with the right people. hopefully this will happen. i would still love to do this
18. be intentional about catching up with my friends who live in different cities (whitney - baltimore), (kelly - atlanta), (bay, holly, and michele - raleigh), (heather, kaleena, ashley, and candice - raleigh) (casey - raleigh) - life is busy, but that is no excuse as to why we shouldn't stay in touch. i have seen my raleigh friends or more specifically my college friends more in the last three to four months than maybe i have combined since i moved to charlotte, for which i am thankful...candice is about to move, so i need to schedule some more time with her. also, casey moved, so i don't get to see her nearly enough, but before she moved i got some quality time in there. i need to see heather more as well:) i wish i could schedule a trip up to baltimore to see whit, but her and hubby are busy remodeling like crazy:)
19. i've been in the same role at my company for almost five years, and i've been frustrated that i haven't gotten a promotion due to restructuring and the economy, but i want to have a better attitude and really work hard in my current role and see my studies through the end. if and when God decides it is time for me to be promoted, i will be ready. explore different positions that i may want to do in my company, as well. this one i can say i did and did so with hard work, i got a new position in site management, i am now a strategic site relationship manager at my company:)
20. try something new, anything. -
21. i want to go to a shooting range and maybe get a gun for protection... goodness, my roots are showing and i love it:) i will take a concealed weapons class and be educated, don't worry! (pretty sure i am going to be able to talk lindsey jo into doing this one with me as well.) lindsey and i purchased a living social and we are going jan. 5th, so excited. i am still looking into getting my concealed weapons permit and all that.
22. i want to go to the CMA awards in nashville for my 30th birthday. i have already informed lindsey and crystal and they say they are on board, so we will see. it is the one thing i want to do for my birthday:) how awesome and fantastic would that be!!! - while i could not be more thankful for how awesome my birthday celebrations were, this one is probably the one that i am most sad that didn't happen. if i had expendable incomes and lots of connections, maybe i could have made it happen, but it didn't happen. i am hopeful that one day i can cross this off of my bucket list.
23. spend less and save more! i got out of debt in 2010/early 2011, except for my student loans and my mortgage, so my big thing for this year to live by a budget and to SAVE money! - this is probably my biggest goal for 2013 as i want to buy a new car without financing
24. adopt/sponsor a child from a third world country, more than likely haiti and possibly from mission of hope, my church had the information one sunday and i didn't do it, but i have been praying about it and i need to do it:) - i sponsor jasmine, the little girl that has stolen my heart at cambry in les cayes, haiti.... i am praying about sponsoring one from MOH, the organization i just returned from in november this year
25. purge, i have a lot of stuff that i don't need, that others would be so blessed by. i need to donate to people who need it:) - i have been purging a lot of my clothes to consignment, goodwill, or to people who need them and i had a yard sale for one of my haiti trips and that was a great way to purge
26. either go sky diving or on a hot air balloon ride:) yes, i really want to do one of the two. - my mom and i did this for her birthday and my 30th, but we did it back in may, it was AWESOME to do something like this with my mother:)
27. learn to do a complete push up (weakest arms in life) - i am a lot stronger and proud of myself on this one, i can almost do a complete one not on my knees, huge ACCOMPLISHMENT for this weakling
28. crafting/DIY projects - one or two nights a month, take time to enjoy crafting and doing things i find on pinterest. after all, it is cheaper and super cute! - haha, what was i thinking, i don't like to sit still, i like to be on the go
29. look into going back to Haiti or on another mission trip... really praying about this one and trying to figure out where God may want me to go. - well, pray about one and you may go on two, hehe... i went in July with Blessback and then in November with NCC:)
30. spend a weekend in the mountains, possibly go skiing, oh goodness this could be hilarious. this is so happening, as we are going for Jillian's 30th, and i am so excited about a little mountain fun:) - i have been to the mountains three times this year and they have all been awesome trips with great friends, super thankful for these trips and great memories.
so for the past few years, i have made a list of things to do with the amount of things to do correlating to the age i turn that year. the first two years, i did pretty good, but for some reason last year i didn't to well. this year, i debated not doing a list, but let's face it, i turn 30 this year and i want to have a fun list, a list with small things that i can do to make myself a better version of me, and i am going to really try hard to do these things. i have been reading lots of devotions from proverbs 31 ministries, from streams of the desert, and from made to crave, and know that i can so do this with the help from the Creator of everything, My Heavenly Father:) so, some of these may be repeats, others will be knew, but regardless, i don't want to look back and think that life passed me by... you only get one and i want to know that I spent my days on this earth, drawing closer to God, having fun with friends, helping/serving others, not working all the time, and being the best version of myself! here's to my 30th year of life being the best yet!
1. reading the Bible - i'm going to be real honest here, reading is so not fun to me, no matter what it is, so instead of trying to be like everyone else, i am going to do what is best for me. i am going to focus on small amounts and really pray and focus on those. i've really got to work on not comparing/worrying what other people think. if anyone has reading plans for the Bible that are SMALL, short passages at a time, i am so for that, send them my way. good news, i am reading the the kids storybook bible, and it is fantastic, adults will like it too... works for me and on my level, but still working on reading my Bible more
2. make my bed each day - why is this on my list every year, but so far in 2012, every day that i have been home, i have made my day, so we are on the right track, haha - i'll give myself a failing grade on this one, but i work from home, live by myself and no one is ever here, it doesn't matter, but the rest of my house is spotless, haha
3. learn to sew - i met a girl at church who knows how, so hopefully one saturday, i can pay her to teach me, i hope she has a lot of patience, things do not come easy to this girl. maybe one day, can't seem to find the right person to teach me. my friend christine tried, but we never finished up. in fact, my sewing machine is still there.
4. go hiking and spend some time outdoors - for this somewhat girly girl, most of you are probably laughing, God created a beautiful world and nature is pretty, so i think it would do me some good to get out and enjoy it!!! my friend kase and i made a list of fun things to do in the next six months on new years day, and this made the list, so i think this will happen:) didn't really happen, but i am hopeful that i'll meet the man of my dreams soon and we can do this together, hahahaha.
5. food - i want to continue with my trying new foods and restaurants. i have lived in charlotte for over three years now and there are several restaurants that i have not tried, so i want to try at least five new ones this year and five new foods. i am going to cabo fish taco in two weeks, which i have wanted to go for a while, so we are already on our to a good start!!! - can't really think of a lot of specific foods i tried, but i did try some new restaurants:: cabo fish taco, crepe cellar, fern, cowfish, and i am sure there are others:)
6. serve in the local community more, plain and simple, just do it! - our church partners with greenway park, still volunteer with make a wish, and will continue to do as much as i can.
7. read more, let's face it, i said it before and everyone who knows me, knows this... i hate reading, but i have set a small goal to read 10 minutes a day, everyday. so, the first book i am reading is 1000 gifts:) - i am going to stop putting this on any list, i don't like to do it, haha.
8. break the starbucks addiction, haha - who would have ever thought that i would be so addicted to coffee. i got a keurig for christmas, so i am hoping this will help. i am drinking more coffee at home. new goal, $25/month at starbucks, I CAN DO THIS:) - according to the fact that i got 9 starbucks giftcards for my birthday, i'd say this would be a negative and i am okay with it. i have found new drinks that cost less and have less calories... Sbux 1, Kelsey 0
9. i want to go ziplining. seriously, love all things related to heights, not scared at all, so this has to happen this year! - still want to do this, so much
10. personal fitness goal:: lose 15 pounds. - this is a must for overall health and well-being:)
11. continue to get better at crocheting, i enjoy it but don't stop and sit still long enough to do it often enough... so improve, do more, and learn more patterns - needs improvement
12. be more focused in general, i get easily distracted. i think one way to be more focused would be to turn the TV off and read, journal, pray, etc. i think in this fast paced world that we live, we all need to do this more
13. try to write daily in my peaks/pits/praise/prayers journal. saw this on pinterest, and i love it!!! - i did good for six months, haha
14. cook more often. i would save so much more if i broke down and cooked more and ate leftovers, so i will do this!!! - doesn't happen, i really just do not enjoy cooking
15. try a hot yoga class. - still need to do this, maybe i can squeeze it in before dec. 31
16. live expectantly. i read a verse in my devotion the other night and it is so true. "whatever you ask for in prayer, believe." mark 11:24 - need to remember this verse it is a GOOD one
17. i want to be a counselor at camp care this summer, now if i could get in touch with the right people. hopefully this will happen. i would still love to do this
18. be intentional about catching up with my friends who live in different cities (whitney - baltimore), (kelly - atlanta), (bay, holly, and michele - raleigh), (heather, kaleena, ashley, and candice - raleigh) (casey - raleigh) - life is busy, but that is no excuse as to why we shouldn't stay in touch. i have seen my raleigh friends or more specifically my college friends more in the last three to four months than maybe i have combined since i moved to charlotte, for which i am thankful...candice is about to move, so i need to schedule some more time with her. also, casey moved, so i don't get to see her nearly enough, but before she moved i got some quality time in there. i need to see heather more as well:) i wish i could schedule a trip up to baltimore to see whit, but her and hubby are busy remodeling like crazy:)
19. i've been in the same role at my company for almost five years, and i've been frustrated that i haven't gotten a promotion due to restructuring and the economy, but i want to have a better attitude and really work hard in my current role and see my studies through the end. if and when God decides it is time for me to be promoted, i will be ready. explore different positions that i may want to do in my company, as well. this one i can say i did and did so with hard work, i got a new position in site management, i am now a strategic site relationship manager at my company:)
20. try something new, anything. -
21. i want to go to a shooting range and maybe get a gun for protection... goodness, my roots are showing and i love it:) i will take a concealed weapons class and be educated, don't worry! (pretty sure i am going to be able to talk lindsey jo into doing this one with me as well.) lindsey and i purchased a living social and we are going jan. 5th, so excited. i am still looking into getting my concealed weapons permit and all that.
22. i want to go to the CMA awards in nashville for my 30th birthday. i have already informed lindsey and crystal and they say they are on board, so we will see. it is the one thing i want to do for my birthday:) how awesome and fantastic would that be!!! - while i could not be more thankful for how awesome my birthday celebrations were, this one is probably the one that i am most sad that didn't happen. if i had expendable incomes and lots of connections, maybe i could have made it happen, but it didn't happen. i am hopeful that one day i can cross this off of my bucket list.
23. spend less and save more! i got out of debt in 2010/early 2011, except for my student loans and my mortgage, so my big thing for this year to live by a budget and to SAVE money! - this is probably my biggest goal for 2013 as i want to buy a new car without financing
24. adopt/sponsor a child from a third world country, more than likely haiti and possibly from mission of hope, my church had the information one sunday and i didn't do it, but i have been praying about it and i need to do it:) - i sponsor jasmine, the little girl that has stolen my heart at cambry in les cayes, haiti.... i am praying about sponsoring one from MOH, the organization i just returned from in november this year
25. purge, i have a lot of stuff that i don't need, that others would be so blessed by. i need to donate to people who need it:) - i have been purging a lot of my clothes to consignment, goodwill, or to people who need them and i had a yard sale for one of my haiti trips and that was a great way to purge
26. either go sky diving or on a hot air balloon ride:) yes, i really want to do one of the two. - my mom and i did this for her birthday and my 30th, but we did it back in may, it was AWESOME to do something like this with my mother:)
27. learn to do a complete push up (weakest arms in life) - i am a lot stronger and proud of myself on this one, i can almost do a complete one not on my knees, huge ACCOMPLISHMENT for this weakling
28. crafting/DIY projects - one or two nights a month, take time to enjoy crafting and doing things i find on pinterest. after all, it is cheaper and super cute! - haha, what was i thinking, i don't like to sit still, i like to be on the go
29. look into going back to Haiti or on another mission trip... really praying about this one and trying to figure out where God may want me to go. - well, pray about one and you may go on two, hehe... i went in July with Blessback and then in November with NCC:)
30. spend a weekend in the mountains, possibly go skiing, oh goodness this could be hilarious. this is so happening, as we are going for Jillian's 30th, and i am so excited about a little mountain fun:) - i have been to the mountains three times this year and they have all been awesome trips with great friends, super thankful for these trips and great memories.
Friday, November 9, 2012
haiti 3.0
i leave for my third trip to haiti in 14 months time in less than 36 hours... i need to be asleep at this moment, but of course, my mind won't stop running through things i may forget or maybe i am starting to get a little nervous. it is funny with each trip i am a little less nervous, but with this one adds a new element, as i am not going back to cambry- the orphanage where i have spent my time the previous two trips. i am going with my church this time, new charlotte, and i am excited, but my heart is heavy that i will not be able to see jasmine. that sweet little girl, with a little sassy on the side (which i absolutely love) will not be there to greet me. so, let me start by asking you to pray that i am reminded that our loving Heavenly Father is watching over her and that i can go to cambry another time. for this time, God has called me to a new orphanage and a new place in Haiti to meet new people and for that i am very excited.
when i was trying to decide, going back and forth, trying to think of the logistical reasons why i shouldn't go twice in one year, God kept nudging me and saying that he would work it out. i had many friends who were also sources of encouragement, but i am always so thankful when God sends us tangible reminders of His plan. when i went to check my vacation time at work, even after entering my desired days off for christmas and thanksgiving, i still had exactly one week left of vacation that i could not carry over that i would have lost (coincidence, yeah right... He was saying... i'm moving the obstacles). when i worried about the money, he helped me come up with a great idea to raise money without having to ask for just donations. i love kids, as we all know, so i babysat and instead of paying me, they gave money towards my trip... i even had a family i used to babysit for all the time in raleigh donate (they are so special to me) and they wanted to help. teresa, my friend's mom, with whom i lived for a few months also wanted to help and gave me money (she repeatedly told me, there are senders and there are doers or people who go)... and last i donated some clothes to a family member and she donated to my trip. i added it all up and would you believe i had exactly the right amount, i shouldn't be shocked, because God is always going to provide the way, when it is in His will!!! tonight, one of my close friends even gave me additional money as she knows herself how expensive preparation for mission trips are, so that paid for my food/snacks for the trip, cannot thank her enough.
with all of this, i am so excited, there is a lot of love to give and share in this heart of mine. i am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity, and i cannot wait to share this experience with you all when i get back, for now my hope is that i will be able to share Christ's love to a country who needs it. will you please join me in prayer for the following::
1. pray for safe travel
2. pray for no sickness
3. pray that we are able to help in whatever capacity or need mission of hope has for us... whether it be construction, painting, cleaning, playing with the kids, etc...
4. pray that we will be able to visit the villages and the people and serve them by showing them Christ's love
i also have an additional prayer request:: my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer again this week, this time it is skin cancer, but the type that spreads. he will have surgery to remove the cancerous nodule on monday, while i am away. please lift him up in prayer, that he will be comforted, rest while in the hospital next week, and that the cancer is localized and that it has not spread.
thanks for all of the support, prayers, and if you would like to follow our team blog while we are in haiti, please click on the following link
http://www.
when i was trying to decide, going back and forth, trying to think of the logistical reasons why i shouldn't go twice in one year, God kept nudging me and saying that he would work it out. i had many friends who were also sources of encouragement, but i am always so thankful when God sends us tangible reminders of His plan. when i went to check my vacation time at work, even after entering my desired days off for christmas and thanksgiving, i still had exactly one week left of vacation that i could not carry over that i would have lost (coincidence, yeah right... He was saying... i'm moving the obstacles). when i worried about the money, he helped me come up with a great idea to raise money without having to ask for just donations. i love kids, as we all know, so i babysat and instead of paying me, they gave money towards my trip... i even had a family i used to babysit for all the time in raleigh donate (they are so special to me) and they wanted to help. teresa, my friend's mom, with whom i lived for a few months also wanted to help and gave me money (she repeatedly told me, there are senders and there are doers or people who go)... and last i donated some clothes to a family member and she donated to my trip. i added it all up and would you believe i had exactly the right amount, i shouldn't be shocked, because God is always going to provide the way, when it is in His will!!! tonight, one of my close friends even gave me additional money as she knows herself how expensive preparation for mission trips are, so that paid for my food/snacks for the trip, cannot thank her enough.
with all of this, i am so excited, there is a lot of love to give and share in this heart of mine. i am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity, and i cannot wait to share this experience with you all when i get back, for now my hope is that i will be able to share Christ's love to a country who needs it. will you please join me in prayer for the following::
1. pray for safe travel
2. pray for no sickness
3. pray that we are able to help in whatever capacity or need mission of hope has for us... whether it be construction, painting, cleaning, playing with the kids, etc...
4. pray that we will be able to visit the villages and the people and serve them by showing them Christ's love
i also have an additional prayer request:: my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer again this week, this time it is skin cancer, but the type that spreads. he will have surgery to remove the cancerous nodule on monday, while i am away. please lift him up in prayer, that he will be comforted, rest while in the hospital next week, and that the cancer is localized and that it has not spread.
thanks for all of the support, prayers, and if you would like to follow our team blog while we are in haiti, please click on the following link
http://www.
Sunday, October 28, 2012
respect during an election season
i have tried really hard to keep quiet during this election year, more than anything... i want to respect every one's right to vote and their opinions. the past few days, i have been made to feel "stupid" or ignorant, maybe not knowingly, but i am pretty sure my friends know where i stand. so, this is my outlet, and i feel like my voice/opinion needs to be heard.
first and foremost, i am a christian and my own convictions/beliefs (just mine, not speaking for every believer here) do typically align with more conservative values. i'll go ahead and get the two big ones out on the table.
abortion in my book is killing an innocent baby. i personally believe that at the point of conception, a fetus is a human life. yes, there are horrible circumstances in which many people think abortion is necessary, but i do not feel this way. you may think this is asinine, insane, ludicrous, crazy, whatever, but this is my personal belief. i believe that God has specifically thought of each and every person, and i don't think it is our decision to terminate/kill a baby that our God/creator thought of... every little detail (from that baby's hair color, if they will be talkative or not, if they will be short or tall, etc. i'll reference the bible in case you want to know where this thought/belief/reference comes from...
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
"Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
i know and have heard many of my own friends talk about how crazy it is that as a woman that i would let politicians make decisions for me about my body, well to that i say, i put my faith and trust in God and i pray that the leaders of our country will do that as well. i know many of you may not agree with me, and that is okay. that is why we live in a country where we are all entitled to our opinion and the beauty of a democracy.
same sex marriage - i am not going to spend a long time on this one. the Bible is pretty clear here, so i do not agree with this. do i dislike people who are homosexuals, of course not. the Bible is also very clear that we should love one another. i have family that i dearly love that are in same sex relationships, while she and i both know what the Bible says, that doesn't mean that i treat her differently, nor do I love her any less. i am not judging anyone, for me, and my beliefs, i am going to vote for someone who has the same beliefs as me.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind, it is abomination. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things (Leviticus 18:22, 24)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 ESV)
so, the other issues... i will not say that i 100% agree with all issues, but what i will say is this... our deficit is out of control, we have got to stop spending. we all know that. i don't agree with giving as many handouts as we have been, it has to stop somewhere and people need to start working, for example, people on welfare need to work. i have read about this and both candidates agree that they should. as for the economy in general, we definitely need change/rebuilding...
i was talking to my dad the other day, and he was telling me about a friend of the family who used to run two electronic/appliance stores and due to the recession/failing economy one of them closed, so now after 25 years or more, he now runs the smaller store that is barely surviving, but only after driving a school bus in the morning, running this store during the day, driving the bus in the afternoon, and has another job, i believe cleaning after all of that, just to make ends meet.
my parents, work harder than they ever have, to make ends meet, and they have never asked for help. my dad, at almost 60 years old, works (self-employed) as a painter/pressure washer/cabinet stainer in his business which at times may require 12-14 days and then works part time at the sheriff's department as a janitor/maintenance, to supplement when business is slow and to make ends meet. my mom has worked as an insurance agent for nearly 15 years. they work so hard, but at the same time, the economy isn't thriving, so times are tough.
i want someone in office that can create change and create jobs and a thriving economy and i believe that is romney/ryan. i've read his five point plan, and i am especially like with point 4 and point 5.
Part four is to cut the deficit, reducing the size of government and getting the national debt under control so that America remains a place where businesses want to open up shop and hire.
Finally, part five of Mitt’s plan is to champion small business. Small businesses are the engine of job creation in this country, but they will struggle to succeed if taxes and regulations are too burdensome or if a government in Washington does its best to stifle them. Mitt will pursue comprehensive tax reform that lowers tax rates for all Americans, and he will cut back on the red tape that drives up costs and discourages hiring.
with all of this, i'll close by saying, i do not think that my friends who are voting for obama are wrong or stupid, that is your right, and i am grateful that we live in a country where we are entitled to vote and voice our opinion. regardless of who wins on nov. 6th, i know that i will be praying for the leaders of our country, i cannot imagine the stress that is riding on our the president/vice president's shoulders. i do not have to always agree/support the decisions made by him, but i can pray. so, all i ask is that you not make rude, disrespectful comments about who i am voting for, and i will continue to do the same. our country as a whole will be making that decision on nov. 6th. even though we may have a difference in opinion that doesn't mean that i don't still love/like you, it just means we don't see eye to eye on this and that is okay. please don't think it is just because i am "stupid" or "ignorant." i have done my research, and this is just my opinion.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2: 1-2)
and we that, i'm back to not saying anything, just needed to say to get that off of my chest.
exercise your right for your voice to be heard and go VOTE:)
first and foremost, i am a christian and my own convictions/beliefs (just mine, not speaking for every believer here) do typically align with more conservative values. i'll go ahead and get the two big ones out on the table.
abortion in my book is killing an innocent baby. i personally believe that at the point of conception, a fetus is a human life. yes, there are horrible circumstances in which many people think abortion is necessary, but i do not feel this way. you may think this is asinine, insane, ludicrous, crazy, whatever, but this is my personal belief. i believe that God has specifically thought of each and every person, and i don't think it is our decision to terminate/kill a baby that our God/creator thought of... every little detail (from that baby's hair color, if they will be talkative or not, if they will be short or tall, etc. i'll reference the bible in case you want to know where this thought/belief/reference comes from...
"For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139:13-14)
"Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations." (Jeremiah 1:4-5).
i know and have heard many of my own friends talk about how crazy it is that as a woman that i would let politicians make decisions for me about my body, well to that i say, i put my faith and trust in God and i pray that the leaders of our country will do that as well. i know many of you may not agree with me, and that is okay. that is why we live in a country where we are all entitled to our opinion and the beauty of a democracy.
same sex marriage - i am not going to spend a long time on this one. the Bible is pretty clear here, so i do not agree with this. do i dislike people who are homosexuals, of course not. the Bible is also very clear that we should love one another. i have family that i dearly love that are in same sex relationships, while she and i both know what the Bible says, that doesn't mean that i treat her differently, nor do I love her any less. i am not judging anyone, for me, and my beliefs, i am going to vote for someone who has the same beliefs as me.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind, it is abomination. Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things (Leviticus 18:22, 24)
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. (1 John 4:7-8 ESV)
so, the other issues... i will not say that i 100% agree with all issues, but what i will say is this... our deficit is out of control, we have got to stop spending. we all know that. i don't agree with giving as many handouts as we have been, it has to stop somewhere and people need to start working, for example, people on welfare need to work. i have read about this and both candidates agree that they should. as for the economy in general, we definitely need change/rebuilding...
i was talking to my dad the other day, and he was telling me about a friend of the family who used to run two electronic/appliance stores and due to the recession/failing economy one of them closed, so now after 25 years or more, he now runs the smaller store that is barely surviving, but only after driving a school bus in the morning, running this store during the day, driving the bus in the afternoon, and has another job, i believe cleaning after all of that, just to make ends meet.
my parents, work harder than they ever have, to make ends meet, and they have never asked for help. my dad, at almost 60 years old, works (self-employed) as a painter/pressure washer/cabinet stainer in his business which at times may require 12-14 days and then works part time at the sheriff's department as a janitor/maintenance, to supplement when business is slow and to make ends meet. my mom has worked as an insurance agent for nearly 15 years. they work so hard, but at the same time, the economy isn't thriving, so times are tough.
i want someone in office that can create change and create jobs and a thriving economy and i believe that is romney/ryan. i've read his five point plan, and i am especially like with point 4 and point 5.
Part four is to cut the deficit, reducing the size of government and getting the national debt under control so that America remains a place where businesses want to open up shop and hire.
Finally, part five of Mitt’s plan is to champion small business. Small businesses are the engine of job creation in this country, but they will struggle to succeed if taxes and regulations are too burdensome or if a government in Washington does its best to stifle them. Mitt will pursue comprehensive tax reform that lowers tax rates for all Americans, and he will cut back on the red tape that drives up costs and discourages hiring.
with all of this, i'll close by saying, i do not think that my friends who are voting for obama are wrong or stupid, that is your right, and i am grateful that we live in a country where we are entitled to vote and voice our opinion. regardless of who wins on nov. 6th, i know that i will be praying for the leaders of our country, i cannot imagine the stress that is riding on our the president/vice president's shoulders. i do not have to always agree/support the decisions made by him, but i can pray. so, all i ask is that you not make rude, disrespectful comments about who i am voting for, and i will continue to do the same. our country as a whole will be making that decision on nov. 6th. even though we may have a difference in opinion that doesn't mean that i don't still love/like you, it just means we don't see eye to eye on this and that is okay. please don't think it is just because i am "stupid" or "ignorant." i have done my research, and this is just my opinion.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2: 1-2)
and we that, i'm back to not saying anything, just needed to say to get that off of my chest.
exercise your right for your voice to be heard and go VOTE:)
Thursday, October 4, 2012
so beyond thankful...
so, i have written about this before, but now that i have moved into a condo on my own again... i need to take a minute to express my deepest gratitude for how God has provided friends and family to help and that i am sleeping soundly now.
anyone who knows me well, knows that my absolutely biggest fear in life is that someone will break into my house. most of time people laugh or think that i am being funny, but it truly is my biggest fear. i say i could almost handle snakes, spiders, rats, etc more than this fear, and i am really not joking. i remember moving out of my townhouse with my best friend from college, holly (whom i lived with for three years out of college) in raleigh, and her saying, "how do you think you will be living by yourself in charlotte?" i was like, i got this! confidence can go along way, but even with a security system, lots of prayers, furniture against my bedroom door, and locks and double locks, nothing could have prepared me for how scared i was in that house. you have all probably read or heard me talk about it, but the truth is you cannot put a price on peace of mind and sleeping soundly at night.
i think there were so many lessons that God was trying to teach me in the months leading up to moving out of my townhouse. i think i was afraid to move out, as i have a huge fear that making huge financial decisions will cause major problems, and i have worked hard to get where i am today. i didn't want to make the wrong move, and get myself into a bind. i continually prayed for discernment and for peace while making the decision. once i made the decision to move, a lot of things have to go into effect and God totally provided, like He always does. i knew that signing a year lease to a new place right away wouldn't be the smartest move financially, as i didn't want to commit not having renters in my place. i prayed and my friend Christine and her mom came to me with an offer to allow me to stay in Charlotte. there are truly no words to describe Teresa's, Christine's mom, generousity, as she allowed me to stay at her house rent free for three months, while i continued to pay my mortgage. the property management group found renters after 8 weeks, so i am beyound blessed to have renters now and that has been a huge stress reliever. teresa, christine, and her husband doug have done so much for me in the past three months, that i will probably never be able to say thank you. teresa has the biggest heart, and i saw that everyday that i lived there. christ shines through in her life daily; what a witness! she loves to cook, and it brings her joy to be able to provide for others:) christine and doug helped me move stuff from my townhouse to teresa's and even helped move a few things to my condo now; never once did they complain, they did it willingly and i am so thankful for friends like this.
my dad has been a huge support, as he works two jobs and probably works 12-14 hours daily. he never complained though and just stepped up and helped in whatever way possible. he got me storage units (climate controlled) in my hometown for half the price, and even got some of his workers/help in his business to help load all of my furniture from my townhouse to the trailor. my brother got recruited to help as well:) when i moved into my condo he arranged to get the truck and drove here, after loading all of it in lincolnton and helped as much as possible. luckily, another blessing, tyler, jake, and grant were here to help me move, which was a complete blessing. my dad has a bad back, so he isn't able to carry a lot of the real heavy stuff, so the boys and i moved all of it on saturday! i cannot even say thank you enough that these guys would spend two hours on their saturday morning to help me! they all had good attitudes and were laughing the whole time, which made moving not as bad! i must also add that my mother came on saturday and was a total trooper, she never complained until she got hungry, haha. if malia doesn't food, watch it (kidding mom)!!! we had some good laughs! my friend ryan even came and helped me put together an entire desk, it was in three different boxes! we managed not to scream or anything at each other, but it sure did take us like 5 hours. oh, and i should add that lindsey and crystal came the week before i moved in and helped me move a bunch of stuff, what a blessing those two are that they would spend an entire saturday helping me move things and we had such a blast just hanging out, catching up, eating which which, buying couches, etc.
the point of my forever long post and public shout outs to everyone who helped me, is to say that i have been completed reminded of how blessed i am to have such amazing friends and family. sometimes i get caught up in how will i do this or i hate asking for help (much better at helping others), so this was a great example of how we are all called to help/love one another. i just wanted to say how incredibly thankful i am to everyone who helped me, who have prayed for this whole situation to work out, and to praise JESUS that i am sleeping soundly at "FORT KNOX!" all i had to do was ask, and people showed up and were so willing to help! i am reminded in scripture where it says,
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." John 15:12
"Bear one aother's burden's and thus fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2
so, to teresa, christine, doug, grant, tyler, jake, lindsey, crystal, kasey (she helped me pack my townhouse even before she moved), my parents, my brother, charles, david, jessica (even carrying empty boxes), and anyone that i may have left off...
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!
anyone who knows me well, knows that my absolutely biggest fear in life is that someone will break into my house. most of time people laugh or think that i am being funny, but it truly is my biggest fear. i say i could almost handle snakes, spiders, rats, etc more than this fear, and i am really not joking. i remember moving out of my townhouse with my best friend from college, holly (whom i lived with for three years out of college) in raleigh, and her saying, "how do you think you will be living by yourself in charlotte?" i was like, i got this! confidence can go along way, but even with a security system, lots of prayers, furniture against my bedroom door, and locks and double locks, nothing could have prepared me for how scared i was in that house. you have all probably read or heard me talk about it, but the truth is you cannot put a price on peace of mind and sleeping soundly at night.
i think there were so many lessons that God was trying to teach me in the months leading up to moving out of my townhouse. i think i was afraid to move out, as i have a huge fear that making huge financial decisions will cause major problems, and i have worked hard to get where i am today. i didn't want to make the wrong move, and get myself into a bind. i continually prayed for discernment and for peace while making the decision. once i made the decision to move, a lot of things have to go into effect and God totally provided, like He always does. i knew that signing a year lease to a new place right away wouldn't be the smartest move financially, as i didn't want to commit not having renters in my place. i prayed and my friend Christine and her mom came to me with an offer to allow me to stay in Charlotte. there are truly no words to describe Teresa's, Christine's mom, generousity, as she allowed me to stay at her house rent free for three months, while i continued to pay my mortgage. the property management group found renters after 8 weeks, so i am beyound blessed to have renters now and that has been a huge stress reliever. teresa, christine, and her husband doug have done so much for me in the past three months, that i will probably never be able to say thank you. teresa has the biggest heart, and i saw that everyday that i lived there. christ shines through in her life daily; what a witness! she loves to cook, and it brings her joy to be able to provide for others:) christine and doug helped me move stuff from my townhouse to teresa's and even helped move a few things to my condo now; never once did they complain, they did it willingly and i am so thankful for friends like this.
my dad has been a huge support, as he works two jobs and probably works 12-14 hours daily. he never complained though and just stepped up and helped in whatever way possible. he got me storage units (climate controlled) in my hometown for half the price, and even got some of his workers/help in his business to help load all of my furniture from my townhouse to the trailor. my brother got recruited to help as well:) when i moved into my condo he arranged to get the truck and drove here, after loading all of it in lincolnton and helped as much as possible. luckily, another blessing, tyler, jake, and grant were here to help me move, which was a complete blessing. my dad has a bad back, so he isn't able to carry a lot of the real heavy stuff, so the boys and i moved all of it on saturday! i cannot even say thank you enough that these guys would spend two hours on their saturday morning to help me! they all had good attitudes and were laughing the whole time, which made moving not as bad! i must also add that my mother came on saturday and was a total trooper, she never complained until she got hungry, haha. if malia doesn't food, watch it (kidding mom)!!! we had some good laughs! my friend ryan even came and helped me put together an entire desk, it was in three different boxes! we managed not to scream or anything at each other, but it sure did take us like 5 hours. oh, and i should add that lindsey and crystal came the week before i moved in and helped me move a bunch of stuff, what a blessing those two are that they would spend an entire saturday helping me move things and we had such a blast just hanging out, catching up, eating which which, buying couches, etc.
the point of my forever long post and public shout outs to everyone who helped me, is to say that i have been completed reminded of how blessed i am to have such amazing friends and family. sometimes i get caught up in how will i do this or i hate asking for help (much better at helping others), so this was a great example of how we are all called to help/love one another. i just wanted to say how incredibly thankful i am to everyone who helped me, who have prayed for this whole situation to work out, and to praise JESUS that i am sleeping soundly at "FORT KNOX!" all i had to do was ask, and people showed up and were so willing to help! i am reminded in scripture where it says,
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you." John 15:12
"Bear one aother's burden's and thus fulfill the law of Christ." Galations 6:2
so, to teresa, christine, doug, grant, tyler, jake, lindsey, crystal, kasey (she helped me pack my townhouse even before she moved), my parents, my brother, charles, david, jessica (even carrying empty boxes), and anyone that i may have left off...
THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!!!
Saturday, September 15, 2012
family dynamics:: now and then
so, the next day/blog says, describe your family dynamics of your childhood and your family dynamics now... this could take a little while, but i will give it a whirl:)
my biological parents were married the first six years of my life, and we lived in florida til i was 3.5 i believe and then moved to lincolnton (my parents were from here). i have a few, very few, memories of this part of my life, but the dynamic between my biological parents that i remember was not all that great. after they split, i know my grandparents had to step in and help quite a bit, as my mother was basically a single mom for a while. we did have to go to steve's house for visits, but i remember not wanting to go, nor moma wanting us to go. at seven, my biological father passed away and enter my step-dad, who is my dad, but i call him roger or rog. i guess, at seven it was a little too late to start calling someone else daddy. rog enters the scene and basically became the boss, and i didn't like it one bit. he told kendall and i want to do, and didn't let us rule the house anymore.
the dynamics between my extended family were great! my grandmother, who could be the star of my blog with the amount of times i mention her, was like the glue that held us together. she loved so much and it was contagious. she cooked and spoiled each and everyone of her grandkids. i cannot remember a time when i didn't want to go to her house. mom and pops was the best! all in our family got along, we celebrated every holiday and birthday there.
family dynamics have changed a bit. my grandmother has passed away, which has changed things a bit. we have all gotten older and people are busy. we celebrate holidays at my parent's house, which is not the house i grew up in, but it is spacious and nice! some have married and divorced, so we have new family members. we try to get together as much as possible.
within my own family, jamie and jennifer are together, chris and lisa are married, and kendall and kevin are married.... our family has grown. family get togethers are different. even christmas morning is different, but that is what happens when you get older. kendall and kevin are about to have a baby, so that is going to change things even more. i am excited to be an aunt.
my biological parents were married the first six years of my life, and we lived in florida til i was 3.5 i believe and then moved to lincolnton (my parents were from here). i have a few, very few, memories of this part of my life, but the dynamic between my biological parents that i remember was not all that great. after they split, i know my grandparents had to step in and help quite a bit, as my mother was basically a single mom for a while. we did have to go to steve's house for visits, but i remember not wanting to go, nor moma wanting us to go. at seven, my biological father passed away and enter my step-dad, who is my dad, but i call him roger or rog. i guess, at seven it was a little too late to start calling someone else daddy. rog enters the scene and basically became the boss, and i didn't like it one bit. he told kendall and i want to do, and didn't let us rule the house anymore.
the dynamics between my extended family were great! my grandmother, who could be the star of my blog with the amount of times i mention her, was like the glue that held us together. she loved so much and it was contagious. she cooked and spoiled each and everyone of her grandkids. i cannot remember a time when i didn't want to go to her house. mom and pops was the best! all in our family got along, we celebrated every holiday and birthday there.
family dynamics have changed a bit. my grandmother has passed away, which has changed things a bit. we have all gotten older and people are busy. we celebrate holidays at my parent's house, which is not the house i grew up in, but it is spacious and nice! some have married and divorced, so we have new family members. we try to get together as much as possible.
within my own family, jamie and jennifer are together, chris and lisa are married, and kendall and kevin are married.... our family has grown. family get togethers are different. even christmas morning is different, but that is what happens when you get older. kendall and kevin are about to have a baby, so that is going to change things even more. i am excited to be an aunt.
my top 5 hobbies and why i love them
i have always disliked this question, why might you ask.... i wasn't gifted (to my knowledge in the past 29 years) with any real talents, so i could never say, basketball, swimming, etc. i guess i should be glad it is really asking what i like to do. 1) i absolutely love to scrapbook, i absolutely love to put pictures and memories in a book and to be able to flip back through. i love all the detail and that i can be a little creative if i want:) 2) i really like to crochet, no i am not 90, but especially during the winter months it is nice to be able to crochet a scarf a hat. casey taught me the basics and my great aunt jean, who just passed away, was great at it. she got me magazines and taught me some things as well. 3) i really like to clean, yes i said it... kasey smith, if you are reading this, i hope you are laughing. i enjoy organizing and cleaning, a little too much, but it is what it is. 4) i love decorating my house for holidays and things... it just makes me happy to come home and have a place that is decorating for whatever holiday it may be. my mother was never much on the decorating, so it has been fun to do it having my own place. 5) last but not least, i really enjoy going to sporting events... lame to some, and maybe not really a hobby, but i like it and could go to a college football game every weekend:)
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
what i'm loving wednesdays
so i see this on other people's blogs and i thought i do it tonight. sometimes i think taking the time to focus on fun, positive, and good things and taking a break from the worry is just what we need...
so, what i'm loving right now
... that my "name twin" as we like to call each other, kelsey (her last name is moore) from church and i have been meeting up at the gym a lot. it keeps me accountable and it is fun to work out with friends...
...that i got to spend some quality time with holly and michele tuesday night with some pei wei, baskin robbins, and bachelor pad finale...
...that i am going to the clemson game this saturday, never been to death valley, love some college football...
...along the same lines, that it is college football season...
...that i potentially found a new place to live (rent), it is gated and access controlled, woohoo...
...that i got to see casey-c this morning for breakfast, a week long stay in raleigh, just happened to be when i was there for training...
...that i faced my fear of going back to athletic conditioning tonight and didn't die...
... that i can tell the people at starbucks to put one less pump in my drink, so it is less sweet and less calories, it is so much better...
...three way texts with my two favorite k/caseys, iphones are the way to go...
...that i am understanding my "not so new" job more and more...
...this great new polish, "miss fancy pants" and that i am have been painting my own nails each week, it looks great and saves me money...
so, what i'm loving right now
... that my "name twin" as we like to call each other, kelsey (her last name is moore) from church and i have been meeting up at the gym a lot. it keeps me accountable and it is fun to work out with friends...
...that i got to spend some quality time with holly and michele tuesday night with some pei wei, baskin robbins, and bachelor pad finale...
...that i am going to the clemson game this saturday, never been to death valley, love some college football...
...along the same lines, that it is college football season...
...that i potentially found a new place to live (rent), it is gated and access controlled, woohoo...
...that i got to see casey-c this morning for breakfast, a week long stay in raleigh, just happened to be when i was there for training...
...that i faced my fear of going back to athletic conditioning tonight and didn't die...
... that i can tell the people at starbucks to put one less pump in my drink, so it is less sweet and less calories, it is so much better...
...three way texts with my two favorite k/caseys, iphones are the way to go...
...that i am understanding my "not so new" job more and more...
...this great new polish, "miss fancy pants" and that i am have been painting my own nails each week, it looks great and saves me money...
Saturday, September 8, 2012
day 22, or should i say, blog 22, is the future...
here do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years? and 15 years?
i think ten years ago, it would have been easy for me to write an entire blog on where "I" wanted my life to be, but the truth is, God has a plan for my life, and He already knows exactly what is going to happen and when. don't get me wrong i still have hopes and dreams, but i have learned in more recent years that i have to be willing to submit my plans, my desires, to Him, as His plans are always greater than our own. for example, i would have never thought that part of my plan would have been to go on two mission trips in the last two years, but how good for my heart both of these trips have been. i am not going to lie, i have to pray and surrender this particular issue to Him ALL THE TIME. for a girl who likes to control things, it is not easy, but we are all works in progress:)
so, just for fun, i'll at least answer:)
5 years from now, i will be 35. i, with all of my heart, hope and pray that i am married and have a kid or two. just saying i will be 35 scares me, goodness where does time go. if i am not, then i see myself probably going back to nursing school to be a pediatric oncology nurse, because well, why not?
10 years from now, i will be fastly approaching 40, since i am not technically 30 yet, i'll slow my roll. i hope that i am married, and that my husband and i are following God's will for our lives, whether that be in charlotte or in some other unknown location. i pray that if i have kids, that they are close to my parents and my husband's parents like i was close to my grandparents - just saying, they were my best friends:) i hope that i am not working like a dog, but i do hope that i am still able to work in some capacity or volunteer.. something.
15 years, goodness, that would be 44/45... that seems older, haha. i will say that all of where i see myself at this age depends on what happens prior too, so we will see:)
all of this to say that whatever God's plan is, i will do my best to choose JOY!!! while there are many days when i am tired of being lonely, i just need to remember i am never alone, He is WITH me.
on to the next day, how about something funny:)
i think ten years ago, it would have been easy for me to write an entire blog on where "I" wanted my life to be, but the truth is, God has a plan for my life, and He already knows exactly what is going to happen and when. don't get me wrong i still have hopes and dreams, but i have learned in more recent years that i have to be willing to submit my plans, my desires, to Him, as His plans are always greater than our own. for example, i would have never thought that part of my plan would have been to go on two mission trips in the last two years, but how good for my heart both of these trips have been. i am not going to lie, i have to pray and surrender this particular issue to Him ALL THE TIME. for a girl who likes to control things, it is not easy, but we are all works in progress:)
so, just for fun, i'll at least answer:)
5 years from now, i will be 35. i, with all of my heart, hope and pray that i am married and have a kid or two. just saying i will be 35 scares me, goodness where does time go. if i am not, then i see myself probably going back to nursing school to be a pediatric oncology nurse, because well, why not?
10 years from now, i will be fastly approaching 40, since i am not technically 30 yet, i'll slow my roll. i hope that i am married, and that my husband and i are following God's will for our lives, whether that be in charlotte or in some other unknown location. i pray that if i have kids, that they are close to my parents and my husband's parents like i was close to my grandparents - just saying, they were my best friends:) i hope that i am not working like a dog, but i do hope that i am still able to work in some capacity or volunteer.. something.
15 years, goodness, that would be 44/45... that seems older, haha. i will say that all of where i see myself at this age depends on what happens prior too, so we will see:)
all of this to say that whatever God's plan is, i will do my best to choose JOY!!! while there are many days when i am tired of being lonely, i just need to remember i am never alone, He is WITH me.
on to the next day, how about something funny:)
superpowers, ha
the next blog topic this 30 day challenge, that has already taken me like two months, is if i could have any superpower what would it be and why? well, this took me no time, i would always know what people are thinking/read people's minds. for someone who has always been so bad at assuming and thinking the worst in what people think of me, i would just really like to know. i hate things to be sugar coated, i want to know the bare bones truth. while this would probably come with a lot of confusion, heartache, and maybe some good laughs, i think for a while it would be nice to know what people really think.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
pride/humility:: a work in progress
i'm about to get real personal, but not very many people read this, so I feel like i can use this as a way to write a few of my thoughts and it be okay. to the few that do, maybe a verse or two will help you too (oh and thanks for reading)!
no matter what happens in life, good or bad, i love how God always uses the events and things in our lives to teach us something. it is funny, a lot of times, i think i have mastered just how to suppress my feelings, how to put on a good show for everyone to make them think i have it all together. while i may share things about my life, i rarely let people know how much things really affect me. i was telling my best friend, lindsey jo and my mom just over the weekend and the past few days, that the Holy Spirit has really been revealing to me that i have a major issue with pride with ultimately means i have issues with self-centeredness. i remember about six months ago, we were discussing this very thing in our small group one night, and the study basically said that having too much pride or feeling sorry for yourself means you are being too self-centered. i have always thought that i put others first and am a pretty thoughtful person, so self-centeredness was something i thought i was free and clear of. well, here i am six months later, and it has been become so clear to me that this is definitely a bigger issue that i have got to face. the truth is that i don't have it all together. the truth is i am sinner, i hurt just like everyone else, i hope like everyone else, i feel pain and get rejected just like everyone else, i make mistakes just like everyone else, and the list could go on and on.
growing up and especially on into high school, i wanted nothing more than to go to college and to become successful. so much so, that my high school class voted me, "most likely to succeed" as my senior class superlative. i have always felt like i had something to prove, but the truth is, i have nothing to prove. so many times i said, "i want to move away from lincolnton, and i don't want to move back." i am not really sure who i was trying to impress, but what i will tell you is that at almost 30, i now know that there is so much more to life than making it in corporate america. the truth is, there is more to kelsey morgan, than just a drive to succeed. the truth is there has always been a girl who desperately wanted to be noticed, to feel pretty, and only in recent years have i truly grasp that i can only find this from my Heavenly Father and not from anyone here on this earth. i would say that i put on the biggest show/front for anyone in my hometown. i want everyone to think i have it all together, but again, i humbly say, i don't. while i have faith and trust that one day God's plan will be revealed and He will give me the desires of my heart, the truth is, there are days when i am lonely. i try to put up many defenses, to keep from letting people see the pain, but the truth is pride is ugly. when you know there is something to be learned, i have found that scripture is the best place to go...
so tonight, i looked up several verses on pride/humility and i thought i would share these::
Matthew 18:3-4
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Proverbs 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
no matter what happens in life, good or bad, i love how God always uses the events and things in our lives to teach us something. it is funny, a lot of times, i think i have mastered just how to suppress my feelings, how to put on a good show for everyone to make them think i have it all together. while i may share things about my life, i rarely let people know how much things really affect me. i was telling my best friend, lindsey jo and my mom just over the weekend and the past few days, that the Holy Spirit has really been revealing to me that i have a major issue with pride with ultimately means i have issues with self-centeredness. i remember about six months ago, we were discussing this very thing in our small group one night, and the study basically said that having too much pride or feeling sorry for yourself means you are being too self-centered. i have always thought that i put others first and am a pretty thoughtful person, so self-centeredness was something i thought i was free and clear of. well, here i am six months later, and it has been become so clear to me that this is definitely a bigger issue that i have got to face. the truth is that i don't have it all together. the truth is i am sinner, i hurt just like everyone else, i hope like everyone else, i feel pain and get rejected just like everyone else, i make mistakes just like everyone else, and the list could go on and on.
growing up and especially on into high school, i wanted nothing more than to go to college and to become successful. so much so, that my high school class voted me, "most likely to succeed" as my senior class superlative. i have always felt like i had something to prove, but the truth is, i have nothing to prove. so many times i said, "i want to move away from lincolnton, and i don't want to move back." i am not really sure who i was trying to impress, but what i will tell you is that at almost 30, i now know that there is so much more to life than making it in corporate america. the truth is, there is more to kelsey morgan, than just a drive to succeed. the truth is there has always been a girl who desperately wanted to be noticed, to feel pretty, and only in recent years have i truly grasp that i can only find this from my Heavenly Father and not from anyone here on this earth. i would say that i put on the biggest show/front for anyone in my hometown. i want everyone to think i have it all together, but again, i humbly say, i don't. while i have faith and trust that one day God's plan will be revealed and He will give me the desires of my heart, the truth is, there are days when i am lonely. i try to put up many defenses, to keep from letting people see the pain, but the truth is pride is ugly. when you know there is something to be learned, i have found that scripture is the best place to go...
so tonight, i looked up several verses on pride/humility and i thought i would share these::
Matthew 18:3-4
And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Proverbs 25:9
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.
Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Ephesians 4:2
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
3 significant childhood memories
1) going to my grandparents house and mom having the bottom drawer full of toys for all of us grandkids... it was full of coloring books, books, and the suzie doll... also just going to mom and pops and just being completely spoiled and having so much fun... the carport was like grand central station. she had a mode of transportation for all of us... scooters, wagons, swings, bikes, you name it. she had slip-n-slides for us... they had six grandkids and goodness she would give us the world. priceless memories.
2) i went to country club children's academy as a child (so did kendall) and one particular day popaw abbey came to get us (it was not planned)... moma would tell us when he was going to. this must have been before moma and roger were married, so i immediately went into panic mode (it should also be noted that i couldn't have been any older than 7, haha). i am sure i was just scared, not that i didn't like popaw abbey, we loved going to momaw and popaw abbey's. we watched the golden girls, had pinto beans, cornbread, and crisper french fries, haha. when popaw abbey showed up at nearly six or after, they closed at 6, i knew something wasn't right. he said my mother had been in an accident. or dear, to a six or maybe almost seven year old, whose biological father had just passed away (literally when i was six), i was terrified. moma ended up being fine, but she was just unable to pick us up. i will never forget that day though.
3) this one is just another good memory:: on saturdays, my mother, sister, aunt, and cousin would all go to pizza hut with our book it certificates and then head to hickory to go to the mall... i loved all the family time and me, kendall, and dena were so close.
2) i went to country club children's academy as a child (so did kendall) and one particular day popaw abbey came to get us (it was not planned)... moma would tell us when he was going to. this must have been before moma and roger were married, so i immediately went into panic mode (it should also be noted that i couldn't have been any older than 7, haha). i am sure i was just scared, not that i didn't like popaw abbey, we loved going to momaw and popaw abbey's. we watched the golden girls, had pinto beans, cornbread, and crisper french fries, haha. when popaw abbey showed up at nearly six or after, they closed at 6, i knew something wasn't right. he said my mother had been in an accident. or dear, to a six or maybe almost seven year old, whose biological father had just passed away (literally when i was six), i was terrified. moma ended up being fine, but she was just unable to pick us up. i will never forget that day though.
3) this one is just another good memory:: on saturdays, my mother, sister, aunt, and cousin would all go to pizza hut with our book it certificates and then head to hickory to go to the mall... i loved all the family time and me, kendall, and dena were so close.
Friday, August 10, 2012
day 19: if i could live anywhere, where and why?
well, if i could live anywhere, without thinking or analyzing it would be cambry or in haiti with lots of little children loving on them, but realistically that isn't me. it is funny the other day, i said, i really hope God isn't calling me to live there, i would die of a heat stroke and probably be too skinny to survive, i don't eat a lot there.
so, more realistically, i would live in memphis, tennessee, haha.. i hope you are all laughing... i would go back to school to be a nurse in pediatric oncology and work at st. jude's! i have talked about this before, but that is what i would do. i know memphis probably isn't the best geographically, but my heart would be full and happy. i absolutely love children and love to help sick kids, i know that sounds weird, but that is the passion that God has given me.
now, in all truthfulness, i am completely content in charlotte. i really do not have a desire to leave here. i have no idea where God is calling me. we will see, but for now, this is where i am and i am trusting that this is where He wants me:)
so, more realistically, i would live in memphis, tennessee, haha.. i hope you are all laughing... i would go back to school to be a nurse in pediatric oncology and work at st. jude's! i have talked about this before, but that is what i would do. i know memphis probably isn't the best geographically, but my heart would be full and happy. i absolutely love children and love to help sick kids, i know that sounds weird, but that is the passion that God has given me.
now, in all truthfulness, i am completely content in charlotte. i really do not have a desire to leave here. i have no idea where God is calling me. we will see, but for now, this is where i am and i am trusting that this is where He wants me:)
Day 18: The most difficult thing you have had to forgive
honestly, this one is tough for me because as a christian God commands us to forgive, so i don't feel like i have had to really struggle with something to forgive someone. i think that i have been super blessed and God has allowed me to have a lot of grace and forgiveness in my life so that i don't have to have hatred, grudges, etc. don't get me wrong there are people and things that people have done that i don't like, but i guess the biggest thing would be when my grandmother was miss diagnosed at the emergency room in may 2009. i was with her and left to take a conference call for work and when i came back they were releasing her and sent her home. she was still very much uncomfortable and in pain. she looked as if she was 4-5 months pregnant, they simply said she was constipated. i knew, with the medical knowledge i have, that something was not right. my intuition said, this isn't right, but i wanted to trust the doctors. they sent her home with magnesium citrate and said, drink that and the constipation should go away... well, i won't go into the long story again, but 12 hours later she wasn't with us anymore. i had to pray for a lot of forgiveness for the doctors. i remember my grandfather didn't even get an autopsy. i remember my mom and i having a discussion about it and i didn't even want to know the doctor's name, i didn't want to probe or investigate further, it would do no good... nothing that anyone did would bring her back. nothing could take away the pain and absolute heart break. no one could bring back my best friend and the most amazing grandmother, but what i did do was this. i just prayed that God would comfort me and remind that holding onto this grudge against this doctor would not help either. i prayed that He would remind me that He has a specific time chosen that we will all die and there is nothing we can do to change this. i also read scripture to remind me that she is in Heaven with our Heavenly Father and that He wanted her there more than here. her time on earth was over, and i was super thankful for the 26 years i got to spend with her... they were the best ever!!! so, that is hardest thing i have ever had to forgive, for sure.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A Whole New World... Jasmine
The thought of going on a mission trip to a third world country completely terrified me even just two years ago. My best friend in the entire world decided that she would move to Narobi, Kenya, well actually a remote village (orphanage) four hours outside of Narobi for an entire year and serve in June 2008 and I remember thinking she must be the bravest person I know. I remember saying to her, God is calling me to support you financially and to pray, but never to go! Lindsey, my best friend, completely trusted God’s plan and calling… she quit her job, packed her bags, and moved to Tumaini and absolutely loved her life with these precious children at the orphanage. Around the same time she moved to Africa, I moved to Charlotte and began attending Forest Hill. I joined a Lifegroup, and my leader was Kasey, who is now my best friend in Charlotte. Shortly after starting this group, Kasey felt called to go to the DR Congo. I didn’t know much about the Congo, but after many talks with her found out that it was one of the poorest countries and actually very unsafe. I was like, okay God, why are my friends all going out of the country and what are you trying to teach me by showing me that my friends can do this?
We read and studied a book by Francis Chan, called Crazy Love in our group in 2009, and the Holy Spirit completely started changing my heart from wanting to support my friends on mission trips to wanting to go. I remember telling the girls in my group that I felt like God was calling me to go, but I didn’t know where and I was completely scared out of my mind. I prayed a lot about what this would look like and honestly put it off for a long time. In early 2010, I decided to take a leap of faith and signed up to go to Senegal with my church, but that wasn’t the trip for me. At first I saw that as God closing the door, but in February 2011, I went to see my local eye doctor and for some reason God orchestrated Dr. Knudson and I to have a conversation about what church we go to and somehow I told him about the cancelled mission trip to Senegal, and that is when he told me that his neighbor was George Collins, who runs Bless Back Worldwide. Long story short, within weeks, I submitted my application, and that October I went on my first trip to Les Cayes, Haiti and met the sweet children of Cambry.
I had never been more scared of anything in my whole life, from what diseases I could get to getting too hot (anyone who knows me knows how hot natured I am), but I knew God had called me to this place and I was excited to be doing His will. I remember the first day I was somewhat in a state of shock, but I love kids more than anything in this world, so I thought I would fit right in. The truth is, I didn’t. I somewhat let fear take over. I had never been around kids that were not clean, kids who had scabbies, lice or things I didn’t even know, and I was so afraid at first to touch them. I had to continually pray that I would get over my fears and remember that these are children of God and that they desperately need to feel loving arms around them! Luckily our gracious and loving Heavenly Father allowed me to be less cautious and I did enjoy my time with these children, but I think part of me had just never seen anything like this before so it was a lot of processing for me.
One little girl did manage to steal my heart though, little Jasmine. I was part of the medical team; working in the pharmacy all week. Each day she would stop by the pharmacy and she would help me; my little assistant if you will. She would throw things away for me, she would sit on my lap, she would sit beside me, and of course I would sneak and give her protein bars (I don’t like them so she got even more, because I gave her the ample supply I packed) or whatever just to be close to me. I had never experienced a child wanting to just sit near you, wanting to be held, or just wanting to be loved like this and it definitely affected me. Many people call Friday nights at Cambry the cry fest, because you have to tell the children bye and it is a sad time, on our Friday night trip in October we played a slide show of the kids and they loved it. Afterwards, most of the other team members were sobbing and their favorite little kids were as well. I had gotten a little emotional during the slideshow, but had gotten the impression from Jasmine that she wasn’t going to be my crier. I gave her a hug and told her that I would miss her, be praying for her, and that I loved her. She simply gave me a hug and walked off. I asked Dimy, the fourteen-year old where she was going, and he said, “To bed.” At first I thought, man, she didn’t really like me that much, but later was praising God for his provision. You see, I am super emotional and sensitive by nature. Had He sent me or allowed me to get close to a little boy or girl in Haiti that cried when I was leaving, I would have been in hysterics and would not have been able to leave. God knew what he was doing all along.
After we returned, the Orphan Sponsorship program started, and I sponsor Jasmine. I absolutely love being able to send her little care packages and notes with pictures. After we returned I didn’t think I would go back, the trip was the most rewarding, but yet the most challenging thing I had ever experienced. I thought if I do go back it will be years down the road, but God had other plans. My team leaders, the Ropers, who I cannot speak highly enough about were leading a team to go back in July 2012. I prayed and prayed and God said, “GO.”
I just returned from my second trip to Cambry, and this time was so different. I wasn’t nervous at all this time. My heart was so ready, and I have never been so ready to wrap my arms around a little girl in my whole life. I want her to know Psalm 139 more than anything. I have been praying this for her. I want her to know that she is not forgotten, that she is so loved by our Heavenly Father, and that He has great plans for her life. Unfortunately, I got a fever on our way to Haiti, and our medical lead for our trip advised me not to go to the first church service on Sunday, but the second service was with the kids and I hadn’t had a chance to see Jasmine yet. I somehow managed to get enough Tylenol in my system and enough energy to go to that service, and when we walked in, and I saw that smile on her face, I knew I was just where God wanted me to be. A few minutes later, that sweet smile and all of her funny faces was wedged in my lap and I kind of forgot I was sick. The week I got to spend with Jasmine was amazing! She has great personality, lots of sass, loves to help in the pharmacy, sings Jesus Loves Me in the sweetest little tone, but can run with the boys too. She has an older brother and goodness that girl hits and can be a typical nine year old. She is always smiling or making a funny face, and the infectious joy she has, has taught me so much. There are many days when I just want to sit and complain, but then I remember that the conditions she lives in are not ideal, to most here in the states that are unbearable and would be considered unfathomable, but she said to me on Friday afternoon, “I’ll pray for you daily.” She and the other children at Cambry, don’t focus on what they do not have, they praise God for what they do! Jasmine’s older brother Noel is at the orphanage with her, and I was able to speak to him a little one night at the guest house, and Angela, another faithful bless back volunteer sponsors him and knows his story very well. Noel told me that his mother is dead, but his father is still living. He has other siblings, I believe he told me four brothers and four other sisters. My heart completely broke for him and Jasmine, but not Noel, he just kind of told me and then I gave him a hug and told him I loved him. Things we would be devastated and paralyzed by, these kids find joy and a reason to be thankful.
Cambry and more specifically Jasmine have opened my eyes to a whole new world, one where I want and need to be thankful for every single blessing the Lord sends me. Honestly sleeping in a room where animals cannot get to me, sleeping in a soft bed, having food to eat at any time of the day, having a working toilet (plumbing in general), having clean clothes, having access to doctors when I am sick, and so much more are things that we all take for granted. I am so thankful for the two opportunities I have had to go to Cambry, and I pray that God will tell me when to go again. Until then, I will be praying for little Jasmine as I look at her picture on my nightstand each night. A part of my heart will always be in Haiti.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139: 13-14
Saturday, June 23, 2012
day 17: what is the one thing you wish you were good at?
this is a good one! the one thing that i wish i was good at would be playing sports or just athletic in general. so, i did gymnastics while growing up and i was actually pretty good at that, but i was always affected by peer pressure. around 7th grade (so 13 or so), i decided that i wanted to play basketball or softball, because all of my friends were doing it. i mean, i wanted to do what all the cool kids were doing. so, my mother said, that is fine, if you want to do something other than gymnastics, but you have to quit that...wait, what? so, i was dumb enough to stop doing gymnastics and pay money to sit on the bench. i was so terrible. i think the basketball coach just put me in because he knew that i had paid money and could probably get into some kind of trouble if i went the entire season with no playing time. nicole, my cousin, claims i went the wrong way on the court one time, but i am not sure of that. in softball, i was an outfielder and that was lame. needless to say, that was short lived, and i haven't really played any other sports.
another funny story relating to this was after college, my friends in raleigh (bayley, michele, and holly) all played on this kickball league and i remember when they were trying to get their team together one year. someone was like, well we need more girls, and i was like, well i try and play. i will never forget it, but bayley looked at me and said, "kelsey, we'd actually like to try and win." i know she was somewhat joking, but actually probably not. so, i was like the "soccer mom" or in this case, kickball mom and brought orange slices to all the players after each game.
i just wish i had some ability to play and that people wanted me on their team, but now that i am a little order, i am like, well i made it through those years and i am fine:)
maybe my kids will have this ability, hopefully they will get it from my future husband and not their mother or they are screwed, haha.
another funny story relating to this was after college, my friends in raleigh (bayley, michele, and holly) all played on this kickball league and i remember when they were trying to get their team together one year. someone was like, well we need more girls, and i was like, well i try and play. i will never forget it, but bayley looked at me and said, "kelsey, we'd actually like to try and win." i know she was somewhat joking, but actually probably not. so, i was like the "soccer mom" or in this case, kickball mom and brought orange slices to all the players after each game.
i just wish i had some ability to play and that people wanted me on their team, but now that i am a little order, i am like, well i made it through those years and i am fine:)
maybe my kids will have this ability, hopefully they will get it from my future husband and not their mother or they are screwed, haha.
humbling experience:: moving home temporarily
this is even a hard blog to write, but i am choosing to focus on blessings and positives (trying to do a lot of that lately) instead of harping on the negative rather than focusing on what others may say by looking at my situation. so here goes....
many people know that i bought my townhouse in charlotte at the ripe age of twenty five. you could probably look back and find those posts ( i don't know how to link those), but i was so excited. i mean, i thought buying a house was the next thing to do and nothing could stop me. i did all the research, found the perfect floor plan, searched for a D R Horton community (loved them from the townhouse that Holly and i rented in raleigh), and new that the smart thing would be to live near the airport (at the time i traveled 80% of the time for my job)... so i was good, loved it. my "sister in law" helped me finalize the paperwork and i closed on September 23, 2008. i was so excited. i wasn't going to let the fact that i wasn't married or whatever stop me from pursuing my dreams and moving on with my life, and having my very own home was so wonderful. i loved decorating, getting furniture, and painting (well having my dad and brother do that). my actual townhouse is perfect for me, and there isn't anything about it that i don't like (the building that is).
fast forward about two years, and the community started having a few break-ins and for anyone who knows me, you know this did not sit well with this girl. after all, this is my number 1 fear in life. the thought that someone could and wound break into my house at night scared me to death, it is like that paralyzing fear. i have an alarm system (would have never lived someone by myself without one), but then i resorted to placing furniture against my bedroom door at night for added security and that helped, but may nights i lie in bed and nothing calms me down, as i hear things or have heard of another recent break in and my nerves are so shot, i just cannot sleep.
when i went to haiti last october, apparently two single women in my community were targeted, one was raped and one was stabbed (while attempted robberies occurred), so this just about sent this girl over the edge, but somehow God gave me the strength to stay a little longer. i think a big reason i was able to stay was my amazing neighbor that God sent me. vince is always there for me when i need something. i have had to call him multiple times when someone has knocked on my door, rang my doorbell, etc... he always comes over checks things out, etc... i cannot thank him enough or praise God enough for putting him right next door to me. he also fixes things for me, which is just an added bonus... we joke and say that it is his "honey do list."
the break ins have continued, actually ten to be exact since last october. i live in constant fear. even with an alarm and vince, many nights i have no quality of life, because i cannot sleep. i pray and read verses, but the fear is all consuming. about two weeks ago vince told me he is moving. i won't bore you with all the details of why he is moving, but it is for a lot of different reasons, not so much because of the break ins and safety, but that did factor into it, but for me this was the push that i needed. there is no way that i will feel safe or okay with staying here knowing that i do not have him next door to call if i need someone. additionally, there were two more break ins about two weeks ago, and one of them was during the day. i work from home, and i am always here....
so, i have come to the conclusion that i am OUT. i cannot do this anymore. i am leaving this house that i was so excited about. i have contacted a property management group and they are going to rent it out. as for me and what i am going to do... i think the smart thing for me to do is to take a couple months and move back home with my parents because it is would not be financially smart to move quickly into a new place in charlotte (i wish i could)... i need to make sure my place rents and that i get a good reliable renter in my place first. i didn't think i would be almost 30 and moving back in with my parents, but as i said at the beginning, i am choosing to focus on the positive:
1) my parents have been more than welcoming and so understanding
2) my dad is amazing and is taking down my sister's room so that can be my office temporarily
3) they are even cleaning out the attic/bonus room so i won't have to get a storage unit
4) my friends in charlotte are being very welcoming and allowing me to stay when needed
5) my friends in lincolnton are excited and i am excited about quality time with them
my only negative comment, there is no starbucks in lincolnton, oh dear!
i know that God already knew this was going to happen, so i'll be praying for the following:
1) that whatever lesson he is trying to teach me that i will slow down and listen
2) that i will find a good renter or that the property management group will
3) that i will find the best place and area to live in october in charlotte
4) that i will still feel connected to my friends/community in charlotte over the next few months
many people know that i bought my townhouse in charlotte at the ripe age of twenty five. you could probably look back and find those posts ( i don't know how to link those), but i was so excited. i mean, i thought buying a house was the next thing to do and nothing could stop me. i did all the research, found the perfect floor plan, searched for a D R Horton community (loved them from the townhouse that Holly and i rented in raleigh), and new that the smart thing would be to live near the airport (at the time i traveled 80% of the time for my job)... so i was good, loved it. my "sister in law" helped me finalize the paperwork and i closed on September 23, 2008. i was so excited. i wasn't going to let the fact that i wasn't married or whatever stop me from pursuing my dreams and moving on with my life, and having my very own home was so wonderful. i loved decorating, getting furniture, and painting (well having my dad and brother do that). my actual townhouse is perfect for me, and there isn't anything about it that i don't like (the building that is).
fast forward about two years, and the community started having a few break-ins and for anyone who knows me, you know this did not sit well with this girl. after all, this is my number 1 fear in life. the thought that someone could and wound break into my house at night scared me to death, it is like that paralyzing fear. i have an alarm system (would have never lived someone by myself without one), but then i resorted to placing furniture against my bedroom door at night for added security and that helped, but may nights i lie in bed and nothing calms me down, as i hear things or have heard of another recent break in and my nerves are so shot, i just cannot sleep.
when i went to haiti last october, apparently two single women in my community were targeted, one was raped and one was stabbed (while attempted robberies occurred), so this just about sent this girl over the edge, but somehow God gave me the strength to stay a little longer. i think a big reason i was able to stay was my amazing neighbor that God sent me. vince is always there for me when i need something. i have had to call him multiple times when someone has knocked on my door, rang my doorbell, etc... he always comes over checks things out, etc... i cannot thank him enough or praise God enough for putting him right next door to me. he also fixes things for me, which is just an added bonus... we joke and say that it is his "honey do list."
the break ins have continued, actually ten to be exact since last october. i live in constant fear. even with an alarm and vince, many nights i have no quality of life, because i cannot sleep. i pray and read verses, but the fear is all consuming. about two weeks ago vince told me he is moving. i won't bore you with all the details of why he is moving, but it is for a lot of different reasons, not so much because of the break ins and safety, but that did factor into it, but for me this was the push that i needed. there is no way that i will feel safe or okay with staying here knowing that i do not have him next door to call if i need someone. additionally, there were two more break ins about two weeks ago, and one of them was during the day. i work from home, and i am always here....
so, i have come to the conclusion that i am OUT. i cannot do this anymore. i am leaving this house that i was so excited about. i have contacted a property management group and they are going to rent it out. as for me and what i am going to do... i think the smart thing for me to do is to take a couple months and move back home with my parents because it is would not be financially smart to move quickly into a new place in charlotte (i wish i could)... i need to make sure my place rents and that i get a good reliable renter in my place first. i didn't think i would be almost 30 and moving back in with my parents, but as i said at the beginning, i am choosing to focus on the positive:
1) my parents have been more than welcoming and so understanding
2) my dad is amazing and is taking down my sister's room so that can be my office temporarily
3) they are even cleaning out the attic/bonus room so i won't have to get a storage unit
4) my friends in charlotte are being very welcoming and allowing me to stay when needed
5) my friends in lincolnton are excited and i am excited about quality time with them
my only negative comment, there is no starbucks in lincolnton, oh dear!
i know that God already knew this was going to happen, so i'll be praying for the following:
1) that whatever lesson he is trying to teach me that i will slow down and listen
2) that i will find a good renter or that the property management group will
3) that i will find the best place and area to live in october in charlotte
4) that i will still feel connected to my friends/community in charlotte over the next few months
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
single girl revelation:: rejoice, reverse, and relax
so, i have been wanting to write this blog post for quite some time, but just couldn't find the time to sit down and do it, but i think today/tonight is the right time:) the truth, for anyone who knows me, i have always been single; clearly, i am 29 and not married, but more than that, i haven't really been in a serious relationship and don't really date that much. for any guys that are reading this, i'd like to say that i am extremely picky or a better word, i'll say selective, but i know that God's timing is perfect and this is one area of my life that i cannot control. it isn't like you can go to the store and pick out your "dream guy." contrary to what online dating profiles would make you think, it isn't that easy! goodness, in our society today, i think that is a huge part of the problem, there are so many online dating choices that guys and girls can be even more picky than they are already are, and the truth is, i think we all just want to find our best friend and companion to continue in life with.
the past three to six months, i know that God has been working on my heart big time in this area. the truth is, God knows my greatest hearts desires; goodness, he knows me better than i know myself. all of my friends know how much i want to be a wife and a mom, but if i am being honest here, i know that i have let this be a false god or idol in my life for way too long. i think i have thought more about being single or wanting a husband and focused less on the true blessings in my life and this all became abundantly clear on a wednesday night in april. kasey, casey, lindsey, and i went to see matt chandler in durham, and he said something along the lines of we choose the reaction to our circumstances... we choose how react to what life throws at us. i know this doesn't sound very profound, but something about what he said totally struck a cord with this girl. i know God wanted me to hear this message or even that point loud and clear. the truth is I (kelsey morgan) am the only person on this planet that can choose to react to my own singleness, and the truth is, i haven't been handling it very well. the last ten years, i have basically been having a pity party for myself and have been pretty bitter about it. this has to change i thought as i sat there. what a witness to anyone who does not love Jesus and is not a believer. they are seeing the way i am handling my season of waiting on a husband, and i am handling it all wrong. i want people to see me as a 29 year old who is so completely blessed and thankful for the life that she is given each day; after all, we aren't promised tomorrow, so each new day is truly a gift! i want to get up each day and live my life full of joy and share God's love with others. i want to know that i am still living out God's purpose for my life regardless of if i get married or not. the truth, being single isn't all that bad, i can still do great things. for example, God has given me a desire to love on children in Haiti and do medical missions work, so to Haiti i go for the second time in July. did i have to check with anyone, no... i put in my vacation request and off i go, and i am so excited!!! my friends and family are so incredibly supportive, and going gives me great purpose and there is nothing like it. i cannot wait to see jazmine again:) another example of how i am choosing to find joy is serving in the toddler room on sundays... everyone who knows me knows i LOVE kids... so i get to love and play with about 15-18 toddlers every sunday morning at church, and i wouldn't trade it for anything:) seriously, i love waking up on sunday mornings knowing i get this opportunity. i fully trust that God has a plan, and i can truly say that i have surrendered my will and desires to Him.
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
now, don't get me wrong, i still have many days when i want nothing more to be married and to have children. being single can be lonely, but i would rather continue to be my selective/picky self and hold out for the right one that marry the wrong one or settle for the wrong one just to "be married." i listened to a sermon today from my old church in raleigh (hope), that my best friend holly sent me, and it was so good. mike said he found a quote that said "success isn't about marrying the one person that will make you happy, but escaping all the ones that will make you miserable." i thought that is so true. he also talked about how important it is to be spirtually compatible with your mate, and i cannot stress how important this is to me. with how easy it is to filter for your "dream guy" on match or eharmony (or many others), it is easy for people to say that they are a christian, but going to church doesn't mean you have a relationship with God. i am so thankful that God has given me wisdom and discernment, and i continually pray for this throughout the dating process! also, mike stressed that it is important to have similar plans and purpose, seriously could not agree more. i am so thankful for these simple reminders today, because no matter how many times we hear them, as a single girl it can never be enough.
at the end of the message, mike had three simple reminders:: rejoice, reverse, and relax! i loved these, and could seriously do a little more of all three. i need to rejoice as mentioned above at the life that i have been blessed with and be thankful for this season of singleness. there are so many things that i get to do that married people can't (not saying marriage is bad either). i should definitely take advantage of this season and go when called! the reverse part really got me.... mike said to reverse your thinking and i addressed this above a little as well. i need to reverse my thinking and not dwell on my singleness and what all i am missing out on or thinking that God is punishing me... i need to remember that this is all part of God's perfect plan for my life, and i am not going to meet my husband one second before God is ready for me to meet him. instead of dwelling on things i cannot control, i need to re-focus and remember this daily:) lastly, i just need to flat out relax:) i could elaborate, but i think it is pretty straightforward.
i pray that if you are single today, and you have read this that you have been encouraged. you have not been forgotten. you are deeply loved by a wonderful God, and his perfect plan will be revealed when the time is right. in the meantime, look at your singleness as a blessing, and try to take advantage of this season and do something that you've always wanted to do, go serve a little more, take that job that seems a little risky/adventurous, but most of all just know you are loved by your Heavenly Father!!!
the past three to six months, i know that God has been working on my heart big time in this area. the truth is, God knows my greatest hearts desires; goodness, he knows me better than i know myself. all of my friends know how much i want to be a wife and a mom, but if i am being honest here, i know that i have let this be a false god or idol in my life for way too long. i think i have thought more about being single or wanting a husband and focused less on the true blessings in my life and this all became abundantly clear on a wednesday night in april. kasey, casey, lindsey, and i went to see matt chandler in durham, and he said something along the lines of we choose the reaction to our circumstances... we choose how react to what life throws at us. i know this doesn't sound very profound, but something about what he said totally struck a cord with this girl. i know God wanted me to hear this message or even that point loud and clear. the truth is I (kelsey morgan) am the only person on this planet that can choose to react to my own singleness, and the truth is, i haven't been handling it very well. the last ten years, i have basically been having a pity party for myself and have been pretty bitter about it. this has to change i thought as i sat there. what a witness to anyone who does not love Jesus and is not a believer. they are seeing the way i am handling my season of waiting on a husband, and i am handling it all wrong. i want people to see me as a 29 year old who is so completely blessed and thankful for the life that she is given each day; after all, we aren't promised tomorrow, so each new day is truly a gift! i want to get up each day and live my life full of joy and share God's love with others. i want to know that i am still living out God's purpose for my life regardless of if i get married or not. the truth, being single isn't all that bad, i can still do great things. for example, God has given me a desire to love on children in Haiti and do medical missions work, so to Haiti i go for the second time in July. did i have to check with anyone, no... i put in my vacation request and off i go, and i am so excited!!! my friends and family are so incredibly supportive, and going gives me great purpose and there is nothing like it. i cannot wait to see jazmine again:) another example of how i am choosing to find joy is serving in the toddler room on sundays... everyone who knows me knows i LOVE kids... so i get to love and play with about 15-18 toddlers every sunday morning at church, and i wouldn't trade it for anything:) seriously, i love waking up on sunday mornings knowing i get this opportunity. i fully trust that God has a plan, and i can truly say that i have surrendered my will and desires to Him.
Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
now, don't get me wrong, i still have many days when i want nothing more to be married and to have children. being single can be lonely, but i would rather continue to be my selective/picky self and hold out for the right one that marry the wrong one or settle for the wrong one just to "be married." i listened to a sermon today from my old church in raleigh (hope), that my best friend holly sent me, and it was so good. mike said he found a quote that said "success isn't about marrying the one person that will make you happy, but escaping all the ones that will make you miserable." i thought that is so true. he also talked about how important it is to be spirtually compatible with your mate, and i cannot stress how important this is to me. with how easy it is to filter for your "dream guy" on match or eharmony (or many others), it is easy for people to say that they are a christian, but going to church doesn't mean you have a relationship with God. i am so thankful that God has given me wisdom and discernment, and i continually pray for this throughout the dating process! also, mike stressed that it is important to have similar plans and purpose, seriously could not agree more. i am so thankful for these simple reminders today, because no matter how many times we hear them, as a single girl it can never be enough.
at the end of the message, mike had three simple reminders:: rejoice, reverse, and relax! i loved these, and could seriously do a little more of all three. i need to rejoice as mentioned above at the life that i have been blessed with and be thankful for this season of singleness. there are so many things that i get to do that married people can't (not saying marriage is bad either). i should definitely take advantage of this season and go when called! the reverse part really got me.... mike said to reverse your thinking and i addressed this above a little as well. i need to reverse my thinking and not dwell on my singleness and what all i am missing out on or thinking that God is punishing me... i need to remember that this is all part of God's perfect plan for my life, and i am not going to meet my husband one second before God is ready for me to meet him. instead of dwelling on things i cannot control, i need to re-focus and remember this daily:) lastly, i just need to flat out relax:) i could elaborate, but i think it is pretty straightforward.
i pray that if you are single today, and you have read this that you have been encouraged. you have not been forgotten. you are deeply loved by a wonderful God, and his perfect plan will be revealed when the time is right. in the meantime, look at your singleness as a blessing, and try to take advantage of this season and do something that you've always wanted to do, go serve a little more, take that job that seems a little risky/adventurous, but most of all just know you are loved by your Heavenly Father!!!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
day 16: 5 greatest accomplishments
i can do this a little better than the animal topic, here we go....
1. being the first person in my family to graduate from college... this was huge for me. early on i decided or maybe i should say had a drive to succeed and new that i would stop at nothing until i did just what i put my mind too. i wanted to go to UNC and graduate from there, so that is just what i did.. the day i graduated from college was such a special day and all of my family came, i have never felt more loved and special:)
2. getting into Carolina. for this planner, i ONLY applied to UNC (early decision), so i really had no back up plan. i had looked into a few other places, but my heart was set on UNC. when i got the acceptance letter, seriously best day of senior year:)
3. may sound silly, but a major accomplishment in my life was the day i faced my fear of dogs... i wanted a nanny job for this family that was going to pay pretty well for a broke college student, so i went to meet their two little toy poodles (i was 19 and deathly afraid) and i had never done this for anyone or anything... 2002 was a big year, my parents finally got to get their own dog that they had always wanted:)
4. getting my recent promotion at work in Site Management. i have worked so hard the past six years at my company, so being recognized and getting this promotion was so great. God had a plan all along, and i am so thankful for this HUGE opportunity!
5. check back, still thinking on this one...
1. being the first person in my family to graduate from college... this was huge for me. early on i decided or maybe i should say had a drive to succeed and new that i would stop at nothing until i did just what i put my mind too. i wanted to go to UNC and graduate from there, so that is just what i did.. the day i graduated from college was such a special day and all of my family came, i have never felt more loved and special:)
2. getting into Carolina. for this planner, i ONLY applied to UNC (early decision), so i really had no back up plan. i had looked into a few other places, but my heart was set on UNC. when i got the acceptance letter, seriously best day of senior year:)
3. may sound silly, but a major accomplishment in my life was the day i faced my fear of dogs... i wanted a nanny job for this family that was going to pay pretty well for a broke college student, so i went to meet their two little toy poodles (i was 19 and deathly afraid) and i had never done this for anyone or anything... 2002 was a big year, my parents finally got to get their own dog that they had always wanted:)
4. getting my recent promotion at work in Site Management. i have worked so hard the past six years at my company, so being recognized and getting this promotion was so great. God had a plan all along, and i am so thankful for this HUGE opportunity!
5. check back, still thinking on this one...
day 15: if you were an animal, what would you be and why?
seriously, i almost wanted to skip this one... most people who know me, know that animals are not my thing, haha. i guess if i had to choose one, i'd say a polar bear, haha... i hope you are laughing. here are my reasons in no particular order:: i like cold weather, they are large (so i could eat whatever i want), and bears can be nurturing (right?)... and this is the shortest post of all time... silly topic!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
day 14: describe 5 strengths that you have
oh man, sometimes i am better at pointing out my flaws as opposed to my strengths, but i think i can do this, haha...
1. i care deeply and am thoughtful - most people probably wouldn't see this as a strength, but i think this is a huge part of my character and i know this is one of my spiritual gifts, so to me it is definitely a strength.
2. i am super organized - give me some folders, post it notes, paper, etc and i will go to town... i love organizing actually. ask the family i was a nanny for in college and they will tell you. when the kids went to summer camp or had activities after school, i didn't just sit around and do nothing at their house, i organized the kids dressers/clothes by color and type, i folded their laundry and organized it all. i rearranged their pots and pans in the kitchen and organized it all the time. i seriously loved doing it and the mom (whom i love dearly) loved it equally the same. she used to tell me that i should start my own business, haha... instead she helped me get my job at quintiles (she works there too) and now we work at the same company, forever grateful to her.
3. dependable/loyal - there isn't anything i wouldn't do for my family and friends and once you are my friend, you would have to do something pretty terrible or basically ask me to walk away before i will stop reaching out. i love with my whole heart. i give 110% and want to always be there for my friends. i can't think of any reason not to be. my friends are my rock, so being there for them in return is a no brainer! two of my very best friends, i have had since elementary school.
4. i am opinionated, have a voice - i love that i got this from my mother:) man oh man, when i was younger, i can remember her calling corporate on companies/people, and thinking i was so embarrassed, but now i do the same. i love that she didn't raise me to sit back and not speak up. i love that this is one area in my life where i am not afraid to speak up. i don't let people walk all over me; i let people know what is expected, what i want, and in turn treat others the same (or try my hardest too). sometimes i do get a bit sassy, but i am glad that i have a voice and it definitely gets heard!
5. i can remember your name, typically after one meeting. i also remember birthday, addresses, and phone numbers, this is a very strange strength of mine, but i think it comes in handy a lot. no lie, show me your address once, and typically i have it memorized. phone numbers are a little harder these days as we all use cell phones and unless you have to dial the number, you don't typically look at it. i do have a lot of my favorites (people i call a lot) their numbers memorized though. birthdays for sure, i don't forget those... it is the one day out of the year that you get to make that person feel so special, i think they are a big deal and that person should feel so special and celebrated:)
that is all i have for now!
1. i care deeply and am thoughtful - most people probably wouldn't see this as a strength, but i think this is a huge part of my character and i know this is one of my spiritual gifts, so to me it is definitely a strength.
2. i am super organized - give me some folders, post it notes, paper, etc and i will go to town... i love organizing actually. ask the family i was a nanny for in college and they will tell you. when the kids went to summer camp or had activities after school, i didn't just sit around and do nothing at their house, i organized the kids dressers/clothes by color and type, i folded their laundry and organized it all. i rearranged their pots and pans in the kitchen and organized it all the time. i seriously loved doing it and the mom (whom i love dearly) loved it equally the same. she used to tell me that i should start my own business, haha... instead she helped me get my job at quintiles (she works there too) and now we work at the same company, forever grateful to her.
3. dependable/loyal - there isn't anything i wouldn't do for my family and friends and once you are my friend, you would have to do something pretty terrible or basically ask me to walk away before i will stop reaching out. i love with my whole heart. i give 110% and want to always be there for my friends. i can't think of any reason not to be. my friends are my rock, so being there for them in return is a no brainer! two of my very best friends, i have had since elementary school.
4. i am opinionated, have a voice - i love that i got this from my mother:) man oh man, when i was younger, i can remember her calling corporate on companies/people, and thinking i was so embarrassed, but now i do the same. i love that she didn't raise me to sit back and not speak up. i love that this is one area in my life where i am not afraid to speak up. i don't let people walk all over me; i let people know what is expected, what i want, and in turn treat others the same (or try my hardest too). sometimes i do get a bit sassy, but i am glad that i have a voice and it definitely gets heard!
5. i can remember your name, typically after one meeting. i also remember birthday, addresses, and phone numbers, this is a very strange strength of mine, but i think it comes in handy a lot. no lie, show me your address once, and typically i have it memorized. phone numbers are a little harder these days as we all use cell phones and unless you have to dial the number, you don't typically look at it. i do have a lot of my favorites (people i call a lot) their numbers memorized though. birthdays for sure, i don't forget those... it is the one day out of the year that you get to make that person feel so special, i think they are a big deal and that person should feel so special and celebrated:)
that is all i have for now!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
day 13: describe 5 weaknesses that you have
sometimes it is easier to be hard on yourself than you realize. i have recently gone through the interview process at my job, so i've had to think about this a little.
1. i am a bit sensitive - my feelings can get hurt pretty easily and cry at almost every movie, but i'd like to think this is not always a weakness:) i wear my heart on my sleeve, but as i have gotten older, i have learned to control this maybe just a little better. i have learned that you have to protect your heart:)
2. i am a planner/not very spontaneous - my friends from home jokingly call me "sarge in charge." there is a group of nine of us girls and if i didn't plan things, we would never get together. i am okay with the fact that i am this way, but there are times, when i wish i was a little more spontaneous. i always want to know the plan, where we are going, when we are going, how we are getting there, etc.
3. i am a neat freak, slightly obsessive compulsive... when i moved into my townhouse, we were putting the cups in the cabinet (organized by color) and my brother made a comment that i needed to get all the same color to help my future husband so he can't get it wrong, i laughed and thought he may be onto something, because all the cups have to match when putting them in the cabinet:) i have tried to get better, but living by myself for the last four years hasn't helped this situation, haha.
4. i am a night owl and totally procrastinate... working from home, i always think, i can do that later and tonight... this is definitely a weakness of mine. i need to be more disciplined in my day to day work life.... end of story.
5. i can be a bit dramatic.. not like i like drama, but i think things are a matter of life and death or a good example... a few weeks ago, i went horseback riding with my parents, and the horse i was riding was C-razy:) she kept venturing off of the trail/path and eating small trees (plants) and i kept having to pull her and guide her back, also she ran me into a tree at one point, through a very steep decline and i tore my shirt, i was cussing and terrified i was going to die and afterwards, i kept telling friends and my parents that i survived, but i nearly died... now, i didn't really die, i had a small whole (about the size of a quarter/nickel) in my shirt, and that is about all... but that isn't the story i like to tell. i will say my dramatic side provides lots of humor.
6. i thought i wouldn't delete anything i already posted, but one of my biggest weaknesses is shopping for clothes, jewelry, and shoes. i need not elaborate, but to say that at times it is simply out of control, but i will say that 80% of the time, i have a coupon, gift certificate, it is on sale, or something of the nature... so i rarely by something full price. on another note, i rarely by electronics and toys of this nature... it is just on clothes, but don't let that fool you, because they can get expensive, it all adds up:) oh and i shop for home stuff a lot too, oops. what do i think this is true confessions?
i am sure there are others, but these are the ones that popped in my head today:)
1. i am a bit sensitive - my feelings can get hurt pretty easily and cry at almost every movie, but i'd like to think this is not always a weakness:) i wear my heart on my sleeve, but as i have gotten older, i have learned to control this maybe just a little better. i have learned that you have to protect your heart:)
2. i am a planner/not very spontaneous - my friends from home jokingly call me "sarge in charge." there is a group of nine of us girls and if i didn't plan things, we would never get together. i am okay with the fact that i am this way, but there are times, when i wish i was a little more spontaneous. i always want to know the plan, where we are going, when we are going, how we are getting there, etc.
3. i am a neat freak, slightly obsessive compulsive... when i moved into my townhouse, we were putting the cups in the cabinet (organized by color) and my brother made a comment that i needed to get all the same color to help my future husband so he can't get it wrong, i laughed and thought he may be onto something, because all the cups have to match when putting them in the cabinet:) i have tried to get better, but living by myself for the last four years hasn't helped this situation, haha.
4. i am a night owl and totally procrastinate... working from home, i always think, i can do that later and tonight... this is definitely a weakness of mine. i need to be more disciplined in my day to day work life.... end of story.
5. i can be a bit dramatic.. not like i like drama, but i think things are a matter of life and death or a good example... a few weeks ago, i went horseback riding with my parents, and the horse i was riding was C-razy:) she kept venturing off of the trail/path and eating small trees (plants) and i kept having to pull her and guide her back, also she ran me into a tree at one point, through a very steep decline and i tore my shirt, i was cussing and terrified i was going to die and afterwards, i kept telling friends and my parents that i survived, but i nearly died... now, i didn't really die, i had a small whole (about the size of a quarter/nickel) in my shirt, and that is about all... but that isn't the story i like to tell. i will say my dramatic side provides lots of humor.
6. i thought i wouldn't delete anything i already posted, but one of my biggest weaknesses is shopping for clothes, jewelry, and shoes. i need not elaborate, but to say that at times it is simply out of control, but i will say that 80% of the time, i have a coupon, gift certificate, it is on sale, or something of the nature... so i rarely by something full price. on another note, i rarely by electronics and toys of this nature... it is just on clothes, but don't let that fool you, because they can get expensive, it all adds up:) oh and i shop for home stuff a lot too, oops. what do i think this is true confessions?
i am sure there are others, but these are the ones that popped in my head today:)
Friday, June 1, 2012
day 12: a typical day in my life
well, i am going to back up a few weeks, because i just started a new job, and this slower pace of training is so different than my fast paced job i am so used to, and i don't want to bore the few of you still reading, so i'll tell you what a typical day used to look like and what one may look like after i get through the six weeks of onboarding/training:)
wake up around 6:30/7ish with barely enough time to get ready, set my alarm with all intentions to get up and exercise and do quiet time, not happening. let's face it, i am not a morning person, never have been, never will be. jump in the shower, and get ready in the amount of time i have left... if i am super rushed, it will be a curly hair day, if not, i take the ever so long process and time of straightening my hair. it is longer than it has been in years, so it takes me at least 45 minutes to dry it and straighten it, but i am thankful to have it, so i will not complain:) usually i do not have time to eat or put on make up at the house, so that is done in the car. i fix my bagel thin, strawberry shake, and coffee and take that on the road... also i put my make up on in the car, i know it is a horrible habit, but i usually have at least a 30 minute commute if not an hour to an hour and a half drive to my sites:) i will pray, sing, talk on the phone, you name it on the commutes, my time in the car is great!
i arrive onsite as close to on time as possible, usually with starbucks in hand, yes another coffee, haha. now i am ready to go! i monitor medical records comparing it to source data from the subjects who have been enrolled into a clinical trial, i return study drug to the depot/drug warehouse, i look at regulatory documents (this is what the government monitors to make sure sites are legit and following guidelines, serious stuff), i always take a lunch break, and then i hop back in the car and drive back. i usually have a gym bag in the car, and head straight to the gym or else i will have no motivation, so i may go to cardio strength or total strength, love these classes. afterwards, i am usually too tired to cook, so i may head to which which (i think they know i am addicted), then head home eat my dinner! at this point it is usually 8:15 or 8:30 pm. i will watch mindless television, work on reports, clean my house a little, do my quiet time (that i didn't do this morning) or just relax until about midnight and then head to bed. i set goals to go to bed earlier, it never happens, i wish! then i get up and do it all over again... i love my life, my friends, my schedule, my job and all that God has blessed me with. i don't like not being busy, so i enjoy my days that are full to the brim!
wake up around 6:30/7ish with barely enough time to get ready, set my alarm with all intentions to get up and exercise and do quiet time, not happening. let's face it, i am not a morning person, never have been, never will be. jump in the shower, and get ready in the amount of time i have left... if i am super rushed, it will be a curly hair day, if not, i take the ever so long process and time of straightening my hair. it is longer than it has been in years, so it takes me at least 45 minutes to dry it and straighten it, but i am thankful to have it, so i will not complain:) usually i do not have time to eat or put on make up at the house, so that is done in the car. i fix my bagel thin, strawberry shake, and coffee and take that on the road... also i put my make up on in the car, i know it is a horrible habit, but i usually have at least a 30 minute commute if not an hour to an hour and a half drive to my sites:) i will pray, sing, talk on the phone, you name it on the commutes, my time in the car is great!
i arrive onsite as close to on time as possible, usually with starbucks in hand, yes another coffee, haha. now i am ready to go! i monitor medical records comparing it to source data from the subjects who have been enrolled into a clinical trial, i return study drug to the depot/drug warehouse, i look at regulatory documents (this is what the government monitors to make sure sites are legit and following guidelines, serious stuff), i always take a lunch break, and then i hop back in the car and drive back. i usually have a gym bag in the car, and head straight to the gym or else i will have no motivation, so i may go to cardio strength or total strength, love these classes. afterwards, i am usually too tired to cook, so i may head to which which (i think they know i am addicted), then head home eat my dinner! at this point it is usually 8:15 or 8:30 pm. i will watch mindless television, work on reports, clean my house a little, do my quiet time (that i didn't do this morning) or just relax until about midnight and then head to bed. i set goals to go to bed earlier, it never happens, i wish! then i get up and do it all over again... i love my life, my friends, my schedule, my job and all that God has blessed me with. i don't like not being busy, so i enjoy my days that are full to the brim!
day 11: describe ten pet peeves I have...
i am so off on the days, but just go with it... describe ten pet peeves that i have, sorry if you do these:)
1. people who snore or make any kind of noise when they sleep for that matter, other than a light breathing sound (i like for people to live)... 99% of the time i need a sound machine to drown out sounds and i should start praying now that my future husband does not snore, because i will never sleep, that sound is like nails on a chalkboard to me
2. people who do not take care of other people's stuff
3. people who drop the "f" word, it really is not ever needed and women who say it, it is not becoming or attractive if you ask me, but ask a guy
4. people who have to always be the center of attention, enough said
5. couples who sit on the same side of the booth, seriously, that is just flat out ridiculous
6. people who smoke where it clearly says, NO SMOKING or they walk two inches outside of the no smoking area and blow smoke right in your face, happens to me all the time at the charlotte airport
7. people talking during a movie in the theater, seriously be quiet
8. people who let their dogs jump on everyone, teach them that is a bad habit
9. when the toliet paper roll is backwards
10. people who don't respond to email/text/phone or that don't rsvp... does it really take that much time?
1. people who snore or make any kind of noise when they sleep for that matter, other than a light breathing sound (i like for people to live)... 99% of the time i need a sound machine to drown out sounds and i should start praying now that my future husband does not snore, because i will never sleep, that sound is like nails on a chalkboard to me
2. people who do not take care of other people's stuff
3. people who drop the "f" word, it really is not ever needed and women who say it, it is not becoming or attractive if you ask me, but ask a guy
4. people who have to always be the center of attention, enough said
5. couples who sit on the same side of the booth, seriously, that is just flat out ridiculous
6. people who smoke where it clearly says, NO SMOKING or they walk two inches outside of the no smoking area and blow smoke right in your face, happens to me all the time at the charlotte airport
7. people talking during a movie in the theater, seriously be quiet
8. people who let their dogs jump on everyone, teach them that is a bad habit
9. when the toliet paper roll is backwards
10. people who don't respond to email/text/phone or that don't rsvp... does it really take that much time?
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
day 10:: most embarrassing moment
this is really quite easy for me... all of my college friends know this one all to well. so, i am bit clumsy and fall rather easily. i was in a hurry to go meet my friend beth my senior year of college so we could go pass our swim test, and i fell in the middle of the pit (the middle of campus, basically the most central location where the most people are located)... now when i say i fell, i mean, i dropped my bag that had all of the books, wallet, keys, everything and it scattered all down the four or five steps, my knees started bleeding, and it hurt. to say i was mortified, would be an understatement. most of the athletes would sit on this wall near the dining hall, and they were all dying laughing at me, which only made the whole situation worse. i managed to get up and find all of my belongings and then i find beth in the student store. she continues my embarrassment by laughing at me (gotta love her), and then when we finally get to the pool, they tell me i can't take the test because i have blood running down my leg. i wanted to crawl under a table. we finally got it to stop bleeding and they let me jump in the pool to pass my text, seriously one of the most, if not the most, embarrassing thing of my life.
day 9 continued, a week late
sorry this is about a week overdue, but i was in training all week last week for my new job and it was busy. i have listed the first five, here are my last five (these were in no particular order)
6. my dad - if you could hear my dad tell his story, i am pretty sure, you would just sit there with your jaw on the floor, but in the end you would have the biggest smile on your face, because he is a great man of God who has the biggest heart i have ever seen. seriously, he would literally give the shirt off of his back and i can't think of anything he would not do for people. i think this is definitely his best quality and i know i got my servant's heart from him. it would be so awesome if we could do a mission trip together, one day!!! when i was seven, my mom and step-dad (this is who i am talking about here, by the way) got married, and i know that i was not the easiest seven year old to take on. i could write a small novel about the hardships he faced, but i will give you a brief summary:: he had to move out of his home or left his home with his biological mother (his biological father died before he was born i think) and he was graciously taken in by a sweet, Christian lady who had quite a few kids herself (Granny Finger is all I knew as), he dropped out of school after the eighth grade to work, so he actually never learned to read past a middle school level, and i know there are many other things... the point is, he never let any of this stop him, he learned to read when i was 14 years old, he started his own business as a painter/pressure washer and stains cabinets and while there may be slower times in this economy, he is successful, he has provided everything that he and my mom could for my sister and me, and for that i can never say thank you enough, he has loved my mom the way the Bible says. seriously, one of the most amazing men i have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and the best part, God chose to make him my dad:)
7. connie and darren turner, stuart and sherry mullen, cindy and mitch cline, david and edie carpenter, and many others - younger, Christian couples at BCBC from when i was younger. seeing these couples portray what a Godly couple or Christian marriage looks like was a great example to a very young and impressionable girl. in a day or world where divorce is so prevalent and people do it all the time, it was very encouraging to see these couples and many others making it work and truly in love and putting God in the center of their marriages.
8. momaw and popaw abby - my grandmother's parents... momaw abby was the best, most hilarious women and popaw abby had a true heart of gold and laughed all the time. they loved each other and respected each other.
9. momaw saine - she was such a woman of God; everyone looked up to her. one of the most spiritually wise people ever. you should hear what people had to say about her. she sent all of us birthday cards on our birthdays with a bible verse. she journaled and prayed for our family so diligently.
10. the beams - their family has been dealt quite a few blows with cancer and they have handled this with great faith and they are have not let this dampen their spirit. hayley had thyroid cancer, frankie (the mom) had breast cancer, her sister patricia had cancer and unfortunately passed away from it, holly (hayley's twin) had a thyroid and breast cancer scare, but PTL all was clear, alisa (their older sister) had a thyroid scare recently, frankie's mother had breast cancer, johnathan, their brother had colon cancer at like 25, i am sure there is more, but they have rallied together and love each other that much more.
6. my dad - if you could hear my dad tell his story, i am pretty sure, you would just sit there with your jaw on the floor, but in the end you would have the biggest smile on your face, because he is a great man of God who has the biggest heart i have ever seen. seriously, he would literally give the shirt off of his back and i can't think of anything he would not do for people. i think this is definitely his best quality and i know i got my servant's heart from him. it would be so awesome if we could do a mission trip together, one day!!! when i was seven, my mom and step-dad (this is who i am talking about here, by the way) got married, and i know that i was not the easiest seven year old to take on. i could write a small novel about the hardships he faced, but i will give you a brief summary:: he had to move out of his home or left his home with his biological mother (his biological father died before he was born i think) and he was graciously taken in by a sweet, Christian lady who had quite a few kids herself (Granny Finger is all I knew as), he dropped out of school after the eighth grade to work, so he actually never learned to read past a middle school level, and i know there are many other things... the point is, he never let any of this stop him, he learned to read when i was 14 years old, he started his own business as a painter/pressure washer and stains cabinets and while there may be slower times in this economy, he is successful, he has provided everything that he and my mom could for my sister and me, and for that i can never say thank you enough, he has loved my mom the way the Bible says. seriously, one of the most amazing men i have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and the best part, God chose to make him my dad:)
7. connie and darren turner, stuart and sherry mullen, cindy and mitch cline, david and edie carpenter, and many others - younger, Christian couples at BCBC from when i was younger. seeing these couples portray what a Godly couple or Christian marriage looks like was a great example to a very young and impressionable girl. in a day or world where divorce is so prevalent and people do it all the time, it was very encouraging to see these couples and many others making it work and truly in love and putting God in the center of their marriages.
8. momaw and popaw abby - my grandmother's parents... momaw abby was the best, most hilarious women and popaw abby had a true heart of gold and laughed all the time. they loved each other and respected each other.
9. momaw saine - she was such a woman of God; everyone looked up to her. one of the most spiritually wise people ever. you should hear what people had to say about her. she sent all of us birthday cards on our birthdays with a bible verse. she journaled and prayed for our family so diligently.
10. the beams - their family has been dealt quite a few blows with cancer and they have handled this with great faith and they are have not let this dampen their spirit. hayley had thyroid cancer, frankie (the mom) had breast cancer, her sister patricia had cancer and unfortunately passed away from it, holly (hayley's twin) had a thyroid and breast cancer scare, but PTL all was clear, alisa (their older sister) had a thyroid scare recently, frankie's mother had breast cancer, johnathan, their brother had colon cancer at like 25, i am sure there is more, but they have rallied together and love each other that much more.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
day 9: 10 people who have influenced me
warning:: this could get a bit long-winded and i may break this into two days!
1. lindsey jo - this girl is my rock! my best friend since elementary school, we won't talk about specific grades, because someone didn't invite me to a party or two so i like to give her a hard time, i kid, i kid. lindsey is so solid in her faith, never turned her back on God, always stood firm on who she was and didn't care and doesn't care what others think of her stance/beliefs/views. i was the polar opposite when we went off to college and wanted all to like me and wanted nothing more than to fit in, but lindsey would just pray for me and read everything she could get her little hands on to me in our college dorm, haha. we are definitely more like sisters, fighting lots at times, but now i have such a deep respect and love for her. i don't know where i would be without her. i look up to her, even though she is 9 months younger than me and probably 5 inches shorter than me, haha. she is one of the most spiritually wise people i know. i know that God blesses us and puts spirtually wise council in our lives for a reason, and without a doubt she is one of those people. i love that she knows me well enough to know how to responsd/react to my craziness/insanity and still loves me just the same! lindsey jo is the definition of a best friend and i don't know what i would without her. love her more than she will probably ever know.
2. crystal elizabeth - i'll stick with the middle name thing! crystal has been my best friend for the longest. we have been friends since the sandbox in kindergarden. crystal has influenced my life in many different ways, but mostly because she is very loyal, and also the definition of a best friend. it doesn't matter what i do, what decision i make, i know that she is going to be there for me... she will be there to celebrate with me, to wipe my tears, or to work through whatever mess i have gotten myself into. i also love that we may not see each other once a week or everyday like we once did, but when we do, we just pick right back up. most of the time, we don't need an agenda, we just enjoy catching up and i love that. when i am around her, i just have this overwhelming since of comfort and know that i accepted for me, and you can't find that just anywhere! i love her so much, and tell her and lindsey often that they are both more like sisters to me.
3. my grandmother - she is talked about quite often on here, if you haven't gathered what an impact she made on my life, go back and flip through just a few posts and you will see. this woman helped mold and shape me into the woman i am today. i am so much like her, it is not even funny. i am getting to my mother's influence, but we all joke about how i am so different than my mother, but without my grandmother having my mother, there would be no me. my grandmother was a worrier (check, i got that gene), she was so caring (i consider myself caring), she loved to shop (she passed that right on to me and skipped my mother, haha), she loved to be around people (not an introvert here), she loved working (me too), and wanted to do for others (she always cooked pintos and cornbread anytime she knew i was coming her way) - i did not get this cooking thing she had going on, haha. i can only hope/wish to be half of wife/mother/grandmother she was one day. i am telling you, if you didn't meet her, i am sorry. she was simply AMAZING:)
4. my mother - well, i wouldn't be here without her, so has greatly influenced the woman i am from the time i was a newborn til now nearly 30 years later:) my mom is very set in her ways, has a routine for every day of her life, but she is a great mom. she raised my sister and me to be great women of God, to always put God first, to work hard for everything in life, and she gave me my dramatic side to life, the little bit of my adventurous side i have, and made me quite sassy and opinionated:) ever since my grandmother passed away, she has stepped into the role of being like the glue that holds our family together. she takes care of my grandfather, her father, with such compassion... i know she has passed this on to me, and i hope that one day i will take care of my parents in this same loving way. my mother is also very spiritually wise, and i love that i can call her when i have a question regarding something i am studying. she loves to read and unfortunately she didn't pass this to kendall or me, haha. my mother overcame a lot in her life and God used her story to become a pillar in the church, a woman of great faith, a loving Christian mom, and she really is quite entertaining/funny:) i am so blessed to have her as my mother!
5. kasey dawn - i met kasey when i moved to charlotte, and there is no doubt that God knew what he was doing! kasey is my best friend from charlotte, and she is about to move to dallas. i am pretty sure, i am somewhat in denial about the big move/transition that is about to occur, but i am SO happy for her. she is pursuing what God has called her to do. kasey has influenced my life a lot in the last few years. she is the friend that isn't afraid to say the things that you need to hear, she loves you so much that she says these things; this is something that i truly admire/love about her. also, there isn't a time when she doesn't back it up with scripture. her support, love, encouragement, and friendship has been such a blessing in my life and words cannot really say how miss i will miss her. kasey is always there for me, we hang out a lot and most of the time don't need a plan, we just meet up for dinner, run to target, grab a movie, whatever, and i will miss her so much, but as i said before, am so excited for her and the next chapter in her life. i can't wait to visit her in dallas:)
i'll post the other five tomorrow:)
1. lindsey jo - this girl is my rock! my best friend since elementary school, we won't talk about specific grades, because someone didn't invite me to a party or two so i like to give her a hard time, i kid, i kid. lindsey is so solid in her faith, never turned her back on God, always stood firm on who she was and didn't care and doesn't care what others think of her stance/beliefs/views. i was the polar opposite when we went off to college and wanted all to like me and wanted nothing more than to fit in, but lindsey would just pray for me and read everything she could get her little hands on to me in our college dorm, haha. we are definitely more like sisters, fighting lots at times, but now i have such a deep respect and love for her. i don't know where i would be without her. i look up to her, even though she is 9 months younger than me and probably 5 inches shorter than me, haha. she is one of the most spiritually wise people i know. i know that God blesses us and puts spirtually wise council in our lives for a reason, and without a doubt she is one of those people. i love that she knows me well enough to know how to responsd/react to my craziness/insanity and still loves me just the same! lindsey jo is the definition of a best friend and i don't know what i would without her. love her more than she will probably ever know.
2. crystal elizabeth - i'll stick with the middle name thing! crystal has been my best friend for the longest. we have been friends since the sandbox in kindergarden. crystal has influenced my life in many different ways, but mostly because she is very loyal, and also the definition of a best friend. it doesn't matter what i do, what decision i make, i know that she is going to be there for me... she will be there to celebrate with me, to wipe my tears, or to work through whatever mess i have gotten myself into. i also love that we may not see each other once a week or everyday like we once did, but when we do, we just pick right back up. most of the time, we don't need an agenda, we just enjoy catching up and i love that. when i am around her, i just have this overwhelming since of comfort and know that i accepted for me, and you can't find that just anywhere! i love her so much, and tell her and lindsey often that they are both more like sisters to me.
3. my grandmother - she is talked about quite often on here, if you haven't gathered what an impact she made on my life, go back and flip through just a few posts and you will see. this woman helped mold and shape me into the woman i am today. i am so much like her, it is not even funny. i am getting to my mother's influence, but we all joke about how i am so different than my mother, but without my grandmother having my mother, there would be no me. my grandmother was a worrier (check, i got that gene), she was so caring (i consider myself caring), she loved to shop (she passed that right on to me and skipped my mother, haha), she loved to be around people (not an introvert here), she loved working (me too), and wanted to do for others (she always cooked pintos and cornbread anytime she knew i was coming her way) - i did not get this cooking thing she had going on, haha. i can only hope/wish to be half of wife/mother/grandmother she was one day. i am telling you, if you didn't meet her, i am sorry. she was simply AMAZING:)
4. my mother - well, i wouldn't be here without her, so has greatly influenced the woman i am from the time i was a newborn til now nearly 30 years later:) my mom is very set in her ways, has a routine for every day of her life, but she is a great mom. she raised my sister and me to be great women of God, to always put God first, to work hard for everything in life, and she gave me my dramatic side to life, the little bit of my adventurous side i have, and made me quite sassy and opinionated:) ever since my grandmother passed away, she has stepped into the role of being like the glue that holds our family together. she takes care of my grandfather, her father, with such compassion... i know she has passed this on to me, and i hope that one day i will take care of my parents in this same loving way. my mother is also very spiritually wise, and i love that i can call her when i have a question regarding something i am studying. she loves to read and unfortunately she didn't pass this to kendall or me, haha. my mother overcame a lot in her life and God used her story to become a pillar in the church, a woman of great faith, a loving Christian mom, and she really is quite entertaining/funny:) i am so blessed to have her as my mother!
5. kasey dawn - i met kasey when i moved to charlotte, and there is no doubt that God knew what he was doing! kasey is my best friend from charlotte, and she is about to move to dallas. i am pretty sure, i am somewhat in denial about the big move/transition that is about to occur, but i am SO happy for her. she is pursuing what God has called her to do. kasey has influenced my life a lot in the last few years. she is the friend that isn't afraid to say the things that you need to hear, she loves you so much that she says these things; this is something that i truly admire/love about her. also, there isn't a time when she doesn't back it up with scripture. her support, love, encouragement, and friendship has been such a blessing in my life and words cannot really say how miss i will miss her. kasey is always there for me, we hang out a lot and most of the time don't need a plan, we just meet up for dinner, run to target, grab a movie, whatever, and i will miss her so much, but as i said before, am so excited for her and the next chapter in her life. i can't wait to visit her in dallas:)
i'll post the other five tomorrow:)
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