Amanda's Life Happenings

Can God Change His Mind?

2008-10-27T08:15:00.000-05:00

Would He be God if He couldn't? Can we change God's mind? Didn't Moses change God's mind several (I mean MANY) times when He wanted to wipe the Israelites off the face of the earth after ALL the times they rebelled and turned their backs on God?

If God can change His mind, then can He lead us down one path, but then change our direction entirely and lead us down another path... as if He changed His mind?

My thoughts? Heck yeah, He can. Why not? God is God. There is no sin in Him and there is certainly no sin in changing your mind. There can be more than one right path for your life. It's truly your choice as to which path to go down - it's called free will. God, if you allow Him to, will guide you down the right path but the right path could be a choice as He can truly use you in multiple ways in multiple situations. He's GOD. Why couldn't He? Some of us worry and fret about making the right decisions for our lives. I know do too! What career should I follow? What school should I go to? Or should I even be in school? Where should I live? Who should I call my friends? Why do I worry? It's crazy because in reality, if done for the sole purpose of bringing glory to GOD's Name and not your own, His Name will be glorified in whatever path you choose to go down. He's GOD. He can use you in so many ways wherever you are.

For me, it was a choice of continuing on in grad school or being content as a registered nurse...

I guess my biggest news, if you haven't been up on the rumor mill, is that I'm not in school anymore. I decided to pull out after a month of intense studying and working. I was taking 13 credits and it was putting me over the edge. I attempted to cut back to part time but by then, I had had enough and the passion was just lost. I enjoyed what I was learning and was doing well, but it was so intense. I also really started to re-analyze what a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner (NNP) does, and mas o menos changed my mind about wanting to do that. The biggest thing that was the main deciding factor was that Spectrum Health was no longer hiring NNPs which would mean I would have to move out of state in order to get a job. Add to that a $40,000+ debt in this economy, it just didn't seem wise anymore - especially in Michigan. I'm settled in Michigan. I have an awesome job, along with my house and my family and friends close by. I have no desire to pick up my entire life by myself, leave all my family and friends behind, and start over alone. This world is too lonely and dark for that :( I love my job, my colleagues, the families I work with - especially the babies - as well as the intense A.D.D. environment I work in. Our unit is definitely one of the top and most advanced in the nation. It's amazing to learn how far ahead we are compared to many of the other NICUs!!

You may ask as one of my friends has asked me... What now?

I have no regrets for the path I have taken as so many amazing things happened the two times I was down in Nashville. I honestly believe it was God driven. He used me in the path I had taken and then completely changed my direction - it was a true 180. I am at peace with my path change. I believe God was at the helm of it and still is. My life has slowed way down and I'm enjoying it. I'm delving into God's Word more now than ever. I'm spending time with my family more now than ever. I'm spending real time with my family and friends, loving them and encouraging them in their walks with God - more now than ever. I LOVE this new assignment from God... Is it a cake walk? Definitely not!! There are many times where I wonder, God what are you doing? I'm not used to being "not busy". I need to be doing something, going somewhere... But, He's slowed me down for a reason and I'm learning to enjoy it and use it for His glory.

My work as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will continue. My place is at the bedside providing intense care for extremely sick babies. I LOVE working there. I love my colleagues, our docs, NNPs, office staff. I wouldn't trade my job for the world. I have been there since the day I graduated with from college - 3 1/2+ years - and I have no intention to leave. Here's to our neo team - those of you on Facebook and those of you who are not :)

Mission work!! I have a HUGE passion for mission work and caring for the least of these - especially orphans. I am seeking God's guidance and patiently waiting on Him to guide me in this area. It's just a matter of time. There are several areas that I am interested in but am choosing to wait on God's timing, guidance and direction ~ truly the safest place to be is in His arms awaiting His direction and assignment :) I love it when duty calls! It's an honor to be used by Him. His assignments are what make this life truly worth living for - no matter how difficult it is... <3

Life & death. It's part of my job...

2008-09-14T22:35:00.001-05:00

You know, going into nursing, I never imagined the things I'd be apart of. Who would have imagined I would be providing care for the smallest patient ever imagined. I've seen a mom give birth to a baby as small as 560 grams (1 lb 4 oz). Her length: from the tip of your fingers to stretching barely beyond your wrist. Her hand being the size of your thumb. I have witnessed the birth of twins, only to bury them a week later as I provided the care they needed from when they were first born to when they passed away. I have witnessed the joys of twins going home with their parents after being born at just over a pound, going home big and chunky four whole months later. I have provided care for the big eight pound term babies being sicker than ever could be, watched them make the big turn around, slowly come off life support, get a good bath, then start taking a bottle to the joys and smiles of their parents. Provided care for them after going through surgery, been on nitric oxide, jet ventilator, ECMO, oscillator. I have provided care for the sickest babies on the unit, but nothing compares to being there when parents mourn the loss of a child after witnessing a full code on their own baby. Nothing compares to that especially when it's unexpected. I could see it on their faces. Our team had worked as one to save this baby. It was not easy and no one wanted to give up, but it eventually it comes to that point. Why? Why do babies have to die? It just doesn't seem fair.

Our team is a real team. We stand together as one. We work side by side supporting each other as we fight for each baby's life. It's not an easy battle and we take it very seriously. The faces of everyone involved in the case mentioned above... heartbroken. The mood for the rest of the day... downtrodden... as we carried each other's burdens supporting each other as we could. Our hearts had been ripped out of our chests for these parents, this family, as we cried out asking, "Why do babies have to suffer? Why do bad things happen to good people?" I just don't get it...

But as tough as it gets in the NICU world, I absolutely love my job, our team, the parents, the families, the babies. I love the intensity. The A.D.D. environment. Makes me think extremely critically. Always on top of my game. I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's more than just feeding, changing diapers and rocking babies. Oh, so much more. If you ever get a chance to step into the NICU - try it some time - it'll change the way you look at the world. It's pretty amazing.

A Moment I Will Never Forget... A moment with God & Chris Tomlin

2008-09-09T21:19:00.001-05:00

Did you ever have an experience that seemed to be totally random? Out of the blue almost. You then look back later and realize it was from God? A moment He taught you something... A revelation.

I had such a moment about two weeks ago. I called up my good friend / adopted dad, Chris Lemke, to see if he was ready to head out to dinner that night. We both happened to be in Nashville at the same time, and we had planned ahead of time to do dinner together. He said, "Hold on, let me call you back." A few minutes later, he calls me back and says, "I"m on this street." I reply, "What's the cross street?" "Um... Hang on, let me talk to someone. You aren't too far from me b/c apparently I'm near Vanderbilt. Just start heading towards the right." "Ok. Let me get away from the hospital first." We hang up, then calls me back again and tells me the cross street. I'm like, "I just turned right onto that street! In fact, I see you now." "Oh ok..." We hang up, I pick him up at a light and we make another right. Chris is like, "I just came from a CD release party / platinum / gold album party for Chris Tomlin, and if you want, park here and I bet you can get a CD." I'm thinking inside my mind, "Heck, yeah!" I hadn't seen Chris Tomlin since GMA. I was more than geeked to see him at his very own private party, but if you know anything about me, I keep my feelings fairly internalized.

I manage to parallel park (with a lot of readjustments) and we head inside to an old church turned recording studio. You would never guess this was a recording studio from the outside. First impressions, this place is gorgeous! The first person Chris L introduces me to is Matt Maher, who is a songwriter, and writes music with Chris T. Very cool guy. I honestly didn't realize who he was till Chris L told me later.

I then looked up and saw Chris Tomlin on the stage getting his pic taken for a photoshoot of him and several people that helped him with his album. Chris L and I then move towards the stage, and the control room of the studio. I could see a full size grand piano in an adjacent room. He told me that this is one of the most expensive recording studios with one of the largest soundboards in the world. That board was HUGE. I'd say about 8-10 feet long. This studio was gorgeous!

We then went down from the stage, off to the side to watch Chris Tomlin do his photo shoot. Eventually Chris T's dad, mom, two brothers, sister-in-law and nephew get up there with him for a pic. I said to Chris L, "Where's his wife and kids?" Chris replied, "He's still single." What?! Serious?" The guy is so good looking and well established in a good music career, how could he be single?! "He told me he doesn't have time for a relationship," Chris said. WOW. I persisted to ask Chris more questions about him. I said, "When I talked with him at GMA for about 10 minutes, he was kind of hard to talk with and engage in conversation. Is this because he's not interested or...?" "He's on the quieter side and tends to be shy." "Ah. I see." Chris Tomlin glanced my way several times, probably wondering who the heck I was and what I was doing at his little private party. I kind of doubt he remembers me from GMA, but who knows! Very sweet guy though.

I am still in shock that Chris is single! What an inspiration. Chris L said he was going to introduce me to him, but it never happened. We walked right by him, but Chris L kept walking. I was kind of bummed but then thought, well, maybe it wasn't meant to be.

In looking back, I realized how random that moment in time really was. A divine appointment. God revealed to me the great things he can do through single people. It was Him telling me to chill out and relax... "Enjoy this life and all that I can do through you! Look what I have done through Chris Tomlin to glorify my Name, to bring people closer to Me. I can do that through you if you let Me." Chris L told me of Chris T's travels around the world. I remember the mission trips Chris Tomlin had told me that he'd been on when I talked to him back in April. God has used and is using this man to make a huge impact on this world for Christ.

It was a moment I will never forget. It was special. It was divine. God was there, I could sense His presence. It was a moment meant to be. I didn't ask for it. It happened. It was directed by God. I treasure this moment, and the album I received on my way out. Chris Tomlin's latest album, Hello Love. This album is incredible. I received an advance copy - before it hit the streets the very next week.

Although, I hope my prince charming sweeps me off my feet some day in the near distant future, this moment revealed to me that a season of singleness or even a lifetime of singleness is something to be treasured. God can use me in ways that He could not otherwise. Chris Tomlin is 34 years old. I am 25. A 9 year gap, but a gap that gives me hope that God has big dreams and plans for my life. Only He knows the plans He has for me. I lay my trust, heart and head in His arms of love and peace. <3

Life in Nashville

2008-08-30T19:46:00.001-05:00

Lovin' Nashville, lovin' Vanderbilt, gettin' overwhelmed with school, gettin' stressed out with school... I know it's what I want to do, but there is so much to do between here and there. 11 months. That's all it is. Truly 11 months and one more board exam. The professors are great. They're fun and understanding yet still demand excellence. I would recommend this school to anyone. Joined a new team... My class of 30ish all studying to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. We're all in it together. The ups, the downs, the tears, the pulling out the hair wondering how it'll all get done. We'll get through it together. We are from all over the east side of the States. Mainly South, but a few stragglers from the north - yes, I'm one of the stragglers ;) I'm the furthest one from the north with the next being Illinois. The rest are from Tennessee, Missouri, Kentucky, Louisiana - who's family is being evacuated right now d/t the hurricane :( - , North Carolina, Florida, Georgia & Texas. Great group of people. I'm lovin' the southern hospitality for sure!! People down here are so much nicer than people in the north. Why is that?

In spite of their niceness, they still deal with the issues we do... I see the homeless people walking down the streets of Nashville. The drunk man who serenaded me last night while I was trying to study... The Vanderbilt professor who was killed within the last week in the east side of Nashville along with his sister... Shot point blank. And I happen to be staying on that end of town. I saw he TV helicopter circling around about 5-7 miles just south of me. Now that was scary. These issues don't disappear when you go to another town that you may think to be more fun than your own. When I was here back in April, the homeless were roaming the streets. They seemed to know "the Christians" were around b/c of the Gospel Music Association conference that was going on at the time of which I attended... They were closer to the Renaissance where we stayed - more so than what seemed normal. How many of us Christians walk by them everyday? How many times do we drive by them? Being a single girl by myself in Nashville right now, it's difficult to know how to help them. I couldn't do much for the drunk man last night b/c first, he wouldn't remember me anyway. Second, b/c I'm female and it's not exactly safe to do so. So what do we do? How do we be Jesus to these people? If I had an answer, I would surely give it to you, but I don't. Do you?

On the flip side, this town is SO much fun! Yes, those of you who have been to Nashville know there is so much more to do here than in Grand Rapids. The town, the sites, the people, the football games - both the Titans and college ball. The shows in the bars every night. The shows being put on in clubs all over the place. The shows at the auditoriums. TobyMac coming to town in December :) It's very hard to get bored here.

So are you starting to think I'm just partying over here? HA! Not so fast. I'm studying my behind off. Delving head first into anything and everything neonatal! So interesting, yet so overwhelming to cram it all into 11 months. I haven't been back to school for three years! I love this field of study though. It's detailed and I HAVE to be on top of my game at all times... for the littlest of patients are in my palms of my hands... as I think back to the one pound three ounce baby I admitted to the NICU just three weeks ago...

All credit is turned back to God. I take none for it. He alone has full control of ALL. He is the reason I why I make it through each and everyday!

All right, back to the books. Headed to downtown Nashville to study. Much more fun over there! Hope I can find a parking spot ;)

Have you ever cried so hard that it hurt?

2008-08-22T00:14:00.000-05:00

Last night after I got home from a show, I broke down and cried so hard to the point of my head hurting. I was crying from the depths of my heart. It hurt so bad. I have not cried like that in so long. I honestly couldn't exactly figure out the real reason for the tears. Initially, I thought it was one thing but then realized it to be another. In reality, it was pent up emotions. Emotions that I had suppressed for quite some time.

Have you ever cried just to release it all? It's healthy to. I was literally crying out. It hurt so bad. My head, my heart. I woke up feeling like I had a hangover, even though I have never touched alcohol in my life. Some may think it's depression, and I know I had a depressed day today, which is not my norm. It took a while to recover, but I have and am...

I had a conversation last night with a good friend that brought out something that needed to be dealt with. I was upset with a situation and someone in particular that I was choosing to be cynical and catty about. It's not right ,and God finally called me out on it and made me deal with it. It was time to truly open up and clear the air. My friend now knows what the real situation was. It was a good dad / daughter like talk, and this conversation brought these thoughts, emotions and pain back to the surface. I had suppressed them for so long and was trying to forget them, that after we talked, they came right up. I couldn't handle it anymore.

That was just part of the tears. That convo put me over my limit as the stress and change happening in my life right now hit a peak. I'm seriously scared about starting school next week. I'm excited but scared to death. So much is changing. Will I be able to do it all? School, work, homework, clinical hours? Where's the money coming from? My social life will come to a halt for a year... Will my friends understand and stick around? Or will they run? Will I ever find Mr. Right? Do I really have to be patient? Do I have to wait on Your timing? Can You tell I'm freaking out? You know I like control!!

That's my problem... I like to be in control. I want to know what and when things are going to happen before they happen. I'm a thinker. I think 5-7 steps ahead of myself. But God's timing is perfect. He makes me wait. He knows I like to be in control and know what's going to happen. He knows so well that He in fact does reveal to me what's going to happen. Thing is, He doesn't tell me when! Which makes me kind of impatient...

No matter how crazed I feel, I know His ways are better than mine. His timing is better than mine. He's teaching me how to trust in Him. I love following Him and His leading. His ways are truly perfect. He has placed dreams and passions in my heart and soul that I'm just waiting on His timing for them to happen. It's so exciting!!

He works all things out for the good of those who love Him and keep His commands. Thank You, Abba Father. I belong to You. I trust Your timing, love and guidance. I trust Your heart. Wrap Your arms around me and just hold me for "I'm shaking like a leaf. You have been King of my glory, won't You be my Prince of Peace?" (Rich Mullins).

Living Out My Dreams for Such a Time as This

2008-08-04T11:15:00.009-05:00

It's going to happen. I'm going for it. I'm living out one of my wildest dreams (I have several more that are in the making right now!). The last week of August is almost here. The homework assignments are starting to roll in but you know what? I'M LOVING IT!! "I thought you were done with school," some might be saying. I thought so too. After I graduated with my bachelors of nursing three and half years ago, my mom excitedly said to me, "You're done forever with school!" But, I knew in the back of my mind that I wasn't done. Even though I fought it for three years, I knew I wanted to go back. I want to learn so much more about the neonate. It fascinates me (about as much fascination as I have about the end times).

And where am I going? To Nashville! Vanderbilt University to be exact. Don't get me wrong, I'm not moving there as the entire program is online BUT I do get to go down there six times for the year long program. YES!! My first trip down for classes and orientation is the last week of this month and it's for a whole week! I'm soooo excited!! And I have a few friends down there that I hope to connect with which will be suhweet to see them. Can you tell I'm missin' Nashville right now? I went down there back in April with several really good friends and had SO much fun. Chris (aka. my adopted dad), Beth, Jordan, and George. One of the best trips I've ever been on. LOVE YOU GUYS!!

What am I going to school for? My masters degree to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner. I almost didn't make it b/c I almost quit when I realized how in depth study the GREs were. I never want to see that test EVER again. Ugh...

God never ceases to amaze me though. He has put the right people in my life at just the right time to encourage and support me to go for my dreams. He has also widely opened the doors of opportunity to make a difference in this world. Through my career as an RN in the Neonatal ICU, through cross-cultural mission trips, through my family and friends, through my beloved Bible study group, and in my very own neighborhood. I love people and being with them. I love listening to them and helping them in life. Loving people is one of my biggest passions in life. Christ needs to be first as I follow His leading...

Following Christ is one of the best ways to live b/c I've been on so many wild and crazy trips lately... but you know what? That's what makes life SO much fun! When Christ is living in and through you, you are truly living life to the fullest as He takes you on wild and crazy rides to impact a world in need of a Saviour.

Stay tuned... More to come! (...wow, I miss blogging... more can be found here: www.WaY.fm/connect/missons)

Stepping Out Of Our COMFORT ZONE @ Modern Skate Park

2008-03-20T19:50:00.001-05:00

Last night, five of us (from the WaYfm mission team) decided to step out of our comfort, but four of us actually made it out on the floor :) Josh, Dana & Tom, and I all have an interest in rollerblading and trying new things. Last night, we decided to try out a skate park. The destination? Modern Skate Park. Prior to going, I was more than geeked about the idea of hitting up a skate park as I LOVE to rollerblade. In fact, Josh and I had talked online about it for about an hour the night before.

Fast forward to last night... We got to the skate park wide-eyed and full of excitement as we endeavored on this new adventure (with Autumn threatening us if we broke a bone or seriously injured ourselves as we all have key roles on the mission team). We suited up in full body armor (well, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and helmets - just to be safe), then strapped on our skates and headed for the ramps, half pipes and spine. Josh was the first out. I soon followed and quickly discovered that I had NO IDEA what I was doing. Having never done this before but coming with the skill of rollerblading on pavement, I thought I could adjust... Ha! Not so fast. This skate park was a world of its own. I looked around and all I saw were teen guys on skateboards and one or two in "boots" (as one teen called them - aka rollerblades). I quickly felt out of place, very much intimidated and almost ready to give up and leave as I was so out of my comfort zone...

To give you some perspective as many of you are teens - all four of us are in our mid-twenties and we have NEVER done this before. We've bladed before, but not at a skate park. We were surrounded by teen guys that had mucho experience at the half pipes, bowl and ramp. We came with NONE. We were very much out of our comfort zone. In fact, Dana and I were the only two girls out there. Not a female to be found ANYWHERE. But you know what? When I wanted to quit and run from embarassment, Josh was quick to say, "You did great!" "Good job!" "You look better." That kept me going. After our first hour out there and falling many times - funny, it doesn't hurt much to fall - we took a water break. I was ready to quit, but the guys headed back out for more "fun" and falling, while Dana, Autumn (our fearless cheerleader) and I sat and chatted for a bit. I thought I was done... Not so fast! Next thing I know, Dana asked me, "Ready to head back out?" I was thinking, "Are you crazy?! I am horrible at this!" But after a second thought and remembering I had paid $14 to do this, I agreed to venture out once more. We decided to try the small half pipe and spine (if you have no idea what I'm talking about, you'll see it in the video). And you know what?! We managed to conquer it! After falling several times, we learned to get over our embarassment as even the more experienced guys were falling. We realized we were amateurs, accepted it and were determined to accomplish the task at hand to the best of our ability. AND we succeeded! Josh even managed to survive the HUGE half pipe as you'll see at the end of the video...

So without further adieu, here is our accomplishment (with music credits to George Moss for allowing us to use one of my personal favorites from his album, All Or Nothing, "It Feels Good") Enjoy! ...

Intro with real time audio...

Conquering the BIG half pipe with real time audio...

Without the encouragement and support of my team, I would have quit after five minutes. But we chose to step out of our comfort zone, try something new, encourage each other when we got discouraged, and accomplish the task at hand. We even managed to befriend a couple of the guys as they taught us a thing or two :)

And that, my friend, is what we will be doing in Honduras. We will be completely out of our comfort zone, in another culture, speaking the "wrong" language as most of us only know English. In Honduras, all we will have are each other for support and encouragement when the going gets rough. But if we can survive a skate park on this side of the border, just imagine what God has in store for our team on the OTHER side of the border as we serve in His Name the children in Honduras.

That is our challenge to you...

Take a chance to help a friend, to try something new or to do something God has called you to do, therefore STEPPING OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE to make a difference for CHRIST.

Coming Back To My First LOVE.

2008-01-14T23:30:00.000-05:00

Exhausted but still journaling... Tired, but still learning (as I just finished my third 12 hour day in a row in the NICU)... Just last week, I was disappointed that there was nothing to pick up at work as we were staffed well and our census of babies was down... Actually sounds like a good thing right? After all the complaining I've done that there are not enough nurses... I was like, "I NEED TO SAVE MONEY FOR SCHOOL! THERE'S NOTHING TO PICK UP AT WORK!" Then God reminded me that He always provides... And so He did. Wham! I had a three and a half hour meeting at work that carried over into another meeting (yes, I'm hourly :) ), then I was on-call for work last week for a day in case our transport team got called out... They did (X3) and I got another three and a half hours in. Then our census skyrocketed to the 90s again and I worked extra today which put me to three 12s in a row and plan to do it again THIS coming weekend. Needless to say, I'm exhausted and about to go have some quiet time with God, then SLEEP as I have to study tomorrow and the next three days to get into grad school... Then I will work Friday, Saturday and Sunday this coming weekend! (Yes, I picked up Friday as extra :D) I have a huge drive to study and work to save up for grad school.

So yes, I'm exhausted but driven. It's a good exhaustion. I love my job and just took care of two beautiful babies. One very, very sick, but stable for the time being. He actually improved over the last two days that I cared for him. Prayer works, that's for sure. Praying over my babies, over their lab work and such, works. I have seen it work countless times. God does amazing things. When I don't pray, nothing much happens, but when I do pray, things happen. Just lately, I've begun to realize that AGAIN. When I pray, things happen. I'm astounded by this again and again. Then I ask myself, WHY WHY WHY do I stray?? Why, when things start going well, do I stop spending time with my Father? He is the ONLY reason I exist. Just the other day, I found myself crossing the street at the light by the hospital and crossed too late... I found myself in front of a huge row of cross traffic - a sitting duck. Then one car went flying by me going at least 40mph. I was literally one step away from being hit. God literally protected me. If I would have been one step quicker... yeah, let's just say my life flashed before me then and many times since. A couple days before this happened, a friend of mine said I have lived a full life. I replied back, I hope not! I have a lot of living yet that I hope to do... go to grad school, go on more mission trips, lead mission trips, get married, have kids, see Christ return - that's my number one.

After God protected me from getting hit, that confirmed to me that God does indeed have more plans for my life. THANKFULLY!! I'm SO excited to see what those plans entail. I currently have several things in mind that God is leading me to... I'm co-leading the Song of Solomon Study with seven others. Then after that, I'm going to be one of the leaders on the mission trip to Honduras with WaYfm (www.WaY.fm Honduras '08) along with several friends of mine. You can see the video slideshow I created from last year's trip as it's posted on WaY.fm as well -> www.WaY.fm Jamaica Video. I can hardly wait for this trip!! God is good. I then look forward to attending grad school this fall - I have to apply yet, but my goal is to start this fall. I'm looking to either Vanderbilt University or Rush University to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.

And as I look to my Heavenly Father for insight, wisdom and guidance, I come back to my first Love... As I allow Him to work in and through me to accomplish HIS will, He never ceases to amaze me in my everyday living. Father, You NEVER cease to amaze me as I breathe and allow life to happen.

Amanda taking off to Hungary into the sunset

Livin' it up & Luvin' life

2007-12-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

Life has been a blast these last couple weeks. So much has happened... Turned over three years working as an RN in the Neonatal ICU and now looking to attending grad school next fall. Working with George Moss as his street team and promotions director. Went through the Song of Solomon Bible study and will now be a co-leader for the next study. Joined George's small group Bible study. New carpet in my house. Party at my house. Chillin' with friends at my house and everywhere else. Going to bed at 2am just about every night for the last week (except this weekend). Sleeping in till 10-11a. Definitely living up the life till I start grad school in the fall!!

My friends have been all off for Christmas break, so being able to chill with them the last week and a half has been a complete blast. Started out by having a huge party at my house with Zach, Jon, David, Amanda, Adam, Autumn, Alyssa, George, Juice, Joel, Rick, George, Erin & Beth! SO much fun! My house was so trashed by the time all was said and done ~ after pizza, pop, Murder in the Church, Hide'n'Seek, Nerf Airgun wars, party in a 10 by 10 room, Sardines, Guitar Hero, Soccer & Football outside, talking, more eating, talking, talking, talking! One of the best parties I have EVER had!!

PLUS my sister, Amanda, is home from Word of Life Bible College in Hungary where she's been the last three months... I've so missed her and it's been great hanging out with her as I've only been able to talk to her via Skype and Facebook. Hanging out with her in person as much as possible this last week has been AMAZING. Love you sista!!

I also met a friend of mine for the first time ever in person at the party at my house Saturday... It was so cool to hear his voice in person, on the phone Friday then in PERSON AT MY HOUSE!!! We have NEVER MET before except on Skype through Amanda. George is from Romania but working in Hungary at the same school my sister Amanda is attending. We randomly met through Skype. I thought I was talking to Amanda, but come to find out he was mistakenly logged in as her and didn't know she had still been logged in as he was fixing her computer. We instantly became friends and talked for about two hours on Skype, then we became Facebook friends, then God allowed us to meet in person for the first time at the party at my house. Total God-thing. This was his first time in the States and he stayed with friends of his who live literally 1.6 miles (that's for you George and that milk shake I still owe you) from my house. Then come to find out, I coached his friend's sister in volleyball. This world is only getting smaller the more I get to know more people. God is amazing. George and I were able to hang out together for three nights in a row - usually with my sister, Amanda, since she is good friends with him. It was fun to get to know George and hang out with him as I was his set of wheels for those three days (seems to be a theme for many of my friends :) ). God works in amazing ways. Just to think that three months ago we were just chatting on Skype never thinking we would actually meet face to face. We then found ourselves Christmas night sitting face to face one on one getting to know each other in person. After he went back to his friend's house, I went to bed that night just mind-boggled that this guy from the other side of the world just hung out with me all night and we only met on Skype three months ago... How often does that happen?

I have also found myself to become very good friends with George Moss as I am his street team and promotions director. I love it!! I find myself hanging out with George for at least one day a week whether we are in the studio ~ him recording his album - me capturing these moments on tape; checking out a venue for the CD release party, discussing promotions and street team stuff, being a sound board for each other on anything and everything in life, hitting up Bible study or challenging each other to a game of Blokus. ha ha... After Bible study one night, George and our friends from Bible study introduced me to Blokus at Applebees... SO much fun! Then George, Amanda, George (from Romania) and I challenged each other to Blokus in a coffee shop just the other night... Yes, it was two Amandas and two George's challenging each other in Blokus! How confusing is that? ;) ha ha... George and I both beat George (from Romania) and Amanda... ha ha! yes, George, we TIED :p

Another night of fun is planned for New Year's as we all hit up the New Year's Eve party with WaYfm... So many friends to celebrate the new year with!! Don't plan to sleep at all as several of my friends are staying the night at my place. Sledding at 3am sounds like a blast doesn't it? haha ... sleep? what's that? who needs it??

God is AMAZING!! I LOVE MY FRIENDS...

Three George's, two Amandas :)
Amanda, George, Amanda
Amanda, Amanda, George
Amanda, Autumn
Beth, Alyssa, Amanda
Amanda, Amanda
Amanda, Zach

All I Really Want For Christmas

2007-12-21T20:31:00.000-05:00

One my dreams someday... to adopt. My dream has always been China, but I'm open to where God leads. Some day when Mr. Right comes aknockin' I know it will happen. I keep saying, if I'm not married by 30, I'm adopting my girls from China - except China will not allow singles to adopt anymore. Therefore, I may be looking to Korea as their kids are just as cute ...or any country God has in mind. I'm open and willing to go where He leads. This song has touched my heart since it came out... I created a slideshow of pics from Blossom Garden Orphanage, the home for disabled and home for troubled boys and set it to this song by Steven Curtis Chapman, All I Really Want For Christmas. All three of those places are located near Montego Bay, Jamaica, which is where the WaYfm mission team served this past summer (of which I was very much apart of).

Blokus Addicts

2007-12-12T22:57:00.000-05:00

You play it once and you are instantly an addict. I found myself playing tonight online versus a guy from Montreal. Let's just say he whooped me...

George introduced me to Blokus last week. I think he had been introduced to it by Greg a couple weeks prior and has been playing online since... therefore learning all the strategies so he could beat us all!

Anyway, last Tuesday after Bible study five of us headed to Applebees, Blokus in hand. Yes, we played Blokus in Applebees while enjoying our half price appetizers :) I had never played before and neither had Matt or Anthony. We played from 10:30p- 11:55p. Matt and Anthony rotated through while George, Liz and I were not giving up our spots. I was hooked after game one. It gets brutal! As Liz likes to say... friendships can be ruined over this game! I tend to agree that that could happen if played often enough... ha ha. (But I hope your friendships are deeper than that!)

It had been a week since I played last and I had been wanting to play more with no means to! After Bible study last night, George, Liz, Matt and I headed over to George's place with Blokus in hand! Woohoo!! (We had to beg and plead Joey - our fearless leader's son - to let us borrow it again. Thanks, Joey!!) Once at George's, a rousing game of Blokus was at hand. Next thing we know, Jason and Josh show up ready to chill out w/ us. Then Brad came as well as Anthony! Good times :) After two games of Blokus, Josh was intrigued enough to join. He had never played before but after game one, was hooked :)

As I said, all it takes is one game and you're addict. Tonight, I found myself to be fairly bored (as my house is torn apart and TV unplugged in anticipation for my new carpet to be laid in the morning!!), and remembered Blokus can be played online and globally! Yeah!! Sadly though, I lost to a Canadian... He did tell me he had been playing for two months now whereas I've only played on a board for a week. The game he had me play was a board that was the shape of a hexagon (vs. a square) and we each played two colors instead of one. I had never played that way before and therefore lost miserably. But you can be sure I'll be getting more practice so I can beat George (not tie, BEAT!) next time we play!! Plus, I gotta keep up with Josh as I can about imagine he had his entire office to playing online today :)

Any other Blokus addicts out there??

5 friends, 4 morning shows, 4 radio stations.

2007-12-11T14:13:00.000-05:00

A dilemma to say the least... Who do you listen to? What is YOUR favorite radio station?? Honestly, my personal favorite station is 88.3/89.9 WaYfm that can also be heard online at WaY.fm. BUT in the morning, I have 5 good friends on 4 different radio stations each with their own morning show. It used to only be 2 morning shows I had to decide between - WCSG & WaYfm. It has now DOUBLED to FOUR... 89.3 WGNB, 89.9 WaYfm, 91.3 WCSG and STAR 105.7. My very good friend Jack Haveman is on 89.3, my good friend, Rich Anderson is on 89.9, my friend, John Balyo is on 91.3 and my friends, Tommy and Brook are now on Star 105.7. A good dilemma to have I must say as you can never have too many friends. This AM, I found myself flipping through all four stations trying to catch them all on their breaks... Fortunately three of the stations are close to each other on the dial, but there is one outlier that took some serious dialing.

Honestly, I mainly enjoy listening to them talk instead of listening to the music. Much more entertaining. In fact, I wish they did more talking in the morning AND that they'd all synchronize it so I could flip from one station to the next so that as one ended his break, I could flip to the next and catch that break from the start, then go to the next, then the next... There's an idea! Then I could set my Sony digital tuner to all four stations and flip from one to the next to the next to the next and not miss a thing!

Fortunately for the afternoons and evenings, I only have to tune in to WaYfm for my friends... Mike Couchman, George Moss and DJ Mystery. Makes my listening decision SO much easier.

Who do you enjoy listening to? Does anyone else share my dilemma? Talk to me! Love to hear from ya!

In the Waiting that leads to the ACTION

2007-12-03T11:38:00.001-05:00

Have you ever felt as though you are in a waiting period where it seems as though nothing is currently happening? Then bam! Everything hits, things start happening and life gets exciting again! I have recently experienced this. There were a couple weeks that it just felt like I took a break from life. I didn't pick up extra at work. I didn't do much around the house. I just chilled and thought. God slowed me down to the point where I realize that I wasn't spending enough time with Him... Seeking His direction in life and looking to Him for wisdom, insight and guidance in life. In that waiting, I really started to seek Him. As soon as I started looking to Him, the waiting STOPPED, and life took off again! God took me out of the waiting period to ACTION!

God never ceases to amaze me. It was tough going through that waiting period as I was starting to get depressed and wondering what God was doing in my life. But you know what? That was when I started to seek God again. It forced me to get down on my knees to search for His will. I really started to read the Bible and the book I've been reading lately, David, A Man of Passion & Destiny by Chuck Swindoll. Looking for God's teaching to challenge me to grow spiritually and to deepen my relationship with Him. It worked and I love it! This waiting period also forced me to start journaling again. That is how I pray and talk to my Father in Heaven ~ I journal. I had stopped for a while b/c there was one thing going on in my life that I had hoped would come to fruition that I had been journaling about asking God for guidance and wisdom ~ to which God said no to. I was so discouraged that I stopped journaling. I just couldn't do it anymore. I didn't turn my back on God, but I stopped deeply talking to Him. Also when I left the radio stations and was going off in an entirely new direction ~ I didn't deeply seek God's will. I knew He was leading me away from the stations and back to school but I was flying by the seat of my pants. Therefore, God decided it was time to put me in the waiting period. He put my life completely on hold and said, "Stop. Come back to me. I love you and know what's best for you. Stop trying to go your own way. I know what's best. Seek ME first for guidance, insight and wisdom. Don't think you know what's best or think you know what I'm telling you as you really don't know until you LISTEN to Me. The only way you can listen to me is if you stop and seek Me. I will give you the answer, the wisdom, the insight, the guidance, and ultimately the desires of your heart. Only I can do that. Seek Me."

I did and life has become SO much clearer now. I feel as though I have a clearer understanding of God's will for my life. I think I have finally decided on what school to attend for grad school. I'm at peace about it even though I have a lot of work ahead of me to accomplish that goal. I would appreciate your prayers for me in this for I have to take the GRE to get into grad school. And the school I have chosen - all online courses but will have to travel to the school four to six times - is very expensive. I will be saving like a madwoman over the next 10 or so months before starting school next fall so I can avoid as much debt as possible!

So what school am I looking at to attend? Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. They are a very good school and have a strong online program that will allow me to study from home. I will have to travel down there four to six times for five-day block classes over the course of a year to year and a half. I am really looking forward to actually going down there as I have never been to Nashville but hear it is a fun city to visit. Plus I have several friends who have been there that can give me the low down about where to go and what to do while I'm not studying or attending class :) The rest of the program will allow me to "attend" class online as well as do my residency in my NICU here at home. (I'm going for my masters to become a Neonatal Nurse Practitioner.) Our nursery is a level three nursery and we are a teaching hospital - which is the same as Vanderbilt. Plus we are one of the biggest Neonatal ICU's in the country as we have anywhere from 70-100+ babies at any given moment, and I will definitely get the experience I need to become the best NNP possible. My biggest hurdle is taking the GRE as this school requires it. I have started studying for it and it is a mountain to climb. A bit intimidating but I'm driven and determined to conquer this mountain. Please pray for me. It's a bit overwhelming, but doable. I'll be studying for about six weeks or so - whatever it takes to feel somewhat comfortable to sit down and take the test.

Honestly, I'm looking forward to going back to school to learn more about the neonate - in depth learning about the smallest patient you will ever see or care for. ...Imagine a baby where his length extends from the tip of your fingers to just outside the palm of your hand. Imagine a head that you can almost wrap your entire hand around. Imagine a foot that is the size of the pad of your thumb. Imagine a leg that is the length of your middle finger. Imagine a heart that is slightly smaller than a quarter - imagine having to perform surgery on that heart. Now imagine being the mom or dad of someone so small, so fragile. Now imagine being the nurse, the doctor, the nurse practitioner, the respiratory therapist responsible for the care of someone so small in this battle for life. They don't all start out that small... Some start out at three to four pounds or even term size and become really sick that require significant care. But no matter their size, they baffle you at their fight for survival. They surprise you when they make it through when all seems lost. And they make you proud when they come back to visit walking and talking, making your day knowing you made a big difference in their little lives...

In the recording studio w/ George

2007-11-28T01:37:00.000-05:00

wow, there is a ton of work that goes into making an album. to perfect it. to make it sound just so. to get the perfect artistic touch. to hit the note just right. anthony learned that all too well tonight as deb grilled him to get the right note each and every time - not sharp or flat. just ... there... yeah, that one. you nailed it anthony. it's dubbed. nice punch there. ...learning the lingo in the recording studio. the medical field has it's own lingo, radio has it's lingo, and recording studio producers have their lingo.

so much of listening, re-recording, replaying ...to get it perfect. first you record one layer, then another and another, oh and one more... oh and anthony, add another layer of you free stylin' it for one more. you get a full sound and it sounds as if there are multiple vocalists - when really it's just ANTHONY and KEISHA and not 5 others behind them! deb is a slave driver for sure. she made sure anthony and keisha hit their notes perfectly. keisha was da bomb. definitely a professional. anthony took a few more cuts to get it right but rocked fo sho! he's got class. very entertaining to watch :) yeah anthony!

george, he just sat behind the scenes tonight directing how everything was to go. we recorded much of the title track, All Or Nothing, tonight. anthony laid down his vocals tonight for the chorus - several layers. he did melody, while keisha did harmony. sounded phenomenal. rocked it out fo sho. actually all or nothing is a much more mellow song compared to whoa. slows things down a bit, which every album needs.

keyboard track and drums were also laid down today for all or nothing. sounded real good. anthony was on keys as well as drums. deb laid down the bass. she's the behind the scenes producer and fills in where needed. she's definitely professional too. music teacher by trade, album producer by night. :)

good times. in fact, i'm currently listening to four different tracks for the album that are partially done. it's awesome. can't wait for ya'll to hear it!

as george's street team director, i want to direct you (no pun intended) to join george's street team for access to all behind the scenes footage and exclusives coming soon! look forward to seeing you there!! www.g-moss.com

Live in the God Moments

2007-11-16T11:27:00.000-05:00

Recently I found myself watching one of my favorite movies that actually changed my life ever since it came out in 2001... Princess Diaries. Yes, Princess Diaries changed my life. It inspired and challenged me to give myself a full makeover over time... As a result, it has become one of the best things I could have ever done as I now have self-confidence in myself, in how I look, in how I relate to other people, the list goes on... It's amazing how much an effect appearance has not only on my own mental capacities but in how other people treat me.

For those of you who didn't know me back in the day... What exactly did I change and why did it affect who I am? Well, I used to have very short hair - comparable to that of a guy. I have been actually been called a boy several times in my life (and people seriously and genuinely thought I was a boy). I never used to wear makeup or manicure my eyebrows. I also didn't wear in-style clothing. Nowadays, you will find me with long hair, makeup, manicured eyebrows and in-style clothing. None of which I did while growing up as my mother never taught me to. Therefore, I had to teach myself. I chose to give myself a full makeover over the course of a couple years. I started with my clothes and eyebrows. Then moved onto my hair. The hair took the longest!! Then moved onto makeup and shoes.

Granted appearance isn't everything, but in today's society, it is vital to survival. In today's world, so much emphasis is placed on physical outer appearance. Back in the day, when I wasn't so stylish, I was rejected. Not accepted. Ignored. Not respected. Just as Mia was in Princess Diaries. Both of us, respectable, loving people, were completely disregarded in society due to our lack of style and appearance.

Why? Why was that the case? Why do we place SO much emphasis on appearance? Why is it SO important to look just so or to wear this or that instead of that or this? Why do we shun and ignore each other if we don't look like America's next top model?? I take the blame too... Notice I used the word "we" - to include me. I am just as guilty as the next person.

You know, now that I have changed my appearance, just as Mia Thermopolous did in Princess Diaries, my self-confidence, self-esteem and outlook on life has completely changed. I feel pretty now. I feel loved by more people than just my family. I feel accepted. I feel like a leader. Maybe that's why What Not to Wear on TLC has become so popular and is also one of my favorite TV shows. I have learned so much on how to dress and how to do my makeup from watching that show alone. I now put things together or wear different outfits I would not have dared tried before. So much fun! Again, emphasis put on outward appearance... Once I started looking the part, people started to accept me more readily. I have more friends now than I ever have. I love it and definitely don't take ANY of you for granted but at the same time...

It really makes me question the same question my friend asked on his blog recently (WaY.fm/john)... Is it genuine? Is it authentic? When we place so much emphasis on outward appearance, are we really loving people for who they are as a person or are we loving them for how they look? It again makes me question, do people really love or like me for me? What if I didn't look like this? What if I still looked like I did back in the day? Would I still receive this much respect from those around me?

You know, when I don't feel pretty, I think people are going to shun me or not like me for me. There are many times when I don't feel pretty, and I worry that people will reject me. So when I'm not all "dolled up", when I don't have any makeup on or when I'm in my scrubs or in my lounge pants while I'm out in public, I am extremely self-conscious b/c I'm afraid of rejection. I'm afraid of being shunned or ignored. I'm afraid that people won't like me for me just as they did in elementary school, middle school and my first two years of high school.

But then God reminds me that APPEARANCE IS NOT EVERYTHING!! It's your HEART. You need to be beautiful on the inside before you can be beautiful on the outside. Once you are well manicured on the inside, it will shine full force to the outside as you will be blazing bright with the glory of God as He shines through you. Then those around you will no longer see you. They will see Christ.

One thing I have always valued as a result of being ignored and shunned while growing up is the fact that I have learned how to get to know the heart of a person. I no longer take appearance as the end all. I take time to get to know a person's heart. Some of the toughest people I have ever met have the greatest hearts deep down, but it takes a persistent person to find it - to get beyond the walls they have built up over the years to protect themselves. Deep down they have a tender loving heart, and it's amazing to see that heart blossom when they allow it. You know it's there and if you watch closely enough, you will see rays of love and tenderness peek through the cracks in the walls. Those are God moments :)

My challenge to you... Be real. Be authentic. Love the heart of the person ~ the true treasure of God.

Live in the God moments.

Single (Natasha Bedingfield)

2007-11-05T07:58:00.000-05:00

Halloween Moon & Stars

2007-11-02T14:38:00.000-05:00

Halloween Moon & Stars

Halloween Sunset & Rainbow

2007-10-31T18:17:00.000-05:00

Set the World on Fire (Britt Nicole) 2

2007-10-25T15:04:00.001-05:00

The song that continues to define my life (to listen, click here: Set the World on Fire). The song I draw inspiration. It speaks to the depths of my heart and soul as I look to Christ for guidance. Where do I go from here? What are your ultimate plans for my life? ...I keep coming back to this song... He asks me..."What is your passion?" For You to take my dreams and give them WINGS. Use me to set the world on fire. With You Lord, there is NOTHING I cannot do. My hands, my feet, my everything, my heart, my life, my love, LORD USE ME to set the world on fire. That is my one true passion for You Lord. I want You to use me to set the world on fire.

Where does that leave me today? As I look to grad school and decide where to go... Do I relocate? Do I stay where I am and take online courses? What do I do? God has finally given me clarity. After tons of prayer of my own and my family and friends all asking for clarity and guidance, God has told me to stay right where I am. Where He has placed me. He can do more with me where I am in the here and now. He has surrounded me with amazing people - family and friends. To leave that for school and money would most likely devastate me. Last night at Bible study, one of the girls received a phone call from her mom saying that her brother almost attempted suicide. He had left home to go to school about an hour and half away. He was stressed beyond belief and had no one to vent to. That hit home real hard for me. That could have been me. Away from my entire support system. Stressed with work and school and no one to turn to or vent to. No shoulder to cry on. I could have been that person wanting to end it all b/c I was so stressed out and far from my support system. I'd like to think I'm stronger than that but at the same time, I've never been in that kind of situation w/o some kind of support system.

God has surrounded me with my new friends in Bible study - (sidenote) S.O.S ROCKS MY WORLD. Be ready for the next one - if you have never done this series - DO IT!!! It's for married, dating and singles alike. We happen to be a group of all singles - guys and girls - but anyone can do it. It will change your life!! It is a series by Tommy Nelson (www.songofsolomon.com). It is amazing. Our entire group is fired up over this. It blows our minds. God never ceases to amaze us. (end sidenote :) ).

God has also surrounded me with my Jamaica family. So many good friendships there. I love my family. Also I have my immediate family nearby. Plus a mission trip or two in the planning for the near future with more friendships and leadership opportunities to be had. Honduras with WaYfm is something I am really looking forward to.

Plus I have my house! I love my cozy house that I'm slowly fixing up and have several projects in the works.

I also have an awesome job and work with amazing people. My managers, coworkers and docs love me. And I love working with them.

To leave all this behind for money - which turned out to not be as great as what I thought - so NOT worth it. Ya'll are stuck with me a bit longer... but for some reason I don't think that will be too much of a problem :p

I have peace. I'm so at peace and relaxed about this decision. To stay home and study online for my masters - total peace. No stress. Just peace. God is good. He has made Michigan my home. My roots are deep. I do have dreams to go elsewhere to be used by God, but my roots are deep here. This is my base. A place where I will always call home. I may come and go from here and there, but I will always come home.

And as for a sign off to this post, let me introduce you to my twins. You may remember hearing a little about them in previous posts (and if you know me, you know they are not "mine"). With permission from their mom to share this, here is their picture debut on my blog... Harrison and Natalie...

Please pray for me...

2007-10-22T20:27:00.000-05:00

I wanna post someting new, but I have so much going on right now as far as what to decide for grad school, that I'm just going to ask for prayer for wisdom and insight.

What A Weekend

2007-10-15T08:26:00.000-05:00

My first weekend off since Jamaica was an absolute blast. It was so packed with things to do! Saturday entailed going to the mall with my bro for about an hour, then we headed off to apple picking with my friends. My bro decided to go along as he had nothing better planned for the day. Two of my friends, Randi Jo and Alyssa, headed out w/ us to the orchard to meet up w/ Beth and her family. Also at the orchard, we met up w/ Brook and her daughter. A single mom and her son joined us as well. Beth has a total of 5 siblings; add that to the single mom and her son, my brother and me, Beth's parents, Brook and her daughter ~ that's a lot of people! Can you do the math ;) Way too fun!

After apple picking, the Jamaica team (aka family) had a bonfire down in the middle of nowhere at Shane and Brande's home. They have acreage so we had plenty of room to run, explore, hide, carve pumpkins, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, sing and talk about random things around the fire. We started out in traditional Jamaica fam style ~ hugs all around as some of us haven't seen each other in months! Way too long! Then I brought out a football I had bought earlier at Old Navy ~ best $3.75 investment from Old Navy ever! (The last football I bought from Old Navy was $5 and that had stayed at a school in Jamaica ~ those kids at the school loved American football :) ) At the bonfire, we played keep away w/ the football. It started out guys vs. girls... JB, Zach and Bryce vs. Alyssa and me. And yes, the girls held their own! yeah Alyssa! George then joined our team to even it out. Yeah George! We played for at least an hour... till I could run no more, my leg muscles were cramping up and I was so winded I had almost no motivation to move. SO much fun.

After we were worn out, we joined the rest of the group at the fire, roasted a dog and marshmallow or two, hung out with everyone, then got the pumpkin carving going! Granted it was dark, we did it anyway. They turned out great! Fortunately I had a couple flashlights to aid in the carving and avoid anyone losing a finger :O I was done first and it turned out to be one of the best pumpkin designs I have ever done. Then George finished Juice's and put mine to shame :) It was amazing. I had brought lights for them and lit them up. Looked really cool. All the while we were carving, JB and Shane were playing praise & worship songs on their guitars and others were having lively discussions. All in all, it was great bonding time.

After carving pumpkins, I secretly brought out the glow-in-the-dark lotion I had bought at a gas station convenience store before heading down and several of us went off and loaded our faces with it. Then ran out into the dark woods, freaked each other out and managed to get a couple guys to come and check out the commotion. Our faces looked awesome. Reminded me of the scream mask. All that was dark on our faces were our eyes and mouth. After entertaining ourselves with the glow lotion, a bunch of us to played hide and seek in the woods and DARK. That was great! Alyssa, Beth and I were "it' first. Went looking for the guys, but could not find them! We found Dale and he scared the pants off of us. Beth and Alyssa were freaking out the most though! That was funny. George, Juice and Zach still needed to be found. I tried calling George hoping to hear his ringtone... No avail. Tried again. He answered and all I could hear was crinkling leaves. George, where are YOU?! The third time, he ignored me. Kept looking till he jumped out of nowhere with Juice managing to scare the girls once again. Zach was left. We could not find him anywhere. Thought he might have died... JB came out to help us look, but refused to offer any CPR help should Zach have asphyxiated himself... Finally Dale caught wind of Zach and found him alive. Next, Dale, Zach and I hid from JB, Beth and Alyssa. Beth is well known for being scared quite readily. As I hid by a tree w/ the other two guys nearby, JB was entertaining us by scaring Beth every chance he had. I have no idea what he said to her, but I was laughing out loud at listening to her reactions. It was great ...sorry Beth...

After Dale and I were found, Zach was missing still! JB disappeared somewhere while Alyssa, Dale and I con'd looking for Zach. Once Zach was found, I called JB several times thinking he was hiding somewhere in the dark waiting to scare us... he kindly answered w/ his creepy laugh...

What a night as random convos followed at the bonfire. Good times.

Sunday was also packed w/ seeing family from Chicago, San Diego, Iowa and Minnesota. We all went to church together ~ something I haven't done since Jamaica. It was great going to church on Sunday to worship Christ with fellow believers and hear one of my favorite pastors preach ~ Rob Bell.

I also haven't seen my cousin from Cali in years. The first thing she said to me when she saw me, "Your all grown up!" ...if that gives you any idea how long it's been since I've seen her... :) We are both RNs and work in the NICU. We had so much to talk about and catch up on! Plus, I now have her cell number and an invite to visit her! I think a trip to Cali is in store soon :D

What a weekend to have off! Good times all around with family & friends.

Kicked Out of the Boat

2007-10-08T18:30:00.000-05:00

Jamaica... I long to go back. Jamaica... So many life lessons learned from one point in time. Jamaica... A place that taught me so many things about life. How to live. How to love. How to receive love. How to receive hugs and touch w/o pulling away or tensing up. How to have confidence in my beliefs, in myself. Even before we left for Jamaica, our original leader, Mike (who was unable to go w/ us last minute) taught our team one valuable lesson that I am currently living out. He taught us about how to get out of the boat. How to step out in faith. How, by stepping out in faith, real living truly begins as you fly by the seat of your pants as you are SO open and ready to be used by God. When you are open and vulnerable, God can use you in ways you never imagined. But in doing so, one needs to remember this one thing... in order to step out of the boat, you have to keep your eyes on Jesus. Take note, when Peter stepped out of the boat, he kept his eyes on Jesus. The moment he took his eyes off Christ, he sunk. When you step out in faith, don't lose faith for if you take your eyes off Him, you will sink. You cannot do it alone. (thank you George, I needed that reminder).

So what's the story...? Recently, as in this past Friday, I gave up my volunteer work at the radio stations. It was time. While I cannot go into the specifics as to why I left, I CAN tell you why God kicked me out of the boat. The only way I was going to leave WCSG was by God kicking me out. He had been nudging me to go back to school for quite some time and I kept saying, "No, not now. No, not now. I'm just starting to really live and You want me to go back to school? already? I want to get married! I want Mr. Right to walk in, sweep me off my feet into the sunset so we can live happily ever after and start a family. I don't want to go back to school! What are you thinking? No No NO!" It's been almost three years since I graduated from nursing school with my BSN. Mr. Right has not shown up yet. I have not started a family. I am single. I have a house, and I have an awesome job. But, God has kept the thought of going back to school in the back of my mind since I graduated. When I was "done" with school, I really didn't feel like I was done. In my mind, whether I chose to acknowledge it or not, I anticipated that I'd be going back. Now that I'm fairly well established in my nursing career in the NICU, I long for more. I know I can do more. I know I am NOT living at my full potential.

So has begun the quest to think about grad school and what I want to go for. I first thought I'd go for my masters to become an NNP (Neonatal Nurse Practitioner) as that is the unit I am currently working in ~ the NICU. When I awoke this morning, God brought to my mind about becoming a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. He awoke a dream I have had since I first started in the nursing program. My original dream was to become Pediatric Nurse Practitioner which included mission work to orphanages in foreign countries - especially China - to bring medical care to the children. I distinctly remember that poster I made for my very first nursing class of my ultimate dream - a pediatric nurse practitioner - it had pictures of Chinese kids all over it :) That dream still persists to this day and has expanded beyond the borders of the U.S. and China. I long to go anywhere God is leading me. Africa is another place I have a passion to go where the need is so great.

The doors of opportunity will be wide open once I have this degree. I'm SO excited about what God is doing in my life. I am truly loving life again as my dreams are soaring high. This excitement all started when God kicked me out of the boat and I submitted to His will. He has opened my eyes and refurnished the fire to dream BIG again! The world is mine for the taking to GO out and make a difference! ONLY B/C I SAID YES TO HIM. To HIS will. Life gets so much more exciting when you let God take control as He takes you beyond your wildest dreams to fulfill the desires of your heart. Something He alone can do. No one else.

I need to give credit to where credit is due though. First and foremost, to my Heavenly Father for kicking me out of the boat and fanning the flames of the desires of my heart. To Mike... for teaching me such a valuable life lesson. To my friends... Erin, Autumn and Bethany for indirectly motivating me to go back to school. You are all in school or will be going back... so I may as well join ya! To my friend, George for your words of wisdom that you have given me to help keep me grounded in my faith. I love you guys. I couldn't do this without you!

Granted things are always subject to change as I continually seek out His will and come to a full understanding of where He is leading me as I've only been processing this for three days... this is the plan that is going thru my mind right now. I have only just begun the process of searching out where to go for grad school, how to apply, how to get financial help, etc... My goal is to start next fall. I am currently looking at Rush University in Chicago for online courses or U of M and commute as I will continue working in the NICU. In the mean time, I fully intend to live up the life! A couple mission trips, hang out with friends and have just have some FUN!!

God never ceases to amaze me. It's a transition. It's a process. And I'm nervous and I'm scared. But God is good. ...George gave me a gentle reminder... "Keep your eyes on Jesus as you will be amazed at what He does in your life."

Giving Digital SLR's A Run for Their Money!!

2007-10-02T23:05:00.000-05:00

Went to a concert two weeks ago and had the opportunity to take some phenomenal pics as we were FRONT ROW, Center Aisle, Seats 1 & 2. It was awesome. It was also at THE best concert venue I have ever been to for taking pics. So good that Mark Schultz even posted two of my photos on his site that I had taken when he performed at this particular venue as we were row 2, seats 1-3 at that show :D I love my camera. My manager at work keeps telling EVERYONE I know and ME that I need a digital SLR. I agree except I don't know that they'd allow them in concert venues too readily. And besides, my Sony Cybershot 5 megapixels has been serving me quite well. So much so that I'd dare say that these last shots give those SLR's a run for their money! Check out some of my best from this last show w/ Bethany Dillon, Santus Real AND my personal favorite, Steven Curtis Chapman...

The rest of my pics from the show can be viewed by clicking here:
My Pics

All rights reserved on all pics.

Whispers From Above

2007-09-30T23:55:00.000-05:00

You do not need to worry about your future.

When you think you've had enough. When you think life just isn't going your way. When you think you've had one too many "no's", God sends you a gentle yet subtle reminder that YOU are not in control.

This last week has been one of the roughest weeks for me. Caiden didn't have the outcome we were hoping and praying for. A dream of mine that I've had for about a year came crashing down. God said no. In fact, He said no twice to me in one week. Yeah, it's been rough to say the least... As it all begins to become a reality. As it all begins to sink in... I am learning to realize that I need to let go of my will and accept God's. For He is in control, not me. Last week was such a whirlwind, that I'm finally beginning to take the time to allow it to sink in as God slowly reveals to me His greater plan. It's not easy accepting two big No's from God in one week's time. But He is indeed in control as he revealed that to me once again tonight...

After a long day at work in the NICU - answering alarms, working with the docs, NNPs, my colleagues and RTs; as well as trying to keep my babies happy, well oxygenated and digesting their 1.5 - 3 mL of food every 3 hours; and also meeting the needs of parents, including allowing a first time mom to hold her 2 pound baby for the first time... after these 12+ hours of constantly giving of myself as my mind still wandered over the past week, God gave me a subtle, yet gentle, reminder. A whisper. How, you may ask? My unit had ordered Chinese take-out today and on my way out, I happened to grab a fortune cookie that read, You need not worry about your future.

How true. How I so needed to be reminded of that right then and there and now. God is in control. I DON'T need to worry about my future. He IS in control. His will is always better than mine for He sees the bigger picture while I see through but a small window of one scene from that picture.

God is in control... I need not worry about my future. For He will reveal it to me as I live day by day as I remember to just breathe and let life happen.

Snuggling w/ My Li'l Man

2007-09-27T23:13:00.001-05:00

Had the most fun time two nights ago. I now know what it will be like some day to have my own kids. Wednesday night, I had the opportunity to watch Bretten (5), Caiden (4) and Josi (2). We had so much fun. Mainly just chilled out together and snuggled. Once 2 of the 3 were in bed, Caiden and I just chilled out together watching or listening to Auto B Good - cute DVD series that Caiden literally has memorized. He has a photographic memory! He was telling me the color of every car that was currently in the scene w/o seeing it! And he was right on every time! He knew and followed the storyline better than I did. He could tell me what was happening in each scene just by listening to it. But it helps he's seen it MANY times and this was a first for me (and I was half asleep). It was fun snuggling with my li'l man though. He's such a honey and so are his bro and sis. We had a good time. They went to bed very well for me too which was a huge help. But snuggling w/ Caiden was the best :)

Then Darci (their mom and one of my best friends) came home and we had a good time watching Hitch. Too funny. I had watched it one other time w/ my other sister, Amanda, but didn't really follow the storyline as we were busy making George shirts. So it was fun just chillin' out w/ Darci and having a good laugh after all we've been through this week. Then tonight my friend Erin and I chilled out and had girl talk. That was sure needed. We were going to go out to a movie, but neither of us could work up the energy to actually go do it. So we visited Bethany down the hall - so good to see her as it's been a while - then chilled out in front of She's the Man. That was fun to have a good laugh at such a chic-flick Disney movie. Then we talked for like two hours after that. So needed and felt so good to vent and discuss everything in life that we are experiencing... So much in common, so many frustrations, so much wondering what exactly God has in store for our lives and where He is leading...

God is good though. He never ceases to amaze me. That I will never stop proclaiming.

Beth & Amanda

Why

2007-09-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

Long day yesterday. Concert Thurs night. Worked the last 3 days (F,S,S) – 12 hour shifts. Had George's b-day bash Sunday night. Then Caiden yesterday AM. Yeah, exhausted to say the least...

Had a very rough morning yesterday morning...
The tumors in Caiden's eyes grew. There was a new tumor that was bigger than the "old" tumors that were already present. The tumors were near a blood supply that could potentially pick up a cancer cell (or more) and take it to the bones. If that were to happen, Caiden's life would be on the line as he has already exhausted every form of treatment available to him – chemo, radiation, criotherapy, etc… If he were to be treated w/ chemo / radiation, it would increase his risk significantly of developing new tumors elsewhere in the body - which would also be untreatable. Chemo is a poison and the body can only handle so much before it starts defeating the purpose. Everything that could medically be done has already been done. There's nothing left to do. It was time for the eye to come out. After the surgery, the doctor said the eye was hard and actively dying and shutting down. Caiden still had some vision left, but it was just a matter of time before he had none.

Going thru the questions Caiden and his brother and sister have are going to be the hardest for his parents, Jamie and Darci... "Where's my eye? Why is it dark?" are the first two Caiden has already asked. It's a struggle especially when trying to explain to a 4 y/o that his eyes are gone b/c they were very sick. It takes time for him to understand and he will be asking that question multiple times. You know, after walking out of that outpatient clinic into the gorgeous sunshine and beautiful day, I started to really take in my surroundings as I realized how much I take my vision for granted knowing Caiden just lost his...

Please pray not only for Caiden and his family but also the doctor as this has been his longest and toughest case - normally kids are treated in about a year or so and are good to go. This is only the 2nd time in his entire career that this doctor has had to remove both eyes. He is struggling just as much as we are. He's a fellow believer and a phenomenal doctor. I have so much respect for this man. He has a great heart.

Have these last 2 years been wasted in fighting and praying as it came to this point? No. God has done a lot of teaching to all of us in these past 2+ years. The hope is still there that God can provide a miracle of healing for Caiden. God is not done w/ Caiden. He has already used his story to reach and help many families in the community. You, Tommy and Brook, have taken his story to the community and brought them around Caiden and his family. We have heard countless stories of those praying for him. Those he has touched. Those his story has ministered to. Thank you for choosing to share his story. God is far from done w/ Caiden tho. He has a plan. Caiden may not have his visual site, but he does have every other sense to make up for it. In fact, he's already bouncing back. It's just a matter of time and healing and he will be back to running (yes, running) around the house w/ his brother, Bretten, guiding him to avoid all obstacles while Caiden runs oblivious to his surroundings – yes, this was happening already prior to the surgery. And Bretten, his big 5 y/o brother, has already volunteered to help him even more (Caiden is 4 y/o). ☺

Yes, there is a spiritual struggle as well. Trying to understand why it had to come to this. Why did God provide a miracle at the start of treatments 2 years ago, seeming to get our hopes up, then to have it come to this? It's a struggle to wonder why? Why God? Why? But in trying to understand it all, we see how God's hand is woven through it all - in what He has done in Caiden's life, how he has taught us so many life lessons and how He's used Caiden to strengthen our faith. Caiden is still a living testimony and God continues to use this vibrant curly red-headed kid to teach us how to live and breathe and just let life happen as we rest in our Father's arms watching Him work before our very eyes.

93 & Counting

2007-09-17T12:11:00.001-05:00

93. Let that sink in a minute. 93. 93 what? years? dollars? people? kids? ...getting closer... dogs? no, but we've had 101 before... In fact, we've had over 101 before... getting scary isn't it...

93 what?

Babies.

Yeah, we are currently providing care for 93+ babies with the anticipation of more on the way - multiples. They just keep coming! What was going on 6-7 months ago? Oh yeah, it was winter ;) Enough said.

Can you tell it was another crazy weekend at work. Definitely still feeling the nursing shortage as the need becomes greater as our census continues to rise. If you are having a hard time finding a job right now, consider a career in nursing. You are guaranteed a job as soon as you have your diploma in hand! There will always be a need as people are always getting sick - sad to say, but so true. The shortage is only going to get worse as the "older" nurses look to retirement. You are needed! It's a good career. Very rewarding. Get paid to travel. Great flexibility.

I enjoy it and don't anticipate going elsewhere. Even in the stressful times, it's still very rewarding. There is nothing better than sending home a set of twins after 4 1/2 long months... as I did recently (and they are bottle feeding!!) Doesn't get much better than that! :D

God is good :D

George Moss, Skillet, Toby Mac

2007-09-13T16:09:00.000-05:00

Enough said. That was by far THE BEST concert I have ever attended! George Moss, one of my good friends, was the opening act. Went to Jamaica with him on a mission trip along with 21 others. We got to know each other in no way we could have otherwise. He has a strong heart for the Lord and an artist (and friend) so worth checking out (www.g-moss.com). Over half of the Jamaica team (aka Jamaica fam) made an appearance and almost all had made George shirts. It was amazing!! The outpour of love and support. I could have cried! I luv my fam! We had seen George perform in Jamaica but that was with performance tracks. We had never seen him with his full band. Let me tell ya, he had his FULL band there that night and his show was AMANZING. He also wore his WaYfm Jamaica shirt for us and his whole band wore green and yellow. That was so cool especially as we all lined the front row while he took the stage! He told me the next day that he had never had that much love and support at a show. God is good. Go Jamaica fam! We luv ya George!

Skillet was next up. I had never seen them in concert and prior to this show, they were not my most favorite band... although I really like their song, The Last Night. After seeing them live, my respect for their music has significantly increased and they have definitely become one of my favorite bands. They also have a big heart the Lord as well as for this young generation and reaching out to them. I think I need to get their album!!

Toby Mac. Do I need to say more? I was blown away!! He definitely knows how to put on a phenomenal show. That was my first time ever seeing him in concert. I have a deeper appreciation for this man as he also has a huge heart for the Lord and this generation. Can't wait till he's back in town!!

I have all my pics posted here: My Pics

Here's preview of what you'll find there:

Settling In

2007-09-07T17:35:00.000-05:00

You know, after living in the same house for 22 years of my life and the same bedroom for 20 years of my life, moving to a new house can be difficult to make your home. Well, today, I just realized how much I love my "new" home. I have lived in it for just about a year and a half now. It is finally starting to feel like my home. I've been doing a lot of remodeling this last year and a half and it's starting to look like my home... not the guy who used to live here. The colors on the walls are my choice. Two of my floors have been refinished. The landscaping is settling in and my front yard has finally died by my choice. Yeah, I'm starting over - tired of the ugly hodge-podge that is currently there. Time to start fresh. I'm also starting to imagine what I wat to decorate my walls with. I know that I want to do my own artwork. I fully intend to use my photographs that I have taken over the years. One picture in particular is the first sunset that we saw when we were in Jamaica. I would like to blow that one up to at least a 16 x 20 and hang it in my pumpkin orange bedroom facing my bed. So that every morning that I wake up, I see the beautiful sunset while all the amazing memories from Jamaica soar through my mind. Jamaica will always be apart of my life. It was indeed my first mission trip and one of the most phenomenal experiences I have ever had... but that takes us down a whole new avenue of discussion. I have a huge heart for people. New mission opportunities are already coming my way as God never ceases to amaze me as I look forward to those opportunities as well as settling nicely in my home.

Nursing Shortage

2007-09-04T07:13:00.000-05:00

The nursing shortage was felt very much this weekend into Labor Day and even beyond. I have never felt it as much as I did yesterday... Stress levels are way up as we are short staffed and the babies just keep coming... If you are looking for a career where you are guaranteed a job after graduation, become a nurse. You will be hired immediately after you receive your diploma! You are needed. While every other career people are trying to find jobs, nursing is looking for people to work! Good pay, great flexibility, numerous job opportunities and roles, get paid to travel, save lives! Do it. So worth it :)

You know, I don't think I have ever worked so hard in my life as I did this weekend... Okay, so actually I have, but it just felt like it yesterday as it was day number 3 with a different assignment. It was intense. I am glad it was though b/c it kept me going for sure. Adrenaline is a great drug the body creates when you are stressed as it keeps ya on your toes! After adrenaline rushed thru me all day yesterday, I am sure feeling the after effects today. I don't want to move one part of my body. I'm fatigued, I'm exhausted, I'm aching all over. My body is screaming, what did you do to me?? (So is my brain ;) ) As I was finishing up my shift yesterday, the question was poised to me, "You wanna work tomorrow?" I was like, "Ah, no." I was thinking, "Are you CRAZY! Four 12s in a row? I could hardly do today, and you want me to come back tomorrow?! I can't. Physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, I can't. I couldn't safely practice if I did... And no, they were not kidding. I could have worked today as they are short. That's another reason why I'm stressed b/c I hate to leave us short staffed. Not only that, I also know I have to come back to that situation this weekend...

Please don't get me wrong, I love my job. I'm just stressed and drained of all my capacities. I need a break to refresh myself to gear up for another weekend... Ugh... don't even want to think about it :( We need more nurses.

One thing I am looking forward to is the leadership positions my job is leading to. A friend of mine and I presented a very touchy topic to a shared leadership meeting for our unit. In November, we will be presenting it to a shared leadership meeting for the entire hospital, and then we will be heading up a work group to create a policy for our hospital for it to be implemented t/o the whole hospital. I'm floored by where this topic has brought us. It's amazing to watch God work before our very eyes.

Is It Just Me??

2007-09-01T20:06:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or are you finding it happening to you too? I just don't get it... What is it w/ guys? Why do they feel the need to do this? I mean, more than likely we will never meet, so what's the point? They seem to do it more when they are in a group. But you know what? I find women doing it too... It is just way too weird when women do it!

What? What? What?

(Yeah, it's fun to tease ya to no end... Now I know how it works in media ;) and for those of you in media who have done it to me hundreds of times onair... there's my paybacks ;) I won't mention any of my friend's names... JB, Mike, Joe, Tommy, Brook, Rich, Rick!! Good times :D )

What?? It seems that every time I go rollerblading, random guys driving by honk their horn at me. I find it happening almost at LEAST once a skate if not more. What's even more weird is that I've had women honk at me too! That's just WEIRD! It's one thing to have guys do it, but women?! What is the point for either? We will probably never meet and I usually find myself feeling like a dork as I wave at them as a reflex before I realize I have no idea who they are...

Just a pet peeve I have been wanting to vent about for a while. Thought I'd also lighten the mood from the previous post. :)

(Click pic to make bigger as looks best that way & Watch Your Back ;) )

Sometimes life just sucks...

2007-08-31T01:05:00.000-05:00

You know... sometimes life just sucks. I just don't get it. Why do bad things happen to good people?

Caiden just turned 4 years old on Wednesday, and he could be facing losing his other eye from cancer and from all the treatments it has received. His right eye is ultimately shutting down and dying. Even if his eye was cancer free, the eye is so worn out from treatments, that it can't recover anymore and is deteriorating. I could see the cells on the exterior part of his eye sloughing off when I went to see him today. It's makes me sick emotionally. He can hardly see anymore, but he's still as happy as can be. Yeah, he gets frustrated b/c he can't see well enough to do things he used to be able to do, but he's SO loving, so happy. We snuggled together today. He's the cutest boy friend I have ever had - wait, besides his brother, Bretten (5 y/o), he's the only boyfriend I've ever had ;) Every time I see him, he's so happy to be with me. I love his curly, vibrant red hair. His spunky personality. His love. His spontaneity. He's a cool kid. No, we aren't going to lose him, but he is losing his sight. Fortunately, he's young and will be able to make up for it in other ways. But the question remains... why? Why does this have to happen to a 4 y/o? Why do I have to watch two of my best friends struggle thru this as it weighs heavily on their hearts and minds?

The only hope is a cosmic sized miracle. The doctor is also heartbroken. He doesn't want to remove the eye either, but at this point, unless God intervenes and fully restores this eye, it could be removed on Sept. 24th. Please pray. I know God can fully restore Caiden's eyes. It's possible, but honestly I have a lack of faith in this area. I just don't see it happening. I know God is fully capable of restoring both of Caiden's eyes, so why He doesn't, I don't know. And I just don't see it happening. We just don't see miracles like that in this day in age. I believe it's fully possible, but I just don't see it happening... Am I that weak in the faith? No, b/c I know I'm not the only one who "doubts" it happening. The doctor, who is also a believer, said it would be a complete miracle if the eye was fully restored b/c nothing can be done medically to "fix" the eye. The damage has been done. He believes God can intervene as well and fully heal Caiden, but most of us are struggling with believing that it will happen.

Yes, I'm struggling personally as I know God can heal Caiden's eyes perfectly. I know He will one day when we all get to Heaven, but I don't see it happening on earth. You know, it's a real challenge spiritually when you know God can heal but chooses not too. I honestly don't hardly even know how to pray in this situation. I don't know what to pray for. I'm really struggling as I don't want to doubt but at the same time I want to live in reality and prepare my heart for what could most likely happen...

Please pray for Caiden. Pray for his parents. Pray for their extended family. Pray for their friends. Pray for me too. Pray for us as we live thru this and try to understand what is happening. I fully intend to be with them on September 24th (the date of his next eye exam) to fully support them whatever the outcome. That day could be either ecstatic (when God performs a miracle) or it could be devastating... Prayer works. I've seen it first hand. It works. Either way, I will never stop praising the Name of God. He is worthy of all praise as He never ceases to amaze me even when I don't fully understand His will as I know He will reveal it to me some day.

God is good... all the time.

Hangin' w/ Rush of Fools & Brandon Heath

2007-08-24T11:34:00.000-05:00

Wes Willis (Rush of Fools) & Amanda

WCSG's Summer Sticker Celebration took place last night in spite of a couple rain showers. We ended up starting about an hour early to avoid some of the rain and Brandon Heath was only able squeeze about 5 songs in before he was down-poured on. Then we took a break till 7p, gave away the big prizes and then Rush of Fools hit up the stage where they were able to do their entire set. They were great! That was my first time ever seeing them in concert as I had met 2 of them at the station earlier this year... Wes and Kevin.

I worked this concert. I love working concerts. Always a good time. Got to hang out w/ Brandon Heath as well as Wes and Kevin from Rush of Fools. Also got to meet the rest of the band - great group of guys for sure.

When I arrived at the venue - nice and early - to set up the merch table, JB arrived with the band at the exact time that I did. Interesting timing. So I hopped out of my car and slowly made my over to them to see what the plan was. As soon as Wes saw me, he said, "Amanda!" and gave me a big ol' hug :) I was then able to meet Jake as well as Brandon Heath. Then we found out we were at the back of the diamond and we had to drive to the front (the venue was a minor league baseball field - the stage being the top of the home team's dugout). So we made our way over there and Marissa had the other half of the band. I met JD and Jamie, and then Kevin came out and as soon as he saw me, he said, "Hey! How's it going?" and gave me a big 'ol hug too :) I must say they have very good memories. I didn't even have to say anything... they remembered me. Honestly tho... I've actually been able to stay in touch with Wes since we met last, so it was great to be able to see them again as well as see them perform. They were awesome. Great guys, great band... so worth checking out: www.rushoffools.com

So after meeting them, we unloaded all their gear for set up and brought it down to the stage for sound checks, etc... I then proceeded to set up Brandon Heath's merch. He came up to me and we just hung out and talked for a little while as I set up his table... JB, Brandon and me. Brandon gave JB some interesting show prep... I said to Brandon, "You really don't want to tell him that as it'll definitely be on WaYfm tomorrow." :) We found out that one of Brandon's first jobs was working in the lady's shoe department. Too funny :) He's also worked at Starbucks, and also what we determined to be an apprenticeship (vs. being an indentured servant as JB was trying to call him) at a radio station or recording studio to learn the ropes prior to launching his own career. He's a pretty cool guy. Fun to talk with.

Then the concert got going and I was in charge of collecting all the tickets after the WCSG staff passed out the other half to listeners as they came in the door. The tix were for the big prizes being given away that night. (It was a free concert if you had a WCSG window/bumper sticker on your car.) I also answered the same question over and over again as the poor listeners were so confused about how to "register" for the prizes even tho they really didn't need to as they had a ticket... Good times :) I always enjoy working with the WCSG team as well as the listeners as we have great ones!

Then after the show, I helped pack up the sound equipment and load up the guys' gear and guitars. Good times. Then as they all left, I received hugs from Jamie, JD and Jake, then a BIG hug from Wes and a really big hug from Kevin :D Good times. Great guys. Check 'em out... www.rushoffools.com

Wait.

2007-08-20T13:14:00.000-05:00

One word God continues to place in my mind...

Many people ask me or wonder to themselves why I don't have a guy in my life. At 24, they are baffled that I have never dated, that I have not even gone out on one date. I hear it time and time again... "You are a beautiful girl. You are fun. You are a great person. You're heart is shining for Him. I just can't believe you don't have the boys chasing you!" (Thank you for the compliments as I definitely take them to heart.) You know, I don't know why either. I have done a lot of praying and thinking about it. I have been trying to seek His will, not mine. And after all that seeking and praying and yet still trying to do my own will rather than His, I hear Him quietly telling me to wait. That is one word I have heard from Him over and over and over and OVER again... Wait.

WAIT?? I'm tired of waiting!! Where is he? Who is he? What's his name? What does he look like? What color are his eyes? What does he enjoy doing? Is he outgoing? Does he like to travel? Does he like kids? Does he like music? Does he have a huge passion for You? Is he a leader? Does he have a servant's heart? Will he be able to keep up with me? Is he thinking about me as I think about him? Is he wondering about me too?

Just wait. I'm preparing him for you and you for him. Wait. Wait for Me. My timing. Don't rush. Don't worry. Don't force things that aren't meant to be. Don't try to do it your way. Wait for Me. My timing. I have a plan for you. This plan will blow you away and that's why I can only show it to you as you live it :) All I can tell you is that this plan FIRST entails using your season of singleness. I can use you in ways that I could not otherwise! You are free. You are free to be all you can be for ME! Relish it. Enjoy it. Love it. Live in My light as I use you to set the world on fire...

As I come to accept this, a real peace and joy fills my heart. God wants to use ME to change the world. To make a difference for HIM. To love on those around me ~ my family, my friends, my coworkers, my patients and their families, my acquaintances, those whom I touch on a mission trip, those that read my blog, those I may see for a moment and then they are gone... God is choosing ME to leave a lasting impact in this world for ETERNITY.

I love that! GOD's plan is so much more exciting than I could ever imagine! Living life on the edge. Living life to the FULLEST. Living life for Christ. Living FREE!

God is good. He never ceases to amaze me as He continues to teach me to just breathe and let life happen...

Set the World on Fire (Britt Nicole)

2007-08-17T09:08:00.000-05:00

My ultimate dream... To set the world on fire.

(Sadly, these pics did not import clearly into this program as they are crystal clear otherwise.)

Shooting Stars, Cops, Sleeping, Milky Way

2007-08-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

Last night was so much fun! We met at my friend Erin's place, then headed over as a group to a park out away from the city to watch the meteor shower. We were there from about 10p till 12:30a. We saw a star shoot by almost as soon as we got there. It was phenomenal. I have never seen anything like that before! There was one that shot past right in front of us! It was SO bright that it looked like burning magnesium - remember in chemistry lab? Yeah, almost that bright. Also reminded me of a firework or firecracker shooting up into the sky... only this was across the sky. It was amazing. There were many others last night too. Some bright, some dim. We'd be looking around into the gallaxy, then all of a sudden out of the corner of our eyes, we'd see one shoot by. Peak time for us was about 10p-12:15a. It was awesome.

Where we went to watch was at a park that closes at dusk, so Erin said to keep it down so the cops wouldn't get called on us for being there. As we are laying there talking and having a good time w/ each other and watching GOD's phenomenal creation, cars were coming and going from the park... then 30 minutes after being there, two cop cars rolled in. My heart sank. Great, they are going to kick us out and we won't get to see anything more... Both cops got out and said, "Hey, have you seen anything yet?" Yes!! We replied, "Oh yeah, lots! It's really cool!" The one cop said, "Shut your lights off so they can see." Phew. We can relax and enjoy the show. Those cops were great! They were so nice to us last night and eventually left after about 5-10 minutes to leave us to our fun :D

Then at about 11:30p, our group left b/c they had to get up early. Beth and I had driven separately and decided to stay longer. Just the two of us. Good bonding time. It was so worth staying another hour as we saw several more shooting stars. ...some of which that were really bright! Eventually, we both fell asleep. Sleeping under the stars... Good times. What a site it is to wake up under a canopy of stars. Under the Milky Way.

Living life to the fullest! ...as God never ceases to amaze me...

Thank you, God. What an amazing show you blessed us with!

I luv my friends

2007-08-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

My friends rock! Amanda just hung out w/ me yesterday and this AM. We did SO much! We painted 2 of my walls in my living room - green :D. Then George gave us a call and we hung out w/ him for the evening. We went to a poetry club, then hung out w/ him and his friend, Gerritt, at Gerritt's place. That guy has a gorgeous house! Very impressed. His car was sweet too. When I asked them what his car looked like so I knew who to look for to follow him to his place, George said, "You'll know his car. It's an old beater." So considering the part of town we were in, I believed him. It was dark out. So when this gorgeous pimp-mobile rolled out, I was like, "Amanda, is that them?!" Yeah, it was. Wow. I was in shock. That is a nice car!! Then we started rolling thru his neighborhood. Wow. Higher end of town for sure. Too fun. He even gave us the grand tour to his house. Very nice. He had THE coolest microwave. It could make anything! All you had to do was tell it what you wanted, and it cooked it to the tee. I want that when I replace my kitchen!! There was even a kids menu. So if I'm making hot dogs, it asked how many... Or had an option for 5" pizza (kids size). There was also options for "adult" sized pizzas. You could make fancier stuff than that too including meat. That was sweet. I think I was more entertained by that than anything else in the house! Once they managed to pull me and Amanda away from the microwave ;), we watched THE original Batman movie. That was too funny. 'Sea is for catwoman!" Yeah, George was so baffled by that. I have to agree, it was so random as to how they got that clue... It was funny making fun of the movie and watching everyone react to the it. Good times.

We ended up leaving for home at 12:30a and finally hit the sack at 1:30a... then got up at 6:30a to head down to the "southern" WaYfm studio to hang out w/ Rich and Rick (unbeknownst to them, mind you ;) ). We brought them muffins and some Ting :D Amanda heard them talk about muffins yesterday morning and wanted one so bad, so we bought a bunch. Grabbed those and some Ting and cruised down to the WaYfm studio at 7:10 in the morning. It's been about 4-5 months since I've been there for Sharathon. I luv that town and miss it. That studio and station is awesome too. They have a great view and it's SO nice over there. It was great to go back and relive some memories. Anyway... we show up at the doorstep of WaYfm to find the doors locked. Amanda called Rich in the studio on her cell and tells him we brought him some Ting and muffins :) He didn't believe her at first. He's like, "Where are you?" 'Check your door! We're at your door.' Out he came and was floored to see us at the WaYfm doorstep. We walked in the studio and w/in 5 minutes we were on the air! Good times! I luv being on the air. We got to be on for a couple breaks. We were even the center of an entire break as they grilled us on what we would like to have guys do when they are around us... 'Open the door?' 'Stand when you enter a room?' 'Ask your dad for permission to marry you?' 'Write you handwritten notes?' 'Say the blessing for the meal?' We each got to answer these the questions. That was very fun. Maybe we made a little difference in the "advice" we gave to guys when they are around us girls. Then we chilled out w/ Rich after the show, got a free CD, gave Amanda tour of the studio and station, then headed home to re-inflate her tire so she could go work for her dad!

Good times. Need to do this again!! :D

Riding In Style... In An Ambulance

2007-08-07T20:19:00.000-05:00

Just when I think my life isn't exciting enough and thinking, "Man, I just don't have anyting to blog about", God decided to send another adrenaline-rushing experience into my life. I seriously was feeling bored last night around 9:30p while chilling out online wondering where everyone was to chat with online... Next thing I know, my sister runs up to my door and says, "Amanda, Mom says to come with us. We are taking Grandma in. She's having chest pain and shortness of breath." Well, if that doesn't get the adrenaline going! That is by and large my FAVORITE drug. In fact, it keeps me up at night sometimes :) So I jump in the van and head off with my mom and sister, and the first question I ask my mom, "Did you or anyone call 911?" "No." "Why?" "I don't know, she just always call us first. Should we?" We are already going down the street and none of us carry a cellphone. "Well", I ask, "Did she sound out of breath? Could she talk? Could she talk in full sentences? Did she sound weak?" No, to all of the above. I decided we should have some time especially if she can get to the phone. If it gets bad enough, hopefully she'll make the necessary call in the 20 minutes it takes for us to get to her. I ask my sister, Amy, "You know CPR right? I don't want to do it alone if it comes to that." "Yeah, I do." "Good." Adrenaline is in full rush... We arrive and the fire truck is there. Thank goodness, someone called 911. My great aunt and uncle were there as well. We walk in and Grandma is sitting in a chair with a fireman taking her vitals. Heart rate was elevated and "fluttering" as she has A. Fib. Pain was minimal. As soon as she saw me walk in, she says to the firemen, there's the nurse! :) Eventually, the paramedics arrive, the older one asks her... "What happened? Was someone chasing you in your sleep? Was he good looking? This is your time to make a good story!" We all start laughing as she's clearly doing okay with minimal pain. The younger paramedic starts talking to her and checking her out. Then they lifted her to the stretcher and said they had room in the ambulance for one person to ride up front. Everyone looked to me and said, "You wanna?" Heck yeah, I do! So I hopped up front, then the older paramedic said they'd be a few minutes and allowed me to sit in the back while they hook her up to a monitor for vitals, take her bp and start an IV. That was pretty cool. I have never been in the back of an ambulance before while they are working. Then the older paramedic and I moved up front while the younger one remained with my grandma. That was really cool as we drove off in style ;). No, the lights stayed off as it wasn't Priority 1 - which means a matter of life and death. We were Priority 2. I must say, I have a deeper respect for firemen and paramedics. Loved interacting with those guys. This ride was a first for me! (For those that are wondering, my grandma is now home and is back to her baseline which still isn't stellar...)

If that's not exciting enough, tomorrow Nancy, my friend and mentor at work in the NICU, and I are making a big presentation about a very sensitive subject in front of approximately 40 people, including the President of the Children's Hospital. To say the least, I'm very nervous as I designed the powerpoint. Nancy researched the content and gave it to me to put up in powerpoint format. That was the first powerpoint I have ever made. I already received two phone calls from my manager saying it looks "beautiful". For my manager to call me at home about it, is huge! This is all God-driven. We would gladly appreciate your prayers for sure... for all to go smoothly and that it will be well received. This powerpoint has the potential to go many places and to be used in various areas in the medical field including Grand Valley State's Nursing program, the Peds ICU and other areas in the hospital. I am floored as God never ceases to amaze me.

Bareback Riding... Photoshoot

2007-08-02T15:54:00.000-05:00

A dream come true? Maybe soon. Yesterday my "sister", Beth, and I went bareback riding on the property of my friend (and mentor). She and her husband own nine acres of land. They have two horses, one of which is currently being boarded till she's ready for him live on their horse farm.

Beth and I rode Dante' bareback and loved it!! Dante` is a very gentle, loving horse. She and I are telling you we went bareback riding, but it was so much more... View all pics at my flickr site... My Flickr Site Pics

Here is a preview of what you'll find...

Did You Ever Just Watch?

2007-07-31T17:23:00.000-05:00

Yesterday started out in a totally unexpected way... I was leaving Erin's apartment at CU as I had stayed the night b/c I was way too tired to drive home that night after watching Die Hard... So as I was leaving, this guy who was re-paving the sidewalk at CU said to me, "Rachael?" I said, "No." Then he said, "Glenn ____" (for sake of privacy, I'm leaving that blank). I said, "Yeah, that's my dad. How do you know him?" He replied, "He was my mentor when I worked with him at ______." I was floored. He said, "You used to have short hair, right?" "Yeah, I did." That was like 5 years ago! He recognized me after having not seen me for at least 5 years! He proceeded to tell me that he started a ministry in India where he opened an orphanage and community center, started a church and also an outreach ministry to rescue girls from prostitution. He told me that he works for three months for this construction company to earn money, then goes back to India (where he was adopted from) to work on his ministry for three months. He flips back and forth. Orphan care and adoption has been a passion of mine for a long time, so to hear what this man is doing, totally blew me away. Very cool. Why did God have our paths cross again? I don't know for sure as I'm still sorting thru it mentally, but one thing that it did teach me is how God works. He continues to amaze me. What a way to start a morning.

But that experience soon faded as I allowed the worries of this life to consume me. I always wonder what the future holds... Should I go back to school for my masters to be an NNP (neonatal nurse practitioner)...? but that entails giving up much of my current life to do so b/c nursing school entails having no life but studying and working. Yeah, no fun... And I'm just starting lasting friendships that I don't want to lose. I am also really starting to live, I mean REALLY LIVE my life. This has been the best summer I have had in a long time. I am thoroughly enjoying it to the fullest. I'm spending as much of my time with my friends as possible and loving it! So... if not school right now, then what does God have in store for me for the future? Is Mr. Right right around the corner? There are times I just wish he would just sweep me off my feet and take me off into the sunset... But God is teaching me a lot about patience and waiting on His timing (not mine) in this area of my life. But then I feel the pressure from friends... pushing me to go out on blind dates or to go out with any single guy that may walk into my life. I hate that. Why is there so much pressure for a young single woman to get married off right away to any potential suitor? I know my heart and am trying listen to God... So please stop pushing me and therefore confusing me when it comes to following GOD's lead. Why am I not allowed to interact with single guys my age w/o the expectations... W/o being asked later, "Is he single?" Who cares! Yeah, I really do care and wonder when I talk w/ them, but that's normal for any 20-someting chic. But, I won't flirt with every guy that walks into my life. It's just not me. I have too much respect for guys to do that. I have too much respect for myself as well as for God to do that. Sorry, I'm just a little frustrated here... Yeah, I'm slow, picky and will not say yes to anyone. I won't just give any guy the key to my heart... It's too precious, too sacred. I want to save myself wholly for my future husband. I'm choosing to wait. To wait on God's timing... not my own, not my friends'.

My day doesn't end there though...

So after all that turmoil running thru my mind, I decided to go rollerblading last night to relieve some stress and to clear my head. Thought I was only going to go half the distance as I was fairly tired, but then went a little farther and then went the whole eight miles. On my way back home, the sunset was amazing. Did you ever just watch the sunset? I mean really watch the sun set... I was on a main street skating and I just stopped right where I was and watched the sun set. It was so cool. I was leaning against a telephone pole b/t the sidewalk and street. Cars were going by, people jogging by, people biking by. ...I'm sure wondering what I was doing. But I didn't care b/c it was just me and God. He calmed my spirit. He filled me with His peace. His presence. God brought me out that far into the country to fill me with His spirit of peace. After the sun set, God smiled. How do I know? B/c at that exact moment, a smile filled my face. God was pleased as His beauty filled the earth as well as my soul ...for He had filled me with His peace.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Murder in the Church part 2

2007-07-27T12:39:00.000-05:00

Here's videos from that night...

Randi Jo and Autumn creating fun phrases on the frig and dancing to music...

Faith and Autumn singin' a Grease song...

Funny convo...

Murder in the Church

2007-07-26T23:37:00.000-05:00

That game rocks! It is so much fun especially when you play it with teens as they tend to freak out rather easily when they are scared :D Murder in the Church is a game where one person is the murderer and you have no idea who it is until he/she sneaks up behind you... "you're DEAD". Then you run to home base after you scream like a girl. Good times. JB managed to scare Beth so bad that we could hardly get her to play again and was still holding a grudge the next morning... Yeah, good times indeed! Last night, I learned how much fun it is to scare teens. Way TOO FUN indeed. I'm so bad, I know ;)

After scaring the pants off everyone, we headed over to Steak'n'Shake for more food ...as if we hadn't eaten enough back at the dorms... but you know, what's an all-nighter w/o tons of food?! After we finished entertaining everyone at Steak'n'Shake as we drew just a li'l attention to ourselves - not intentionally mind you ;) Someone stated that they may have put hot sauce in JB's coffee and one of head people at Steak'n'Shake came up to JB and said, "What the ... are you thinkin' that we put hot sauce in your coffee?" JB was so caught off guard that he hardly knew what to say. We were just kidding after all! So once she calmed down and starting kidding around w/ us, things were cool. Then our waitress happened to tell her that we were a Christian group, and she came back and apologized to us very loudly... "I didn't know you were a Christian group! I'm sorry..." Yeah, all eyes headed our way as we gracefully accepted her apology. All is good as we're used to eyes heading our way b/c in Jamaica we were usually the center of attention anywhere we went as we kind of stood out as being just a li'l different :)

Then after some of us paid our bill and waited for everyone else to finish paying, we stood in the entry way chatting and JB said we should sing someting... so after we worked up the courage to and remembered it was July 25 (as in Christmas in July) we broke into the chorus of, I kid you not, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" to the very next couple that walked thru the door. Hey, why not? We were already the center of attention, so we may as well go out with style!

Back at the dorms, it was just us girls. Some of us chatted it up a bit as others crashed in front of a movie or in their own room... A few of us had every intention to stay up till 3a to stake out the Pickitt Lady in front of Pickitt Hall at CU. Yes, six of us girls headed out in pajama style to watch for the ghost of the Pickitt Lady. Of course Pickitt Hall was engrossed in lights, so we figured it was too light out to see her, but who knows... We waited anyway. Then we thought, maybe she's chillin' out in the back near the pond... We headed that way but all we managed to do was wake and chase 25 geese into the pond. No Pickitt Lady anywhere to be seen... bummer. Good memories. We tried. Maybe next time...

16 hours

2007-07-24T15:55:00.000-05:00

You never really know how long 16 hours is until you work it... This past Saturday and Sunday, I was on delivery/admission. Basically, that means that I go down with the rest of the neonatal team to each delivery where there is potential for the baby to need medical help after birth. I went down for four births all weekend and left each one with his/her mother. That was pretty cool b/c there were a couple we initially thought would be coming back with us but each time we left 'em down with mom - including the one after a crash C-section. I prayed silently before each delivery and each time we thought this kiddo might be coming back with us, he/she came out crying and we could leave 'em with mom. Good times. God is good.

All in all it was a good weekend :) Even the 16 hour shift... I put my order in for a good assignment so I could use a little less brain power while I cared for each baby - they were all good eaters and a good assignment for hours 13-16.

More from Jamaica... This was my first time ever stepping foot in an orphanage...

Panorama Sunset over Montego Bay

2007-07-20T08:49:00.000-05:00

Here is just one of the many gorgeous sunsets we saw while in Montego Bay, Jamaica while on our mission trip there...

Random Day, Random Post...

2007-07-19T20:43:00.000-05:00

Alright, if a friend of mine can complain about his decaf coffee he got in CA on his blog, then I can talk about this... I was just sitting here eating my newly purchased Tommy and Brook's Fudgie Monkey ice cream from Culver's and the best part is the banana fudge in it. I always go diggin' for 'em in the quart (yes, I eat right from the quart - hey, I'm single, I can do whatever I want ;) ) Since this was a brand new container, normally there are fudgie monkey chunks near the top... Well, not one chunk was near the top on this one. So I had to go diggin' right from the start and found TWO in the whole container. I dissected the whole container and found TWO! That is SO sad. Man, I want a refund! Can you return ice cream after you dissected it??

Then earlier this evening, I went rollerblading and got to the half way point (4.5 miles) and found the front wheels on both skates had chunks worn out on them. I had to go another 4.5 miles to get home! Not a good time to discover that...

But on the upside! My gorgeous oak hardwood floors are being refinished and they look fabulous. I'm excited for the finished product. I am having them do my bedroom and my computer room. I had started doing my bedroom myself but gave up when it came to doing up by the walls as I didn't have the right tools to sand it w/o creating a groove... So in came the professionals and am I glad they are here b/c those floors are stunning... But then again, anything would look better than the dirty pink carpet that was there ;) Next up, I need to hire someone to do my trim work and replace my the doors to the rooms and closets. Then my room will be completely done except for framing and hanging up some of my pics from Jamaica. I can't wait to do that!

If You Just Breathe...

2007-07-15T19:59:00.000-05:00

If you just breathe, life happens. I found myself saying that yesterday at work while I was coaching my twins on the concepts of life... yeah, breathing. Wait, did you say "my kids"? you may ask... yeah, my kids. I have twins and they like to hold their breath. Okay, really now, when did you have twins? No, I'm caring for a set of twins at work and they tend to hold their breath till they desat (drop their O2 level in the blood ~ medically, we call that periodic breathing or apnea). I think they do it just to keep me going and that they do, to the point of me saying, "IF YOU JUST BREATHE, LIFE HAPPENS!"

How true is that statement though... The more I think about it, the more I realize how true that quote is and how it relates back to my mission trip to Jamaica. The people there are so laid back as they allow life to happen. They go with the flow. "No problem, mon! Only situation." "No worries, mon!" Two quotes you will commonly hear in Jamaica as they just breathe and let life happen. Here in America, we get so wound up over the littlest tings in life or get so busy as we are constantly on the go-go-go-go-go that we forget to just breathe and let life happen. IF we simply relax and go with the flow, we will quickly learn to enjoy the littlest tings in life, including the simplest task of breathing... Someting we tend to take for granted until we realize how difficult it can be for the littlest ones in our lives, such as my twins, who struggle daily to learn how to breathe so life can happen...

So IF YOU JUST BREATHE, LIFE HAPPENS!

We Love Some TING!!

2007-07-08T22:37:00.000-05:00

Ting is a Jamaican soda. Basically it's Jamaican grapefruit juice that has been carbonated. It is SO good. Sadly so... I have only one bottle of Ting left. But we will be having some at our Jamaica team reunion party! ya mon... we love some ting indeed! :D

My girl...

2007-06-27T21:17:00.001-05:00

Was looking thru our Jamaica team pics from Ric and came across these two pics that brought tears to my eyes as I saw it for the first time. This is my girl... Makeda. She and I spent the better half of last week Tuesday together. I fell in love with her the first day we went to the orphanage and found her when we went back to the orphanage. I love this li'l girl as if she were my own... I wish she was. But right now, God is telling me I'm not ready yet. So life goes on. She's sitting on my desktop right now. I sure do miss her. Her eyes are so captivating... God is teaching me a lot about waiting on his timing right now and this is just one example of those teaching moments...

Getting back into the swing of things (no pun intended :D)...
Played softball for the first time in over a year yesterday and again tonight. Last night was the team I play on with my mom and sister in a women's-only league. Tonight I played for my work as the NICU got a team together which is a co-ed league. Very low-key league as many of them play like they need to go back to little league ;) So they have never seen me play before and the majority of the women play like girls. So having never seen me play before and being a "girl", they started me out at catcher. That quickly changed once they realized I knew what I was doing (as I've played since I was 10 y/o). I was then placed in left-center which is where I play on Tuesday nights. My norm and comfort zone. My first time in this position for this team, a guy hit a high pop up to me and while everyone held their breath waiting for the ball to hit the ground, I carefully placed my glove under the ball as it gracefully fell into my glove for the 3rd out of the inning. Next inning, a guy hit a line drive out my way and as it was just starting to make it's descent to the ground, I snatched it out of mid-air for the 3rd out of the inning. Let's just say the "coach" of the team said, "Amanda, you don't need to play catcher anymore!" :) I had asked him at the start of the game if I could play outfield instead of catcher, but he insisted that I had to at least start there... Well, let's just say I played the rest of the game in left center. Then there was another line drive that I went for and short-stop went for it too. We collided as neither of us called for it, but he caught it. He was more than floored that I came from the outfield and would have had it had he not gotten in the way! That was again the 3rd out of the inning. He gave me several looks after that as he was more than shocked that I almost had that ting! I think he was also shocked by how hard we collided as I was more than serious about catching that ball. I ended up on the ground with the wind close to being knocked from me. (Some of you know I tend to be on the competitive side ;) ) He then coached 3rd base while we were up to bat and just looked at me in disbelief. Ya mon... this girl can play ball!! I was also told tonight that I throw like a boy... Now THAT is a compliment (as most of these women throw like girls!)... Good times :D

Hangin' Out On The Runway

2007-06-26T21:57:00.000-05:00

Here we are hanging out on the runway of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The audio is hilarious!!

This is of a plane coming in right over our heads... Definitely an adrenaline rush!!

Jamaica 2007

2007-06-25T17:40:00.000-05:00

All my pics from Jamaica have been loaded to my flickr account. I am still working on editing the title and description area, but feel free to check 'em out by clicking here:

Jamaica 2007 Pics

I also updated the WaYfm blog, click here to read it: WaY.fm

Hey Mon, No Problem!!

2007-06-14T16:16:00.000-05:00

Check out our trip so far in Jamaica -> Live updates on www.WaY.fm. I'm in charge of the blog! Check out all our pics!!! On the homepage of WaY.fm, click on the third banner down that says Jamaica mission team! -> www.Way.fm

Our First Jamaican Sunset

2007-06-11T05:42:00.000-05:00

The mission: To reach the Jamaicans with the love of Jesus and the Gospel of Christ.

The time: 4:30am. The destination: Montego Bay, Jamaica. Time to get up: 2:30am. Average number of hours of sleep per team member last night: 2 hours.

That’s how we started our morning. Most of us received very little sleep last night in anticipation for take off this AM. Some of us did last minute packing last night before hitting the sack – well, those of that actually made it to bed that is. Some of us decided that by the time the packing was done, it was almost pointless to go to sleep. As in what’s the point of going to bed for an hour… Some of us spent the night in the dorms at Cornerstone enjoying a “slumber party” with an hour and a half “nap” for a good night’s rest… Yeah, not the best way to start a mission trip, but as we’ve been planning and anticipating this trip for the last 2 months, sleep was the furthest thing from our minds. And actually, for those of that tried, sleep was almost impossible to come by. The adrenaline had kicked in to full swing and there is no desire to sleep. But, in spite of the lack of sleep, we are all in very good spirits and smiles. We’ve been joking around, teasing to no end, pulling out one-liners and all around having a good time …as we have become a family.

Drawn in...

2007-06-06T22:36:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been drawn to do something even if it's dangerous? I was tonight. I went to visit some friends out in Holland, and after I left, I knew I was extremely close to Lake Michigan. I was so close that I could feel it calling my name. Actually I think it was God telling me to go in the stillness of the night to be still before Him.

The time was 10pm, Holland State Park had just closed and security (or the Coast Guard) had just closed the gates. I was like, I can't be this close to Lake Michigan and not go! I don't get out this way too often. So I thought, I could just drive around a few minutes and go back. When I was debating what to do, I saw the Coast Guard leave. I turned my car around ...time to move. I found a place to park on the street and walked the quarter to half mile to the beach. Now you may think I am crazy being a girl by myself going to the beach alone w/ all the freak stories seen on TV. Even I thought I was crazy. As I was walking out to the beach, I freaked out at anything that resembled human form b/c it was dark and hard to see. But no matter how scared I was, something was drawing me out there. I just kept walking. There was no turning back. I was too close. I had to touch the water.

I made it to the sandy beach. I couldn't hear the waves. Nothing. Still freaking out at anything that resembled human form, I kept walking. Kept my wits about me, looking all around for anything that moved. Did you know seagulls fly around at night? Saw a couple of them... (Sorry, random) I walked the 50-100 yards of beach till at last, I reached the water. Once I made it to the Lake, a wave of peace swept over me. I was still scared, but I was at peace. I knew it was where I was supposed to be.

The water was so still. The mild, sweet-scented breeze from the east. I put my feet in the icy cold water. My feet almost went numb. I continued walking down the beach as the gentle waves lapped up around my feet. It was refreshing. It was peaceful. God's peace filled me. I was scared, but His peace filled me. It was just what I needed. To be filled w/ God's peace. His spirit. His presence. Him.

When I stand on the beaches of Jamaica next week, I will remember this moment w/ God. This moment on Lake Michigan ...my home.

Less than 7 days!

2007-06-03T21:03:00.000-05:00

The official countdown begins... Less than 7 days till we leave for Jamaica!!!

So what are my roles on the team you may ask? I have just a few ;) I'm the official nurse (or only nurse) and will be in charge of the team's meds (yikes, don't think that will include Versed... sorry to he who requested ;) ) and aiding in any injuries incurred along the way - you should see my arsenal of bandages and wound care! I'm fairly well stocked - just need Rich to buy the first aid kit :) I'm also in charge of the bubbles (yes! ...lol...). I'm on the music team, and I also have a role on the puppet team - puppets lip syncing to music - I picked out the music for it and am also a puppet :). My favorite puppet is a li'l boy who looks like a carrot :D. Oh, and I'm also in charge of the blog for WaYfm -> be sure to check it out starting June 10th at www.WaY.fm! I will be updating it at least daily with pics!!

Yeah, I guess you could say I have a few key roles on this team :) Some that came to me very recently - as in last week. I gotta tell ya, when I first started going to team meetings nine weeks ago and after finding out that there was no medical part to this trip, I felt very lost - wondering what my role would be on this team. I didn't feel as though there was a place for me since the parts that were emphasized (music and drama) were my weaknesses. But I chose to trust God's guidance that He placed me on this team for a reason. There were several nights that I went home saying to God, "I don't know what my role on this team is, but I'm trusting in You. You placed me on this team for a reason. I'm looking to You to show that to me." Initially I thought I'd join the drama team, but after 2 weeks realized this wasn't where God wanted me. I had several ideas for the music team and therefore God laid on my heart to join the music team. I hesitated at first b/c singing was never a real strong point for me, but as I've listened to music all the time for the last 6-7 years, this part of my brain has become more strongly developed and God has blessed me w/ a stronger singing voice. Though far from perfect, He is challenging me in my faith to rely on Him in this area. And I feel at home on this team and love it!! As I started to follow God's guidance and stepping out in faith, I shared my testimony and watched as that opened a whole new world for me on this team. My teammates have embraced me, and we are becoming a close-knit family. God then continued to open my eyes and provide key roles for me - leadership roles I had been longing for - but He wasn't willing to give them to me till I completely surrendered to His will and followed His lead. Once I was willing to follow, He gave me leadership roles. It has taken 8 weeks to get to this point - yes, 2 months! - but it's a journey that I would not have any other way as I've learned a lot along the way. You know, I love learning from God and watching Him work before my very eyes! God is good and never ceases to amaze me.

Would you pray for us? Please pray for us as we lay down the final plans for the trip and prepare to leave Sunday morning at 4:30AM!! Thank a bunch! I will keep ya posted via WaYfm's Jamaica 2007 Team Blog.

Chris Rice, Sunrises, Jamaica, NICU

2007-06-01T08:13:00.000-05:00

Working at a Christian Radio station has its major advantages... When artists come thru to see us, I have the unique opportunity to meet them and at times enjoy private concerts. This past Tuesday, Chris Rice came thru b/c he was visiting friends and family in the area for Memorial Day Weekend and wanted to stop by to see us. He gave us a private concert in the student corum at Cornerstone University. Very cool, indeed. He was very good. He sang w/ just a guitar. No amps, no voice editing or processing. Just Chris. It was very cool. I also got to say hi and shake his hand :) He debuted one of his upcoming songs, Sneakin' Into Heaven, on his new record, What A Heart Is Beating For, due out July 17. He said he's never played it for anyone yet, so we were the first :D Good times. Good memories.

Has anyone been paying attention to the sunrises lately? Every morning that I go into work, they have been absolutely astounding. It makes it so worth getting up that early. There are times I just wanna cry for the beauty that God has placed before my eyes, but I usually hold back b/c I'm not a big crier unless I'm extremely upset or stressed out. Or I'm watching a DVD of a meeting for our mission trip to Jamaica and our contact is showing pics of the orphanages we are going to be going to and discussing how these orphans got there - they were abandoned by their parents on the streets. They were not dropped off at the orphanage. They were just abandoned. That breaks my heart to the point of tears. I wish we could spend much of our time in the orphanages. I think if they'd let me, I'd choose to stay there for at least half the day at least twice a week, but it doesn't look like our itinerary is going to allow that. So we'll see. They keep saying we need to be flexible, so maybe we will get more time there. I hope so.

Oh, hey!!! I get to manage the WaYfm blog for our mission trip while I'm in Jamaica! So be sure to check it out b/t June 10-20th -> www.WaY.fm. I will be posting pics on this blog as well, and my friend John Balyo will be posting video blogs. Plus, we will be doing broadcasts from Jamaica! Listen at 8:40am as we will be calling into the morning show giving Rick an update on what we've been doing and what we plan to do that day. Also listen from 10a-2p as John Balyo will also be broadcasting his entire show from Jamaica!! For those of you who live in the area tune into 88.3 or 89.9 WaYfm. For those of you who live outside this listening area, you can listen online!! Go to www.WaY.fm and click on the link on the upper left hand corner to listen online. Or for the best online listening, you can hear WaYfm in mp3 mode by clicking on this link... WaY.fm mp3 Player, then click on the WaYfm link here - second one down.

As you can tell I'm pretty excited to go. Just a li'l stressed as I'm working a full 12 hour shift at the hospital the day before we leave, and we are currently caring for around a hundred babies again - that is very stressful. Then the next morning, we leave at 4:30am for Detroit to fly out. Not looking forward to that b/c that means I have to be all packed by Friday night as I'll have no time on Saturday. Plus after working a 12+ hour shift the day before we leave, I'll be exhausted and probably won't sleep much at all that night as the adrenaline will be in full swing hoping I don't forget anything and anticipating having to get up at 2:30-3am to leave... Yikes... but God is in control. Please pray that all will go smoothly, that I'll be at peace with it all and that I'll be able to stay focused at work as I care for these li'l ones.

Hangin' w/ Caiden :D

2007-05-28T07:56:00.000-05:00

Hanging w/ Caiden after he got his new eye. K, so he wasn't the most cooperative but we got him to laugh nonetheless :) I love that kid and his family! His brother Bretten and sister Josi are the cutest kids ever and of course Caiden is too! Love that red hair!!

Memorial Day Weekend......Remembering Our Troops

2007-05-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

Remember our troops this weekend for all their sacrifices to make us free! God bless our troops and thank You for the stand they are taking for our freedom. Protect them. Keep them safe. Place Your guardian angels around them to protect them from all evil. God bless America. Bring us back to You.

Memorial Day Weekend is here and I had the high honors of creating the banner for WCSG's next "Change West Michigan Challenge" -> Tribute to Troops. This is the first banner I have ever designed and I gladly took on the challenge. What you see above is what I have created, but I give all the credit to God for making it happen. W/o Him, this never would have happened. I actually took the pic of the flag. It is currently flying proudly on my mom's house... I had asked her to put her flag out so I could take a pic of it for this banner. I was pleasantly surprised with how it all turned out!

Check it out on WCSG: WCSG.org

Pirates Out This Weekend!!

2007-05-22T21:36:00.000-05:00

Roommates... Will we be able to stand each other?

2007-05-20T20:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, 'tis true. I now have roommates. Will we be able to handle each other? I'm not used to sharing my space... If not, then they will have to go. :) Fortunately, they don't eat much, and they don't take up too much space. Only about the size of 10 gallons. Plus their smell is contained in their room. Yes, the first live thing (besides me) has just moved into my house and is currently residing w/ me for a little longer than a visit. More like two and a half weeks. Like I said, if we can't stand each other, they CAN be flushed ;) If you haven't guessed it yet... yes, there are about 4 fish and 8 snails currently under my care. Will they survive? Nobody knows... I can care for the smallest of babies, but can I keep 4 fish and 8 snails alive for about 2 and a half weeks? Survival of the fittest :) I think the snails will survive as they tend to multiply quite readily. How many snails do you think there will be by the end of the two and a half weeks? How many fish will there be by the end of the two and a half weeks? If the fish multiply... Ha! I'm doing very well then ;) Don't count on it though...

Ugh... just got done w/ three 12 hour shifts in a row. I don't recommend it. I can hardly keep my eyes open, let alone have brain function. Let's just say that tomorrow will be a brain freeze day where I don't do much of anything but sleep, chill out, sleep, and oh yeah, chill some more :D I do have the mission trip meeting that night, but the rest of the day... Oh yeah, chill out and sleep :P Hopefully my brain will be up for functioning for the meeting, but if not... my utmost apologies ahead of time!

I'm so excited though! Rich Anderson (WaYfm morning show co-host) is now going to Jamaica with us!! Three of my friends from WaYfm are now going on this mission trip... George Moss, John Balyo and Rich Anderson. Plus my friend Beth is going as well. This trip is going to rock! Please pray for us as we continue to plan our ministry work... We have just 3 weeks till we leave! Time is FLYING!! My biggest fear is that the trip is going to come and go so fast and be done before we know it... But God is good. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Please also pray that the funds for the trip will come in for our team as it's coming in very slowly at this point in time. We have about half of what we currently need... But I will say it again: God is good. He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and serve His commands.

So PRAY on!

Caiden meets Tommy & Brook

2007-05-15T11:28:00.000-05:00

Caiden meets his prayer warriors ~ Tommy & Brook

Caiden before receiving his new eye - he has a clear prosthetic in.

Caiden sportin' his new eye!

For those of you who don't know Caiden's story... Caiden has been fighting a rare childhood cancer - Bilateral Retinoblastoma - cancer of the eyes for the last 2 years. He is now 3 years old. He did need to have his left eye removed d/t the strong nature of the cancer in this eye. As hard as that day was, Caiden is now doing well and is full of energy! Yesterday was a big day for Caiden. He started out his morning meeting his prayer warriors, Tommy and Brook (from WCSG radio - www.wcsg.org/morningshow), and then he also had permission to interrupt a big meeting! He had the opportunity to be the entertainment for Jack, Chris, Lee, Randy, Rich and Brian in the midst of their meeting. They loved him and he enjoyed interacting w/ them :D Caiden has many prayer warriors here at WCSG ~ Tommy and Brook, along w/ Michael, Jack and Chris. After the guys prayed for him, Caiden then went on to the doctor's office to receive his new eye! He looks great! Thanks for praying and please continue to do...

How can you continue to pray for him? Caiden still has a few cancer spots in his right eye that are being controlled with laser treatments - pray against these spots. Also pray for full restoration of vision in his right eye.

Darci and Jamie (his mom & dad), Caiden, and I thank you for all your prayers and support, b/c "it's what got us through."

Mark Is Biking Across America NOW!!

2007-05-09T20:55:00.000-05:00

Check out Mark's video blogs of each day! Click here:

Mark's Video Blogs

To support Mark, click here:

Mark Across America

My friend, Mark Schultz is currently biking across America!! Please pray and support him as he raises money for the least of these... widows and orphans. He has video blogs up where he recaps each day. They are so worth checking out... Click here: Mark's Video Blogs. To support Mark and check out his site... Click here: Mark Across America.

Go Mark GO!! Godspeed! My prayers and support are w/ you!!

Mark Schultz (Amanda, Mark)

Also, my friends from Rush of Fools and Article One have just debuted their albums and they are SO worth giving an ear to! I love 'em! Click here to check 'em out:

Rush of Fools

Article One

Rush of Fools (Wes, Amanda, Kevin)

Article One (Nate, Amanda, Dave, Matt)

65,525 steps, Meconium Maidens & Translucent Torpedoes

2007-05-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

65,525 is how many steps I took this week! I was the top person in my team of 4, and that is in spite of what happened to me on Monday. I was not anticipating that at all! I thought for sure I'd be towards the bottom of our team. If you are so confused as to what I'm talking about... Spectrum Health is doing the Healthy Heart Steps Challenge once again! We have made teams of 4 and wear pedometers to track our daily steps. Then we add up our steps for the week, submit them to our team captains, who then combines our steps together to average out our team's weekly steps. We are competing against other teams on our unit and t/o the hospital. Way too fun! We keep asking each other how many steps we got in a day at work. 2000 steps = 1 mile. Yesterday, at work alone, I had about 8000 steps, which equals 4 miles! That's a lot of walking at work! Try that office people! ;)

As we do this, we are raising funds for a charity... My team chose Make-A-Wish Foundation. Our team name is the Meconium Maidens. (If you have no idea what meconium is, google it... I'm not going to "gross" anyone out.) Not my first choice, but for what's it's worth, it's cool :) My teammates liked it, so it works. Goes right along w/ our unit's softball team name... Translucent Torpedoes. If you wanna know why... ask me personally and I'll GLADLY tell you the story behind Translucent Torpedoes. In fact, I will soon have a t-shirt that has that on it :)

I love my job and unit!! We have WAY too much fun :)

Feeling better...

2007-05-03T12:47:00.000-05:00

My headache broke around 11:30am. Glad for that! I just happened to notice at that time that it was gone. The aches are pretty much gone too. I think I over did it last night. My body and head weren't too happy w/ me. I told my mom what I did and boy, did she ostracize me :) Guess, I deserved it... She keeps threatening to take my blades away, but I won't let her :) She didn't give up softball after she's gotten hurt, why should I give up skating?

Anyway, I'm going to be laying low... no more running for me for a while. My head/brain needs to heal as I learned from running that it's more injured from the fall than I thought...

The Sky Was On Fire

2007-05-03T08:54:00.000-05:00

Since my arm and body has been healing quite progressively, I decided to attempt to ease back into the whole exercise groove. I went jogging for a mile and then walked another mile or so afterwards after hanging out w/ a good friend from high school :) On my way home after talking w/ my friend, the sky was on fire as the sun was setting... It was gorgeous. God is amazing.

I was feeling okay as I was running/walking - just my abdominal muscles were achy on and off - but it was bearable as I tend to have a high pain tolerance. All was fairly good till I got home and really started to feel it. More so later that night. I started to get cold and achy. In the early morning hours, my head was throbbing. I got up several times for a drink to keep my blood sugar up. That was a huge help to the headache, but it keeps coming back. So, I took some acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) and that's helping. Guess it's a chill out day for me to heal some more! Good thing it's warm out... that really helps.

Prayers for a quick recovery would be very much appreciated! Thanks a bunch!

Gotta luv rollerblades!

2007-04-30T22:55:00.001-05:00

Alright so I'm sitting here at almost midnight eating dinner (bowl of cereal) b/c I was determined to go to my Jamaica meeting. Why? you ask... did the meeting go that late? No, I had to go to radiology for an x-ray, but I didn't want to go till after the mission trip meeting. Why do you need an xray? ...you may ask. Well, I decided to take one hard fall on my rollerblades. I split my chin open - which my doc stitched up before heading to the Jamaica meeting. I also had him check out my elbow/arm b/c it hurt to do just about anything w/ it. But, it only hurts when I move it in certain positions - o/w I'm fine... He said it warranted an xray, but that I could get the xray after the meeting. I was not going to tell him that the meeting was half way down to K-zoo and lasted till 8p. So off I went w/ JB and Beth. We had a good time! They kept making me laugh which was SO hard to do as I have bruised much of my right rib cage. My knee is swollen and bruised pretty good as well. So this is me venting my aches and pains while I eat my bowl of cereal for dinner. You know, when you hurt yourself, eating is the last thing you want to do. But I could tell my blood sugar was in the toilet... so eating at midnight is the answer :)

So my xray showed a right radial fracture in the elbow area. Fortunately for "big people" (aka adults) they don't have to cast it. I just have to immobilize it for a month in a sling and I can still work b/c the babies I care for fortunately don't weigh too much! Plus w/ no cast, I will still be able to care for them b/c I can scrub up to my elbows, etc... for infection control! Hooray! God works out all things for the good of those that love Him and obey His commands. Unfortunately, I won't be playing softball this summer as planned, but on the flip side, my arm should be healed by the time I leave for Jamaica! Yea!!!

Never a dull moment in my life!

Mark Schultz Bikes Across America

2007-04-27T20:42:00.000-05:00

Please consider supporting my friend, Mark Schultz, as he bikes across America to raise money for the James Fund, a ministry that supports widows and orphans (see the video on the upper left hand corner). He plans to bike across America from CA to NY starting May 6 thru early July. You can track his progress as he is going to wear a GPS system as he bikes! www.markacrossamerica.org/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Go Mark! You have my prayers and support!

Jamaica, McFlurries, 2.72

2007-04-24T07:18:00.000-05:00

Believe it or not, all those topics listed in the title are all related. We had our second team meeting for Jamaica last night. For those of you who don't know, I'm headed to Jamaica on a mission trip w/ WaYfm. We leave in June for 10 days to serve the poorest of the poor in Jamaica and we have meetings once a week as a team to prepare and bond. The second meeting went better than the first as we all had met at least once before and were much more comfortable with each other. We also broke into smaller groups and got to know each other even more and had some good girl bonding time. We are really starting to bond as a team. After the first meeting, I was kind of feeling a little lost b/c I didn't feel like I had a defined place on this team. That is d/t to the fact that there was going to be a medical part to this trip, but since I am the only nurse going on this trip, it makes it very hard to do anything medical. Usually they have a medical part of the trip, but no other nurses or docs signed up to go this year. But you know, God is good. He has a plan and I can already see it slowly unfolding. He is bringing me out of my comfort zone and slowly drawing me into this team. I have to say, it is so fun to watch God work before my very eyes. He never ceases to amaze me!

Bethany and I had a really good time last night - we are just getting to know each other as we are carpooling together for Jamaica. Last week when we headed down for our meeting (halfway b/t K-zoo and GR), John Balyo, George Moss, Bethany and I carpooled. But... this week, John and George are down in Nashville for GMA, so it was just Bethany and me traveling down for our meeting. We had so much fun bonding and getting to know each other better (she's 14 y/o and also Chris Lemke's daughter). She came over to my house after school, went grocery shopping w/ me, then she did her homework while I cleaned my disastrous looking home as I had not been home to clean since last week Friday, and then I made hamburgers on my George Foreman for her and I to relish. We then proceeded to head down to the church w/ Newsboys blaring thru my sunroof. After the meeting we HAD to stop for ice cream. Tried to get it from an ice cream shop but of course it was cash only. So we went to plan B and got McFlurries - my first one ever! I ordered the Reese's one and of course they were out. So I had the Hershey's Take 5 and that was AWESOME! I'm so glad they were out of Reese's so I had to try the Take 5! After we started digging into our McFlurries, I saw that there was one gas station that hadn't jacked it's gas prices up to 2.95/gallon yet, so we stopped and filled up. That was a God-send, b/c just as we finished filling up, they raised the price from 2.72/gallon to 2.95/gallon. Yeah, total God-send. I'm so grateful, b/c I needed to fill up and had already decided that I was going to wait till either: a) gas prices came down or b) I didn't have a choice. Fortunately, God provided plan c! God is good! He always provides for His children! Then we eventually made our way back to Beth's house - via an indirect route for sure, but we made it!

KJ-52 concert

2007-04-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

Check out my pics of the concert posted on WaYfm's website... WaYfm's KJ-52 Concert

Hanging w/ KJ (me and Darci w/ Jonah -aka, KJ)

Me and the guys! (George and John)

Macs rock!

2007-04-13T08:52:00.000-05:00

Under the advice of several close friends and a colleague, I finally made the BIG step of buying a MacBook Pro. I'm a Windows gal... no, wait, WAS a Windows gal. I've converted to Mac. I still have my Windows XP desktop that I will continue to use, but this Macbook Pro is amazing! I've never owned a Mac before, so this is all foreign to me. My friends have been kindly answering my questions as I work thru my "crises" when I can't find something - my first crisis was trying to get AIM up and running! That's a lifeline! lol Life is good now b/c it's working :) Feel free to jump on and say hi to me!

What's fun is discovering everything and once I find it, how much better (and creative) it is than Windows. I feel like a kid in a candy store :) The key is finding it though... and that's what the current challenge is. It makes it all the more fun though b/c everything is in a different spot and is all different. Like learning how to use a computer again ;) But every time I find something I'm used to, it's different looking but in a really cool way. It's all so creative graphically.

MacBook Pro's are known for being very good for graphic design and photography and also very user-friendly, which is perfect for me as this machine will kindly cater to enhancing my photo and graphic editing skills. One other thing that I'm amazed by is the sound quality this machine has - very, VERY good for a laptop. Brandon Heath is currently playing - yeah, it's good sound for sure.

So as I navigate thru this machine, feel free to drop your words of advice in the commments section! I'm looking for all the help I can get... :D

(Oh, and what's really cool is that I'm sitting in my living room hanging out online (vs. my computer room) - so now i can watch tv and hang out online. I feel so spoiled... Nah... ;) )

A Kiss Without Any Shame...

2007-04-09T21:45:00.000-05:00

Something Beautiful (Newsboys)
I wanna start it over
I wanna start again
There's a new beginning
One without an end
I feel it inside
Calling out to me

I've heard it in the silence
Seen it on a face
I've felt it in a long hour
Like a sweet embrace
I know this is true
It's calling out to me

It's a voice that whispers my name
It's a kiss without any shame
Something beautiful
Like a song that stirs in my head
Singing love will take us where
Something's beautiful

It's the child on her wedding day
It's the daddy that gives her away
Something Beautiful
When we laugh so hard we cry
Oh the love between you and I
Something beautiful

This song is currently playing in the background as it continues to inspire as I write this. This is the latest single released to radio from the Newsboys. It is currently my favorite song. The lines are so strong and reach deep into my heart and soul.

There are 2 distinct lines that especially speak to me from this song.
The first: It's the child on her wedding day. It's the daddy that gives her away. Something beautiful.

I look forward to the day when my daddy gives me away
On my wedding day, a date that persists to be unknown,
To my future husband, a man who's face persists to be blurred.
I continue to wait on God
To fully reveal this face to me.
Sometimes I think I know his face. Other times I'm not so sure.
The face of the man who stands at the end of the aisle
Persists to be blurred.

The second line: It's a kiss without any shame. Something beautiful.
I believe this line should follow the previous one (and not precede it).
Why do I think that? A kiss without any shame is one that is holy and pure. Set apart solely for my future husband.

My first kiss will be
After we exchange our vows
After we say,
I do.
My first kiss will be
Without any shame.
No baggage. No past.
It will be
holy.
It will be
pure.
It will be
Something Beautiful.

Meat-lovers Menu

2007-04-08T21:04:00.000-05:00

Wow, what an Easter! I think I ate enough protein to last me a week. No wait, I think I ate enough meat and malted milk balls to last me a week. We had SO much food, wait, MEAT, today at work. At least 4 hams, 2 pot-roasts and a venice roast! I had meat for brunch, meat for snack, meat for supper. Yeah, that's the most meat I have ever eaten in one day. I think I could have rolled out of work today. But it was SO good! The smell was wafting down the back hall starting at 7am. The crockpots were going and the meat was simmering. It was fabulous. And guess what?! We didn't blow a fuse this time! Normally, we have so many crockpots and George Foremans going that we naturally blow a fuse or two ;). I probably put on 5 pounds today. Gosh, I hope not. Guess I'll be doing 5 miles instead of 3 on the ellipticals tomorrow, and plenty of weight lifting to utilize that protein in body building!

It's Blue... No, Astral :)

2007-04-06T16:00:00.000-05:00

Finally just finished painting my computer room. It's blue! A pretty astral blue. That is the official color - Astral. How poetic. Didn't feel poetic when I painted it tho ;). Next up is my living room or bathroom. The bathroom will be lightish-kind of celery-color green and my living room... well, I haven't totally decided yet but two different colors have been floating thru my mind. So, I have an orange bedroom and a blue computer room... eventually a green bathroom, and another bedroom that will possibly be a deepish pink. Yeah, can you tell I like colors? :)

Awestruck Before My Maker...

2007-04-02T21:29:00.000-05:00

Ugh... I hurt. Just finished rollerblading over 11 miles... but it was so worth it!

God continues to amaze me. As I was headed west on my blades, I was blading into a gorgeous sunset. And then the next thing I know, there's a small, yet blazing rainbow shining in all its glory. I believe that God set it before me to remind me of His promises that He is in complete control of my life and that He will never cease to amaze me. That I believe but need the constant reminders that He provides at just the right times.

Since I have never rollerbladed this far before, I jumped in my car to clock how far I actually bladed... As I turned around to clock the return trip back home, a gorgeous moon rise shown before me. The moon was huge and so close. It also had a slight orangish/brown hue to it as it sat below the horizon. I was awestruck. I was overwhelmed. Again, God never ceases to amaze me.

The Story Continues w/ My Debut on the Radio...!

2007-03-28T22:16:00.000-05:00

(Make sure you read the post, Where Do I Begin...? that was posted on Sunday, March 18, before reading this one as it precedes this one in story form...)

God is amazing. I have had a dream to do radio for quite some time. Yes, I love my job as a NICU RN and will continue as an RN, but that passion for radio has always been there. So guess what?! WaYfm's Sharathon week was my debut ONAIR on the radio! Brief though it was, I loved it nonetheless! Rich gave me an hour in phone central on Wednesday evening from 6-7p, and I loved it! The first break I was on, my hand holding the mic was just shaking. I was so nervous. I received a lot of positive feedback, so I started to relax and have a good time. That first night, I was in phone central w/ a youth group. That made it so easy b/c I could play them up and have fun w/ them. Besides, they wanted to be on the radio too! Since that hour went so well, I asked Rich if I could do it again. He just laughed, but the next day told me that I could ask someone if they would mind if I did their shift in phone central. Derek was kind enough to allow me to do his. Thanks, Derek! Again, it went quite well. I was on w/ Joe and John. Good times. Then came Friday morning. Rich asked me if I wanted to do his hour in phone central from 9-10a. Granted it was just after primetime, it was still a good time to be on nonetheless! Way too cool. Then that afternoon, Rich scheduled me for the 3-4p hour with him, Rick and Joe on. Let's just say, I love doing radio! It went very well and we had a good time. God is good. I told a few of my good friends at work that weekend that I made my debut on the radio and they were very supportive of me. They thought it was very cool. One of my friends (who has daughters my age), thinks it is amazing what God is doing in my life. To be able to make an impact as an RN and also with radio...what a ministry. I have prayed many times for God to expand my territory beyond what I can see. He has and continues to do so. I give Him all praise, honor and glory. I have a passion for my generation to be reached with the Gospel of Christ. If that means as an RN, thru radio - whether onair or supporting onair staff behind the scenes, in the mission field as I'm planning to go to Jamaica with WaYfm this summer, and any other way that God has in mind, I'm open and willing to be used.

God use me. Expand my territory beyond what I see, b/c You never cease to amaze me.

Weekend is here!

2007-03-26T07:00:00.000-05:00

Yes, it is the start of my weekend. I just finished working the last 4 out of 5 days at work, and yes, those are each 12+ hour shifts. I've had enough! No more babies for me for 2 days! (...back at it on Wednesday...) We are still pushing 100 babies. The spring chicks are here! It's just crazy how many people are having babies right now! But you know what, I'm caring for a whole new generation. Pretty cool when you think about it.

Last night after work, I was able to watch a whole episode of the Amazing Race! That was the FIRST whole episode I have seen all season... mainly b/c it's on Sunday nights at 8pm when I'm lucky if I'm home by 8:30pm. Fortunately, CBS is carrying NCAA and if the game goes long, it pushes all of CBS's programming back. Hence the fact that the race actually started at 8:30pm. That was sweet. Go Uchenna and Joyce or Dustin and Candice! You 2 are my top 2 favorites. Uchenna and Joyce have won before, so I may go for the girls... We'll see. I haven't seen enough to decide.

After the Race, I still had so much pent up stress that I went rollerblading about 3-4 miles at 9:30pm. Some may think I'm crazy for working all day and then rollerblade that late...? Yeah, that's me :). When I'm stressed out and need an outlet, I exercise. I'll throw on some TobyMac, Mark Schultz or Klink (David Klinkenberg) and exercise just about as hard as I till I can't go any farther. Then I slow my pace, the music is off and it's just me w/ my thoughts and me w/ God. And the peace transcends...

God, You never cease to amaze me.

Burnout reached.

2007-03-24T20:55:00.000-05:00

I am officially declaring burnout. Number of babies still around 100. We are all getting fatigued and burned out. No one is excluded. So why am I online now when I work tomorrow? B/c I'm releasing pent up stress and totally venting! One more 12 till my weekend (Monday)! So can't wait. I seriously apologize to anyone who is tired of my emails and IM's and anything else b/c I have been in the "needy" stage for a while as my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual capacities have been stretched to the max these last seven days. Thanks for putting up w/ me! You mean more to me than you know! You know who you are b/c you've received the IM's and emails. Thank you for listening, reading and praying. I greatly appreciate you.

103 & counting!

2007-03-21T20:04:00.000-05:00

(to my onair friends... just a precaution I am taking as I've been surprised before as to what made it to the airwaves... this post cannot be used onair d/t sensitive material. thanks!)

I thought WaYfm's Sharathon was crazy at times (d/t Rich's crazy incentives ;) ...lol), that was nothing compared to work today! Yes, 103 is referring to babies. We are bursting at the seams w/ babies. Talk about high-stress levels. Today wasn't too bad, but having that many babies to care for raises stress levels automatically. This is the most number of babies I have ever worked w/. What was going on 6-7 months ago anyway? :p Please pray that we will continue to be detailed in the care we provide for each and every baby, b/c we are caring for delicate, fragile human beings, ...some of whom don't weigh much more than a pound.

Busy as can be...
B/t Sharathon last week in K-zoo (Tues-Fri), working two 12s (12 hour shifts) this past weekend (Sat & Sun), Caiden's eyes and my volleyball tournament this past Monday, WCSG Tuesday, working 12s today and tomorrow, then two more 12s this weekend (Sat & Sun), I feel like I haven't lived at my house for the past 2 weeks ...except maybe to sleep once in a while and to run myself out of food. I have almost nothing left to dig thru for food - no time to grocery shop! Let's just say, I'm starting to get real creative when it comes to packing a lunch for 12+ hours as I'm running out... No worries, I'll restock Friday to gear up for the weekend! But sleep... I need sleep...!

Met Rush of Fools today!

2007-03-20T20:03:00.000-05:00

Today, two of the members from Rush of Fools, Wes and Kevin, were on the Morning Show with Tommy and Brook. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to meet them. Great guys! It was fun meeting them. Check out their music by clicking here: Rush of Fools ...so worth checking out!

Where do I even begin...?

2007-03-18T20:45:00.000-05:00

Wow, what a week. Where do I even begin? Had an awesome time at WaYfm's Sharathon this year. God is amazing. We didn't reach our goal, but God is faithful regardless. He will provide. This is a phenomenal ministry that reaches a group of people that is very hard to reach - the teens to twenty-somethings to 30-somethings. God will provide. If you are interested in making a pledge to WaYfm, please consider doing so now at WaY.fm/sharathon

So many stories to tell from WaYfm. I was in K-zoo all week and stayed in a hotel w/ the GR staff. Way too much fun! Played foosball every night. Topher was ALMOST unbeatable... even when we teamed up against him, we couldn't beat him! Then the last night, Mike and Topher were on one team and John Balyo and I were on the other team and we beat Topher twice in a row! Topher's only 2 losses. HA! Topher is NOT unbeatable! Good times.

Then, on my way down to K-zoo, I had no trouble finding the town, but their building is not marked well. I had NO idea where they were located! Since the main street is one way, I figured I had passed their building and had to turn around and take another street back. Total God-thing, b/c where I turned to go back was by the parking lot where the WaYfm vehicles were parked. Yeah, total God-thing. Then, since the building wasn't marked well at all, I asked like 7 different people and they didn't know where WaY was located. The last person I asked knew the building, but not the floor. So I walked in, and at the bottom of the very discrete sign it said, "WaYfm, 6th floor". I made it to WaYfm at last.

I will be honest. I loved K-zoo. It is a very nice town. The WaYfm studio there is awesome. Luv'd it. Staff was great too. Felt like family. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

Thursday morning Topher had me do the early early morning part of the day so he could sleep. So, I was up by 4:30a to be there by 5:30a. Got there by 5:40a to find the doors locked. Didn't have a key. No one was around except the cars going by. Didn't have a phone as I don't own a cellphone (no need, so I thought...) What do I do now? I have to be there to run the calculator. That role is essential for Sharathon. I started racking my brain as it kicked into survival mode... Hmmm... There was a parking garage across the street. Hoping there was a security person around, I headed over there. No one. Heard a diesel vehicle breaking, thought maybe it was a bus, but it turned out to be a semi-truck. I headed that way... Nervous... do I talk to him or not? Scouted him out a bit and decided I had no choice. I put my hand up to my mouth in phone fashion and asked if he had a cellphone. He said no. Seeing a bunch of cop cars parked all over, I asked him if he knew if there were any cops around. He said he had just seen one come out of the building he was parked next to and that I could pound on the door to see if one was still there. Having no choice, I did and ONE guy was around and let me in to use the phone. First person I called was Rich... he didn't answer. Then I called the studio line hoping and praying someone would answer. Michigan Message Center answered. I explained my situation and she said she didn't know if she could get thru on a different number. Next thing I know, I'm talking to Terri! Yes! God is good. She propped the door for me at the bottom, gave me the code to get up and next thing I know, I'm setting up for another day at Sharathon. Wow, not bad... for the time was now 5:50am.

WaYfm Sharathon on a roll

2007-03-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

WaYfm Sharathon is well on their way! God is working wonders over here. We are heading for the $540,000 and God is good. He is blessing us in abundance. But we still need your help to get us there! Please consider making your gift now! There are some great prizes to be had every hour just for pledging. Click here to make a pledge now... WaYfm Sharathon ~ Pledge Now!

Changing lives together!

Went Running & Rollerblading :D

2007-03-12T23:04:00.000-05:00

Today was very nice... Weather is improving and warming up! Yea! Spring is coming :) I took a 2 1/2 hour nap today and it was fabulous. Then to wake myself up, I strapped on my rollerblades for the 1st time this year and went soaring. It was awesome. I felt like I was flying. Such a great stress relief, especially after the weekend I just had at work... Then I played volleyball against Becky C's team and we sadly lost 2 out of 3 games. Very sad... I didn't get to set, so that was a bummer. I feel so out of sorts when I'm not setter, but I did have a few good hits and a block or two. That made it worth it!

After volleyball, it was still warm out so I went running for 2.25 miles. It is so much better than running on a treadmill! Believe it or not, I went at night in shorts and sleeveless. K, so you think I'm crazy... well after the first 100 feet, I thought I was crazy too. It was a bit cooler than I thought, but there was no turning back after I started ;) What's even crazier is that just before I left my driveway, a lady walked by in a winter jacket w/ her hood on... And here I am taking off running in sleeveless and shorts! Good times. :)

3 hour naps are fabulous...

2007-03-09T18:55:00.000-05:00

(Click on the pics to make 'em bigger ~ looks really cool bigger!)

Yesterday, I laid down for a nap and woke up 3 hours later. It was wonderful :). Then I laid down this evening and kind of slept for about an hour... not as restful as yesterday, but better than nothing...

I had the opportunity to watch Tommy's kids earlier this week. They are absolutely adorable. His youngest and only little girl was a doll. She was glued to me the minute I stepped one foot in the door :D. His 3 boys were great too! Way too fun :) I have never bonded with kids as fast as I did with his. I hope he has me over again soon! I can't wait :)

Next week is Sharathon for WaYfm... Please consider a pledging a donation in support of this awesome ministry! They reach out to an age group than can be hard to reach with the Gospel of Jesus Christ (ages teens to 30s). Click here... WaYfm Pledge Form ...to make a pledge and receive your very own Carry-All bag ~ I have mine already and luv it!

I get to hang out with all the WaYfm staff all week next week for Sharathon, and Tommy and Brook will be popping in once in a while as well! Should be a good time. I get to be the calculator person with Topher again (which is what I did for WCSG's sharathon ~ WaYfm's sister station). They are putting us to work for sure, but I love doing this position. And Rich even gave me an hour of on-air time as a "reporter in phone central" for Wednesday evening. I'm nervous but excited at the same time. Should be fun :)

Frozen in Time...

2007-03-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

How long are your icicles? These icicles are located on the east side of my house and looked glorious in the sunrise this morning. When I first looked out my back window early this morning, I was very surprised to see the first one pictured already below my window and half way to the ground! (Click on the pics to make 'em bigger ~ especially the first one!)

How God Got My Attention...

2007-02-28T22:12:00.000-05:00

I woke up Monday morning at 8:15 and was flipping thru my 3 favorite radio stations trying to find any of the co-hosts on one of their "breaks" (when they are on the air) b/c I like to listen to their topics and discussions. The first one that I came upon began recapping what they had just mentioned about 2-3 minutes ago. And lo and behold, I found them talking about me! I was like, "What?! That wasn't supposed to be on the air! That was a personal convo..." I was so caught off guard and shocked! And quite honestly, it was really the last thing I wanted to hear after having the weekend I just had. I felt anonymously exposed... but you know what? I learned a lot, and God got my attention loud and clear. To give you some context and the full story, here is the convo b/t me and the radio host that went on behind the scenes via email... (I will keep the station anonymous as they kept me anonymous.)

_______________

(Most of these first 2 emails are what was discussed on the air.)

I'm glad everything is working out for you for the trip. After reading your application I was surprised to read you're not involved in a church. You seem to be the type of person who would really miss not being involved in a church. Can't you find a cool church that meets on a weeknight?

morning co-host
______________

Well the whole church thing kind of has a long story... but I can TRY to keep it short but don't count on it... :)

I have really tried to find a good church that has a group my age... [I tried 2 different mega-churches] b/c they have groups my age that meet during the week. It's tough to "break" into a church when it's huge and you don't know anyone, especially not going on Sunday. I used to go w/ my friends to Wed. night church at [the one church] and liked it, but then they stopped going on Wed. and just went on Sunday. Believe me, it's not easy or fun going by yourself, not knowing anyone and sitting by yourself. Been there, done that. Didn't enjoy it.

And most smaller churches don't offer much for people my age at all! That is the MOST frustrating thing. I feel like the church is neglecting the 20-something age group. When I heard that [your station planned something] for people ages 18 and up, I thought that was awesome. Those things are NEEDED for my age group b/c there's nothing out there for us!

I've also tried attending college-and-career groups at both [of those mega-churches]. [The one] was okay, but hard to make friends as I didn't know anyone at all (and they didn't always show up every week). It wasn't the best "church" group either. I went to [the other church's] group for about six months. It was hard for me to relate to anyone over there b/c [no one was really career-minded, which is where I am at right now]. I did make friends w/ a group at [that church] for those 6 months. Then things didn't go well b/c the girl I was closest to was expressing more and more of her immaturity, so I stepped away from that. Things were starting to go bad in that group anyway. Their leader was going to leave, and people would bad talk some of the things going on, etc... It was time to leave... I had had enough.

So, basically, [the Christian radio stations] have become my alternative church family. I get my spiritual nourishment and challenges by listening to my friends on the air, and at times I listen to the programs that are on t/o the day for spiritual nourishment. I get my fellowship when I'm at the station. A really good friend of mine over at the station has been a great mentor to me and continues to challenge me spiritually.

If you knew about Caiden (my friend's 3 y/o son who's fighting cancer of the eyes), you would know that I'm getting spiritually challenged thru that. God (and my friend, Caiden's mom, has kept me spiritually challenged this whole 1 1/2 years and it continues... I have grown more spiritually in the last 1 1/2 years than I ever have. God is amazing me all the time, even when I don't deserve it. I have witnessed several miracles in this last year and a half. It's been quite a ride (both up and down)...

So that's the long and short end of it all. Sorry, it's so long, but you kind of asked a loaded question... :)

Amanda

_____________

Without using your name, we shared part of your e-mail on the radio this
morning and got a great response. I'll give you a CD of what people had
to say about weekday church meetings for 20-somethings. There might be a
few groups in your area you might want to check out.

morning co-host
_____________

I heard that! Not like feeling "convicted" at 8:15 in the morning LOL. I had just woke up and besides the music, it was the first thing I heard this AM. :) I will gladly listen to the CD. Thank you. But, it's not like I haven't tried! I tried for probably 6-9 months [to find a good week-day home church].

Amanda

______________

One of the first people to call this morning was a guy very active in the singles group at [one of the churches you attended]. He said it's a very easy group to "break into", that they always try to make visitors feel welcome, etc. Then we told him you went to that group for six months and couldn't seem to break in. He was pretty discouraged when he heard that.

I think there are many people out there who feel the same way you do so it was good for us to talk about. The problem is most 20-something's don't want anything to do with the "traditional" church. Because of that the church on the whole doesn't target them. There were a few profound things shared this morning. One was, does a 20 something need to worship with other 20 something's. Don't our bonds in Christ transcend age barriers? The other was that the church on the whole needs to do a better job at welcoming guests and including them. That was a good reminder for me because I'm terrible at that. I talk to the same people every week at my church.

morning co-host
______________
______________

So that's what I faced at 8:15 Monday AM. Wasn't quite prepared for that, especially after the weekend I had just had (very stressful and intense). Some of those calls were pretty "convicting". You should have heard some of them. Now I know how on-air staff feel when they get ostracized. All I can say is, it's not like I haven't tried getting involved in church! I tried for like 9 months!

On the other hand, after hearing the discussion on the air, I have started to realize that maybe God is really trying to get thru to me... That I need to set more time aside for Him and work on my relationship w/ Him more. That's what I took from all this b/c I know I've been lax in my relationship w/ God lately. I know I need to set MORE time aside for Him, but I have just been keeping myself too busy for Him. I think He figured this was the only way He was going to get my attention b/c He knows I always have the radio on filling in the quiet times in my life. Well, guess what?! He was right! HE DID get my attention LOUD & CLEAR! I spent 2+ hours alone with God that Monday. And it was THE most refreshing and spiritually renewing 2+ hours I have had with God in a VERY long time. God is amazing. He taught me a lot on Monday...

So... Upset? a little. Learning from it? a lot.

You know, God knows how to get our attention when He needs to. He knows us and He knows our antics to keep ourselves too busy to spend time w/ Him. So be watching and listening, b/c He may be trying to get your attention... And you may be very surprised by the method He will use to get it! I know I was.

P.S. Please be careful w/ what you share w/ some on-air personnel b/c you never know what might be taken to the airwaves.

May I introduce my friend... Mark Schultz

2007-02-19T10:08:00.000-05:00

Hanging out with Mark in the back before he went on stage at the Father Daughter Banquet. He said he loved the frog fleece blanket that I gave him to keep him warm. I told him we had to send him home warm!

(More pics from F/D banquet when you click on the "My Pics" link on your left.)

Hung out w/ Mark all night!

2007-02-17T21:32:00.000-05:00

The 2nd night (last night) of the Father Daughter Banquet was a success as well! It went very well. I was very impressed with it. Mark was great of course and the dads and daughters looked gorgeous! Everyone seemed to have a good time.

I had the opportunity to hang out on and off all night with Mark Schultz. It was great to get to know him more personally. He's very down to earth and personable. I think that's why he's my favorite artist and now good friend.

The first thing Mark said to me when he walked in the door that evening was, "You look nice." Of course I had to have my pic taken with him while I was wearing my formal dress. I'll be posting it soon! We really hit it off when I reminded him that I was a Neonatal RN. Then we really got talking. That was very cool. Since his wife is an OB/GYN resident, we have a lot more in common. She delivers the babies that I could potentially take care of if they were premature and/or had other issues that required further medical care. I think he will be asking Kate a few more questions about her job after talking to me ;)

Well, off to get ready for another busy, crazy day at work tomorrow!
(more pics to be posted soon! stay-tuned...)

One on one w/ Mark this AM

2007-02-16T09:56:00.001-05:00

Tommy and Brook invited me to the station to hang out with Mark this morning for a little while. So, yeah, I had one on-one-time with him. Very nice. I've met him many times before, but this was a first for one on one. Mark is so easy to talk to! I always enjoy having the opportunity to talk with him. I gave him a warm double layer fleece blanket to keep him warm as he was absolutely freezing in our wonderful Michigan weather!

Father Daughter banquet with Mark Schultz

2007-02-15T23:25:00.000-05:00

Me with my dad. Our first date night in years. Rare occasion. Maybe we will have to make this a tradition...

Me with Hannah, Abby and Bethany. Sat with them and their dad, Chris Lemke, tonight! Lee Geysbeek and his daughter, Kelly, were also at our table. Good times. Mark sang Happy Birthday to Abby as it was her birthday tonight :)

Mark singing from his heart.

Mark singing Letters from War with the music video playing in the background.

This was the first Father Daughter Banquet that I have been to since I was 8 y/o. It was a good time. My dad really enjoyed it. This was my dad's first time ever seeing Mark in concert. He loved it. It was fun seeing him react to all Mark's stories. I think I've heard them all multiple times and know all the punch lines, but seeing him react to them for the first time was fun!

Think spring!

2007-02-14T22:56:00.000-05:00

Ah, Valentine's Day. Lovers day. Just another day for me. I spent the day in a 3 hour meeting for work and then another 3 hours in a feeding/GI class for work. Talked about how to assess stool, feeding intolerances, etc... Good times on V-day. lol

I did enjoy the song, "Single" by Natasha Bedingfield on WaYfm. Thanks for playing it Mike! Made my day!

I keep thinking it's spring, but when I look outside, there's a TON of snow on the ground and it's bitterly cold. It was SO nice to see the sun and blue skies today! I was in such a better mood than I would have been being at work meetings all day. But it was worth it b/c we were shown this amazing video... NICU Video I learned today why I do what I do. I'm currently taking care of a baby that is the same size as the kiddos shown in the video. Life takes on a whole 'nother meaning when you provide care for a human being that small.

My New Chair Massager; Washer & Dryer!

2007-02-12T09:43:00.000-05:00

Just bought a chair massage by Homedics. It is a wonderful thing! It says on the box that it will make you feel like a new person. It's true! I tried it before I bought it and it works wonderfully! It's a deep kneader to the back which is what I need after working 12+ hours on my feet... Very nice. I feel like a new person :)

My new washer and dryer are just came today! I went with a Fisher Paykel for the brand and was told that is the best brand to go with as they hardly receive ANY repair calls for them. Definitely top-of-the-line right now and so worth the money. I'm excited. My last dryer decided that it didn't need heat to dry anymore... That's kind of an issue b/c laundry doesn't dry too quickly without heat! The "old" washer and dryer came with the house and lasted me just about a year, which was just enough time for me to save up enough money to replace them. I decided to replace the washer too b/c I wanted them to match and also wanted a bigger washer with more options... More options as in more than two options of small or super loads. Plus, I wanted to be able to add the fabric softener at the start of the load rather than having to run to the basement to add the softener when the rinse cycle kicked in. Got good exercise with that! LOL Plus this washer spins 1000 RPMs and dries laundry so well that it needs less dryer time! It sounds like a jet taking off in the rinse cycle :) Very cool. Hard to believe I'm so excited about laundry! LOL It was definitely time to replace them both.

Met Mr. Gerrit himself!

2007-02-09T16:18:00.000-05:00

I had the pleasure of buying my brand new washer and dryer from Mr. Gerrit himself from Gerrit's Appliances. That was an honor. He was the third person who asked us if we needed any help and by the time he asked, I had made my decision. That was pretty cool. I then found out that I work with daughter on the NICU. Small world.

Bitterly Cold!

2007-02-08T18:23:00.000-05:00

See the glitter? ~ Click on the pic to make it bigger ~ It is so cold that the dust crystalized. The sun is shining on it as it floats in the air. It looks like glitter falling from the sky!

It is SO cold outside. When I took this pic here Monday night, (click on it to make it bigger), I had to open my window to get rid of the glare on the window from the moon. In doing so, my hands were ice cold in less than 30 seconds (and I was inside)! That is how cold it is been getting here at night. Lows in the single digits to below zero. The sun has been coming out the last few days, so that is very nice. Boosts the spirits since it's usually cloudy and dreary. Seems like our winter is off by a month. January is what December is usually like and February is acting a lot like January! I hope that our weather will catch up to the norm! I don't want snow on my birthday in June!

Blizzard 2007

2007-02-04T21:30:00.000-05:00

My drive into work Saturday morning at 6:20am was the scariest drive I have ever done. Went about 25-35mph the whole way in on the highway that morning. I felt like I was Laura Ingalls Wilder on Little House on the Prairie - out in the middle of nowhere on my sleigh in a blizzard. I couldn't see much more than 1-5 feet in front of me at any given time till I hit downtown GR. And no, I don't own a cellphone. Thank you to WaYfm and WCSG to help keep me calm as I drove to and from work both Saturday and Sunday. But most importantly, thank you God for safety on the roads. His angels surrounded my car the entire time for protection. Tonight, the highway was very sleek. At first I couldn't tell why I was sliding all over the road, even though I was going straight and slow. I started looking for wind, but I then realized it was black ice that was causing me to feel like my wheels were slipping beneath me. Please BE CAREFUL and drive SLOW! And don't let anyone in front of you b/c they just kick up the dusty snow and your visibility drops to ZERO!

2.25 miles

2007-02-02T10:38:00.000-05:00

Went running 2.25 miles outside in the snow (with boots on :D) last night for not only the exercise, but to relieve some stress. The fresh air was great! Needed it. I've had so much going on lately that I needed a stress relief outlet.

Please keep praying for Caiden and his family. Caiden had a horrible night last night as he was in severe pain from the local chemo injections and laser treatments. Darci and Caiden both got very little sleep last night. His pain was so severe that he was throwing up. His right eye is swollen shut - which is the eye he sees the best out of. Please pray for this little trooper - that the pain will get under control and that he and Darci will get some much needed sleep today.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

The Battle Rages On...

2007-02-01T14:02:00.000-05:00

Sometimes life just sucks you know...? Why does it have to be so hard...? I guess that's what draws us closer to Christ to rely on Him solely for our strength.

As you can tell, the news wasn't good this AM from Caiden's eye exam. On the upside, the tumors in the left eye had shrunk significantly. The right eye, which had been completely clear, had 2 new tumors in them. They are very small and can be controlled with laser, local chemo injections and cryotherapy. That is the plan - to continue with local treatments till the cancer is completely gone. Caiden cannot receive anym more systemic chemo b/c he's reached his max on that. They determined that as long as these local treatments are working, we can continue to fight. Hope is NOT gone! Prayer and the healing hand of God is our best weapon period.

It was the coolest thing... Darci always goes back with Caiden to get him prepped for the exam. She said she was praying and saying Scripture over Caiden as she was settling him in, and she looked up and saw the doctor praying off to the side. God is amazing. This doctor is a man of God. He is being challenged spiritually in this case just at we are. I have a lot of respect for this man. He has such an amazing heart. Darci told him after receiving the report from Caiden's eye exam that hope is not gone. He said to her, "I'm glad you are being strong for all of us b/c when I went to look in Caiden's eyes and saw what I saw, my heart just sunk." She replied, "I can't give up hope, and I won't." the doctor replied, "No, I haven't given up hope either."

If God is for us, who can be against us? The battle rages on and God goes before us in VICTORY!

(You hear me saying that and I believe it, but still, my heart is struggling with the ultimate question of "Why?!")

Caiden's eye exam...

2007-01-31T20:56:00.000-05:00

Caiden's eye exam is tomorrow (Thursday at 8:20a -usually it's at 7:35a - Yes, the doctor always comes at 7:35a - just an inside joke for us :) I'm glad that it's later. Can sleep a bit longer). I'm scared for the results. Very. I'm planning to go but am having a hard time wanting to go (b/c I'm scared, and b/c I think I've reached burn-out and the thought of getting up at 6:00a after working 12 hrs. today - well that explains itself...) I'm asking for prayer for Caiden and for peace of mind for us all regardless of the results. Thank you in advance for your prayers.

God is strong when we are weak.

Total Axxess!

2007-01-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

Total Axxess is BACK!!! Jayar declared me THE VOICE for Grand Rapids for JQ99 on Total Axxess tonight! I talked to Jayar (on the radio :D) and it was broadcast live nationally! TOO FUN and TOO COOL! In fact, he played my call twice tonight and I heard it both times! Yes, I am one of the 12 listeners! :D LOL Visit his site at Total Axxess.

It is snowing like crazy over here! This is the most snow we have gotten in a while! And quite slippery! Is it really almost February?! Doesn't seem like it! Hope this snow doesn't stick around till June. That would be so sad to have snow on my birthday...

Article One

2007-01-25T11:31:00.000-05:00

New WaYfm group, Article One, stopped by the studios today and gave us our own private concert in the new, yet still under construction, WaYfm studio. They are great! They just signed a record deal with InPop Records (Newsboys, Superchick) and their first album with InPop Records debuts in May. I can't wait!

Above is me pictured with the guys. On the left is their lead singer, Nathan Piche; then next to me on the right is their drummer, Dave De Smit, and on the far right is their fiddler, Matt Piche. (Matt & Nathan are brothers).

To check out their music click on either of these links...

Article One
Article One on MySpace

So worth checking out!

My New WaYfm shirts :)

2007-01-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

Rich gave me a few AUTHENTIC WaYfm shirts since I didn't have any... Thought you'd like to see me "modeling" my new shirts as I am getting ready to play volleyball that night! In fact, both Rich and I were cool and wore the Life is Short... Don't Waste It shirt today at the station :)

Well, I saw Brook, JB and Chris off from the station for Colombia! They were nervous and excited... Please pray that everything will go smoothly on both ends as God uses us to bring sponsors to these children. Pray that all the glitches will be worked out and that glory will be brought to the name of Jesus these next 2 days.

Tune into 91.3 WCSG FM to hear the updates from Brook, JB and Chris. And also check out WCSG.org and WCSG.org/morningshow to follow what's going on these next 2 days! God is going to do some awesome things so be prepared to be amazed!

The bestest and longest day...

2007-01-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

I had a very long day yesterday, but it was an awesome day as well. B/c of HIPPA, I can't go into any details as to why it was a good day but to those of you who know where I work, you may understand this... I sent my primary home to 2 wonderful parents. :D So made my day and then after seeing pics on their carepage... Wow. God is amazing!

It was also the longest day I ever worked -> 17 hours straight. Yeah, and then sleep was come and go last night after working - not a good combo. We were so short on nights that they needed extra help. So I stayed as long as I was able to legally, but that was long enough. I worked hard for that time and a half! Those last 5 hours just flew by b/c I had SO much to do! Don't know that I want to do that again too soon... but we'll see. (Obviously this jargon isn't too clear to everyone d/t the nature of my job. For inquiring minds, ask me about it in person. I'm just "journaling" on my blog.)

I do have a prayer request: Please pray for safety for my friends, Brook Taylor, Chris Lemke and John Balyo - all from WCSG, as they head over to Colombia for a 5 day mission trip w/ Compassion International doing live broadcasts in order to bring awareness to the needs of these children for sponsors. And also please consider sponsoring a child yourself! It is so worth it! Compassion International