I am a creature of habit. I get up every morning, do a devotion, do my rituals in the potty room, turn on the morning news. Now for around the past several weeks, there has been somebody different sitting at the desk next to Chuck Strickler. They were an Angela An, a Cara Connelly, or somebody else. Now every time I would see that Heather was not sitting next to Chuck, I would get a little concerned. I would tell Tim and let him know that she has not been back. We all know she has been battling a horrible disease called cancer.
Then today, I get the news that stops me in my tracks, makes me breathless for a moment... Heather Pick has passed away today. Instantly I do a Google search for Heather's name and all I get are the sites in which she has helped with the Komen organization. So I turn to the source I know would have first hand knowledge if this news is actually true. I access the 10tv website. and lo and behold there on the front page her story is plastered.
Today at the end of the school day, a student said, "I don't know why, but it just seems kinda gloomy today, kinda sad." She didn't even know about the passing of Heather. I think it was fitting that today we heard the news; it was rainy, cloudy, cool and dank.
It's weird, someone you don't even know other than on TV. Someone you've allowed in your house everyday to let them share the news; somehow they became a member of your family, someone you count on to be there in the morning. Through the special airing on the news station, I learned so much about her and her special causes. What a special woman who gave so much of her time to people.
Today I feel like I lost a very close cousin and my heart goes straight out to her two young children. May her legacy live on in her kids and to those who knew her best.
I will leave what I posted to the 10tv website: "Our family is deeply saddened of the passing of such a wonderful person. Her legacy will forever remain in Columbus and those who watched her battle a treacherous disease. May the Peace that passes all understanding fill you in the darkest of days. - Tim & Kris -"
11.07.2008
11.02.2008
Going Home
Today my family went back to our previous church to visit, it was something we had planned to do several years ago shortly after we had left it, but never got around to it. But after listening to our current pastor, Bill - we decided it was time to do it, or we would never do it.
As we approached the parking lot, old memories flooded our minds as this was something we had done so many years before; anxiety, sadness and memory lane came back. The second we came upon the door we were greeted by the greeter who had been there six years ago. It was good to know Gerald is still up to his greeting business and welcomed us wholeheartedly. Once we get passed him, there seemed like there was a slew of people who were waiting to see who had appeared at the door. Hugs and quick catch ups were soon to follow and ushering us to the kitchen to get refreshments and doughnuts. Once service began, I looked around and for a majority, things had not changed. The same songs were sung, the same people were around, the same 'rituals' had not changed. I remember also thinking this is where I got my start on knowing and starting my relationship with God. It was here, where the foundation was laid; it was here, where we were challenged; it was here, that both of my girls were dedicated to the Lord; it was here, that we formed friendships -old and new- that still impact our lives today; it was here, that this was the only kind of worship that my children had come to know; it was the people in this house that people ministered to us when we found out we were going to lose a child; it was here, that we began to grow up. So many memories, that will be forever cherished in my heart.
I remember when we went there, that it was always mentioned that this was an oasis to be fed with the Word of God; many people were going to come and drink from the fount and move on. Move on is what we did and sadly not in the way that God had wanted us to do things. Yes, I believe that moving on from ALF was the best thing for our family, but in the manner in which we (I) did it was not the way of God. I had left for selfish reasons and did not wait for the spiritual leader of the house to move first; I took things in my own hands. In this manner, our family suffered but recovered, only by the grace of God.
During the time of communion (which I had forgotten they did every week instead of every once in a while like we do at our current church) a sadness came over me and I began to tear up. I don't know if it was knowing that Pastor Joe is really sick and we came to 'clear the air' or if was a sense of foreboding for where this church will be if Joe decided to stop his ministry. Where would people go if this place closed? Would people be able to find another place to worship and be fed the Word of God? Would people feel lost? I know deep down God would direct their paths but it is still a feeling I can't shake off...
Before we left church, Sarah wanted to go downstairs and recapature the memories of when her and two older girls would chase each other down the hall before and after Sunday School. She recollected that rooms and areas seemed smaller to her now and than what they did then...only natural. I think it was good for the girls to go back - home - and see where they came from; that old wounds can be healed and see the direction that their future can take. I don't know if we'll go back and visit, but we can know there will always be a family of believers that will take us back in a heartbeat.
As we approached the parking lot, old memories flooded our minds as this was something we had done so many years before; anxiety, sadness and memory lane came back. The second we came upon the door we were greeted by the greeter who had been there six years ago. It was good to know Gerald is still up to his greeting business and welcomed us wholeheartedly. Once we get passed him, there seemed like there was a slew of people who were waiting to see who had appeared at the door. Hugs and quick catch ups were soon to follow and ushering us to the kitchen to get refreshments and doughnuts. Once service began, I looked around and for a majority, things had not changed. The same songs were sung, the same people were around, the same 'rituals' had not changed. I remember also thinking this is where I got my start on knowing and starting my relationship with God. It was here, where the foundation was laid; it was here, where we were challenged; it was here, that both of my girls were dedicated to the Lord; it was here, that we formed friendships -old and new- that still impact our lives today; it was here, that this was the only kind of worship that my children had come to know; it was the people in this house that people ministered to us when we found out we were going to lose a child; it was here, that we began to grow up. So many memories, that will be forever cherished in my heart.
I remember when we went there, that it was always mentioned that this was an oasis to be fed with the Word of God; many people were going to come and drink from the fount and move on. Move on is what we did and sadly not in the way that God had wanted us to do things. Yes, I believe that moving on from ALF was the best thing for our family, but in the manner in which we (I) did it was not the way of God. I had left for selfish reasons and did not wait for the spiritual leader of the house to move first; I took things in my own hands. In this manner, our family suffered but recovered, only by the grace of God.
During the time of communion (which I had forgotten they did every week instead of every once in a while like we do at our current church) a sadness came over me and I began to tear up. I don't know if it was knowing that Pastor Joe is really sick and we came to 'clear the air' or if was a sense of foreboding for where this church will be if Joe decided to stop his ministry. Where would people go if this place closed? Would people be able to find another place to worship and be fed the Word of God? Would people feel lost? I know deep down God would direct their paths but it is still a feeling I can't shake off...
Before we left church, Sarah wanted to go downstairs and recapature the memories of when her and two older girls would chase each other down the hall before and after Sunday School. She recollected that rooms and areas seemed smaller to her now and than what they did then...only natural. I think it was good for the girls to go back - home - and see where they came from; that old wounds can be healed and see the direction that their future can take. I don't know if we'll go back and visit, but we can know there will always be a family of believers that will take us back in a heartbeat.
10.09.2008
High speed vs. dial up : microwave vs. oven
I found this in one of my papers that I wrote for a Discussion Board (DB) for college. I think it speaks volumes to today's society...in general terms.
"As I am living in the real world of slow dial up and high speed modems I can definitely see one better over the other. I believe though with the ever changing and improvements of technology, dial up could be a thing of the past. But in the mean time, we do have to consider those like I, who do have to wait in line for the dial…there should be a happy medium. You can still have the ‘boring’ stuff such as text and go a little radical (graphical). Stay clear of high end designs as this will make your target audience impatient and will easily move on to the next site/business. This way you will not deter those turtles from the rabbits and get the information out to your audience. Until we all get up to “speed” let’s wait for technology to catch up to us, for we have made our society a microwave! Everybody wants their information and they want it now!"
10.07.2008
Sarah
My daughter Sarah will be celebrating 17 years of life soon. I say that with a huge gulp in my throat, knowing that I have only one more year to influence her to do the right things...make the right choices...keep her on track...you know the drill. I'm beginning to agree with Tim when he says 18 years is not enough to train a child and to keep under your wing.
I have seen her change from a strong willed child who kept me up hours beyond hours in her early years; stubborn enough to stare right in your eyes and say "No!" and hearing hours on hours of singing on the toilet while waiting to use the potty to a beautiful young lady who undoubtedly loves the Lord, has a soft spot for her sister, loves to give and recieve hugs from her 'daddy'; calls her 3 year old dog her puppy, stealing moments to listen to her mom and would love to receive, I think, a purple Panda for Christmas...whatever that is.
I look at her and think of all the tears and sweat Tim and I have poured into her life and hope that someday she will understand why we said 'no' to certain things and 'we'll see' (when in reality it probably meant 'mostly likely no way.') She truly has a heart for people to know the Lord on a deeper level then what they do already. She is striving to reach a much richer relationship with God. I look at her and stand in amazement at how mature she is for being 16, almost 17.
Someday she'll be off graduating from high school, off to college, marrying the man of God and her's dreams, having children and reflecting on her own life. I hope at the end of the day, she'll be able to rest her head on her pillow and know that she has done everything that she could for the glory of God.
I have seen her change from a strong willed child who kept me up hours beyond hours in her early years; stubborn enough to stare right in your eyes and say "No!" and hearing hours on hours of singing on the toilet while waiting to use the potty to a beautiful young lady who undoubtedly loves the Lord, has a soft spot for her sister, loves to give and recieve hugs from her 'daddy'; calls her 3 year old dog her puppy, stealing moments to listen to her mom and would love to receive, I think, a purple Panda for Christmas...whatever that is.
I look at her and think of all the tears and sweat Tim and I have poured into her life and hope that someday she will understand why we said 'no' to certain things and 'we'll see' (when in reality it probably meant 'mostly likely no way.') She truly has a heart for people to know the Lord on a deeper level then what they do already. She is striving to reach a much richer relationship with God. I look at her and stand in amazement at how mature she is for being 16, almost 17.
Someday she'll be off graduating from high school, off to college, marrying the man of God and her's dreams, having children and reflecting on her own life. I hope at the end of the day, she'll be able to rest her head on her pillow and know that she has done everything that she could for the glory of God.
Blogging
Blogging...I've just started this about a week ago, is this right? I don't know why I started this [new] craze, but I guess it's just something new to say that I know something of. This is a great thing, sorry to say that I haven't started earlier. It's a good thing to see if anybody is actually reading what you write (thanks Lacie:o)) and to know if anybody has anything to say about anything you wrote; whether you agree or disagree. It's something to do to let the whole world know what you're up to and what your opinions are.
The story has not ended...the blogging continues.
The story has not ended...the blogging continues.
10.05.2008
High school years
Well this last weekend I went to my husband's 25th high school reunion. It just made me ponder on my upcoming reunion (which I hope will happen...20 years next year). How many times when I was in high school did I not think I was not worth somebody's time to even say hi to or to even share the same air as them? How many times did I think that I thought I was not even worthy of sharing the same space as them? Needless to say, I am glad those high school days are over. Nothing against teens today, but I do not wish to go back to those awkward, confusing, naive days when all that was raging in all of us were homones and who was winning the popular contest of the year? At the end of the day, what do we have to show for it? Just some dusty old trophies, some plaques that never get displayed and clarinet lessons that were never listened to...
Yeah you guessed it, I was a band geek in school, I was a choir singer wanna be and a sports player nada. But that was ok. I guess I was ok with who I was, I was trying to figure out who I was and what I wasn't. But one thing I do not miss from those days were the long cold football games. Since I was in marching band, I wore an extra layer of skin, called my band uniform, with it's polyester feel and it's bulkiness (since I was the shortest, everything was big) I felt like a huge midget carrying around one of the heaviest instruments on the field. Thank God Mr. Thayer took pity on me and let me rest those xylophones on a stand during the majority of the contest pieces. Thank you also to Jill who during a majority of band camp gave me lots of shoulder rubs because those 60 pounds of metal pushed in to my hips and pulled on the shoulder harness. Yeah, I miss the rush of band camp, the feel of high school football adrenaline and popcorn wafting in the air, but I am so glad those days are behind me and I am on this side of high school. Now another part is to get my kids to this side as well.
What will I see in another year?...hopefully more mature people than the ones I met about 10 years ago at the last reunion. I'm glad that Tim was able to see that he is just as successful as those who were seen as successful in school. He will always be my knight in shining armor, my hero, my best friend, the best father to our children and my confidant. I just hope and pray that you will be able to find a person that fills all those mentioned above.
Yeah you guessed it, I was a band geek in school, I was a choir singer wanna be and a sports player nada. But that was ok. I guess I was ok with who I was, I was trying to figure out who I was and what I wasn't. But one thing I do not miss from those days were the long cold football games. Since I was in marching band, I wore an extra layer of skin, called my band uniform, with it's polyester feel and it's bulkiness (since I was the shortest, everything was big) I felt like a huge midget carrying around one of the heaviest instruments on the field. Thank God Mr. Thayer took pity on me and let me rest those xylophones on a stand during the majority of the contest pieces. Thank you also to Jill who during a majority of band camp gave me lots of shoulder rubs because those 60 pounds of metal pushed in to my hips and pulled on the shoulder harness. Yeah, I miss the rush of band camp, the feel of high school football adrenaline and popcorn wafting in the air, but I am so glad those days are behind me and I am on this side of high school. Now another part is to get my kids to this side as well.
What will I see in another year?...hopefully more mature people than the ones I met about 10 years ago at the last reunion. I'm glad that Tim was able to see that he is just as successful as those who were seen as successful in school. He will always be my knight in shining armor, my hero, my best friend, the best father to our children and my confidant. I just hope and pray that you will be able to find a person that fills all those mentioned above.
10.03.2008
Dependency
Ok, I have become "a part of this world." Yes, sadly, I have become dependent on the size of something that is smaller than my index finger and I call it "my brain, my right arm." If you haven't guessed, it's my little 4GB black flash drive. In the midst of it's whereabouts, it has come to my attention that maybe I was putting too much emphasis on it and maybe I used it as a crutch to help me get through my day; whereas I was not putting my dependence on the Lord. My husband says that it's alright to need help; but I carried that thing more than I did my Bible...and I take my Bible pretty much everywhere I go. What was so convenient about this thing though was that I was able to place it in my pocket and and pull it out for storage sakes.
The saga has not ended, if it ever shows up; I have decided to dig deep into my pockets again and decided to offer a small cash offer for the reappearance of it. Like Bill said in his prayer for it...Lord, let it float to the top. I know God knows where it is, it isn't hidden from Him, in fact I think He's laughing at me at my goofyness of misplacing it. Oh well, it won't be the first nor the last time I lose something and God will bring me back to it.
Well to be honest, this is not the first flash drive I've lost. I lost my first one about a month ago when my husband was in the hospital. Now why would I bring my flash drive to the hospital? That's crazy!!
Prayer: Lord, please bring my flash drive to me. I don't care who has it or where it has been. You know where it is. You know that it contains important information on it...some personal some not. I know that I have been too dependent on this thing to help me get through my day, please forgive me? You have made me realize that I need to be solely dependent on you and especially in those times, you are the storage of all things. You remember the good and the bad times. You are the keeper of my life. Amen.
The saga has not ended, if it ever shows up; I have decided to dig deep into my pockets again and decided to offer a small cash offer for the reappearance of it. Like Bill said in his prayer for it...Lord, let it float to the top. I know God knows where it is, it isn't hidden from Him, in fact I think He's laughing at me at my goofyness of misplacing it. Oh well, it won't be the first nor the last time I lose something and God will bring me back to it.
Well to be honest, this is not the first flash drive I've lost. I lost my first one about a month ago when my husband was in the hospital. Now why would I bring my flash drive to the hospital? That's crazy!!
Prayer: Lord, please bring my flash drive to me. I don't care who has it or where it has been. You know where it is. You know that it contains important information on it...some personal some not. I know that I have been too dependent on this thing to help me get through my day, please forgive me? You have made me realize that I need to be solely dependent on you and especially in those times, you are the storage of all things. You remember the good and the bad times. You are the keeper of my life. Amen.
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