Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Commander Nicole at Galactic Blast Praise VBS

What do you get when you mix a bright orange space suit + Galileo, the green gorilla + 150 kiddos in K-6th grades + 100 youth and adult volunteers????

GALACTIC BLAST PRAISE VBS 2010!!!

So much fun. So much worship. So much to do in two hours times! First United Methodist Church in Joshua began VBS on Sunday and it has been a wonderful event. Tonight (Monday), more than 140 children attended Galactic Blast Praise, that's a church record! Coordinators are expecting even higher attendance the rest of the week. WOW!!!!

And now, for some extra fun.....

As the Commander of the Starship and talker to Galileo, the green gorilla, it is my pleasure to share some pictures of me enjoying VBS just as much as the younger kids!!!

The Genesis Five singing and entertaining the crowd!!!

Serious concentration on the craft project.


Ta-da!!!!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Foods we SHOULD eat.......very interesting!!!


A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye... And YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.




A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.



Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.



A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three (3) dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.



Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.



Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.



Avocadoes, Eggplant and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).



Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm as well to overcome male sterility.



Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.



Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries



Oranges, Grapefruits, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.


 
Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes. A working companion, Garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Found the shoes!

OK...so in between scrubbing floors and folding laundry and vacuuming today, I found (and purchased) these shoes on eBay. They are neutral (beige) and I think would go well with the polka dot dress.

Whatcha think?


Now I have two dresses, two pairs of espadrille wedges, and two events to attend in Kentucky: family reunion and E's wedding. My family is NOT going to recognize me!!!!!

Friday, July 23, 2010

BEYOND ME - Romans 12:10

Have you ever been in a room with 600 middle school students excited about their successful mission trip? Have you worshiped Jesus along side them?


WOW!


This morning I drove to Georgetown for the CTCYM junior high mission trip closing ceremony. It was beautiful. I got to watch as an outsider as the teams arrived wearing matching t-shirts, some had dyed their hair wild shades of purple and blue, and everyone was clearly excited but I could sense their exhaustion. They did incredible work in South Texas this past week: installation of insulation and duct work, exterior painting, debris removal, and construction of wheelchair ramps and decks. Whomever thought 7th and 8th graders were self-absorbed and "me"-oriented has not experienced the passion and servant's spirit of CTCYM junior youth! They might be small in numbers and stature, but these young people know how to praise Jesus and do the work God calls them to do.

Today has been a very special, very long day. I had an exceptionally wonderful day yesterday (job interview went really well, keeping my fingers and toes double-crossed!!!!) and I think it contributed to me not being able to sleep. I woke up at 3:15 am. After tossing and turning for 30 minutes, I got up. No use in disturbing Kevin's sleep. I surfed the web, read teacher-related articles, and even browsed a few retail shops online. Finally, it was time to change clothes and leave for Georgetown.

Driving to a destination nearly three hours away - alone - tends to get my thinking wheels moving at an irate speed. I admit to talking out loud to myself. I had lots of silly, giddy, OMG-type questions for God today. I cranked up the volume on the radio and sang as if I were on stage at the MGM Grand...God loves to hear my sing...then I listened to praise and worship music and let the lyrics become prayers of my heart.

MY REDEEMER LIVES
The very same God - that spins things in orbit - runs to the weary, the worn and the weak - and the same gentle hands that hold me when I'm broken - they conquered death to bring me victory

CALL ON JESUS
I'm so very ordinary - nothing special on my own - oh, and I've never walked on water - and I have never calmed a storm - but when I call on Jesus - all things are possible - I can mount on wings like eagles and soar - When I call on Jesus, mountains are gonna fall - cause He'll move Heaven and earth to come rescue me when I call

I believe in the power of prayer and I am sure that God is listening to every word. I have been weary, felt worn, and very weak. Perhaps I've been climbing a mountain the past couple of weeks, only the mountain was in the form of self-doubt, dismay, frustration, and low self-esteem. Maybe I am getting close to the top, maybe.....

I listened very intensely to the keynote speaker's message at the closing ceremony today; it's a message I have been hearing a lot lately: 1) Pray, 2) Study, and 3) Fellowship.

By praying, I develop a better relationship with God. Communication is key to every relationship; Jesus is my friend and He wants me to communicate (pray). Secondly, I have to study and read God's Word: The Bible. If I am a friend, a beacon of Christ's light to others, I need direction and inspirtation to meet their needs. The Bible is not a dusty old book on a shelf, it's a living, breathing document filled with hope. Finally, I have to participate in fellowship. I want an attitude of love and acceptance - I want to connect with others. That connection, a formation of community, is relationship and fellowship at the most elementary level. It's cliche, but it's true: there is no "I" in TEAM. Just like iron sharpens iron, I have to surround myself with other believers to hone and improve ourselves to share the love of Christ, to make disciples.

After sharing the Holy Sacrament of Communion with the 2010 CTCYM Junior High Group, I heard the most poignant phrase and it concluded the event beautifully: the Spirit of God is in relationships.

What else is there to say?

On a much lighter note...I was in Round Rock and did NOT stop at the premium outlet shoppes. I did, however, spend $70 at IKEA and bought two - yes TWO - dresses at Dress Barn for consideration to wear at E's wedding. I like them both, believe me: I don't wear dresses often so for me to even purchase TWO on one day is an astonishing fact. 

Option #1 is a black floral sheath dress with a tint of turquoise (looks white in the picture). I really like the shape of this dress. The size 18 fit, but the bust area was too tight for my liking and I did not feel comfortable, so I bought the 20. Modesty counts for me.

and.....

Option #2 is a navy and white polka dot dress with a unique collar. Please excuse my lack of fashion terminology. I was uncertain about the big polka dots, but this fits well, conceals the bust, and is long enough to reach my knees. The only drawback to this option: I don't have shoes to wear with it.

I do not wear a lot of jewelry so accessorizing a LBD would be very difficult for me. I like the simplicity of my wedding band and diamond stud earrings.

Your thoughts?

Monday, July 19, 2010

Will you live with less so others can live with more?

After the late-night post on Friday, let me redeem myself and provide an update:

I am an emotional basketcase. Who did not already know this?! 

I wear my heart on my sleeve and take everything personal. This is me, this is who I am. The past couple of months have been an emotional rollercoaster. I am 26 years old and trying desperately to become the woman that God calls me to be, along with being a wife, youth director, friend, and family member. I put an immense amount of stress on myself because I have expectations and goals of perfection. Is this wrong? Of course it is. I am not, nor ever will be, perfect. Simple as that.

Saturday night I hit my breaking point. I cried for hours. Kevin, in his awesomeness, never left me. Amidst the tears, he kept asking questions and I kept saying, "I don't know." That seems to be the answer I am getting a lot lately. My frustrations with finding a job and working full-time again is met with the same response: I don't know. The deafening silence overwhelms me. Saturday night I did what I do best when I reach my breaking point: I cried.

I don't have the answers. I don't know what I will do with my life. I don't know where I am supposed to be or what I am supposed to do. However, I do know that I love being the youth director at FUMC Joshua. I love being with middle school and high school students. I love teaching and talking about subjects that interest me. I'm not sure where God's path is leading me, but I am on the train and patiently waiting for the Great Conductor to guide and direct me. When it is time to go, I will go. God is saying follow me, and I am following him. He reminds me constantly - I call them sacred echoes - that I am never alone, He is with me. I can deal with that. The unknown will always be in the back of my mind, but it does not have to be front and center.

I've learned a very good lesson this weekend, actually two of them: 1) don't worry about the race others are running and 2) focus on the most important thing: a relationship with God.

My life and journey is specific to me. I have to stop comparing myself to others. God designed a race specifically for me and no one else. When others seem to be passing me, I have to stay slow and steady in my lane. I cannot allow distractions to get me off-course or make me stumble. I have a very good life, one that I am immesely grateful for, but it is the life God wants me to have and includes an intimate relationship with Him.

While slowly and steadily focusing on my journey with God, I have to keep a God-centered life. I am too often consumed with a "look at me attitude" and it causes me to stumble, lose my focus, and even stirs anger, jealously, frustration, and envy. I am reminded of the story about the two sisters - Mary and Martha - that were blessed to have Jesus at their home to share a meal. While Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened closely to the words of Jesus, Martha worked hurriedly in the kitchen and became very angry at her sister for not helping with meal preparations. She wanted Jesus to focus on her. Martha was great at hosting and providing supreme hospitality, but she lost focus on the most important lesson: be still, listen, and be in relationship with God. I am, too often, just like Martha. I work to please and gain the recognition and acknowledgement of others when I should be in closer relationship with the One who created me in the first place.

My priorities are changing. My prayer life is changing. Thus, my perspective on many things is changing. I am changing. I suspect God is bringing a lot of change to my life. I look forward to whatever He has in store for me. Until then, I am practicing patience. I am surrendering to the things of this world and trying to learn to live with less.

Please enjoy the song and video. It is one of my favorite hymns. When I am questioning my life and what I am supposed to do, I remember the words: Here I am, Lord.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Patience.


It's 2:00 am and I am thinking about what I want to be when I grow up. I know it's not a Toys-R-Us kid.

Growing up stinks. It has its perks - driver's license, college education, marriage, home ownership - but adult decision-making is pretty poopy. Congratulations to me, I just cussed like a four-year-old.

The books I've been reading lately have really got me thinking: What am I supposed to do with my life? Is this all there is? Will I make a difference in someone's life? What is my purpose? What are my passions? Why am I here? There has to be more to life than being a wife searching for a teaching job that really enjoys being the youth director and is desperately seeking a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

Accepting the position of youth director at FUMC Joshua was one of the best opportunities I have ever received. While it is challenging, it is very rewarding. I have a great group of young people that make me want to become a better person. They are wise and see most ideas from a clear perspective, one without bias or bad taste. When I am with the youth of FUMC Joshua, I am reminded that I really enjoy working with people their age. They remind me to trust, obey, and listen for the Sacred Echo to lead me to my next destination. They are my heroes.

I have read so much, and thought about this so much, that I have a-ha! moments of positive encouragement; while other times, I feel like I am wasting my time and energy on something that is completely opposite from the path God wants me to take.

I've been studying Margaret Feinberg's "The Organic God" and "The Sacred Echo" because I am doing a DVD study series with the youth group. I've read "Organic," but "Sacred" has really got my wheels spinning. I am reading wonderful and inspiring stories of people experiencing the "sacred echo" of God in their lives and all I can do is scream because I want to feel, hear, see, and experience that too. I want to hear God's voice. I want to hear what he has to say. I'm sure whatever He says will be very important and relevant. What am I missing? What am I not doing? What am I doing that I should not be doing? How is God communicating with me?  The only thing I hear right now is my tap-tap-typing on the keyboard. A giant billboard would be great: "Dear Nicole, do this ____. Sincerely, God."

I'm on the verge of tears......oh, here they flow. Darn. Give me a minute.

Sorry.

I need direction. Simple as that. I pray for direction to learn how to pray for direction. Where am I supposed to go? What am I supposed to be doing? How will I know if the path I'm on is the right one? I have a certification letter to teach English/Language Arts and Social Studies in grades 4-8 but I have heard nothing back from the countless emails, phone calls, personal visits and job fairs with principals and school representatives. I feel really inspired when I am in a classroom....it would be really nice if I had one of my own. A place to put my own Sharpie pens. My name on the door. An opportunity to make a difference. A chance to reciprocate the generosity and talents of the teachers in my life. I had really great teachers, and I wonder if that is a link to my what am I supposed to do here decision.

I have a desire to teach, but I have received no offer or opportunity. Yeah, I had an interview, but that was weird and uncomfortable. This is a very critical time right now because the deadline has passed for current teachers to accept their contract; principals should have an idea of the positions or vacancies available for the new year by now.

If this is a patience test, I'm failing. I don't like the "unknown" factor in my life, but this is another gentle reminder that the Sacred Echo wants me to surrender my agenda and let him do his will. I am suffering from a case of Doubting Thomas-itis. I don't want to doubt; I want to trust. I don't want to worry; I want to be flexible. I don't want to cry tears of frustration; I want to rejoice with happiness and thanksgiving. I want a teaching career. I want to make a difference.

I have struggles. Big ones. Little ones. Medium ones. I have lots of questions and while it might seem like my prayers are bouncing off the ceiling, I am faithful that God is listening (sometimes laughing at my breakdowns). I have to wait. Something, somewhere, will appear and I hope I have the smarts to recognize it and seize the opportunity. CARPE DIEM

This has been my feeble attempt at a therapy session, Self-Help 101 - with the information below can I answer this question: What am I supposed to be when I grow up?

I love...
I love to read.
I love to write.
I love to cook.
I love to eat.
I love working with youth.
I love being involved at church.
I love my husband. Family. Friends.
I love (most) people - probably need to work on that one.
I love cats and dogs and horses.

I don't like...
I don't like conflict.
I don't like the political nature of corporate America.
I don't like people taking advantage of my generosity.
I don't like being a people-pleaser. I wish I could say "no" more often.
I don't like having an allergy to milk.
I don't like the unknown. (God is laughing at me now.)

Now what?

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

SHOES...a girl's best friends?

I did something today that I normally would not ever do: buy not one, but TWO pairs of shoes. It is so out of character, especially since one pair has a two-inch heel. What's wrong with me?!?!

I have been hearing all about Sperry shoes for a while now. Heard they were super-comfy, which is always a selling point for me. But my disappointment was the price, I had only seen them in department stores for $100-plus. I have paid my fair share of excessive dollars on shoes (specifically ECCO golf shoes), but boat shoes? I caved. But hear me out...not only were they on sale, they were on clearance. A friend told me he paid $60 for his. Well, I paid a shiny $29.99 for mine!!!!!!!!!!! How sweet of a deal is that - $100 regular price and I pay $30 and some change. Sweet shoes of mine.


I wore them to the roping pen tonight to show off my snazzy, and cheap, new shoes. As for Kevin, he's not impressed. Unless they are Wolverine Dura-Shocks or Justin Chuckas, he doesn't give a flip. Literally.


My second purchase was a pair of black summer sandals, I think they are called wedges, with a two-inch heel. Go me - I'm really branching out here! I hope the Coastal Chicster approves, I was thinking about her the entire time I was trying on these shoes in hopes of wearing them with my potential "sheath" dress to E's wedding next month. People are going to wander about me, this is so not my usual style! So, Chicster, how did I do on this shopping adventure today? Do I have your blessing? Or did I make a fool of myself?

Monday, July 12, 2010

the best peanut butter cookie...EVER

Stop the presses...I have found the best cookie ever baked. A brand of Frito-Lay, Grandma's Homestyle peanut butter cookies are really, really good!

I like creamy peanut butter, but I do not like peanuts. In fact, I don't like any type of nut because of their texture. Grandma's cookies are really soft and chewy, without falling apart in your hands. The taste is incredible too. One bite and you know you are eating a peanut butter cookie, without being overwhelming.

Aesthetically, the cookies are perfect. The size is great, Grandma doesn't skim on portion size! When I was younger, I baked cookies with my Mom and we used a fork to imprint the tops of peanut butter cookies. Grandma's cookies have the same marks, it's a great homemade touch from a national manufactured brand.

As someone who suffers from a dairy (cow's milk) allergy, I am super excited when I can find a common store shelf item that is free of milk ingredients. Grandma's peanut butter cookies do not contain milk; however, they are made with wheat, peanut, and egg ingredients.

Do you have a favorite cookie?

Friday, July 2, 2010

Woof! Woof!

Blame Kimberly for this post, it's all her fault.

I want a dog. Bad. Yesterday, I inflicted self-torture as I browsed dog adoption agencies in North Texas and uhhh-ahhh'd over cute puppy pictures. I even completed an online quiz that determined my compatibility with various dog breeds. My requirements are not too extensive, but I have some preferences: medium size, minimal shedding, and cute. Cuteness is important. Several breed options appeared and one in particular struck my attention because it's a breed that I had honestly forgotten about; but, I'm familiar with it from previous experience: Cocker Spaniel.


When my parents and I lived in Clay, KY our neighbors across the street (the McCormick's) had a cocker spaniel named Rudy. He was an awesome dog: very friendly, mild-tempered, and really chubby. For many years, Rudy was the only "grand dog" so his spoiled level was off the chart! He pretty much got whatever he wanted....plus, he was cute. (I told you cuteness was high on the priority list.)

One thing I love about Cockers is their size. They make wonderful cuddle buddies (that's another priority of mine) without taking up an entire space, such as a couch or bed. Remember, Kevin and I have two horses so a Great Dane would be completely inappropriate! I also love Cocker's curly hair, especially around their ears. However, I prefer Cockers to have a short, trimmed coat. I think that would be most appropriate in Texas anyway, especially in the summertime.

As for the puppy I want, well it doesn't exist. YET! (This is where you are allowed to laugh out loud.) My dear friend, past roomie, and best buddy - Kimberly - has a sister with a cocker spaniel that might have puppies this summer. My response to Kimberly, "I'm in!" That's pretty much all the coaxing she needed. How cool would it be for Kim and I to have sibling doggies?! AWESOME!!!!!!!!


I've already thought of a name for my cocker spaniel if it is a female and golden (blonde) color: Blanche. Think back to the hit TV show, "The Golden Girls." I love watching re-runs and the characters are hilarious. Bea Arthur played Dorothy, Estelle Getty played Sophia, Betty White was Rose, and Rue McClanahan played Blanche. I love all the characters - Rose probably my favorite because she was so naive - but Blanche was a Southern debutante that you just have to love; her charm was so appealing and delightfully funny. Besides, I don't think my Nana would appreciate me naming the first "grand dog" after her! (My grandmother's name is Rose.)


If cocker spaniels are good enough for Oprah, they're good enough for me.

Woof! Woof!