I was told a story today by my good friend Teresa, about her sister Sharon, whose son was killed a week ago. She told me that the other day she had a large spider crawling up her shirt and Sharon just reached over and killed it with her bare hands, totally undisturbed by the event. Sharon said that she has nothing left to fear...her greatest fear has been met, what else is there to fear?
I know that an Ohio spider may seem like a small fear, but there is a lot of truth in that story. I guess you could go one of two places after such a tragedy. You could either dispense of all fear out of hopelessnes and just give up on life...or, you could realize that in the midst of your greatest fears God doesn't change and by His grace, power, and mercy you can survive. Our fears don't have to control us. Even if we experience that which we fear the most, life will go on because God hasn't changed. True life isn't in avoiding difficult, fearful, tragic circumstances...that's a life lived in constant fear of "the other shoe dropping" and trying to maintain control to ensure that nothing bad happens. It just reminds me that living life to avoid things that I fear is futile and the only real purpose, meaning, satisfaction, whatever you call it, in life is living to know and follow Christ, whatever the circumstances of that life might look like.
Anyways, the funeral was survived and...well, what do you say about a funeral? They're never good or happy events. The Lord was very precious in a lot of ways and Tim did a great job sharing the message of hope, and the Lord is working in some hearts as a result of this.
This weekend I got to spend some time with some of my girlfriends from Ohio University and it was great. I'm going to work on figuring out how to get pictures on here (for some GREAT pictures, check out my cousin Amy's blog here). Then, today we had a VBS sign up at an apartment building behind our church and got to meet a few sweet kids and get them signed up! Then, my friend Brandi and her kids, Madi and Dylan, came over and we headed to the beach.
It's been a great couple of days and now I'm getting ready to head off to Denver, Colordado for a conference on Differentiated Instruction. So, I won't be able to post for a few days, but hopefully when I get back I'll figure out how to post pictures and have some great pictures of Denver.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Please Pray
I was met with the greeting "I've got some bad news" by my friend Carol at church Sunday. The only child of our friend, Sharon, had been killed in a car accident. He was 22 and he's gone. I don't have children, and I cannot imagine what she and her husband are going through right now. This is every parent's nightmare. Some are lucky enough to experience only the fear. Sharon and Tom are living their fear right now. The calling hours are tomorrow and the funeral is Thursday. I am dreading both. This is SOOOOO selfish, but I find myself sad also because I wonder if we'll ever have Sharon back. I don't mean attending church, I mean with her goofiness and fun. She was always so fun and bubbly and LOVED being with people. She is honestly one of my favorite people to hang out with. My heart breaks for her. My friend Brandi and I prayed last night and she prayed that Sharon would be like Naomi from the book of Ruth in the Bible...when Ruth's sons died she called herself "Mara" or bitter. However, eventually, through the Lord's grace and redemption, she was able to laugh again.
I also got to speak to a neighbor today who shared with me that she had just lost her mother last month and she was still devestated. It just reminds me how unnatural death is. We all know it's inevitable, yet we're shocked and surprised and angry and grieved and a myriad of other emotions when it happens. It doesn't make sense. I am comforted by the simplicity of knowing that it's not natural to God either. Death was never His plan, and I believe that this grief we experience testifies to this truth. Death is His enemy and death is what He fought to destroy on the cross:
"Death is swallowed up in victory;
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?" I Corinthians 15:54-55
Hmmmm...well, don't know what else to say. If you're reading this before Thursday, please pray for the parents, Tom and Sharon, and for Tim (their brother-in-law) who will be doing the funeral service, as well as for the rest of their family and friends. And if you're reading this after Thursday, please continue to pray for this family and I ask you to specifically pray that the Lord would put a song in Sharon's heart...she has always been a singer and I'm praying that the Lord will comfort and draw her near to Him through music. And for Tom, please pray that his broken heart will lead Him to the Lord who calls Himself the Resurrection and the Life. Hope.
I also got to speak to a neighbor today who shared with me that she had just lost her mother last month and she was still devestated. It just reminds me how unnatural death is. We all know it's inevitable, yet we're shocked and surprised and angry and grieved and a myriad of other emotions when it happens. It doesn't make sense. I am comforted by the simplicity of knowing that it's not natural to God either. Death was never His plan, and I believe that this grief we experience testifies to this truth. Death is His enemy and death is what He fought to destroy on the cross:
"Death is swallowed up in victory;
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?" I Corinthians 15:54-55
Hmmmm...well, don't know what else to say. If you're reading this before Thursday, please pray for the parents, Tom and Sharon, and for Tim (their brother-in-law) who will be doing the funeral service, as well as for the rest of their family and friends. And if you're reading this after Thursday, please continue to pray for this family and I ask you to specifically pray that the Lord would put a song in Sharon's heart...she has always been a singer and I'm praying that the Lord will comfort and draw her near to Him through music. And for Tom, please pray that his broken heart will lead Him to the Lord who calls Himself the Resurrection and the Life. Hope.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Random Reflections
I SO wish my camera weren't in Illinois being repaired right now! I'm watching my friend Carol's little girl today (she's just 3 weeks shy of 1 year old) and she's asleep on my bedroom floor in just her diaper with her little curls blowing in the breeze from the fan. I wish everyone could revel in her cuteness! It is so precious to see.
I love spending time with kids and have come to really appreciate and be grateful for the place God has me in right now. Five years ago, I would have thrown a small temper tantrum if I knew I'd be 26 and still single with no children. At that point in my life, my main goal was to get married and have children...of course, there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with that desire. I believe that it's placed in our hearts, especially as women, by God and is a precious thing to Him too. However, for me I held onto that desire so tightly because I believed that that's what I needed to be satisfied and complete. I was definitely not content. However, God began to show me that all I needed was Him...knowing Him would be my satisfaction and that would never change. As He led me to a place of trust and surrender, He also graciously changed my heart to rest in Him and see the importance and satisfaction of serving Him by serving single moms and their children. I can love on their babies and children so they can do the things they need to do and have a little break as well.
On the flip side, the more time I spend with moms and their children, the more realistic view I get of parenting and I have grown to LOVE coming home to a quiet, calm house...I mean, good night, moms don't get to punch a time card and stop working!!! Y'all never get to quit! So, I applaud you, and I'm going to enjoy being the fun baby-sitter kids can go and hang out with...then leave =)
I love spending time with kids and have come to really appreciate and be grateful for the place God has me in right now. Five years ago, I would have thrown a small temper tantrum if I knew I'd be 26 and still single with no children. At that point in my life, my main goal was to get married and have children...of course, there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with that desire. I believe that it's placed in our hearts, especially as women, by God and is a precious thing to Him too. However, for me I held onto that desire so tightly because I believed that that's what I needed to be satisfied and complete. I was definitely not content. However, God began to show me that all I needed was Him...knowing Him would be my satisfaction and that would never change. As He led me to a place of trust and surrender, He also graciously changed my heart to rest in Him and see the importance and satisfaction of serving Him by serving single moms and their children. I can love on their babies and children so they can do the things they need to do and have a little break as well.
On the flip side, the more time I spend with moms and their children, the more realistic view I get of parenting and I have grown to LOVE coming home to a quiet, calm house...I mean, good night, moms don't get to punch a time card and stop working!!! Y'all never get to quit! So, I applaud you, and I'm going to enjoy being the fun baby-sitter kids can go and hang out with...then leave =)
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Welcome Summer!!!
Today was the first day it really felt like summer. My friend Angie came over and we spent the afternoon down at the beach laying out and swimming. It was great...apart from Angie swimming into a dead fish which she swears was my fault...go figure that one out! Anyhoo, Angie started coming to my house when she was only 9 and I was her babysitter. That was 3 years ago and I'm so glad she still comes over a couple of days a week so we can hang out. It really struck me today how much she has changed in 3 years. She's grown up so much and gained so much confidence. I'm truly thankful for her in my life and excited to see what the Lord has in store for her.
On a totally random note...my dad is finishing up building one of those corn sacks games where you toss the bean bag onto a ramp with a small hole in it and try to get the bean bag in the hole. OK, so I could totally see myself becoming obsessed with this game. I love it. However, I was slightly bitter today when I threw and my bag was ridiculously off-target and Angie tossed hers precisely in the hole. I don't even think it hit the edges. Anyways, I have come to the conclusion that I love lawn games. Bocci ball, catch, sacks, frizbee, volleyball...if it can be considered a lawn game, I love it.
On a totally random note...my dad is finishing up building one of those corn sacks games where you toss the bean bag onto a ramp with a small hole in it and try to get the bean bag in the hole. OK, so I could totally see myself becoming obsessed with this game. I love it. However, I was slightly bitter today when I threw and my bag was ridiculously off-target and Angie tossed hers precisely in the hole. I don't even think it hit the edges. Anyways, I have come to the conclusion that I love lawn games. Bocci ball, catch, sacks, frizbee, volleyball...if it can be considered a lawn game, I love it.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Autobiography
This is actually a pretty decent survey. It asks questions that haven't been asked a thousand times over. It asks questions that aren't obviously from a kid's point of view (in the last month, ever been caught sneakin out?). This survey might actually give your friends a chance to know you better, so please repost and give your friends that chance!
Your Autobiography
Part 1: The Birth of You
Were you a planned baby?
yes
Were you the first?:
YES!
Who was present at your birth?:
My parents and a few doctors
Were your parents married when you were born?:
Yes
What is your birthdate?:
May 9, 1980
Part 2: The Family
How would you describe your family?:
My family is great. We love to have fun together and enjoy teasing each other...well, mainly teasing my dad...it's a great bonding experience for the rest of us! My parents are also two of the friendliest people I've known. They have always made my friends feel welcomed and I've learned so much about relating to people from them. My parents are also very involved. They deeply care about our lives and enjoy being involved with us, which was and is a true blessing.
Are your parents married? Divorced? Separated?:
Married 30 years this August!
Siblings or an only child?:
I have 1 brother, Kyle.
If you have siblings are you oldest, middle, or youngest?:
oldest
What are your siblings names?:
Kyle Thomas Gordon; Cheeks; Cubby; LA; K;
Which parent do you get along with best?:
I truly enjoy both of my parents in a different way. I love hanging out with my mom and talking and being goofy. But I love having conversations with my dad about current events and discussing different issues.
What do you fight about?:
We honestly don't really fight. We definitely disagree sometimes, but I think we do a pretty good job of talking it out and making sure that the most important thing is protecting our relationships as a family, and any disagreement comes second.
Do you have step parents?:
No
Part 3: The Friends
Do you have more than one best friend?:
yes
What do you like to do when you are together?
Talk, talk, talk, and talk some more. I love late nights with cups of coffee and solving all of the world's problems. However, we've also been known to be pretty goofy, possibly crossing over into obnoxious.
Do you share the same interests?:
For the most part, yes.
Which friend can you tell anything to?
Well, I'm not a very open person to begin with, but I can tell just about anything to Brandi or Teresa.
Part 4: Your Personality
How high/low is your self esteem?:
Who knows....I try not to think about that stuff too much, just rest and believe in how God says He sees me.
Do you get depressed about things easily?:
No, not really. I get the funk once in a while, but I just enjoy the funk for a day or two, then put it to rest.
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?:
I do like to have some time to myself, however I love being around people I know. To be in a large group setting with a bunch of people I don't know is not appealing to me at all.
Are you happy?:
I'm learning to be content and, while not the same thing as happiness, it's a lot more secure!
Do you live life to the fullest?
Depends what your definition is...these are deep questions for a blog post no one will read.
Part 5: Appearance
Are you comfortable with the way you look?:
Well, I'm pretty sure a shower would help things a lot right now!
Do you have any piercings besides your ears?:
No, just ears.
Describe your hair?
Just below my shoulders, very dark red, almost brunette.
What make-up do you wear?:
As little as possible in the summer.
How do you dress?
I like to be comfortable and tend to be pretty simple. Pretty much, whatever I can find at Goodwill!
Part 6: The Past
Were you a strange child?:
I was too afraid to be strange. I worked very hard to be status quo.
What did you use to love that you no longer do?
Read for hours on end.
Do you have the same friends?:
Not at all, really.
Was there anything in your past that was traumatizing?
Nothing, unless you count the time my grandma told me the story about her uncle whose stomach froze because he ate too much ice WHILE I WAS EATING ICE!!!!! I was convinced I was going to have a frozen stomach and was in the back seat of her car devising plans in my 8 year old head about how I would drink hot water to melt it once we got home.
Part 7: The Future
What is your ambition?:
To obey Christ...not exactly sure what that will look like down the road though.
Are you scared of growing old?:
I don't actually think about it too much.
Do you want to get married?:
Sometimess...other times I love being single and selfish!
Part 8: The Outdoors
Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?:
Outdoors, and if I have to be indoors, I want the windows and doors open.
Favorite Season?
Summer!
Favorite weather?
Hot and sunny and even some humidity!
Do you like walking in the rain?
Not really, unless I'm working.
Part 9: Food
Are you a vegetarian?:
No
What is your favorite food?:
PEANUT BUTTER
What food makes you want to gag?:
nothing, really
What is your favorite desert?
ice cream
What is your favorite restaurant?:
anything Mexican
Are you a fussy eater?
Not at all, really
Part 10: Relationships and Love
Are you single or taken?:
Single
If taken who is the lucky guy/girl? n/a
Do you think love is the best feeling in the world?
Come on...we all know love isn't a feeling!
Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe that you could be attracted to someone at first sight, which could draw you to them, which could let you get to know them, which could lead to love. This is my thought on that whole "as soon as I saw him/her, I just knew he/she was for me". OK, how many other people did you say that about before it happened to be true this one time! I think that true love grows from knowing someone more than anything.
Part 11: Experiences
What was one of your greatest experiences?:
Anytime I get to be in the presence of God is amazing, as well as getting to go to Poland.
What was one of your worst?
I had a really hard time during my junior and senior years of college when some of my best girl friends left school and got married. I felt really left behind. Most of junior high and high school was hard for me, too. I felt so alone and insecure, but it ultimately drew me to Christ, so I'm thankful for that time now.
Have you ever done drugs?
no...unless you count an addiction to caffeine
Have you ever thought you were going to die?:
Yes, but I can't remember when...must not have been too tramatic, huh?
Have you ever suffered from depression?:
Yes. However, it was being without hope that led me to seek God and cling to His Word rather than my own feelings and circumstances...it was the catalyst for an amazing change in my life, getting to know Jesus so, once again, it was well worth it.
This is actually a pretty decent survey. It asks questions that haven't been asked a thousand times over. It asks questions that aren't obviously from a kid's point of view (in the last month, ever been caught sneakin out?). This survey might actually give your friends a chance to know you better, so please repost and give your friends that chance!
Your Autobiography
Part 1: The Birth of You
Were you a planned baby?
yes
Were you the first?:
YES!
Who was present at your birth?:
My parents and a few doctors
Were your parents married when you were born?:
Yes
What is your birthdate?:
May 9, 1980
Part 2: The Family
How would you describe your family?:
My family is great. We love to have fun together and enjoy teasing each other...well, mainly teasing my dad...it's a great bonding experience for the rest of us! My parents are also two of the friendliest people I've known. They have always made my friends feel welcomed and I've learned so much about relating to people from them. My parents are also very involved. They deeply care about our lives and enjoy being involved with us, which was and is a true blessing.
Are your parents married? Divorced? Separated?:
Married 30 years this August!
Siblings or an only child?:
I have 1 brother, Kyle.
If you have siblings are you oldest, middle, or youngest?:
oldest
What are your siblings names?:
Kyle Thomas Gordon; Cheeks; Cubby; LA; K;
Which parent do you get along with best?:
I truly enjoy both of my parents in a different way. I love hanging out with my mom and talking and being goofy. But I love having conversations with my dad about current events and discussing different issues.
What do you fight about?:
We honestly don't really fight. We definitely disagree sometimes, but I think we do a pretty good job of talking it out and making sure that the most important thing is protecting our relationships as a family, and any disagreement comes second.
Do you have step parents?:
No
Part 3: The Friends
Do you have more than one best friend?:
yes
What do you like to do when you are together?
Talk, talk, talk, and talk some more. I love late nights with cups of coffee and solving all of the world's problems. However, we've also been known to be pretty goofy, possibly crossing over into obnoxious.
Do you share the same interests?:
For the most part, yes.
Which friend can you tell anything to?
Well, I'm not a very open person to begin with, but I can tell just about anything to Brandi or Teresa.
Part 4: Your Personality
How high/low is your self esteem?:
Who knows....I try not to think about that stuff too much, just rest and believe in how God says He sees me.
Do you get depressed about things easily?:
No, not really. I get the funk once in a while, but I just enjoy the funk for a day or two, then put it to rest.
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?:
I do like to have some time to myself, however I love being around people I know. To be in a large group setting with a bunch of people I don't know is not appealing to me at all.
Are you happy?:
I'm learning to be content and, while not the same thing as happiness, it's a lot more secure!
Do you live life to the fullest?
Depends what your definition is...these are deep questions for a blog post no one will read.
Part 5: Appearance
Are you comfortable with the way you look?:
Well, I'm pretty sure a shower would help things a lot right now!
Do you have any piercings besides your ears?:
No, just ears.
Describe your hair?
Just below my shoulders, very dark red, almost brunette.
What make-up do you wear?:
As little as possible in the summer.
How do you dress?
I like to be comfortable and tend to be pretty simple. Pretty much, whatever I can find at Goodwill!
Part 6: The Past
Were you a strange child?:
I was too afraid to be strange. I worked very hard to be status quo.
What did you use to love that you no longer do?
Read for hours on end.
Do you have the same friends?:
Not at all, really.
Was there anything in your past that was traumatizing?
Nothing, unless you count the time my grandma told me the story about her uncle whose stomach froze because he ate too much ice WHILE I WAS EATING ICE!!!!! I was convinced I was going to have a frozen stomach and was in the back seat of her car devising plans in my 8 year old head about how I would drink hot water to melt it once we got home.
Part 7: The Future
What is your ambition?:
To obey Christ...not exactly sure what that will look like down the road though.
Are you scared of growing old?:
I don't actually think about it too much.
Do you want to get married?:
Sometimess...other times I love being single and selfish!
Part 8: The Outdoors
Do you prefer indoors or outdoors?:
Outdoors, and if I have to be indoors, I want the windows and doors open.
Favorite Season?
Summer!
Favorite weather?
Hot and sunny and even some humidity!
Do you like walking in the rain?
Not really, unless I'm working.
Part 9: Food
Are you a vegetarian?:
No
What is your favorite food?:
PEANUT BUTTER
What food makes you want to gag?:
nothing, really
What is your favorite desert?
ice cream
What is your favorite restaurant?:
anything Mexican
Are you a fussy eater?
Not at all, really
Part 10: Relationships and Love
Are you single or taken?:
Single
If taken who is the lucky guy/girl? n/a
Do you think love is the best feeling in the world?
Come on...we all know love isn't a feeling!
Do you believe in love at first sight?
I believe that you could be attracted to someone at first sight, which could draw you to them, which could let you get to know them, which could lead to love. This is my thought on that whole "as soon as I saw him/her, I just knew he/she was for me". OK, how many other people did you say that about before it happened to be true this one time! I think that true love grows from knowing someone more than anything.
Part 11: Experiences
What was one of your greatest experiences?:
Anytime I get to be in the presence of God is amazing, as well as getting to go to Poland.
What was one of your worst?
I had a really hard time during my junior and senior years of college when some of my best girl friends left school and got married. I felt really left behind. Most of junior high and high school was hard for me, too. I felt so alone and insecure, but it ultimately drew me to Christ, so I'm thankful for that time now.
Have you ever done drugs?
no...unless you count an addiction to caffeine
Have you ever thought you were going to die?:
Yes, but I can't remember when...must not have been too tramatic, huh?
Have you ever suffered from depression?:
Yes. However, it was being without hope that led me to seek God and cling to His Word rather than my own feelings and circumstances...it was the catalyst for an amazing change in my life, getting to know Jesus so, once again, it was well worth it.
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
First time for everything!
Well, I got inspired by reading my cousin Amy's blog and decided to give this a shot. I have been reading various blogs for about 8 months now, and look forward to checking them every day...not that I expect ANYONE to even acknowledge that this blog exists! But, I think they're a neat way to keep up with what's going on with people and to read different people's opinions and views of things. I titled my blog "You Don't Say..." because that's what people say when they either don't know what else to say, or just plain don't care, and i figured that might be a reasonable response to this blog!
So, on that note, last night I had a great night. My friend, Brandi, dumped her kids (oh, sorry, I mean tore herself away from them in great anguish and distress) and came out to my house at about 10:30 at which point we decided to walk around Huron and talk for a while. You've got to love towns where you are completely safe late at night. So, we had some serious conversation, the Lord opened up some truth to both of us, then we got goofy. Our Vacation Bible School theme this yeat is "Arctic Edge" and we're making a float for our town's RiverFest Parade and plan on using the track to Vanila Ice's classic hit "Ice, Ice, Baby" (you can hear the opening cymbal sounds now, can't you...). SO, we had to find the video and study it for a while. And, of course, we had to practice Vanila's moves! Let's just say we don't have Vanila Ice dancing skills!
So, on that note, last night I had a great night. My friend, Brandi, dumped her kids (oh, sorry, I mean tore herself away from them in great anguish and distress) and came out to my house at about 10:30 at which point we decided to walk around Huron and talk for a while. You've got to love towns where you are completely safe late at night. So, we had some serious conversation, the Lord opened up some truth to both of us, then we got goofy. Our Vacation Bible School theme this yeat is "Arctic Edge" and we're making a float for our town's RiverFest Parade and plan on using the track to Vanila Ice's classic hit "Ice, Ice, Baby" (you can hear the opening cymbal sounds now, can't you...). SO, we had to find the video and study it for a while. And, of course, we had to practice Vanila's moves! Let's just say we don't have Vanila Ice dancing skills!
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