I am filled with the overwhelming peace of the Holy Spirit tonight. Amy and I just spent a couple hours sitting on the couch talking about our lives and the various joys and struggles alike we are both dealing with. We also talked about our friends and our hopes, fears, and prayers for them. Then we took time to pray together for the various things we discussed. It was so good.
I am so thankful that God has given us a friendship that allows our hearts to connect and understand the core of the other person. We never have to hold back or guard ourselves from the other. I truly believe everyone should have at least one person that they can be that way with. I love times when I can sit with friends and talk honestly about what's going on-not just the "Hey, how are you?" conversations but the "What's really going on? How can I pray for you and truly encourage you right now?" conversations. Sometimes I feel like those conversations are few and far between anymore. I know God will provide opportunities for such discussions in time though. I have no doubt about that. In the meantime I feel like God is desiring me to be more still in his presence. To trust and rely on him more fully. To quiet my heart and my mind so that I am ready for his words to be spoken and so he may pour himself into me.
The song below is one of my favorites at the moment. You should go to YouTube and listen to it. :)
The More I Seek You-Kari Jobe
The more I seek you,
The more I find you
The more I find you, the more I love you
I wanna sit at your feet
Drink from the cup in your hand.
Lay back against you and breath, feel your heart beat
This love is so deep, it's more than I can stand.
I melt in your peace, it's overwhelming
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI_1YliutzA
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
This, That, and Other Ramblings
Life can be really hard. Sorry if I scared anyone with that last post. Sometimes ya just need to get stuff out. Posting about it helped a little. Taking it to God helped a whole lot more. Thanks to those that were praying for me. I know you're out there. :)
Some friends took me and Amy to a special spot at Fort Ebey yesterday. It was magnificent. At first everything was covered by fog but the longer we waited the more the fog lifted revealing waters of the Puget Sound, a rocky beach below us, and in the distance...mountains. Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Overwhelming. Awesome. Amazing. There aren't enough words to express the joy that filled my soul as I sat overlooking these sites that God has created. I pray that I never lose that sense of awe I feel when I look at the beauty surrounding me here.
Let's see, what else is new...I've been feeling very lightheaded off and on the past couple days. I just feel a little weird overall...like my body is about to wage war against me...It wouldn't be the first time. Hopefully it will be kind to me this time.
Amy is making me pancakes right now. I love her. I love living with her. I'm really thankful for her friendship and I like laughing with her a lot. Ok, ok...I like laughing with anyone a lot. :)
I'm having a really good hair day. I thought this was an important fact of my life that everyone should know. ;)
Tonight: The Pier! It will be good to see everyone again and have some fellowship time. I'm quite looking forward to it.
Some friends took me and Amy to a special spot at Fort Ebey yesterday. It was magnificent. At first everything was covered by fog but the longer we waited the more the fog lifted revealing waters of the Puget Sound, a rocky beach below us, and in the distance...mountains. Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Overwhelming. Awesome. Amazing. There aren't enough words to express the joy that filled my soul as I sat overlooking these sites that God has created. I pray that I never lose that sense of awe I feel when I look at the beauty surrounding me here.
Let's see, what else is new...I've been feeling very lightheaded off and on the past couple days. I just feel a little weird overall...like my body is about to wage war against me...It wouldn't be the first time. Hopefully it will be kind to me this time.
Amy is making me pancakes right now. I love her. I love living with her. I'm really thankful for her friendship and I like laughing with her a lot. Ok, ok...I like laughing with anyone a lot. :)
I'm having a really good hair day. I thought this was an important fact of my life that everyone should know. ;)
Tonight: The Pier! It will be good to see everyone again and have some fellowship time. I'm quite looking forward to it.
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Not-So-Simple Facts
The job search has me feeling discouraged and frustrated.
I feel very alone most days. I have decided that it is one of the worst feelings in the world.
I miss a lot of people from my life in Indiana and the support those relationships always provided for me.
Old habits are hard to break. I fear that great disappointment in myself is coming.
I'm frightened.
I feel very alone most days. I have decided that it is one of the worst feelings in the world.
I miss a lot of people from my life in Indiana and the support those relationships always provided for me.
Old habits are hard to break. I fear that great disappointment in myself is coming.
I'm frightened.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Temporary Home
It’s been awhile since I wrote a real post. I hope you’ve thoroughly enjoyed my recent stories though! It seems like my life is either incredibly dull or much, much too exciting. Oh well…perhaps someday I’ll find a nice healthy balance of both. :)
The big news as of late is that someone has actually contacted me about a possible job. A few months ago I signed up to a website that helps hook families up with nannies. The site offers other opportunities to work with special needs, housesit, tutor, etc. I signed up to find either families who needed a nanny or families who needed assistance with special needs individuals. A couple days ago a lady sent me a message telling me that she is interested and would like to meet me. As exciting as it is to (finally) be contacted by someone I am having many mixed emotions. The job isn’t really consistent. Basically it’s a family wanting assistance while the husband is traveling for Navy responsibilities. Although these responsibilities take him out of town fairly often there is no way for me to know exactly how much I’ll actually get to work each month. The pay would be good but would it be enough to cover the various bills and loans I have to pay each month?
The uncertainties leave me with several thoughts and questions. If offered it am I supposed to take this job? Should I wait and see what else God might have for me? My current financial situation makes me feel like I would be crazy not to take the job if offered. At the same time I’ve been working on putting all my trust and faith in God and the fact that He will provide things for me in His timing so perhaps I should wait??
First and foremost I want to be following God’s will for my life-even if that means remaining in the waiting stage of the job hunt for a little bit longer.
It is comforting to remember that "This is my temporary home. It's not where I belong. Windows and rooms that I'm passing through. This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going. I'm not afraid because I know this is my temporary home."
I would greatly appreciate your support and prayers as I continue on this crazy journey! :)
The big news as of late is that someone has actually contacted me about a possible job. A few months ago I signed up to a website that helps hook families up with nannies. The site offers other opportunities to work with special needs, housesit, tutor, etc. I signed up to find either families who needed a nanny or families who needed assistance with special needs individuals. A couple days ago a lady sent me a message telling me that she is interested and would like to meet me. As exciting as it is to (finally) be contacted by someone I am having many mixed emotions. The job isn’t really consistent. Basically it’s a family wanting assistance while the husband is traveling for Navy responsibilities. Although these responsibilities take him out of town fairly often there is no way for me to know exactly how much I’ll actually get to work each month. The pay would be good but would it be enough to cover the various bills and loans I have to pay each month?
The uncertainties leave me with several thoughts and questions. If offered it am I supposed to take this job? Should I wait and see what else God might have for me? My current financial situation makes me feel like I would be crazy not to take the job if offered. At the same time I’ve been working on putting all my trust and faith in God and the fact that He will provide things for me in His timing so perhaps I should wait??
First and foremost I want to be following God’s will for my life-even if that means remaining in the waiting stage of the job hunt for a little bit longer.
It is comforting to remember that "This is my temporary home. It's not where I belong. Windows and rooms that I'm passing through. This is just a stop, on the way to where I'm going. I'm not afraid because I know this is my temporary home."
I would greatly appreciate your support and prayers as I continue on this crazy journey! :)
Friday, January 1, 2010
The Smell
There is never a dull moment in our lives...haha!
One fine day there was a girl named Sara who had great expectations for the day, especially since it was New Year's Eve! As she descended the stairs she noticed a foul smell. The girl gave the smell little thought and headed out for a morning stroll at Ala Spit. (A local spot...very pretty. :) When she returned from her walk the girl entered the house and was bombarded by the foul smell once again. "Where is that smell coming from" she asked another girl, Mandy, in the house. No definitive answer could be given so Sara went about her business and began frantically cleaning the house for the New Year's Eve party she and her friend Amy had planned for that evening.
As the day progressed the strange smell became worse and worse until Matt, the owner of the home brought up the smell and asked if Sara knew what it was. While discussing the matter they both remembered a conversation Sara had had with a neighbor a few weeks previous about rats in the area. Sara also remembered that she and Amy had heard strange sounds coming from the fireplace. Coincidence? I think not! New Year's Eve is no time to go rat hunting so Matt promised to check into things the next day.
When Sara awoke in the morning she hoped and prayed the smell would magically be gone but to her great dismay the smell was not only still there but worse than the day before! Matt went under the house and found the spot where rats could get in yet found no real evidence of any rats down there. Sara, Amy, and Mandy were all disappointed that the source of the smell could still not be found.
The inhabitants of the house decided to go out for the evening and when they returned the smell was simply unbearable and they all began sniffing around the house trying to pinpoint the exact spot it was coming from. Finally, Matt closely investigated the fireplace and there it was! A dead rat that had broken into two pieces and that quickly filled the house with horrid, stomach-churning smells. Matt made quick work of removing the rat from the house and used bleach to clean the area and help with the smell. Oh how the women of the house rejoiced!!
With the opening of her eyes and the greeting of a new day Sara, and her housemates, will have the comfort of knowing that the air they breath is fresh and clean once again!
The End.
One fine day there was a girl named Sara who had great expectations for the day, especially since it was New Year's Eve! As she descended the stairs she noticed a foul smell. The girl gave the smell little thought and headed out for a morning stroll at Ala Spit. (A local spot...very pretty. :) When she returned from her walk the girl entered the house and was bombarded by the foul smell once again. "Where is that smell coming from" she asked another girl, Mandy, in the house. No definitive answer could be given so Sara went about her business and began frantically cleaning the house for the New Year's Eve party she and her friend Amy had planned for that evening.
As the day progressed the strange smell became worse and worse until Matt, the owner of the home brought up the smell and asked if Sara knew what it was. While discussing the matter they both remembered a conversation Sara had had with a neighbor a few weeks previous about rats in the area. Sara also remembered that she and Amy had heard strange sounds coming from the fireplace. Coincidence? I think not! New Year's Eve is no time to go rat hunting so Matt promised to check into things the next day.
When Sara awoke in the morning she hoped and prayed the smell would magically be gone but to her great dismay the smell was not only still there but worse than the day before! Matt went under the house and found the spot where rats could get in yet found no real evidence of any rats down there. Sara, Amy, and Mandy were all disappointed that the source of the smell could still not be found.
The inhabitants of the house decided to go out for the evening and when they returned the smell was simply unbearable and they all began sniffing around the house trying to pinpoint the exact spot it was coming from. Finally, Matt closely investigated the fireplace and there it was! A dead rat that had broken into two pieces and that quickly filled the house with horrid, stomach-churning smells. Matt made quick work of removing the rat from the house and used bleach to clean the area and help with the smell. Oh how the women of the house rejoiced!!
With the opening of her eyes and the greeting of a new day Sara, and her housemates, will have the comfort of knowing that the air they breath is fresh and clean once again!
The End.
"The Puzzle"
The real life tale of two women and their adventures. :)
Today, on the 19th day of December, in the year 2009 we found ourselves shipwrecked! Things looked grim for a moment...stranded as the darkness of night descended. Then, using out keen, womanly intellect...we called a man. Lo and behold! (Enter hero) Stephen the Brave vows to face the great unknown and rescue fair maidens!
Meanwhile, damsels now in no distress at all, and having way too much fun, enter Don's Pharmacy to prepare for the long night ahead with Amy's visiting Aunt Flo. While wandering aimlessly many trinkets, sights, and smells greeted our senses. Our favorite items can only be truly understood when experienced. However, every man should smell like the candles we bought and Sara can hardly wait for the day when her old lady face will bring joy and laughter to the world like the one on the card she found. After enjoying a lovely Mexican dinner, they took a not-so-moonlight stroll. Within a few short steps two dark figures emerged from the shadows and made their way closer towards us. Because our hero had not yet arrived, we made our way towards the warmth and light of the ferry station rather than moving closer to the sinister figures of the night.
Good books and Achmed the Dead Terrorist entertained us until Stephen the Brave arrived in his faithful chariot. He was greeted with smiles, hugs, and much rejoicing. The three journeyed onward through twisting roads, heavy fog, treacherous ferries, outrageous pop machines, and Amy's inability to text.
Finally at days end our friends welcomed us home and we said goodbye to our dear friend Justin, who's off to an adventure of his own. As fair maidens laid their heads upon their pillows they gave a contented sigh as they reflected on the unexpected joys of a "quick trip" to Port Townsend for yes, you guess it, a puzzle.
The End.
Written By: Sara Burris and Amy Malmkar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Coming Soon To A Blog Near You*
"The Smell"
Today, on the 19th day of December, in the year 2009 we found ourselves shipwrecked! Things looked grim for a moment...stranded as the darkness of night descended. Then, using out keen, womanly intellect...we called a man. Lo and behold! (Enter hero) Stephen the Brave vows to face the great unknown and rescue fair maidens!
Meanwhile, damsels now in no distress at all, and having way too much fun, enter Don's Pharmacy to prepare for the long night ahead with Amy's visiting Aunt Flo. While wandering aimlessly many trinkets, sights, and smells greeted our senses. Our favorite items can only be truly understood when experienced. However, every man should smell like the candles we bought and Sara can hardly wait for the day when her old lady face will bring joy and laughter to the world like the one on the card she found. After enjoying a lovely Mexican dinner, they took a not-so-moonlight stroll. Within a few short steps two dark figures emerged from the shadows and made their way closer towards us. Because our hero had not yet arrived, we made our way towards the warmth and light of the ferry station rather than moving closer to the sinister figures of the night.
Good books and Achmed the Dead Terrorist entertained us until Stephen the Brave arrived in his faithful chariot. He was greeted with smiles, hugs, and much rejoicing. The three journeyed onward through twisting roads, heavy fog, treacherous ferries, outrageous pop machines, and Amy's inability to text.
Finally at days end our friends welcomed us home and we said goodbye to our dear friend Justin, who's off to an adventure of his own. As fair maidens laid their heads upon their pillows they gave a contented sigh as they reflected on the unexpected joys of a "quick trip" to Port Townsend for yes, you guess it, a puzzle.
The End.
Written By: Sara Burris and Amy Malmkar
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Coming Soon To A Blog Near You*
"The Smell"
Thursday, December 24, 2009
This Post Comes With A Warning
A lot is going on in this head of mine...most of it's a downer...you've been warned.
Boys make me mad...and happy...and confused...and a lot of other complicated emotions. I hate having a girly brain that takes me to places it shouldn't because of one statement or wayward glance. Why do guy/girl relationships seem to always be so complicated in one way or another?
I wish I could skip Christmas. I can't get over the feeling that Christmas is going to be positively awful this year for a variety of reasons that I would feel horrible for stating.
I miss structure and knowing what life was going to look like from day to day. I'm all for random moments of adventure and excitement but a whole life worth is too much for me. I can feel myself falling apart under it all.
Even when you feel like it's difficult to fit into your own family you find out it's a cakewalk compared to fitting into someone else's.
I've cried a lot today. Bad timing since our house is full of people. I can't seem to make it stop though. God give me strength and help me pull it together for the sake of those around me and to prevent more awkwardness.
Words can really hurt. I wish people would think about that before they opened their mouths.
In general, I just feel really sad and lonely today.
Boys make me mad...and happy...and confused...and a lot of other complicated emotions. I hate having a girly brain that takes me to places it shouldn't because of one statement or wayward glance. Why do guy/girl relationships seem to always be so complicated in one way or another?
I wish I could skip Christmas. I can't get over the feeling that Christmas is going to be positively awful this year for a variety of reasons that I would feel horrible for stating.
I miss structure and knowing what life was going to look like from day to day. I'm all for random moments of adventure and excitement but a whole life worth is too much for me. I can feel myself falling apart under it all.
Even when you feel like it's difficult to fit into your own family you find out it's a cakewalk compared to fitting into someone else's.
I've cried a lot today. Bad timing since our house is full of people. I can't seem to make it stop though. God give me strength and help me pull it together for the sake of those around me and to prevent more awkwardness.
Words can really hurt. I wish people would think about that before they opened their mouths.
In general, I just feel really sad and lonely today.
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