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The Insomniac

I can't get any sleep. I mean when I do, it's more like 3-4 hour increments. I am tired during the day and I just can't function. Something is on my mind.

Last night, I went to a Ladies' Night with my church. The message was about women being helpers and just our identity as women of God. There are many things women are called for that men will never be.

The speaker had a great portion about Single ladies.

1. We need to make room for the 'leaders' of our lives.
2. Refrain from criticizing them
3. Encourage our brothers into leadership/take the intuitive
4. Offer to "help" our brothers.

I have often taken for granted the leaders God has provided in my life recently. I've been so cautious that I don't think I've encouraged my brothers at all. Through prayer, I know that it is possible to be a "helper" without the flirting. :)

My job has been interesting. There is a chance I will be able to become a traveler and be overseas 50-75%. I'm praying about it, but I have developed this peace about this change in my life. If God calls me to be on the road or remain here in VA, I am ready.

Just recently, I had to be praying about asking the young married couples and well as the older ones about their relationships with their significant others. Odd thing, but for a short time, I dreaded asking about their "happiness". The time will come for me. It has been such a blessing seeing how beautiful these Godly marriages are. They have their ups and downs, but God is still at the center. I've even offered my babysitting services.

It would seem that every year since college, October is my Insomniac month. Is it the weather changes? More pastries to consume on a regular basis (mmmm creampuffs!)? Then again, every year has been different. What's holding back my slumber this time?

To my readers: I would love to hear how God's working in your life and how I can be praying.

Short Girls Finish First, Or How I Came To Stop Hating and Love My Freckles

I love wearing heels. Stylish and the boost I need without the stilts. JThough tennis shoes are better for running, there is something graceful about being lead across the dance floor in heels. Also, there is never a problem of meeting taller men. I can either close the gap a little, or not at all. “Hey, you come down to my level!”

Embracing my height hasn’t been a problem of late, but ever now and then, my freckles cause some distress. They are beauty marks, which hold no beauty for me. I feel like a human dalmatian. I probably scare babies who aren’t use to the abundant amount of freckles. “Will she get in trouble with her mommy for not washing her face?”

Angel kisses or spots of doom?

I’ve wanted to bleach them, “erase”, even pound on the foundation so they can “disappear”. How have I come to hate my freckles so? I guess when you hardly see them on anyone else, you do not enjoy what the good Lord gave you. Or can you?

1.       Putting on face camouflage – painting by “numbers”

2.       Helping a young child with math homework – a counting tool.

3.       Getting a kiss from someone shy – “See the constellation on my face?”

4.       Moment of embarrassment – red blush is more subtle.

God made us just the way we ought to be. EMBRACE! Enjoy God’s beauty. Love yourself with the flaws. In God’s eyes, we are beautiful.

So.. maybe they aren’t so bad.

I need to rely on God to be my hero.

FROG

Looking for FROG moments

Since coming back from Philly, I’ve had a full plate. On a routine of every Tuesday, Beth and I have been taking a Zumba class, an aerobic Latin dance class. It has so much fun exercising without realizing it. Wednesdays are small group night. We’ve been discussing some hard core stuff, like pre-destination and salvation.

Over the rest of the weeks, I’ve been able to get some great fellowship time in. I’ve gone to the county fair, stayed up late to watch the meteor shower, and played a game of Speed Ping Pong.  Note to the single sisters: There is a plethora of well qualified Christian gentlemen out here who you need to meet! LOL!

I am challenged by the singles/young professionals group. Sure we are not all on the same page, but we aren’t going to back down just because someone has a different opinion. Though I am slowing feeling the sense of belonging out here, I still miss my Ohioan friends. I am planning to be in the Dayton area over Labor Day weekend. There are so many people I need to see, but I am unsure whether or not I will have enough time. I guess that means I have to make many more trips out there in order to accommodate all visits! J

Working in a world of acronyms, you are always more that happy to receive more in order to confuse yourself and your co-workers. Nevertheless, FROG is an acronym which I’m surprised I never used before. Fully Rely On God. Simple yet so difficult to muster.

I am a people pleaser. I hate people being unhappy in anyway and more so, it is even more hurtful when people could be unhappy because of my actions. How can I get around that? How can I become someone who wants to please God and not man? Also, being strong enough in my convictions to not feel guilt?

Cheers!

Prayer Requests:  relationship with family, BJ, Pepto, Beth, Becky, Ryan, Matt K., my sister, my parents, my brothers, Kalli & Russ, Jenny & Nathan, Chris, Boo, Austin, Maria & Richard, my host family, The Jones, HBM & her family, Erin & J-Mac, Speedy, Mac & Cheese, Sally, Sarah, Sarah & Stan, Morgan & Kevin, Hyjung & Jimmy, Janiece, Cassie, Adam, my future favorite doctor!

All Look Same

Once again I am traveling for my job. Though the location this time is domestic. I'll be based in Philadelphia for the next 4 weeks. Luckily, I'll be there with 3 other members. By the looks of it, the weather is going to be great during my time there. In a way, I'm kind of scared. Traveling to Italy for a week was relatively nerve-wrecking, but 4 weeks? I'll be in constant prayer mode.

Recently, I've been getting plugged into the church I've been attending. There is a small group/bible study that meets every Wednesday. It alternates from being co-ed to seperate genders. The women are so encouraging and though no one can replace "my girls", these ladies bring laughter back. One of the girls, Beth and I have gotten closer. She's an elementary school teacher and a former ballerina. I look forward to getting to know "my sister" better.

I've been learning a lot about God's love recently. Especially perfect love. In 1 John 4:7-21, it talks about how we need to live in love. One major thing which knocks my socks is the following verse, NIV version

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment, The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:18

Being completely unafraid when in comes to love? Uh....I don't know if I'm strong enough for that. I'm scared to let anyone love me as I am. More so, can I love others without fear? We are all the same, right? Sin is still sin, no matter what it is. And God loves us all the same. Since we are the same, we are loved the same, shouldn't we love each other the same?

Prayer Requests (In No Particular Order): Sarah (new Christian), Sarah C., Pepto, BJ, Janiece, new friends from Bible study, RC, Philly trip, family, Bethany Church, WSU, Lisa, Bianca, Andy, Kevin, Matt, Jenny & Nathan

iConnect - Seeing the World

Since the dawn of the little gadget we like to call the iPod, there have been so many different things I've come across with has the trademark, i in front of it. This entry is called iConnect for the reason of finding a church. These last two weeks have been good. I have found a church which is slowly becoming a home. We even have a Pastor Tito, if that isn't a deciding factor... ;)

Nevertheless, I'm going to continue praying about it. Great story though. I was driving to the library last Saturday when the sign for the church caught my eye. I've never noticed it before until that Saturday. So, I prayed about it. If I was suppose to be there, then I will be there. No alarm needed. And as you could tell, I was there on Sunday.

Today, I got to have more of a fellowship and it was great. I look forward to Sundays again.

Congrats to Pepto for her England tour! Hope she will have a lot of fun.

Blessings for the three weddings next weekend: Emily & her future husband to be (forgot his name, sorry!), Matt & Ashley, and Kat & Mike.