Blogging Challenge....... The End (UBC #31)

  The end of the month has arrived.... It has been a very very crazy month!

My brother was home, and then he left for Afghanistan.... How I miss my crazy brother!

       I tried to finish writing my story... Truly I did! :)  But it just didn't seem to work out.

  Camp was awesome!  When I've had more time to process everything, I'll be sure to share it with you all.... I got some pictures from Eric Samuel Timm, and a free cd from Mark Allen.  There are a couple of songs on it that have rapidly become favorites.  I'm sure I'll be sharing them later.
 
                                    My week in a nutshell and then my good news about the job.  I'm working on getting my cpr & first aid redone.

      My mom had surgery.....
                                                  Then this past weekend, with Matthew dieing in the car accident, and my grandfather needing surgery, and Uncle Russ slowly dieing....

      This month has been comprised of Joy and Sorrow mixed together.... While sometimes life seems to be easier than other times, this month has been a reminder that we aren't made for this earth... We are simply passing through.  But, not only is the destination important, so is the journey.  May I challenge you to make your journey worthwhile.
     In His Love,
         Christy

When I Get Where I'm Going.... (UBC #30)

I heard this song a long time ago, but for whatever reason (life, maybe) it's been running around my head the past few days..... "When I Get Where I'm Going," by Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton



A part of me just can't wait to be truly home once and for all....
   In His Love,
      Christy

Prayer Requests.... (UBC #29)

   My grandfather was taken to the hospital early this morning.  He thought that he might be having a heart attack... His heart has a murmur and tomorrow they are going to put in a pacemaker....


   On old friend of the family has had Parkinson's for years.  He has had trouble swallowing for quite a while.  They tried putting in a feeding tube, but it froze up his internal organs.  He can't have any liquids or anything.  He has at the most two weeks to live....


   Another family friend is burying their sixteen year old son this Tuesday. (See Joy & Sorrow. His obituary is also available.)  They have six younger children....


  Please, just pray.
    In His Love,
       Christy

Joy and Sorrow... (UBC #28)

Today was the last day of camp. Camp was such a wonderful experience.  A part of me didn't want to come home.  I learned so much while I was there.... Just being in God's presence, and listening to Him was so good.  (I'll have more on all of that later.)
   I was sad to leave, but I had such a fun drive back with my campers.  When I got home, my mom told me some sad news.  A friend of the family's son has in a horrific accident this morning.  Matthew was driving the van and hit a grain truck head on.  He died while they were airlifting him to the hospital in Rochester.
   One never knows when the hour will come.  My brother is in a war zone, and yet Matthew died in a car accident.  Makes me wonder, is what I'm doing going to matter in the long run?  When I leave this earth, will I leave it with relationships broken or mended?  This was just so hard hitting, especially after this past week....
   Tonight, I'm going to hug my siblings... share the computer.... cuddle Sean while we watch a movie.... And thank God that I'm here to spend time with them.  And that they are still here to love on.  And pray for those who no longer have a sibling to love.
   In His Love and with tears,
      Christy

Music Mix-up Post 21 (UBC #27)

This is the last Music Mix-up post in July, so this will be the last patriotic one I do for a while.  I have enjoyed looking for these songs, and I hope you have enjoyed listening to them as much as I have.  The first song is, "Letters from War," by Mark Schultz.

The first time I saw this music video was actually at an Air Force Basic church service.  I cried.  And I know I wasn't the only one....
    This second song I heard just a couple of weeks ago, but I thought it went so nicely with "Letters from War" that I had to do them together.  May I present, "Letters from Home," by John Michael Montgomery.  I tried to find a way to publish the music video but I couldn't do it, but if you click on the link you can watch it.  The music video is so well done, and I love it, but this video works just as well.




Both of these songs are so touching.  In today's day of technological advances, we sometimes forget how comforting a letter in the mail can be.  If you have a soldier, or you know someone who does, or even if you don't.... send a letter.  It could make all the difference in the world.
    In His Love,
       Christy

Jostie Flick #5 (UBC #26)

Okay, so I'm still at camp.  But I thought I'd put this one out here to make you all smile for the day.  :)




If you have spent any time with me, you will know that I have a mild obsession with socks.  (I'm not sure I can tell you how many different pairs of striped/patterned pairs of socks I have.)  So, yes I know it isn't exactly the funniest one, I enjoy it.  Solely because of the socks. ;)  May the socks rule!
    In His Love,
        Christy

Adventure is out there!! (UBC #25)

Well, it is early Monday morning, and I am getting ready to head off to camp for a week!




I am going to try and do a little bit of blogging while I am gone, but if you don't hear from me, I will be sure to fill you all in when I get back!  Have a wonderful week and enjoy the lovely weather.  I know I will!
    In His Love,
        Christy

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time (UBC #24)

  It is said that some lives are linked across time.
     Connected by an ancient calling that echoes through the ages.
                         Destiny

The opening lines to one of my favorite movies.  Granted, I hide when the snakes come out, and cry when Garsiv dies. Oh, and Seso too.  Giving up their lives to do the right thing.  (Yes, I know - it's only a movie!  But still...)
   Anyway, I just finished watching this movie with my sister Annie tonight.  I hadn't watched it since it was in theaters last year, and didn't remember most of it.  Just the snakes. :)  I tried to put together a blog post or two while I watched it, but I just couldn't focus. (Did I mention that I thought that this movie is amazing??!?!?)
   My advice?  If you like action movies, than this one is just right for you!
     In His Love,
       Christy

To go back or forward? (UBC #23)

Lately, I've been visiting my memories.... Remembering the good times, glossing over the not so good... Sometimes wishing I could go back to when times were easier, simpler.  When I was happy.  I am happy now, don't get me wrong... But sometimes the past seems better than the future, only because it is safe. Familiar.  But I can't go back.  I can only go forward...
   In my musings, a fellow blogger friend posted this on her blog, and it seemed so fitting, that I thought I'd share it with you.  "Painting Pictures of Egypt," by Sara Groves.




I have to tell myself the truth in all things - the past, the present, and the future.  Only the Truth will set me free.  I'd love to say more, but my computer is about to die. :)  Have a wonderful night.
   In His Love,
      Christy

Random pieces of life... (UBC #22)

So... This past week has been busy.  We had company all week, and I slept in Sean's room. :)  This morning I woke up to Sean pretending to sneeze and then laughing hysterically.  It was so funny, and such a fun way to wake up this morning....
     This evening I gave Sean a bubble bath.  Only, what I wasn't exactly aware of at the fact that Sean's favorite pastime while taking a bubble bath is to throw the bubbles at the person bathing him.  I proceeded to get very wet!
   After cleaning the house, my sisters and I decided to watch a movie.  The choices: Iron Will, Free Style, Ice Princess, Miracle, 7 Brides for 7 Brothers, Cranford, North and South, and last but not least, Wives and Daughters.  Since the four of us were having a hard time coming to a compromise, we devised a rather unique solution.  We wrote down all the names of the movies and put them in an empty Kleenex box.  Then, without looking at the piece of paper, we all drew out one.  After dumping the other four choices on the table, we put the unread pieces that we'd drawn back into the Kleenex box.  I then drew out one piece.  Cranford won.  However, dissension still arose.  Since two of the other three pieces choices in the box also contained Wives and Daughters, as well as North and South, I came up with an ingenious solution.  One episode of Cranford, then one of North and South, and then one of Wives and Daughters.  Yes, it will take hours and hours to finish them, but it's fun this way!  We watched one of Cranford, and then one of North and South before Riah and Kathryn had to head to bed.  But we will watch it again, starting with Wives and Daughters. :)
   Tomorrow I will have to pack, as Annie and I leave for camp bright and early Monday morning.  Item #12 will be started then!  I'm so excited!  I will post lots of pictures when I get back.  Ready or not Adventure, here I come!!!
  In His Love,
     Christy

Jostie Flick #4 (UBC #21)

I haven't done a Jostie Flick for awhile, so I thought that I'd put one up.  :)  Here is "A Suitor's Tale," which, if you haven't seen it, is so funny! (And if you have seen it, it's still funny!)




My favorite line? Oh, that would be, "I will never love again!"  And then, "Who am I, Michael Landon Junior?"  *GIGGLES*
  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
     In His Love,
         Christy

In Flanders Field (UBC #20)

In Flanders Field

In Flanders Field the poppies blow

Between the crosses row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.  Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset's glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders Field.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders Field.

  I first read this poem in high school.  I had to memorize it, and it is one of the things that has stayed with me, both because of its haunting beauty and fervent plea.  This poem was written by Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD for the Canadian Army in May of 1915.  This poem is a lasting legacy of the terrible battle in the Ypres salient in the spring of 1915.  One of Lieut. McCrae's friends and a former student, Lieut. Helmer, was killed by a shell burst on May 2, 1915.  He was buried in the little cemetery outside Lieut. McCrae's dressing station, and since the chaplain was absent, McCrae performed the funeral service.  This poem came out of the anguish and pain of losing his friend.  

Music Mix-up Post 20 (UBC #19)

After browsing around for quite a while, trying to find the perfect song, and I have finally just given up.  I have to go with the first song I liked (and quit crying over all the touching songs!)  So, the song for this week is, "Brothers," by Dean Brody.




This song always makes me cry.... Especially now that my own brother is gone overseas to defend our freedom.  I miss him.... He might not be my older brother, but he still looks after me just the same.
   I was only going to do one music video, but I just found this one and thought it was so cute that I had to share it.  "Daddy, Where You Going?" by Joe Myers & Jim Flynn.



This song sorta says it all.....
   In His Love,
     Christy

Good news!! (UBC #18)

I had an interview today!  I'm pretty sure that I'm going to get the job.  I'll be working on the daycare that our church runs.  I'm really excited about this.  If I get this job, I'll be working as an aide, with the options of moving up to as an Assistant Teacher, and then possibly a Lead Teacher.  
    I've always loved working with children, and this could be a really good experience for me, too. :)  So I'm currently filling out the application, counting out the hours that I've already spent nannying, and trying to get a transcript.  (To move up from an aide's position, you need so many hours plus so many post secondary credits. And my ASL classes from last year count!)
   Anyway, I should go and finish filling out the application instead of spending time on-line. ;)  The application won't fill itself out!
   In His Love,
      Christy

PUPPY!! (UBC #17)

Good news!! We are getting a puppy in just a couple of weeks!  We are going to get either one of these two dogs.

These little guys are so adorable!!  I honestly can't decide which one I think is cuter - the black and white one, or the all white one.  Opinions anyone?  :)
   In His Love,
     Christy

Half Way!!! (UBC #16)

This post marks my half way point towards 31 posts in the month of July.  I'm only a couple of days behind, so I'm feeling pretty good about it right now.  I still have a long way to go, and I'm going to be a camp counselor next week, so I won't have time to be blogging then. :)  I was thinking about doing something thoughtful or deep for this post, but nah. :)  I'm just going to celebrate the half way mark, and put something theepful (thoughtful + deep) up some other time.  Maybe later today. :)

*giggles* This is one of my favorite pieces of flair.  So, I thought I'd share it with you.  Stay cool, and enjoy the sunshine!!! :)
   In His Love,
    Christy

What If? (UBC #15)

  The theme for my church this year is "What If....?"  What if you changed one thing this year about your walk with God, what would 2012 look like compared to 2010?
   Lately I have been really wrestling with some things, especially now that I've lost my two jobs, and just really trying to understand why it happened.  One night last week, I just said to God, "I don't understand. Why did this happen?"  And clear as a bell, He said, "It isn't for you to ask for understanding, or to ask why.  Instead ask How."
    So.... What if I asked God How He wanted me to live, to love?  And then actually walked it out?  What would my life look like?  How would that change my life and in turn, change the lives of those around me?  What if I walked in love and grace instead of selfishness and indifference?  It won't be easy, that's for sure!  Going against my fleshly nature isn't something I do very well, but I know if I want to grow closer to God, I need to mature.  Honestly, I'd been really struggling with juggling all of the things that I had to take care of, and just asking God what He really wants me to be doing with my life. 
   Now I'm currently jobless, and I don't know exactly what I'm going to be doing.  But I'm okay with that.  And now I can really focus on some things in my life that I need to work on.  And maybe do some of those projects that I haven't had time for.  I'm actually almost excited.  Life is an adventure, and God has the map.  I'll keep you all posted on how the journey is going. 
    In His Love,
       Christy

Jostie Flick #3 (UBC #14)

Seriously, these Jostie Flicks crack me up!!  I hope y'all are enjoying these as much as I am.  Even if you aren't, that's okay. :)  *giggles* So, may I present "Tucked In."




Have a fun Sunday!
   In His Love,
     Christy

Music Mix-up Post 19 (UBC #13)

Since last week was the fourth of July, I thought I'd continue doing patriot music for this month. :)  One of my most absolute favorite patriot songs is, "God Bless the U.S.A.," by Lee Greenwood.




This song inspires me.  It makes my heart swell with gratitude and pride for all of the service men and women who are and have served our country.  And for their families too.
    I debated on whether or not to do two songs or not, but I decided to go ahead and do two.  This song is in honor of my brother, who is leaving for Afghanistan this week.  In honor of him and everyone else who left today, may I present "American Soldier," by Toby Keith.



I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! My prayers are with all of you who are serving.
   In His Love,

My week in a nutshell.... (UBC #12)

Last Sunday I got fired from my job.  I've never been fired from a job before.  I've quit jobs before, and I've had a business close for the summer, but I've never had to deal with the feelings of inadequacies that I felt last Sunday.  And then, when I was just starting to adjust to the thought of losing one job, I got fired from my other job today.  The first job I'd only had a couple of months, but the second job I'd had for almost two years.  Oh, and I got really sick on Tuesday, too and my mom had surgery on her shoulder Thursday....
    Needless to say, I'm still in a bit of a shock.  This week has just been one thing after another.  I honestly don't know what I'm going to do now.... But this one thing I do know.  None of it was a surprise to God.  And I'm going to continue to trust Him for His plan.  I don't know what else to do, other than wait and pray.  So if you think of me, please pray.  Pray that I will have wisdom and humility.  Wisdom to know what I am supposed to do now, to discern what is a lie and what is truth, and humility to being willing to listen to advise I might not like.
      One of the lies that I have battled with most of my older life is the lie that: Something must be wrong with me.  And that just simply isn't the truth.  Yes, I have flaws, problems, issues, sins, just like everyone else.  But that doesn't mean that I should wallow in the self-pity and wring my hands and declare my life a failure.  Because that isn't the truth.  God created me and He loves me, just the way I am.  His plan is in action, and never wasn't.  He is my All-Sufficient One.  He alone can truly satisfy the desires of my heart.  And I am working on choosing to remain content in all situations. 
   In His Love,
      Christy

Splish and Splash (UBC #11)

So, it started raining earlier today, and for whatever reason, I was in a really really good mood.  So I decided to *giggle* go outside and put a letter in the mail.  And on the way back, I started singing, "Singing in the Rain."   It seemed like a really good song to sing while out in the rain, right? :)  And then I was chatting with my friend Jessica, and we came started coming up with different words to "Jingle Bells," and I just had to share them with y'all.  So may I present, "Splish, Splash," sung to the tune of  "Jingle Bells."

Dashing through the rain

In my rubber boots down Main.

I'm so glad it's May,

Splashing all the way!

Umbrellas all pop up,

Making spirits bright.

Oh, what fun it is to sing a splashing tonight!

Oh, Splish and Splash, Splish and Splash

Splashing all the way!

Oh what fun it is to splash

All the way through May!

Splish and Splash, Splish and Splash

Splashing all the way!

Oh what fun it is to splash

All the way through May! Hey!

Oh, and don't forget!

I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I do!  Don't stay too dry... And I do believe the sun is starting to come out.  Maybe I'll even see a rainbow!

    In His Love,

       Christy

Amazing? Yes! (UBC #10)

I was checking my facebook today, and came across this video that I just had to share with y'all!  I am a huge fan of Sound of Music, so this was really awesome to see!




And would you believe they only practiced twice??!??!?  I wish I had talent like that! :)  Have a great day!

   In His Love,
      Christy

Jostie Flick #2 (UBC #9)

Ever wake up with a to-do list that would rival Mt. Everest, but discover that there is no way that you can get it all done?  That happened to me today.  I woke up with a cold... I was hoping to finish working in the playroom today, but I think I'm going to have to take a rain check.  I was also hoping to put up a bunch of blog posts - try and catch up on the challenge, but my brain is telling me: huh?  I know there was more, but for the life of me I can't remember! :)  So, I thought I might as well put up SOMETHING today so I don't keep on falling behind.  Thank goodness for Jostie Flicks!  It was a tough decision.  I had it narrowed down to three, but then I found this one, and the other three flew right out the window!  May I present, "Soul Mates."




This was just what I needed today for a pick-me-up! The past seven days have been very tumultuous for me.  (More on that later... Some of it still is processing.)  But I hope this brings a smile to your face and joy to your day!
     In His Love,
         Christy

Crazy? Possibly.... (UBC #8)

I really have to quit getting ideas late at night....
  Lulu is doing a free publishing for a brief period of time.  The end of July, to be exact.  My dear friend Jessica was telling me all about it, and was encouraging me to go for it.  So, to add to my regular life, I'm going to try and finish a story in about two weeks.  I only have two weeks before I head off to camp for a week. (Which I am totally excited about, by the way.)

     So, as Shakespeare once said,

Do I write or don't I?

But, that would be insane, right?

So, I think I'm going to try

And I'll see you at the end!!!!

  In His Love, 

     Christy

Music Mix-up Post 18 (UBC #7)

With Monday being the fourth of July, I thought I'd put the National Anthem as my music song for this week.... Couldn't find a music video I liked.  What kind of country have we become were I can find all sorts of music videos on all sorts of things, but the National Anthem?  Couldn't find a decent one.  Most were either instrumental, or sung bizarrely, or badly taped NFL videos.  And just when I was about to give up all hope of ever finding one that I actually liked, and wondering if I should just simply pick a different song, I found this music video.  I hadn't really liked most of the acapella versions that I'd found, but this one I actually liked.




I hope you all had a lovely 4th, and please remember all who have died for your freedom, and those who continue to serve and protect us.
    In His Love,
      Christy

Jostie Flick #1 (UBC #6)

I was looking around on youtube, trying to find the perfect video for this week's Music Mix-Up post, when my friend Jessica started talking about the Jostie Flicks.  I'd seen a few of them, but not really "followed" them.  But I came across some really funny ones, and since I'm trying to do the whole 31 blog posts in 31 days, I'd thought I'd add some Jostie Flicks posts. 




"Better Together" just cracks me up!! I've never seen it before, and I can't help but laugh!  The whole "Romeo" and "Juliette" and I'm expecting some band of soldiers to come running out from hiding... And no, it's Cheerios.  It's just so funny!!
   Anyway, enjoy your laugh for the day, and I'll have the Music Mix-Up post up soon.  Right after I quit watching Jostie Flicks and can find the perfect song. :)
     In His Love,
        Christy

Transformers 3 (UBC #5)

Okay, I'm just going to come out and admit it.... I'm a bit of a nerd/geek.  I am a huge fan of the Transformer movies (second one not so much but it was still cool) and so I just had to share this info with y'all.  My church had a float in the local parade for the 4th, and I signed up to walk in it.  Boy, was it fun! One of the really cool things was seeing this vehicle at the line-up for the float.

You can't really tell, but if you look at the door, you can see the Transformer symbol on it.  This fire truck was built locally and used in the film Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon.  And to think that I got to stand next to this truck!! :)  I wish I had a picture of that, but I didn't bring anything with me to walk in the parade - didn't want to worry about losing it or carrying it for the whole time. :(  But just to give y'all an idea about how big it was, I wasn't much taller than the tire!  If you want to read more about it, you can go to this page where there is an article and a news video interview. 

     In His Love,
         Christy

Sadness.... (UBC #4)

Today my brother left.... He was home for 17 days.... 17 days of sunshine and rain.... fun and work.... hugs and movies.... fireworks and mosquito bites... I will treasure the memories that were made in my heart always...  I know he needs to do what he has to do, but I will miss him while he is gone.
    This song has been running in my mind for the past few days.  It seemed fitting.  "I'm Already There," by Lonestar.






  In His Love,
    Christy

Happy Fourth of July!! (UBC #3)

I hope you all have a wonderful 4th of July!  Stay cool and dry, and hug those who are close to you!
     In His Love,
       Christy

Blogging Challenge (UBC #1)

My friend Dané was telling me about a blogging challenge that is going on for this month - 31 blog posts in 31 days.  Doesn't necessarily have to be a blog post per day - you could do more than one blog post a day.  And since #13 on my to-do list this year is to blog more, I thought, why not?  And, since the challenge started yesterday, I can count my Music Mix-up Post as one of them. :)

I'm doing this WHY?!??!

And I know that there will be moments when I feel like that cat but I think I'm going to try it anyway. :)  Wish me luck, y'all, cause I know I'm going to need it!  And if any of you feel like joining me, let's do it! 
    In His Love,
      Christy

Music Mix-up Post 17 (UBC #2)

I just have to say - I am totally blaming this post on my little brother Sean.  When it's early in the morning and he's awake, he likes to watch movies on my phone.  So, we were watching "Barbie: Princess & the Pauper" the other day, and so may I present to you: "The Cat's Meow." 



   I know I'm blaming this song on my brother, but honestly, I'm rather fond of this song myself. :)  I'm quirky, I know.  Don't believe me, ask the dishes!  Or my family.  Either way, I'm sure you'll get a response.  My favorite line is: "And if the you is a strange you, doesn't mean you should change you.  Only means, you should change your point of view!"  I know I've said this before, but I'm a bit of a people pleaser, so I've wasted time just trying to "fit in" and get other people to like me...
   Anyone, this is one of those songs that just makes my heart smile and my day seem brighter, so I thought I'd share it with you.  Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
    In His Love,
      Christy