LEARNING TO BE CONTENT

bliss

2011-09-10T13:00:00.001-05:00

bliss (bls) n. 1. Extreme happiness; ecstasy. 2. The ecstasy of salvation; spiritual joy.

This has been my feeling for the past month. Despite the hurricane, homelessness, and constant change of plans, I have been able to keep my joy! Eric gave me this quote years ago, while I was going through some tough times in college. "Happiness depends on happenings, but joy depends on Christ". It's so true! I have felt satan constantly trying to steal my joy, and at times he may have gotten my happiness, but I've guarded my joy like it's my job (haven't used that phrase since the 6th grade). :)

I wanted to give you all a semi brief update on the recent happenings in the Slon household. August 27, 2011, my dear friends Paul and Mariel got married! :) Unfortunately, with everything going on, only Eric was able to go to their wedding. I was so sad to miss their wedding and even proposed the idea of being present via iPad, but Mariel didn't seem to think she could carry the iPad and her bouquet at the same time. :) So, Eric went home on the 25th and my mom flew in the 26th. On the 27th, the news was reporting Hurricane Irene coming straight at North Carolina and warned everyone to get supplies and hunker down (thank you Tanya Singh for this phrase). Unfortunately, my mom and I didn't take it serious enough, because by the time we got to the store, most necessary supplies were out of stock! So, for my flashlight, I had to buy one that straps to your head! :):)

The next few days were a blur. We were constantly being told different rules about the RMH being shut down and the hospital closing it's doors. Mom and I decided to pack everything up and basically live out of the car. We spent one night in the hospital and fully intended to spend a second, but were fortunate enough to land a couch in the downstairs of the RMH. On August 28th, RMH officially shut down at 8am. Once again, this gave mom and I the sense of being homeless and not knowing what to do or where to go. We didn't want to go back home and be 2 hours away from sweet, fragile Marlee, however this was the only option. My dad and sister were driving in, and would be there around 2am on the 30th. So we packed up once again and kissed little Marlee goodbye.

Dad, Mom, Christy, Max, and Ella all visited for several days. We stayed up WAY too late, laughed WAY too much, and still, didn't get enough time together! On the 31st, we kissed and hugged in the hospital hallway saying our goodbyes. I hate goodbyes, especially in a hospital. I think it's a mental thing, but being in the hospital just makes it seem much sadder.

Later that day, Eric and I finally got accepted back into the RMH and were thankful we didn't have to sleep in our car, like we had the night before(there were no hotel rooms in the area). :) :)

On September 4th, Renae, Chris, Amy and sweet Molly all made the journey down to meet little Marlee. We had a great time spending moments with Marlee during the day and staying up late at night playing Ticket to Ride. :)

On September 5th, Renae, Chris, Amy and Molly were on their way out when we got the great news that Marlee was being moved closer to home at 3:30pm!! We quickly said our goodbyes and I rushed up to the hospital to spend the last few moments with Marlee before she made her big journey closer to home. Luckily, Marlee had no clue what was going on, but mom and dad had stomachs full of fluttery butterflies. We were told that there was no room for either of us to ride in the ambulance with Marlee and we didn't have time to pack up and ride behind the ambulance. So, we had to trust that the ambulance was going to drive in the right direction for the next 2 hours and that they had Marlee's full name MEMORIZED. I think I asked them these questions at least 7 times!

Eric and I saw Marlee off, and of course I cried as I watched my baby girl drive away in what I hope to be her last and only ambulance ride! We rushed back over to the RMH and quickly cleaned and packed up and thanked the staff for providing such an amazing place for us to call home for the last 3 weeks!

That night, Eric and I got to the hospital and Marlee seemed to have made the ride okay. She was somewhat stressed because her vitals were slightly low and she needed oxygen because of the low vitals.

Today, Marlee is doing great! She's off oxygen, taking several bottles a day, follows you when you talk to her, smiles in response to your voice or sometimes having her head rubbed, loves being kangarooed, and is a day closer to coming home to her loving parents and puppy!

I can't think you all enough for your prayers, texts, cards, phone calls and just overall support! I never could have imagined how blessed Eric and I would feel at this very moment!

Philippians1:3 "I thank my God every time I remember you."

Love,
ESM

Home Away From Home

2011-08-25T06:29:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update! Things have been kind of busy lately, with Eric going back to work and us trying to work out a schedule so that we can spend the most amount of time with Marlee. Living out of a hotel room and in a hospital is not an easy task. However, we have been so incredibly blessed by The RMH and all the staff there and the hospital staff. Yesterday afternoon the Doctor came by to see Marlee and said that she was doing so well, that she was ready to be moved TODAY! I was in a bit of shock, and obviously not in my right mind, because I told him that we may need to wait to move her until the hurricane is over (next week). Anyway, I am now eating those words and that's why I am up at 7:30am trying to chase down the doctor to tell him that I was not thinking correctly and we want to move NOW! . :)

Updates on Marlee: She got her oxygen out on Wednesday. She is now breathing completely on her own! Praise God! She is starting to suck on a pacifier, really loudly! The nurses can hear her down the hall. She is loving the time Eric and I spend with her everyday (Her vitals continue to improve the more we hold her).

Well, this morning was one of those days where I am just feeling so overwhelmingly blessed! Thinking, how much God must love me to have matched me with this sweet baby girl that I get to call my daughter! Takes my breath away! I'm such in awe of Him, my creator!

8/20/11

2011-08-20T10:41:00.000-05:00

Marlee Joy is still doing great! Grammy is here this weekend visiting and Marlee loves it!! She smiled several times yesterday when we or the nurses would talk to her. She is just such a miracle! Grammy and I stayed up late last night making her headbands! Hopefully they will fit her sweet head! :)

Two huge blessing came through yesterday! First, we moved out of the hotel we were in and got accepted into the RMH early!! What a blessing! This place is AMAZING! Never again will I pass by those little containers at the cash registers in McDonalds and not drop money in them! They have such an awesome ministry!The second blessing, we got news from the Social Worker that the insurance approved Marlee to be transferred closer to home! This is huge!! That means we can sleep in our own beds and get Marlee's room ready while we're waiting for her to grow! :) Most of the nurses seemed to think this transfer won't happen for another couple of weeks. Marlee is doing great but she is only 28 weeks old now, and still so tiny.

Grammy is heading back today and taking Milo (our puppy) with her. Since the RMH doesn't accept pets, we couldn't keep her with us. Grammy is such a blessing to all of us..even little Milo!

Marlee had a good day yesterday. She had a few desatts but overall she was good. We got to do official kangaroo care and it was awesome! :) She is so sweet when she's all snuggled in on you! She looks like a little frog! :)

Some things I've noticed Marlee likes: having her hands and fingers by her face (she's trying to suck her thumb), stretching out (but sometimes being tucked in like a frog), and being held (she cries at times when we put her back).

8/18/11

2011-08-18T22:29:00.002-05:00

Hey everyone!! I finally have a chance to sit and type more then 2 sentences. :) So Marlee is doing great! They are considering her a "grower and feeder", basically meaning that that she doesn't have any health concerns but she is literally just still feeding and growing :) Right now she is on a little oxygen just to remind her to breath(sometimes she forgets when shes sucking on her pacifier). She also has a feeding tube because she's not learned yet how to suck on a bottle. She is just so sweet!! The doctors keep telling us that all of her vitals have improved since Eric and I have been holding her!! She loves sucking on her fingers!!

Right now we have temporarily moved near the hospital. We are on a waiting list for the Ronald McDonald house and will get to stay there once they have a spot for us. The way their program works is, you get to stay there for 30 days at a time and then you have to take 3 days off and reapply. We asked the social worker yesterday if they could transfer her closer and they just told us today that it's a real possibility. She won't be able to do that though for at least a few more weeks because she needs to gain a little more weight. They actually told us that they have never seen a Medicaid transfer go through before... so this is a miracle!!! Please pray that we get to do this and soon!!

Marlees birth parents are comely out of the picture. They sounded like wonderful people that just couldn't afford to take care of a baby. We are so thankful that they choice to give their daughter life!! :)

We are doing really well and just feel so overjoyed!! I can't actually think about it to much because I'll start crying again!! Thank you to everyone who has prayed, cried, and walked through this journey with us!! Your prayers have been answered!!

Love you all,
E,S,&M

My hearts desire

2011-08-18T07:48:00.000-05:00

As I sit and write this tears are streaming down my face! I am just so overjoyed and blessed! These past few weeks have been the hardest part of our adoption journey. The waiting was difficult! The unknown was worse. But God knew my hearts desire, and chose to bless us at our weakest point. He really is so faithful, merciful, powerful and loving toward his children.

It's also funny because my sister last week told me that I needed to let go of our adoption because I was holding on too tightly! I was trying to control everything and totally messing up God's plan. I find this ironic because it's completely opposite of my blog title (Learning to be Content). I realized that my faith and trust were lacking big time!

Well, as most of you know, Marlee Joy Slonecker was born August 4th at 12:56am weighing in at a whopping 2lbs1oz 14 inches. Seeing this little girl just gives me chills. One because it's so COLD in the hospital, but two because God created her so perfectly! She is PERFECT! Her tiny tiny body, toes, hair, smile, even her cry! She's a miracle!

I am going to try to keep this blog up and running, but I can't guarantee that I will be able to everyday. I want to say thanks to everyone who has prayer for us, over us and with us. God answered your prayers too!! I love you all, and I am TOTALLY blessed by your support!

Love,
Shelly

News

2011-08-17T00:52:00.001-05:00

BIG NEWS COMING SOON!!

I'm feeling the sandpaper today!

2011-06-27T14:57:00.000-05:00

Can I just be honest for a minute and say that most days I have to make a conscious effort to not allow myself to be bitter about our adoption. I have to check my attitude DAILY.. even multiple times a day. It's something I'm not proud of at all. I wish that I didn't let changes in plans disrupt my entire day, but I do. This is something that God and I are working on together. It seems like each day He has been slowly ripping a part each layer of pride, bitterness, anxiety, worry, fear and anger. The good thing is, when he rips away one layer he rebuilds that layer with something positive like humility, mercy, unconditional love, faith, blessings, and trust in the only one who won't disappoint!

I'm not sure if I'm the only one who feels like this, but often times I can fall into the poor me attitude and I am quickly slapped head on with someone who is WAY less fortunate than I am. I guess with being a social worker, this is part of the job. I often see people who literally have nothing and don't have ANY hope at all! What a blessing that I get to build a relationship with them and become a small pinch of hope.

I recently ran into a music artist through someone else's blog named Kari Jobe and have grown to LOVE her! I feel like she sings what my heart is dying to say. Here is one of her songs that I love!!

http://youtu.be/UbSMfL5LuSo

The first time I heard this song I just sat at my computer sobbing because I never really felt like God was for me. I guess when you face trials and temptations it's easy to forget that we face these challenges as a way to smooth us out and teach us something. I recently saw a movie that explained trials really well. This is the quote from the movie. I know this is specifically referring to people but I think it can still apply to just rough situation in life.

"When life makes you have to put up with mean and hateful people, just think of them as sandpaper. They may scratch you, rub you the wrong way, but eventually you end up smooth and polished and the sandpaper it's just going to be worn out and ugly."

On a totally different note, here is a great song that I heard in a movie recently. :) Make sure and watch the whole thing for a little bit of T-Bone!! :)
http://youtu.be/O_tRmVngrxM

Sorry for all the links!! I hope you all have a good Monday!

man of god

2011-06-22T13:11:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to write this now for several weeks and just haven't had the opportunity to.

June 3rd was like most of our other Friday nights - Out to eat, movie or movies than bedtime. I know, I know.. we are so predictable. :) That night we headed to bed around 12am and did our devotions together and prayed. A little back story - for the past several weeks Eric and I have been praying every night that God would speak to us or reveal something positive to us regarding our adoption. As you know waiting can be discouraging and we had both been a little discouraged lately from not getting any updates or really hearing anything at all from our agency. So that night we specifically prayed that God would give us something encouraging that day so that we would know that He was still working in our situation. Around 12:30am we both dosed off and were quickly awoken by Eric's phone ringing. Now, most of our friends or family don't call us at that time unless something is wrong or they are playing a prank on us. Eric quickly jumped out of bed (well at least somewhat quick.. i don't really think you can be quick at 1:30am) and someone was calling from a private number. This surprised both of us because he has never received a call from a private number. So he answered the phone and here is how the conversation went:

Eric: Hello?? (really confused)
Private Caller: God is good! (male voice -strong, deep, peaceful voice)
Eric: What??? (at this point Eric was half way laughing)
Private Caller: God is good!
Eric: What? Who is this?? (Eric really thought it was one of our friends/family pranking us)
Private Caller: I am a man of God. God is good!

As you can imagine after he hung up Eric and I pretty much just sat there with our jaw on the ground, neither one of us laughing or saying a word. We were both wide awake at this point TOTALLY confused. The private called never called back. Remember, just one hour before Eric and I had prayed that God would give us a clear message that He was still working on our adoption.

The next day Eric and I both checked with several of our friends and family to find out if they had called us and no one said they had. Another strange thing was that the man's voice on the phone was so calm, deep and strong. He spoke very matter-of-fact and there was no background noise at all. His voice was so loud and clear that I could hear every word from the other side of the room.

I don't know who called that night, but I do know that Eric and I were blown away by God's love for us that He answered our prayer so quickly and so obviously (I'm starting to get a complex now because God has to be so obvious in the ways that He answers my prayers.. remember the billboard). :)

his word . . .

2011-05-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

I've talked briefly about how adoption, at times can be heartbreaking. Adoption can sometimes be the result of not being able to have kids naturally or it may just be that you have an ache for the orphans in this world and you are choosing to act on this.

I have to be honest, adoption for me was the first one mentioned. It was my second choice. I hate to admit it, and when people say that I'm such a good person for adopting, I feel extremely guilty. If they only knew the "real" reason behind me adopting, they would think differently. These are still some of the thoughts and guilty feelings that I have not yet conquered, however I now understand that adoption for me, was God's FIRST choice. He saw an opportunity for a couple who desire to have children, and has decided to bless them with their hearts desire. Although we don't have children yet, I have been holding onto God's words and trusting and believing that He will bless us in His perfect time. Below, is a log of dates and verses that have held me up during some of the most difficult times in our adoption process. I pray that God would use these verses to comfort others who may be going through the same process. Stay strong. Stay confident. Stay faithful.

10/27/10: “I wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken, My salvation and my honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. Oh my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. From the greatest to the lowliest all are nothing in his sight. If you weigh them on the scales they are lighter than a puff of air. Don’t try to get rich by extortion or robbery. And if your wealth increases, don’t make it the center of your life. God has spoken plainly, and I have heard it many times; Power, O God, belongs to you; unfailing love, O Lord, is yours. Surely you judge all people according to what they have done.”

Psalm 62:5-12

2/1/11: “He gives children to the woman who has none and makes her a happy mother.”

Psalm 113:9

2/2/11: “O LORD, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them.”

Isaiah 25:1-2

4/16/11: "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you... the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light... “Lift up your eyes and look about you... your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip."

Isaiah 60:1-5

5/9/11: “At the time for offering the (evening) sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached (the altar) and said, “LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, today let it be known that You are God in Israel and I am Your servant, and that at Your work I have done all these things. Answer me, LORD! Answer me so that this people will know that You, Yahweh, are God and that You have turned their hearts back.” Then Yahweh’s fire fell and consumed the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the dust, and it licked up the water that was in the trench. When all the people saw it, they fell face down and said, “Yahweh, He is God! Yahweh, He is God!”

1 Kings 18:36-39

5/12/11: The One who called you is completely dependable. If he said it, he'll do it!

1 Thessalonians 5:24

Somtimes God uses billboards

2011-04-23T22:57:00.000-05:00

God uses the most bizarre ways to get my attention some times. I don't know if that's a good thing or if it just shows how clueless I can be. This particular incident that I am writing about occurred maybe a month or so ago. It was an unusual grey, cold day. The trees were starting to turn green but they weren't quite there yet. I had been inside all day and was dying to get out and just breath in the fresh, crisp air. I had been stuck inside all day and with little to do my mind couldn't help but wander to the thought that we were still waiting for that "change our life" phone call from our adoption agency.

By now, every time my cell phone rang I hoped, no I pleaded that it would be the call from our adoption agency telling us that we had a beautiful baby born and we could go ahead and pack our bags and pick him or her up. However, on this particular day my phone hadn't rang at all. I tried not to keep checking it. In fact, I even left it in the other room because I was so annoyed with how obsessive I had become with making sure it was within eye sight, and then making sure the volume was up, oh and then checking it to make sure it was turned on. I was sick of feeling like my child was so far away and all I could do to bring him/her closer to me was literally wait for a phone to ring. I couldn't take it anymore, I had to get a break.

So as I left our neighborhood and made my usual way past the post office and the little elementary school I turned left at the light and that's where I saw it. A new billboard, not even a mile away from my house. The billboard read, "You're closer to your child then you think". As I drove past I thought, now that's strange. I don't remember seeing that before. The billboard didn't even have a name or a phone number for an organization or advertisement company. It just had a picture of a lady holding a child with the simple phrase, "You're closer to your child then you think". That billboard has been up now for over a month and I thank God every time I pass it. I don't know why, but every time I read it, it gives me just enough push to continue on.

Thank you Jesus for not giving up on me. You defiantly have my attention, hopefully next time you won't have to use the billboard!

"no shelly...get out of bed..."

2011-04-16T19:16:00.000-05:00

This has happened a few times since we've started the adoption process, when I am completely exhausted and I fall asleep and start having happy dreams that are suddenly interrupted by this feeling that I need to get up and read my bible. It's so weird. Well, this happened to me this morning around 7:00am. I woke up and just laid there for about 15 minutes trying to get back to sleep. I felt like God was saying, "no shelly... get out of bed and pick up my word. I have something to show you". So silly me, I thought I could hide from God trying to wake me up so I just shrugged it off as my lack of sleep, and didn't listen and instead laid in bed for another miserable 15 minutes staring at the ceiling. After laying there for a half hour total with no success of getting back to sleep, I jumped out of bed and grabbed my Bible. Right now I am studying John and that's what I was planning on reading. However, I opened my Bible and felt I needed to read Isaiah 60. I started reading and was amazed at how God's words just started jumping out of the page at me. I was amazed. Once again, God knew that I needed to hear that particular piece of His word more then I needed sleep. Silly me for not listening the first time. This is what I read:

Isaiah 60:1-5 "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you... the LORD rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light... “Lift up your eyes and look about you... your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the hip."

God knew that before I went to sleep last night I was fighting my own fears about adoption and the thought of how in the world a little white girl from NC was going to find her beautiful baby in this HUGE world. My mind was racing, trying to think of what I needed to do to make myself shine brighter then all the other thousands of adoptive parents out there. This verse touched me, telling me that my light is not cutting it. The light I need can only come from the Lord. God has shined His light on me (and Eric) allowing some brave mom to make her way through the thousands of options for her baby and choose the place where her child is meant to be.

Thank you Jesus for knowing me better then I know myself and for always being my light in the darkness! Please protect the birth mother of our future child as she slowly makes her way toward us. Protect her from Satan's deception and schemes and please, please keep that baby safe.

**So funny story. Another time God woke me up was when we lived in OH. I was in the process of finding a job and felt really down from not having any success so I was trying to hide the sadness with sleeping the day away. Well anyway around 12pm I woke up and tried for a long time to go back to sleep and I just couldn't. So I decided to get up and start my day. I sat down to do my devotions and opened my Bible (no joke) to Proverbs 6:9-11 which read, "How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man." OUCH.. is all I can say to that!! :)

6 months +3 weeks update

2011-04-15T17:03:00.009-05:00

So we've hit our 6 month +3 weeks (who's counting.. hehe) waiting mark so I decided to email our agency and get an update. :) Here is what they said:

"Hi Shelly, We are currently working with 4 birth mothers. Two have been matched and two are not quite ready to be matched. I would say that there has been several birth mothers interested in your family. We have even had a few that narrowed it down to you and one other family but ultimately, they chose the other family. Most recently that has been because they wanted a family very close by. We do have more families now who are open to any race. We typically only show 3 to 4 portfolios to any birth mother at one time. If we have even more families who meet her criteria, then we choose only the families based on the length of time they have been waiting. That way, the families who have been waiting longer are given priority. I hope that makes sense. I know the wait is always hard. I hope to have some good news for you soon!"

I was encouraged by this. At least there's interest. :) Happy Friday everyone!

Our Adoption Journey

2011-04-14T11:42:00.013-05:00

Wow! Have I really not blogged since September of 2008! Sorry. No wonder people lost hope. Well, I've decided to take a different turn for my blog and I'm wanting to focus more on adoption. I thought about changing the title, but honestly learning to be content is a *H*U*G*E* part of adoption.

My blogs purpose:
1. Timeline for adoption process
2. A way to get information for prospecitve adoptive parents, or people who are just curious how adoption works.
3. A place for you to see a raw, unedited view of how adoption can be an eye opening and heart breaking experience.
4. Update my family and friends who are wondering where we're at and how we're doing.

Stone Mountain State Park

2009-09-08T14:08:00.008-05:00

I'm back! I know that everyone has probably lost faith with me now that I will continue updating my blog... but hang in there.. I can't write everyday but I will try to do better then updates every two weeks.

We finally found carpet that we like for our house and the installation guy is coming out tomorrow to get estimates and measurements. Seriously, I can't tell you how happy this makes me because I never knew how stressful picking out carpet could be. With this whole "home buying" thing I have been telling myself daily to kick back and relax and enjoy the decisions that have to be made.

This past weekend Eric and I went camping at Stone Mountain State Park. We had a great time and lots of laughs. The first night that we were there our stupid air matress finally died after three good years of life. Unfortunately, it was at 3am when we finally decided to pull the plug and sleep on the ground (gravel). This wasn't so bad that night, however the next morning we both woke up with our hip bones and ribs bruised from being crushed up against rock for 8 hours.

On Saturday we decided to go on a hike and for some reason picked the longest and the most strenous hike that the park offered. Let me tell you from experience.. if the map says it streneous... it is speaking the truth!! We literally climbed up to the top of the mountain (which I believe was about 2,305 feet. This is a picture of us at the top of the mountain:

Since we had so much fun the first day of hiking we decided to climb the mountain again the second day.. except this time we went the opposite way. Well about 1 mile into the hike Eric and I decided to reenergize with an apple and a granola bar. DO NOT EAT FRUIT AROUND BUGS!! So as we were walking I felt something land on my finger.. then all of the sudden I felt a pain that I have never experienced in my life!! My finger was throbbing and burning all at the same time. I immediately pulled my finger up to look at it.. and sitting right above my knuckle was a hornet. I freaked out, started screaming and flicked it off my finger. It didn't like that.. before I knew it, it had jumped on my back and Eric saw it and gave it a good flick. This stupid hornet continued chasing us for a few more feet and then finally went away. At this point I was hysterical. I felt like my finger had been smashed beneath a tire and then injected with some type of fluid that was slowly eating away at my skin. I believe my words to Eric a few hours later were "I would rather have surgery then be stung by another hornet".

So at this point we continued on the hike and finally made it to the bathroom where I stuck my now swollen finger and hand under the faucet hoping to get a little relief from the pain. This helped.. but not much. The constant pain continued for about 6 hours and then finally we made it back home and I was able to take pain medication and Benodryl. As I sit here and write this, which is 2 days and a few hours after the incident my hand is still swollen but instead of having the constant pain I have a constant itchiness!! It stinks!! So stay away from hornets... they are trouble!!! Also, unless your throat starts to close, don't bother going to the ER because all they will tell you is to take some Benodryl and Tylenol... trust me this is what they told me at 4am when we went in. Here's a picture of my hand (notice I had to take my wedding ring off because my hand was so swollen):

Oh I also forgot to mention that little Milo made both hikes with us up and down the mountain. She really enjoyed seeing all the dogs and getting all the attention. Here is a picture of her at the top of the mountain:

I'm still waiting on the job at the United Methodist Children's Home. I'm trusting that God knows what's best and He will put me where I am supposed to be. Please pray with me that I will have the patience and the understanding to trust God during this time.

UPDATE: I found out tonight that biting a metal fork is never a good idea.. also not a good idea is eating chicken nuggets with a fork. I chipped my tooth! UGHH... this week is turning out to be a BAD WEEK!

DAY 7

2009-08-20T14:57:00.003-05:00

Detox Day 7: Break a habit! Analyze the things you do regularly, and ask whether any of them are in control of you, rather than being things you choose. Even if it is only for a specific length of time, overcome the habit to demonstrate your freedom. And thank God too for the freedom to worship him.

The first negative habit that comes to mind is eating when I'm bored. I hate that I do this. Why can't I be like the people who run 10 miles when they're bored! I actually at one time printed out a picture of an extremely obese person that I found online and put it on my refrigerator so that every time I went to the fridge I would see that picture and then just maybe I would think before I just grabbed something out to eat or drink.

The second negative habit that I've noticed is that I don't necessarily eat bad.. I drink bad! I am totally addicted to pop (just ask Laura or Christy and they will totally agree). I have tried giving up pop about 786 times.. and failed every time! I finally got so tired of failing all of my New Years resolutions that this past year my resolution was to continue drinking pop, but MAYBE drink a little less. :) Haven't failed that yet! I remember when I went to Weight Watchers (for one day..hehe) they told us not to let our calories be in our drinks because our body needs to actually chew something in order to feel full (not sure that I totally agree with this). I know that when I drink less pop I feel 100 times better, but yet I keep returning to that chocolate colored, bubbling, mouth-watering, coke! Lord help me.. seriously!

Update: I had my second interview today and all seemed to go well. The only thing.. now they are doing third interviews. Hopefully I'll get a call! This job sounds too good to be true.. they actually come in and set up an office in your home. They provide: Computer, Cell phone, Printer, Copier, Fax, Tack Boards, Desk Chair, Desk Mat... and much more. :):) Also we had out termite inspection on our house today and we officially have no termites roaming around in the inside or outside of the house. Tomorrow is the regular inspection, please pray that things go well.

Day 6

2009-08-18T22:18:00.004-05:00

Detox Day 6: Set aside an hour this week to go at a different pace. (A whole day would be better, but an hour is more realistic.) Go through it slowly and relish every moment. Eat some food and taste it properly. Take a bath and enjoy it to the full. Notice colors. Go at the speed of a three-toed sloth. If you meet anyone you know, smile serenely as if you're in the Brazilian rain forest, and hang around. Dwell on all that God has done. If there are troubles in your mind, stop and pray about them. Slowly get ready for eternity.

This chapter really hit home. With all the craziness that is going on in our (Eric and I) lives this was a good reminder to just sit back and relax. The author said it best, "I am speeding through life like a jaguar, and God is working out his plan like an ai (slot). Just as the jaguar moves so fast that he doesn't even see the sloth edging onwards, so we operate at such a speed that we miss God's relentless progress towards an utter triumph. This is my prayer that I will slow down in all areas of my life.

GOOD NEWS: We have our inspections scheduled for our house this week!! YAY! :) Also, I had an interview today at the Methodist Home for Children and they called me back an hour later and asked me to come in Thursday for a second interview! :) Please pray... this job sounds great! I get to work from home. :)

Time for bed. Everyone have a great night! :):) Oh yeah, I totally held a sloth when we were in the Dominican Republic for our honeymoon. Mine was not nearly as cute as the one in the picture above.

Update: Eric just informed me that it was an anteater that I held not a sloth!! I can't believe I would have held one of those things.. Night.

DAY 5

2009-08-17T13:58:00.005-05:00

Detox Day 5: Where are the places and when are the times that you are most likely to fail the standards that Jesus has set for you? Last thing at night? After a drink? In a particular shop? With certain people? As part of your detox, analyze whether there are areas of your life in which you need to be shaken awake, and take steps to make sure you do not let your guard down.

I came across this video that goes along great with the goal for today. God's Chisel

Update on life: Saturday Eric and I rode the motorcycle to Mount Airy, NC.. aka Mayberry! In case you don't know what Mayberry is, it's where the Andy Griffith show was filmed and supposedly where Andy Griffith grew up. It's a very quaint little town. We drove a little over 400 miles which means that I'm not even half way to being a part of the iron-butt club. HA! (A real club for motorcycle people who drive 1000 + miles in 1 day!!).

On our way back home from Mayberry we stopped at Pilot Mountain State Park and drove up to the top of the mountain. It was a beautiful view!! Maybe next weekend we'll hit the beach. ;) Oh also, we just found out today that our offer was accepted on our house. Looks like this is going to be an exciting and a busy week with inspections, interviews and other things going on. YIPPEE!:)

Day 4

2009-08-13T11:00:00.008-05:00

Detox Day 4: For the next few days write down in your day planner the hours that you intent to sleep, as if your sleep is an appointment that you intend to prioritize. Fit in your other activities around it, and monitor whether you feel more refreshed as your body gets used to the discipline.

For those of you who have Facebook I'm sure you read what Eric posted about the bug that I found in our bedroom the other morning. TERRIFYING!! Pretty much since we have moved here, to North Carolina, I have found it more difficult to get good sleep. Bugs and Milo are the top 2 causes of my lack of sleep. Heres why:

Bugs - ever since Eric bolted out of bed a month ago and said that he got bit by a long centipede looking bug (which he didn't find!!) I have not been able to really sleep! All I can do is lay there and think about all of the bugs that are smiling because they can now have some fresh blood to eat. So usually what happens is I lay there for about 30 minutes with my eyes WIDE open and then I decide that I better get the flash light out for one last check around the room, just in case there are any bugs hiding in the corners. Which, PTL (haha) I did this the other night because I found a GIANT Silverfish... AKA carpet shark waving his tentacles at me and waiting for me to turn my flashlight off so he could come down and start munching on me! Thanks to my sister I found out that they only eat paper, glue, dandruff, hair and a few other things which don't include human flesh. :)

Milo: The second reason I don't get good sleep. Usually what happens is I put her in her cage and Eric and I read for a little while and the turn the lights off and somewhere between the time that we turn the lights off and the time that the lights come on because it's morning, sweet Milo is snoring away right beside me. I think what happens is, while I'm looking for bugs with my flashlight and scanning across the room making sure I've checked every square foot I scan my light over to Milo's cage and see her either shivering or scrunched up in such a tight ball that she looks about the size of an over stuffed hacky-sac. I can't stand seeing her like this so I sneak out of bed and stuff her under the covers. :) Like I said though, this is all hypothetical, because I'm still not convinced that Eric doesn't do the same thing, every night!

So between the bugs and the snoring Milo, who starts out at the bottom of the bed and slowly creeps her way up to my pillow, I have a really hard time sleeping. Maybe I am in need of some change...

So do I give up Milo or the bug searching?? :)

Funny story: A few months ago I got a tattoo on my foot that says Forgiven. Well, unfortunately the "n" sort of looks like an "r" and therefore MANY people have said, "Oh cool your tattoo says forgiver"! Well, a couple weeks ago while Eric and I were traveling we stopped at McDonalds for a bathroom break. I decided to get in line for something to drink and while I was waiting I noticed someone looking at me. While feeling slightly awkward I turned toward the direction of the guy starring at my foot and he looked up at me and started cracking up. Feeling even more awkward and a little self-conscious I smiled but didn't get a chance to look away before he said, "Sorry I was just laughing because I read your tattoo and thought it said F**K*D". At this point I was so shocked that I neither laughed nor smiled, I just kind of stood there with disbelief that someone seriously thought I had the F word on my foot!! Only a few seconds went by and the guys friend said, "Seriously man you need to apologize, you don't say the F word in front of a lady". So ... my favorite part of the whole story... He gave his friend a little head bob and nod and said, "No need to apologize my man, she has already forgiven me because her tattoo says she's a forgiver". UGHH.... I want to be mad.. but I can't help but laugh. :) :):)

Day 3

2009-08-12T14:20:00.004-05:00

Detox Day 3: Look in your day planner at your plans for the next two weeks ahead. When will the highly-charged days be? And within those days, which will be the most stressful hours? Reserve time after those events in which to recover with nourishing food, rest and the kind of company you enjoy. Plan your recovery and write it in your day planner now.

With moving to a new city I would not consider my days, weeks, and months to be "highly charged". HA! It's actually been quite relaxing. However, just recently we have been scoping out houses with our Realtor and last Saturday, Eric and I put an offer in on a house that we love. It seems to be the perfect house for us but we will have to see. The weird thing is, you would think this would be a stressful process.. and at times it has been, but it's been so amazing to see how God has given us both a peace about things. I told Eric the other day that I am so excited to have neighbors that are more permanent then the ever so changing apartment neighbors that we have been through... don't get me wrong I love my apartment neighbors! I just can't wait to settle down and build relationships with people and not have the looming feeling that I'm soon going to move and have to start all over again. I guess this is what my blog title is all about.. Learning to be content...day by day. It's a process and I don't think we ever arrive, at least I don't think I ever will, at least not on earth. But in the meantime I will wait with a purpose and continue to enjoy the journey!

Side note: when it says to enjoy nourishing food... do you think that includes a large Iced Carmel Mocha from It's A Grind (my new favorite place)?? :)

Day 2

2009-08-11T15:02:00.008-05:00

I didn't explain in my last entry from yesterday that I am doing a 40 day spiritual detox. I am reading a book entitled, Detox your spiritual life in 40 days by Peter Greystone.

Detox Day 2: Bring to mind things that have been nagging you about your physical health, and set a target of doing something about them by the end of the forty day detox. Make an appointment to see a doctor if necessary. Organize some exercise and stretching. Relax and breathe deeply. Book a neck and shoulder massage at a reputable health center. If you drink caffeine or alcohol, substitute some or all of it with water. Get some fresh air, particularly if work or parenting require you to be in an office or at home for long periods.

Interesting that this chapter points out caffeine because I am sitting here having racing thoughts because of the 6 cups of coffee that I have just consumed. Seriously, I can't even type one word because my fingers want to type about 100!!!! I guess my New Years resolution of starting to drink coffee and continuing drinking pop wasn't a good one...?? :) I feel about how this guy looks. ---->

One thing mentioned in the book was several different ways that you could tell if you were in need of a physical detox and the author said, "minor irritable instances may simply be symptoms of treating your body like prison, not a temple. WHOA! When I read this I instantly thought of someone who is in a dark cell who trembles every-time he hears someone coming close because his form of torture is to be stuffed with food so much that his belly aches, he can't breathe, and he feels just miserable and there is nothing he can do about it because his master keeps filling him up with all this crap. He tries to tell his master to stop by complaining about these terrible feelings but his master doesn't listen and instead continues to fill him up so full that he has no energy to leave his cell and instead just lays there moaning and groaning with pain. I know, I know I'm such a dramatic person... but this is what I picture my stomach saying.

So food for thought.. don't allow your desires to imprison you and weigh you down.. :)

A little humor for today: So the maintenance man came in to fix some things in our apartment and we started the classic small talk about how's the weather, how women are terrible at fixing things (although he made sure that I knew he was NOT a sexist.. haha). Then, he said it.... so you're about as old as my daughter.. I paused and waited for him to say something about his super cute, fun, loving daughter... no.. instead he said yeah she is bogged down with several kids now and next week she'll be 33!!!! WHAT!!! No maintenance man I am not 33... try 26!! :):)

40 DAY DETOX - Day 1

2009-08-10T12:27:00.006-05:00

Detox Day 1: Try to think about everything you have eaten in the past week – the meals, the snacks, the treats. Think about the speed, the company, the nourishment,and the habits that you have gotten into. Is God trying to tell you anything about you life through your attitude toward food?

Food has always been an issue for me. The reason why I even found this book was because God has been convicting me about the way I treat my spiritual body and my physical body. In my mind the two are so deeply intertwined that when I lack in one area the other area suffers as well. For example I've noticed that the days that I feel really bad about myself is mostly because I do not feel good about my physical body, not in a eating disorder way more in the way that I realize that I only have one chance at this thing called life and I really don't want to roll my way through it only feeling half as good as I could be feeling. I've also noticed that the days when I feel closest to God I feel like I could run for 12 miles and still have the “Jesus glow” about me. I find it so interesting that it wasn't until this year in the Nazarene General Assembly that obesity was brought up, yet every other time we have met people seemed so concerned about drinking and heaven forbid doing a little do si do with your partner. I'm sure that by writing this I have already offended twelve people but just hear me out.

In 1 Corinthians 10:31 it says, “Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. Can't say I have been following this scripture because that means that every-time I run through McDonald's and have fries and a large coke that I am, or I should be eating and drinking that for the glory of God.. what?? I wish I knew more verses about this and if anyone does have any, please feel free to share.

I just finished reading Donald Miller's book called “Searching for God knows what”. After reading a few chapters in this book a very simple idea hit me (I'm sure I am the last person that has got this idea.. everyone else is like duh!!). When we choose to live in sin, God is not punishing us.. we are just feeling the natural consequences of our sin. For example, when I go into McDonald's (please don't think that I now believe McDonald's is the closest thing to hell, because I don't) and have my usual, which consists of a McChicken sandwich, medium fry and large coke I feel like crap. I feel like someone has sat on all of my airways and that I may just need oxygen to get me out to my car. I have also noticed that I feel like that for a while.. like maybe a few hours. After reading Donald Millers book I realized that this is a natural consequence of my sin. It's become sort of a joke between Eric and I now because whenever I fall into this temptation and I'm reaping the consequences of it later, Eric just looks at me with those “told you so eyes” and says “Natural consequence!!”.

See what I mean? I can't imagine what my life would be like, how much healthier I would be physically and spiritually if I gave God control of every part of my life and let Him make all of my decisions. Call me crazy, but I'm willing to try it. So I'm not going to declare a specific item that I'm going to give up, I'm just going to generally say that during this 40 day Detox I am going to let God make the decisions for everything, including what, where, how, when and whom I eat with.

Purpose of my blog

2008-04-18T14:53:00.004-05:00

I was just thinking today, "what is the purpose of this blog"? I came to the conclusion that some people are good at venting their frustrations or their thoughts verbally while others need to vent through writing or typing their thoughts. I fit into the second category. I find it much easier to type out my thoughts or frustrations, not saying that I don't ever vent... just ask Eric I definitely do verbal venting. :) But anyway I always feel bad if I don't write in my blog everyday or once a week. However, I realized today that I don't always have frustrations that I need or want to vent or have deep thoughts that I want to share. So I hope that you all will keep reading my blog even if I'm not consistent. :)

On a totally different note.. today Eric and I are heading to a new park. The trail we're going on is 8 miles long and I'm so stoked! We get to take Riley with us too! :) Hope you all have a good weekend and enjoy the sunshine.

Life is good.

2008-04-05T07:27:00.004-05:00

Hey Everyone! :) Just wanted to write a quick post. I don't have anything important to say but I wanted to write something since I haven't in a little while. This morning Eric went hiking with the guys. They are going on a 6 mile hike...I'm jealous.. I wanted to tag along! I am going to a meeting this morning for Big Brother Big Sisters. I am signing up to be a Big Sister.. I'm so excited!

While I was in Poland, I really wanted to find a way that I could get involved in the community and I think this will be a great start. I also realized that I am very selfish with my time. Sometimes I forget my true purpose for being in this world. I know I have to be careful not to over commit and allow a little time for myself... but I still think that we could all volunteer a little time every once in a while. :):)

Well I'm off. If you're in Ohio enjoy the sunshine!! I'm so excited! I think Riley and I will go for a little hike ourselves. :)

I just love this man!!:)

Anybody there??

2008-03-27T14:38:00.008-05:00

Wow! This has been the longest that I've gone without writing in my blog. It's actually been kind of freeing. All you bloggers out there know that it's not always easy or fun to keep your blog updated.

Lots of change has taken place since I wrote last. We are now back in the states and living in Ohio again. It feels good to be home, although I must say that I really do miss Poland. I really enjoyed being there and the people that we met were amazing! Sometimes I have to remind myself that I actually lived there for several months because it feels like a dream. Luckily, we were able to do some quick last-minute shopping before we left and so we have a few things sitting on shelves (actually, I don't really know where they are at this moment...ughh.) to remind us that it wasn't just a dream.

Eric is back at his same job. He even has his old office back...totally not far. I am out looking for a job. I've had several phone calls but no interviews yet. In the meantime I have been taking care of our 8 week old puppy, Riley. She is a handful! She's a weimaraner and let me tell you... she may be cuddly and sweet but she has a very wild side to her! It's fun though! (this actually is not a picture of Riley, but she looks just like this)

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful church that we have been welcomed back into. We are actually getting ready to start a new program called Element! It's going to be so awesome and we are thrilled to be a part of it!

So how are we doing with all this change and craziness? Pretty good. This week has definitely been better then the past couple of weeks. I think I've had a mix of culture shock and satan trying to get me down. I always think about the what ifs' and those are the times that satan really starts to take me for a spin. Please pray with me that God will give me the desire and the hunger for more of Him. It's been hard these past couple of months and I don't feel like my relationship with God is the same as it was before we left for Poland. I've let some negative thoughts creep into my heart and they have been pushing and pushing and not leaving enough room for love and passion for my creator. Thank you to everyone who has stuck by me through all of this. I love you and could not have done this without you.

Well, I just got a new vacuum and I'm really excited to try it out. :) Let me know if anyone still reads this... if not I may stop blogging.

We're Moved!

2008-02-15T09:21:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a really short post. Just wanted to let everyone know that we moved to Gdansk and we are in the process of apartment hunting! Please pray for us! We're excited to get started on ministry work and meet the people here! Today we are going out and looking at a few apartments. Tomorrow we have Kids Club and we're going Bowling with the teens! We're excited to be able to hang out with people and start developing friendships here!

Got to run!!

Love,
Shelly

The Simple Things

2008-01-22T18:56:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that we have been here for almost 2 weeks! The days have gone fast and slow all at the same time. We have kept fairly busy with mostly just getting situated and learning the in's and out's of Poznań. Eric has already started working on the computers here and helping the "flaky" internet connection. I have been meeting with fellow christians in the community and seeing how we can partner together. We have found a lot of the staple restraunts and grocery stores. We've been to 4 malls, ikea and I don't know how many other random stores. We feel pretty confident walking around by ourselves and getting around on the trams without help. The missionaries here (Ev and Rhonda Tustin) have been amazing. They have been extremely helpful and made us feel very at home.

We have already gone through what people call culture shock. I'm not sure what it is but whenever people go over seas it causes them to stop and think about what's going on in your life. It can be a difficult time and somewhat depressing. We are doing good though. Like I mentioned above, we have a good support system here and they have been a huge help.

So that the title of this post isn't totally random I wanted to share with you a few of the simple things that have come to my attention that I took for granted while living in the states. Here are just a FEW:

1. Eavesdropping. You just can't do this here. There's no hearing about a random persons best friends boyfriend that broke up with so and so's sister. I guess that's what happens when they all speak Polish.

2. Asking to borrow a chair. Eric and I went to KFC (yes, they have KFC here) and there was only 1 chair at our table so normally not a big deal, right? WRONG.. I had to sit there for like 20 minutes deciding which charade skit would work best to act out asking for a chair.

3. Cooking. I can't even believe that I brought this up. I've already blown things up, caught things on fire, made hamburgers... no wait turkey burgers, ate pickled canned kiwi... It's been crazy. I miss the days of easy mac.

These are just a few of the things that we have learned while here. I will sure more later. Have a great evening! Love and miss you all!

Dzien Dobry!

2008-01-12T01:15:00.000-05:00

Twelve hours and three planes after we left on Wednesday afternoon, we arrived in Poznan without any problems at all. Every one of our bags arrived, we didn't get hassled at customs, and we even managed to sleep a little bit on the flight(s) over.

The past couple of days since we arrived we have been sight-seeing and unpacking into our apartment. We feel so blessed to be here in Poznan and to have such a wonderful opportunity to share God's love with the people here.

I wanted to share a few pictures of our apartment with you all.Unfortunately the Internet connection here in our apartment isn't the strongest so it is hard to download pictures. If you check out our website you can see a few pictures that Eric downloaded last night of our apartment.

Well, I'm going to be off. Time to start getting reading for a new day! :)

Love and miss you all!
Shelly

listen.

2008-01-11T16:01:00.001-05:00

Have you ever had those moments where you sit back and actually listen. You get rid of all the craziness and head noise and you sit in silence. You drown out the cars outside or the neighbors voice that you hear creeping through your walls. I try to do this often, except most of the time this type of listening ends up with to-do lists and me racing off to finish something that I had forgotten about earlier.

However, tonight I listened. I stopped, and I listened.

I was able to forget about the past few hours, days, weeks and listen. I felt so blessed. I felt so unworthy. I felt so loved.

Less then 2 weeks!!!

2007-12-27T01:42:00.000-05:00

Wow these past few weeks have flown by. I realize that I haven't written in my blog in over a month. I apologize. I want to at least write something once a week, but these past few weeks have been crazy.

What have I been doing?

Buying tape, stalking people at meijer and walmart so i can steal their very large empty boxes, using those empty boxes to pack, selling things, cleaning the empty shelves, trying to make our somewhat empty home look like a home and last but not least enjoying my last few weeks with my dear family and friends.

How have I been doing?

I've been doing pretty well. Besides packing up there have been a lot of other things going on. My Grandpa hasn't been doing the best and has been in the hospital for almost a month now. That has been tough. I am very close with my family and it's been hard not living closer to them. Also a couple weeks after my grandpa was admitted to the hospital my Great Grandma Sheets passed away. This has been hard, but I rest assured knowing that she lived a long, wonderful life and she is now spending eternity with our Saviour! :)

Just a couple things I wanted to share and then I'm off to bed. I've been thinking a lot lately about my Grandpa Norris and the amazing life that he has lived. This guy doesn't know a stranger at all. Eric and I went to visit him a couple of nights ago and couldn't remember his room number so we ended up asking the receptionist at the front desk of the hospital. Her response was, "That James Norris, I should just write his name and information down on a piece of paper and keep it here on my desk. He is our most popular guest here in the hospital. :) That's my grandpa. I hope that I can show love the way that he has and continues to do despite his rough situation. No matter if he has stomach problems, a blood clot, amnesia, hallucinations, strokes, internal bleeding... he still shows Christ to others and prays continuously for the lost people in our world. :) What a blessing my grandpa has been to me. :) If you read this grandpa, I love you so much! Thank you for being an example of Jesus to me! I will never forget the things that you have taught me and the unconditional love that you have shown to me.

(I will try to write more later this week. Please pray for us because tomorrow is our last day to pack everything up. We are getting the Uhaul on Friday and moving all our stuff Friday and Saturday. I can't believe we are moving to Poland in less then 2 weeks! How exciting!!!)

Thank you Mr. Stephen Zirkle!

2007-11-21T11:06:00.000-05:00

This is one of the funniest things I have seen in a long time. Check it out and maybe even make your own! Just click on elfed below and enjoy!

Elfed

Thank you Mr. Stephen Zirkle for sharing this with me! :)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

2007-11-19T17:03:00.001-05:00

Where has the month gone? I'm still looking for October! Eric and I leave in only 51 days!!! I have been packing and packing and packing. Most people that know me, know that I HATE to pack. I can never figure out if I should take the brown flip flops or the green flip flops or hey they're small why not just take all of them! :) With having that much trouble with shoes, I'm sure that you can imagine how long it takes me to pack what outfits I want. Ugh... it really is a week process for me and that's only if I'm going to be gone overnight! :) Just kidding.. well... kind of.

With that dilemma, I'm sure you can imagine how hard it is for me to pack 2 suitcases that are supposed to last me for an entire YEAR... and on top of that, I have to stuff things in there that remind me of my home. YIKES! It's been interesting to see the pile of stuff that we want to pack grow from a laundry basket to half of a closet! Now don't get me wrong, I'm excited! This is an adventure to me and there is something exciting about knowing that you only have 2 suitcases with their zippers about to explode for an entire year! :) The part that isn't exciting to me is that horrible feeling you get in your gut when you're sitting in the airplane about to take off and you just know you forgot something! I can already feel that now, and I haven't even packed yet! Oh well... the most important thing that needs to arrive in Poznan, Poland is myself and my husband.Well, just wanted to share that with you all. Eric and I are getting ready to eat so I better get off here. Have a wonderful Monday and if I don't post before Thanksgiving, have a wonderful time eating and being with family! :)

Shelly:)

Lots to do

2007-11-07T15:32:00.001-05:00

Homecoming was a blast. We crammed 19 people and 2 dogs in one house. It was craziness, but so fun! It's always hard leaving everyone, but especially hard this time knowing that we won't see most of our friends for at least a year. (check out my pictures from homecoming on my facebook).

We are starting to pack stuff up. Eric and I have been trying to box and label our things at least one night every week. We are trying to make it fun and not get overwhelmed. It's really weird packing up. I feel like we're moving to another apartment in Reynoldsburg not another country.

God is good. We have a little over half of our money raised. Everyone has been so amazing and faithful! This weekend we are going to Bel Air, Maryland to speak in Eric's home church. We're excited but nervous. We will be speaking 6 times in one day! WOW!!! Please pray for us.

Well, I'm off to play cars with little Austin. I've been doing some baby-sitting and it's been a blast! Everyone have a great Wednesday.

2007-11-06T09:07:00.001-05:00

more to come on our weekend at onu homecoming. :)

unconditional.love

2007-10-23T09:23:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how God teaches us lessons. Right when we think we have some great truth down, He shows us we still need a little work. He takes our pride and slowly starts to brush it off revealing our nakedness and our imperfections.

Yesterday started as a pretty ordinary day for me. I had a lot to do and not much time to do it in. I was quickly rushing around in the morning and headed off to the thrift store to drop off some old clothes and household items (we've been cleaning out all of our stuff, that's another post though).

When I arrived at the thrift store I jumped out of my car and quickly made my way to the front of the building. Before I could make it inside I noticed a man standing by the door. His torn shirt, stained pants, hole filled shoes, and unkept hair disturbed me a little and honestly I went a little faster past him, just because of my own uneasiness. I went in and asked the cashier where I could drop off my bags and she told me to pull my car around to the back. Knowing that I would have to walk past the man outside again I tried to put on my best "act like everything is normal face". As I opened the door his head came up and my head went down. I heard him mumble something about sparing some change for a bus and I slowly turned my head and said sorry and walked away. I only made it about half way to my car when I looked down and saw the word agape written on my wrist. Agape, unconditional love. I wasn't showing this man unconditional love. Soon the verses in Matthew 25 started resonating in my head:

I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.'

With God reminding me of these words I quickly turned around and started walking back toward the man. Except for one thing was missing... the man. He was gone, in a matter of seconds he was no where to be found! I turned back around and I have never felt such disappointment and heartache. I surely denied God himself of something. I treated Him as if he was nothing. I tried to fight back the tears but they just kept coming. I felt so ashamed.

As I got in my car and drove around to the back of the store I noticed a man walking alongside the road. It was him. I pulled my car over and waited for him to see me. As he walked past my car, I rolled my window down and motioned for him to come over. He saw me and I could see the embarrassment, and shame all over his face. I wonder if he could see the embarrassment and shame on mine? I could tell that he had been rejected before... the way he hung his head and avoided eye contact made it obvious that he had. As he came to my window I got out some money and handed it to him. I told him that I would give it to him but I needed to tell him something first. Those eyes. I looked him straight in the eyes and told him that Jesus loved him. He looked away after I only got out about two words. So I said it again. The second time he looked at me and I felt as if I could see straight in his soul. I could feel his pain, disappointment, shame, hopelessness. This time when I told him, he stared straight at me and slowly closed his eyes with a single tear sliding down his dirt stained face. He quickly said thank you and walked away.

I don't know what that man will do with that money. I just know that I had to do it. I'm not advising everyone to give money to homeless people because I am sure that a lot of that money gets spent on bad habits. I'm just advising people to love and allow God to love others through us. I'm also reminding everyone to not turn their nose up at people that may look different then us. I say this not just to others, but mostly to myself. This story would not even exist, if I did not struggle with this very issue of unconditional love. Everyone needs Jesus, whether you have it all or you've lost it all. Everyone.

sorry it's been so long.

2007-10-18T10:17:00.000-05:00

I know it's been forever since I've posted. We have been so busy this month... well, this year! :) Just to be honest, sometimes I look at the calendar and pray that I will become ill just so I can stay home and start reading my long list of books while sipping my hot green tea. :) Unfortunately, I am healthy and very capable of conquering the activities on my calendar. Also unfortunately, all of the activities that are on the calendar I look forward to.

This past weekend was nice. We were surrounded all weekend by family and friends. I felt so loved by the family members that opened up their houses to us and allowed us to gather with other family members and friends.

Speaking of feeling loved. Ever since our "missions secret" has gotten out I have been amazed at the love that I have been shown. Eric and I have now spoken in 5 churches and at ever single one of those churches we have met people, whom we do not know, yet who have promised to pray for us, told us how proud they are of us and most importantly have shown us Jesus. I just want to say thank you to all of you who have supported us. I don't mean financially, even though I am VERY thankful for that. However, more important then finances we have had people who have prayed for us and encouraged us. Without that, we would not be where we are now. Thank you.

Well, I wanted to post before we leave for the weekend. Eric is getting home early today and we are heading off to Tennessee. We have a free two-night stay in the Smokey Mountains and we decided to take advantage of it before we head off to Poland. We are looking forward to spending time together alone. It's only for a few days, but we are very excited. I hope you all have a good weekend. Try not to get swept away by the storms that are supposedly circulating around the Midwest. :)

2007-09-21T04:56:00.000-05:00

I've been wanting to post for a while now but haven't had the chance to do it yet. I am feeling better and recovering from my surgery. If you want to know what surgery I had just email me and I'll tell you. :)

This past weekend-week has been crazy (I feel like I say that all the time...ha-ha). On Friday night Eric and I met some friends and headed over to the young adult camp-out. We didn't end up spending the night but we stayed until midnight and had crazy fun playing night time corn-hole, roasting marshmallows, and just chit-chatting around the fire.

Saturday, Eric and I slept in and then got up to clean the house just a little before we headed off for the craziest Buckeye Party ever. We went over to The Meyers house and had such a good time. I can honestly say that I maybe watched about 1/2 hour of the entire game. I was too busy talking to Mindy and laughing at everyone else that got really excited when the Buckeyes scored. :) Around 5pm on Saturday, Adam, Abbey, Jon and Annie stopped by to pick up their car, go to the restroom and be on their way home from vacation. I didn't get to visit with them for long due to prior commitments, but I did have a good 1/2 hour with them.

After they left Mindy and I headed back over to The Meyer's house and finished watching the game with them. Around 8pm, Kara Decrastos called and said she was finished with the wedding and was heading over to my house. So I got to the house at about 9sh and Kara and I stayed up till about 1am and then headed to bed.

Sunday, we all got up for church and accidentally missed Sunday School (oops). We had a great service with Pastor Marty. He talked about being the salt to the unsaved world. Sunday afternoon we went out to eat with a few people after church and then Kara and I headed to the Thrift Store. Unfortunately, we didn't have as successful of a trip as Mindy and I did a few weeks earlier. I only managed to find one thing and Kara nothing.. although she almost did grab the yellow sweater on her way out. :)

Sunday night came too fast. This was the night that we were to speak in front of our home church. I wasn't nervous until I realized how many people I knew at church. Little side note: Eric and I realized that we do much better speaking in front of people we don't know as well, rather then our good friends. Speaking of friends, our friends made a HUGE line right in the front row Sunday night. They were all smiles and giggles, however they managed to be pretty good... or so I thought. I will tell you that I did see out of the corner of my eye two signs. One read, "Go Chicky (Eric's sign.. don't ask..ha ha) and the other "You go girl". Those were held up by the lovely Miss LuAnne and Miss Lisa. HA HA! Now I said that my "front row friends" were good, however at the end of the service we sat down and my friend Mindy handed me a mysterious note. I flipped it over and all I could see were tally marks and the word UM across the top. I discovered that Mindy had counted individually how many times Eric had said um and how many times I had said um. Eric won. HA HA! :) It was really funny! Thanks Mindy, I'm so adding that to my scrapbook.

Well, I think that is all for now. Oh yeah, I would add some pictures but I forgot to take any this entire weekend. I'm so mad at myself. :(

Off.

2007-09-19T05:07:00.001-05:00

I know what you're thinking... Shelly is posting at 6am did Eric pray that God would wake her up again? The answer is no. I am going in to the doctor for some medical reasons. I won't be around to blog for a few days. Please pray for me as I recover. Everyone have a great Wednesday... (it seems like I always post on Wednesday's.. hm.. weird).

Love,

Shelly

ps. don't worry.. I'm okay! :)

7:30am.

2007-09-14T06:58:00.000-05:00

Do you ever have those days where you are just really excited to wake up. I usually don't, however, today I did. Every morning around 7:30am, out of my half open eyes I see Eric walk around the bed and come to my side. He usually says something like, "Bye..love you" or if he's late, "Bye... gotta go, I'm late, love you" then I see this dark shadow slowly leave the room. Still not sure if this is Eric leaving or me falling back asleep. Well today, the dark shadow never came, Eric left, but the shadow never came. Instead, I tried to close my eyes and go back to sleep but all I could think about was hair dye, cleaning out dressers, looking for winter coats, mailing my special package, and hearing more about missions. Now, I know that I've lost a few readers because you're probably thinking... who gets excited about hair dye and cleaning out dressers... haha!

Just a few minutes ago I got off the phone with Eric. You're never going to believe what he just told me. First let me give you a little background information. One thing that I have always loved about Eric is his dedication to God. It never fails that EVERY morning he always has quiet time with God... I'm sure there are some mornings where he misses... but maybe not. :) I also know that Eric prays for me everyday, he may not always tell me, but I just know. Well just a few minutes ago when I called him we talked a few minutes, I told him what I was going to do for the day and I hung up. However, right as I was hanging up I could barely hear a muffled... "Shelly"... then it was too late because I had shut the phone. OOPS! So I dialed his number again and said I was sorry for hanging up and he said.... I just wanted to let you know that I prayed for you today. I thought to myself that's weird that he didn't just send that in an email with a little smiley face. So I said, "oh yeah, what about?" I should have known.. He replied, "Well I asked God to wake you up when He wanted you up and to make you excited about the day. " I paused... and replied, "Eric, please don't ever pray that again". HAHA!

Isn't that funny how God answers our prayers. That is a true story. It was so funny. After Eric told me about what he had prayed for and I told him not to pray that again I told him I was just writing a blog and the first sentence just happened to say.... do you ever have those days where you wake up really excited. :) You know I think God has more of a sense of humor then we think.

Well, I need to get off here so I can spend some time with the BIG MAN who decided to wake me up excited! :) Have a great day... and remember... be excited about your day, even if it means you will be cleaning out dressers. :)

Busy.

2007-09-12T15:16:00.000-05:00

Judging by the title I'm sure you may assume that I am busy, however what you don't know is that I've been run-around-like-a-crazy-person-busy. Thank goodness busyness doesn't always have to be a negative thing. My busyness has been good!

Well we made it through speaking at Marysville Church of the Nazarene. Surprisingly, I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would have been. I will admit though that when we first got up to speak I thought to myself... "Run... don't look at anyone just run". Thankfully, common sense has been instilled in me, so I decided to stay. It was really scary and exciting to be apart of that service. It was weird to here them say we have some missionaries here from our area and then say our names. Weird. This coming Sunday we are speaking at our home church. Hopefully it will be as good of an experience as Marysville was. Our friends from church said they were going to hold up signs for us and ask all kinds of silly questions. I will die if they do. HAHA

Aw, I just washed Lucas and he is just sitting here looking at me like "yeah i know I look good". hehe We went for a walk today and he took a little dip in the pond! He loves swimming!

There was so much fun stuff that went on last week and this week that I want to share it with you all. First on Thursday I got to go and work for a little while at Eric's parents house. I started working on laying the carpet in the bathroom downstairs and I started painting the cabinet and the mirror. It's fun! On Friday night we had some out of town visitors come and stay with us. Adam, Abbey, Jon and Annie all went on vacation together so they wanted to know if they could spend the night on Friday and then head off for vacay the next day. So of course we said yes. Plus, on top of that Laura Lynn came over from Cinncy. We seriously had such a good time with everyone. We ended up staying up till about 4am (at least Abbey and I did). That's what happens when you put 4 girls in one room... they talk. :) It was so nice to hang out with all of them.

Saturday Eric and I scheduled a work day at Eric's parents house. We got there at about 1:30 and stayed till around 8:30pm. It was such a long day.. but a good one. We worked and worked and worked some more. I did a power-washer while Eric did all kinds of hard stuff. Needless to say we ended up going to bed at 9:30 that night. It was nice. I don't think I've gone to bed that early since middle school when that was my bedtime. HA! :) Sunday was just as much of a crazy fun day. My friend Mindy (Spencer) Jones came to church with us Sunday morning and we had a good time. After church we decided to make a trip to Dublin to run some errands and then stop by the thrift stores. I actually found a few shirts there that I am really excited about. They were like $2 each! SWEET! I love thrift shopping. Luckily, we ended up making it to church right in time. After church we went out to eat with a bunch of friends from church and had a really funny time at DQ! LuAnn about got us into a fight with some Browns fans. HAHA (She was wearing a Steelers jersey and these people were seriously glaring at us out the window!)

Monday, Eric and I continued the daunting task of packing and cleaning our our garage.. we are no where close to being done. :( We had a good time just being together and looking through yearbooks and old things we hadn't seen in a while. Tuesday we had a Deputation Service at the church for the Sidle family. They are missionaries in Zambia. They did an awesome job. After church Nick and Mindy came over and we had a really good time laughing and telling stories. I won't say what the subject of our stories was about. HAHA! Some things must be kept in the Slonecker house! HAHA That brings us up to today. As I mentioned above I just got back from walking Lucas and now I'm just getting ready for tonight. Eric and I were invited to a cookout with our Bible study class. We are really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, with us keeping so busy we haven't been able to meet as many people at our church as we would like to. Everyone that we have met at church has been so friendly and been such an encouragement to us. :)

Well I should get off here and finish getting ready. Have a super Wednesday. Enjoy some fun pictures from our crazy weekend and week. :)

I love Labor Day!

2007-09-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

With everything going on lately, Eric and I decided to take a little weekend getaway! Eric's parents just bought an AMAZING house and happened to be going out of town this weekend, so we got to pretend like we were country livers for a little while. :) It was fun! We did lots of fishing, riding on the Gator, playing basketball, shooting guns, swimming in the pond (well, more like jumping in the pond than screaming because I was terrified a big fish would eat me). Not only did we get to spend a little time away from everything but Tim, Trina and Claire came to visit. We had fun showing them around the house and hanging out at Bob Evans. On Monday we came back to Reynoldsburg. It's amazing how small your apartment looks when you spend a few days at someone else's house. :)

Monday we drove all around and managed to go to Chipoltle, 2 Half Price Book Stores, Cold Stone Creamery, and Barnes and Noble. We also watched The Burbs and ate Donatoes pizza. It was a fun weekend of books and eating.... just happens to be some of my favorite things...not to mention it was with some of my favorite people. I had such a good time seeing little Claire. She has gotten bigger and sure is so cute! :)

I can't believe that today is already Tuesday! Tomorrow evening Eric and I have to speak at Marysville Church about our missions assignment. I'm a little nervous, but trying not to be. Actually, I was trying to think of what I was going to say and I was reminded of when all this mission stuff started to happen. How confusing! So rewarding now, but very confusing at the time. I remember when I wrote this post, What do you desire and I was really struggling with selfishness, which was keeping me from accepting my call to missions. I still struggle with selfishness, honestly I probably always will. I guess that's what comes with being human. I do know that God has changed my heart a lot. This weekend my brother was asking me about our call and I started to remember all the struggles that I had and all the selfish desires that were within me. Wow!

Please pray for us if you remember. We actually are speaking at three different churches within the next three weeks. We want to make sure that God does the speaking and we do the listening. I don't want people to hear my words. I want people to hear Jesus and to see Jesus in us.

I'll try to update more regularly. It's just been hard with so much stuff going on lately. We've been trying to get as much time with our friends and family as we possibly can. I can't believe that we will be leaving for a year in less than 3 months! AHH!! :) I'm ready.. well as ready as I can be.

real quick...

2007-08-22T23:39:00.000-05:00

Wow, two posts in one day!! :) Especially amazing since it's 12:40am!! YIKES! I have a dentist appointment tomorrow morning at 9am clear across town. :( Not looking forward to that.

Well, I just wanted to let everyone know about our (Eric and I) new website. Eric created it and he is such an amazing web designer (he would make fun of me for calling him that..hehe). Anyway, this is what we are going to use while we are in Poland for a year. It has lots of neat-o things like an about us page, our ministry page, blog, support us, and contact information. We don't have our address in Poland yet, and probably won't until we actually get there. We will hopefully be able to eventually add a photos section where we can add pictures of our apartment, city, etc... There is also a link where you can sign up to receive updates as we add new stuff. :) I really hope you guys check it out. I already added it on the right hand side under links, but here it is too just in case you can't find it:

http://ericandshelly.info

Hope you guys enjoy it! :) I had better be heading to bed now so I can be nice and chipper tomorrow morning as I get my teeth drilled into!! YIKES!!

Love ya all,

Shelly

PS. thanks for all the previous comments on my last entry. all of your encouragement is greatly treasured and appreciated!

My thoughts

2007-08-22T13:02:00.001-05:00

I wanted to post something today since I haven't posted in a while. I couldn't really think of what to post so I decided to share todays journal entry with you (I write in a journal everyday, usually just prayer requests and me talking with God.).

August 21, 2006 -12:50pm

God, I ask that you would give me peace. I need you and need your comfort right now. There are so many things going on and I feel like my attention is being drawn away from you and away from your peace. I know I can't do this on my own anymore. I need you. I need your help. Father, I'm not a public speaker, yet I'm already signed up to speak in 3 churches. We have to raise $20,000, yet I can't find a job. I'm in love with that little fury, black and white thing that we've had for two years, yet we have to give him away. Help! Father when you provide for all these things I will give you the praise. I say when instead of if because I know that you will provide for me, you already have! I ask that you will give me enough peace so that I can rest in your arms. I will rest!

Expecting great things,

Shelly

132,480 minutes and counting...

2007-07-30T16:28:00.001-05:00

Sorry that it has taken me FOREVER to update this thing. There has been so much going on. Let's see since I last wrote.... I have had a gazillion interviews, jammed at two different concerts, hung out with friends, attended Women of Faith, had an AMAZING week with my sister and niece, lots and lots more job hunting and went to the dentist! It's been a little busy! :) I know I'm missing something there! Oh, I know what it is, we found out that we are moving to Poland (yes as in the country, not as in Poland, Ohio... that's what the dentist asked me today..haha) in November. Actually, we leave 3 months from today!

So, needless to say we have been CRAZY busy! There is so much stuff that has to be done. Finally, last night I just had to sit down and step out of my situation and start prioritizing things. I also had to realize that things don't get done in one day. A lot of times it takes months to plan things. I also have been stressing out because I have been job hunting for a WHILE now. It's really hard to get hired though when you are only going to be around for another 3 months. Of course I don't volunteer that information, but if they ask deep down in my heart I know I have to tell them.

Well, that is enough babbling for one day. I wish everyone a Happy Wednesday. Eric and I are eating some Stromboli tonight (thanks Christy for the recipe) and heading to church.

Please keep us in your prayers as we have a million things to do and only approximately 132,480 minutes (this is how many minutes till take off....ahhh) to do them in. :)

Happy Birthday to my baby! :)

2007-07-22T16:40:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to give a little shout out to my baby! Today is his birthday! I love you Eric Ryan!

Actually, on a funny note... today Eric and I went to a Sunday School class pool party. Let me just tell you at the party Eric got a little wet! HAHA The guys plotted against him and threw him in the pool with all his clothes on! I managed to get his wallet and Dennis grabbed his glasses! It was really funny! One of the ladies remembered to bring a camera, so I will be posting pictures as soon as I get some! :)

Random quote: This is my new favorite quote regarding uni-brows... "so you know your eyebrows got married, right?". From the show The Parkers.

Festivals!

2007-07-20T13:01:00.000-05:00

I was just looking back at the past month and Eric and I have gone to 3 festivals and tonight will make 4! I guess you could say we are festival junkies! :) Tonight is the Jazz and Rib Festival and I'm really looking forward to it. We are going with some friends from our small group, ONU friends and possibly Alicia! :) I've never been before but I've heard that it's really fun and relaxing!

Well to give everyone a little update. We have been in contact with Poland (yes, as in the country) regarding mission work. Eric and I have prayed a LOT about it and are feeling so far that this is where God is leading us! We actually spent the evening yesterday huddled on the floor at Barnes and Noble with each of our noses in books about Poland trying to learn and read as much as we could. That is a GREAT place to go to find out information about traveling or different countries. We are getting excited!

Just a few days ago we found out that they (missionaries in Poland) are wanting us to come as early as November! YIKES! We are waiting now to hear back from Kansas City (missions headquarters) as to whether that will work out or not. So if you remember, please say a special prayer for Eric and I as we are trying to decide the best location that God wants us to be at! :)

On a totally different note. Last night and today I have been thinking a lot about how far God has brought me over the past year. All you faithful blog readers remember all the struggles that I have had with agreeing to mission work, to wanting to have a baby, to just being content with who I am. God has really been working on me. Right now my biggest passion is wanting to do missions! I am just so excited about it that I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. While I do still want kids, I am really content being single. It wasn't until I talked with my friend Jenny and realized that it's okay to not have kids right now. Eric and I are still young and there are a lot of things that we want to do and enjoy doing kid-free. So needless to say, that is the biggest thing that God has helped me with. I can honestly say that I'm content (at least for a day or so.. hehe). :)

Well I need to get off here. I'm going to meet Alicia at Easton to get coffee and walk around. Everyone have a great weekend! Eric's birthday is Sunday so that will be exciting! :)

vacation.

2007-07-16T15:31:00.000-05:00

We made it back to Ohio late last night. We had such a good time at Sunset Beach, NC. It was a little warm, but I can't complain! :) It was nice because we were only a couple blocks away from the beach! We were a little far from all the shopping and restraunts, but it was kind of nice to not be tangled up in traffic!

I had tons of fun riding the waves, laying out, shopping, renting a Harley, eating, playing domino's, fishing, experiencing Krispy Kreme, and last but not least driving! :) We stayed up till about 12 everynight and one night we stayed up till about 3am! I hadn't laughed that much in a while! HAHA! Here are a few pictures from our vacation.

My week!

2007-07-07T21:32:00.001-05:00

HEY EVERYBODY! :) Well today has been a crazy day. Eric and I have been running around like crazy trying to do laundry, clean the apartment, get some groceries and pick up a few things for our vacation. My parents are going to Myrtle Beach and Eric was able to get off so we are going along with them! YIPEE! :) Also tonight Kara and Landon are coming to visit! I'm really excited to see them! I haven't seen either of them since my wedding.. which was over two years ago! Craziness!

Well just to update you on what has been going on the last week. On Tuesday Eric and I went to Red, White and Boom downtown Columbus with some church friends. We had such a good time. It was craziness there. I actually heard that there was approximately 1/2 million people there! CRAZY! It was by far one of the best firework shows that I have ever seen! Here are a few picture s from the night.

On July 4th Eric and I went to Cincinnati to visit Tom and Laura. We had so much fun! It's fun visiting with people that really know you. When we got to Cincinnati we ate some lunch, played with Antwone (hehe), and then headed down toward the river. Once we got to the river we rented a four-person bike and had such a blast.

We ended our fun day with trying to have a cookout but got rained out! This is a picture of Tom and Laura trying to save our charcoal! HAHA :) We ended up going back to Tom's and eating at his place!! :)
Well I'm off, Kara and Landon just called and said they were on their way! YIPEE!! :) I'm sure I'll have more pictures to post later! Everyone have a super weekend!

Don't hate, appreciate!

2007-07-04T06:23:00.000-05:00

Sorry I know you all probably hate me. It's been like FOREVER since I've posted last. There has been so much going on lately and I haven't really remembered to blog.

First, a couple weeks ago I said I was going to a wedding in Wisconsin. I did end up going and had a great time. It was really fun to hang out with everyone. :) I shared a hotel room with Laura, Nadia, and Annie and we had such a good time. I also had a really fun time driving with my fellow diva, Laura and our diva pimp, Tom. :) That ride would not have been the same without you two! Here are a few highlight pics from the trip! :)

Well last weekend Eric and I went to Indiana to see my brothers ordination service. :) We had a really good time visiting with family! Here are some pictures from that.

These are for you Laura! :)

Sorry I know this has been a really long post! :) I hope you all enjoy the pictures! Well I better get off here. Eric and I are heading to Cincinnati to spend the day with Tom and Laura! YAY!! :) I'll write more later! Happy 4th everyone!

Journey

2007-06-21T12:17:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I won't be writing in my blog for a little while. I'm going to Wisconsin for a wedding. :) I hope you all have a great weekend.

Peace <><

Thanks Teresa

2007-06-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

Not a lot going on today. I was really excited when I checked the mail today. :) My friend Teresa sent me a book in the mail. Not just any book, but Karen Kingsbury's Ever After. I can't wait to start reading it. Later this afternoon I met my mother and sister-n-law at a cute little restaurant. We had a good time chatting and catching up.

Right now I'm just waiting for Eric to get home from work. He called and said that because of the rain people feel the need to drive 20 mph. HAHA! Well I'm going to finish getting ready for dinner. Everyone have a wonderful evening!

It's been almost two weeks already...

2007-06-15T13:24:00.000-05:00

Sorry I didn't realize that it has been almost two weeks since my last post!

Just to bring you all up to date. I had a great time in Indiana. It was really nice to be there for longer then a weekend. I got to spend lots of time with everyone including my two adorable nieces! :) I also managed to do some garage sale(ing) on my way out of town. :) It was a good week!

Regarding missions. I know I haven't updated in a while. We heard back from Headquarters and they said that everything looked great on our application except for the fact that we had never been on any long term missions trips (the longest we had both been was 2 weeks). So, our next step is to volunteer for 3months-1year overseas. They mentioned that they already have some places that could use some help in Europe and Asia Pacific. Some of the places in Europe include: Poland, Slovenia, and Macedonia. I'm not sure yet where the places are in the Asia Pacific. They noted that we should be ready to go by January, 2008.

As soon as we figure out a destination then we get to start the lovely fundraising part of it. This is my least favorite part. :( I just hate asking people for money. The thing that I keep reminding myself is this is God's will for us and whether it be $5000 or $25,000 we will get the money!! God will provide! He always has before!!!

On a completely different note the past couple of weeks I have been reading about how God created each of us unique. This just amazes me. I can't even fathom that EVERY person on this planet is unique! WOW! That just shows how big a God we serve! Another thing I've been thinking about is how we/I complain about my appearance. There is always something that I'm discontent with. I don't know if you have ever made anything. I know that when Eric and I started dating I made him a scrapbook. I poured hours and hours of my time into that silly thing. It was so important to me that I cared about every single little detail. If someone even dared to say something negative about it I would have been crushed!! All that work!! In the same way I made that book God also made each of us and how much more important are we then that silly book. He put so much time into creating us so that we would be completely different then everyone else around us. I never really thought about the fact that when we pick apart and criticize ourselves we are directly criticizing God's work! He made us just the way we are.

Also, in the same aspect we should take care of what God made. This is really hard for me to take hold of. Working out and eating healthy hasn't really ever been one of my strong points! I really believe that we need to think more about how we are treating our bodies and what we are putting in our bodies on a daily basis. I'm not saying you have to be a fitness freak, but get a little exercise every once in a while. It doesn't take much effort to go for a walk. It can actually be quite enjoyable, especially if you remind yourself why you're doing it. :)Well I need to get off here and get ready. Eric and I are going to the Latino Festival tonight. I am excited. Hopefully we'll get to try some new food and maybe even see some cool dancing! Hopefully they won't make us participate! HA HA :)

Be careful what you pray for.

2007-06-03T05:20:00.000-05:00

Well it's about 6am here and I can't sleep. You might be thinking, oh 6am, that's not bad, I get up at 5am.... well 6am is just when I decided to actually get out of bed because I got sick of staring at the ceiling for 3 hours!! That's right, I've been up since 3am. Oh, and you may think, well that's not that bad. At least you got a few hours of sleep!! WRONG!! I went to bed around 2isham!! I was trying to prolong the night as much as I could since Eric is leaving for a business trip today! He will be gone for a WHOLE week! I know some of you at this point are rolling your eyes and thinking how pathetic I am! HAHA :) I just really love my husband!

I am heading off to my parents for the week! I am looking forward to my time there! Actually I got a really good idea from my pastor's wife. Once every year her and her husband go their separate ways for a week or maybe just a few days and spend their time of "solitude". Basically they go to a location where it is harder to reach them and where they are less tempted to check email or whatever they do on a daily basis. While they are their they spend time praying, fasting, reading, writing in their journals, basically whatever they can do to get closer to God. So, this next week that's I what I'm going to be doing. Eric and I have had a lot of decisions to make these past few weeks, well really this past year, and I think this is the perfect time to go and pray more about everything!! Before I head off I want to share a really cool story.

So on Friday I got up and did my devotions. God has really been speaking to me lately about the importance of spending time with him first thing in the morning. So I usually get up, let Lucas out then sit at the table and eat my Cheerios and drink my hot green tea and spend my time with God there! Awhile ago I told you about the devotion book I've been reading. It's been awesome! It's called Women of the Bible. Well on Friday my study was about the importance of having other women to guide you and be there for you. As you know, we moved to Ohio about two years ago and it's been challenging to meet new friends. Honestly, it took me about a year to even want to. I made amazing friends in college and I didn't feel that I needed anyone else. I'm glad that I got a new outlook. I have met some pretty amazing people here. My friend Alicia is one. She has been a great friend and really stuck with me through the tough times! :)

So Friday I read this lesson and it read at the bottom to ask God to send you a friend that can keep you accountable and that you can get to know more, so I did. Well I finished up reading and praying and grabbed my backpack and headed for the pool. Little did I know that a storm was following me to the pool. No joke, once I got down working out and I had just laid my towel down beside the pool the rain started coming down. I wondered why everyone was leaving when I was walking in. Everyone left which meant that I was sitting there alone in the pouring rain! HAHA At first this really ticked me off, but then I started enjoying it. I mean how often are you already dressed to get wet when it's pouring! I felt like a little kid jumping in a rain puddle! :) Well pretty soon this lady comes through the gate. She must have felt like a little kid too because she came right in and jumped in the FREEZING cold pool! We both started laughing!

Finally the rain went away and the sun slowly started to peek through the clouds, so I decided to be brave and go put my feet in the water. Well when I did the lady turned around and we started talking. We talked about family, jobs, the pool, vacation.. basically EVERYTHING! Finally I decided to be brave and ask her if she attends church. She said she did! So we started talking about that. This is when I noticed that she seemed to be more serious about church then most people are when you ask this question. Most of the time people say, "oh yes, we are very religious, we attend on Easter, Christmas, Mother's Day"... you get the point. She wasn't like this, she was talking about God and Bible Studies and women and her passions. I started to get a little excited. :) Finally she asked me if I was involved in any women Bible studies. I told her no. So she asked me if I would be interested in joining her Bible study at her apartment on Thursdays!! :) How awesome! After we talked for a while, I asked her if I could tell her something and have her not think I'm crazy. I told her about my devotion book and that I specifically asked God for a friend today and He answered my prayer. It was so amazing! We ended up spending about 4 hours talking IN THE POOL! HAHA I looked like a prune when I got out, not to mention my legs felt like jell-o. But that crazy lady that walked through the gate and jumped in the pool in the pouring down rain just happened to be my new God-sent friend! :)

I'll keep you all updated on how the Bible Studies goes! I am really looking forward to them!!:)

I think I hear Eric stirring around in the other room. I better go check to make sure he's awake and not having another one of those silly dreams of his! HAHA That's a whole other post!!
Happy Sunday everyone!

She's back by popular demand! :)

2007-05-30T14:27:00.000-05:00

Well due to a few threats and a few people sending hate emails and messages I'm going to try HARDER and keeping this updated better. Actually life has slowed down a little for Eric and I now, so maybe I will have more time. I get the question a lot, "what do you do at home all day?" Well I can't really answer that, but all I can say is that I keep busy! It seems like there is always something going on. For example today, I went and worked out than I laid out by the pool for 3 hours!! HAHA That is keeping busy! :) :) What a wonderful husband I have that will slave away at work while his wife sits by the pool sipping her iced tea and reading a book (thanks Alicia for the book).

Speaking of the pool, I have to tell you a funny story that happened today. So this lady gets up and goes into the bathroom and she comes out yelling about how she can't believe that she is burnt. (oh first, this lady was not tan, but not pale). So then she sees me laying there and she comes over and says word for word, "well, you better either put some sunscreen on or go inside because you are a LOT whiter then me, and I'm burnt." I was cracking up! It makes me laugh thinking about how some people just have no tact! HAHA:) It's all good, I know I'm white!!

Last night we had our small group and it went really well. It was at a different location and not as many people showed up, so I thought it would be fun, but maybe not as deep as normal. I was wrong! We talked about the Holy Spirit and it was great! I learned so much from all my friends. We also had a good time talking about why Christians are overweight! :) We decided that it's because of all the potlucks and carry-ins that you have at church. If you are Nazarene you definitely know what I'm talking about. So we all decided that we're going to do something about it. Instead of going out to eat as our special event for the month, we're going to go to the park and play volleyball or to the zoo and walk around and get some exercise! :) I'm excited!

Something else that we talked about last night was the amazing peace that only God can give. One of our group members is in AA and he talked about how you can just see it on the peoples faces when they talk about their "higher power" giving them peace. That made me think, I hope people can see something different about me. You know, with everything that has been going on lately, God has give me a peace. There are some days that I feel it more then others, but I know it's there. I'm so thankful that we serve such an awesome and powerful God. I'm so thankful that even if I'm in over my head and I feel like my world is falling apart, my God can lift me up and help me put the pieces back together!

Well tonight Eric and I are taking it easy and watching a movie and boiling peanuts! :) He found it on the Internet, so we decided to give it a try. :) Here are a few pictures from our fun weekend at my parents! :)

Long overdue update

2007-05-15T11:55:00.000-05:00

Eric and I had a really good weekend. We didn't have any plans, and that is just the way we liked it!! :) Actually, Friday Eric surprised me after he got off work with a Bonsai tree and a card. He is so sweet! :) He knew that Mother's Day would be kind of a difficult time and I might not feel included, so he wanted to make me feel special and apart! :) Than he took me out to Red Lobster! YUM!! :)

On Saturday we went to the zoo and had a really great time. :) After the zoo we went to this really cool place that actually Eric's mom discovered. It's called the Velvet Ice Cream Mill. It's awesome! Although, I was a little disappointed with their nature trail. We had a really good day Saturday! It was nice to be outside for most of the day.

I was a little worried about Sunday, with it being Mother's Day and all. However, we had an awesome church service and spent most of the afternoon with Eric's family. Our pastor did a great job of acknowledging and incorporating into his sermon different heartaches that people may be experiencing on Mother's Day. It was good.

Monday was fun too!! My friend Alicia and I went and got pedicures and had a really relaxing time! Although it took me about 30 minutes to decide on a color, I finally picked HOT PINK! HEHE It's fun!! :)

**Well, right now there is so much going on. I don't really want to talk about the details, but God has been revealing some important and life changing things to us. Just please continue to pray for us! :) Some exciting news, Eric and I are looking at taking about a week and a half trip to Florida in the Fall! It has been exciting looking up places and things to do while we are there! This vacation is much needed and September seems so far away!

Sorry I don't really have anything important to write about. Just wanted to update you all since I had some angry commenter's on my last posting! (J/K!!! :) )

The Voice of Truth

2007-05-04T13:51:00.000-05:00

This has been a hard month. I know it's only May 4th, but May has been unusually disappointing. Normally around this time, all of my stored up happiness and excitement starts to spill out and I experience real enjoyment. I am normally out running around looking for a park to go to or things for Eric and I to do outside. However, not today, or the past few days, for that matter. All that I have felt like doing is sitting inside and staring out the patio door watching everyone else outside enjoying themselves. This could also be because every time I go outside my neighbor wants to talk... not just the typical "hi, how are you", but the meaningful, deep, what am I doing with life conversations. :)

I feel like there are so many things in life that I could be excited about, but I can't. I can't because I have to protect myself. That's what everyone tells me, at least! I'm just getting so tired of constantly having my protection guard up. I want to love someone unconditionally and know that they are mine and I don't have to give them back. I know this sounds totally selfish, but I'm just trying to be honest. I'm hurt to think that I have to raise money, not just a little money but thousands of dollars to have a child and then wait months not knowing what's happening to my child, while someone else goes into the hospital and pays $200 and within 72 hours walks out the door with their baby. I'm just confused! I just feel so helpless! I'm also not saying that by having your own child you are less of a person or not as strong, but it's just different.

I'm sorry if this seems like a depressing post, I just had to share! I've been feeling this way for a while and just needed to get it off my chest. It's actually kind of funny because I just heard the song "The Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns. I think that during all these times of struggles I've been letting Satan get me down. It's just hard to think positive when there are so many negative things going on around you. Please just continue to pray for me and for Eric. I know this has been a hard time for Eric too. He's had to deal with all of this plus deal with an emotional wife that cries at the sound of the phone ringing! :) :)

Thank you guys for reading this. Seriously, it means so much to me to know that people actually care to read my blog! I love you guys! :)

The Lord's Prayer

2007-04-27T12:52:00.000-05:00

For the past month our pastor has been preaching on The Lord's Prayer. It has been so eye opening!! This is going to sound really sad, I never thought about what this specific prayer is saying. It wasn't until our pastor started breaking it up and preaching about it that I than realized how powerful it is! Here is a link to it just in case you need a refresher on what it says. The Lord's Prayer

The part that really hit me and I have been praying everyday is verse 11, where it says, "Give us today our daily bread." This sounds so simple, but if you really dig into what it's asking, it's great! This is asking that God would provide us TODAY with what we need for TODAY!! There are so many times that I catch myself praying, God please help us this month, or God please help us to know what you want for us to do this week! This is something that I really struggle with. I am not content with what God has to offer for me for today! I have been wrestling with this in my head so much lately. How silly of me to worry about tomorrow and miss out on all that God has blessed me with today! I guess it's just like the name of my blog, I'm learning to be content with what God is doing for me today... and actually not just content, but at peace and happy!! :)

Well I just wanted to share that with whoever! Eric and I are getting ready to leave for the weekend! We are going to my parents house! YIPPEE!! :) I get to see my two beautiful nieces and my brothers and sisters and my parents all in one weekend! :)

An update

2007-04-25T13:49:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been a while! There has been so much going on lately. Our schedule is so crazy and it is only going to get more crazy! It's nice to be busy! Then there isn't as much time to sit around and think about all the things that Eric and I are "waiting on". I'm continually realizing that waiting simply means that I'm alive and living! I'm okay with that.

Here is just a little update with what's going on in our lives:

Eric and I will hopefully find out within the next week whether or not we are invited to attend the in-depth assessment at Kansas City for the missions stuff! I am really hoping that we are ready! Once the thing in November comes than I really think stuff will happen relatively quickly! This is exciting and scary all at the same time.

On Monday Eric and I met with some friends who have adopted 4 kids and are waiting on a 5th! It was so wonderful talking to them and hearing how passionate and excited they were about adoption! It really inspired me!! Please pray for Eric and I because we really feel that God wants us to adopt, but are still praying about the details. Actually kind of random, the other day I woke up at 4am and I was so excited about adoption and really felt that God had placed a Country on my heart! So I spent about 5 hours looking that place up on the Internet! Well this couple that we met with on Monday has adopted from this Country which is really cool! They were able to tell us about the agency they went through and give us some awesome advice! We don't really want to go into detail about all the adoption stuff right now, but like I mentioned previously, just please pray for us!!! :)

Well the sun is shining and I need to get out of the house for a little while! Happy Wednesday!

Here is a few pictures from our fun weekend with Jon, Annie and Ranger:)

Friends!!

2007-04-19T15:00:00.000-05:00

This has been a good week so far! I have been able to catch up with a lot of my friends and it's been nice. Nadia called me on Monday and we talked for a while. That was nice catching up with her. I miss all the fun times that we used to have! Then yesterday Laura called me and we got to laugh and catch up! Also yesterday Nate came to visit and we hadn't seen him since New Years at the Crofts! I really miss all my Olivet pals!

Speaking of friends, Jon and Annie are coming to visit this weekend. Actually they are getting here tonight and staying till Saturday! I'm super excited! Now don't get me wrong, I love my husband and enjoy spending time with him. Sometimes it's just nice to have "girl time". We don't really have a lot planned for the weekend but we will for sure be attending the GIANT church (Xenos Church) garage sale!!! I can't wait!! I seriously have been waiting a year for this!! Eric and I went last year and we got some really great deals!

Well I better get off here. I need to go sweep! :) Everyone have a fun weekend!

Here is a little thought to ponder: Why does the Indiana driver's license include in its list of possible restrictions "B" for "Blind"?

My fear of birds!!

2007-04-11T12:52:00.000-05:00

I just realized that I haven't posted in a while (well since Easter). Eric and I had a great time visiting our families. We got to see our new niece, Claire! She is so adorable! I wish we lived closer so we could see her more often! I know next time we see her (in a couple of weeks) she'll look so different! Babies change so quickly!

Not a lot has been going on around here. I can't believe that it's already Wednesday. This week has gone by fast! I am looking forward to this weekend. I/We are babysitting on Friday for our friends baby! He is so adorable! :) Than we are going to a fellowship night with our small group at our friends house. Than on Saturday we got invited to a potluck/game night! :) Not sure what all we are going to be able to do, but it should be a fun weekend. Eric and I are trying to not over- commit because that can be stressful! It's so hard though when there are so many fun things to do! :) We'll see!!

Oh I almost forgot. Yesterday, Eric and I were going for a walk with Lucas and we started walking toward a goose lying in the middle of the road. Well, before I could even say stop, Lucas was running at the goose (luckily he couldn't get far because of his leash) and the goose, instead of running away, started walking toward us! Now let me just remind you all, I HATE BIRDS!! It doesn't matter how big, or how small they are... I hate them! I think they are one of the scariest animals God has put on our planet! So, the bird started approaching us even faster until finally I hid behind Eric and I was SCREAMING! Finally Eric and I decided to run (literally) the opposite direction of the goose and we LUCKILY got away! HOW SCARY!! The whole way home I couldn't stop laughing at the thought of two grown adults and a dog running away from a goose!

Happy Hump Day (Wednesday) :)

Happy Easter!!

2007-04-06T08:34:00.000-05:00

Just wanted to write a quick post! Eric and I are leaving for Indiana this weekend. We are spending time with my family and Eric's extended family! It will be fun!! I'm also really excited because we get to see our new niece, Claire!! YAY!! I can't wait to hold her!! Well I'm off to run some errands!

God Bless!!

Babbling...

2007-04-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Well it's been pretty busy these past few days! Not sure what exactly I've been doing, but I've kept busy! Sunday we went out to eat with Eric's parents, Granny, Grandad, Daryl and Pam at Quaker Steak and Lube. We had a good time. It was good catching up. Also Renae brought this cake that was SO good! It was by far my favorite cake I have ever tasted!! It tasted like a giant swiss cake roll!! YUM!! Monday I didn't really do a whole lot. Yesterday, I went shopping at Old Navy with some Birthday money and got a few things. I love that store.. especially their flip-flops! I realized yesterday that you know you have a pretty easy life when your toughest question of the day is, "which color of flip flop should I buy?" :) I've been trying to decide what to spend the rest of my Birthday money on. I have one idea, but I don't know if I'm brave enough and if I want it bad enough!! :) :)

Today is an exciting day. (Denise you will be so jealous!!) Eric and I are babysitting for a friend and I can't wait! The baby is only 2 months old and he is adorable! :) Other than that, I have just been cleaning and reading my new devotional book. I got this really good devotional book at Sam's Club. It's called Women Of The Bible. It's basically an in-depth look at different women mentioned in the Bible. So far I have read about Eve and Sarah. It has been really good and I have been able to take away practical tips that relate to my life now. Good Stuff!! :)

Not a whole lot more to write about. Everyone have a terrific Wednesday!

16 miles!!!

2007-03-31T20:31:00.000-05:00

Well according to gmaps pedometer Eric and I rode a little over 16 miles tonight on our new bikes! The funny thing is that I didn't even realize we had gone that far.. we just kept talking, laughing and riding! I really want to get a seat like this for Lucas to ride in. Totally Kidding!! Although, it does really make me sad that he can't come along with us. He loves being outside.

Not a whole lot has gone on this weekend. Last night we went to our church game night and we had a really good time. Alicia came with me and we were cracking up when we pulled in the parking lot. First of all there were only about 6 cars and half of them were Buick's! (That should tell you something about the crowd that showed up.) We had fun playing Catch Phrase and Apples to Apples with everyone... especially "Bubba". After that Alicia and I got some ice cream than came back to the apartment.

Today Eric and I got up early and helped hide Easter eggs at the church. I love Easter Egg hunts... especially when it's little toddlers stumbling around trying to find the most obvious eggs! :) So Cute!! We didn't really do a whole lot after that.. mostly just lounged around and watched TLC! Oh I do have to say GO BUCKS! They beat Georgetown in Basketball!!

Well I think Eric and I are going to watch a movie! Everyone enjoy your evening! Oh also, please pray for our church. Tomorrow is the start of our revival services and I have a feeling that God is going to do some amazing things!!:)

Choose Life!!!

2007-03-30T07:49:00.000-05:00

My message for my blog friends today is simply, Choose Life!!! Take it as you wish!! For me, this is allowing myself to experience life. Meaning, I am allowing myself to become vulnerable to heartache, grief, sadness but also I am able to experience love, happiness and joy!! So simply, Choose Life!!

Also, here is a cool link that my friend Denise showed me. This allows you to see all the states (even countries) that you have visited. Here is my map. You may be wondering how I visited some of the states without visiting others. I only clicked on the states that I really considered myself "visiting", not just driving through. :)

create your own visited states map
or check out these Google Hacks.

Crossing between the mountatins

2007-03-28T14:12:00.000-05:00

Do you ever get really frustrated with God's timing? Do you ever feel like things are never going to happen for you? I do! Don't get me wrong, I'm not angry at God... just confused. I know that God has not only a plan for my life, but the perfect plan! Sometimes I just wish that I could figure that plan out, or that He would show me more of the plan. I do know that the times when I am truly in despair and needing something to hold onto, God reaches down and takes hold of my hand and gives me a small glimpse of the ultimate plan for me.

I guess right now, I feel kind of like I'm standing in the valley between two HUGE mountains and all I can do is look forward at the next mountain that I have to defeat. I look behind me and I see an ocean of all sizes of mountains that I have already walked, fallen, climbed, inched, and ran up and down. Those mountains of course represent all the trials and up's and down's that I have experienced. However, this mountain that I'm facing now is much bigger than any other that I have seen. It's huge, I can't even see the top!! In fact, I can't even climb it right now... not sure why, but I just can't! Which means, that I'm back to the exciting time of waiting time, which I have come to love (sense the sarcasm).

I know that God wants to use me during this waiting time. It's just that being a human, I start to get frustrated and forget about God, and start thinking about me. I then start informing God that His plan for me is all wrong, and surely He must have messed up or gotten me confused with someone! Than I stop and notice my face starting to grow warm from embarrassment, I notice that I have tears streaming down my cheeks because I have shown my lack of trust in my best friend! Not only, have I become this selfish being, but I have proven my lack of faith! The thing that blows my mind is that no matter how selfish I am being, God is always there holding me and giving me the ultimate peace!

Battle Scar!

2007-03-27T14:54:00.000-05:00

I am so thankful for the sunshine and the nice weather. Today Lucas and I met up with my friend Alicia and her (parents) dog Oliver and went to the park. We were so excited to experience what Columbus calls their "dog park". Finally we arrived at and discovered that this "dog park" was actually just a playground behind a school. We decided not to go there and instead went to Sharon Wood Park (I think that's the name of it). We had a really good time, even though we got yelled at (firmly instructed) to not walk our dogs on the bike path.

We had a good time walking with our dogs and chatting and just enjoying the weather.. UNTIL.... we came upon some mud on the sidewalk! Since there was a man pushing a stroller on the other side of the sidewalk I was trying to avoid him and avoid the giant mud puddle on the other side. This didn't work out so well!! I guess I stepped right in the mud puddle and slipped and some how ended up with my body all twisted on the ground. The funniest part of my fall was hearing Alicia behind me saying, "oh Oh OH!" It was so funny! That poor man, he didn't know what to do. He was nice and asked me if I was alright! I am alright, although I have a cool battle scar on my knee! :) Here is a pic. that Alicia took of me and Lucas after I fell. Forget my bleeding knee, I was ticked about the duck poop that was on my foot! That's what I am pointing to.

After our fun at the park, we decided to eat lunch at Camille's! Highly recommend their fruit smoothies! :) We had a good time discussing Christianity and ignorance!

Thanks for the good day Alicia!!! :)

Bump in the road

2007-03-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

Friday night Eric and I went for a walk and as we were walking we noticed a bump in the road that Lucas was very intent on smelling. As we got closer we noticed that it was a cute little frog. Thinking it would be funny to watch the frog hop away for fear that Lucas would eat him, we encouraged Lucas to "GET THE FROG". Well Lucas did just that! I'm certain that he tried to bite it! As soon as he bit the frog he instantly started foaming at the mouth. So yeah, Lucas encountered a frog, and I'm sure that his next encounter he will be a little more cautious! :)

What happened to Lucas?

2007-03-26T15:48:00.000-05:00

As foam and saliva started spewing from Lucas' mouth and he rapidly shook his head, I started to well.. FREAK OUT! Anyone who has been around me during an emergency knows that, at times, I tend to not be the calmest person like I should! Since Eric was there and he was perfectly calm, I decided that it was okay to freak! So you may be wandering what happened. We're going to do a little quiz. Since the story is totally random, and I don't think anyone could guess, I want to know what you guys think happened to him?? Leave me a comment and let me know what you think happened! :) I will post more either later tonight or tomorrow and give you the answer! Oh and by the way, Lucas is perfectly fine now! :) See ->

Here are some pictures that I found and thought you would enjoy! :)

My Halloween costume for next year. (J/K)

This is why we don't over-feed Lucas! Where is his neck?? :)

Blog Block!

2007-03-23T14:04:00.000-05:00

Eric dyed my hair last night! He dyed it shiny Laura!! HA HA :) He did a good job. It looks a little bit darker than it normally is. I don't know why, us girls feel the need to constantly be doing things to our hair. It's an obsession!! HA HA

Due to all this rain, I haven't been able to be outside, nor have I really wanted to. So... that means that I've been doing a LOT of reading. I finished my Karen Kingsbury book, Beyond Tuesday Morning. It was really good... totally predictable, but good. Last night, well really it was about 1am, I started reading Hannah's Hopes. It's really good. I highly recommend it for anyone who is having or has had problems having children (through adoption, miscarriage or infertility).

God has really been speaking to me these past couple of days. He has been showing me His promises in His word and speaking to me through other people. I told you that Eric and I had dinner on Monday with an elderly couple from our church. I have been thinking about them all week. I think it's interesting how God seems to put people in our lives at the right time. God knew that Eric and I needed some encouragement with everything that has been going on lately, and so there he put Bill and Esther to be our cheerleaders! :) I now have been praying that God would use me to bless someone, the way that I have been blessed by others so many times.

Well I don't really have a lot else to write about. I hope everyone has a great weekend. Maybe I will have more profound thoughts next week! HA HA :) The rain seems to be flooding and fogging my memory and therefore inhibiting my thoughts from spilling out into this post! :)

The Long Walk Home

2007-03-20T17:32:00.001-05:00

Today Lucas and I decided to go on a little journey. Okay, really it was my idea, and poor Lucas, being a dog, got drug into it... literally! :) We decided to take a walk around the block. We had made this walk before, so I wasn't really worried about it. Well Lucas, about half way through, pooped out on me and so I had to carry him for a little while. We finally made it the whole way. I later found out, thanks to Gmaps that our journey was approximately 5 miles! :) :) I was excited about that! Normally when I work out at the fitness center I only run about 2 miles, so 5 miles is really exciting! Well here are some pictures of Lucas and I from when we got back from our journey! ENJOY!

Not really sure why I made my "not impressed face", but I thought you all would enjoy it! HAHA :)

Our busy, but fun, weekend

2007-03-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

Eric and I had a really good and busy weekend. Friday night we went out to dinner with our small group. After that we went to a friends office and watched a movie in the home theater that he had built! It was awesome! :) Nothing like sitting in a leather recliner with your feet up, while watching a movie! HEHE :)

Saturday was Granny's birthday and we met everyone for lunch at Polaris! :) We had a good time seeing everyone and catching up with family! After that Eric and I went and saw The Ultimate Gift. That movie was great!! I highly recommend it! We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon and evening relaxing and reading. Now, my family always tells me that Eric and I have the most interesting encounters with people. Well we had another one Saturday evening. We decided to go to Fazoli's for dinner and right when we walked in we noticed everyone was starring at us. Once we ordered and sat down, the manager came over and said that we looked EXACTLY like a couple that worked there. So we just laughed and continued eating. Well we noticed as we sat there, that we were on display, because several employees would peak there head around the corner and look at us. They also came over and cleaned the booth next to us about 10 times! So as we left the restaurant, the manager pulled out her cell-phone and asked if she could take a picture of us! HAHA It was very funny!! :)

Sunday was a fun and busy day! We went to church in the AM and PM. Sunday afternoon Eric and I played some football outside. Lucas sure enjoyed playing monkey in the middle as we thew the ball back and forth to each other (poor dog, he never caught the ball). After church Sunday night we went out to eat with Bill and Esther! They are the cutest elderly couple in our church! We went to Bob Evans and had a really great time with them. Actually, we had such a good time that they invited us over for dinner on Monday! They are seriously such a Godly and encouraging couple! They told us that we were their adopted grand kids! :) They also told us that next time we come over to their house we aren't allowed to be the guests anymore. Meaning, we are to treat their house as ours!

Here are some fun pictures of Eric and I playing football. Notice Eric in the tree!! What a crazy kid!!

Peace.

2007-03-16T12:09:00.000-05:00

Why is it that every time we...I mean I... get hurt (by friends, jobs, circumstances) I run to everyone else except for the true Counselor and Healer. I think my cell phone bill would be a LOT less if I would rely on Him more. The past few months and especially the past few days, whenever trouble has arose, I found myself quickly digging through my purse looking for that silly phone. Immediately, I call Eric and spill the news to him and expect him to fix everything. Now, don't get me wrong, I feel a lot better after talking to him, but he can't give me that true peace. The peace where you know that everything is going to be alright. The peace that only God can give. My friend, Alicia pointed me toward a sermon that someone at her church preached. It is really good for anyone looking for peace.

The Sermon
This website will take you to their online sermons web page. The sermon that I am talking about is the one titled "How to find the peace of God" by Julia Pickerill

I also wanted to say thank you to my friend Alicia. Thanks for sticking with me during these rough times! Your friendship means a lot to me. I enjoy the time we spend talking about our life journeys, God, boys (HAHA), and just everything! It's nice to have a girl to talk to!

First wasp of the season!!!

2007-03-13T11:24:00.000-05:00

I saw my first wasp of the season today!! AHH!! I don't freak out as much as Tim does, but I do not like them!! I am really enjoying the weather here. It says that it's 70 out today!! YIPEE!! I have the screen door open and Lucas is sitting in front of it listening to the birds and waiting for someone to walk by so he can bark at them! HAHA :)

Well we had a great weekend in Indiana. We went there for Trina's (my sister-n-law) baby shower. She is due VERY VERY soon and we are so excited to have another little niece!! Ella will have someone to play with now.. or should I say boss around! HAHA!

Yesterday was so nice. I sat out in the porch in capri's and a sweatshirt and sipped my iced tea and read my Karen Kingsbury book! It was so nice! When Eric got home we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and go for a little walk. Well, it turned out being a 6 mile hike! It was fun though! It reminded me of when I went to Laura's house and she said let's go on a bike ride. So I agreed not knowing that a bike ride to her consisted of being chased by a 3 legged dog and biking for like 4 miles! HAHA Good times!!

Well I may try to write more tomorrow. Everyone have a super day! :)

WARNING This is a long post!!!!

2007-03-08T16:12:00.000-05:00

You may want to block out some time to read this!!

About a year ago, after we were done eating at Taco Bell, I stood up and asked Eric if he was ready to leave. I didn't realize that his response to this question that night would than open up a discussion that revealed my selfishness and soon to be God's direction for my vocation. I could tell that Eric had something BIG on his mind. Without even answering my question he went into how he felt that God was speaking to Him about possible mission work. In my mind, I was thinking, OH FUN, he wants to go on a mission trip! How exciting! Little did I know, that this "mission trip" that he was talking about was our life. Meaning, he wasn't talking about going away for a week, or a month. Instead, he was talking about quitting our jobs, leaving our families, and leaving behind the "American Dream" that I was very insistent upon having!

I believe that Eric said something to me along these lines: "Shelly, I really feel like God has been speaking to me about doing mission work. Not just going on mission trips, or helping out with our local church. I mean actually using my talents as an 8-5 job!" (Of course the conversation was a LOT longer than that). Anyway, after Eric said this, I told you my first reaction was excitement! After he explained the fact that he wasn't just talking about a "one time mission trip" and instead a career, my excitement turned to anger. I'm still not sure if I was more angry at Eric or at God. That day, our fun time of sharing and laughing at Taco Bell, quickly turned to me not talking and Eric asking what was wrong. This is when the battle between my selfishness and God's call for my vocation started.

A few weeks went by and I didn't dare say anything else to Eric about missions and he (poor Eric) didn't want to bring up any "mission" talk either. At this same time we started looking for a church. The church that we found just happened to have a month long series on missions. During this month a different missionary would come and speak on Sunday mornings. I remember sitting through those services and constantly telling myself to not act like I was interested. After each service Eric would ask me, "so what did you think of the service today?" I would usually reply, "oh, it was good. those missionaries seemed really cool. so where do you want to eat lunch at?" I thought that if I didn't act interested than Eric wouldn't ask me anymore questions.

This worked for about a month. I next remember one of my friends from work asking me to go to a Women's Service with her at her church. At this service the speaker talked about listening to God and trusting that God will talk care of you. I found myself sitting there with tears steadily rolling down my cheeks and God saying, "why won't you trust me?" I ended up talking to my friend that night and sharing with her all of my thoughts and frustrations. On my way home, I started to realize how selfish I was being. I realized that my reasons for not wanting to do mission work were because of the things that I wanted. For example, I know this sounds silly, but I wanted to have the cute 2 story house with the white picket fence and the golden lab running around with our 3 kids chasing it while I was sitting on our wrap around porch reading my book. WOW! This scenario to me, was what life was worth living for. For some reason, I also thought that God owed this to me. I mean this was my dream, and it does say that God will give us the desires of our heart. But what I didn't realize is that those desires were mine, not God's.

God slowly started taking that white picket fence down one board at a time. He slowly revealed to me my selfishness and started to plant in me different desires and dreams. Be careful when you ask God to change something, because He will! During that time I started praying and asking God to remove my desires and fill the hole with His desires.

After my experience at church with my friend, I had another similar experience. This time I was on my way home from work and all the sudden I started BAWLING! I almost had to pull over, because I couldn't see the road! I was embarrassed at first because to passer-byers I looked like a typical woman basketcase! God spoke to me that day in my car. He once again asked me that dreadful question, "why won't you trust me?" Once I got home I didn't dare share that experience with Eric for fear that he would call the mission headquarters and have us on the next plane to Africa! Instead, I kept it inside and tried to forget about it.

During the next two months I wrestled with God on this issue and told Him that I wasn't willing to do that and give up my dreams. This was in November and also the same time that I quit my job to stay home and do foster care. On December 16, 2006, Eric and I decided to go on a little date (I have a previous post from this date). We went to Southern Ohio and had a great time! We ended up watching The Nativity. I thought this was a great movie and I really enjoyed watching it as a reminder of our Saviour's birth. However, something that Mary said to Joseph in this movie started to stir up questions within me. The Story
Joseph and Mary knew that if they stayed in Nazareth, that Mary's baby would be killed by Caesar Augustus. Knowing this, Mary had to make the decision to go with her husband and leave behind her family. I believe her words in the movie were something like this, "Joseph is my husband now and I must go with him and follow him where ever he leads." WOW! Mary was willing to leave behind everything (her family, her friends, her dreams, everything). On the way home that night, I told Eric that I support him and where ever he goes, I will follow.

So after this God really started to speak to me while I was at home "waiting for foster kids". He started to show me my true purpose for being here on earth. He continued to reveal my selfish desires, which happened to be what was stopping me from wanting to do missions.

After much prayer, fasting, talking to our pastor and our families we decided to start the mission process. The first thing that we had to do was fill out an in-depth 8 page application. After that we had to take a few tests and than we were ready to attend the Cross Cultural Orientation. We attended the orientation this weekend and had a series of interviews along with hours of personal testimonies, group activities and informative sessions. On Friday night after our first interview, Eric and I met together and started sharing how we both felt that God confirmed our call to missions.

The rough time line for the rest of the process is as follows:
(keep in mind that this is the shortest path possible, assuming no problems or additional waiting, which is not likely)
We should know within the next few weeks what they thought of us at the orientation weekend. If we get a thumbs-up from them, we will go to Kansas City in November for another in-depth assessment. After that, we will meet with the regional directors (world directors) and interview for positions that they have available that our skill sets match up with. If after an interview, a regional director wants us to come and work on their region, a contract is drawn up for us. We would then go to NTS (in Kansas City) for a semester of 'missiological training' before we headed out to the field. The length of commitment for the field work is 3 years.

Thank you so much for those of you that made it all the way through reading this. I know that it was a VERY VERY LONG POST!! Eric and I are really excited about what God is doing in both of our lives and the direction that He is leading us!

We're back!!

2007-03-05T14:55:00.000-05:00

Eric and I had a great weekend away at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. We went away for the Cross Cultural Orientation that they have! It was great!! We learned and God revealed SO SO much to us! I will write more about that later!Well I don't really want to write a lot now, because when Eric gets home we are going to sit down together and write some things that God has revealed to us. So I guess...
ps. I borrowed the Natalie Grant cd Awaken. It is an awesome cd. I think I'm going to buy it as soon as I have to return it to the library! Highly Recommend it though!!! :)

Christy, my best friend!!!

2007-03-01T15:52:00.000-05:00

I first want to start this post by saying Happy Birthday to my dear sister, Christy! :) I wish I could be there with you on this special day! Although, I know you're having a good time seeing how I called and you were headed to a scrapbook store! Wish I could be there!! :(

Well this post I want to dedicate to my sister who is and has been, truly my best friend! I don't think I have ever told her how much of an influence she has had on my life!!

Dear Christy,

I'm going to take you back a few years. I still remember when you stepped off the plane after being sent to Russia. Something seemed different about you. There was a special glow to your face. You were smiling. I don't know if you remember, but the first words that you said to me on that day was, "I'm sorry!" I was shocked! Was this the same person that just a month before built an imaginary wall in our bedroom so we wouldn't have to "share a room".

As the months went on after your return from Russia I continued to notice small changes in you. For example, at night time I always saw you sitting on your bed reading your Bible and writing in a journal. I always saw you at church worshiping with your eyes closed, instead of looking around and not paying attention. I saw you go to the altar and beg God for forgiveness. I saw you change... step by step, day by day, I saw you change!

I don't know if you ever realized how much of an impact those times had on me. I noticed that I started wanting to journal, and at night I to sat on my bed reading my Bible and journaling my thoughts. I didn't do this out of the blue, I did it because it was modeled before me! You were and are my role model!

I know that in High School I had some really tough years and you were the one that stuck closer to me than anyone else! I had a lot of disappointments and heartbreak! I even remember that you took one of my ex-boyfriends to meet his probation officer every Tuesday! What a sister!!

Another thing that I remember doing with you was shopping. You worked at Mikasa and after you would get your paycheck, you didn't go and spend it like most people did. Instead, you would pick me up (your little bratty sister) and take me shopping and tell me that I could get an outfit, purse shoes and all!! I thought that was so awesome!

There are so many good memories that I have of you I could basically make an entire blog about those memories. I just wanted you and everyone else who reads this to know what a good sister I had/have!

Thank you Christy, for being that person that stood in the GAP for me. Thank you for standing up for me (especially with that boy that you threw into the lockers). Thank you for being a Christ-like example for me! Thank you for showing me how to be a good mom! I still look up to you and you are still my best friend! I love you!!

Love,
Your little sis

Blessed!

2007-02-28T16:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday as I was reading my devotions I read a quote that said "Right now at this very moment all of my needs are being supplied." It took me a while to think about that and to really grasp the meaning and the significance of those words! Finally I realized how very true it was.

As I continue reading in my "Lord, Your Late Again" book, I discover more and more truths. One of those truths is that even though I may be waiting for something, at this exact moment God has supplied all my needs. How exciting!! That means that no matter what I think I need, if God hasn't supplied them than obviously it's not the right time! For example, I believe that God supplied me with a wonderful Christian husband at just the right time. Now do I think I would have died without Eric (well some nights I think that.. when I imagine there are robbers in our house.. haha).

I hope this is making sense. Sometimes I just get so excited and start babbling! HAHA Basically right now what I think that I need, God hasn't supplied yet and that just confirms that it must not be God's timing yet. I don't know why I find that so exciting, but I do!!

Simple Life Lessons!

2007-02-26T14:14:00.000-05:00

I had a great weekend with my sister and her family! My sister and I got to do a lot of talking and catching up! It was so nice to have some "girl talk". We also got a lot of shopping done. We went to two thrift stores and to Good Stewards Books (discount Christian bookstore). We found lots of good deals. Ella had so many new toys that she didn't know where to start! We also realized that boys (Eric and Rhett) like to play with felt people! HAH!! Christy got a felt board that came with people and some accessories and every once in a while we would catch the boys dressing the people up in their pretty yellow party dresses!! :) (I may be exaggerating just a LITTLE)

After my sister and her family left that's when the discouragement started to set in. I think it started with a mixture of missing my sister and lack of sleep. However, even as I set through church last night and people around me gave words of praise to God and talked about how He is an awesome and a mighty God, I still felt discouraged. This morning when I woke up I thought the discouragement was gone until my feet met the floor and I got out of bed. Even as I did my devotions I still felt Satan trying to work his lies into my mind and heart. I felt him trying to distract me!

That's when I realized that Satan can TRY and attack me all he wants, but I have someone who is so much stronger than him!! If anyone walked past my door today, they probably thought that something really weird was going on. I was inside laughing and yelling at Satan (out loud). I just realized that my God is so much bigger than the silly lies that Satan tries to plant in my head. My God thinks that I'm a beautiful and wonderful person and He has a purpose and a plan for my life!! I'm amazed at how God helps us discover things and continues to teach us simple life lessons over and over again!!

Here are some pics from the fun weekend!!! ENJOY!

Rhett and Eric playing Lord of the Rings

Lucas enjoying his new toy (it was a boston terrier)

El in her jammies

The girls enjoying Donatos!!!!

The Felt People!!
Sisters

New findings!

2007-02-22T17:19:00.000-05:00

Today I realized that there are two new things that I really enjoy. The one thing is green tea. This week I have had a glass of hot green tea for breakfast. I've noticed that this week I haven't felt as stuffy and sneezy! Maybe, it's because of the green tea, I don't know!!

The other thing that I rediscovered that I enjoy is Pandora Radio. You should check it out. It's really cool. Basically it's a free radio station and they pick the music that they think you would like. For example I have a station called Norah Jones. On this station they play all the music in this genre. It's really cool!!

Well nothing really new today. I have been kind of busy. I had to go to the laundry mat to wash something that was too big for our dryer! :) I also went to a cool store called New Uses and got a few things, than went to good ole faithful Sams Club! I love that place... especially the free samples that they give out in the back! :)

This will probably be the last I'll post this weekend. Rhett, Christy and Ella are all coming to visit us this weekend! We are really really excited! :) Everyone have a great weekend!!

(hope you enjoy my Moses cartoon I found.. hehe)

You're Late Again, Lord!!

2007-02-20T14:28:00.000-05:00

So I got this book called, "You're late again, Lord!!" and it has been really good and very insightful. For some reason I couldn't sleep, so I woke up really early and felt the need to start skimming through it. My skimming eventually turned into actually reading every sentence word-for-word and trying to understand and apply it's meanings.

One of the first quotes that stuck out to me was, "We live therefore we wait". There are so many times that I feel like I am the only one of earth waiting for something and I realized that EVERYONE waits.. or at least everyone who is living!

Another one of the quotes was, "Wait with a purposeful patience". This was probably my favorite quote I've read so far. This basically means that all the times that I have been sitting around inactively waiting on God, I have wasted my time. Waiting means you are being active. It doesn't mean to sit around and "wait" for something to happen. It means that you may be praying and waiting for an answer from God, but life is continuing with or without you. Don't let life pass you by, as you sitting waiting!

In November (or maybe it was December) I quit my job hoping to be a foster parent. Since than a lot has happened! I sit here today with no kids in my home and not knowing if there will ever be. That has been 3 months of waiting, and what do I have to show for it. A LOT!! I decided after the first month that we had no kids, that I wasn't going to sit around and wait for the phone call. Instead, I have spent the time reading God's word, catching up with friends, scrapbooking, sewing, traveling, reading, praying, and starting a new hobby (playing my guitar). All those things were accomplished in my time of waiting. I may not know what God has planned for Eric and I right now, but I know that I'm not going to inactively wait. Instead I'm going to wait with a purposeful patience.

I know I'm not the only one that feels like they are waiting on something. Just remember that God may be using this time to draw you closer to Him!

Love you all! Thanks for all your support and prayers!! :)

Shell

I miss my Olivet friends!!

2007-02-19T17:17:00.000-05:00

I had a really great weekend! My friend Denise from Olivet came and visited. We had fun going to all the Half Price Bookstores in Columbus!! HAH :) We even got free animal crackers at one of them! We also stayed up until 4am talking and catching up! The thing that I love the most about the friends that I've made at Olivet is the closeness of the friendship! It seems like it doesn't matter how long you have gone without seeing that person, you still always have so much to talk about and it's never awkward! I love that!! I was thinking about it and even if I didn't get the "best" social work education at least I was able to make lifelong friends!! These are friends no money can buy!!

To all my Olivet friends that I haven't talked to in a while: I love you and miss you dearly! I hope you are doing well! Shoot me an email or call me sometime!!

Here are some pictures of a few of my friends! :) Enjoy!!

Marcus' Story

2007-02-16T15:16:00.000-05:00

I've been sitting here for almost 2 hours looking at story after story on Marcus Fiesel. I still remember when one of my co-workers called me and said, "Shelly he's dead!" I seriously almost passed out! I almost had to pull the car over! It just blows my mind that someone could be so cruel to anyone.. and especially a child! Here is one of the videos that I found that tells the entire story from day one (just in case someone doesn't know what happened). Marcus' Story

On a lighter note I'm excited that my friend Denise is coming to visit for the weekend! :) We are planning on doing some shopping and than just catching up! I haven't seen her in quite a while! I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Randomness..

2007-02-14T15:22:00.000-05:00

This morning I was ticked because I woke up at about 5:30am to people chopping away at the ice that was on their windshields. I tried to fall back asleep but I kept thinking about Eric's alarm that was about to go off in 30 minutes! Finally once he got up, I just stayed up and did some reading! I'm in the process of reading about 5 different books right now. This weekend when Eric and I went to the marriage conference I wanted to buy all of the books! For some reason I have really gotten into reading lately! (I wish I would have gotten into reading during the 4 years I spent at college.. haha )

Oh yeah Happy Valentines Day everyone! I think tonight Eric and I are celebrating by getting some take home Chinese food from our favorite place. Since we went to the marriage conference this weekend we are counting that as our Valentine gift for each other. We actually got to stay in a really nice hotel downtown Cincinnati! It was great.. it overlooked all of downtown! Our room was really awesome too.. it even had an iPod alarm clock/radio!

Well I should probably get off here and go chisel away at the ice on my car so I can pick up our dinner! I hope everyone has a great Vday!!

Peace Out!! (Rory said this last night on Gilmore Girls, and she is one of my role models!! Not really.. but I think she is cool!!!) <><

ps. sorry this post may seem random! also the picture of the man scraping his car, i found on the Internet and have NO clue what he is talking about!

The Luckiest!!

2007-02-12T16:06:00.000-05:00

This weekend Eric and I went to the Family Life Marriage Conference. It was amazing! I highly recommend it to engaged or married couples! I learned and laughed so much! On our drive home last night Eric and I were talking about what we learned. We realized that most of it we already knew, we just weren't putting it into practice.

Last night Eric and I were reading from our couples devotional book and it asked for the husband to rate himself on a scale of 1-5 (1 being the highest) in the three following categories, Leading, Loving, and Serving. This questioned was designed for Eric (the husband) to answer, however, I just couldn't keep quiet. I started thinking about these three areas and the ways that Eric leads, loves me, and serves me.. and WoW! I couldn't keep quiet! My husband is an amazing man! He's my best friend! I'm not trying to boast or brag and make myself look good! I'm just writing my thoughts! Let me just tell you the ways that I think Eric is so amazing!

Leading:
I think one of the major features in a leader is their motivation and discipline. When I first met Eric, at college those were the two character traits that really stuck out about him. He was always so motivated to strengthen his relationship with God, that it was contagious. I noticed that after I started hanging out with him more, my relationship with God deepened. Eric was also so disciplined. Every morning he would (and still does) wake up and do his devotions. He goes into the spare bedroom and spends 45 minutes in their talking with God and learning. Ever since I have known Eric he has done this. That takes discipline!! How many times have I gone days even weeks.. without even opening my Bible (except for at church).

Loving:
Eric has really shown me what it's like to love someone unconditionally. Growing up, I never really made the best choices when it came to guys! In fact, I have a lot of things that I really regret about my past decisions. The thing that really blows me away, is that with Eric knowing all that... he still chose and chooses me! Everyday, Eric expresses his love for me. It's in ways as simple as, kissing me before he leaves for work or writing me notes and leaving them on the counter or emailing me throughout the day telling me he's thinking about me or smiling at me when we're in a large group. He is always doing things that show me that he truly loves me and that I'm the girl on his mind!

Serving:
I just discovered last night that I believe this is my love language. Luckily, Eric is really good in this area too!! He is always trying to find different ways to serve me. Whether it be dropping me off at the door when it's cold outside, letting me rest while he does the dishes, making me Ramon Noodles, getting me a refill, opening the door for me and there are so many other things that he does for me.

I am so grateful and thrilled that God has shared Eric with me. I am also so excited that I get to spend the rest of my life with this man! How lucky!!

Lucas

2007-02-08T16:39:00.000-05:00

Today I realized that Lucas is a pretty smart dog. In fact, so smart that sometimes I think I should act a little more like him. Not, walking around with a bone in my lap or running up and down the hallway chasing a ball. I mean his obedience to me (his owner). He desires to listen and do everything that I say. When I call his name, he is right there looking at me, waiting for me to tell him what to do. He also constantly wants to be with me. When I'm sitting on the couch, it's not good enough for him to just be sitting beside me. He has to have his paw on me, or be sitting directly on my lap. Also, when I leave the room, within seconds he is trailing behind me and walking so closely that his head hits the back of my shin.I started thinking, what if I acted that way toward my Owner. If only I wasn't content with just sitting beside Him, but I had to literally be touching Him. If only I would listen every time He calls my name. If only I would sit expecting Him to talk to me! If only I would follow Him so closely that my body touches His.

Tubthumpin' & Martha

2007-02-07T11:35:00.000-05:00

Two things that I have learned this week:

1. I'm sure you are all familiar with the song, " Tubthumpin'. " Well this song has been kind of my motto lately for life (only the chorus).

The Chorus says, "I get knocked down, but I get up again, you're never going to keep me down!"

I sort of feel like there are a lot of things that have happened lately that have knocked me down. However, with the help and strength of God I have been able to get back up.

2. In the story of Mary and Martha, I believe a lot of times I take on the role of Martha. Here is the story for those that don't remember it. Luke 10:38-42

Martha was so concerned and focused on the details of everything that she forgot to just sit at Jesus feet and let Him teach her. How often do I forget to do that? It seems like with everything that's been going on lately, I have totally neglected to sit and listen to Jesus. I have become so concerned with doing as much as I can, that I haven't taken much time to listen.

Cake, Little People, and Family

2007-02-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

As soon as Eric gets home we get to go and have a weekend full of cake, Little People, and family! :) I am looking forward to getting away from Ohio for a while. We are going to visit my parents because little Ella (my niece) is having a Birthday party! Eric and I got her the Little People airplane set! It's really cool! You press the little pilot down and he sings and stuff! :) I have to admit that we have ulterior motives for giving her this specific Little People set. We are trying to get her to like airplanes now, since her Daddy hates them!! HEHE :) :)

Well I hope that you all have a great weekend! I won't be posting again until probably Monday!

(just so everyone knows... the gift that we got ella is in fact actually called "little people", i'm not prejudice or anything against people that are small. if you don't believe me here is the website... http://www.fisher-price.com/fp.aspx?st=10&e=lplanding )

Peace.

2007-02-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

This morning after Eric left (which is at 7:30am) I could not fall back asleep. Normally I don't have a problem doing that and I usually don't wake up until like 11! :) Today was different. After Eric left I couldn't sleep and Lucas was staring at me through his cage so I got him out and he came and laid in bed next to me. He kept trying to nestle under the covers to keep warm! It was so cute! :)

After laying there for a while I started thinking of everything going on and that's when it happened. Peace. It was like God sat next to me in my bed and I laid my head on His lap and He slowly ran His fingers through my hair and whispered in my ear... Be Still My Child. It seriously gives me chills thinking about it and writing it. I'm so thankful that I serve a God that brings peace to His children in the midst of their storms! My mom also talked to me today about some pretty cool things that God showed her last night at her Bible study. I'm so thankful that I serve a God that still talks to His people.

What a MIGHTY God we serve!

I will persevere!

2007-01-30T14:58:00.000-05:00

Today I realized, that I really enjoy playing my guitar. With a lot of stressful things going on in my life lately, it has been a nice way to relieve stress. I suppose music in general has helped me out a lot lately. Last night I bought the song, "Bad Day" by Daniel Powter. That song is so inspiring for me. I don't know why, considering it keeps reminding me that I've had a bad day. That just proves that the way my mind thinks is very very strange.

So the past week or so I feel like I've been in this constant low. Sort of like I'm stuck in a ditch and waiting for the tow truck to come pull me out. I feel like I keep trying to get out of the ditch, by spending time with God and reading more and learning more about Him, however I'm still stuck! I know that in our walk it is normal to experience these low times or times of feeling stuck! It's just so hard to believe that and to remember that when you are in these times. I read a quote today from the book, "Prayers of a God Chaser" it said:

"When you say you are "still in the struggle" that means

"still eligible for victory." If you quit, it is impossible to win!"

I think this is an awesome way to look at our struggles. It says that there is still hope. It also asks, what are you doing to bring victory to your struggling. It reminds me to continue to persevere in times of trials to reach victory, and if we aren't persevering than it is impossible to ever win! This is my goal today. To not just quit and give up in my times of struggle. Instead, to believe that my struggles are still eligible for victory.

2007-01-29T16:48:00.000-05:00

There hasn't really been a lot of excitement going on in the Slonecker house! I got my hair cut today.. well really just trimmed! I love my hairdresser! She is amazing! It looks like a blizzard outside! Other than that.. I don't know anything else! :) Sorry this post is so lame.. I guess it's better than nothing!

Oh yeah.. one thing that is exciting is that my friend is coming over tonight to play some games! We are hoping to kick Eric's butt in Phase 1o!! Well everyone have a wonderful evening! Enjoy the snow.. and if you don't have snow.. please don't tell me, because I don't like you! HAHA :) Just kidding!!

Ps.. here is a really really sad video that Eric showed me yesterday! It's about a dog named Skidboot!!!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5249518974978628334

1. Be Cool 2. Don't Be Greedy and 3. Stay Alive!

2007-01-26T22:22:00.000-05:00

Here is some helpful advice that Eric and I came up with from our date tonight:

1. No matter how funny it is to run into the window at Barnes and Noble and than proceed to lick it... it's not funny! It's gross!! (some girl did that while we were sitting there reading)
2. Even if you are really hungry and you love Cold Stone Creamery... go for the smallest size of ice cream!! (I got the medium of cake batter.. and needless to say, it sits in my freezer half full as I type. Also for everyone who knows me, I can't eat ice cream, well really anything, w/o sprinkles!)
3. If you love to head bang and you feel the urge to put your hood up and rock out, resist the temptation!!! Not a good idea!! (Eric and I almost died because he was trying to head bang with his hood on and it somehow covered his whole face.... OH yeah did I mention .. while he was driving!!

I hope this advice is as helpful for you as it was for us!! :) Remember:
1. Be cool
2. Don't be greedy
3. Stay alive!!

Pruny.. is that a word?

2007-01-26T16:11:00.000-05:00

Today has been a good day! :) I got sick of sitting in the house and needed some fresh air so Lucas and I packed up and went on a little adventure. We ended up getting lost, but it was fun! We got to drive through some old towns and I love discovering new places! Lucas just sat on my lap and looked out the window. He loves going "byebye" with his mommy! HEHE (I spoil him so much, sometimes I forget that he isn't a person)

I know I haven't written in a while and lots of things have happened since the last time I wrote.. some things more important than others. One cool thing is that I got a new phone last night. :) I really like it so far... and it's pink!! HOW FUN!! I also have really been enjoying my early bday present Eric got for me (a guitar). Although, my fingers feel and look disgusting from where the skin has peeled away and left them looking pruny! :)

Some of the others things that are going on I'm not ready to share yet, but I would greatly appreciate your prayers. Eric and I are starting to get excited and nervous about the direction that we feel that God is guiding us toward. Thank you to all our family and friends that we have talked to about things! You all have been awesome! We could not do it without your love, support, and prayers!

On a lighter note, tonight I am taking Eric out on a special date. We are trying to understand that there are more things to do on a Friday night than go out to eat, to a movie and than walk around Meijer for two hours! HAHA :) Not that we don't enjoy doing this, cause we DO!!

Well Eric is going to be getting home soon, so I should probably get out of my pj's and actually look like I've been awake for longer than 5 hours! HAHA Just kidding! Eric gets so mad when I call him at noon and tell him that I just woke up! HAHA :) What a good husband I have that lets me stay home and sleep till noon!

Have a great night everyone. :) I will try and post on a more regular basis... TRY!!

Trust and Obey

2007-01-19T14:02:00.000-05:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while. This week has been pretty busy. I got to spend time with my parents on Monday. They decided to come and visit and I had a really good time with them. Even though, I tried taking them to several different places and they were all closed on Monday's!! GRR.. Then on Wednesday my mother-in-law came over and she showed me how to use my sewing machine. We had a really good time and I actually made pajama pants! I was super excited! :)

Well recently, I have had a lot on my mind, perhaps that is the reason that I haven't blogged in a long time. I didn't know where to start!! Without going into too much detail I ask that whoever reads this please offer up a prayer for Eric and I. We are going through some really challenging times right now. I know that God is on the brink of revealing something huge to us.. and so we are just trying to trust and obey Him! Actually today while I was doing some reading the good ole hymn "Trust and Obey" popped into my head. So I grabbed the hymnal (yes we own a hymnal.. haha) and looked it up. The last verse is the one that I really like. Here is what it says:

"Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet, or we'll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do; Where He sends we will go; Never fear, only trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus tut to Trust and Obey."

What an amazing song. This is exactly what my hearts prayer is today! That I will simply do what God says to do, and I will go where God sends me!!

What do you desire?

2007-01-10T14:02:00.000-05:00

First I have to start by saying God answers prayers. They may not be the answers that we want, but He does answer prayers! I secondly want to say that I am learning to desire the things that God desires. We all know the verse:

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

However, I think what many of us don't know.. is that when God says, "He will give us the desires of our heart", that does not mean that we will get whatever we want. It means that when we desire the same things that God desires for our lives.. he will acknowledge those desires and give them to us.

I can really relate with this verse. Ever since I was little my one true desire and goal in life was to be a mom. Seriously, ask my sister, my mom, my friends, my husband.. anyone! :) That is the one thing that always fascinated me and when I saw someone that was a mom.. I would say to myself.. "that's what I want to be."

Now, since I've been married for a year and a half, I told God, "Now is the time to give me the desires of my heart." There are a few problems with that statement! First of all, how selfish do I sound. God does not owe me anything. I owe Him! Secondly, I can honestly say that my motives for wanting to be a mother were all selfish. I wanted to know what it felt like to have a baby kick inside of you. I wanted to know what it felt like to give birth (I know most women would probably punch me for saying that). I wanted to have a baby shower. I wanted to see a child and pick apart his features and say... oh he/she gets that from their dad/mom. These were all things that I wanted.. not what God wanted.

I am now working on wanting the desire that God has for my life.. not the desires that Shelly has for my life.

Silly me.. to think that my desires would be better than God's! If you are reading this, please pray that I would whole heartedly want the desires that God has for my life!! :)

My Condolences

2007-01-09T13:48:00.000-05:00

So So sorry to see the Buckeyes play the way they did last night. Now, I'm not a hard core fan or even really a fan.. but because Eric is I try to be. It was sad though. Actually, we went to a funeral home downtown and watched the game with friends! It was a good time, except the atmosphere totally changed from the first half to the second half. Not going to lie, it was kind of weird being in a funeral home and hearing people yell and watching them jump up and down when a good play was made. I felt more comfortable the second half when people were sitting around isolating themselves from others in fear of the language that may come out of their mouths! HAH :) My friend Jen and I sat in the back on the couch and watched people as their demeanor totally changed! It was interesting!

For real though, thank you to my friend Jen who invited us! We had a great time!

Freedom Writers

2007-01-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

So this weekend I managed to see the movie Freedom Writers twice in one evening. :) It was great!! I saw it first with my friend Alicia.. and she totally laughed at me because I practically had tears coming from my eyes the entire movie. My second experience seeing it was a little different. This time I saw it with Eric and we went to the "ghetto theater". Let's just say my neighbor in the ever-so-close movie seats stood up and booty danced during the middle of the movie! :) It was so funny! :) It was still so good though!! I highly recommend it!!

So in my efforts to educate myself about the Freedom Writers, I decided to reserve the book from the library. Much to my dismay... there were 40 others who had the same idea before me! So... needless to say, in an effort to expand my knowledge on the subject I will now be "free-loading" and reading the book at Barnes and Noble, while sitting in Starbucks sipping my Tazo Black Iced Tea!

1300 miles!!!

2007-01-04T22:48:00.000-05:00

Eric and I had a really great Christmas and New Year!! :) We enjoyed being with all our friends and family!! I think we went to a total of 6 Christmas celebrations this year and drove over 1300 miles!! :) We spent some quality time with our family and friends in Ohio, Indiana, Tenny, and Michigan!! :)

We also went to our friends Jon and Annie's for New Years which was really fun!! We played some Guitar Hero (well I only played once.. and everyone said I sucked, so I quit), SNL Trivia, Catch Phrase, and we stayed up until 4am. :) It was a good time!

Well I hope everyone had a great Christmas!! I will try to post more now that I am finally home! :)

Also... this is for Eric, Tim, Trina, and Christy... KILL KEMPS!!!!

2006-12-21T17:02:00.000-05:00

Today I had a really good time with my sister (n-law). This was the first time that we really hung out the two of us and we had a good time talking! :) Even though the girl in Pot Belly's HATED me ... and I don't think she was too fond of Amy because Amy rolled her eyes at her! HAHA! :)

Well I don't really have anything else for today! Also I won't be able to post for a little while cause I'm going to be in Indiana and Tenny!! :) Everyone have a wonderful Christmas! Also like my pastor says, "Remember we are the reason, God is the season!"

It's beginning to look a lot (less) like Christmas...

2006-12-20T21:38:00.000-05:00

I am happy to say that our real Christmas tree experience is officially over! YAY! Eric and I decided to get a real tree this year and WOW! It actually wasn't that bad, except for the fact that it WAS our living room! It's amazing how small the trees look when they are outside in their little tree farm! It is also amazing how BIG the tree looks when you bring it inside your 2 bedroom apartment! :) It was fun!! We decided to take the tree down because we figured that once we leave this weekend and return that the tree will be nothing but bare branches and our carpet will be showered with sharp, green pine needles! OUCH!!

We also rearranged our living room which was kind of fun! :) We are trying to be more artistic!!
Stay tuned for pictures of our tree buying experience and family Christmas pictures! :)

Lifetime, Hallmark, and Gilmore Girls

2006-12-19T15:40:00.000-05:00

Well, this week has been pretty uneventful so far. I have been trying to clean my house so that when we leave this weekend we can come back to a nice clean home! :) I also have been watching a lot of Lifetime, Hallmark, and Gilmore Girls. I'll tell you what.. this is the simple life!! :) I also haven't been feeling the greatest!! Stupid sinus infection!! Well I know this post is kind of silly, but better than not posting at all I suppose! Have a great day everyone!
This is what Lucas does all day long while I watch my movies and tv shows!! :)

Another reason not to drink...

2006-12-16T15:28:00.000-05:00

Today Eric and I went exploring southern Ohio. We had a really great time. We saw The Nativity and really enjoyed it. Although, I must say I couldn't help but wonder the whole time we were watching it, if people were viewing the film as fictional or non-fictional!

Well Eric and I got home pretty late from our little road trip. When we got home we let Lucas outside to go to the bathroom and this is when it all began!! Normally we don't put Lucas on the leash to go to the bathroom. We just open the door and he is out for about 2 minutes and than he comes running back and waits until we let him in. Well this time.. Eric and I forgot that he was out there and he never ran back to the window. Eric peeked his head out the door and said something like, "Oh my gosh!" I immediately expected the worst and thought that Lucas had been hit by a car. When I looked outside there was a car stopped and a man outside talking to Eric. When I stepped out on the porch I saw a man lying in the middle of the road! I freaked out! Eric told me to call 911. So.. I called 911 and they put me on hold!! YEAH.. that's right.. 911 EMERGENCY RESCUE.. put me on hold! How comforting!
Well anyway.. a police man ended up showing up with an ambulance and they knelt by the man and shouted that he was snoring! So needless to say.. this man had one too many drinks and thought that his bed was the middle of Hither Creek Lane! Thank the Lord that he didn't get ran over!! What a night!!

LEARNING TO BE CONTENT

bliss

Home Away From Home

8/20/11

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My hearts desire

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man of god

his word . . .

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6 months +3 weeks update

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40 DAY DETOX - Day 1

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Anybody there??

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Dzien Dobry!

listen.

Less then 2 weeks!!!

Thank you Mr. Stephen Zirkle!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Lots to do

unconditional.love

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Busy.

I love Labor Day!

real quick...

My thoughts

132,480 minutes and counting...

Happy Birthday to my baby! :)

Festivals!

vacation.

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Don't hate, appreciate!

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Thanks Teresa

It's been almost two weeks already...

Be careful what you pray for.

She's back by popular demand! :)

Long overdue update

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My fear of birds!!

Happy Easter!!

Babbling...

16 miles!!!

Choose Life!!!

Crossing between the mountatins

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Bump in the road

What happened to Lucas?

Blog Block!

The Long Walk Home

Our busy, but fun, weekend

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First wasp of the season!!!

*WARNING* This is a long post!!!!

We're back!!

Christy, my best friend!!!

Blessed!

Simple Life Lessons!

New findings!

You're Late Again, Lord!!

I miss my Olivet friends!!

Marcus' Story

WARNING This is a long post!!!!