I am a Third Shift Worker...
I eat breakfast at 8pm. Take lunch at 4am. Eat dinner at 8am.
I never see 4pm.
During the winter months in Michigan, I will not see the sun.
I rarely see a traffic jam on the road... ok let's face it, I barely see other cars. Driving with cars is now scary :)
I get to hear sketchy talk radio at 3am.
I can talk to my friends in foreign countries easily because no matter the time difference, we're awake at the same time.
Good times :)
PS.... when I am awake haha... everyone should come visit me at my new apartment :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Amazing...
I wanted to take a few seconds. A few seconds out of my life to reflect on amazing people. Sounds silly huh? Perhaps it is, but in the process of moving, transitioning into adulthood, and just living life, I have encountered, befriended, fell in love with, some pretty AMAZING people. I could list their names here, make sure they get the proper recognition, but a part of what makes them so great is that you don't want that. Your acts of love and service so often go unnoticed and that's exactly how they want it.
I strive to live my life like them. I strive to return their love and kindness. Strive as I might, there is no way to repay them for everything they've done for me. I am not used to having people like this in my life. Don't get me wrong....when I lived in Iowa, I encountered nice people. I had/have friends from back there. But when it came to me leaving, there were only a handful of people who stood out above the rest. However, after being in Holland for 3 years, I am overwhelmed by the amount of amazingly amazing, stellar people I have in my life. It honestly brings me to tears as I reflect on the joy these people have brought to my life. Whether it was helping me move, coming to visit me after a bad day, taking an hour out of their day just to talk to me, writing a recommendation for me even though I know their list of things to do is absolutely ginormous! Whatever the task, they've done it, with a smile on their face and for that I shall be eternally grateful.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is 1) People in Michigan... are great! 2) I appreciate and love each and everyone of you so much 3) I need to figure out a way to repay all of the generosity of greatness I've encountered and 4) God has blessed me far more than I deserve.
I strive to live my life like them. I strive to return their love and kindness. Strive as I might, there is no way to repay them for everything they've done for me. I am not used to having people like this in my life. Don't get me wrong....when I lived in Iowa, I encountered nice people. I had/have friends from back there. But when it came to me leaving, there were only a handful of people who stood out above the rest. However, after being in Holland for 3 years, I am overwhelmed by the amount of amazingly amazing, stellar people I have in my life. It honestly brings me to tears as I reflect on the joy these people have brought to my life. Whether it was helping me move, coming to visit me after a bad day, taking an hour out of their day just to talk to me, writing a recommendation for me even though I know their list of things to do is absolutely ginormous! Whatever the task, they've done it, with a smile on their face and for that I shall be eternally grateful.
So I guess what I'm trying to say is 1) People in Michigan... are great! 2) I appreciate and love each and everyone of you so much 3) I need to figure out a way to repay all of the generosity of greatness I've encountered and 4) God has blessed me far more than I deserve.
Obsession with Song Lyrics
I wanna set the world on fire Until it’s burning bright for You It’s everything that I desire Can I be the one You use?I, I am small but You, You are big enough I, I am weak but You, You are strong enough to Take my dreamsCome and give them wings Lord with You There’s nothing I can not do Nothing I cannot do I wanna feed the hungry children And reach across the farthest landAnd tell the broken there is healing And mercy in the Father’s hands My hands my feetMy everything My life, my love Lord, use me I wanna set the world on fireI wanna set the world on fire, yeahI’m gonna set the world on fire Set the world on fire.
- Britt Nicole
Obsessed with song lyrics... perhaps. And this exactly why I should be on the show "Singing Bee" well.. minus the fact that I doubt they really sing Christian music on that show. :)
- Britt Nicole
Obsessed with song lyrics... perhaps. And this exactly why I should be on the show "Singing Bee" well.. minus the fact that I doubt they really sing Christian music on that show. :)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
I heard this song while at a concert with a very dear friend of mine and fell in love with it immediately. I know that I live my life, all too often concerned about how others portray me, or being cautious and making sure I don't make any mistakes or do anything wrong. Life isn't about that. Life is about taking risks, doing things you never thought you would, using what you have and using it to the fullest and above all loving what you have, loving where you are in life, loving yourself, and above all loving others.
How You Live
Point of Grace
Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don’t hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want, but want what you have
And don’t spend your life looking back
Turn up the music, turn it up loudT
ake a few chances, let it all out
Cause you won’t regret it Looking back from where you have been
Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you didIt’s how you lived
So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
Go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don’t run from the truth cause you can’t get away
Just face it you’ll be okayTurn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances, let it all out
Cause you won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Cause it’s not who you knew A
nd it’s not what you didIt’s how you lived
Ooh, wherever you are and wherever you’ve been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, pray for the grieving
Even when you don’t think that you can
Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God and make peace with yourself
Cause in the end there’s nobody else
Turn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances, let it all out
Cause you won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you didIt’s how you lived
Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you lived
How You Live
Point of Grace
Wake up to the sunlight with your windows open
Don’t hold in your anger or leave things unspoken
Wear your red dress, use your good dishes
Make a big mess and make lots of wishes
Have what you want, but want what you have
And don’t spend your life looking back
Turn up the music, turn it up loudT
ake a few chances, let it all out
Cause you won’t regret it Looking back from where you have been
Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you didIt’s how you lived
So go to the ballgames and go to the ballet
Go see your folks more than just on the holidays
Kiss all your children, dance with your wife
Tell your husband you love him every night
Don’t run from the truth cause you can’t get away
Just face it you’ll be okayTurn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances, let it all out
Cause you won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Cause it’s not who you knew A
nd it’s not what you didIt’s how you lived
Ooh, wherever you are and wherever you’ve been
Now is the time to begin
So give to the needy, pray for the grieving
Even when you don’t think that you can
Cause all that you do is bound to come back to you
So think of your fellow man
And make peace with God and make peace with yourself
Cause in the end there’s nobody else
Turn up the music, turn it up loud
Take a few chances, let it all out
Cause you won’t regret it
Looking back from where you have been
Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you didIt’s how you lived
Cause it’s not who you knew
And it’s not what you did
It’s how you lived
Friday, October 26, 2007
A Day in My Life
Soooo... it's been awhile since I posted again. Chalk it up to a 60 hour work week, applying to graduate schools, and moving! That's right, I'm going to have my very own apartment :)
Anywho... in the experience of these past few weeks, I've noticed something. Everyone is very pessimistic or perhaps they don't believe me. The phrase I've heard most often in these past two weeks is "You're crazy!" And perhaps I am. But to make you see why I do what I do, I'm going to take you through a day in the life of me :) And explain why it is I'm doing what I'm doing, so maybe I will NEVER hear that phrase again, but rather have more understanding and support for my cause.
Where to start.... let's start at 7pm. I wake up for my "day" around 7pm every night after getting about 6 hours of sleep. From 7pm to 10:30, I catch up on emails, have "breakfast", catch up with people on the phone, clean, shower, do laundry, do some shopping, etc. etc. Then around 10:30 I head off to work at the nursing home for my 8 hour shift. Third shift is the easiest shift, but I still work hard, and often don't get a chance for a break. When the nights are slow, however, I work on graduate school applications, catch up on a little Suduko action, read a book, or spend time getting to know my co-workers.
When I get off from Resthaven, I have an hour to shower, change, run a quick errand, or do something for myself. Then at 8am, I head off to Toddlerville where I chase kids for 4 hours. This includes feedings, napping, and playing outside.
Then at noon, I head home and sleep. This often repeats, but does not happen every day. I DO have nights off which are definitely needed and cherished.
Yes... it is crazy working 12 hour days, 60 hour weeks. Have I made sacrifices??? Of course I have! I've sacrificed sleep, I've sacrificed a lot of my free time, and I've even made huge sacrifices in my social life and especially in my friendships and relationships with others. But do I regret this decision? NEVER!
When I'm at the nursing home, I'm helping people who are there for the rest of their lives. The best thing in their day is your nurses assistant coming in to get them ready for the day. Can you imagine a life like that?? A day filled with constant routine, constant noise, no privacy?? At a nursing home you lose yourself and cling to only memories of who you used to be and desires of who you wish you were. Me being there for 8 hours... I cannot complain, because when 7am hits, I get to go home.
Working with my co-workers I get to learn a lot about society. I can't tell you what a research project it is has been talking to my co-workers. Some of these people work full-time, have several children, and are going to school. They basically have two full time jobs and a part time job. Again, who am I to complain? When I go home, I have no one to care for but myself. I get to work at my own schedule, sleep when I want to. I am so blessed and grateful to God for prolonging my singleness.
Working at the daycare, again, learning so much about society. Seeing the families these children come from, learning about behaviors, getting to know those children as if they were my own. For some, again, this is the most loving environment they will have and they're only there 8 hours a day. When they get home, you have no idea what they're going home to. You can only imagine the conditions and pray that they will be taken care of and safe. If I can provide one smile, one nutritious meal, one hour of fun, then I will because I am able.
So as you can see, I have the most rewarding life I ever could imagine. I get to help 90+ people every day of my life. Most, if not all of what I do, will go unnoticed, yes, but I still do it and with a smile on my face the entire time. No matter how exhausted I am, how long it's been since I've seen a friend, or no matter when I get a break next, I am blessed beyond measure to have the opportunities I have and the ability to do what I do. At any moment anything I have can be taken away from me. So I will continue to praise God daily for my life, for His blessings, and for bringing me to this place in my life.
My wish is that everyone would support me in this endeavour instead of constantly telling me I'm crazy, giving me looks of confusion and pity, and stop questioning my motives. For the next nine months of my life, this is it. And I will continue to maintain as full of a life as I can in the process.
Anywho... in the experience of these past few weeks, I've noticed something. Everyone is very pessimistic or perhaps they don't believe me. The phrase I've heard most often in these past two weeks is "You're crazy!" And perhaps I am. But to make you see why I do what I do, I'm going to take you through a day in the life of me :) And explain why it is I'm doing what I'm doing, so maybe I will NEVER hear that phrase again, but rather have more understanding and support for my cause.
Where to start.... let's start at 7pm. I wake up for my "day" around 7pm every night after getting about 6 hours of sleep. From 7pm to 10:30, I catch up on emails, have "breakfast", catch up with people on the phone, clean, shower, do laundry, do some shopping, etc. etc. Then around 10:30 I head off to work at the nursing home for my 8 hour shift. Third shift is the easiest shift, but I still work hard, and often don't get a chance for a break. When the nights are slow, however, I work on graduate school applications, catch up on a little Suduko action, read a book, or spend time getting to know my co-workers.
When I get off from Resthaven, I have an hour to shower, change, run a quick errand, or do something for myself. Then at 8am, I head off to Toddlerville where I chase kids for 4 hours. This includes feedings, napping, and playing outside.
Then at noon, I head home and sleep. This often repeats, but does not happen every day. I DO have nights off which are definitely needed and cherished.
Yes... it is crazy working 12 hour days, 60 hour weeks. Have I made sacrifices??? Of course I have! I've sacrificed sleep, I've sacrificed a lot of my free time, and I've even made huge sacrifices in my social life and especially in my friendships and relationships with others. But do I regret this decision? NEVER!
When I'm at the nursing home, I'm helping people who are there for the rest of their lives. The best thing in their day is your nurses assistant coming in to get them ready for the day. Can you imagine a life like that?? A day filled with constant routine, constant noise, no privacy?? At a nursing home you lose yourself and cling to only memories of who you used to be and desires of who you wish you were. Me being there for 8 hours... I cannot complain, because when 7am hits, I get to go home.
Working with my co-workers I get to learn a lot about society. I can't tell you what a research project it is has been talking to my co-workers. Some of these people work full-time, have several children, and are going to school. They basically have two full time jobs and a part time job. Again, who am I to complain? When I go home, I have no one to care for but myself. I get to work at my own schedule, sleep when I want to. I am so blessed and grateful to God for prolonging my singleness.
Working at the daycare, again, learning so much about society. Seeing the families these children come from, learning about behaviors, getting to know those children as if they were my own. For some, again, this is the most loving environment they will have and they're only there 8 hours a day. When they get home, you have no idea what they're going home to. You can only imagine the conditions and pray that they will be taken care of and safe. If I can provide one smile, one nutritious meal, one hour of fun, then I will because I am able.
So as you can see, I have the most rewarding life I ever could imagine. I get to help 90+ people every day of my life. Most, if not all of what I do, will go unnoticed, yes, but I still do it and with a smile on my face the entire time. No matter how exhausted I am, how long it's been since I've seen a friend, or no matter when I get a break next, I am blessed beyond measure to have the opportunities I have and the ability to do what I do. At any moment anything I have can be taken away from me. So I will continue to praise God daily for my life, for His blessings, and for bringing me to this place in my life.
My wish is that everyone would support me in this endeavour instead of constantly telling me I'm crazy, giving me looks of confusion and pity, and stop questioning my motives. For the next nine months of my life, this is it. And I will continue to maintain as full of a life as I can in the process.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Michael Buble - Everything lyrics
You're a falling star, You're the get away car.You're the line in the sand when I go too far.You're the swimming pool, on an August day.And you're the perfect thing to say.And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.Cause you can see it when I look at you.[Chorus:]And in this crazy life, and through these crazy timesIt's you, it's you, You make me sing.You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,And you light me up, when you ring my bell.You're a mystery, you're from outer space,You're every minute of my everyday.And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,And you know that's what our love can do.
I want a guy to sing this song to me :)
You're a falling star, You're the get away car.You're the line in the sand when I go too far.You're the swimming pool, on an August day.And you're the perfect thing to say.And you play it coy, but it's kinda cute.Ah, When you smile at me you know exactly what you do.Baby don't pretend, that you don't know it's true.Cause you can see it when I look at you.[Chorus:]And in this crazy life, and through these crazy timesIt's you, it's you, You make me sing.You're every line, you're every word, you're everything.You're a carousel, you're a wishing well,And you light me up, when you ring my bell.You're a mystery, you're from outer space,You're every minute of my everyday.And I can't believe, uh that I'm your man,And I get to kiss you baby just because I can.Whatever comes our way, ah we'll see it through,And you know that's what our love can do.
I want a guy to sing this song to me :)
Thursday, October 18, 2007
"Only as high as I reach can I grow, only as far as I seek can I go, only as deep as I look can I see, only as much as I dream can I be."
- Karen Rayes
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--that is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Karen Rayes
To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children, to earn the approbation of honest critics; to appreciate beauty; to give of one's self, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--that is to have succeeded.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Today I choose
After my absolutely insane week, I needed to be reminded that I have choices. So as I wake up for work, even on the days I really don't want to go, I'm going to choose. I'm going to choose to live by the fruits of the spirit.
I read this again yesterday and I pray that I can live by this every day...especially on the days when getting out of bed is so hard.
Each Day I Choose - By Max Lucado
It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.
I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred;no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.Today I will love God and what God loves.
I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings,created by God. I will refuse to see any problem asanything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'llinvite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a momentto pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind tothe unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollarbefore I take a dishonest one. I will be overlookedbefore I will boast. I will confess before I willaccuse. I choose goodness.
I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises.My debtors will not regret their trust. My associateswill not question my word. My wife will notquestion my love. And my children will never fearthat their father will not come home.
I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
I am a spiritual being…After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.I will be impassioned only by my faith.I will be influenced only by God.I will be taught only by Christ.I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.To these I commit my day.If I succeed, I will give thanks.If I fail, I will seek His grace.And then, when this day is done,I will place my head on my pillowand rest.
I read this again yesterday and I pray that I can live by this every day...especially on the days when getting out of bed is so hard.
Each Day I Choose - By Max Lucado
It's quiet. It's early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming.
In a few moments, the day will arrive. It will roar down the track with the rising of the sun. The stillness of the dawn will be exchanged for the noise of the day. The calm of solitude will be replaced by the pounding of the human race. The refuge of the early morning will be invaded by decisions to be made and deadlines to be met.
For the next twelve hours I will be exposed to the day's demands. It is now I must make a choice. Because of Calvary, I'm free to choose. And so I choose.
I CHOOSE LOVE…
No occasion justifies hatred;no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love.Today I will love God and what God loves.
I CHOOSE JOY…
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance.I will refuse the temptation to be cynical…the tool of the lazy thinker. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings,created by God. I will refuse to see any problem asanything less than an opportunity to see God.
I CHOOSE PEACE…
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so that I may live.
I CHOOSE PATIENCE…
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'llinvite him to do so. Rather than complain that the wait is too long, I will thank God for a momentto pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.
I CHOOSE KINDNESS…
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone.I will be kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind tothe unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
I CHOOSE GOODNESS…
I will go without a dollarbefore I take a dishonest one. I will be overlookedbefore I will boast. I will confess before I willaccuse. I choose goodness.
I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS…
Today I will keep my promises.My debtors will not regret their trust. My associateswill not question my word. My wife will notquestion my love. And my children will never fearthat their father will not come home.
I CHOOSE GENTLENESS…
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice, may it be only in praise.If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer.If I make a demand, may it only be of myself.
I am a spiritual being…After this body is dead, my spirit will soar.I refuse to let what will rot rule the eternal.I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy.I will be impassioned only by my faith.I will be influenced only by God.I will be taught only by Christ.I choose self-control.
Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.To these I commit my day.If I succeed, I will give thanks.If I fail, I will seek His grace.And then, when this day is done,I will place my head on my pillowand rest.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Welcome to my new website. I decided that I wanted to take a new approach to this whole internet journal thing. I've done the "My life is boring.. please read it about it thing", but decided that I'd rather do something a little more... inspirational as an outlet for myself and hopefully to give a little boost to anyone who needs a little inspiration in your day because life is a beautiful mess. So I plan to post quotes, articles, lyrics, etc. that really touch me and I hope that they can bring you comfort in this crazy world as well.
This song has REALLY touched me lately. I absolutely love Natalie Grant and these lyrics are a great example of why....
"It's hard to stand on shifting sand It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night You can't be free if you don't reach for help You cant love if you dont love yourself There is hope when my faith runs out Cause I'm in better hands now. It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I am strong all because of you I stand in awe of every mountain that you move Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone I am safe from this moment on There's no fear when the night comes 'round I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I'm in better hands now ."
Absolutely beautiful....
This song has REALLY touched me lately. I absolutely love Natalie Grant and these lyrics are a great example of why....
"It's hard to stand on shifting sand It's hard to shine in the shadows of the night You can't be free if you don't reach for help You cant love if you dont love yourself There is hope when my faith runs out Cause I'm in better hands now. It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I am strong all because of you I stand in awe of every mountain that you move Oh I am changed, yesterday is gone I am safe from this moment on There's no fear when the night comes 'round I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now It's like the sun is shining when the rain is pouring down It's like my soul is flying though my feet are on the ground Its like the world is silent though I know it isnt true Its like the breath of Jesus is right here in this room So take this heart of mine there's no doubt I'm in better hands now I'm in better hands now ."
Absolutely beautiful....
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