The real sandwich artist

There is a beauty behind making a sandwich. You get to pick what you want on it, and you know exactly what to expect with every bite.

If life were only that simple. I think the last few days, or maybe even weeks I have been on my knees asking the Lord to just give me a turkey sandwich. Okay, well not exactly. But if he threw something at me that was as simple as a turkey sandwich, I think I'd be more than okay with that.

I guess that is the humor, and glory of the Lord all wrapped into one. He isn't just a simple sandwich maker, and we don't always get what we order. But here is the difference between a God sandwich and your own sandwich... with your sandwich, as long as you eat the whole thing, you will be full. With God, if you "eat" all of what he serves, you will be satisfied.

Now by dictionary definition
full: to fill to capacity
satisfied: to fulfill the desires, expectations, needs, or demands.

Now, don't get me wrong, I think there are perfectly good situations to put the word full into a biblical lesson/analogy. It is just not the case here.

I mean, just picture yourself eating a sandwich here for a second. Okay... done? Now, would you rather be just full, or satisfied? Big difference my friend. If I am just full, that means the sandwich was sub-par, but did what it needed to for the time being. When I am satisfied, I am eating that last bite wishing I could have more (Often the way I feel when consuming a McD's cheeseburger, McChicken, or Subway's Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki, yes please).

Personally, I'd rather be drooling for more when I'm done with my food. But that is just me. Subsequently, I have similar feelings about Jesus. There is nothing better then getting through a sandwich with the ultimate sandwich artist. You never know what he is gonna throw on there. There could be things I love, like turkey and mayo, or things I find distasteful at the time, like pickles and ketchup. But at the end, I always want more, no matter what was on it.

Oh hey life analogy... right now I am working on a sandwich that I don't find very appetizing. There are a lot of things God is challenging me with and using to mature me. For instance, what the heck am I gonna do with my life? where am I going to be in 15 months? Ok Jesus... I may have ordered a sandwich, but I wasn't asking for extra mayo... so please hold the sauce. Just kidding. sort of. But here is the good thing about Jesus food: He will never give me more than I can eat in one sitting, regardless of the extra pickles. I guess that is why sandwiches have always been good comfort food... (insert corny laugh here).

But seriously, what a comfort to know that whatever Jesus throws my way, the end product will be satisfaction if I am willing to endure. I just have to remember that when I am trying to eat around the pickles... time to buckle down and bear through the things I don't like because if I got to pick and choose what Jesus gave me, I wouldn't experience true satisfaction in him.

So, on that note. Bring it on Jesus. I love your sandwiches, and I'm always hungry.

crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautiful life.

Holy Balls. In the time it takes you to read this sentence, you will double the amount of time I feel like I have had to breath in the last week or two. Of course I am exaggerating, but not by much. Between running a basketball camp, my internship, my mom having surgery, my day of birth, weddings and carting kids around... good old skip put some miles on him, and I felt like a soccer mom in a saturn. I shouldn't complain though... 1.) Thats life kid, suck it up. 2.) I secretly enjoyed it.

Sometimes I get complacent and selfish. I like to think that days to myself are better then spending time doing things with or for others. I think that the most satisfying break I could have is taking a long nap or reading a book and being alone. While those things are good and enjoyable, and well, I definitely need them sometimes... I feel like even if life is crazy and overwhelming sometimes, I would much rather be going nuts and staying busy then sitting my butt and only satisfying my personal wants needs.

Running basketball camp was such a crazy experience. My morning session only had 8 kids for 3 hours... and lets just say there were no Michael Jordan's in this group. You know that its a strange basketball camp when the favorite part of the week is the one day we make cards for people during devotions. Arts and crafts always screw up sports... just kidding. This session was a test of my patience. Oh boy God, thanks for that. I think I could have had a better attitude at times, but once I got over myself and my expectations, I think God worked some pretty good things... not just with the kids, but with my heart too. My second group was absolutely amazing. 22 k-2 graders for an hour and a half. Time flew. My favorite thing about this group was the questions they would ask. There was one kid, parker, he was cute. Khaki shorts, crew socks that were just above the ankles, collared shirt, and Spiderman velcro sneakers. good stuff. He said to me "Yesterday, my mom was getting blood drawn so I was praying for her. I was praying to God really hard that she would be okay, but she passed out twice." Then he asked "If God can hear me, then why did my mom pass out? Why doesn't he listen sometimes?" I was blown away. Parker and I had a good little chat, but what is the best way for a little kid to really understand that just because God doesn't always answer prayers doesn't mean he doesn't hear you? I think that God used the kids to really try and help me see my own weaknesses. Like lack of patience, or my habit of getting frustrated with God when he doesn't answer prayers the moment I want them.

Where the heck has summer gone? Where the heck has life gone? I am 22 years old. My friends are getting married and having babies and going to grad school and becoming adults and having lives.... I'd be okay if I could go back to the day of silent ball, four square, yo-yo's and POGS. If zubas also came back in style... I think I'd be okay. Jelly Sandals anyone? But School starts in two weeks. And as reality has it, I am starting senior year of college. I'm pretty sure I'm ready to grab life by the horns and start trekking forward... and lets be honest its going to be a wild ride. But I am buckled in and ready to go. Might throw up a few times along the way... but thats what barf bags are for.


Song of the moment: Motions- Matthew West

Call me a critic.....

Tomorrow marks the day that I turn 22 years old... or as my dear friend Beth reminded me... half way to 44. Crap. You know what reminds me of how old I feel like I am getting? I use phrases like dear friend. I also gave my Grandpa a Hig five for making it past 9:00. It was a big moment for the both of us.

I have read 3 books and seen 4 movies in the last week and a half, now time for the reviews:

Books:

"Take One"- Karen Kingsbury: Anyone who knows me will know, just from seeing the author, that I will give it a two thumbs up. I read it in about a day and a half, with pauses of course (hooked on phonics worked for me, its okay). I should note, it is different then most of her books which I have read. A little less romantic, which means I officially made it through a Karen Kingsbry book without shedding one tear. If I were a girl scout, that would earn a badge.

"Swan House"- Elizabeth Musser: Another real solid read. Kind of slow getting started, but for once in my life, I did not predict the ending. I liked that. The book takes place in the 1960's, third on my list of "Era's in which I wish I was born." It was a mystery, love story, history lesson all in one. Big fan. High reccommendations.

"My sisters Keeper"- Jodi Picoult: Incredibly let down to be honest. I mean, don't get me wrong, good story, compelling topic, and I won't ruin the ending but... COME ON. Coulda done better work Jodes. I'd give it 2 outta 4.5 stars.

Movies:

Paul Blart- Mall Cop: As dumb as it sounds. One of those movies where it was a good thing I was up late. Ok, yeah it got a few laughs out of me... but on a scale of 1-10 I give it a 4.23... and that is late at night.

The Ugly Truth- If you have a dirty mind, you will love it. Some of you may assume I must have loved it... because lets be honest, for going to the N dubb C... my mind is in the gutter quite often... however because of the morals and values bestowed upon my by the college who is experiencing "theological drift," I found a lot of the movie kind of disgusting. It did however put the desire to experience a hot air ballon ride in my heart... maybe i should have seen Up.

Harry Potter 6- No progress, I was left hanging on EVERYTHING. Good thing I know what happens or I might be like that kid in Germany who was so shocked that Headmaster "DD" died in this one that he decided life just wasn't worth living....(can i say that on a blog?)... you do the math folks.

Saved- Oldie but a Goodie. I felt slightly Sacreligous watching it, but then I thought about if that was really how some people view Christians, then we, as a body of Christ, are doing something wrong. I know its a fairly controversial movie for Christians, but I wouldd encourage any Christian to watch it. If not to challenge us, then to see Mandy Moore drive into a Giant Jesus, or to see McCulley Culkin. Yeah thats right, he has made it big time since Home Alone.

Although it may not seem like I have had a life over the last week and a half, it was because I had the time to enjoy a peaceful week off. I think God we being nice and preparing me for not only one of the most full weeks of my summer (27th-31st) but also some big time "rock my world" moments and prayers that have happend in the last few days. God is a good dude, I'm a big fan of what he has done in my life this summer.

Verse: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 25

Song of the Moment: For the Moments I feel Faint- Relient K

The Man who has Stolen my Heart...

Girls seem to be looking for a man who knows what to say all the time, who is romantic, who takes their breath away, steals their heart, and robs them of their ability to utter a single word. And I willingly admit, I have been, and sometimes still am one of those girls. I think its something that is wired into our hearts that gives us the desire to feel loved.

Tall or short? Dark hair or Sandy Blonde? Sporty or a little dorky? Funny or Quiet? We have all pictured our ideal man at some point in our life. You know... The more realistic model of the celebrity we always dreamed about being with, right? We seem to be walking down the street keeping our eyes peeled for the next eligible bachelor to turn the corner and sweep us off our feet.

For me, it started one fall afernoon in September of 2006. I though i knew what love was before this, but I was so wrong. There was a man who completely knocked me head over heels and I havn't been the same since. he had been with me my entire life. He is a man who steals my heart, takes my breath away, robs me of my ability to utter a single word. He romances me and continually sweeps me off my feet.

I can honestly say that I will never feel a love as deep, as high, as far, and as wide as the Love that Christ has for me. He surprises me daily with his comfort, honesty, strength, encouragment, forgiveness, faithfullness, loyalty, compassion, committment, grace, and unfailing love. He captivates me and challenges me with the love letters in his word. Its a perfect, beautiful relationship.

As September approaches as well as the anniversary of my renewal with my relationship with Christ... I think back on the last 3 years and see how my life has been transformed because of his love. It doesn't mean that my flesh doesn't desire to be loved here on earth and hoepfully someday I will be married and it will be great, but the intimate and personal relationship I have wih Christ has allowed me to put my hope and trust in him completely. I don't need to depend on a person to fill a hole in my heart because I am blessed enough to know what true love really is... and it freaking rocks.

"I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as Lord." - Hosea 2:19-20 (NLT)

Song of the Moment: I Believe in a Thing Called Love

P.S. Tall.. someone who loves basketball... chisled abs (I would not complain) Current Celebrity Crush: Fred Hoiberg.. not afraid to admit it.

A God who amazes.

I put God into a box all the time... and right when I start to become content with where I am with him, he knocks the walls out of the box and amazes me more then I could ever imagine.

I just spent a few days in Western Montana where I got to enjoy the beauty of the Lord first hand. I can't tell you the number of times I caught myself losing my breath because of the wonders he had created. I think sometimes being in a busy city, I forget to slow down and enjoy the natural gifts God has given us to show his glory. It is easier when I am spending time on campus, but even then, the beauty there is created by man. In montana it was so natural. The rivers, lakes, mountains, the fish that we caught, even the farm land, and animals on it. It is amazing to me that one man created this all, even though he didn't need it. He created it just for us and I don't even take the time to enjoy it.

And God said, "let the water under the sky be gathered to one place and let dry ground appear," and it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas," and God saw that it was good. Then God said "Let the land produce vegitation: seed bearing plants and trees on the land to bear fruit with seed in it according to their various kinds," and it was so. - Genesis 1:9-11

What gifts God has given us. I would type the whole chapter of Genesis 1, but then I would want to type the whole bible because of how much I love it. I caught myelf reading the whole chapter today though and remembering how this earth, this beauty, this life, it is all a gift of God and it is all meant to bring him Glory and that is all I want to do.

Song of the Moment: Captivated- Shawn McDonald

When I look into the mountains, I see your fame.
When I look into the night sky, it sparkles your name.

The wind in the clouds and the blue in the sky
The sun and the moon and the stars so high.
It's what draws me to you.

I am, I'm captivated by you.
In all that you do
I am, I'm captivated.

When I wake unto the morning, it gives me your sight.
When I look across the ocean, it echos your might.

The sand on the shore and the waves in the seas.
The air in my lungs and the way you made me.
That's what draws me to you.

The wind in the clouds and the blue in the sky,
The sun and the moon and the stars so high.
The sand on the shore and the waves in the sea,
The air in my lungs and the way you made me.

The Blood in my veins and my heart you invade,
The plants, how they grow, and the trees and their shade.
The way that I feel and the love in my soul,
I thank you my God for letting me know.

I am, I'm captivated by you,
In all that you do,
I am, I'm captivated.

Up next: The man who has stolen my heart.

Ahhhh real monsters.

Guys. I freaking suck at blogging. I probably have a million and a half things I could tell you but my life is so crazy that I don't have much time. The blog title is irrelevant. What I can tell you though is that I absolutely LOVE how busy I have been lately. Camps, Lynx, Work... everything is just a real treat. Here are some highlights

-Post camp, staying in the dorms and entertaining 15 HS kids
-Lynx won in OT tonight. Freaking ridiculous game. we were lucky.
-NWC Best in Basketball camp is the highlight of my summer hands down.
- I am learning more then I could ever imagine about how God is Glorified through the passions in our life and why he gives us those passions.
- The 4th.. good stuff.
- I read a good book. 19 Minutes.

I will have stories and more in depth stuff when I get back from the 406, but until then, keep me in your prayers. I have a lot on my plate right now, and although it is sweet, its tough to balance. Also I am running my first basketball camp at the end of July. Yeah, thats right, I am the big dog. But Pray that I will be prepared and that I will be able to influence the kids in a positive way. Good stuff to come. Peace out girl scouts.

Song of the Moment: (insert your favorite camp song here)

I freaking love music. Hence the song of the moment I will include on my posts. I feel like music has been one of my best friends this summer and has helped make for some pretty rockin quiet times or devotions. I get to sit in the glorious Minneapolis traffic pretty much every morning.. at first I was so fricken annoyed with it. I was always feeling rushed, like I wasn't doing anything. However, as the summer has progressed, I have found these moments where I have stuck in traffic to be some of the best moments of my day... mostly because of whats blasting out of my speakers.

You know when you are driving down the road and you see someone car dancing? Yeah.. I'm that girl. I am also the girl who rolls down her windows and will belt songs at the top of my lungs completely oblivious to the fact that other people drive with their windows down too... and lets be honest, I don't really care. I absolutely love the part of my day when i turn on the radio and its one of my favorite songs, doesn't matter what else happend that day, for 4 minutes, I'm your next american idol.

But in all seriousness, some of the songs I have heard on the radio this summer are also the ones that make me turn things down a notch and remember what I'm thankful for, or they teach me how to pray again, or best of all, they remind me of how stinking great, awesome, powerful, and humble the God I serve really is. Folks, music is good. This is my public apology to music for not appreciating it more over the years.

Later in the week: Stories from a Dorm Counsler

Song of the moment: Wild at Heart - Gloriana

Five and Three

5-3. That is the current record of the Minnesota Lynx.I should probably mention I am working as a basketball operations intern with the team for the summer, so my interest in the subject is legit.

In all honesty, after losing our leading scorer and former all-star to an ACL tear for the rest of the year, there is a chance we could be in for a Long season. Seimone was averaging 23.4 points and over 30 minutes a game for us before she went down. You can't really replace that kind of player with a reserve. Our record stands at 1-2 without her, and let me tell you, those 2 losses were not pretty.

However, there is also a chance that we could take everyone by surprise because we are a team full of young, but extremely talented players. Charde Houston was a third round draft pick in 2008, but she is currently the new leading scorer on our team. No third round draft pick has averaged more minutes or points in their rookie campaign then Charde did last year. Most third round draft picks don't even make their team. We also have the 2008 Sixth Woman of the Year on our team in former Standford Standout Candice Wiggins. Candice had 25 points in 5 assists in the win against New York tonight. The core of our roster has been in the league for 2 years or less. Kelly Miller tops the veterans, having just started her 9th season in the WNBA I believe. More than likely it will be a season of adjustments and learning with all the young players we have, but in the end, if we can get it together, I wouldn't be surprised if the Lynx were making a run at the title.

My experience thus far has been absolutely amazing. After Coach Z resigned just a few days before the season, we interns had to take on more responsabilities. Game days are easily my favorites... I love seeing what we have done in practice all week executed (or not executed) on the floor. Plus, the I feel as if the responibilities I have on game days really matter to the success of the team. The best part is being able to sit in on Coaches meetings before, and after the game, as well as during halftime. Every once in a while I even make a suggestion or comment that they use. Its pretty big time. I love basketball. Always have, always will. Its probably the only thing in my life, other then God, that I am truly passionate about. Before this experience I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life, I still don't really... but what I do know is that I don't think I ever want basketball to not be a part of my life. I could coach or do something like FCA or AIA... I don't really know, but every time I step on the court to play or go into help with a practice or watch film or something... it's like I am a kid on Christmas again. Plus, God has used basketball in my life in so many ways to challenge me, and to help me grow, as well as using it to Glorify him that I feel like it could be a good way for my to help share with people all that he has done in my life. I don't know, maybe I am crazy, and I would be perfectly fine if basketball in any way wasn't in the plans God had for me.... but for now, that is the path I plan to pursue until told otherwise (by the big man of course). And let me tell you... I am pumped about it.

Song of the moment: Revelation Song - Phillips Craig and Dean

until next time.

why five....

So why five minutes... what can we really, truly accomplish in five minutes. We can brush and floss our teeth, get extra sleep, be late for work,check the mail,have a snack, drink your coffee, send a quick email or make a phone call, or read the sports page. But what do any of those things actually mean?

In five minutes we can also listen to the lyrics and melody of a song that speaks the true feelings of our heart, we can cry tears of joy or pain. In five minutes we can realize we are truly in love or have our hearts broken. We can see our dreams come crashing to the ground or we see a glimpse of hope flash before our eyes... And its those lyrics and tears, love and heartbreak, lost dreams and inspired hope that we really begin to find ourselves.

So how can we change those everday "five minute moments" so they actually mean something? That sleep can be traded for a moment of prayer. The coffee can be shared with a friend. Those words in that email or call can be an I love you to a family member or friend. And the sports page, the sports page can be the very one that you ask for from your dad every morning or the same one your mom gives you a hard time about because you spilled milk on it and you smile because you may or may not have done it just to get an eye roll out of her.

It's in all of those "five minute moments" that we realize how truly blessed we are. Where we can feel the comfort of where our hope actually comes from. Kind of like we get a great big hug from heaven. I think we all need to take a "Five minute moment" every day to acknowledge that hope and thank God for his grace... Thank him for saving us from what those five minutes could have been without him.

.........

For all you who know me.. you probably would have never thought I'd be a blogger. I'm just a simple girl who likes a tall glass of milk and a McDonalds cheeseburger, while wearing a Penny Hardaway jersey. I have a love hate relationship with my sarcastic nature and getting a pack of zours is like getting a second christmas.

This will probably be a random array of posts with all of the above packed in. One day you will find whats really on my heart or what I've been learning, and another day I might be talking sports or even the office... Jim is my TV Crush after all. That is just kind of girl I am. Take it or leave it. Learn with me, grow with me, laugh or cry.... whatever. I will just be thankful that you took a five minute moment of your day to read some words on a page... and hopefully, one or two of those words might mean something to someone.