I've never been good at keeping New Year's resolutions, but this year I want to really focus and not treat my resolutions as a to do list for January.
To help me with my resolutions, I've decided to adopt the "Movement" series from the Vineyard Nola and SKL. (Want to know more? Check out my blog HERE or the church's website HERE.)
UPWARD:
1. Read the Bible in a year, and study more theology. (GeEk alert!)
2. Pray throughout the day - not just the start of my day (a 30 min commute to work can sometimes be good) or in an "emergency."
INWARD: (myself)
3. Write in a P-journal - 4 days a week. Of course, I'd love to do it everyday, but I'm trying to make this realistic/doable. :) So what is a P-journal you ask? It's a short entry that states a Peak (high for the day), a Pit (low for the day), a Praise (thankful for the day), and a Prayer. I'm really looking forward in journaling more. I used to journal a lot in college, and I'm looking forward in doing it again. I enjoy having a way to express myself and have a time to reflect.
4. Maintain a healthy body. Has anyone noticed that as you get older that this area gets more difficult? Ok...just making sure I'm not the only one. I want to try and improve eating habits and get out and exercise more.
INWARD: (others)
5. Get to know my neighbors. This year, I really want to make this a
priority like I stated in my previous blog. My husband and I for
Christmas made goodies and personally handed out to a few. (It's a start!). I
was sad that we couldn't hand out more, but many were not home.
6. Continue to work on loving people in my everyday ordinary life - even if it means letting people who cut the line into traffic - Ugh! Um...still working on that one.
OUTWARD
7. Continue to pray for my friends in Zambia, Africa.
8. Volunteer more often at our church's food bank - Bag Hunger (and purchase food for it every month).
These are a few personal/fun ones:
9. Quit biting my nails. (unfortunately this makes my list every year.)
10. Grow my hair long enough to donate to Locks of Love. (currently working on this one, hopefully I don't loose patience!)
Lastly, I am starting a new tradition this year with my husband. We will have a "Memory Jar" in the kitchen. Every time we experience something we want to remember we will write it down on a piece of paper with the date and place it in the jar. On New Year's Eve 2012 we will take them all out and read them. I think it will be neat to have some sort of time capsule. How funny would it be to read these in 2022?!
Good luck with keeping your New Year's resolutions, if you make them!
Wishing you a prosperous New Year!
-Miche
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Learning to Live with Neighbors
I can't believe it's been 6 months since we have purchased and moved into our home, and it's been a great experience so far.
One thing I'm learning about is how to live with neighbors. So far, it's very different from what I experienced growing up in my small bayou town. Growing up, my family knew our neighbors very well. It was nothing for my mom to send me to a neighbor's house to ask for an egg, since she was in the middle of cooking and ran out. Trick-or-treating was special since we would receive a special bag prepackaged with our names on it, and we also knew two houses down there would be hot dogs and popcorn balls year after year. We visited one another. If you were outside doing yard work, there was a good chance a neighbor would come by. My mom bought our birthday cakes from a lady a few houses down. My dad knew who he could borrow tools from. In fact, my dad helped an older gentleman grow a garden two houses down. They enjoyed spending time together and sharing the crop. There was a real sense of community and support in the neighborhood.
What have I experienced so far living in my new neighborhood? Well, definitely not the above. In the front of our house is a pecan tree. To my little knowledge, I didn't realize how much a pecan tree looses it's leaves in the winter - enough to fill up 1 1/2 large trash cans with JUST leaves in case you were wondering (and this was just the first raking). One particular morning, I decided it was definitely time to rake since no trace of grass could be seen. While raking, I stumbled upon some unwanted surprises that Iknow suspect came from two small black dogs from our neighbor's house. Immediately inside I felt emotions of rage and revenge. Why can't they pick up after their dog? That's so rude! Are they lazy? Why can't they train their dog to stay on THEIR property. I just want to get a dog (which we don't have) and train it to go in their yard. Ha! That will show them. After about 30 min of ranting in my head while raking, I calmed down and thought is that showing love? Is that how I can get to know my neighbors and form a sense of community? Definitely not. Then I began to look around at my surroundings and felt horrible to see many yards that had OUR leaves in them. Yikes! Some of my neighbor's don't even have a tree in their yard. Now, I know I can't totally prevent the wind from blowing the leaves around, but I could rake up my yard more often, than...twice? I'm sure if I rake more often, then it wouldn't give the wind a chance to blow the leaves in my neighbor's yards. Will this one act make my neighbors become friends with me? I definitely don't think so, but I'm sure they would appreciate it.
Currently, I only know one set of neighbors thus far. This particular set was very close to the family that lived in our house before us, and they introduced themselves to us quickly because they were collecting the mail for the family that moved. They seem like really nice people, and I look forward in getting to know them better. Sadly, I don't know the other people that live in the houses that surround me.
One of my New Year's resolutions this year will be to change that. I want to feel the sense of community and support that I had growing up. I know it will not happen over night, and it will take time. I don't think this is an easy task. I can think of many excuses as why not to - Will they like us? There is too big of an age difference. What should I talk about? etc. My prayer for 2012 is that God would give me opportunities to get to know my neighbors, and that I am brave and bold enough to seize those opportunities.
I'm learning to live with neighbors, how about you?
-Miche
One thing I'm learning about is how to live with neighbors. So far, it's very different from what I experienced growing up in my small bayou town. Growing up, my family knew our neighbors very well. It was nothing for my mom to send me to a neighbor's house to ask for an egg, since she was in the middle of cooking and ran out. Trick-or-treating was special since we would receive a special bag prepackaged with our names on it, and we also knew two houses down there would be hot dogs and popcorn balls year after year. We visited one another. If you were outside doing yard work, there was a good chance a neighbor would come by. My mom bought our birthday cakes from a lady a few houses down. My dad knew who he could borrow tools from. In fact, my dad helped an older gentleman grow a garden two houses down. They enjoyed spending time together and sharing the crop. There was a real sense of community and support in the neighborhood.
What have I experienced so far living in my new neighborhood? Well, definitely not the above. In the front of our house is a pecan tree. To my little knowledge, I didn't realize how much a pecan tree looses it's leaves in the winter - enough to fill up 1 1/2 large trash cans with JUST leaves in case you were wondering (and this was just the first raking). One particular morning, I decided it was definitely time to rake since no trace of grass could be seen. While raking, I stumbled upon some unwanted surprises that I
Currently, I only know one set of neighbors thus far. This particular set was very close to the family that lived in our house before us, and they introduced themselves to us quickly because they were collecting the mail for the family that moved. They seem like really nice people, and I look forward in getting to know them better. Sadly, I don't know the other people that live in the houses that surround me.
One of my New Year's resolutions this year will be to change that. I want to feel the sense of community and support that I had growing up. I know it will not happen over night, and it will take time. I don't think this is an easy task. I can think of many excuses as why not to - Will they like us? There is too big of an age difference. What should I talk about? etc. My prayer for 2012 is that God would give me opportunities to get to know my neighbors, and that I am brave and bold enough to seize those opportunities.
I'm learning to live with neighbors, how about you?
-Miche
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Gifting with a Purpose
Do you have trouble giving gifts to a person who has it all?! I know I do sometimes! I want to show that I care and love someone by giving them a gift on Christmas, but not sure what to give. I love this new concept of gifting with a purpose! What does this mean? When you purchase an Umweo bag (see story below), not only will you receive a bag that is hand made with material from Zambia, Africa, but ALL proceeds are sent to a mal-nutrition clinic in Zambia. It's a win, win! I personally love my Umweo bag when I travel.
Please read my friend's blog post below about her story of how Umweo bags came about and how YOU can help.
Umweo Bags is a non-profit organization (pulling together the final paperwork for being incorporated as a 501(c)3 as you read) that was started in 2010 by Ana Rich. While on a mission trip in Zambia, with her church - the Vineyard Church of New Orleans. Ana had the opportunity to visit a malnutrition clinic in the town of Kitwe. This clinic is a place where children in the community who are malnourished are brought, most often by their parents, to be given a chance at surviving in life. While at the clinic, children are cared for by nurses who do all that they can to provide care, nutrition, vitamins and food to these children; to nurse them back to health so that they may return home to their families, healthy. At the time that Ana was visiting the clinic, there were close to 15 children being cared for and nursed back to health.
Upon returning to New Orleans from her trip to Zambia, Africa, Ana had an overwhelming desire to help, to work to figure out how she could play a part in helping these children survive. While in Zambia, Ana had the opportunity to go to market one day. While there she purchased a handmade bag from one of the local merchants. It was this bag that enlarged Ana’s imagination as she considered ways that she could help those children who are clinging to life over 9000 miles away.
After weeks of thinking and praying, Ana pulled out her old sewing machine, though she had only minor sewing skills, and began to play around with fabric and designs to try and replicate the bag that she had purchased at market. Within a few days, Ana had finally landed on her own unique pattern for the purses. And thus Umweo Bags was born.
Umweo Bags are all made out of fabrics full of vibrant colors that in some way reflect the culture of Zambia. Bags are sold for $30 and every penny that is profit is now sent to the malnutrition clinic in Kitwe and is used to purchase the necessary food and vitamin supplements for the children. Over the last year and a half, Ana has empowered a number of other women in the community to also make bags and today, every Umweo Bag is handmade by Ana and 5 of her friends.
To date, Umweo Bags has sent $2,675 to the malnutrition clinic which in turn has allowed the clinic to purchase food. The clinic usually only has enough funding to purchase formula. However, children over 8 months old are in need of solid foods in order to get the nutrients they need to regain their health. The money that Umweo Bags sends to the clinic enables the clinic to purchase the necessary solids, such as, fruits, mealie meal, ground nuts for protein and more.
Here are some other sobering numbers:
· People travel anywhere from 10 miles to 150 miles in order to find help at the clinic
· Children stay anywhere from 7 days to 30 days at the clinic
· There is a dietician and 3 nurses that work at the clinic
· The clinic has anywhere from 12 children to 32 a time
· There are only 25 beds at the clinic
Since Umweo Bags partnered with the clinic in 2010, over 95 children have been nursed back to health and have returned to their homes nourished and healthy.
It is our heart at Umweo Bags to continue to provide as much as we can financially to this clinic to provide these children with the food and vitamins they need to survive - to provide life.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Like Umweo Bags Facebook page, click HERE
2. Share Umweo Bags page on Facebook, click HERE
3. Follow Umweo Bags on Twitter @umweobags
In addition to this, you may always purchase an Umweo Bag at www.umweobags.bigcartel.com or donate directly to Umweo Bags at www.umweobags.com
In an effort to raise awareness, friends of Umweo Bags will donate over $600 to this amazing cause if Umweo Bags receives over 250 likes on their Facebook page, along with receiving at least 60 shares on FB and 20 new followers on Twitter by December 25.
Friends, thank you for your time and help,
Miche
Please read my friend's blog post below about her story of how Umweo bags came about and how YOU can help.
Umweo Bags is a non-profit organization (pulling together the final paperwork for being incorporated as a 501(c)3 as you read) that was started in 2010 by Ana Rich. While on a mission trip in Zambia, with her church - the Vineyard Church of New Orleans. Ana had the opportunity to visit a malnutrition clinic in the town of Kitwe. This clinic is a place where children in the community who are malnourished are brought, most often by their parents, to be given a chance at surviving in life. While at the clinic, children are cared for by nurses who do all that they can to provide care, nutrition, vitamins and food to these children; to nurse them back to health so that they may return home to their families, healthy. At the time that Ana was visiting the clinic, there were close to 15 children being cared for and nursed back to health.
Upon returning to New Orleans from her trip to Zambia, Africa, Ana had an overwhelming desire to help, to work to figure out how she could play a part in helping these children survive. While in Zambia, Ana had the opportunity to go to market one day. While there she purchased a handmade bag from one of the local merchants. It was this bag that enlarged Ana’s imagination as she considered ways that she could help those children who are clinging to life over 9000 miles away.After weeks of thinking and praying, Ana pulled out her old sewing machine, though she had only minor sewing skills, and began to play around with fabric and designs to try and replicate the bag that she had purchased at market. Within a few days, Ana had finally landed on her own unique pattern for the purses. And thus Umweo Bags was born.
Umweo Bags are all made out of fabrics full of vibrant colors that in some way reflect the culture of Zambia. Bags are sold for $30 and every penny that is profit is now sent to the malnutrition clinic in Kitwe and is used to purchase the necessary food and vitamin supplements for the children. Over the last year and a half, Ana has empowered a number of other women in the community to also make bags and today, every Umweo Bag is handmade by Ana and 5 of her friends.To date, Umweo Bags has sent $2,675 to the malnutrition clinic which in turn has allowed the clinic to purchase food. The clinic usually only has enough funding to purchase formula. However, children over 8 months old are in need of solid foods in order to get the nutrients they need to regain their health. The money that Umweo Bags sends to the clinic enables the clinic to purchase the necessary solids, such as, fruits, mealie meal, ground nuts for protein and more.
Here are some other sobering numbers:
· People travel anywhere from 10 miles to 150 miles in order to find help at the clinic
· Children stay anywhere from 7 days to 30 days at the clinic
· There is a dietician and 3 nurses that work at the clinic
· The clinic has anywhere from 12 children to 32 a time
· There are only 25 beds at the clinic
Since Umweo Bags partnered with the clinic in 2010, over 95 children have been nursed back to health and have returned to their homes nourished and healthy.
It is our heart at Umweo Bags to continue to provide as much as we can financially to this clinic to provide these children with the food and vitamins they need to survive - to provide life.
Here’s how you can help:
1. Like Umweo Bags Facebook page, click HERE
2. Share Umweo Bags page on Facebook, click HERE
3. Follow Umweo Bags on Twitter @umweobags
In addition to this, you may always purchase an Umweo Bag at www.umweobags.bigcartel.com or donate directly to Umweo Bags at www.umweobags.com
In an effort to raise awareness, friends of Umweo Bags will donate over $600 to this amazing cause if Umweo Bags receives over 250 likes on their Facebook page, along with receiving at least 60 shares on FB and 20 new followers on Twitter by December 25.
Friends, thank you for your time and help,
Miche
Sunday, October 30, 2011
10 years and counting...
Boy, does time fly by! I used to think older people were crazy when they would talk about how fast time flies. Funny how when we are young that we can't wait to grow up, but once we are grown up we want back our childhood. Why is it that as we get older time does seem to fly by? Is it because we have more responsibilities? Maybe so. It seems that I have to be more conscious sometimes to just enjoy the moment for it can pass by so quickly.
For the past two weekends, I've had the opportunity to attend 2 different reunions.
The first reunion was my high school reunion. I actually did not attend this one because of a few different reasons, but the main one is because the friends that I was closest to in high school are from out of state and was unable to attend. However, I did take the opportunity to look back on my 10 years after high school. I reflected on where I thought I'd be while in high school, and where I'm actually at today. 10 years ago, today, as a senior I was probably in the middle of a soccer and cross country season taking classes like Honors English 3 and Calculus to prepare me for college *I know, nerd alert*. I actually enjoyed school. I've always like learning new things and perusing topics that interested me. I wasn't in the "in" crowd, although, I do think that people around school knew me due to my highly involvement in sports. I could be wrong about that. I didn't hang out in the cool hall, which didn't bother me none, since it was extremely crowed and filled with people who I thought wanted to be popular if they weren't already. I hung out with a group of girls, just like any other teenager, trying to survive high school. I really enjoyed the times we spent together - school dances, sleepovers, Grand Isle, talks about life, joining the drama club all together - making stage hand t-shirts, our bench down gym hall. I'll spare you from my memory lane entirely. During my senior year, I remember writing an essay about what my future plans were for a college scholarship (that I thankfully received!). I remember writing that my plans were to attend Nicholls State University and receive a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics within 4 years. (In Jr. High I discovered I wanted to be either a math or science teacher, and in high school I narrowed my choice to math - thanks to great math teachers!). After graduating, I was going to move back to the bayou and teach at my former alumni. I thought by this point, which would barely make me 21, I'd own a house, be married and started a family. I didn't really date much in high school, since I figured I'd meet my mate in college. I thought I'd continue to live on the bayou, not far from where I grew up all my life. Could this all be possible by the age of 21? I'm sure it could have, but did it? Not entirely. You see, God had some slightly different plans, and I couldn't be more thankful for those plans.
Well, I did receive my bachelor's in Secondary Ed. - Math but in 4 1/2 years. My last semester was when Katrina hit. It was the most trying semester I had ever experienced in my college career. It was devastating enough to see the damage in my area and see the devastation going on in New Orleans. But I was also going through student teaching. The hardest semester for an education major. (To sum it up, you get thrown into a classroom under a teacher where you are expected to do his/her job, except without the pay, and write lesson plans that satisfy the strict looooong conditions for college.) My classroom size even grew after Katrina, since the evacuated students had to go to school somewhere. I also started to question my career choice since I did NOT enjoy student teaching. I loved to teach, but this just wasn't working. Lots of tears were shed. By this point, I was also starting to realize that I hadn't met my "Mr. Right" and wouldn't be married and start a family by the age of 21. (Crazy, I know.) I had moments where I began to think I'd be single the rest of my life. Then God brought graduate school into the picture. Grad school? Are you crazy? I'm tired of school and not making money. But I somehow stumbled upon a brochure that talked about a fairly new graduate program at Nicholls. So I made a deal with God. Ok, if You can make it possible, I'll give it a try. (How silly does this sound?) So I took the GRE - just scored the amount I needed. I received a grad assistant position to where almost all my schooling was paid for and I got to teach a class at Nicholls and make a little bit of extra money. I'mpretty sure God wanted me in grad school. Here's another interesting fact, I graduated college with four other girls in math ed, and all four wanted to go back and get their masters, but me. Well, here's where God has a sense of humor: I'm the only one who immediately went back to get their masters. (You can read about my grad school struggles HERE.) A guy that I was friends with during my undergraduate studies turned into a romance (I'll spare you the details ;) during my graduate studies who then became my amazing husband at the end of both of our college careers. We married eight years after my high school graduation - in case you are keeping track. We had decided to move to New Orleans. Which you can read about some of my feelings on that HERE. I recently purchased a home, which you can read about HERE. That's ten years since I graduated high school. I haven't started a family, YET, but hope to one day. :) Oh, and I'm not teaching at my alumni. I'm teaching math at Delgado Community College and LOVE it. It's been quite a journey. I'm sure I will continue to make plans, and I'm sure God will continue to change them.
The second reunion that I was able to attend was a special college reunion. College reunion? That's not really a normal one - I know. As a freshmen in college, I was invited by a high school friend to the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries). I quickly found out from this friend that I might not have been known around high school for my sports, but as a church girl. Well, I was a Christian and did attend church regularly, so I just accepted this and decided to attend with her. Today, I'm incredibly grateful that I went. Through the BCM I grew. I grew spiritually and as a person. This is the place where I met true friends that have impacted my life, forever. I learned the basics of Christianity. I was introduced to Christian music (other than what played on Lifesongs). I truly enjoyed corporate worship in song. I learned what it meant to disciple and be discipled. God gave me a love and opportunities for short term mission trips. During spring break I went on 3 mission trips to Mexico and 1 to Mississippi. I spent 2 entire summers in Glorieta, New Mexico working at a Lifeway Conference Center as a Day Camp leader. (btw, best summers of my life) I spent many weekends in my spring semester as a Jr. High girl D-Now leader. I was stretched. Taken out of my comfort zone. I learned so much about my faith and gained a deeper love for my God. The BCM wasn't just about spiritual things either. We had fun! Tons of fun. Every Thursday we would play ultimate frisbee in the front yard of school (I gained the nickname Professor X while in grad school). We had themed banquets, dances, game nights, dinner together at the Siz! (that's Western Sizzlin for short - Thanks to the $1.99 burger and fry coupon in the Nicholls Worth.) flag football intermural teams, tailgating for football games, volleyball, card games, ping pong, camping trips, etc. Also, this is where I met my husband. All this to say that the campus minister, after 20 years, is retiring in December. As a retirement party, he had a reunion. Any student from 1992 - 2011 could attend. It was a two day event: Friday night was a worship service where the band Insitu reunited, people shared what the BCM meant to them (we even had a few skype in), and had a challenging word from a frequent speaker at the B, Robby Gallaty. I kinda got emotional, sitting in the second row next to the girl that invited me to the BCM (just like old times). I couldn't help but think how far I've come since then, and the opportunities I took advantage of while in college with the BCM. The Friday night service followed up with dinner at the Siz. They stayed open late just for us! Saturday, we had a huge bbq complete with ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and flag football (just like old times). It was amazing to reconnect with old friends face to face and hear of their journey of where God has taken them since the BCM. I learned one thing about this reunion, you never know where God will lead you, you just have to be open to it. Thank you Brother T for all your time investing into our lives.
So where am I today since the BCM? Well, my husband and I quickly found a church after getting married - the Vineyard New Orleans. We joined a young adult group and found some great friends. We led an Alpha table. We then dedicated a year to the School of Kingdom living - which you can read about what I learned HERE. This class really taught me how to apply the basics that I had learned in the BCM to everyday life. I also began to understand what I believed and why I believe. Incredible class! I'm learning how to bring heaven to earth. How to love others. How to enjoy/experience heaven on earth myself. I've been enjoying reading books to take my spiritual journey to a deeper level and discussing them with friends. I even went on a short term mission trip to Zambia, Africa. You can read about that HERE. Pretty neat that even though I'm in the next stage of my life, that God still is stretching me, taking me out of my comfort zone, teaching me, and gives me opportunities to serve - even short missions! OH and of course I'm having tons of fun in the process. :)
I'm so grateful for these reunions for it gave me a few days to step back and look at the journey thus far. Sometimes we can get caught up in the negative details of life, we forget to look back and see how faithful God has been to us. Thanks for reading about mine.
-Miche
For the past two weekends, I've had the opportunity to attend 2 different reunions.
The first reunion was my high school reunion. I actually did not attend this one because of a few different reasons, but the main one is because the friends that I was closest to in high school are from out of state and was unable to attend. However, I did take the opportunity to look back on my 10 years after high school. I reflected on where I thought I'd be while in high school, and where I'm actually at today. 10 years ago, today, as a senior I was probably in the middle of a soccer and cross country season taking classes like Honors English 3 and Calculus to prepare me for college *I know, nerd alert*. I actually enjoyed school. I've always like learning new things and perusing topics that interested me. I wasn't in the "in" crowd, although, I do think that people around school knew me due to my highly involvement in sports. I could be wrong about that. I didn't hang out in the cool hall, which didn't bother me none, since it was extremely crowed and filled with people who I thought wanted to be popular if they weren't already. I hung out with a group of girls, just like any other teenager, trying to survive high school. I really enjoyed the times we spent together - school dances, sleepovers, Grand Isle, talks about life, joining the drama club all together - making stage hand t-shirts, our bench down gym hall. I'll spare you from my memory lane entirely. During my senior year, I remember writing an essay about what my future plans were for a college scholarship (that I thankfully received!). I remember writing that my plans were to attend Nicholls State University and receive a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a concentration in Mathematics within 4 years. (In Jr. High I discovered I wanted to be either a math or science teacher, and in high school I narrowed my choice to math - thanks to great math teachers!). After graduating, I was going to move back to the bayou and teach at my former alumni. I thought by this point, which would barely make me 21, I'd own a house, be married and started a family. I didn't really date much in high school, since I figured I'd meet my mate in college. I thought I'd continue to live on the bayou, not far from where I grew up all my life. Could this all be possible by the age of 21? I'm sure it could have, but did it? Not entirely. You see, God had some slightly different plans, and I couldn't be more thankful for those plans.
Well, I did receive my bachelor's in Secondary Ed. - Math but in 4 1/2 years. My last semester was when Katrina hit. It was the most trying semester I had ever experienced in my college career. It was devastating enough to see the damage in my area and see the devastation going on in New Orleans. But I was also going through student teaching. The hardest semester for an education major. (To sum it up, you get thrown into a classroom under a teacher where you are expected to do his/her job, except without the pay, and write lesson plans that satisfy the strict looooong conditions for college.) My classroom size even grew after Katrina, since the evacuated students had to go to school somewhere. I also started to question my career choice since I did NOT enjoy student teaching. I loved to teach, but this just wasn't working. Lots of tears were shed. By this point, I was also starting to realize that I hadn't met my "Mr. Right" and wouldn't be married and start a family by the age of 21. (Crazy, I know.) I had moments where I began to think I'd be single the rest of my life. Then God brought graduate school into the picture. Grad school? Are you crazy? I'm tired of school and not making money. But I somehow stumbled upon a brochure that talked about a fairly new graduate program at Nicholls. So I made a deal with God. Ok, if You can make it possible, I'll give it a try. (How silly does this sound?) So I took the GRE - just scored the amount I needed. I received a grad assistant position to where almost all my schooling was paid for and I got to teach a class at Nicholls and make a little bit of extra money. I'm
The second reunion that I was able to attend was a special college reunion. College reunion? That's not really a normal one - I know. As a freshmen in college, I was invited by a high school friend to the BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries). I quickly found out from this friend that I might not have been known around high school for my sports, but as a church girl. Well, I was a Christian and did attend church regularly, so I just accepted this and decided to attend with her. Today, I'm incredibly grateful that I went. Through the BCM I grew. I grew spiritually and as a person. This is the place where I met true friends that have impacted my life, forever. I learned the basics of Christianity. I was introduced to Christian music (other than what played on Lifesongs). I truly enjoyed corporate worship in song. I learned what it meant to disciple and be discipled. God gave me a love and opportunities for short term mission trips. During spring break I went on 3 mission trips to Mexico and 1 to Mississippi. I spent 2 entire summers in Glorieta, New Mexico working at a Lifeway Conference Center as a Day Camp leader. (btw, best summers of my life) I spent many weekends in my spring semester as a Jr. High girl D-Now leader. I was stretched. Taken out of my comfort zone. I learned so much about my faith and gained a deeper love for my God. The BCM wasn't just about spiritual things either. We had fun! Tons of fun. Every Thursday we would play ultimate frisbee in the front yard of school (I gained the nickname Professor X while in grad school). We had themed banquets, dances, game nights, dinner together at the Siz! (that's Western Sizzlin for short - Thanks to the $1.99 burger and fry coupon in the Nicholls Worth.) flag football intermural teams, tailgating for football games, volleyball, card games, ping pong, camping trips, etc. Also, this is where I met my husband. All this to say that the campus minister, after 20 years, is retiring in December. As a retirement party, he had a reunion. Any student from 1992 - 2011 could attend. It was a two day event: Friday night was a worship service where the band Insitu reunited, people shared what the BCM meant to them (we even had a few skype in), and had a challenging word from a frequent speaker at the B, Robby Gallaty. I kinda got emotional, sitting in the second row next to the girl that invited me to the BCM (just like old times). I couldn't help but think how far I've come since then, and the opportunities I took advantage of while in college with the BCM. The Friday night service followed up with dinner at the Siz. They stayed open late just for us! Saturday, we had a huge bbq complete with ultimate frisbee, volleyball, and flag football (just like old times). It was amazing to reconnect with old friends face to face and hear of their journey of where God has taken them since the BCM. I learned one thing about this reunion, you never know where God will lead you, you just have to be open to it. Thank you Brother T for all your time investing into our lives.
So where am I today since the BCM? Well, my husband and I quickly found a church after getting married - the Vineyard New Orleans. We joined a young adult group and found some great friends. We led an Alpha table. We then dedicated a year to the School of Kingdom living - which you can read about what I learned HERE. This class really taught me how to apply the basics that I had learned in the BCM to everyday life. I also began to understand what I believed and why I believe. Incredible class! I'm learning how to bring heaven to earth. How to love others. How to enjoy/experience heaven on earth myself. I've been enjoying reading books to take my spiritual journey to a deeper level and discussing them with friends. I even went on a short term mission trip to Zambia, Africa. You can read about that HERE. Pretty neat that even though I'm in the next stage of my life, that God still is stretching me, taking me out of my comfort zone, teaching me, and gives me opportunities to serve - even short missions! OH and of course I'm having tons of fun in the process. :)
I'm so grateful for these reunions for it gave me a few days to step back and look at the journey thus far. Sometimes we can get caught up in the negative details of life, we forget to look back and see how faithful God has been to us. Thanks for reading about mine.
-Miche
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
I know what it's like to...fail...
I've had the chance to encourage a few people lately with my story, so I thought, why not post it on my blog too. *Warning, it's long* I wrote this "Note" titled My Current Struggle, on facebook Thursday, June 12, 2008 at 1:02pm. Enjoy.
"Failure. Not something anyone enjoys. The feeling of rejection, not good enough, sadness, anger, questioning, blaming, and fearful seems to be the mix of emotions. I'm sure that list could go on. I've never had to really deal with failure until recently, in the past few years of my life. I'm not saying I've never failed at anything because I definitely have, but it has never bothered me. I've failed tests, not making a team, and at relationships. Just to name a few. I'm sure many of you can relate.
But when I was student teaching, finally living out my dream of teaching, I felt like a failure. It was then that I had to learn a hard lesson that a teacher can not necessarily be judged by grades alone. Yes, at some point you might question the quality of the teacher because of a constant pattern of bad grades. But this was how I was judging myself. Teaching high school is NOT the easiest job. I commend and have a very high respect for all high school teachers. Many students just don't care about school, learning, and have no respect. Complete opposite of what I thought when I was in school. So I was very naive of what I was going to expect when I finally had the chance to teach high school. Did I fail student teaching? Definitely not! I did a good job, actually. The school wanted to hire me, and finish the semester. But I felt like I failed because I was not happy.
After a long hard semester of student teaching, I decided to go back to school for my masters. It gave me a chance to rethink about my career. Maybe I'm just not ready to teach teenagers? I was questioning God about my career. Why am I miserable teaching, when this has been my one and only desire for a career choice? But then God reminded me of the good times, the rewarding times that I had teaching, and I knew that God had me where He wanted me to be. So I went back to Nicholls for my Masters. Not really knowing why, but everything fell into place: test scores, finances, a place to live, and even a spot as a graduate assistant. I know God had a plan for me here. I began teaching remedial math at Nicholls, and I couldn't have asked for more. I was in my element. Thinking that this is what I imagined my dream to be. Did I have students who didn't care? Sure. Did I have students who didn't make the grade? Sure. Did I have students who didn't want to be there? Sure. But I loved it! I enjoyed it! I loved my freshmen students! So I thanked God for my miseries for it lead me here! In fact, I met the wonderful man that will be my husband while in grad school. Now I understand the meaning of James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…" What more joy could I ask for? Family, friends, a job, a fiancé!, all which I dearly loved.
So I'm coming to the end of my schooling, doing great in all of my classes. In fact, all A's and 2 B's. Even better than what I did as an undergraduate, especially in my math classes. I'm thinking this final written/oral exam won't be a big problem considering my grades and the student that I am. I mean, I knew it wasn't going to be a piece of cake. So I started studying in January for my test in April (which was really hard to do). I won't go into the depths of it all, but my worse nightmare happened. I failed. (I'm pretty sure I passed the written, but not the oral, again I won't go into this). Again, why God? I'm actually enjoying teaching college and I fail the final exam so I can't get my degree to continue on? Luckily, I do have another chance, one more chance to earn my degree. One last shot to prove myself. And I can not begin to explain the feelings that I currently have every time I pick up my materials to restudy all over again. I think I'm experiencing more of fear than anything. What if I don't make it again? What if I study the wrong material? What if I blank out on a question? What if I don't know the question? Will I ever be able to teach college again? The list could go on and on and on. I have to pray to God to keep these thoughts away, so that I won't be defeated again. It gets so overwhelming so fast. One thought leading to another…
But in the midst of it all, I think I finally figured out the HARD lesson God has taught me through all of this. I'm reading a book titled "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. In the "movement" titled "Dust" Bell talks about the story in the Bible where Jesus is walking on water and Peter decides to jump out of the boat and try to be like his rabbi. What happens? Peter starts to sink and he cries out to Jesus for Him to save him. Jesus says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When I read this, I felt like God had slapped me in the face and said, "Hello? That's You!" Bell goes on to say, "Who does Peter lose faith in? Not Jesus; Jesus is doing fine. Peter loses faith in himself." This was me this past semester. I had all the faith and confidence in Jesus that He would help me to keep my study habits, keep my composure during this crisis time of testing, and get me through no matter what the outcome. However, all semester long, during many conversations, these words would spill out of my mouth, "If I pass then…" The big IF. Did I lose faith in Jesus? Definitely not, even through my failure. Did I lose faith in myself? I believe I did. A part of me kept feeling like, I can't do it. Regardless of all of the many many hours of studying I did, and the good grades I made in my classes. Why couldn't I be like that train, Thomas…you know, "I think I can. I think I can." So now I must face my fears, and be brave. Encounter this test one more time…with faith and confidence not only in my savior, but in myself. I am good enough for a Masters degree, and God has a college just waiting for me to have an impact on the students.
Thanks for listening to me vent. I felt like I had to get it off my chest. So here is my current struggle: having faith not only in God, but myself, that I can do it. Don't fall for the devil's schemes that you aren't good enough, because you are! It's all in His plan and for His glory. Amen."
Just to let you readers know, I did pass my exam the second go round a month later. In fact, I had never felt so relaxed and confident in my life on a test day. A month after my test, I was offered a position at a Community College teaching Math. You can read HERE of a blog that shows how I'm doing teaching.
Thank you God for trails and failures, for it is a glorious feeling to look back and see how You have grown me.
-Miche
"Failure. Not something anyone enjoys. The feeling of rejection, not good enough, sadness, anger, questioning, blaming, and fearful seems to be the mix of emotions. I'm sure that list could go on. I've never had to really deal with failure until recently, in the past few years of my life. I'm not saying I've never failed at anything because I definitely have, but it has never bothered me. I've failed tests, not making a team, and at relationships. Just to name a few. I'm sure many of you can relate.
But when I was student teaching, finally living out my dream of teaching, I felt like a failure. It was then that I had to learn a hard lesson that a teacher can not necessarily be judged by grades alone. Yes, at some point you might question the quality of the teacher because of a constant pattern of bad grades. But this was how I was judging myself. Teaching high school is NOT the easiest job. I commend and have a very high respect for all high school teachers. Many students just don't care about school, learning, and have no respect. Complete opposite of what I thought when I was in school. So I was very naive of what I was going to expect when I finally had the chance to teach high school. Did I fail student teaching? Definitely not! I did a good job, actually. The school wanted to hire me, and finish the semester. But I felt like I failed because I was not happy.
After a long hard semester of student teaching, I decided to go back to school for my masters. It gave me a chance to rethink about my career. Maybe I'm just not ready to teach teenagers? I was questioning God about my career. Why am I miserable teaching, when this has been my one and only desire for a career choice? But then God reminded me of the good times, the rewarding times that I had teaching, and I knew that God had me where He wanted me to be. So I went back to Nicholls for my Masters. Not really knowing why, but everything fell into place: test scores, finances, a place to live, and even a spot as a graduate assistant. I know God had a plan for me here. I began teaching remedial math at Nicholls, and I couldn't have asked for more. I was in my element. Thinking that this is what I imagined my dream to be. Did I have students who didn't care? Sure. Did I have students who didn't make the grade? Sure. Did I have students who didn't want to be there? Sure. But I loved it! I enjoyed it! I loved my freshmen students! So I thanked God for my miseries for it lead me here! In fact, I met the wonderful man that will be my husband while in grad school. Now I understand the meaning of James 1:2 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…" What more joy could I ask for? Family, friends, a job, a fiancé!, all which I dearly loved.
So I'm coming to the end of my schooling, doing great in all of my classes. In fact, all A's and 2 B's. Even better than what I did as an undergraduate, especially in my math classes. I'm thinking this final written/oral exam won't be a big problem considering my grades and the student that I am. I mean, I knew it wasn't going to be a piece of cake. So I started studying in January for my test in April (which was really hard to do). I won't go into the depths of it all, but my worse nightmare happened. I failed. (I'm pretty sure I passed the written, but not the oral, again I won't go into this). Again, why God? I'm actually enjoying teaching college and I fail the final exam so I can't get my degree to continue on? Luckily, I do have another chance, one more chance to earn my degree. One last shot to prove myself. And I can not begin to explain the feelings that I currently have every time I pick up my materials to restudy all over again. I think I'm experiencing more of fear than anything. What if I don't make it again? What if I study the wrong material? What if I blank out on a question? What if I don't know the question? Will I ever be able to teach college again? The list could go on and on and on. I have to pray to God to keep these thoughts away, so that I won't be defeated again. It gets so overwhelming so fast. One thought leading to another…
But in the midst of it all, I think I finally figured out the HARD lesson God has taught me through all of this. I'm reading a book titled "Velvet Elvis" by Rob Bell. In the "movement" titled "Dust" Bell talks about the story in the Bible where Jesus is walking on water and Peter decides to jump out of the boat and try to be like his rabbi. What happens? Peter starts to sink and he cries out to Jesus for Him to save him. Jesus says, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When I read this, I felt like God had slapped me in the face and said, "Hello? That's You!" Bell goes on to say, "Who does Peter lose faith in? Not Jesus; Jesus is doing fine. Peter loses faith in himself." This was me this past semester. I had all the faith and confidence in Jesus that He would help me to keep my study habits, keep my composure during this crisis time of testing, and get me through no matter what the outcome. However, all semester long, during many conversations, these words would spill out of my mouth, "If I pass then…" The big IF. Did I lose faith in Jesus? Definitely not, even through my failure. Did I lose faith in myself? I believe I did. A part of me kept feeling like, I can't do it. Regardless of all of the many many hours of studying I did, and the good grades I made in my classes. Why couldn't I be like that train, Thomas…you know, "I think I can. I think I can." So now I must face my fears, and be brave. Encounter this test one more time…with faith and confidence not only in my savior, but in myself. I am good enough for a Masters degree, and God has a college just waiting for me to have an impact on the students.
Thanks for listening to me vent. I felt like I had to get it off my chest. So here is my current struggle: having faith not only in God, but myself, that I can do it. Don't fall for the devil's schemes that you aren't good enough, because you are! It's all in His plan and for His glory. Amen."
Just to let you readers know, I did pass my exam the second go round a month later. In fact, I had never felt so relaxed and confident in my life on a test day. A month after my test, I was offered a position at a Community College teaching Math. You can read HERE of a blog that shows how I'm doing teaching.
Thank you God for trails and failures, for it is a glorious feeling to look back and see how You have grown me.
-Miche
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
SOLD!
I'm a home owner! It feels GREAT accomplishing this goal. I wasn't sure if this day would ever come, since we had been searching for 6 months. We looked at MANY houses online and in person. Our Realtor was great with not pressuring us and giving great advice when we asked. (If you or someone you know is looking for one, I HIGHLY recommend ours - contact me for info.) My husband and I went through many phases where we were excited, picky, impatient, willing to compromise, frustrated, loosing hope, didn't think we had the funds, calm, patient, peaceful, confident, and thankful. Well, I can't really speak for my husband, but the phases are pretty much the cycle of my feelings through the process.
It's quite interesting looking back at my blog updates on finding a home.
January 4 - we began the process searching for a home
January 17 - approved with our chosen lender
February 1 - we met with our Realtor
February 14 - we were settling for a house we didn't love (thankfully didn't buy)
February 24 - I was encouraged by our Realtor
April 7 - the house market died
My updates on my blog then stopped. In April, I had a break down. I was doubting SO many things. I didn't think we could afford the type of house that we wanted, and I didn't think we would ever find it. And then, my focus changed. My mission trip to Africa was quickly approaching, and I didn't want to "miss" out on anything that God wanted to teach me. (and He did, you can read about it here ) It's hard to describe, but I felt this softness inside like God was saying just wait, I've got a house for you after Africa. I had this peace about all this searching. The funny thing is that even with this feeling, my husband and I still looked at a few houses here and there, and one by one it was a definite no. But it confirmed what I was "feeling."
Don't you know that 2 days after I left for Africa, the emails came pouring in of houses on the market. When I returned, I went through the emails, and compiled a list of houses that my husband and I wanted to see in person. The following week we set out to see 5 houses, and after the 2nd one, I didn't want to see any more. We had found "the one" and didn't have to compromise on anything we were searching for. It had it all - what an answered prayer! So we reacted fast. The next day we put in a bid. After a week of back and forth and a few complications, the owners accepted our bid. After another month of waiting - setting up inspections, appraisal, etc. aka a lot of waiting. We finally have the keys!
What a roller-coaster of a journey to look back on. I'm not the most patient person in the world, but I'm happy that I waited. I'm very thankful for the peace that God gave me. Looking back, I couldn't imagine being in the middle of purchasing a house while on the mission trip. I'm sure my focus would have been off some...ok maybe a lot. :) What's crazy, is that the house we bought, was put on the market in January - the exact time we began our search - but we didn't receive an email about the house until I left for Africa. Coincidence? I'll let you decide...
So I want to encourage all of you that are waiting for something big or even small in your life. Enjoy the roller-coaster of the journey! Even if you think you have it all together, don't miss what God wants to teach you during this time. As much as being patient sucks, I'm sure whatever you are waiting for, it is worth the wait.
I can't wait to see how God will use this house of ours...besides, He's the one that blessed us with it.
-Miche
It's quite interesting looking back at my blog updates on finding a home.
January 4 - we began the process searching for a home
January 17 - approved with our chosen lender
February 1 - we met with our Realtor
February 14 - we were settling for a house we didn't love (thankfully didn't buy)
February 24 - I was encouraged by our Realtor
April 7 - the house market died
My updates on my blog then stopped. In April, I had a break down. I was doubting SO many things. I didn't think we could afford the type of house that we wanted, and I didn't think we would ever find it. And then, my focus changed. My mission trip to Africa was quickly approaching, and I didn't want to "miss" out on anything that God wanted to teach me. (and He did, you can read about it here ) It's hard to describe, but I felt this softness inside like God was saying just wait, I've got a house for you after Africa. I had this peace about all this searching. The funny thing is that even with this feeling, my husband and I still looked at a few houses here and there, and one by one it was a definite no. But it confirmed what I was "feeling."
Don't you know that 2 days after I left for Africa, the emails came pouring in of houses on the market. When I returned, I went through the emails, and compiled a list of houses that my husband and I wanted to see in person. The following week we set out to see 5 houses, and after the 2nd one, I didn't want to see any more. We had found "the one" and didn't have to compromise on anything we were searching for. It had it all - what an answered prayer! So we reacted fast. The next day we put in a bid. After a week of back and forth and a few complications, the owners accepted our bid. After another month of waiting - setting up inspections, appraisal, etc. aka a lot of waiting. We finally have the keys!
What a roller-coaster of a journey to look back on. I'm not the most patient person in the world, but I'm happy that I waited. I'm very thankful for the peace that God gave me. Looking back, I couldn't imagine being in the middle of purchasing a house while on the mission trip. I'm sure my focus would have been off some...ok maybe a lot. :) What's crazy, is that the house we bought, was put on the market in January - the exact time we began our search - but we didn't receive an email about the house until I left for Africa. Coincidence? I'll let you decide...
So I want to encourage all of you that are waiting for something big or even small in your life. Enjoy the roller-coaster of the journey! Even if you think you have it all together, don't miss what God wants to teach you during this time. As much as being patient sucks, I'm sure whatever you are waiting for, it is worth the wait.
I can't wait to see how God will use this house of ours...besides, He's the one that blessed us with it.
-Miche
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Cupcakes!!!
I love baking cupcakes, and not the store bought icing and cake mix stuff. Lately I've been making everything from scratch. It's been fun expanding my horizons and baking skills. So for my husband's birthday, I made chocolate peanut butter cupcakes (or what I like to call Reese's cupcakes since I added Reese's cups and pieces to the recipe). I found the recipe randomly online and decided to give it a try. Well, they came out really good - not heavy. Since so many people raved about them, I decided to share them with the blogging world.
Ingredients for the cake:
1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup of sour cream (this keeps them moist!)
2 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
8 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 eggs
1 bag of miniature Reese's cups (optional)
Directions for cake:
Preheat over to 350. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Stir sour cream, milk, and vanilla in a measuring cup. Mix butter and sugar - beat on medium high. Then add eggs to butter mixture one by one. On low speed, add your dry and wet ingredients, alternating, and ending with the dry ingredients. Fill cupcake liners a little over 1/2 way. Bake for about 15 min. Check for doneness with toothpick - it should come out clean. Optional: After 10 min insert a miniature Reese's cup into each cupcake - the middle should be jelly-like. Finish baking for 5 min.
Ingredients for Icing:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 Tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
3 1/2 cups confection sugar
1 cup of frozen whipped topping
Reese's Pieces (optional)
Directions for Icing:
Combine cream cheese, butter, peanut butter with mixer. Slowly mix in confectioners sugar beating until smooth. Mix in whipped topping. Optional: Mash up Reese's Pieces and fold into the icing.
I hope you enjoy them as much as my friends did!
-Miche
Ingredients for the cake:
1 2/3 cup flour
3/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup of sour cream (this keeps them moist!)
2 tsp milk
1 tsp vanilla
8 Tablespoon unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups of sugar
2 eggs
1 bag of miniature Reese's cups (optional)
Directions for cake:
Preheat over to 350. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a bowl. Stir sour cream, milk, and vanilla in a measuring cup. Mix butter and sugar - beat on medium high. Then add eggs to butter mixture one by one. On low speed, add your dry and wet ingredients, alternating, and ending with the dry ingredients. Fill cupcake liners a little over 1/2 way. Bake for about 15 min. Check for doneness with toothpick - it should come out clean. Optional: After 10 min insert a miniature Reese's cup into each cupcake - the middle should be jelly-like. Finish baking for 5 min.
Ingredients for Icing:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
4 Tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter, creamy
3 1/2 cups confection sugar
1 cup of frozen whipped topping
Reese's Pieces (optional)
Directions for Icing:
Combine cream cheese, butter, peanut butter with mixer. Slowly mix in confectioners sugar beating until smooth. Mix in whipped topping. Optional: Mash up Reese's Pieces and fold into the icing.
I hope you enjoy them as much as my friends did!
-Miche
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