good times

We made it to New York! Yippee! The news anchors weren't kidding...It's really really snowy here...which you can see in this picture of what's left of the patio furniture.

We're going to do some skiing this week - cross country, downhill, and some snow shoeing too. I hope I can walk next week!

It's so fun to be here with Ryan's family, and so so fun hanging out with Christopher and all of his shenanigans. He works at a pizza joint, takes awesome pictures, and plays guitar for the youthgroup worship band. He basically "makes it rain" as he says. More stories are on the way!

good times, good times.

Text Messaging

Yesterday at church they did something I'd never seen before. During worship, they asked people to text their praises to a certain number, then they flashed those prayers and praises on the side wall for all to see. I liked it. I thought it was culturally relevant, even innovative.

I thought it was a great idea...but I didn't personally text. Why not?

Mainly because I don't have free texting on my phone plan...
I am a tight wad.

Friday Night Fun

Welp, Ryan finished his rotation in the NICU...and it seems that things are wrapping up for a lot of the guys in Ryan's class. Everyone is getting the itch to hang out again, spend time together before they all go their seperate ways after graduation.

Last night Scott (future ER doc) & Lisa come out to play some pool, then Aaron (future dermatologist) taught us a lesson or two at the bowling ally. We like Circle Lanes because it is an old school place where you have to keep your own score. I did HORRIBLE my first game, but I like to think I gave those guys a run for thier money during the 2nd two games. Bowling is fun. Other than smelling like an ash tray...it was a great night!

I Heart Amazon.com

Amazon.com is so awesome! I don't know why I would buy a book at a store ever again! Don't tell this to any librarians you know, but I have become one of those people who browse through the aisles at the bookstore while making a list of things to buy online when I get home. The prices are INCREDIBLE!! I just got three new books that I am really looking forward to. I'll write some review and hilights for you as I read.

1.) The Gospel According to Starbucks - Leonard Sweet

2.) Bruchko - Bruce Olson

3.) Lies Women Believe and the Truth that Sets Them Free - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Just so you know....

Have you seen those For Eyes commercials that talk about 2 pairs of glasses for $99? Well, today I went to For Eyes and learned that the $99 is not quite accurate. What I discovered is that the $99 will buy you two FRAMES in the "select styles" (cheap) section on the wall and you have to pay twice that for the prescription lenses (which seem to be the most important part.)

So, today I got ONE new pair of the cheapest glasses with plastic lenses for $139. Not quite 2 for $99...just so you know.

Grape Lady

This is pretty much the last thing you want to have happen while on Channel 5 Fox News. Click on the picture to see what happens.

Michelle's family came to Chicago to visit this weekend. I got to hang out with little Carolyn while they ate chicken pot pie. She is hilarious! I love her.

My Utmost for His Highest

This devotional book surprises me with its accurate timing in my life. Life can be hurtful, frustrating, confusing, and people can let you down. I am slowly but surely learning not to plan out my entire life, but to strive for and follow God's plan for my life. I'm learning not to worry about my life, but to trust that my God, who created me, can take better care of me than I can. It's a hard lesson...one that I seem to have to learn and re-learn time and time again.

"Sometimes God puts us through the experience and discipline of darkness to teach us to hear and obey him. Song birds are taught to sing in the dark, and God puts us into "the shadow of His hand" until we learn to hear him."

Chris Sligh

Guess What?!?! Chris Sligh is in the TOP 24 Idol Contestants! Yippee! He is my favorite!

Tonight they norrowed it down to the top 12 guys and the top 12 girls who will compete for the rest of the season.

Why is he my favorite? Because he has PERSONALITY, he is funny, he has a curly fro, and he loves Jesus.

I think he's gonna win it.

Go Chris, Go!

Sushi Valentine's Day!!

In my book, "Happy" is equivalent to "Sushi"

...So in that case, Sushi Valentines Day Everyone!

Mally

Our friends Ashlee and Aaron Pace got a new puppy! Mally (Short for Mallard) is so so so cute.

You can check out more photos HERE

It's Snowing Inside!

That right folks...Our apartment has always been a little drafty, but today there is a blizzard going on and when I looked out the window I noticed this pile of snow on the sill...INSIDE!

Then, upon closer examination I realized that with every wind gust, flakes were actually blowing up under the crack and landing all over the window sill and floor! So, here at my house it's snowing inside today. Just thought I'd let you know.

Worship Leaders are "Goin' to Hollywood, Baby!"

Have you guys been watching American Idol this year? I have been...and I just found out that a few of the contestants I've seen are WORSHIP LEADERS!! I love that! Represent!

Sean Michel is from First Southern Baptist Church in Arkansas.

Read the Story about Sean Michel HERE or HERE or visit his MySpace page HERE


Chris Sligh is a woship leader at Seacoast Church in South Carolina.

Read more about Chris HERE or watch his audition HERE



I am now an official fan of these two Idol contestants. I might even pick up my phone and text in my vote this year...

...maybe

The Ultimate Extreme

When Angela saw Brooke's red, furry coat she said, "That coat is the Ultimate Extreme!" which I think is a perfect description. What do you think?

Celebrating Volunteers

Granger had the annual Volunteer Appreciation Event on Friday and I got to be there! The night was filled with incredible food, great music, hilarious video elements, touching stories, and some amazing volunteers who have given and given and given of themselves.

I love when churches celebrate thier volunteers. I love seeing volunteers who truly feel valued and appreciated. I love being around people who serve Christ by serving others and serving the church. I think its so neat when people make themselves available to Kingdom work.

DC and the band helped everyone to "Get it Started in Here"

Dad gave out 5 "Smooth Stone" awards to 5 incredible volunteers. Each stone had been engraved with the words, "I have provision you know not of..." which has been a mantra this last year at the church.




Dan and Lisa (who are the most musically talented geniuses that I personally know) did a HILARIOUS song about volunteering in the Connection Cafe. "Taylor the Latte Boy" was a catchy little ditty that I haven't been able to get out of my head since I heard it.

The other great news is that I got to see my family and a bunch of my friends! Yippee!

Everyday

Everyday Lord

I'll learn to stand upon Your Word

And I pray that I

That I might come to know You more

That You would guide me

With every single step I take and

Everyday I will

Be a light unto the world

Everyday

It's You I live for

Everyday

I'll follow after You

Everyday

I'll walk with You my Lord

Ruby

My friend Ruby is heading to Mexico to teach for a year!

• Back2Back Mexico Mission: To provide "care for today and hope for tomorrow" to orphans, unwed mothers, and poverty stricken people of Latin-America. This is accomplished through service teams, evangelism, and education.

I love when people sacrifice, take risks, go where they've never gone to do something they've never done. I am so excited for and proud of my friend Ruby! I'll have lots more info about her trip as it gets closer! Until then, Yippee for Ruby!!

Winter Wonderland

There's lots of snow at my parents house!
This is a picture of their back yard...and of the kitties.

Convicted

Why is it that I classify people the way I do? I saw a lady carrying bags of groceries across the mall parking lot in the sub-zero temperatures this afternoon. I was on my way home, and thought about stopping, but I didn't. "If she was a little more elderly, or if she didn't have a warm coat and hat, I would ask her if she needed a ride" I thought to myself as I drove on by. "If I knew that she had a long walk home, or if I knew for sure sure sure that she wasn't a murderer, then I would stop."

I am so convicted by what didn't take place this afternoon. I lacked compassion, even though it was only moments before I saw her that I had been freezing on my short walk from the grocery to my car.

I wish I would have stopped.
I wish I would have been more thoughtful.
I wish I was more in tune to the promptings God gives me to help people.

Update on Sandy and Greg

Greg & Sandy are still in the states because Sandy's headaches aren't going away! Greg just updated their blog with all of the details about the decisions they are making and the prayers they are needing right now. They're not sure if and when they should go bock to the Domincan Republic, but in the meantime it looks like they're having a great time with their families!

• Nothing like a visit to Chuck E. Cheese's Pizzeria! Who is playing this game, Auntie Sandy or lucas? Well, I thought it was time for another update for those of you who are still checking in from time to time. Sandy recently had an MRI and some extensive bloodwork done, all which came back normal. This is wonderful news in that we have really eliminated some very serious possibilities with these results. However, Sandy still continues to have headaches and neck pain daily! This, of course, is not normal! We are currently trying a new medication since the migraine medications have not had the desired results. The doctor told Sandy that she would need at least 30 days for this medication to take effect. This means that we will not know whether this medication is the right, or wrong, treatment for at least 30 days. We are faced with another difficult decision. Do we continue to wait things out here in the States? Or, do we take a chance and travel back to the Domincan in hopes that this medication is going to work out in those thirty days? Please continue to pray for Sandy's health and that the Lord will heal her completely. Also, we would ask that you would pray for peace and wisdom in our decision making. Oh yeah, I guess there is one more thing. . .Pray for our finances. Our budget has taken a hit with our decision to stay here in the States. The cost of living is considerably more here than in Dominican Republic. Here is a "make a donation" link if you're interested in helping us meet our needs. Thank you . . . for everything!

Aaron and Angela

Today I was looking at some pictures and decided that I really really miss my siblings!

Aaron is moving to Florida soon and Angela is working hard making people beautiful at Radius Salon and helping Johnnie with the Youth stuff at church every week. I can't wait to see them again!

We're taking a family vacation in May, so I am guaranteed time with both of them! Yippee!

My favorite part of the Superbowl was at half-time when Ryan did the Aunt Jemima headwrap like Prince. He is so hilarious

I love this picture of Johnnie!

He works with youth...and it appears that he loves it!

2by2 Superbowl Party

This year for the superbowl we decided to host our 2by2 group for a party. Luckily we have Michelle and Bryan for neighbors, because we opened both apartments, used both TV's, utilized all of the seating we could muster, made lot's and lot's of Chili, and had plenty of tables for food in both places.

I thought you might like to see some pictues of our friends. Everyone in 2by2 is newly married or engaged. It's so great to have some friends in our same life stage.

Eventhough the Bears lost, people still had a good time...especially Ryan, because he was cheering for the Colts!

It's FREEEEEEZING!!!

Chicago has been very strange this winter. It's sunny, with a flurry now and then, but no snow on the ground. When you're inside looking out, it looks like a nice day to take a walk or go to the park...but when you actually step outside you get frostbite immediately and the drink in your hand becomes a slushy. Last night on our way home the temp dropped 4 degrees in 15 minutes! Luckily I had my handy digi-cam to document the phenomenon.