Ayla and Bandit

Yesterday Krista (my roommate) brought her cat home with her. Bandit is a two year old camouflaged black cat. She for the most part is calm and friendly, oh did I mention she hates Ayla! Or is terrified of her. Either way it is pretty funny, cuz you see Ayla is a little kitty but she is not afraid of any big cats or anything really. But the whole night was filled with hissing and Bandit running and hiding.

Oh on another note still with the cats but way cool. We made a hidden litter box. I was online researching how/where to put my litter box because the apartment/bathroom is pretty small and there is no real place to put it. Well online they had an idea but is cost like 200-300 dollars and lets be completely honest I am poor! So Josh suggested that we take part of the back off of a cabin/hutch thing that was donated to us. It works amazingly. The cats walk in and out of the back of the cabinet and you can't smell it!! Yea! Plus it gives me an extra table to sit things.

Scavenger Hunt and A Wacky Wardrobe

So tonight we had the "Armor of God" Scavenger hunt! We were suppose to do this last week but with the key complications we postponed it until this week. The kids loved it. The teams were divided boys vs girls and there were random pieces of "armor" basically crazy stuff. The list is as follows: Belts from robe, dress shoes, coyboy hat, apron, foam noddle sword, paper shield. It was lots of fun. Each clue was a riddle, some were easy and others were a little more of a challenge for the kids. After each team collected each of the items they chose a solider and dress him/her in the armor and then attached the titles to the articles (belt of "righteousness") We had some great outfils and once finished with the lesson the kids took most of the armor and played with it out side! Jeff was great he had the sword and was running around shouting "I will cut your lies Satan" and other similar sayings.

Ayla has arrived!!

Ayla is my (and Josh's) new kitty. Ayla is about 9 weeks old and has a yellow and white coat. She is super cute and tons of fun. Josh and I got back to Columbus around 2pm on Sunday. We were greeted by our new kitty! ~Background on Ayla's week: She arrived at my parents house on Tuesday, covered with dirt and fleas. She was found outside and was super bony. My parents gave her a flea bath and fed her. The first night my mom was not sure she was gonna make it, because she just laid there not really moving or eating. But by Thursday she was running, playing and eating very well. ~ I left for the Bridal shower and Josh took a nap. He was really not feeling well. We played with the kids and the kitty Sunday night. Monday we drove back to oxford. That was a fun trip with a kitty that wants to climb under your feet that whole trip. After we got back Josh and I had a meeting to go to and some shopping that needed to get done. After all that we came back to play with Ayla. She had been sleeping all day and really did not want to play. We while I was typing she began to trow up! No good. Well now she is kinda laying around but acts like she feels a little better!

Crazy Day!

So we packed up all of the luggage and were ready to go and what happens, I locked my keys in my car ahhh! So I had to wait for the nice police man to come and unlock the car!! Once finished with that mess I headed to Miamisburg to pick up Josh, who has been at camp for the past week. And who is sick! Great have not seen him in a week and he is sick! It was a crazy drive up. We (the nine of us, Josh, me, Kara, Ricky, Christina, Beth, Betsy, Alyssa, and Alex) arrived at the cabin around 11:30 only about 3 and 1/2 hours later than I had planed. But that is life I suppose. The cabin was great, we all fit quite nicely and no one really complained.

At the park: Well it was a wonderful day to be out and about minus the fact that is was super sunny and pretty warm. We spilt into two groups the girls went there way and Josh, Ricky, Christina and I went ours. We rode some big rides and some smaller ones. For lunch we had packed sandwiches!
Alright fun stories from the day!
Dinner: we ate at the Game Day Grill, I had cheese fries and the guys had burgers. Not real random but you see on each plate they served a strawberry as a garnish. I mean I love strawberries but it was just really random to have one served with my cheese fries.
Josh and his illness: So Josh is still sick! Saturday was his runny nose day and we went through 2 packs of tissues, 3 or 4 bathroom stops for toilet paper, and a few napkins. But at this point in time we were in line for the raptor and there was no real way out of the line so Josh's nose was a running and we had nothing to serve as a tissue. So he tried a map! It did not work out so well for him! It was more of a smearing mechanism. So it was getting bad! and we were running out of options. So me being the super amazing girlfriend gave him my undershirt. Ok it sounds a little risky but it was very discrete! I promise. But you see later as he was using the undershirt as a tissue we realized that it kinda made him look like a perv. Not that really anyone had seen the whole thing take place but it was just really funny.

26 Days and Counting

So our student arrive in 26 days! It is coming up so soon!! We have so much to do and get prepared.
1. We still don't know if we have a band for our concert on the 23rd after move in.
2. Water bottles have not came in yet, we need to peel them and reliable them.
3. I have not planed/prepared what discipleship stuff I want to do yet.
4. Other events have to be planned and afforded.
5. We need like 5,000 to be able to pay for the food at Shriver (this will never happen they are crazy for asking that much-Chad)
6. I need a new Job!!

We have 25 days till life turns back to almost normal, when I say normal I mean crazy late nights and 1000's of students and crazy drunk people all over campus. Yes that is normal here in Oxford, sad but normal.

It costs How much?

Oh my heaven sakes alive! I went to the catering dept today to talk about our menu and such but the prices are outradgeous. All we want to do is feed a couple hundred students and for as little(within reason) as possible. How are we suppose to do that if one meal is gonna cost us 2500 dollar (that price is based on the cheapest items for only 150 people!) that is crazy. I mean feeding them should not cost that much, nor can we spend nearly that much at all!!!

On a side note THERE IS NO VAN!!! So much for planning. Well we will see how this all works out! My life as me is crazy!

Free Friday!

So good morning and Yea for days off. This weekend we are headed to Sandusky, Oh and going to Cedar Point. I have not been in a couple of years. I was not all that excited to go but I am getting pretty excited as it approaches. There are nine of us going. Plus the other bonus is get to see my lovely bf, I have not seen Josh in a week. Yes a week is not that long but it is kinda long when your communication is extremely limited and delayed. So that will be good because this week has been enough. As of right now I have so much to do today: meet with catering for an event, pack, clean the car and house, get the van and much much more!! All before 3. So yes I am on the computer a bit early but it is all for a reason. Oh we are camping/in a cabin.

I have not had a Friday off since the 4th, ok that is not that long ago but I was off because we had a block party so really I was working and so it really doesn't count!! This will be good I really need a break from work!

Don't drink, don't smoke, what do you do?

Well that was most of the conversation last night at work. These classic song lyrics from Adam Ant's 1982 "Goody two shoes" we my staple. We (Jeff, Audrey and myself) were discussing Drinking and sampling some of our new bar drinks. When asked if I drank I responded with a "no a I don't really care to" Everyone seemed shocked. You see I am not opposed to drinking simply because I am on staff with a church there is a lot of history with my family and drinking. I grew up with a deeper understanding of the pain that drinking can cause a family. So I prefer to stay away. But back on topic. So as the evening progressed and we were all very board. Not to mention that we were having a 'visit' this meaning that our big wigs were coming in for an inspection. So we were extra board because I was the extra server. Well the two I spoke of earlier would ask a question of things that I would or would not do, for instance, do you smoke,or drink, or cuss. The list was much longer than I would of imagined. But it was pretty cool slightly awkward. But hey my actions were noticed. Well the night ended and I went home(I tried a new route and got lost yea for stupid)

My Current Employment State

Well lets see as you know I am currently a server at Ruby Tuesday. Yea for waitresses!! But really I enjoy serving it is all fine and good. But I really am ready for something where I am not on my feet and at the will of the customer. For instance today I had a table with a 70 dollar check. not too bad, they left 4 dollars that is approx 6%. They were the nicest people but that is not an OK tip. I mean as a server you make 3.50 base plus tips, and yes I average 15-20 dollars an hour but it is not where I want to be for the rest of my life. So since I am ready to quit and move on in the working world I have been applying for ever job posted to man, woman, and other. All I need is to make 900-1000 dollars a month and I am golden.

The whole ring issue!

So I am going there. Thus far I have avoided my comments on Weddings and Engagements but within the last two days I have had way too many conversations for my own good so in order to clear my mind here we go!! Well lets see I have been dating Josh for 2 years and nine months (almost 10). Not the longest relationship in the history of man but I would a say decent one! We are not engaged. And in all reality that is ok but for some people it seems to not be. Currently I am tying to not focus on it and in some ways I wonder if he is even considering it anytime soon at all. But it is hard not to focus on it when in many aspects of your life you are reminded by friends family and others not at all involved with your life. I find it quite humorous when you(the girl) are constantly asked "so when is he going to propose?" First of all I don't want to know, that would totally ruin the surprise and second if I knew then it would of probably already happened. I mean I understand that everyone wants to be a part of this time in my life but really for the most part if your a big part or a part of my life you will know when, how and all the other details as soon as I do! But I still love you all!

But aside from that Do I want to be engaged? Well what girl doesn't? You see in my mind things work really well but translate that to life and it pretty much stinks. I want to be engaged and to get married but do you realize how much that will change my life? A lot. I am a worrier and the idea is a great thing, planning a wedding having a super happily ever after. But at some point reality hits and life takes a nose dive and what does that leave me. It leave two options go down with the plane or use the ejection seat. I have seen to many people get hurt with marriage and too many people rush in and out of marriage. I don't want to be one of those people. You see Last summer the idea of a ring was cool and exciting but now the idea is terrifying and daunting. I am a planner and for most girls your wedding is the biggest and best thing you will ever plan. Just knowing that makes me wonder if I am really ready/want to get married or if I just want to plan a wedding!

Meeting with old friends

I met up with two old friends last night/today it was great to see them. First I met with Elizabeth who is very much like me. But we chatted for a few hours had dinner and continued to talk! It has been a while and so much in our lives has changed since we last sat down together. She is now dating and I have moved into my new apt. She is moving soon, will be starting grad school and other cray stuff. But it is funny when you see old friends, cuz you see somethings don't change and those are the things I remember most. Like her not so nonchalant grab my hand to check for a ring or the daily predictions of when I will be engaged and what my wedding date is! That in is self is another post waiting to happen!! and it might tonight! But we talked and it was great! This morning I had brunch with Kate I have literally not seen her in almost a year. She randomly called because she now lives in Texas and is in town for the week for a wedding (of course it is the flipping season)She is of course engaged and getting married next may. We talked about dresses and about how things were done at other peoples weddings. That kind of stuff usually keeps me occupied but recently I am kind of board with it! Strange. My day was way busy. After meeting with her I got to hang out with Beth (one of the students) it was good, we have really never gotten to sit down one on one.

No Keys and No Idea what to do

So Josh left for camp Sunday. He has the only set of keys that the Bridge has for the Church we use on Tuesdays. I called the pastor and got no response. Then it was suppose to rain!! Well because of all the changes I had to redo the lesson and plan it all outside. It went over ok. We had 7 kids and talked about Namham and his healing. Ate watermelon and played baseball!

What?

Ok. I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I want to “do” or where to serve in correlation to the Bridge and it seems like I have gotten nowhere. I was talking with a friend the other day and she asked the basic how thing were and what I was doing, and I explained to how we had not yet decided what I wanted to do. She responded with: is it really up to you to decide what or where God wants you? Her response made me think. Was it really up to me? Of course not it. all reality I should of learned that a month ago when with move back here, with more fear and uncertainty than I have had in a long time. When I moved I gave up so much control and allowed God to be in control. But recently I have been nervous and anxious to have that control back and that’s not where I want to be. I have been consumed by the desire to provide for myself while I am serving at the Bridge, that I have almost stopped serving my Creator. In the last week I have spent more time Job searching than reading the Word, more time on the phone or in email to companies than in prayer to the one who has the control over my situation. I have a job that pay decently and is flexible and that teaches me that God provides each and every day. I hate finances, I know God has it all under control but I like a little more security every once in a while like now would be great!! I have 850 in my checking account, 600 leaves tomorrow . Well off that tangent now.

Moving Day for the Guys

I love the new house it is great! Lots of space, ac, a yard and more! We moved them in today cuz Josh Mark and Andy will all be gone next week at camp. It was so hot and gross today! It really needs to rain so it will cool things off!

So I cleaned a house for no reason!

New house new plan. They guys found a great duplex that they are moving into on Sunday! I have not seen it yet just heard about it! But what gets me is I spend hours of my life cleaning a gross house!! Ahhh! Oh well life goes on!!

Sunflower Seeds in the window? Come On

Cleaning Day at the guys house to be. Phil, Krista and I were there for 4 hours cleaning it was kinda gross! Every single window had tons of gross sunflower seed in it. Why? I don't get it. Well the boys will hopefully be moving in tomorrow!!

Chad’s questions and my answers:

This is way long, feel free to skip it!!

Define and explain. What is a biblical Church?

The Biblical Church – A body of believers that come together in worship and action. With the goals of serving Christ, teaching His word, encouraging others in the body, and reaching the lost sheep.

So many times we here the question “where is the church?” and I would say it is pretty valid. The only thing is, society is asking where is the church at in a physical way. Where are the workers, support, or supplies. That’s fine but it is hard to see the church move in society when we are not sure what the church actually is or at least what it should be. So the real question is What is the biblical Church?

Well lets start with me. My experience, growing up, if someone off the street asked me what is the church this is probably how I would of responded. The church was my family, my education, my support, my influence, and strength. I was adopted early on by the church they showed me more love than most could imagine. I learned who Christ was and why he mattered so much. Through the honest actions of others I learned how to love Christ and how to show gratitude and praise. The church was a safe place where sinners and “forgiven sinners” came to meet with God.

Today my opinion has changed a little the church is still many of the above mentioned but it is or is supposed to be more. It is the hands and feet of Christ. It has been called to act out of love and selflessness according to Gods direction. Each of his followers are a vital part of the church. Myself as a Christian am a part of the church, not the bridge, southwest or any other congregation but the body of Christ. And I have a part to play, God has given me gifts and it is my responsibility to use these gifts to better the body. This church was designed by God to be a place where we can learn together and remember him and his laws. To reach out, strengthen and encourage each other in love and discipline. It is not meant to be an institution of assigned seat sanctuaries where we come to fulfill the 10-12 gap on our Sunday to-do list. Nor is it suppose to be a place where we go to gain honor or praise for ourselves. We come together as a body rather it is in a building, a park or by ourselves in our homes as the church, one body, with a common bond being our belief in Christ.

What are the qualifications of the leaders of the Church?

A qualified leader of the church is someone that is called or appointed by God, we are not placed in a position without God’s planning. (I am not saying it doesn’t happen it is just not biblical.) One in a position has been chosen for the service God desires. Now for leaders of the church God has place strong guidelines and qualifications, this is so that the sheep are not taught falsely.

Personally and spiritual qualifications of a Leader. It all starts with our love and conviction to the Lord Jesus Christ. We must have a desire to strengthen our relationship with Him. As a Leader one must be rooted in biblical teachings. Having a strong relationship with God and strengthen it through prayer. As humans we make mistakes and allow sin to enter into our lives. When this happens God requires us to admit our wrongs accept punishment and work to remove these hindrances from our lives. As we strive to please God we are constantly seeking his will for us. Leadership is a large responsibility that is given to us and we are required to take it seriously.

Our social interactions and outward reflections of ourselves should be as honest and open as possible. God has called us to be a leader in the light and dark of our lives with this be above reproach, and seeking for integrity. Be an example of blameless living. Be gentle and kind, correct others with love. Our actions should reflect Christ. We are to serve all as Christ served.

What are the specific duties of the leaders of the Church?

Once in a position of leadership we have duties and obligations to Christ and those who we are teaching. These are given to us to help hold us accountable for the position and to help keep the sheep safe.

Obligations to Christ. We are held accountable to God. As a leader God requires us to uphold vows and promises that we make to him, all commitments are to be honored. We are required to pursue holiness and godliness. We are to work for the Lord out of love and adoration not out of obligation.

Duties to the Church. We are to be an example of trust and good living. Uphold all commitments to God and to the church. God has given us his sheep to watch over and we are responsible for the souls. So we are to guild them with correct teaching and a seriousness. We are to lead them by actions of righteousness, faith and love. Serve and be humble because we are not here to be praise but to give praise to God. Preaching the word of Christ with preparation and Gods instruction. Correct, rebuke and encourage when needed but with love and instruction.

Play Dough!

Play dough!! The kids made play dough and we talked about how we are created in God’s image! I love this lesson it was tons of fun very messy but it went great!! We did it outside and it was really hot so we had to use a lot of extra flower! Jeff Made himself with snakes on his head, Jesse laid next to his and copied the pose it was really good, Autumn was really detailed, Athena did not want to participate, Stormy’s was interesting!

Dinner at the Apartment

I made a shrimp and craw fish boil at the apt today it was good but it was suppose to be spicy and it was not really at all I was pretty bummed but it was still really good. Then we (Josh, Chad, Phil, Matt, Krista, and me) played scategories, and then upwards which I killed them in! Did I mention I love my apt. (Oh Krista is my roommate)

Growth

Week two of kid’s Tuesdays all done. We talked about being fishers of men and the kids drew the pictures of the story! We had 4! That means we are growing!!

Move In Day

We are unpack for the most part and almost all settled! The apartment is great. We have a first floor and it is on the back side so we have a great yard/field behind us to play in!! My living room is great we got this couch donated it is dark green, burgundy and blue with stripes and big flowers maybe I will upload a pic it is great!! Not to mention we have like 5 chairs in the house (recliners and such) the only thing we really need is dining room chairs. Oh and I made pulled pork in the crock pot very good!!

Happy 4th to all!!

We had a low turnout today but it rained and was a holiday. Those that did come we were able to talk to and make some contacts

Running around

This weekend is going to be crazy. Tomorrow we have a block party because it is the 4th of July and we want to reach out to the community. Then Josh and I are heading to Columbus and going to pack up my stuff so I can get ready to move on Monday. Then on Sunday we are heading to Miamisburg for God and country day then back to Oxford for Dinner/ Service at the Guys house! Then Monday I move in to the apt I have not yet seen the inside of!!

I would like to introduce Jeff

Tuesdays in July!! Well We have survived through June now on to July! Tonight is the first night of our kids nights which we will be having each Tuesday of this month. However I work tonight so Josh is leading about Moses.

They had one kid. Bummer but hey we got to start somewhere!

Well the one kid they had was Jeff and I am sure Josh could tell the story better but here we go. Jeff is one of the kids that came to VBS he is a little different but pretty funny. He came this week and when Josh told him that they were learning about Moses his response was... I knew it, and that is why I already read that story. He just thought it was the best thing ever!!