SUPER Hodgepodge

 

1.  In the USA this coming Sunday millions will be watching as the Baltimore Ravens take on the San Francisco 49's in the Superbowl.  What was the last event you attended that could be described as super?

Well, if we are talking SPORT related, then it was a NASCAR race in Fontana, California.  Before the race, we got to walk around the pits and on the speedway.  It was so interesting to see all the details behind the scenes.   

2.  Share something you're a fan of these days?

Portland Timbers MLSoccer.  Portland Trailblazers Basketball.  Baltimore Ravens Football.  Dallas Cowboys Football.  Soon it will be College Basketball March Madness... we pick our brackets for fun.

3. How do you feel about wings?  In case anyone is confused, I'm talking the edible appetizer kind.  What's your preferred seasoning on a wing-hot, mild, teryiaki, sweet and sour, other?  Do you make your own or is there a favorite place you like to go for wings?   

Not a fan of wings.

4.  As long as we're talking sports today...have you followed the Lance Armstrong story?  Did you watch his interview with Oprah and if so what was your reaction to his confession and subsequent remarks?  

I didn't watch the interview... I feel like I didn't need to because a lot of the information was all over the web.  I guess I'm a little sad about the cyclists who didn't win the Tour de France because Lance cheated, but my husband tells me that everyone was doping.  Who knows what to believe anymore?

5.  What's a question you hate to be asked?  

Gee... I really just want to stick with the "sports" theme here, so I guess it would be, "Anyone can walk a half-marathon.  Why not run it?"

 

6. The coaches in this Sunday's big game happen to be real life brothers.  Jim Harbaugh coaches the 49er's and his older brother John Harbaugh coaches the Baltimore Ravens.  Were you and your sibling(s) competitive?  In what way? Are you still?  If you're an only child how did you handle competition growing up?  

I have an older sister.  If we were competitive it was in academics, but she had a head start on me.  

7.  What's your favorite game involving a ball and when did you last play?  

Probably SkeeBall when I was on vacation in Ocean City, Maryland this summer.  :)

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

I will be rooting for the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday.  I was born in Baltimore.  (I am a Baltimoron!)  I still remember when John Elway was picked to play for the Baltimore Colts and he pouted and screamed and ended up at his beloved Denver Broncos.  So for me it was SWEET to watch the Ravens beat the Broncos!  And I'll never forget the huge moving vans that stole away the Baltimore Colts in the middle of the night while it was snowing.  So glad Baltimore has a football team... too bad they were stolen from Cleveland...

Nurture: Bridging The Gap

As I embark on a new adventure of leading the ladies' mentoring program at my church, I was reminded of this post I wrote on Monday, August 30, 2010.  It is such a joy to remember how it all began for me... and to see the two beautiful women who started it all as they continue to grow and touch lives around them.  (Also, for those of you going through The Bait of Satan Series authored by John Bevere, Lisa is his wife.)

Nurture:  Bridging The Gap
Monday, August 30th, 2010

Burnside Bridge, Antietam Battlefield

Sharpsburg, Maryland

We are heartsick and in need of intimate, safe connections 
so we can in turn heal and help others. 
~ Nurture by Lisa Bevere 

"Why me?  Why would two precious young moms ask me to mentor them? And what exactly does that mean?  Is a mentor like a coach?  Is there a class I could take to learn how to be a mentor?  What about a book?"

These were my thoughts last summer.  I had shared my home and heart with these two sisters through Bible Study.  They were anxious to have a deeper walk with the Lord... and there was something they saw in me that might help them along that path.  I was clueless about mentoring, but I knew I wanted this opportunity to be used by the Lord, so I accepted their invitation.

Stumbling along without help from a book or class, I began meeting with them one-on-one.  Learning more about who they are... how I could come alongside them... and basically just listening and encouraging.  I noticed that a lot of my mentoring had to do with affirmation or offering perspective.  And love and sharing life and hugs.

It is an honor to see these women grow in the Lord.  As they touch the lives of those around them.  As they dig deeper into the Word.  As they love and pray for their families.  They have so much God-given potential... it is a gift to be part of their inner circle and to be called their friend and mentor.

Still, I wanted a formula.  Perhaps a workbook.  I wanted to make sure I was doing it right.  I didn't want to let them down.  So, one of my goals this year was to learn more about mentoring.  And God was faithful to bring a resource into my life... through a woman who I consider to be my blogging mentor, Elaine Olsen at peace for the journey.

As I was passing through Elaine's profile page back in May to get to her blog (although I normally get there through bloglines), I saw a list of her favorite books.  Nurture by Lisa Bevere caught my eye. I had just minutes before been on my local public library's website looking for mentoring books.  I saw the cover of Nurture on the library's website but flew right past it. I about fell over when I clicked on her profile... saw Nurture... searched for it... and saw the exact SAME cover. I immediately went back to the library website and reserved it.  I contacted Elaine and told her the story and she said...

I'll one up you on this one... I have a spare copy of Nurture that I was saving for the right moment... that moment has come. It will be in the mail to you tomorrow! I LOVE that book. I think there's also a study to go with...

So I have been reading Nurture by Lisa Bevere over the summer.  Lisa Bevere focuses on mentors who nurture... almost more like a spiritual mother.  And as I read through the book, I realized that through my nurturing I had been mentoring all along. 

In the meanwhile, God had brought me alongside a friend this summer who had been asked to oversee an upcoming mentoring program at our church.  Through prayer it was confirmed that I should join her as she begins this new adventure!  It is just a confirmation of how important it is to pray and then watch.  Looking to see where and how God is working.  He always seems to answer prayers abundantly more than I even ask.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord... 

Jeremiah 29:11a

Hodgepodge Questions - Vol 110

1. The popular saying, 'All is fair in love and war' is originally credited to English writer John Lyly.  Is he right?

Absolutely not.  "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

2. Are you a cereal eater?  What's your favorite kind?

I eat oatmeal for breakfast.  (I add a banana, walnuts, and some berries.)

3. A five year old in Pennsylvania was recently given a ten day school suspension for talking with a friend about shooting one another with a Hello Kitty Bubble gun (the gun blows bubbles).  She did not have the gun with her at school.

A psychological evaluation was also ordered and the incident was recorded on her permanent record. The suspension was later reduced to two days and her parents are suing to have the incident removed from her file. Your thoughts?  (If you missed the story click here for details).

A Hello Kitty Bubble gun?  Hello?  Really?  I pray that her family is able to clear her file and that she is not scared by this most ridiculous suspension.

4. Whatever happened to_____________________________?

Whatever happened to The McDLT from the mid 80's?  For some reason the jingle is in my head permanently.  I don't even think I ever ate one.  But "The Hot stays Hot" and "The Cool stays Cool" is ever in my head.  Sometimes I want to use it to make a joke about something but realize that most people probably don't even remember the jingle.  Little known fact to me... Jason Alexander sings about the McDLT!

5.  January 23rd is National Handwriting Day, billed as a day to reacquaint yourself with a pen and pencil.  Do you like your handwriting? Do you prefer to print or write in cursive?  This date was chosen because its the birth date of John Hancock. What's the last thing you signed your name to?

My hand gets tired quickly when I write.  I start off pretty good but then I get sloppy.  I will go back and forth between printing and cursive.  I like to use retractable pens that are bold at least 1.4 mm.  I normally keep a black pen in my purse and a colored pen normally pink or purple.  The last thing I signed my name to was a permission slip for my son to go with his church youth group for Winter Camp.

6. Speaking of John Hancock...ever been to Philadelphia? Do you have any desire to visit the city of Brotherly Love?  

Yes, I have been to Philadelphia.  My sister attended U of Penn for a year and I visited her there.  I think it is quite a fount of history, but I have no desire to visit there at this time.  

7.  Share something funny you've heard a child say.  

 I'm currently re-reading Anonymous:  Jesus' hidden years... and yours by Alicia Britt Chole.  She relates many stories about her children, but this one about her son I LOVE!

"...without apology he adores his mommy!  Once when I was in bed looking pretty puny, he came into my room holding a glass.  Taking a drink, he then offered the glass to me and said, 'Here, Mommy, drink after me so you can catch my healthy.'"

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

A year ago today, my Grandpa died.  When I went to visit for his funeral, I stayed with my Grandma.   By staying there, I found out that my Grandfather took his coffee the same way I did.  Splenda and Hazelnut Coffee-mate Creamer.   I used to buy Splenda in the packets but to remember him, I buy it in the bag now and spoon it into my cup just like he did. 

unappreciated uncelebrated unaffirmed and unapplauded.

Reflection of Half Dome. Photography by Christopher.

Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time
we will reap a harvest
if we do not give up.
Galatians 6:9 NIV

She called me yesterday. She was weary. And from our conversation I could tell that she felt

unappreciated
uncelebrated
unaffirmed
and unapplauded.

Of course she did. She is a mother. She was tired of not only doing it all... but being noticed for none of it all.

Anonymous. Unnoticed. Hidden.

Alicia Britt Chole talks about this in her book, Anonymous: Jesus' hidden years and yours. How "we were designed by God to desire acceptance and affirmation ultimately from him and also from each other."

But sometimes... we grow weary in waiting for that affirmation. And we long for that affirmation. And we start to get angry at those not giving us the affirmation we desire. The affirmation we think we deserve. And desiring affirmation is not wrong. But demanding affirmation can begin to tear down our reserves and we start to give up. It can start to tear relationships apart.

... and in the end, we miss the harvest. All of the time and effort... gone. Because we give up.

So what do we do when don't get the accolades we are seeking? Alicia suggests embracing the opportunity. Essentially if others aren't going to affirm who we are... or what we are doing... then we have to do it ourselves... with God's help. If we feel insignificant to others, we are in the right place to determine where our significance comes from. "Stripped of what others affirmed in us, we are left staring at our undecorated selves, wondering what makes us truly special."

And if we take the opportunity to "develop a healthy portrait of ourselves" we will reap the harvest--"an unshakable identity." And the best place to start? In the Word of God. Reading it. Memorizing it. Wielding it. Praying it.

And perhaps picking up a book like Anonymous... and discussing it with a friend. Because sometimes we need someone to come along and offer... a word of "edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29)

So let's not allow ourselves
to get fatigued doing good.
At the right time we will harvest
a good crop if we don't give up, or quit.
Galatians 6:9 MSG

Hodgepodge Questions - Vol 109

Just having fun answering a bunch of hodgepodge questions...

1. Lake Superior University has once again published a list of words/phrases they think should be banished from the Queen's English.  Here's the list for 2013- fiscal cliff, kick the can down the road, double down, job creators/creation, passion/passionate, yolo (an acronym for you only live once), spoiler alert, bucket list, trending, superfood, boneless wings, and guru.  Which of these words/phrases would you most like to see banished from everyday speech and why?  Go here to read more about how the words were chosen.

I would choose "fiscal cliff."  I feel like this phrase is being used to scare the American public into thinking that a quick decision needs to be made when we have known about this situation for a long time.  It's not like all of the sudden this "cliff" appeared.  We've known about it and we could have built a bridge or found a different way to continue on our fiscal path without the fear of going over a cliff.

2.  When was the last time you rode a train?  Where did you go?

About a year and a half ago, Christopher and I took the 3-hour train ride up to Seattle from Portland to visit friends.  We loved it.  It was so comfortable.  It was what I would have imagined air travel used to be like a long time ago.  You could take all your luggage for free.  You didn't feel cramped.  And, of course, visiting the dining car was a lot of fun.

3. Bagels-yay or nay?  Favorite 'flavor'?  Favorite topping?

Love, love, love bagels!  One of my favorites would be Cinnamon Raisin toasted with Honey Walnut Cream Cheese.

4.  'Tis the season of awards shows...if you could star in a movie already made which one would you choose?

I would like to be in one of Jane Austen's movies.  Like Emma or Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility.  To sit around in the summer and do needlepoint outdoors.  To have a festive party in the winter with dancing.  To read and walk... and all the beautiful buildings.  Sigh.

5. The move towards single gender classrooms has been making the news in recent months....what say you?  Do you think kids perform better if separated by gender and are taught differently or is that discrimination?  If you're a parent, is this something you'd support in regard to your own children?

 I'd have to say that I see the benefit in single gender classrooms. 

6. What's your favorite thing about staying in a hotel?

The first moment when you walk in the door and everything is perfectly in its place and undisturbed... and then you run and jump on the bed.

7. Do you have a 'word' for 2013?  What's the story behind your choice?

My One Word for the year of 2013 is "Lead."  God wants me to grow in this area.  He wants me to be intentional in it.  He wants me to learn about being a leader who disciples and mentors and nurtures and draws women towards Christ.  Not haphazardly.  But with purpose and wisdom and insight and discernment.  You can read more about it here.

And I love that Mark Batterson shared his One Word - Selah.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

This year I will finish memorizing the book of James.  I made it half way through chapter 4 last year.  My current memory verses:  "Brothers, do not slander one another.  Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it.  When you are judging the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgement on it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy.  But you--who are you to judge your neighbor?" James 4:11-12 NIV84
This will be my third time doing SSMT scripture memory with my "siestas." 

One Word 2013: Lead ~ {january}

Quote From:  The Polar Express 

Hero Girl: It says "lead." Like "lead balloon." 

Conductor: I believe it also is pronounced "lead." As in "leader," "leadership." "Lead the way." Follow you anywhere, ma'am.

 
Random thoughts on what has happened so far this month or what I have planned for the rest of the month in regards to my One Word for 2013:  Lead.    

I attended a class at my church that taught me about writing my life story.  And ultimately, using portions of my life story as testimonies of God's grace in my life.  Using the rough spots and God's faithfulness to witness to those who do not know of His never-ending love. 

I felt I mis-handled a discussion at my Bible Study table.  So, I called my Women's Ministry Director and spoke to her about it.  It relieved my anxiety and helped me to think through what I might do differently the next time something similar occurs.  Then my Women's Ministry Director affirmed me.  Instead of dismissing her comment, I received it.  She knows my heart.  She knows my history.  It helps to have encouragement to know you are headed in the right direction.

I am currently the PTA president at Christopher's school.  I am trying to graciously hand over the reins since this is Christopher's last year at this school.  (Leading well sometimes means knowing when to step down, right?)  I realize that I tend more to look at what I did not accomplish during these 2 1/2 years than what I did accomplish.  Why is that?

I am making plans to attend a Transformational Leadership Seminar.  I normally don't sign up for a full weekend seminar, but considering this fits right in with my One Word for 2013... my Reticular Activating System went crazy!

[linking up with Melanie at ONLYABREATH for her {january} monthly one word linkup party]

What's your One Word?  Maybe it is time to link-up!

The Desert of Depression: Celebrating January 15th... The Seventh Anniversary

photography by Anthony Kaetzel

...because you know that 

the testing of your faith 

develops perseverance.

James 1:3 NIV 

Tomorrow, January 15th, is a special day for me.  It is the 7th anniversary of my "dark night of the soul."  I celebrate this day because I have persevered... and continue to persevere.  My major depressive episode of 2006 brought me to my knees.  Depression was... and continues to be a test of my faith.  And as I look back I can see that my ability and willingness to persevere in the face of depression has grown stronger... has made me more complete... has made me more mature... and has shown me that I lack nothing when I turn towards the healer of my mind, soul, heart and body.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, 

 Prepare ye the way of the LORD, 

 make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  

 Isaiah 40:3 KJV

This week I have been studying about John the Baptist.  About how he hung out in the desert and that he prepared the way of the Lord... and not only the way of the Lord, but also he prepared a way to the Lord. 

"And he will go on before the Lord, 

in the spirit and power of Elijah, 

to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and 

the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 

Luke 1:17 NIV

And it made me think of the ministry that God has placed before me.  That He has chosen for me.  He uses my intimate knowledge and experience with depression to prepare a way for others who are suffering with depression.  I am not the one who heals or the one who counsels or the one who diagnoses or creates a prognosis.  I am the one who shows the way towards the conquering of depression.  I am a living breathing resource.

I am a living breathing resource.  And sometimes I wonder if that is why He keeps her so near.  Because I have not conquered my depression, but I am conquering my depression.  And because it is something that tests my faith almost daily and has developed my perseverance, I am able to pass on to those who don't even know who they are fighting... a sword and a shield.  A fighting chance.  And better yet, I am able to tell them that I have persevered and am persevering... and they will get better... because God is greater than depression.

"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, 

when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. 

You know that under pressure, your faith-life is 

forced into the open and shows its true colors. 

So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. 

Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, 

not deficient in any way."  James 1:2-4 MSG

A reminder for me that I don't need to run away from the testing of my faith...
that it develops my ability to persevere
and reminds me of the One
who fights for me.

Wednesday Hodgepodge, January 8th

1. What is ONE thing or area in your home or life you hope to report is completely organized when 2013 draws to a close?  Do you  have a plan to make it happen?

My closet!  I just turned all my hangers around.  When I get to the end of 2013, I plan on purging my closet of those items I didn't wear.

2. What's the worst uniform you've ever had to wear for a job?

I only remember having to wear a uniform for one job.  When I worked as a candy girl at a movie theater.  It wasn't awful, but it was a uniform.

3. What was your last kitchen 'mishap'?

We were trying to make chocolate dessert cups using balloons.  But the chocolate was too hot and the balloon burst and we are still finding chocolate that was splattered EVERYWHERE!

4. How do you protect yourself from other people's negativity?

I try to make sure I keep healthy boundaries. 

5. Who in your family do you most resemble (physically)? If you have children, who do people say they favor? Do you agree?

I resemble my Sissy the most.  Except for my eyes.  I got my hazel eyes from my grandmas.
Christopher is a definite combination of me and his daddy.

6. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day...will you be celebrating?

Ummm... nope.  But if I would have had the opportunity I would have used my favorite bubble bath ~ Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Bath & Shower Gel.

7.  Some of the 'world's best winter festivals' are - Mardi Gras (New Orleans), Quebec Winter Festival (Canada), Sundance Film Festival (Park City, Utah),  Rio Carnivale (Brazil), Sapporo Snow Festival (Japan), Venice Carnival (Italy) and the Harbin Ice Festival (Northern China).  Of those listed (and if cost were not a factor) which would you most like to attend and why?

I would rather not fly out of the country... so that leaves New Orleans or Park City.  Considering New Orleans is warmer... I would go there.  I'm not much for celebrating Mardi Gras.  My grandfather was from New Orleans and I've been there once with him, so I'd probably do some reminiscing. 

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

Just finished watching the movie Courageous with my husband and son.  What a tear jerker!  I really wasn't in the mood for crying, so I did have to leave the room and pretend that I needed to go powder my nose so that the waterworks didn't start. Great movie with a great message, but I was not prepared for the emotions it would evoke.

25 Ways To Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder

Don't forget tactile.

A couple of weeks ago, I posted tips on Facebook and Twitter on how I try to overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).  Some of these tips are useful for depression in general.  I thought it might be helpful to compile a list.  What tips work for you? 


25 Ways To Overcome Seasonal Affective Disorder

1. Don't isolate yourself.
2. Find others who suffer with SAD and brainstorm what works for you.
3. Create routine. Get out of bed at the same time each morning. Set an alarm. 
4. Why is routine important? SAD can cause lack of focus. Sweetened my oatmeal instead of coffee.
5. Apply what you have learned. Alarm went off half hour early. Got out of bed anyway.
6. Go to church even if you don't feel like it. Even if you sneak in and out of service and sit in the back.
7. Challenge your brain. Keep your mind active. Play a game like Scrabble or Sudoku.
8. Be grateful for the little things. ALMOST started coffee without a mug. ALMOST. 
9. Rest on the truth "The Lord God is our SUN" - He hears our prayers.
10. Don't forget tactile. Touch is important. I find mugs with texture for my morning coffee.
11. My favorite candle scent is cinnamon stick. Arouse all your senses. Especially scent.
12. Think citrus. The scent and flavor of citrus are helpful in keeping your senses heightened.
13. Surround yourself with BRIGHT COLORS! Why do you think I wear NEON pink so much?
14. What are you listening to? If music doesn't help try an uplifting podcast or audio book.
15. Check your self-talk.
16. Eat more fruit and vegetables. Eat regular meals throughout the day. Chocolate is considered a meal.
17. Eat breakfast as soon as you wake-up. It kick starts your metabolism which combats melatonin production.
18. Spicy food can trigger the brain to release endorphins. I am not into spicy food, but it is worth a try!
19. If you suffer with SAD, a "happy" light can make a difference. Use it as early in the morning as possible.
20. Turn on the lights. Turn on ALL the lights. Find the brightest bulbs. Even before you get out of bed. 
21. Do you have a lovingly handmade scarf? Wear it and know that you are being hugged!
22. Do you have a favorite piece of jewelry? Wear it today and think of the giver. 
23. If the holidays are stressful, do the holidays differently.
24. Find motivation to exercise. Just move. Train to walk a half marathon.
25. Be proactive. Don't allow yourself to sink deeper into SAD before you do something about it. Start now!

One Word 2013: Lead

Quote From:  The Polar Express 

Hero Girl: It says "lead." Like "lead balloon." 

Conductor: I believe it also is pronounced "lead." As in "leader," "leadership." "Lead the way." Follow you anywhere, ma'am. 

My One Word for the year of 2013 is "Lead."  Well, I wouldn't really call it "my" word.  It is definitely God's word for me.  I wouldn't have chosen it.  And I guess that's the point, isn't it?  God wants me to grow in this area.  He wants me to be intentional in it.  He wants me to learn about being a leader who disciples and mentors and nurtures and draws women towards Christ.  Not haphazardly.  But with purpose and wisdom and insight and discernment.  One full of compassion and kindness.  One who trains others to be leaders as an example.  Or as our pastor said today in his sermon to become a "sanctified pusher."  Yikes, that doesn't sound right out of context... so you must visit here to get a better idea of what he meant!

Honestly, I am uncomfortable with the word.  I feel like it is presumptuous.  But I think God has a lot for me to learn and He wants me to get my "Reticular Activating System" focused!  

"The Reticular Activating System (RAS) is a cluster of nerve cells in the brainstem that regulate alertness and attention. We are bombarded by thousands of stimuli every second–different sights, sounds and sensations. It is the job of the RAS to regulate which stimuli you pay attention to and which stimuli you ignore. It is the gatekeeper or screening device. Or think of it as mental radar. The RAS determines what you notice and what goes unnoticed." ~ Mark Batterson

(And my RAS has already been in overdrive!  There are already a couple of conferences that have popped up with the word "Lead" in the title.)

Thank you to Melanie at Only A Breath who made my "One Word" button and is encouraging others to link up once a month on the 15th to check-in and see how we are doing.  Want to see others who joined?  Just stop by here.
 
Do you have a One Word for 2013? 

Wednesday (a day late) Hodgepodge

1.  How did you ring in the new year?
We flew home from Maryland on New Year's Eve.  By the time it was midnight we were sound asleep.

2.  What is one thing you are looking forward to in 2013?
My baby (one-and-only) is heading to high school this year.  I am sad (for me) and excited (for him) at the same time.

3.  Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying, "All of us every single year, we're a different person.  I don't think we're the same person all our lives."  What say you?
I think we are always changing.  Always growing.  Always being affected by circumstances.  I think we change throughout our lives, but not so drastically every year.  

4. The Pantone color of the year for 2013 is emerald green. Like or dislike? Do you already own something this color?  Will you add something in this shade to your home or wardrobe in 2013?
I am not sure that emerald green is a good color for me, but yes, I love to wear it... for our MLS Portland Timbers!
 
5.  Speaking of emerald...what's your favorite gemstone?  
My birthstone - Diamond.

6. Share a favorite book or movie from 2012. 
The Circle Maker:  Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson.  I read it at the beginning of 2012 and then just completed the 4-week DVD study with a small group today. 

7.  What is something you want to tell yourself at the start of this brand new year? 


8.  Insert your own random thought here. 
My One Word  for 2013 is "Lead."  (To guide. To encourage.  To instruct.  To mentor.  To show the way. To shepherd. To come alongside.)  I want to be intentional about it.  Not just stumble into it.  

The ABC's of My 2012

July 2012- Fishing Pier at Ocean City, Maryland 

(Sadly, the pier was destroyed in October by Hurricane Sandy)

photography by Anthony Kaetzel

The ABC's of My 2012

Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.  My first ever NASCAR race.  Loved it!
Batterson:  The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson - My December Study
Crocheting my first granny square
David:  Seeking A Heart Like His by Beth Moore - My Fall Study
Ethiopia - Excited to see God's hand increasing the well-being of widows and orphans.
Family Togetherness:  Ocean City, Maryland and Occupy Ellicott City
Grandpa: My precious grandpa passed away in January.  I miss him.
Houston:  Celebrating with Beth Moore and my Siestas at the SSMTC
Instagram, and Facebook, and Twitter!  Oh, my!
James: Mercy Triumphs! by Beth Moore - My Winter Study
K: 5K for Christopher and me in July and the 50 Mile JFK for Anthony in November
LifeSkills:  Our Sunday School Class.  Full of challenges and knowledge and new friendships.
Master Chef: While visiting Venice Beach over Spring Break, we were part of the show!
Nehemiah - My Summer Study
Obadiah:  I taught on Obadiah during our study on the Minor Prophets.  (Do for One...)
Portland Half-Marathon:  Highlight of My Year!!!
Quinoa: Who knew that it is yummy to eat... and a great Scrabble Word!
Rockefeller Center and New York Times Square with my Sissy, her hubby and Christopher
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Timbers:  We are huge fans of our Major League Soccer Portland Timbers!
UnSnow Day - Volunteering at Christopher's school.  We've had 6 great years at PLS.
VooDoo $5 Bucket
What Happens When Women Say Yes To God by Lysa TerKeurst - Summer Study led by Sherrie
X:  the teXt
Young Champions:  Volunteering alongside our Portland Christian Center Family
Z: Love watching our Portland TrailblaZers when Mike and Mike announce the game!

My PDX 1/2 Marathon Medal!

My First Granny Square!

We Love Watching Our Home Teams!