Authenticity

NEW BLOG ALERT!

2010-11-15T14:03:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone! Thanks again for all your support during my year of blogging. I would love for you to join with me on the new adventure I have started on a different blog. I believe this one is finished, I will continue to have it up, maybe update every so often so the blog stays online, but I would love for you join me on my NEW BLOG! Consider The Whispers please, please, please! replace this

The Adventure Called Life Day 365...grand finale...

2010-09-29T23:59:00.004-04:00

Today has been the WORST day ever. and yet, God is still faithful. that does my heart good. I missed my piano lesson I missed my dinner appointment with Alyson I missed my one on one with Kelly, my RD I did not finish memorizing Mark 14 I failed. But God didn't. He still showed up. He moved and blessed our first WAVE service. I am so thankful. He is worthy. Praise the Lord! I am looking

The Adventure Called Life Day 364...paper...

2010-09-28T20:37:00.000-04:00

I think I am going to not get everything done in the next two days. That scares me. A LOT. I have no idea how to go about writing this paper for Spiritual Formation, and I also have to memorize my passage for WAVE still. I know it, but I don't KNOW it well enough to stop looking at the cards. maybe if I breathe and let myself sleep on it. Then I will try again tomorrow. All I can do is try. *

The Adventure Called Life Day 363...the end is near...

2010-09-27T15:39:00.000-04:00

the end of this year's journey of blogging is coming near. Wednesday I will make my final blog entry for an entire year. I wish I could say that I am proud of every entry. I am just in awe of God's grace that I could complete such a journey. Today I am suffering from a sinus cold, but PRAISE THE LORD! I am doing well in classes, getting to know my friends better and enjoying the love and

The Adventure Called Life Day 362...lessons learning...

2010-09-26T15:31:00.000-04:00

I say "lessons learning" because if I say, "lesson learned" that would imply I know everything there is to know about leading a congregation in worship. Wellspring has taught me A LOT about how to engage a variety of audiences in worshiping the Lord. This morning I taught the congregation the chorus of the song before we sang the song, that way they had something to look forward to through the

The Adventure Called Life Day 361...sabbath...

2010-09-25T23:16:00.000-04:00

In spiritual formation, we have been discussing life planning. We have each come up with two life style changes we want to make. They are disciplines discussed in Mudhouse Sabbath. I have chosen to take a Sabbath from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday. The only requirement is that I must not do anything academic. This is extremely difficult. but I am getting better. Its amazing that since im

The Adventure Called LIfe Day 360...another week in the books...

2010-09-24T21:59:00.000-04:00

well im whipped, wiped, worn out, torn up, totally annihilated. welcome to the weekend! Tonight starts my Sabbath of NO ACADEMICS. such a hard thing to do, especially when I enjoy my classes. I know, I know, totally an oxymoron, but I do enjoy them. immensely. Contemporary worship ensemble is shaping up to be extremely different, epic and just plain totally awesome. The Drama department is

The Adventure Called LIfe day 359...on duty part three...

2010-09-23T21:02:00.000-04:00

im on duty again. yippee! that means laundry and homework time! woot! woot! bible study tonight. im excited for that. it should be fun. Morgan and Ivy have been planning for it and we've been praying a lot. Im excited for that. cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 358...arbor games...

2010-09-22T19:50:00.000-04:00

Looks like another Arbor Games is in the books. We took 5th. YAY team 4! We did well, our skit was fun, it followed the book, we did well keeping up with team 3 next to us. sometimes. lol. anyway, I did have fun. Now Z and I are going to hang with Adam! YAY for old friends! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 357...rain, rain, go away...

2010-09-21T23:18:00.000-04:00

Today the sky looks very cloudy. I am anticipating a big rain storm. Looks like I was right. Big lightning. Its been hot all day, but now its cooling off with a light rain shower. Z and I got all the way out to Mt. Beebe, but no stars. sad. But we did go on a walk! yay! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 356...blessed day...

2010-09-20T23:28:00.000-04:00

Today was glorious. I woke up, I went to Chapel to hear Tony Campolo speak. Then Zachariah and I staked out a practice room, grabbed some lunch. He went to class, I returned to my floor, hung out with some residents. Then I went to concert choir. Zachariah and I had dinner from Ada's and we sat at the Historical marker on the music building, enjoying an unseen classical pianist in the practice

The Adventure Called LIfe Day 355...arbor games prep...

2010-09-19T19:45:00.000-04:00

tonight we made preparations for arbor games. Painting, dancing, cutting music...so much fun. And the three RA's were left. that's it in the end. Now its time to do homework. Not my favorite thing at all to do. That's okay, I am reading this really dry book for Spiritual formation. I am getting really mad at it actually. Something tells me I may have a headache at the end of this endeavor. cm

The Adventure Called LIfe Day...out of control...

2010-09-18T23:59:00.000-04:00

Why is it that I get so upset when things happen that I can't control? Today DID NOT go as planned. AT ALL. *sigh* I need a good night's sleep. that's what I need. I did get to take Zachariah to my hometown and show him the music hall and the library. We got books!! there was a library book sale, and it was fantastic! now e're back at SAU and I am looking forward to tomorrow. Tomorrow I begin

The Adventure Called Life Day 353...leis, blow up palm trees and dancing...

2010-09-17T23:44:00.000-04:00

LOWELL LUAU was a COMPLETE success. I am proud to say that I am a Lowell RA and we rocked our first ALL CAMPUS event! Go Ladies! We had beach volleyball that turned into water balloon volleyball :) Then we had a limbo contest. I ended up taking pictures all night on Bri's camera. I had a lot of fun doing that. Then we had karaoke. That was fun as well, and we danced. A LOT. I am sore! and

The Adventure Called Life Day 352...on duty round two...

2010-09-16T21:47:00.000-04:00

I honestly don't mind being on duty. I think it is fun to be the one in charge of unlocking doors, answering questions, just getting to serve the women of Lowell Hall. we have floor bible study tonight, and Zachariah will be returning from a concert. I hope we can cuddle on a couch and read. that will be great. got to go do another round. cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 351...something in the air...

2010-09-15T21:57:00.000-04:00

Tonight Zachariah and I met with Pastor Kerry over dinner and discussed our internship at Minges Hills Church of God. I am excited that I could earn practicum hours while gaining extremely valuable experience. We got to design a worship space. I love it. The way the stage is set is very traditional, the communion table is the focal point along with altar rails flanking either side. The piano is

The Adventure Called Life Day 350...cardboard, video and communication...

2010-09-14T23:55:00.000-04:00

we are preparing for arbor games. so much fun! There are a lot of girls who showed up to help! YAY! I am super proud of them. I really need to set up my floor event for this month. Maybe I will plan that tonight when I get my essay done for spiritual formation. Looks like I will be not getting that essay done tonight. Zachariah and I ended up hanging out in the RA office which was good. I hope

The Adventure Called Life Day 348...three oboes...

2010-09-13T22:34:00.000-04:00

surprisingly we all play well together. that's cool. Band tonight was actually...fun. I know, surprising right. anyway, life here on campus is great. busy, but great. Tomorrow is my busiest day of the week, including thursday as well, since it is the same day after all :) cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 347...lead me to the cross...

2010-09-12T23:28:00.000-04:00

Today Zachariah and I started our adventure as worship leaders for Minges Hills Church of God in Battle Creek. We did an Offertory, "Lead me to the Cross" by Brooke Fraiser. Awesome song, the lyrics are really impacting. Then we returned to school and we snuggled in his popasan chair for the afternoon open hours. I then went home and got dinner, and we met for Arbor Games. Then I went back over

The Adventure Called Life Day 346...singing in the rain...

2010-09-11T23:14:00.003-04:00

Today I woke up at 10:30 am, but I stayed in bed and read for awhile until getting up, doing some Zumba :) then hitting the shower. Zachariah called after that for me to join him on a Jackson run. He needed to go to the bank for laundry quarters, and I just love to spend time with him, so I went along...he surprised me with a stop by Starbucks and he bought me coffee. He is the best. Then we went

The Adventure Called Life Day 345...short week, still exhausted...

2010-09-10T23:13:00.000-04:00

This is friday. That means I have only had two days of classes, and only four classes at that :) Life is good, but im exhausted!! Having 26 freshman to be responsible for is exhausting!! so pray for strength. Ima gonna need it!! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 344...first day of classes...

2010-09-09T22:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my seventh semester of college! YAY!! To think I only have three more after this! *sigh*. who am I to complain, this is the LIFE <3 I simply adore living on campus, being able to hang with people, and also be a part of what is spontaneously going on. speaking of spontaneity. there is a dance party on BETA 3. they've got 15 mins until quiet hours start. they better be quiet after 11 or

The Adventure Called Life Day 343...all hall meeting round 2...

2010-09-08T23:20:00.000-04:00

the second all hall meeting is always so much shorter, but I am thankful for this, since it is coming at 10:30. We then had to hold our second floor meeting. Mine only lasted about 10 minutes! We did have a rather lengthy one on monday night. It looks like all of my freshmen are getting their yellow cards turned in, along with their roommate agreements and their emergency missing person forms.

The Adventure Called Life Day 342...anniversary picnic...

2010-09-07T16:42:00.000-04:00

today is mine and Zachariah's anniversary. Five months. wow. I packed a surprise picnic lunch for us, and we sat and ate together on the ormston lawn :) Then we had to hurry back our RA duties. I love this job, I love this job! I enjoy having a room to myself, but I also enjoy the freedom of roaming the floor without being tied to a roommate! So. Good. Tonight is a floor dinner. our first one!

The Adventure Called Life Day 341...welcome to BETA ONE...

2010-09-06T12:07:00.000-04:00

and so it begins...the chaos as begun to descend on the floor. I am super excited to get to know each of these beautiful girls! The PA's are running around, getting all of their core group peeps their goodie bags. They will be meeting at the plaza at 4 pm. I love this job, I love it! I am so blessed to be on this floor! It is filling up and I might slip out to grab some lunch. First to find

The Adventure Called Life Day 340...calling...

2010-09-05T21:45:00.000-04:00

Looks like Kerry is going to talk to the board this week, tuesday seems to be the day. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I pray that want to work with us. Its a tremendous opportunity. I am exhausted! But TOMORROW IS MOVE IN DAY! AH! I think i shall take a breather. maybe a walk before our 7pm meeting. its the last one until our all hall meeting! super excited for that one... - just

The Adventure Called Life Day 339...brunch...

2010-09-04T10:28:00.000-04:00

Its a glorious thing to sleep in until 10 am after waking up everyday at 7:30 am. I have thoroughly enjoyed training, but I think this late start is just the ticket. especially since Z and I have to get up early for church tomorrow :) off to the Castle I go! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 338...TGIF once more...

2010-09-03T10:10:00.000-04:00

Its Friday. This time its Friday ON CAMPUS! My floor is still empty. But I am thoroughly enjoying being back, moved in, and the people. its like christmas every time I see someone new. its awesome. cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 337...flowers of the field...

2010-09-02T20:26:00.000-04:00

door decorations are up! that only took two hours. that is less than I expected :) I had previously made them and carefully transported them to school in a box. Now they are up, making the hall look less like a prison or hospital :) again. im exhausted. ugh. but tomorrow is a little shorter. we have dinner as a staff, then we are free. im excited for that! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 336...yellow cards...

2010-09-01T23:59:00.000-04:00

I have conquered them. The yellow cards of BETA 1 are complete! It only took me 3 and a half hours. *sigh* Tomorrow I hope to tackle putting up door decorations. I am exhausted. Training is great, but I am just beat. time for bed. cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 335...water slide...

2010-08-31T17:19:00.000-04:00

yesterday Zachariah went on the water slide. That's right. The water slide. I think he enjoyed it :) At least he enjoyed me enjoying it. Training is amazing. apart from waking up extremely cold this morning, today has been wonderful. I am tired, but it is a lot of fun to get to know the other RA's and learn about the job and what to expect. Tomorrow we leave MICHINDOH. I am sad about that, but

The Adventure Called Life Day 334...RA retreat...

2010-08-30T12:17:00.000-04:00

today the Lowell RA staff served the SAU RA staff breakfast. We made pancakes and sausage. It was fun and yummy! Then we had a programming seminar. I started brainstorming ideas while Jeff was talking. I have come up with some pretty cool ideas. They are similar to things we did as a floor my freshman year. I enjoyed them. I want to revamp them some and make them our own BETA 1 traditions. After

The Adventure Called Life Day 333...welcome to Beta One...

2010-08-29T23:59:00.000-04:00

My room rocks :) I am a single RA this semester, and I frankly. I love it! The room is great. I have my stuff on one side, and the other side is completely for my residents. I have a big black leather sectional, funky pink and black area rug, TV and DVD player. My fridge has some soda, and some chips and salsa, yogurt, vitamin water, you know, stuff girls like :) I am so excited for this year.

The Adventure Called Life Day 332...on the brink of an awesome adventure...

2010-08-28T15:15:00.000-04:00

I am excited. I would also be lying to you if I said I was not nervous, terrified, and super ready to GO :) I am going to move in to Spring Arbor BETA 1 tomorrow afternoon. I can't believe that its almost here. I think I have everything packed up in my car. I just have the couch pieces to clean and stack in the Tahoe left. Just going to go finish up I guess. Zachariah moves back this afternoon.

The Adventure Called Life Day 331...TGIF plus pictures...

2010-08-27T18:24:00.000-04:00

Thank Goodness It's Friday! That means I only have one more FULL day left. until I PACK UP and MOVE OUT for The Arbor :) I am so excited to begin RA training this coming week. I have a lot of preparation in moving ahead of me. I am almost completely packed. I have been putting boxes together, most of them quite practical to where I just need to put them on a shelf somewhere. The only one I

The Adventure Called Life Day 330...dance fitness...

2010-08-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

So. as many of you know, I am a dancer. Zumba is the new program that I have discovered that combines Latin Dance into a fitness workout. Dance to me is the expression of my spirit and passion. It has been very hard to stay in shape while at school because I do not fancy running or the weight room. This program has answered my prayers and cries for dance fitness! I have stayed flexible and strong

The Adventure Called Life Day 329...music and lyrics...

2010-08-25T14:14:00.000-04:00

For some reason, I am not good at putting BOTH music AND lyrics together. Zachariah and I began writing a song, and we had a basic chord progression down for the verse, chorus and bridge. but no lyrics. I couldn't come up with anything other than that it had to be folkie. wow. now i seem to have insomnia. I can't sleep. This hasn't happened to me in awhile. idk what to do. hope I can at least

The Adventure Called Life Day 328...zumba...

2010-08-24T11:59:00.000-04:00

I have just been sucked in by an infomercial. Have you ever watched an infomercial and thought to yourself, "Hmmm, this has to be the best thing i've seen out there for what I want to do..." ? Well. I at least have a couple of people in my life who absolutely LOVE Zumba. Greg Martin, a youth pastor in Clarkston, and leader of Righteous Mission raves about it. He claims to have lost 30 lbs and

The Adventure Called Life Day 327...not so FANTASTIC sam's...

2010-08-23T17:12:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had a hair cut, and the whole time you were really uncomfortable? Well, today I made the glorious journey to Fantastic Sam's. What ever you do. DON"T. EVER. GO THERE!! My hair cut isn't completely awful. It is a little bad, but its nothing a little time and my god-given curls can't fix :) I just don't recommend the place. EVER. :) Sorry if you work there. Get another job, somewhere

The Adventure Called Life Day 326...make a list...

2010-08-22T13:30:00.000-04:00

Today is the day where I sit in the middle of my room, envisioning all of my possessions and make a list of what I am bringing to campus this fall. As a lonely RA I will be attempting to make my room the place to be on the floor. I would post it here, but It would be really too long and I am sure changes are going to be made from now until Sunday (mostly add-ons :) I think I will also vacuum my

The Adventure Called Life Day 325...new independence...

2010-08-21T22:39:00.000-04:00

Today we drove 165 miles to Lima, OH to drop my brother off at the University of Northwestern Ohio for school. He is going to school to become a High Performance auto mechanic. My dad thinks that Kevin getting to study racecars is just, "too cool" :) Well, Its the first time I've been to UNOH, and it looks really nice. I only met two of his three roommates and they seem nice. They only had bunk

The Adventure Called Life Day 324...new mattress...

2010-08-20T18:38:00.000-04:00

There is something simply luxurious about a change in your bed, of course if its for the better. this change is. The mattress is probably older than my other one, but it is not as used as my parent's old one that I've been sleeping on at home. This mattress is softer and much more comfortable. I should now not wake up with a sore neck and shoulders. Things are pretty quiet around here. My

The Adventure Called Life Day 323...flowers of the field...

2010-08-19T21:41:00.000-04:00

Today I started piecing together door decorations. My Grandmother brought over a hot glue gun, so I should be able to finish them all tomorrow. WOW. I might even get the floor verse done as well. I am just way ahead of myself. This gives me the entire week to think about what I want to take and pack it up. I do need to relax, I have been running around a lot lately. We just went on vacation last

The Adventure Called Life Day 322...happy birthday to Z...

2010-08-18T19:00:00.001-04:00

Because Zachariah's mom had a writing conference to go to, we were kindly asked to vacate the premises early this morning. We compensated by going shopping. First we took a trip to B&N where I organized my floor list. Then we adventured around the mall. I guess its a good thing that we did. We had an amazing encounter with God. Minges Hills Church of God is inside of Lakeview Mall. We were

The Adventure Called Life Day 321...clean sweep...

2010-08-17T23:07:00.000-04:00

Today I arrived at Zachariah's house just after 9 am. We made breakfast, yummy omelets. Then we went down to the basement and watched Becoming Jane. It is one of my very favorite films. I think Z enjoyed it :) Then after lunch, we began cleaning his room. Papers, junk, stuff that hasn't been used in a couple of years got taken to the trash. I was a little bit harsh, but as a recovering pack rat

The Adventure Called Life Day 320...peace equals unmatched joy...

2010-08-16T22:55:00.002-04:00

I am experiencing the word peace, like I have never experienced it before. This is not a peace that comes from deep within myself, it is a peace that has enveloped me. This peace feels like it has sought me out, found my silly blonde head, curvy figure and fluffy tummy and settled deep in my soul. Its finding its way out of me in rays of beautiful joy. Pleasure. Now there is a word that you

The Adventure Called Life Day 319...back to hartland-land...

2010-08-15T21:15:00.000-04:00

I am back in Hartland-land. We had everything unpacked and put away with a load of laundry put in, in less than a half an hour. My mom rocks. I've been conversing off and on with my parents about the possibility of moving out next year. If I can find dependable full time employment, and If God answers me and says that I should not do Well Spring, and that I should not be an RA again, then yes.

The Adventure Called Life Day 318...sandcastles and deep water...

2010-08-14T13:58:00.000-04:00

Carolyn Marie for another day full of Adventure here in Caseville, MI. Cheeseburger fest is in full swing and we took a little walk into town this afternoon. We stopped by the souvenir shop, I got a new cowboy hat, and my dad found a tank top and my brother got some really cool shades. I have been enjoying the lake the whole time we have been here, but in this sticky humidity and blistering heat

The Adventure Called Life Day 317...cheeseburger in paradise...

2010-08-13T13:46:00.000-04:00

(singing in a melancholy, sappy voice) "Brew Moon, you saw me standing alone, with out a dream in my heart, without a love of my own...." This is adventurer Carolyn Marie reporting from Caseville, MI, USA. Home of the festival known to the local and savvy vacationers simply as "Cheeseburger" and proud home of "Brew Moon" coffee shop. Internet Cafe is NOT FREE. but works very nicely. Today's

The Adventure Called Life Day 316...caseville is the new coolsville...

2010-08-12T10:35:00.001-04:00

Adventure never stops in my life, as you have seen from the past 315 days of this blog. I am always discovering, uncovering, working to find answers and live life to its fullest. That is no different when I am on vacation. The adventurer in me never sleeps. Maybe that is why I appreciate Scooby Doo and the mystery gang so much. My family has traveled to the bumbling burg of Caseville. Its the "

The Adventure Called Life Day 315...preparation, agitation, look better naked...

2010-08-11T21:46:00.000-04:00

Today has been very interesting to say the least. After getting up late, a long phone call with my prince, and a rush to get out the door to meet Grandma for lunch, we went to Barnes & Noble where I actually bought a book. I bought "Look Better Naked" I know, its sort of weird title, but I think that it will do me some good. I think cutting down my meal portions, eating more times during the day,

The Adventure Called Life Day 314...books, books, wonderful books...

2010-08-10T17:16:00.000-04:00

I love books. Books are such a wonderful escape, they offer an expansion to the universe. Story worlds allow imagination to be discovered, to grow and flourish, all within a neat little portable package. Anytime you want to go to Hogwarts, you just crack open a J.K. Rowling masterpiece, anywhere you are. Zachariah came and visited me today, and to start off our day together we went to Barnes and

The Adventure Called Life Day 313...planning...

2010-08-09T17:53:00.000-04:00

If you are not in a relationship, you may not appreciate this. But men do not plan. They just DO. That is a big difference between Zachariah and I. I plan. He does not. I need patience for this. I love him. I really enjoy spending time with him. I just don't like planning to do things when he has work and family to deal with. For some reason its so much easier at school! But that is just wimpy

The Adventure Called Life Day 312...clean heart...

2010-08-08T12:26:00.000-04:00

for some reason, i have forgotten how sweet God's unfailing forgiveness and love can be. I have been worrying about "having it all together" for my future. Today in service Pastor shared the following verse: Isaiah 55:7-8 says, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways

The Adventure Called Life Day 311...clean house...

2010-08-07T20:41:00.000-04:00

Zachariah has unleashed a monster. I have been introduced to Noteflight. Oh boy. Awesome FREE program. Then after a quick PB&J sandwich, I began cleaning my room, the bathroom and sweeping the hall and kitchen floors. I finished by steam mopping those floors. After I finished cleaning, I began to clean out my dresser and fold, organize and throw away clothes. I am so happy! I have an ALMOST

The Adventure Called Life Day 310...clean teeth...

2010-08-06T17:41:00.001-04:00

This morning I got up, sort of dinkered around and then finally got ready to go to the dentist. (see Z, im not that mature either...) then the dentist went well, no cavities, and for only having a check up once a year, I am doing very well with brushing and flossing. YAY :) So, another year of clean teeth. This some how got me thinking about how clean my mouth is. Is it an instrument used to

The Adventure Called Life Day 309...goodbyes...

2010-08-05T20:00:00.000-04:00

Why is it that I hate goodbyes so much? After taking Zachariah back to his house in Marshall this morning, his boss wanted him to come in early. So we rushed around and got him ready for work. I wasn't prepared to leave so soon. I froze up. I didn't hardly say anything to him. I really don't like goodbyes. Even if it is just for a little while. I really like having him around. We read scripture

The Adventure Called Life Day 308...closer...

2010-08-04T18:25:00.007-04:00

Being together for only almost four months (next wednesday) has brought me closer to Zachariah that I have been to any other human being. I am not even this close with my Mom anymore. I wonder if it is unhealthy, or if I am losing my mind. Then I begin to think of the dozens of things we have in common or even in harmony with the other. He plays guitar, I sing and play piano. I am play oboe, and

The Adventure Called Life Day 307...here comes the sun...

2010-08-03T23:13:00.001-04:00

Seems like the end of tour is really great for me. I got to stay on campus, visit marshall, and now I am taking Zachariah home :) We have had a wonderful lazy day of pitching a tent, song writing :) and talking, lots and lots of talking. I think I can talk to zachariah about ANYTHING, and never get bored. Its amazing. Something about the way we just flow together is just dumbfounding. I think

The Adventure Called Life Day 306...marshall, marshall, marshall...

2010-08-02T19:40:00.000-04:00

This morning I drove to Marshall to see Zachariah before he went to work at 3. After dropping his car off at the repair shop, we headed to Battle Creek. There we shopped at Target and Christian Family bookstore. I purchased a thinline bible NIV red letter edition. I even had my name monogrammed on the front. I like it :) after returning to marshall, we grabbed Taco Bell and headed to his family

The Adventure Called Life Day 305...end of tour...

2010-08-01T20:37:00.000-04:00

Another Wellspring tour has come to an end. I am a bit saddened by this, but I do get to see family and gear up for fall semester! I feel like we drove all over the place after our celebration sunday service at Clarkston United Methodist Church for Righteous Mission. We ended up in Novi at Mongolian Barbeque. It was my first Mongo experience, but it was great. Then back to campus we went. I am

The Adventure Called Life Day 304...frisbee and soccer balls...

2010-07-31T22:12:00.001-04:00

Today we left Bay Shore Camp. I loved this week. As hard as it was to keep energized sometimes, relying on the Lord was super vital, and that made it so. much. fun! God is so faithful. Every time I gave it my all, he made sure to give it a little extra so it was impactful. I just bought a pair of Tom's Shoes! Yay! They are purple chords. I am excited. I also get to see my boyfriend Monday, and

The Adventure Called Life Day 303...key changes...

2010-07-30T23:28:00.000-04:00

Adam Davidson is the man. I love his constant modulations, and he let us in on a wee secret tonight. I am super excited to try it out. Its a way of getting from the key you are in to the new key you want to play in. I would explain it, but I am just too tired. Tonight after service, a group of us stayed behind and hung out around the piano for almost two hours. We just sat around talking and

The Adventure Called Life Day 302...t-bell run anyone?...

2010-07-29T23:59:00.000-04:00

that is exactly what happened tonight. Billy Stone and Kyle Reif came to visit us and friends at Bay Shore. Then we had the grand idea to go to Taco Bell a couple of towns over. It is now after 1:30am and we have to play at 9am. oh joy. that is all. I am going to sleep now. cm

The Adventure Called Life day 301...five days...

2010-07-28T16:41:00.000-04:00

There are only five days left of tour. I am a little sad. I really, really enjoy tour. But, I am so tired. I wish that I had more energy, and more to give the kids. All I can do is participate all that I can, and always be available, even when I really just want to curl up on the floor and go to sleep :) Last night with the Lord's marvelous provision and hand, I lead a little girl back to Christ

The Adventure Called Life Day 300...milestones...

2010-07-27T16:43:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it! My 300th day of blogging is here! WOW. Looking back on this journey has been incredible. I would encourage anyone I know to keep a journal and just see what God has done in a weeks time, and in 65 more days, it will be an entire year! Wow. just wow. Here at Bay Shore, we are living it up in the sun. This afternoon I worked the zip line with Jake and Eric. I am developing

The Adventure Called Life Day 299..beach day...

2010-07-26T16:59:00.000-04:00

Today the whole camp loaded up on buses (wellspring took the van) and headed to the beach for the afternoon! Lake Huron is beautiful. I loved it. Completely clear day, so I have plenty of color on my arms and shoulders. My legs are still miraculously white :) Tonight Liz, Marc and I are going to tabernacle choir practice! YAY! Adam is leading the choir, so I am excited for that alone, but being

The Adventure Called Life Day 298...sunday, sunday...

2010-07-25T18:09:00.000-04:00

Today we play four times. Yeah, that's right, FOUR TIMES! We have played twice so far, so only the youth service, and the young adult service is now left. I am looking forward to playing for the college kids! Woot! woot! I am having difficulty staying awake today for some reason. maybe its that lazy day sunday afternoon attitude I usually have at home...idk. This place is so relaxing and very

The Adventure Called Life Day 297...record time...

2010-07-24T15:53:00.000-04:00

We have arrived at Bay Shore Family Camp! YAY! We got here around 1:15ish, set up, unpacked, sound checked and started laundry all in a little over two and a half hours! WOW. we are good! I am actually sitting in our cabin, on the internet. I know, such a blessing! Today is Liz's birthday, so everyone wish her a great 21! I don't think we are scheduled to play tonight, but I think we have a

The Adventure Called Life Day 296...another camp at a close...

2010-07-23T15:44:00.001-04:00

Today is our last full day here at Covenant Hills Family Camp. We played GAGA ball as a team, and lost ALL three games :) Yeah Goldbond! anyway, we have mostly packed up all our of equipment, the boys are watching a movie with Phil, he came to visit for Liz's birthday, and then staying the night in the Meeting Place, simply because they can. I am choosing to call Zachariah early, talk to him

The Adventure Called Life Day 295...on stage switch-a-roo...

2010-07-22T15:43:00.000-04:00

Thursday, July 22, 2010Today we did a switch-a-roo on stage. Marc sang with Marrissa leading from acoustic guitar. Liz played bass, both Eric and Luke played electric guitar. I played keys, Jacob played drums and Jake ran sound. I loved it! I am discovering that most of the team would love to learn to play a classical string instrument. I would love to learn Viola or Cello. I think Cello trumps

The Adventure Called Life Day 294...volleyball equals teamwork...

2010-07-21T15:39:00.000-04:00

Today we, as a wellspring team, entered into the Volleyball Tourney. Jake, Liz, Marc, Eric, Jacob, and myself played the first set of games, winning 2 out of 2. Then Luke joined us for the next set and we only won 1 out of 3. It was fun. I like being active. Since it was around 3:30, I went back to the cabin, grabbed a quick shower and started memorizing Philippians 1:1-15. That is my goal this

The Adventure Called Life Day 293...walk instead of run...

2010-07-20T19:05:00.000-04:00

So this morning I woke up and was like, "I don't think so!" It was EARLY! but I rolled out of bed, put my running shoes on and proceeded to WALK the campground. I ran *cough* jogged a bit, but for the most part, because of my cough, I walked very briskly and listened to some Phil Wickham. Amazing. I am happy that I got up and took the time to start my day right. Then this afternoon after service

The Adventure Called Life Day 291...get in shape?...

2010-07-19T18:54:00.000-04:00

I have been out of high school for three years now. I have yet to discover an exercise program or regimen to replace my pom/dance days. I wish I could just keep doing that stuff to stay in shape, but it is so not practical. I am going to try running/jogging. Here is where the problem lies. If I can't do something well, I'd rather not try it if I know that I will fail. I am still feeling a little

The Adventure Called Life Day 290...family camp number two...

2010-07-18T18:51:00.000-04:00

Here we are at Covenant Hills Family Camp. It only took about two hours to get to the camp, just outside of Flint in Otisville, Michigan. Liz lives in the area, so we are planning on going to her house for some WiFi and home cooked food. I am looking forward to this week, I love the idea of relaxing, serving kids and getting to know my savior better. Here's to another great, relaxing, but

The Adventure Called Life Day 289...airplanes...

2010-07-17T18:50:00.000-04:00

Today on our adventure out with Damon, who took us to Daryl's Downtown for dinner, we saw airplanes practicing for an air show. I have found my retirement plan. After a career leading worship, I will be a pilot. I have always dreamed of flying, and that would such a cool way to spend retirement! I get to see my amazing boyfriend tomorrow afternoon. I am super excited. I miss him so much! We

The Adventure Called Life Day 288...end of a mission...

2010-07-16T17:46:00.001-04:00

We had a wonderful ending ceremony. After our "concert" that really wasn't a concert, more of like an extended worship service, but whatever Greg, he loved on all the kids. It was so touching. He had something to say about everyone of the kids on the trip. It was amazing and inspiring for my ministry someday. I pray that I can learn something significant about the kids in my youth group and learn

The Adventure Called Life Day 287...its HOT...

2010-07-15T17:43:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the hottest day of the year so far folks! This is a FULL day of work for the crew and I'm excited to see how far we can get on our building! Our ramp is a little over 50 ft long, and I think with our crew's work ethic we can do it in the next two days! I feel better today. We have a concert tomorrow night. I'm nervous to sing. I think I will be okay. cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 286...SAWS...

2010-07-14T17:30:00.001-04:00

servants at work is an organization that works for people who are disabled and need ramps and special stairs for their homes. They are retired, for the most part, and volunteers who work to better and serve their community. My pod, along with Dave's left Third Phase today, and we began framing our ramp! I am sick. But again, the Lord will prevail! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 285...landscape specialist...

2010-07-13T17:28:00.000-04:00

According to our site coordinator, I am now the landscape specialist of Third Phase...too funny! We are DOING WORK! My Pod and Dave's pod have spent two whole days scraping the cement front steps of the house with garden hand tools. I am so impressed with their work ethic! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 284...mission trip...

2010-07-12T17:27:00.000-04:00

Today we are going to a job site called Third Phase in Indianapolis. Its a half way house. I am excited to DO WORk. I do feel like crap still. But God will prevail! cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 283...no right turns please...

2010-07-11T12:33:00.000-04:00

Today I went to Owosso Speedway with my family. It was a lot of fun, except the part when Troy made a right turn instead of a left coming out of turn four going along the front stretch. He had been racing like a mad man for the first couple of laps. It was crazy to see really. At first I was excited to see him race so hard, but then I realized that it could cause trouble. BIG trouble. and it did

The Adventure Called Life Day 282...return home...

2010-07-09T11:56:00.000-04:00

Today we said goodbye to the campers of the Junior High session of Camp Michindoh. I wish that we had more time. Part of me feels like I didn’t get to connect with the kids as much as I wanted to. It is an interesting paradox, being a worship leader, but not a counselor. I don’t want to over step the counselor’s duty and their relationships with the kids. I think they did a great job this week.

The Adventure Called Life Day 281...relax down the waterslide...

2010-07-08T13:14:00.000-04:00

Today is our last full day here at Michindoh...its kind of sad, but im excited to go home on saturday...we are headng to the race track. Tim Brodd, the racecar driver we used to race with back in the early 2000's. I am super excited for that. I am owe so much to my leadership development to the Brodd racing team. I am going to spend the day with Zachariah to celebrate our 3 month anniversary. I

The Adventure Called Life Day 280...renew...

2010-07-07T19:38:00.002-04:00

Happy Three Month Anniversary to my wonderful, handsome boyfriend Zachariah! I am so blessed by him. He is an amazing man of God. I really really like him. I also really really love him too. Being away from him is hard, but its made me realize how fortunate I am to have him. I am amazed all the time that he has chosen me among all the fair maidens in the world. it just baffles me sometimes. The

The Adventure Called Life Day 279...recharged...

2010-07-06T19:32:00.000-04:00

This day has been so relaxing. In the morning and afternoon I hung out with the kids, but right now we are just hanging out. I must have gone down the water slide with Brittany at least a dozen times, that was tiring. Its good that we didn't go out to Silos with the rest of camp. I needed this break. Hopefully Zachariah will call after his shift and I can remember what I wanted to talk about...

The Adventure Called Life Day 278...refresh...

2010-07-05T19:32:00.000-04:00

This place is so refreshing. Praise the Lord! I am so grateful for this week of relaxation. We are still working or ah, PLAYING hard :) but we also get time to relax, like now for instance. I am going to go read my Bible. Such an awesome day. cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 277...michindoh...

2010-07-04T19:27:00.000-04:00

Spring Arbor University bought camp Michindoh as of June 1st last year. Its weird to be going to a place that "we own". weird. But oh so welcome. We are not counselors this week, we are just the worship band and a group of people who can help out with activities and such. Its a ton of fun to play music then just hang out with kids all day. so cool. this week my posts will be again rather short.

The Adventure Called Life Day 276...michigan here we come...

2010-07-03T19:25:00.000-04:00

we are making the long trip from Wisconsin to Michigan! woot! woot! Lord, keep us safe. keep us sane. its a long trip. refresh us O lord. I love you. Amen cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 275...almost there...

2010-07-02T19:22:00.000-04:00

last full day. *whew* Lord, You are amazing and so faithful. I am so amazed by you. thank you. In Jesus' name, Amen cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 274...pressing on...

2010-07-01T19:21:00.000-04:00

Lord, here I am again, no energy. there are so many things demanding for my attention. Lord, speak to me, even in the chaos. I crave your voice and your love. In Jesus name, Amen cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 273...exhaustion...

2010-06-30T19:19:00.000-04:00

who knew that counseling junior high kids would be sooo exhausting! I am so tired! Lord, give me strength. Let your joy be my strength. Allow me to continue to serve you at the best level possible. I love you. In Jesus' name, Amen cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 272...BIG...

2010-06-29T19:16:00.000-04:00

This week the speaker is talking about how BIG God is. I am so amazed at how BIG God really is. unfathomable. incomprehensible. Lord, May I never fathom just how big you are. Help me to express that to my campers. I love you. In Jesus' name, Amen cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 271...here we go again...

2010-06-28T19:00:00.000-04:00

This time I am a junior high counselor. I am not very good at relating to Junior High girls. Lord, I surrender to your will this week. I pray that you use me as you see fit this week. I don't want to be doing anything selfish, its all for these kids and your glory. thank you. in Jesus Name, Amen cm

The Adventure Called Life Day 270...travel makes perfect...

2010-06-27T12:56:00.000-04:00

We are now on our way to Wisconsin. Its a pretty easy shot from Jake's aunt's house. It seems to me that Wisconsin looks like the other side of the lake in Michigan :) Only four more hours and we will be there. 11 hour trip total. It should be interesting. Sky Lodge seems like a nice place according to Liz, Marc and Jake. I am a little nervous about counseling middle school girls, since middle

The Adventure Called Life Day 269...saying goodbye...

2010-06-26T23:07:00.000-04:00

Today we said goodbye to Scioto youth camp, and may lovely people. Ohio Christian University served with us this week, and we loved it! They were awesome, great hearts and great attitudes for the kids and Christ's service. We completely meshed with Cedarville Univeristy. They are a drama team, five beautiful people who were great to work with. We shared the stage with them, us playing music and

The Adventure Called Life Day 268...come as you are, leave changed...

2010-06-25T22:45:00.002-04:00

The theme this week at Scioto Senior High Youth Camp is Come as you are, leave changed. I pray that God will continue to work in these teenagers lives. Tonight we had a prayer walk. The campers really enjoyed that I think...some of the girls took a long time at the last station, communion. I have taken this as a good sign. We have talked about surrendering our attitudes, our desires, our needs

The Adventure Called Life day 267...birthday number two...

2010-06-24T22:41:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday beautiful Marrissa!How cool is it that Marrissa and I have our birthdays one right after the other. super. that’s how cool. I hope she has as a great day that I had yesterday. Birthdays at camp are fun :) Last night was life changing. We played a really long time. Altar call turned into two, three, four, five songs, then over ten. Jacob played for a long time. None of my girls

The Adventure Called Life Day 266...

2010-06-23T21:54:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me!Today is my 21st birthday. wow. I am old :) Not really, its just odd to be over 20 years old. Zachariah is only 18. What a cougar right? LOL The camp sang Happy Birthday seven times to me today. SEVEN TIMES. I am just in awe of how much I am loved by the campers and the staff. I just can’t believe it. Autumn

The Adventure Called Life Day 265...roughing it...

2010-06-22T21:53:00.000-04:00

Good morning Scioto. Wow. I am tired, but so, so happy and peaceful. I love this place. I really hope the girls do get together more. I think Lisa and Jeff were a little upset that the girls are not coming together for team building. Services are going really well. Tonight was almost what you would have expected at a friday night service of camp. Altar call was immense and long. I can see that