The week flew with amazing speed that it seems somewhat unreal that I am already at the airport to return home once again. My week was filled with such activity that my brain is still wrapping itself around all the events of the week. But it was such a great week!
My nephew was so much fun. All he wanted was time with his “Auntie Kara.” I will admit I spoiled him just a tad. Hopefully he won’t drive too many people crazy with talk of his new Hulk toy and not hit too many people with his new green light saber. (I could not stop myself. I had to get him the toys. That is what I am suppose to do, right? I am his aunt.) I also saw my new niece Audrey and my other nephew Braedin. I loved just holding Audrey after seeing so many pictures of her. Lunches with friends and movie nights…it was an awesome week.
There are two things that I will take with me from this trip. One of them I am overwhelmed at its truth and the other one is a confirmation that is still settling deep inside. The first truth is how loved I am by the people I know. I am overwhelmed by the willingness of others to spend time with me and the desire of others who wanted to meet up with me. Truthfully, I love people and hanging out with them. So I have not thought twice about their feelings towards me. I do not see myself as more special than the person next to me so this past week was so amazing as hugs, requests, smiles, joy were expressed towards me. I wish my vacation extended longer than just this week but I am leaving Des Moines feeling so loved and special.
The second thing was the realization that Des Moines is not home anymore. I have lived in Iowa for twenty-eight years of my life and lived over fifteen years in Des Moines. I knew coming back would be a weird experience as familiarity would be around every corner yet something new would also exist. I was not fully expecting the sense of knowing that I was not home to come over me the moment I landed at the airport. This past week was fun as I visited old haunts of mine, eating at restaurants that are no longer available to me, and seeing familiar faces, yet deep inside I knew that I was no longer home. God had prepared my heart, mind, and soul for this transition. When I resigned over a year ago, it was at God’s guidance that I did so. I moved forward in the path that he has designed for me. I realized that no matter where I go in this life, home will always be the place that God has led me. Granted I would not have chosen California as my first choice of home but God’s peace rests deep inside at the truth that He led me there. This place is now my home. Now, the time has come for the major move ahead and whatever lies ahead.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Grey sheets of water.
One thing that I miss very much is the rumbling noise of the darken skies. California has rain yet it does not have the dark, gathering clouds that announce the beginning of momentary or lasting sheets of grey that pour from the skies. Last night, I heard the gentle rumble of the approaching thunderstorm. Excitement grew in me as the noise increased and the storm came closer and closer. I love thunderstorms.
I headed out to meet up with a friend when I saw an amazing sight. The sun had not yet retired for the night and it was hanging low in the horizon. Yet the skies above were dark and brooding, casting a night feel so early in the evening. I drove west to meet my friend when I caught a glimpse of an unusual site…a deep gray sky with its announcing storm and an orange-glowing sun pushing through the clouds to grant forth its last rays before the horizon called it to bed. It was so unusual yet vibrant that it caught my attention, which truly was not good since I was driving through rain and the rain was falling hard. How I wish I could have had my camera to take that shot!
I headed out to meet up with a friend when I saw an amazing sight. The sun had not yet retired for the night and it was hanging low in the horizon. Yet the skies above were dark and brooding, casting a night feel so early in the evening. I drove west to meet my friend when I caught a glimpse of an unusual site…a deep gray sky with its announcing storm and an orange-glowing sun pushing through the clouds to grant forth its last rays before the horizon called it to bed. It was so unusual yet vibrant that it caught my attention, which truly was not good since I was driving through rain and the rain was falling hard. How I wish I could have had my camera to take that shot!
Vacation blurs.
June 24th, 2008
I made it to the fair Midwest city of Des Moines. My flights were really good and quick. I even landed early in Des Moines and was able to arrive at my brother’s house in time for dinner. I was lucky to get a window seat on my flight from Minneapolis and Des Moines. As we began our descent into the area, I began to pear anxiously out the window, hoping to see familiar landmarks. It did not take long for the site below me to become known and I excitedly began to point out various sites.
This might sound crazy to some but the sight when I landed was beautiful. To the north I saw the dark grey-blue clouds of a typical thunderstorm while the sight to the south was clear, blue skies with sun streaming down to the earth. But the most magnificent sight was a rainbow that painted the darkness with its spray of color. Now this rainbow did not just peek through the clouds or dot a small section of the sky. No, this rainbow was a full arc stretching from the west to the east, vibrant in its display of colors. I was just in awe. It was beautiful.
The airport personnel was quick in the work for by the time I reached the luggage area, the luggage from our flight was already traveling on the conveyor belt and I quickly found mine. I headed to the car rental to receive the keys to the car, headed out to the parking lot, loaded my suitcase and headed on my way.
I pulled up to my brother’s house, dragged myself to the front door, heard the familiar sound of their dog Gio, and walked in the door. The first thing I heard was a voice chanting, “Auntie Kara is here, Auntie Kara is here.” My nephew was jumping up and down with excitement that I had finally arrived. Then he gave me my hug!
Sunday went by in a blur. I went to my old home church and I never made it into service. I kept getting a few feet before another friend spotted me. It was so good to see everyone and give them hugs and play catch up.
I still have plenty of week left.
I made it to the fair Midwest city of Des Moines. My flights were really good and quick. I even landed early in Des Moines and was able to arrive at my brother’s house in time for dinner. I was lucky to get a window seat on my flight from Minneapolis and Des Moines. As we began our descent into the area, I began to pear anxiously out the window, hoping to see familiar landmarks. It did not take long for the site below me to become known and I excitedly began to point out various sites.
This might sound crazy to some but the sight when I landed was beautiful. To the north I saw the dark grey-blue clouds of a typical thunderstorm while the sight to the south was clear, blue skies with sun streaming down to the earth. But the most magnificent sight was a rainbow that painted the darkness with its spray of color. Now this rainbow did not just peek through the clouds or dot a small section of the sky. No, this rainbow was a full arc stretching from the west to the east, vibrant in its display of colors. I was just in awe. It was beautiful.
The airport personnel was quick in the work for by the time I reached the luggage area, the luggage from our flight was already traveling on the conveyor belt and I quickly found mine. I headed to the car rental to receive the keys to the car, headed out to the parking lot, loaded my suitcase and headed on my way.
I pulled up to my brother’s house, dragged myself to the front door, heard the familiar sound of their dog Gio, and walked in the door. The first thing I heard was a voice chanting, “Auntie Kara is here, Auntie Kara is here.” My nephew was jumping up and down with excitement that I had finally arrived. Then he gave me my hug!
Sunday went by in a blur. I went to my old home church and I never made it into service. I kept getting a few feet before another friend spotted me. It was so good to see everyone and give them hugs and play catch up.
I still have plenty of week left.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Waiting for the start.
Arising out of the fog of the land of dreams, I heard the click of my alarm clock as the set time for my day started. Shaking off the fading memories of my misty thoughts, I struggled to get up, despite the knowing reason for the early morning alarm. I was heading back, back to the past, back to a time that I once lived and breathed every day for most of my life. I was going to Des Moines.
Rushing through my morning routine and packing the last minute items, I was very aware of the approaching minutes of my departure to San Francisco. I heard the rap of fingers on my door as I quickly hid in my closet to finish dressing. I knew the time was near. My father would be waiting downstairs ready to give me a hard time if I was a few minutes late. I take his teasing in jest because my father is known to be late at times as well.
With suitcase in hand, backpack slung over the shoulder, I went to the car. The drive over was with ease and the land that I barely set eyes on rose before me. It was not long before I saw the stretch of blue-gray that marked the south end of the bay, announcing my arrival to the fair and exciting city of San Francisco and thus bringing me to the point of transportation that will take me on the first leg of my journey.
The airport is fairly quiet for this early morning. Passengers are scattered here and there but it is not crowded or overwhelming for the moment. Security was a breeze and I flew right on through in a few minutes. I did set off the alarm because I forgot that my cell phone was in my pocket. But other than that, I was through and went to find my gate.
Now, I sit in the row of open seats by my gate. I have another hour before I can board my flight. I have still another flight to catch at the end of this one. But soon, I will be in my brother’s house, wrapped in the arms of a little boy who has captured my heart since the day he was born. I am looking forward to my Ashton-squeeze.
Rushing through my morning routine and packing the last minute items, I was very aware of the approaching minutes of my departure to San Francisco. I heard the rap of fingers on my door as I quickly hid in my closet to finish dressing. I knew the time was near. My father would be waiting downstairs ready to give me a hard time if I was a few minutes late. I take his teasing in jest because my father is known to be late at times as well.
With suitcase in hand, backpack slung over the shoulder, I went to the car. The drive over was with ease and the land that I barely set eyes on rose before me. It was not long before I saw the stretch of blue-gray that marked the south end of the bay, announcing my arrival to the fair and exciting city of San Francisco and thus bringing me to the point of transportation that will take me on the first leg of my journey.
The airport is fairly quiet for this early morning. Passengers are scattered here and there but it is not crowded or overwhelming for the moment. Security was a breeze and I flew right on through in a few minutes. I did set off the alarm because I forgot that my cell phone was in my pocket. But other than that, I was through and went to find my gate.
Now, I sit in the row of open seats by my gate. I have another hour before I can board my flight. I have still another flight to catch at the end of this one. But soon, I will be in my brother’s house, wrapped in the arms of a little boy who has captured my heart since the day he was born. I am looking forward to my Ashton-squeeze.
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Praise or Pout.
Everyday I discover that I have a choice on the attitude that I want to have for the day. Some people do not think that we do but we do. We can choose our attitude and response to the events in our lives.
As a Christian, my desire is to be like Christ and live His example in everything I do and say. Easier said than done. The desire to be like Christ and actually act it out on a regular basis is tough. Many days my attitude of my selfish nature collides with the attitude of an eternal Saviour.
This past Saturday was another collision between my human nature and my pursuit for the divine. I had just arrived at my weekend job and the new schedule was up for the MONTH! I was not happy with the shifts I was given. I work two jobs so some weeks I work seven days a week and after awhile I just get tired. Last Saturday I was tired after working over 40 hours and six days that week between the two jobs. And both my jobs are totally customer service related so I am constantly dealing with customers, their requests and sometimes their lovely attitudes. To rejuvanate myself, I need moments to myself in order to be ready to serve.
So when I read the schedule, I was so irritated. Come on, my manager knows that I work another job and she should take that into consideration when making the schedule, right? I was complaining to a fellow co-worker when I was stopped in the middle of my conversation with the thought that I could either praise God or I could selfishly pout. (Don't you just love it when God throws a lesson right into your face?) So I stopped my tired, selfish tirade and choose to praise God that I had the extra hours which means I would make a little extra money that I thought which would help pay for my vacation home. I felt better and went to work.
Not ten minutes later was that same attitude pressed when I had to help customers who had no idea how to use a computer, how to find CD's or I had to let them into the bathroom. And that attitude was tested again a few days later when my schedule was changed and I was given another shift in an already crazy week.
I know it is not easy to praise God when I am tired or stressed. I know that it is not easy to praise God when the path does not go my way and I would rather pout in defiance and self-righteous than praise God that He is still on the throne no matter what is going on. But I find out that when I praise God for the blessings He has given me and praise Him just because He is God, my day and my attitude are so much better and I am more open to allow God to use me to touch another person's life.
So I will wake up today and I will make a decision. Will I praise or will I pout?
As a Christian, my desire is to be like Christ and live His example in everything I do and say. Easier said than done. The desire to be like Christ and actually act it out on a regular basis is tough. Many days my attitude of my selfish nature collides with the attitude of an eternal Saviour.
This past Saturday was another collision between my human nature and my pursuit for the divine. I had just arrived at my weekend job and the new schedule was up for the MONTH! I was not happy with the shifts I was given. I work two jobs so some weeks I work seven days a week and after awhile I just get tired. Last Saturday I was tired after working over 40 hours and six days that week between the two jobs. And both my jobs are totally customer service related so I am constantly dealing with customers, their requests and sometimes their lovely attitudes. To rejuvanate myself, I need moments to myself in order to be ready to serve.
So when I read the schedule, I was so irritated. Come on, my manager knows that I work another job and she should take that into consideration when making the schedule, right? I was complaining to a fellow co-worker when I was stopped in the middle of my conversation with the thought that I could either praise God or I could selfishly pout. (Don't you just love it when God throws a lesson right into your face?) So I stopped my tired, selfish tirade and choose to praise God that I had the extra hours which means I would make a little extra money that I thought which would help pay for my vacation home. I felt better and went to work.
Not ten minutes later was that same attitude pressed when I had to help customers who had no idea how to use a computer, how to find CD's or I had to let them into the bathroom. And that attitude was tested again a few days later when my schedule was changed and I was given another shift in an already crazy week.
I know it is not easy to praise God when I am tired or stressed. I know that it is not easy to praise God when the path does not go my way and I would rather pout in defiance and self-righteous than praise God that He is still on the throne no matter what is going on. But I find out that when I praise God for the blessings He has given me and praise Him just because He is God, my day and my attitude are so much better and I am more open to allow God to use me to touch another person's life.
So I will wake up today and I will make a decision. Will I praise or will I pout?
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Switchfoot -
Loved this movie and I really like this song! AFter living in Iowa for all of my life, I feel like this new path in front of me in California is my home. Wherever I am with God, it is home.
An interesting day at work.
I am not sure if this problem is as big as it is here, but one problem that businesses have around here are bad $100 bills. Somehow someone has learned how to wash the ink off a $5 bill and the reprint the bill as a $100. I had heard about such bills because several businesses have had trouble with those bills but never saw one or touched one. That all changed this week.
I was helping a customer and I was counting the cash this customer gave me. I noticed that one of the $100 bills seemed darker and the paper did not feel right. So after inspection, I noticed that the thread that ran through the paper was marked as a USA FIVE and the watermark had the profile of Abe Lincoln.
I held in my hand a counterfeit $100 dollar bill. Not a typical thing to happen although that was the second one in a week. Sometimes the bill is so good that it is not caught until the Federal Reserve. It was cool to view it and find the faults with it. I did not know that Ben and Abe were even friends to hang out on the same piece of paper but it is also scary to know that those bills are floating around in the community.
It was an interesting moment in my normal business day.
I was helping a customer and I was counting the cash this customer gave me. I noticed that one of the $100 bills seemed darker and the paper did not feel right. So after inspection, I noticed that the thread that ran through the paper was marked as a USA FIVE and the watermark had the profile of Abe Lincoln.
I held in my hand a counterfeit $100 dollar bill. Not a typical thing to happen although that was the second one in a week. Sometimes the bill is so good that it is not caught until the Federal Reserve. It was cool to view it and find the faults with it. I did not know that Ben and Abe were even friends to hang out on the same piece of paper but it is also scary to know that those bills are floating around in the community.
It was an interesting moment in my normal business day.
Monday, June 02, 2008
my desire by jeremy camp
Besides being one of my favorite artists, I love this message of this song especially now as I continue forth into the path that God has laid before me.
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