The thoughts and ramblings of a daughter of God

Celebrate Freedom 2011

kugirl84 — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:23:28 +0000

Last Saturday I was able to go to Celebrate Freedom. It’s an all day concert series with several artists and it’s FREE! If you know me I can’t pass up a concert, much less a free one. It was just over an hour away but completely worth it.

I got there at 1pm and somehow was able to get right up close to the front row. These two ladies in front of me were very sweet and told me I could sit with them and they got me water. They had front row spots! I saw artists such as Shawn McDonald, Josh Wilson, Dave Barnes, Jason Castro, Big Daddy Weave, Chris Tomlin, and Switchfoot. It was an amazing day of music and I was able to see Chris Tomlin in concert for the first time!

Unfortunately, even with tons of sunscreen and several reapplications I still ended up with a sunburn on my shoulders, which is finally healing up. The concert ended at 10:30pm and I was stuck in the parking lot forever so I didn’t make it back until 1am but it was an awesome experience. Here are some pictures of the day.

Sunburns and music

kugirl84 — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:10:55 +0000

Once again another amazing week in Texas! I’m starting to learn important things: 1) To survive the Texas summer you must wear sundresses and spend time by the pool Well you don’t have to wear sundresses but I’ve noticed they’ve helped me not die of heat exhaustion 2) Avoid 820 at all costs. 820 is a highway about a half a mile from where I live. It is packed ALL the time. I noticed that after just 2 days here. It could be packed at 1pm or 8am or 10pm. My GPS avoids 820 thanks to the traffic information on it. I will continue to avoid that highway for as long as possible.

I also tried another church out. Surprisingly enough I may be calling this church my home. I got up the nerve to go to class on the first Sunday I visited this church. Thankfully I was greeted and introduced to a few people and got settled in okay. I was also invited to a bible study that Wednesday. I loved the bible study and it was incredible to see so many people my age to have such a passion for God. About half of the people in the room were going on missions trips or to camps throughout the summer to volunteer. I was thrown back and just loved seeing those around me seeking God and His kingdom. I was even invited to another bible study on Sunday nights to study the book of Revelations….so that brings me to 4 bible studies each week and I was worried about finding community.

I’m still praying about it but I think this church will be the place I call home. So excited to seek God with these people!

No exciting sports stories this week. I still haven’t made it to a Rangers game yet even though I’ve watched almost every game on tv so far. I’m hoping by this weekend I’ll catch a game.

Saturday I went to my first concert since moving to Texas! It’s called Celebrate Freedom and it was free! It’s an all day concert with several artists including Chris Tomlin, Switchfoot, Jason Castro, Dave Barnes, Josh Wilson, Shawn McDonald, and more. The trick is being outside in this heat all day…I put sunscreen on about 4 different times and my shoulders still were a little burned. I’ll put pictures up soon!

Other than that, grad school takes up the rest of my time. I’m about 2 and a half weeks from being completely done! After that I don’t want to look at another school book for a while! There will definitely be a celebration of some sort! Maybe I’ll treat myself to another Rangers game .

Chels

Peace

kugirl84 — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 16:30:02 +0000

After the big move I’ve finally had some time to sit down and write about it. It was a big adventure and as soon as I got everything unpacked I had events that filled every waking moment and I loved it!

I spent the first couple of days sorting everything and getting some homework done while hanging out with my cousin in between it all.

I got a message from a friend I knew years ago who had gotten tickets to American Airlines Center in Dallas to the NBA finals watch party. We were able to go to American Airlines to watch the Mavs win the NBA championship on the big screens! It was a wonderful experience and not a bad welcome to the state of Texas. 4 days in this state and I was able to see a local team win a championship.

Unfortunately as I got settled in I became sick. I’d been dealing with a cold and it had turned into a sinus infection as of late so yesterday I had to find a clinic to get some medicine…the drawback about moving is finding the simple things you forget about: a grocery store, a doctor, a dentist, etc. But thankfully I got medicine quickly and am already feeling better.

The most shocking thing for me is how comfortable and at peace I feel about this move. Remember I don’t have a job yet. But somehow I have a total peace about this move and have never regretted it. I know God is taking care of me and He will provide. I prayed these verses for weeks before I moved:

Phil. 4:6- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Phil. 4:7- And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Those of you who know me well know I’m a control freak and don’t do well with uncertainty. However, I have had a peace about this move for weeks. I’ve known that this is what God has wanted for me. I’m excited to continue to see what He has in store for me.

As well as looking for a grocery store and a doctor’s office, I’m also in search of a church. There are so many wonderful churches down here so I’m excited to see where God wants to use me and my gifts to serve a church. Grateful that He’s using me in this journey.

Chelsea

Finally made it!

kugirl84 — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 18:35:10 +0000

So after months of planning I finally made it to Texas! We loaded up some of my things Tuesday evening and finished early Wednesday. We were out of KC by 9am and on the way. We arrived at the storage unit just after 6pm. I figured I would have plenty of time to unload but I was told because my unit is climate controlled I had until 7pm to be out…Yikes!

So with the help of three other really awesome people , we unloaded the UHAUL and placed everything in storage in 23 minutes. I must say that has to be some record but we did it! Afterwards I unloaded my things at the house I’m staying at, showered and met some family for dinner.

Ever since I got here it has been one thing after the other. I have had a very busy couple of days but I love it! I don’t know if there’s ever been a time where I’ve felt so welcomed. I have made several new friends and reconnected with people I haven’t seen in over 10 years and all within the first few days of being here. I already feel at home and can’t wait to get completely settled in.

I have applications out but have not heard anything yet from districts. I’m not losing hope and trying to enjoy and explore this new city! I do miss my friends in KC but I am so excited about the possibilities that are going to happen here! I am now a Texas girl

-Chels

New Idea

kugirl84 — Mon, 02 May 2011 03:04:49 +0000

I’ve really struggled to be consistent in writing on this blog. When I first started this blog I wrote because I need to put my voice out there, share some ideas, and heal from some wounds I’ve been dealing with. I lost consistency in the process and I hate that. I know this blog doesn’t have many viewers but I feel I don’t do justice for those that actually do take the time to read it.

So I have an idea of starting the blog up again once I move to Dallas/Fort Worth. The move is a scary yet exciting time for me and I want to explore the city and write about it. I am hoping this will provide me with more content for this blog.

I’m hoping you will join me in this new journey and I hope I can become better about writing and more importantly become better about being consistent and sticking it out with this blog. I’m excited to see what God has in store for me. Less than 6 weeks left!

The Big News

kugirl84 — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 13:20:42 +0000

So I’ve had to wait to completely announce my news because I had to take care of a few strings before it could be public knowledge.

The news is that I’m moving! This summer I will be making a big move to the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I have wanted to move to the area since I graduated college but I ended up getting a job up in the KC area and stayed up here. Last summer while visiting a cousin in Dallas I got the idea. In October I made the decision and here I am.

The big question I get is, “So you already have a job?”. I don’t have a job yet. Yes, I’m taking a risk by moving before getting a job. It’s certainly requiring me to rely on God but sometimes in your life you have to take risks and now would be the time for me to do it.

I’m sad to leave everything up here including my church but I’m so excited to see what God has in store for me in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I would love prayers as I make this big journey! Only 7 weeks left until the move!

-Chels

Slacker

kugirl84 — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 01:25:20 +0000

Unfortunately as of late I have been the worst blogger ever . Work, grad school, and traveling will do that to you. Things have been hard but have helped me grow over the last few months. I went through some difficult times but during that I saw how faithful and wonderful God is. He provided comfort and hope.

The next few months are going to be very busy. I walk across the stage for my Master’s in May (YAY! finally) but will still have summer classes until July before I completely finish.

There is big news coming but I can’t announce it just yet. I have a few things to get in order first and then I’ll let you all know , all two of you that read my blog . So be looking for that news.

In the mean time I want to leave you with this verse that I have looked over and over in the last few months and has provided more peace than anything.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 ³ Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. ⁵ For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

Pain

kugirl84 — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 02:05:29 +0000

So I joined the YMCA about a month and a half ago and I found that their trainers are much cheaper than other gyms. I had a trainer about 3 years ago for a period of about 8 months. It was expensive but was a positive result. I lost a large amount of weight, got fit, and ended up training for a half marathon.

Unfortunately I went back to my unhealthy eating habits and lost being so fit. I wanted to get a trainer again but needed something I could afford. Once I heard the cost I was so excited to get started with a trainer.

I started working with my trainer about two weeks ago. The first time with my trainer I was surprised about how I had kept some of the stability, balance, and strength from a few years ago. Little did I realize the pain that would follow…

I could hardly move….I was in pain for several days. I could barely raise my hands over my head. The funny part was I had a 30 minute session. Who thought a trainer could kick my rear in just 25 minutes?

The second week was a little better but not by much. I had two 30 minute sessions and then did a circuit class that he taught that lasted 45 minutes…

I’m starting to think my muscles will never fully recover .

The good news is I’m feeling better about working out and getting fit. I have a great trainer who is focusing on my health and not the number on the scale. Here’s to see what I can do in the next 4 months!

The Father of compassion

kugirl84 — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:19:58 +0000

Recently a loss occurred in my family. We lost our grandfather a few days ago. Before he passed he was ill for about two weeks so we knew this was coming. I went through a series of emotions trying to cope with this roller coaster ride. This was the third grandparent in less than 2 years that I’ve lost.

I had the opportunity to go visit my grandfather two days before he passed. On the way there I read this quote in a study I’m doing on Jonah: “Make sure your life writes a story worth reading”.

It got me thinking. When you lose someone or are about to lose them, certain things become clear. You become reminded of how precious life is and you realize how important it is to make sure you don’t take a moment for granted.

As I went into the room where my grandfather was staying, I just sat there and soaked it in. Later on in the day my family went to grab some lunch while my sister and I stayed with our grandpa. My sister suggested we could sing some church hymns and read him a poem that he had written our grandmother two years prior.

I also pulled out my bible and began to read psalms to him. Before we left for the day we prayed with my grandfather. My heart was filled when we left. Yes there were tears that fell from my face in sorrow but I was reminded how grateful I am to be in a family of believers. To sing songs of praise to God and read scripture with my sister nearby was beautiful. My relationship with my heavenly Father grew that day.

There is never a convenient time to deal with loss but as believers we are reminded of the hope we have when our time comes, that we will get to meet our Father in heaven and praise Him forevermore.

This is a verse that I have clung to over the years of facing loss in my life:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5- Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have receive from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

While it is a hard time for my family to face, we cling to our Father for the comfort and strength to face it all. I am already reminded of my OneWord for the year: REST. To find rest in God. To find rest for my soul.

Matthew 11:29- Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Rest for your soul

kugirl84 — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:28:02 +0000

I love my job. I don’t know if I could have found a better job. However, I’ve noticed a trend lately.

Our program doesn’t have students each Wednesday so we have professional development in the morning and planning and collaboration in the afternoon. I’ve noticed each Wednesday how my stress level is raised. This is only my third year of teaching and I still have a lot to learn. However, I’ve noticed other veteran teachers becoming frustrated and stressed on this day.

The problem I face is that I’m a hard worker, an over-achiever many times. I am driven in every area of my life. At times I become a bit of a perfectionist. Now this isn’t too horrible. I am constantly trying to be a better teacher, friend, sister, daughter, etc. The problem is I tend to be too hard on myself and feel like I’m never doing enough.

As I sat in professional development today, the stress began to sit in. There’s so much educators must fit into the classroom and each Wednesday we are asked to add another handful of things to the classroom. It adds some extra stress to try and find time to plan and analyze and implement new ideas and items each week. I would love to get to a point where I take those ideas, implement what I can and not stress about what I can’t fit in.

I love some of the verses we are provided about worrying about things.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me” John 14:1

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I love “you will find rest for your souls“. The peace we can find through Christ is refreshing. It’s verses like these that remind me of the dependency that I have on Christ. I need Him daily in my life. I need to build a close, consistent, daily relationship with Him. I need to spend quality time in God’s word so I am familiar with God’s word and it’s application to my daily life.

Chelsea