Nothing New

I've spent the last several minutes racking my brain for something to write about. What I have to share is not necessarily new or terribly intriguing, so I apologize if you find this post to be a bore.

Writing has been my main task during most of my time here, so that's what I've been busy with this past week as well. I LOVE it! But it doesn't really make for good pictures to post on here, nor do I want to give you synopses of what I wrote when you can just as easily go to the Shepherds College blog or pick up the fall edition of the Shepherds Folder and read it for yourself. So, suffice it to say, I've been writing, writing, writing!

One bit of excitement is that a press release I wrote about the Shepherds College graduation was printed in Union Grove's Chamber of Commerce newsletter. That made me pretty happy! It's nice to see your work in print, you know? You can view the article here.

Gayle and I spent some more time together Thursday night. We went to Dairy Queen again. Boy, can that lady eat the ice cream! Another resident from Shepherds was at Dairy Queen with a volunteer that worked in Day Services this past week. The volunteer really connected with little Faith, which made my heart swell. Faith has been waiting for a Shepherds Friend for awhile, and it was so wonderful to see her having such a happy time with her new friend.

Last night, I ate at Noodles & Company for the first time. It was pretty good stuff. I also dawdled around Hobby Lobby, one of my favorite stores of all time. It's always a dangerous thing when I go in there. =D

I decided I wanted to do something special for the Cayton house ladies (the house where Gayle lives) because they've been so sweet about opening their home to me on several nights. So, I bought some craft supplies for each of them to decorate their own canvas tote bags. We'll be doing our craft night sometime within the next two weeks, and I can't wait to share the pictures and stories with you.

Next week, is also the annual Union Grove 4th of July Parade, so I'm sure I'll have plenty to share about that as well.

I have only two weeks left here. Two weeks! Can you believe it? Time has flown! I love the work I'm doing, and I truly love it here at Shepherds, but I am deeply missing my family and my home. I'm eager to sleep in my own bed again!

So, I plan on making the most of my last two weeks here, as I will be happy to go home but sad to leave. I think I'm contradicting myself. Oh, well. It's complicated.

A Pattern of Prayer

This is my fourth week at Shepherds. We've seen some exciting things this week.

Our Shepherds College blog had an all-time high amount of hits on Monday. The college sent out their e-newsletter which included a link to our blog, and within 45 minutes, we had over 100 hits on our blog. It was pretty incredible and very exciting.

My tour on Monday went just fine. Thank you for praying. On Tuesday, a couple from Georgia showed up on our doorstep. They had just heard about Shepherds College the day before, and they decided to visit. Their granddaughter has Down Syndrome, and they were so excited to learn about a college possibility for her.

Well, it being at the end of the day and all, several of the staff had already left, so I was asked to give the tour. I really enjoyed it. It was so exciting to see the hope and dreams in this couple's eyes. You could tell that they just wanted to give their granddaughter some normalcy and independence in her life. It was truly a unique and treasured moment.

For those of you who have been reading my blog, you know that earlier I told you I would be working on my prayer life this summer. I chose this as my challenge to coincide with what our Bible study group was learning.

I still need your prayers, of course. I've had some highs and lows. There are days when I really spend quality, fulfilling time in prayer with God, and other days when I fill my time with other things and fail miserably. But I'm growing, and I want to continue down that path.

There is a specific lady at Shepherds that is encouraging me in my prayer life. Her name is Kathy, and she is a resident. Kathy is very difficult to understand, but she loves to talk to people. She's always smiling and laughing.

When I worked on the night shift last Thursday, Kathy was one of the residents that we had to wake up during the night rounds for her designated bathroom time. Joanna, the lady I was working with, explained that Kathy has to be woke up multiple times during the night, and every time she wakes up, she asks the night staff to pray with her before she goes to sleep again.

As I watched Joanna help Kathy back to bed, Kathy saw me standing in the hallway. She asked who I was, then immediately said, "She's my friend." Kathy motioned to me and asked me to pray with her before she went back to sleep. It was the most precious thing.

I saw Kathy again yesterday when I was taking the couple on their tour. She wanted to say "hi" to the visitors and shake their hands, so we stopped next to her walker and chatted for a bit. Before we left, she asked the couple to pray with her. I was amazed at her testimony.

I don't know if this couple was saved or not, but that didn't matter to Kathy. She wanted the couple to talk to her and her God.

Kathy's first reaction is to pray. Why is that not my first reaction?

One of my friends here just posted a quote on her facebook page. The quote was by Corrie Ten Boom, and it said, "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?" So convicting, right? I can be such a "spare tire" person. I wait 'til life gets bumpy before I turn to God in prayer. Why is that? Sin nature, I guess, and the desire to do everything on your own, but it's frustrating to me. I feel like I'm so slow to change.

So, if you're a "spare tire" person too, join me and let's work to become "steering wheel" people. People like Kathy.

Up to Speed

For you faithful followers out there who check my blog regularly, I apologize. I haven't done a very good job of posting lately. And not to make excuses, but I have been busy nearly every night this past week. So, anyway, here's what I've been up to:

This past week, I've been doing a lot of interviewing. I'm working on several projects right now, and most of them require me to interview different people here on campus. Last week, I interviewed several of the key people who were crucial in the start-up and development of Shepherds College. I'm trying to really understand the history of the college, so I can piece together a timeline that can be used as a reference document by the marketing department and others.

I've also been interviewing Shepherds College faculty members. I will be writing their biographies, and these will be posted on the college website as references for potential students and their families. Sorry if I've already written about this. I can't remember if I've shared that information before or not. Oh, well.

Last Thursday night, I had a very unique interviewing experience. I will be writing a story for a Shepherds newsletter about the night staff here at Shepherds, so Thursday night, I shadowed two of the ladies, interviewed them, and got a small taste of what it's like to do their job. I didn't make it all night with them, but I observed long enough to experience the true servant's hearts of these amazing ladies.

Not many people would be vying for this particular job. They work all night long. They provide care to residents who need it in the middle of the night, maybe multiple times a night. They do basically whatever tasks need to be done before the next day: laundry, sewing, cleaning, etc. But here's the thing: they love what they do, and they have a very special connection with the residents. I think the residents know that everything will be okay at night because these ladies are watching out for them, making sure they are safe and helping them with whatever they might need.

I feel blessed to have been able to meet these women, and I look forward to Monday night when I will shadow them again.

The Shepherds College blog has also taken up a significant part of my time. Thankfully, we were able to write a post every day last week. We've started three weekly segments that will hopefully build interest. Please pray that this blog will be shared by many and will reveal a new way to reach our target audience. Also, for those of you who may not know, you can easily follow the Shepherds College blog or my blog by using an account with Google or signing up to receive posts by e-mail. Hint, hint. =D

I've also been observing tours, so I can learn how to give one. Becci, the director of ministry partnerships, usually gives the tours, but I will be filling in for her this week. I'm giving my very first tour tomorrow morning, so be in prayer for me. I want to give the best impression I can while also making it fun and informative.

Whew! I'm exhausted just writing about all of this. Well, it hasn't been all work, though.

We didn't have Bible study on Tuesday night, so my roommate Leah, our friend Kaitlin, and I headed to Starbucks. Spur of the moment, we also decided to hit the beach along Lake Michigan. It was lovely, and I hope I go back again when the sun's out and it's a little bit warmer.

Wednesday, my wonderful supervisor, Susan, took me out to lunch at one of the local eateries in the area. It was delicious, and I plan to go back again before I leave. That night, Leah and I decided to go out to Olive Garden. We share a love for Italian food, so we enjoyed ourselves immensely. And we had a coupon! Great news for poor college students like us! So, overall, Wednesday was a great food day for me. =D What's not to love?

On Thursday and Friday, I experienced a real game of bocce ball for the first time. Let me tell you, bocce ball is big stuff up here, and most Shepherds residents are crazy about it!

Shepherds has three Special Olympics bocce ball teams, and they've been practicing the last few nights. They're pretty good, and they have so much fun.

They even let me try my hand at it on Friday. Unfortunately, I'm not very good at all. David doesn't think I'm going to make the team. =D

But David was so, so sweet. He cracks me up! Every time it was his turn to throw the ball, he'd turn to me and say, "Now, watch this, Meg." And if it was a good throw, he'd say, "We did it, Meg!" even though, I had absolutely nothing to do with it at all. Such a dear.

Also on Friday, my sweet Gayle asked me over to dinner. Her "house mom" made us hamburgers and corn on the cob. I truly enjoy all the ladies in the Cayton House. They are such sweethearts! They've already invited me to go with them to their Fourth of July celebration. I'm pretty excited!

Gayle and I are working on her letters. Her goal is to learn how to read, so she can read the Bible. Doesn't that just melt your heart? I believe she can do it, but I don't have much time left with her before I leave. Please pray that someone will be able to take the time to continue working with her once I'm gone.

Well, I think that about covers everything. Now, you're all caught up on the happenings. And I need to go catch up on my ironing...

Sweet Memories

Today, our first Shepherds Friends group of the summer arrived on campus. I went on their tour with them, and seeing their reactions to the people at Shepherds brought back so many fond memories.

I've been blessed to be a part of two volunteer groups in the past six years, and I have fabulous memories from both of them.

2006 -

I miss "Rip, Snip, and Dump," Boxers or Briefs in the Franke House, running around Piggly Wiggly with baby carts, Joe and Cindy ("Tuesday, Tuesday!!!"), my traumatizing first day with Elizabeth and Jeremy, Larry proposing to every girl, finding Max the Mouse in our grill, washing windows with Gayle, talking with Dennis, building towers with Joel, the choir from Sheboygan, Elizabeth and I playing Bingo with Amanda ("I don't have it! I don't have it!"), Lois calling me Miss Pinky, and Terry singing for us.

2010 -

I miss the 5K with Gayle, Kristen, Heidi, and JoEllen, attempting to play volleyball with beach balls and sheets, the residents' karaoke parties, Saul's salads, playing Curses into the wee hours of the morning, Steven winning a vacation to Hawaii, Kaitlyn's all-day Dr. Quinn marathon with Peggy, making necklaces with Gayle, PM riding by on the giant tricycle, catching up with Loren, learning how to fold napkins, and hearing the handbell choir for the first time.

So many beautiful memories. I hope we never forget them.

The First Boy I Ever Loved

I took a walk today. The weather was lovely, and I enjoyed getting some exercise. Brian, one of the residents at Shepherds, stopped me during my first lap. You see, Brian loves to chat, and he loves to ask questions. So, if you get stopped by Brian, expect to be tied up for awhile. =D

We talked about lots of different things, but just before I went on my way, he asked an important question.

"Did you call your dad?"

At first, I wondered why on earth he cared whether or not I talked to my dad. Then, it clicked: Father's Day.

I assured him that I had called my dad, and he seemed satisfied. I asked him if he had called his dad. Brian shook his head.

"I don't have a dad," he said.

My heart broke for him. Here's a guy that was so concerned about me calling my dad on Father's Day, yet he didn't even have a father to call. I wasn't sure how to respond.

When I continued my walk, I spent a lot of time thinking about fathers. There are so many people in this world who don't have a father for one of many reasons. Maybe their father passed away. Maybe their father left the family. Maybe they don't even know who their father is. It's a sad and terrible thought. My heart hurts for those people.

But God has given me a father. I am so blessed to have my dad. He is such a special guy. He has given me more than I could ever list. Yet so many times, I take him for granted. Why is that? Why do we so often treat our most meaningful relationships so flippantly?

Well, today I want to show true appreciation for my father and the role he plays in our family. So, I made a list:

#1 - I love my dad because he likes to kid around and be goofy.

 

Dad likes to tell jokes (even though they may be corny), tickle us, irritate us by wearing his "Carl" glasses (think "Up," folks), and pretty much do just about whatever it takes to make us laugh. He likes to have a good time and see us happy. I like it when he's successful at making us laugh because you can see that makes him happy. He gets a little smile on his face that seems to say, "See that! I was funny!" I'm chuckling just thinking about it. And laughter is a huge part of our family, so keep making us laugh, Dad!

 

#2 -  I love my dad for his love of sports.

 

I'm pretty sure without Dad I never would have developed a love for baseball and basketball. I love it that there is almost always a sporting event playing on the TV at our house. My love for the St. Louis Cardinals and college basketball can definitely be tracked back to my parents. I love that we go to games and also enjoy playing these sports together. I love that we share the same competitive spirit. However, the boys in my family are still working on developing my love for football. The way I see it, the only thing football is good for is the background noise for my Sunday afternoon naps. =D

#3 - I love my dad for taking our family on fabulous vacations.

 

My siblings and I are spoiled. Seriously. We are so lucky to have parents that love to take vacations. A lot of families can't or don't want to take vacations, but we make them one of our highest priorities. You see, some of our best memories have been made on our vacations, and I believe our family is as close as we are because of the time we spend with just one another.

 

I hope when I have a family of my own that I can continue to apply our family's vacation philosophy. I want my future family to be as strong and as close as ours is. Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving us the opportunities to explore new things, develop a love for travel, and knit together a strong family bond that will continue throughout the rest of our lives.

#4 - I love my dad for his calm, easy-going personality.

Dad is so patient with all of us. He rarely gets truly and completely mad. He is calm and gentle, tender-hearted and caring. He wants to give us the very best, and he deeply cares about what's going on in our lives. He will drop everything to come fix my car battery or pick me up and take me to class when I'm stuck at Panera (long story). He's just a go-with-the-flow kind of guy.

It's kind of hard to post pictures to show this trait because really in most of his pictures, Dad's pretty even-keeled. But I thought his easy-going trait would go along well with the idea that he's able to roll with the punches and take on our family's incessant teasing with a good amount of grace.

Because after all, when you and your son end up with the same pajama pants on Christmas morning or you happen to be mistaken for Buddha while in China, what else are you going to do, but laugh?

 

#5 - I love my dad because he LOVES his family.

 

Dad works to make money for us. He does the up-keep on our house. He fixes our cars. Have I mentioned the man knows how to fix just about everything (which is relieving and frustrating all at the same time)? He helps with homework. He takes us to church. He pays for us to go to school. He takes us on trips. There are a bunch of other things I could add, but you get the idea, right?

 My dad is also a godly man, which is the most important quality of all. He is constantly trying to grow in the Lord, and he encourages us to do the same. Just recently, my dad started doing a Bible study with my younger brother. It melts my heart when I walk past Ben's bedroom and I see them studying the Word together. It's really something special.

My dad loves my mom, and my parents provide a fantastic example to my siblings and me of how a marriage should work. We are so blessed to have them and to be able to learn from them. I pray all four of us will work hard to mimic their pattern.

So, thank you, Dad, for all this and more. I am so thankful God gave me you. Love you, Dad!

To My Fellow Writers

Because writing very rarely just comes to you. Because writing can be irritating, frustrating, and painful. Because in a world brimming with words, it's often impossible to find exactly the right one. Because being concise is so tricky and getting to the point can be difficult. Because you fight the stereotypes of writing being easy, nerdy, or something of the past. But mostly because you write with passion about the things you love and the things you hate, because you write to somehow make sense of the things in this world, and because writing is so much a part of you that without it, life would never be the same.

Here's to you, writer. May you continue to find inspiration all around you.

My Friday

Things I did today:

1. If you ever need a smile or a laugh on a Friday afternoon, do what I did today and go with a group of Shepherds residents to their session with a therapy dog. They love that little guy! Meet Sergeant Pepper.

He jumped. He ran through a tunnel. He sniffed out a hidden box of birch (Don't ask me! I have no idea.) Basically, whatever he did got a huge round of applause.

Pepper got lots of love from the residents. Here's one of my Shepherds friends, Dennis, petting Pepper. He later informed me that he was not a dog person and he would much rather have a horse. Go figure.

 

2. Lesson learned: Never read the Food Network magazine while eating your frozen pizza that you had to microwave since you don't have an oven. It's sure to make you discontent. See example here.

And here's what I ate.

Very reminiscent of the pizzas we had in our school cafeteria in elementary. I guarantee you I loved them back then, but when you're looking at delectable burgers and steaks, that poor pizza really loses it's appeal.

3. Most importantly, I finished my design project that I hinted about earlier this week. Today, a brand-new blog for Shepherds College went live with its first post!!! I am super excited! I've been working on the design of this blog for the last three days. I really think it works beautifully with the marketing design the college has already put to use. Not only did I get to design the blog, but I have the privilege of posting on it for the next four weeks. I feel quite honored. So, without further ado, go check out www.shepherdscollegeblog.blogspot.com and let me know what you think. Please share with others and spread the word as we are working hard to get this blog into the mainstream with a good number of followers. Thanks for your help!

A Day in the Life

"So, what is it you do all day, Megan?"

For those of you who may be wondering that question, this is the post for you! No, I'm not fetching doughnuts or making endless pots of coffee. I'm doing what I love!

My day begins like most people's do. I wake up, get ready, attempt to tame my hair, eat some breakfast, and head for my office, which is exactly one floor below where I live. Quite the commute, I'd say! I check my e-mail, and then the day really begins.

I've been doing a lot of writing lately, which I love. I've written two stories about the graduation festivities that will be included in Shepherds fall newsletter. Yesterday, I wrote a press release about the 2012 Commencement that will be sent to local newspapers and national magazines.

Today, I interviewed with a faculty member from Shepherds College. I will be writing biographies for several of the faculty of Shepherds College, so I need to get lots of information about these individuals. The bios will be posted on the Shepherds College website.

I've also done a lot of design work in the last few days. I've been working on a special project for Shepherds College, and hopefully, it will be ready to go by Friday. I don't want to spoil the surprise quite yet, but keep checking back for the announcement of this new feature for Shepherds College!

After work, I usually crash in my room. Remember that commute? It's a killer! Anyway, the afternoon crash usually consists of doing my devotions, surfing the Web, and eating dinner. In the evenings, I go shopping, do my laundry, hang with friends, watch movies, or attend Bible study.

Last night's Bible study was once again really great! We studied Malachi 2. It went along the same lines as Chapter 1, but this week, I really considered the responsibility leaders have to make sure their "flock" is going in the right direction. Typically, people will apply this to pastors, which is true, but really it should be a challenge to any of us who are in leadership positions.

I think of myself with my little Cubbies. Am I leading them in the right direction? Do they see the love of Christ through me? When I lose my temper and speak a little shortly to them, how much does that hurt my testimony? It's quite scary, but highly motivating to make sure you're not leading others astray.

I'm kind of bummed because Bible study is canceled next week, but that just means I'll appreciate it all the more the week after that. Gotta soak it up while I can! =D

Anyway, that about sums it up. This has been a day in the life of Megan. Thanks for watching.

Ice Cream with a Friend

Dairy Queen Night with my Gayle! I taught her to eat french fries with her ice cream. =D

Serving Leftovers to the King

Note to Self: Before going to bed, always double-check alarm clock.

I'm feeling rather irritated with myself today. I'm embarrassed to admit that I missed church this morning. It certainly wasn't on purpose, but I still missed church. While I had set my alarm clock for the correct time, apparently I failed to turn it on.

This makes me feel mad and a little guilty, but mostly just disappointed. I was thoroughly looking forward to trying out a new church this morning, and I missed the opportunity. I really wanted to be in church and enjoy the music, the preaching, and the Christian fellowship.

I am struggling to find a church here that fits me well. I've visited three different churches now, and none of them seem quite right. I think I'm being a bit critical, but it's difficult to find something that can compare to my home church. I think that's what I want. Something that makes me feel like I'm at home at Brown Street.

Today, I was going to try a church in a neighboring town. I've met some of the members of this church through Shepherds and also through a Bible study I attended last week. Here's why I was looking forward to trying that church this morning:

Last Tuesday, I was invited to a Bible study for a college age group. I so enjoyed it! It was exactly what I needed. The group was such an encouragement to me. It consisted of about 25 young people. It was very much discussion-oriented, but everyone who shared their thoughts seemed to be really grounded in their knowledge of the Scriptures.

The study consisted of time spent in the Word, prayer time in small groups, and time spent in praise and worship to God. I was deeply impressed. Everyone felt so at ease with one another, and many people were willing to share their thoughts or pray aloud. It was what I envision for our college age group back at home.

The passage the study focused on was Malachi 1. This was like a slap in the face to me because our college group back home is finishing up some chapters in the book Crazy Love that coincide perfectly with this passage.

Side note: If you've never read Crazy Love by Francis Chan, go out and get it right now! This book is so thought-provoking, humbling, convicting, encouraging, life-altering. Read it now! Seriously, I'm not even joking.

Back to the previous topic, Malachi 1 is all about Israel offering God the bare minimum and being totally okay with it. They're not giving their best, and God is fed up with it. The scary thing is that Israel does not even recognize this offense. They are completely unconcerned with giving God their very best.

We look at this and think, "What is their problem? Can't they see that what they are doing is sin?" But then it hits you that we do exactly the same thing. We may not be sacrificing blind and lame animals, but we are shirking God of the time, money, devotion, and love He deserves from us. We read a quick chapter in the Bible, so we won't feel guilty about not doing our devotions. We spit out a super-fast prayer before meals because "we're supposed to." We go to church because that's what God wants, right?

Yes, God does want us to read our Bible and pray and go to church, but not if we're only doing it to fulfill a requirement. He wants us to WANT to do those things. Do them out of love, not duty. And He wants us to give the very best we can, not just the bare minimum.

When our Bible study group broke up into small groups for prayer, each person was very honest and specific about one area in their life where they knew they were not giving God their best. It was humbling and encouraging all at the same time. We took turns praying for one another and asking God to help us improve in this area during the next week.

I really appreciated this time and this group of people. I look forward to going again this Tuesday. Please pray for me as I work on improving my prayer life. This is the area I chose to focus on. And think about yourself, where are you giving less than your best? How can you give more to God?

The Best Part of Waking Up

I could easily make this post about the Shepherds College grads since I spent the evening at their Commencement Celebration, but I figure I'll be writing about them tomorrow after the graduation, so I will save my thoughts 'til then.

I thought I would tell you a little bit about what makes mornings so special here at Shepherds. It's not the sunrise (although that's probably beautiful, but I'm not up early enough to confirm that). It's not breakfast. It's not the coffee (unless it's hazelnut-flavored). My favorite thing about mornings at Shepherds is the "good morning" greetings from the residents here at Shepherds, especially the ones from Gary.

In my first week here, I've quickly learned that Gary always makes his morning rounds. Around 8:00, Gary will come to our office building and greet everyone with a smile, a "hello," and a handshake. Sometimes I even hear him praying with some of the people on staff.

He has a real ministry, and I for one, am quite touched by it. I think tomorrow morning I may just have to get up and find Gary, so I can get a "good morning." Otherwise, my day just won't feel right.

A Little Bit of Everything

I'm pretty sure the definition of "intern" includes some sort of clause about doing just a little bit of everything around the job site. You definitely have to be up for whatever task may arise. This is why I can't really think of a concise theme that fully sums up my day because honestly, I did a little bit of everything.

Please don't misunderstand me. I'm not complaining. You see, no matter what job I'm doing, I'm getting the chance to spend more time at Shepherds. And the more things I get to do at Shepherds, the more I get to meet and interact with the people here. I don't want to turn down any job that may come my way because I enjoy whatever it is I'm doing simply because I get to be at Shepherds. So, bring it on!

Today, I observed a rehearsal for the graduation ceremony on Saturday. And while observing, I gained the job of holding the door for the processional and recessional. It's actually pretty cool because I get a behind-the-scenes look at the students, faculty, and graduates as they prepare to enter the auditorium and as they exit once the ceremony is over. You wouldn't believe the difference in emotions between these two moments!

Even at practice, several of the students struggle with anxiety, frustrations, and fear. It bothers many of them to deviate from their daily routine, and this last week has grated on all of them as they faced finals and last-minute packing. Before they head into the auditorium, some of the students are tense. They may walk very fast to get it over with, even though you tell them to slow down several times. Some of these students just don't enjoy being in the spotlight.

But when they come back out after everything's all over, the smiles are enormous! This is just a rehearsal, but I think they're beginning to taste the sense of accomplishment that they will fully experience on Saturday.

When the rehearsal concluded, I was able to interview the seven graduates for some stories I may be writing. This was great for me. I got to ask them anything I wanted, and they loved to be interviewed. I found out what they want to do after graduation, what they will miss at Shepherds, their most important lesson learned at Shepherds, and how they feel they've changed during their time at Shepherds.

That last question was probably the most revealing to me. Hearing what the students thought of themselves when they first entered Shepherds College program and how they think of themselves now was a tremendous difference. It showed me what this program does. It transforms lives. It touches hearts. It leads souls to Christ.

I also helped out with a PowerPoint this afternoon. It displays photos of the grads during their time here, along with their baby pictures and their life verses. I know the students and their families will really love seeing this presentation play before the graduation.

And I did some reading. I've spent a lot of time reading these last few days. Before I do any writing for Shepherds, I am required to read the Shepherds College Marketing Plan and a document on Appropriate Independence. Both of these documents provide fabulous background information on Shepherds and really help me find the proper tone and voice that I will need when writing for them. They've been very insightful.

So, that's about it. Please continue to pray for me. I can use every little bit I get!

Something Special

You know that moment when something in your brain clicks and you realize, "Oh, so this is what life's really about,"? There are a lot of those moments just waiting to happen here at Shepherds.

Anyone who has visited, volunteered, or worked at this place knows how true that statement is. You never stop learning when you're here. You never stop being amazed. Your heart never stops growing in love.

I've experienced these moments multiple times during my last few days here. But today was a big one for me. Shepherds held a Baccalaureate Service for the 2012 Shepherds College graduates. This service was designed primarily for the Shepherds family here on campus. It gives all of the residents a chance to celebrate with the students and honor them for their jobs well done.


This service was a sweet and tender time. I videotaped the service for Shepherds, so I couldn't get too wrapped up in the emotion of the moment, but as I look back on today, my heart swells.















I watched a dear second year college student bathe the graduates in prayer.








I listened to the Shepherds Handbell Choir perform two beautiful, poignant songs.

I sang along as one of my Shepherds friends, Dennis, led the audience in his favorite hymn.

I sat in amazement as a Shepherds resident used her God-given talents to provide a personal poem and special music.
 

I held back the tears as I watched several Shepherds residents take the stage alongside the graduates and bless them in prayer.
 








 

And I smiled as I looked out on the audience and saw this amazing group of people that wanted nothing more than to be there to support the graduates as they take the next step in life's journey.









And then, I had the "click" moment. This is one of the things that life's about. Encouraging others, uplifting them in prayer, being immeasurably happy for others.

I feel very convicted. How often do I really take the time to encourage others, pray for them, or just be happy for them? Not that often. I spend much more time thinking about myself or doing things for myself.

Store these "click" moments up. They're something special. Don't take them lightly. Appreciate them, meditate on them, and ACT on them. Keep your heart tender to these revelations because after all, if we don't have our "click" moments, how will we ever learn anything of value?



*All photos are courtesy of Shepherds Ministries. If you would like to see more pictures of what I experienced today, please click here.

W-4 Forms and Frozen Dinners

Even though I've been to Shepherds three times now, I had my very first experience with Shepherds College today. I spent the day observing classes for the first and second year students. I watched students give speeches, fill out mock tax forms, and practice how to handle customer service. These skills are so applicable to what these students will have to deal with as they enter the workforce. I was very impressed. Actually, I wished that my university offered classes like that. It demonstrated a higher level of preparation for gaining an actual job.

I was also able to intrude on the students' chapel session. This was such a blessing to my heart. It was incredible to watch these students who each deal with different things and come from various walks of life join together and worship God through the universal language of music. I was filled with joy at the sights and sounds.

On a less important note, I discovered a frozen meal that actually tastes pretty good. Granted, a frozen meal is a frozen meal, but if you have to live off of them (as I will probably be doing for the next few weeks due to lack of stove/oven), Pagoda Express is the way to go! Probably not too healthy, mind you, but like I said it's frozen food. And it's still healthier than a McDonald's cheeseburger.

Also, yesterday I cracked one of my favorite cups while being clumsy. Shocker, I know. I was quite upset with myself, but never fear, I went to Target today and found the exact same one for less than I bought it the first time!!! Yea! This is exciting, folks! So, my Minnie Mouse cup is as good as new (since it is new, duh!), and overall, it was a fabulous day!

A Roller Coaster of a Weekend

Up. Down. Upside-down. Inside-out. Round and round. You get the idea.

This weekend has been crazy, both physically and emotionally! I feel like my head is spinning even now as I write. This weekend, my family and I traveled to Shepherds where I will be working as a marketing/communications intern for the next six weeks.







Our trip began Thursday afternoon. We packed up our minivan and my car and headed out. My dad and I manned my car during the trip, and Mom drove the van the whole way with the crazy kids in the back. Poor thing. =D







 It literally rained the ENTIRE time we drove! And it wasn't just a light little shower, either. It was usually a pretty good downpour. Combine that with all of the misty water every car was spitting back up with their tires and it was really difficult to see. I drove about half of the distance (which is probably the longest I've ever driven at one time), and I felt exhausted after I was done. Thank goodness Dad was there to take over. =D

But we stopped to get some fortification at our favorite restaurant, Carrabba's. I would have driven all day in the rain if it meant Carrabba's at the end of the road. Just look at that beautiful mezzaluna. Yum!

Then, we had quite a surprise after dinner when Olivia said her first loose tooth was hurting. My mother, who has a unique fascination with pulling teeth, jumped at the chance to help O out. A few pulls later, we had a tooth! She was so excited! I hope she doesn't lose all of her other ones while I'm away. I don't think I'll be able to recognize her! She's growing up way too fast.

We arrived at our destination later that night, enjoyed some swimming, and got some much needed sleep. The next day, Kaitlyn and I headed for Shepherds. I needed to complete my employee training, and Kaitlyn got to spend the morning working with the residents. She had a fantastic day spending time with the people that we've both grown to love so much. That afternoon, my family took a tour of the campus. I was really looking forward to this, since it was the first time most of my family had been to Shepherds. I wanted them all to understand why I was working here and why I loved it so much. I wanted them to understand my passion.

It was a wonderful day, overwhelming yet wonderful. I visited with many of the people I had connected with during my previous trips to Shepherds and learned about the things I would be doing during my stay.

The rest of the weekend was spent eating out, sightseeing, swimming, and just spending some much needed time with my family. We had a really fun day on Saturday. Today, we had to say goodbye. It was very difficult to do. I have not spent much time away from my family, and we are all very close. I like to say we move as a unit, and it's pretty much true. I will miss them a lot, but I know this is something I need to do, as well as something I will love to do.

Please pray for me as I start this internship. Pray that I will do my very best for God's glory. Pray that I will be a blessing and that I will be blessed by those here at Shepherds. Thanks for following my adventure!