I wanted to take a few minutes and post on here what is happening in my Oh-So-Exciting Life. Ok...in real life, it's not that exciting, but I am very excited about where things are going. The optimism in itself is pretty exciting.
Now, to the good stuff:
LIFE: Things in life are good and consistent right now. I don't really have too many complaints as I HAVE a job (which in my opinion is something alone that I am really grateful for). The big news happening at the moment is that Jim and I will be heading to Africa in about 9 weeks. The 2 of us and our friend Heather will be there for about a week total, not to mention the travel time. The travel time itself I think will be a true test of character as we're looking at 28 hours there and 22 hours back. Awesome. But we are both really excited about seeing our former pastors turned missionaries to Swaziland, Randy and Dezra Freeman and their awesome family. Our going is something that I really believe is something that God completely had His hand in.
Here's a little bit of the story, in case you're interested. If not, go ahead and skip this paragraph :)
Last summer, I was on the Ride:Well Bike Tour. Honestly, it's something I NEVER in my right mind would have EVER done. I honestly come from a family that really doesn't do crazy things like that. EVER. But I did. I knew I had to. I knew that even without a bike or any legitimate game-plan on how to fundraise $5200, it happened. It all happened. And it really changed my life. Even during my training and fundraising, I consistently prayed that God would just break my heart for Africa, for those that we were riding for. I prayed that my heart and my intentions would be right and I would consistently be reminded of what it was all for. And even after Ride:Well, that didn't stop. I don't really know why it's AFRICA. I, before now, have never had a huge desire to go or serve there directly. But after last summer and continuing to be a part of the stories of some directly connected with Ride:Well and Venture Expeditions, I have really been challenged to go beyond just giving or enjoying a video from the church seating (not bashing, those are both great things), but to physically and sacrifically be a part of the cause. On a Saturday in May, I remember Jim and I talking (jokingly, mind you) about going to Africa. (Har, har, har..yeah, right...) and Jim's direct quote to me was "God would literally have to kick me in the teeth to get me to go to Africa." I'm not sure if God took that as a challenge. The next day, Sunday, was Randy's last time to speak at Life Fellowship, the church we have been a part of with them. His sermon hit Jim and I..hard. He talked about the price that is paid to daily carry our cross..how the cross we bear is one of other's needs above our own. It broke us both. I literally cried most of that morning. And even now, I'm getting kinda emotional just talking about it. (Gah!) We got into our car after saying our good-bye's and the first thing Jim said was: "Oh my gosh, Mel, we need to go to Africa." I knew it...I knew we HAD to. At that moment we crossed the line between "what a cute idea to visit Africa" to "God, break our hearts for the people we are going to meet and encounter."...and that's how we got to where we are now...While we're there our game plan is to meet as many people as we can, hear as many stories as I can. Also, if weather permits, we may have the opportunity to work with a couple doctors who test about 100 people a day for HIV/AIDS. Honestly, I hope that the weather permits us to.
OK, to continue, we are really excited about visiting our friends there as well as meeting as many people as possible. I also believe we are going to have some time for hiking and zip-lining while we're there to belatedly celebrate Heather's birthday, so that will be AWESOME!
LOVE: Jim and I are doing great..this trip has definitely brought out a greater appreciation for the other. He turned 30 just last week, so I am adjusting to that ;)Just kidding, just kidding...and he honestly cracks me up everyday. It's those "quiet" ones that are just hilarious I think.
OTHER MYSTERIES: Trying to think of anything else going on is honestly kinda tough...I did just order 3 new books off Amazon that I'm pretty excited about, except for the fact that I'm a pretty slow reader and I feel kinda overwhelmed now by that decision. And that, folks is the mystery: Why would I do that?? :)
Life is Good.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Broken. I'm A Broken Mess.
Today, this year's Ride:Well South team is experiencing one of the toughest (by far) days of the tour. Today, they are making the climb from Chandler, AZ into Payson, AZ. As a little taste of how today will go, you should know that Payson sits at 5,000 feet elevation. Total today between the up-hills and down-hills, they will climb a total of about 9,000 feet. Yeah. 9,000. Try wrapping your brain around that.
But today, I have intentionally be praying HARD for this team. Of every day on the tour, "Payson Day" was the day I was most wanting to throw in the towel. To admit my self defeat. That would have been easy.
But that's not what I signed up for.
Earlier today, I was texting with Sandra Obrey, a rider on the tour, and honestly, a hero in my book. Sandra is married with 5 sons, 2 of which still live at home with her and her awesome husband. Knowing that today would be tough, I sent her a couple text messages this morning to offer some encouragment and inquired about how she was doing. And her response blew me away..
"Broken. I am a broken mess."
It completely brought me almost to the point of tears.
She's in the right place. I know it.
"Payson Day" is physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting...but being broken is the best place to be to learn to trust in God. Remembering the Africans faces that broke my heart and inspired me to sign up for this ride last year..that's where I had the most purpose. That was the place where I knew exactly what I needed to do to help bring hope.
How about you? Are you in this broken place? Have you exhausted yourself for the sake of hope? I am finding myself reminding me of these questions. Even this one: Does this picture still break my heart?
If not, I need to get back to that place of brokenness...
But today, I have intentionally be praying HARD for this team. Of every day on the tour, "Payson Day" was the day I was most wanting to throw in the towel. To admit my self defeat. That would have been easy.
But that's not what I signed up for.
Earlier today, I was texting with Sandra Obrey, a rider on the tour, and honestly, a hero in my book. Sandra is married with 5 sons, 2 of which still live at home with her and her awesome husband. Knowing that today would be tough, I sent her a couple text messages this morning to offer some encouragment and inquired about how she was doing. And her response blew me away..
"Broken. I am a broken mess."
It completely brought me almost to the point of tears.
She's in the right place. I know it.
"Payson Day" is physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting...but being broken is the best place to be to learn to trust in God. Remembering the Africans faces that broke my heart and inspired me to sign up for this ride last year..that's where I had the most purpose. That was the place where I knew exactly what I needed to do to help bring hope.
How about you? Are you in this broken place? Have you exhausted yourself for the sake of hope? I am finding myself reminding me of these questions. Even this one: Does this picture still break my heart?
If not, I need to get back to that place of brokenness...
Friday, May 27, 2011
This is Me...Issuing a Challenge...
Hey friends!
I wanted to take a second before this Memorial Day weekend to issue a challenge. Right now, some of the most amazing girls EVER are riding their bikes from Austin to Dallas, supporting the organization To Write Love on Her Arms. (If you haven't heard of it, go NOW and check it out!) But that's not all, they're stopping at soup kitchens and shelters along the way to serve...like I said, AMAZING. And one of the coolest things about this story is that some of these girls aren't harcore cyclists, but they are wanting to serve. So they're taking a risk. Taking a chance. And THAT, my friends is inspiring to me.
My friends at Venture Expeditions have also been a part of challenging folks in this area.
*Would you get out of the comfort zone that's oh, so comfortable and use your talents, gifts, time, and opportunities to benefit others?*
It's really easy to say and promote, but it's definitely a difficult thing to live out.
But the challenge has been issued.
Maybe it's cycling like these gals, maybe it's running, maybe it's playing an instrument...maybe it's something else. YOUR something else.
"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, lean not on YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING."
Yeah, maybe the challenge has been laid out already, but maybe you are needing this reminder like I am.
I wanted to take a second before this Memorial Day weekend to issue a challenge. Right now, some of the most amazing girls EVER are riding their bikes from Austin to Dallas, supporting the organization To Write Love on Her Arms. (If you haven't heard of it, go NOW and check it out!) But that's not all, they're stopping at soup kitchens and shelters along the way to serve...like I said, AMAZING. And one of the coolest things about this story is that some of these girls aren't harcore cyclists, but they are wanting to serve. So they're taking a risk. Taking a chance. And THAT, my friends is inspiring to me.
My friends at Venture Expeditions have also been a part of challenging folks in this area.
*Would you get out of the comfort zone that's oh, so comfortable and use your talents, gifts, time, and opportunities to benefit others?*
It's really easy to say and promote, but it's definitely a difficult thing to live out.
But the challenge has been issued.
Maybe it's cycling like these gals, maybe it's running, maybe it's playing an instrument...maybe it's something else. YOUR something else.
"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart, lean not on YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING."
Yeah, maybe the challenge has been laid out already, but maybe you are needing this reminder like I am.
Run Free Act Normal Story from Ryan Leak on Vimeo.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
If You Say Go, If You Say Wait...
Hey everyone!
It's been a while since I've done some blogging...so, (as you're probably assuming at this point), here's a new one!! :)
The past few weeks (about a month or so), I've been at that point in life where I'm ready to be where I'm supposed to be..where God wants me to be for an extended period of time. I haven't been secretive with anyone (including my manager) with the fact that I really don't want to be in the banking business forever. I think it's exactly where some people are supposed to be (and I LOVE the things I've learned and people I've met while here), I just don't think I'm one of those people. Some folks are AMAZING at being driven by numbers and dollars, and no offense to them at all, but I'm just not wired that way. My heart is completely for the people that I am able to interact with...their stories, families, pasts, desires for the future...that is what has kept me here as long as it has I think.
But let's be honest, God's timing is a whole lot better than mine. Right now, when all I want is to be doing whatever that next thing is, I have to keep reminding myself that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. I've been reading alot on the topic lately, and I know that right now is when God is teaching me character and patience...both of which are tough pills to swallow when you're as hard-headed as I am. :)
This week, I have been listening to alot of worshippy (is that even a real word?) music on my Pandora station. And a couple days ago, I heard a song that was EXACTLY what I was needing to hear (And I REALLY love when that happens!) The song is If You Say Go by Rita Springer..and here are the lyrics:
It's been a while since I've done some blogging...so, (as you're probably assuming at this point), here's a new one!! :)
The past few weeks (about a month or so), I've been at that point in life where I'm ready to be where I'm supposed to be..where God wants me to be for an extended period of time. I haven't been secretive with anyone (including my manager) with the fact that I really don't want to be in the banking business forever. I think it's exactly where some people are supposed to be (and I LOVE the things I've learned and people I've met while here), I just don't think I'm one of those people. Some folks are AMAZING at being driven by numbers and dollars, and no offense to them at all, but I'm just not wired that way. My heart is completely for the people that I am able to interact with...their stories, families, pasts, desires for the future...that is what has kept me here as long as it has I think.
But let's be honest, God's timing is a whole lot better than mine. Right now, when all I want is to be doing whatever that next thing is, I have to keep reminding myself that I am exactly where I am supposed to be right now. I've been reading alot on the topic lately, and I know that right now is when God is teaching me character and patience...both of which are tough pills to swallow when you're as hard-headed as I am. :)
This week, I have been listening to alot of worshippy (is that even a real word?) music on my Pandora station. And a couple days ago, I heard a song that was EXACTLY what I was needing to hear (And I REALLY love when that happens!) The song is If You Say Go by Rita Springer..and here are the lyrics:
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And the plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You
Maybe I just needed to hear those words, but maybe you do too. Have any of you fabulous readers been at this point before? What advice would you give others going through it? Feedback and comments would be fantabulous!
Thank you, as always, for reading!
-Mel
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
A Tour of Photos
Hey everyone! This past weekend my good friend Katie and I went up to Portland, Oregon (one of my favorite places EVER!!) and I thought I would share some of the highlights for me personally...ENJOY! :)
**Have wings. Will fly. :) **
**Our hostel!! It was AWESOME!!**
**I really do love Earth! PSU may not think so...but it's true! (If you'd like to hear the story, let me know! It's hilarious!)
**Beautiful weather.**
**A tandem bike ride...it was hilarious!!**
**The Portland Loo...and yes, I used it. Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go! :) **
**Stumptown Coffee!**
*Yep.**
**Mother's Bistro aka Breakfast Bliss**
**The view of Portland from the tram**
**Enjoying some scenery thanks to the awesome ride in the tram!**
I LOVE PORTLAND!
**A little break on the trek up to the Rose Gardens and Holocaust Memorial**
*Hellooooo, Portland!**
**Goat Cheese Pancakes and Turkey Bacon...Yes, please!**
**Singin' in the Rain...**
**VooDoo Doughnuts. Enough said.**
*My first taxi ride EVER! I LOVED IT!!**
**On the plane, back to Dallas**
**Have wings. Will fly. :) **
**Our hostel!! It was AWESOME!!**
**I really do love Earth! PSU may not think so...but it's true! (If you'd like to hear the story, let me know! It's hilarious!)
**Beautiful weather.**
**A tandem bike ride...it was hilarious!!**
**The Portland Loo...and yes, I used it. Hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go! :) **
**Stumptown Coffee!**
*Yep.**
**Mother's Bistro aka Breakfast Bliss**
**The view of Portland from the tram**
**Enjoying some scenery thanks to the awesome ride in the tram!**
I LOVE PORTLAND!
**A little break on the trek up to the Rose Gardens and Holocaust Memorial**
*Hellooooo, Portland!**
**Goat Cheese Pancakes and Turkey Bacon...Yes, please!**
**Singin' in the Rain...**
**VooDoo Doughnuts. Enough said.**
*My first taxi ride EVER! I LOVED IT!!**
**On the plane, back to Dallas**
Monday, April 11, 2011
The Price of Some Sacrifices
A few days ago, I saw a movie screening of a Dallas Independent Film called "Between Notes" (If you wanna check out the trailer, here's the link!) : http://vimeo.com/21380581 To be honest, I cried...alot, during the film. I laughed at the scenes where a tandum bike was involved (seriously, what's NOT funny about that??), but there were definitely a lot more tears shed. I know that I'm kinda a sap about somethings..and I'm OK with that. But one of the main things that stuck out to me about this movie was how much I could relate to the main character. His backstory is that he gives up his dreams of being a musician for the sake of a relationship, follows the girl, ends up in corporate America..blah, blah, blah. But I know how that feels. I know it very well. There are things in my life I wish I could definitely change or go back and do differently. I think that if we were all honest with ourselves, we all would say that. Sometimes it's grace and a great thing that things are the way they are, and other times, we make decisions that seem to make sense in the moment, but we don't realize that we sacrifice our dreams in that moment. If I'm being completely honest, I really struggle with trying to forget the past and move on to things ahead. Maybe because I still have those dreams, maybe it's because I think those were better times, maybe I think that was a better me. Whatever the case, it's a tough road. But there's grace. There's always grace. And there's always the desire to want to make myself the best me I can be. And not in corporate America, big house, fast cars, American "dream" way, but in a way where I can use my talents to serve, to give hope, and to offer grace. I want what I do to inspire someone else to be the best them that they can be. Who knows...maybe I will post up some videos with me and my guitar sometime...maybe it will offer hope. Until then...
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A Change of Pace...
For the most part, most of the blogs that I've posted so far have been pretty general, pretty fluffy, and pretty...well, pretty pretty.
And today, I'm doing something different. I'm really needing a venting outlet, and I think that this is what blogs can also be used for.
The last 24 hours have been maybe some of the worst that I've ever had. That said, everyone has good days and bad days, but the worst days for me come when I'm at odds with someone really close to me.
I'm not mentioning names or situations or anything like that on here to protect some reputations, but there are some things that I've seen in the past day that have really made me the most upset I think I've ever been.
*For starters, people that put themselves into a box and have no desire to get out of the box they built drives me crazy.
*I can't stand people who tolerate people that treat them like garbage, and even call them friends (I know..love your enemies..I know...I'm just needing this moment, alright?!)
*People that manipulate others into getting their own way breaks my heart. So many people can be involved, and they just don't care...they just want to know that they're in charge, that they have some sense of control.
*And maybe more than the rest, it really, really, REALLY breaks my heart when people are content with mediocrity. They're content with everything not being what they want or desire or dream about. Complacency in the max capacity. That seriously just tears me apart inside.
So here I am, just thinking about these situations and my hands are cold and shaking from my being so upset, and at the same time I just want to cry. My heart is really broken and hurting and frustrated that this is how things are.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of thing? Any situations like this that involved someone close to you? How do you handle it?...Advice, comments, and feedback welcome.
And today, I'm doing something different. I'm really needing a venting outlet, and I think that this is what blogs can also be used for.
The last 24 hours have been maybe some of the worst that I've ever had. That said, everyone has good days and bad days, but the worst days for me come when I'm at odds with someone really close to me.
I'm not mentioning names or situations or anything like that on here to protect some reputations, but there are some things that I've seen in the past day that have really made me the most upset I think I've ever been.
*For starters, people that put themselves into a box and have no desire to get out of the box they built drives me crazy.
*I can't stand people who tolerate people that treat them like garbage, and even call them friends (I know..love your enemies..I know...I'm just needing this moment, alright?!)
*People that manipulate others into getting their own way breaks my heart. So many people can be involved, and they just don't care...they just want to know that they're in charge, that they have some sense of control.
*And maybe more than the rest, it really, really, REALLY breaks my heart when people are content with mediocrity. They're content with everything not being what they want or desire or dream about. Complacency in the max capacity. That seriously just tears me apart inside.
So here I am, just thinking about these situations and my hands are cold and shaking from my being so upset, and at the same time I just want to cry. My heart is really broken and hurting and frustrated that this is how things are.
Has anyone else experienced this kind of thing? Any situations like this that involved someone close to you? How do you handle it?...Advice, comments, and feedback welcome.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Feeling Churchy?
To be honest, I've been considering writing this for a couple weeks now and I haven't due to the fear I have of giving someone the wrong impression...mainly to my family and close friends. But thanks to a good friend, (ahem...Katie Ellwood..) I think it would be a good thing to share.
I started this blog last year with the intent to speak my mind, emotions, feelings, all of those things. Well, it's a new year... A new start, and I want to make the most of this blog.
As most of you who read this know, I grew up in the church. Not literally. But I have spent a good chunk of my life in a church.
When I was a kid, I was at church Sunday morning for Sunday School, stuck around for Sunday AM service, Sunday PM service, Wednesday night youth group, and Friday night revival meetings. All of those sprinkled with the occassional prayer meeting, bible study, or youth event.
Whew.
I should add here that I am in no way bitter about being raised like I was. I think that it was great having been raised around some amazing Christian folks. I'm grateful for the friendships, mentors, and lessons that I acquired when I was growing up.
But, I think that regardless if you were "raised in the church" like me or not, I think that everyone at some point steps back and re-evaluates why they believe that they believe...why they do what they do...what drives them....
And for me, that didn't come until recently.
It wasn't a cynical or bitter self-evaluation at all. On the contrary, I needed to step back and look at what it all was for.
Did I have purpose?
Did I feel like my life was meaningful and intentional?
What was I living for? Myself? Others? Both?
Fast forward to 2010.
2010 was really a crazy, exciting, unbelievable year.
And honestly, 2010 was the year that I missed the most church that I have in my whole life.
I don't say this to brag at all. I'm not really proud of it...that's just how it was.
But, I really believe that 2010 taught me more about the heart of God than I think I'd ever known before. Again, not something I'm necessarily proud of...that's just how it was for me personally.
Of these things, I've learned that I don't think God is about full sanctuaries or huge shows or massive productions. And honestly, I've thought up until the last couple years, that the bigger the church event..the fuller the sanctuary..the closer God was.
Ignorance at its finest.
For the record, I don't think those are bad. I think that sometimes those are great tools to show people a glimpse of hope and salvation....
But this year has really taught me that God's heart isn't really about those things.
It's about the widows, the orphans, those that feel alone, slaves, the broken, the hurting, those that need someone to listen..to hear, those that need hope.
And those are the things that I want my heart to be about.
I know that I am not alone in this. That's the beauty of hope.
I want to conclude this (fearfully composed) blog with a verse that meant alot to me this year..
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
And that, is one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2011.
How about you? What are you wanting to focus on this year?
I started this blog last year with the intent to speak my mind, emotions, feelings, all of those things. Well, it's a new year... A new start, and I want to make the most of this blog.
As most of you who read this know, I grew up in the church. Not literally. But I have spent a good chunk of my life in a church.
When I was a kid, I was at church Sunday morning for Sunday School, stuck around for Sunday AM service, Sunday PM service, Wednesday night youth group, and Friday night revival meetings. All of those sprinkled with the occassional prayer meeting, bible study, or youth event.
Whew.
I should add here that I am in no way bitter about being raised like I was. I think that it was great having been raised around some amazing Christian folks. I'm grateful for the friendships, mentors, and lessons that I acquired when I was growing up.
But, I think that regardless if you were "raised in the church" like me or not, I think that everyone at some point steps back and re-evaluates why they believe that they believe...why they do what they do...what drives them....
And for me, that didn't come until recently.
It wasn't a cynical or bitter self-evaluation at all. On the contrary, I needed to step back and look at what it all was for.
Did I have purpose?
Did I feel like my life was meaningful and intentional?
What was I living for? Myself? Others? Both?
Fast forward to 2010.
2010 was really a crazy, exciting, unbelievable year.
And honestly, 2010 was the year that I missed the most church that I have in my whole life.
I don't say this to brag at all. I'm not really proud of it...that's just how it was.
But, I really believe that 2010 taught me more about the heart of God than I think I'd ever known before. Again, not something I'm necessarily proud of...that's just how it was for me personally.
Of these things, I've learned that I don't think God is about full sanctuaries or huge shows or massive productions. And honestly, I've thought up until the last couple years, that the bigger the church event..the fuller the sanctuary..the closer God was.
Ignorance at its finest.
For the record, I don't think those are bad. I think that sometimes those are great tools to show people a glimpse of hope and salvation....
But this year has really taught me that God's heart isn't really about those things.
It's about the widows, the orphans, those that feel alone, slaves, the broken, the hurting, those that need someone to listen..to hear, those that need hope.
And those are the things that I want my heart to be about.
I know that I am not alone in this. That's the beauty of hope.
I want to conclude this (fearfully composed) blog with a verse that meant alot to me this year..
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
And that, is one of my New Year's Resolutions for 2011.
How about you? What are you wanting to focus on this year?
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Some Reflection Time and Appreciation on the Happenings of 2010
These past few days, I've been thinking alot about this year. About things that I was able to experience, opportunities I've had, and I think most of all,
I've been thinking about all the people I've been able to meet and get to know.
(This blog is probably going to come across as pretty cliche and sappy, so just a heads up...you can't say I didn't warn you)
A few days ago, I saw that a friend of mine had added a new application to his Facebook page. A "year of stats" persay. Anyways, this application shuffles through the status updates you've posted on your page this year and puts them all on a single format. I, of course, jumped on that Facebook bandwagon and was a little more emotional that I was expecting when I read what had been accumulated from my status updates this year.
My guitar (new guitar!) was brought up a few times, a lot of things about riding, or fund-raising, or quotes that meant alot this year. But reading through these attached people to each one in my mind.
I may embarrass a few on here, but I'd really like to recognize some folks on here for the (maybe unknowingly) impact they've had on my life this year....
Josh Iniguez and "Iron" Mike Barrow-This year started out with so much fear and intimidation on if I could come anywhere close to being a part of this thing called the Ride:Well Bike Tour. I was seriously scared out of my mind. But you 2 never let my fear conquer me completely. The encouragment I received from you 2 in preparation for this summer is something I am so, so, so thankful for. You 2 are some main reasons why I was able to get over my personal fears, and do something that I'd NEVER thought I'd have the opportunity to do. So guys, thank you.
John and Joey Wirmel-When I received a check in the mail from you guys for my Ride:Well fundraising, I had NO idea the sacrifice you all would be making for that experience. I'm pretty sure I was crying when I saw what you all had sent. That meant so much to me knowing that you all were about to extend your family with a new baby. I was overwhelmed with the gratitude of knowing that you all had so much faith in me, in this cause, and in the belief that I could be a part of something so huge. So John and BFF, thank you.
Rachel McQuitty-Before I started fundraising for Ride:Well, we didn't know each other from the next person, but you have been such a ray of light. You, in your awesome-ness were all on board with helping me meet my goal to be a part of Ride:Well. Your excitment about the whole experience with Blood:Water meant more than you may realize, but it was a continuous encouragement. So, gal, thank you.
My Ride:Well Team-You all are honestly 16 of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life. Your support, encouragement, love, honesty, appreciation, and vulnerability have changed my life for the better. It was a beautiful thing to be on a team with you all and I really, really, REALLY appreciate the time I was able to spend with each of you. "With Everything", Taylor Swift, "Bibbity Bobbity", "Eustice", Iraq, Titanic, and "real life" will always connect me to you. Thank you, guys.
Paul Hurckman and the amazing people at the Oaks-Words can't even come close to describing how grateful I am that I was able to get to meet you all this year. When I first met Paul, I thought "He kinda reminds me of Jesus"...and I don't think that perception has changed much at all. The love for people and your passion for social injustice motivates and inspires me. Thank you all for loving people the way that you do. I hope that I can show people love the way that you all have showed it to me.
Others that I have been able to get to know this year (in no particular order) : Air Review (guys, you're just so awesome! Thanks for letting me hang out at the merch table and hear you all play your hearts out), Life Fellowship folks (thank you for the constant encouragment!), Jessica Bell, everyone at Blood:Water, Katie Ellwood, Criselda Vasquez, The entire Obrey family in Chandler, AZ., Lisa Rudzik(thank you SO much for teaching me everything I know about bikes!), James Trammell, the support system of friends at FNB (thank you, thank you, thank you.), to EACH AND EVERY ONE of you that donated in any capacity towards Ride:Well, I am eternally grateful. You all inspired me to push myself beyond my limits...and if I missed you, please know that I just have some memory loss issues, but you are still very appreciated. :)
THANK YOU for being a part of my 2010 story, and allowing me to be a part of yours. I'm truly grateful.
I've been thinking about all the people I've been able to meet and get to know.
(This blog is probably going to come across as pretty cliche and sappy, so just a heads up...you can't say I didn't warn you)
A few days ago, I saw that a friend of mine had added a new application to his Facebook page. A "year of stats" persay. Anyways, this application shuffles through the status updates you've posted on your page this year and puts them all on a single format. I, of course, jumped on that Facebook bandwagon and was a little more emotional that I was expecting when I read what had been accumulated from my status updates this year.
My guitar (new guitar!) was brought up a few times, a lot of things about riding, or fund-raising, or quotes that meant alot this year. But reading through these attached people to each one in my mind.
I may embarrass a few on here, but I'd really like to recognize some folks on here for the (maybe unknowingly) impact they've had on my life this year....
Josh Iniguez and "Iron" Mike Barrow-This year started out with so much fear and intimidation on if I could come anywhere close to being a part of this thing called the Ride:Well Bike Tour. I was seriously scared out of my mind. But you 2 never let my fear conquer me completely. The encouragment I received from you 2 in preparation for this summer is something I am so, so, so thankful for. You 2 are some main reasons why I was able to get over my personal fears, and do something that I'd NEVER thought I'd have the opportunity to do. So guys, thank you.
John and Joey Wirmel-When I received a check in the mail from you guys for my Ride:Well fundraising, I had NO idea the sacrifice you all would be making for that experience. I'm pretty sure I was crying when I saw what you all had sent. That meant so much to me knowing that you all were about to extend your family with a new baby. I was overwhelmed with the gratitude of knowing that you all had so much faith in me, in this cause, and in the belief that I could be a part of something so huge. So John and BFF, thank you.
Rachel McQuitty-Before I started fundraising for Ride:Well, we didn't know each other from the next person, but you have been such a ray of light. You, in your awesome-ness were all on board with helping me meet my goal to be a part of Ride:Well. Your excitment about the whole experience with Blood:Water meant more than you may realize, but it was a continuous encouragement. So, gal, thank you.
My Ride:Well Team-You all are honestly 16 of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life. Your support, encouragement, love, honesty, appreciation, and vulnerability have changed my life for the better. It was a beautiful thing to be on a team with you all and I really, really, REALLY appreciate the time I was able to spend with each of you. "With Everything", Taylor Swift, "Bibbity Bobbity", "Eustice", Iraq, Titanic, and "real life" will always connect me to you. Thank you, guys.
Paul Hurckman and the amazing people at the Oaks-Words can't even come close to describing how grateful I am that I was able to get to meet you all this year. When I first met Paul, I thought "He kinda reminds me of Jesus"...and I don't think that perception has changed much at all. The love for people and your passion for social injustice motivates and inspires me. Thank you all for loving people the way that you do. I hope that I can show people love the way that you all have showed it to me.
Others that I have been able to get to know this year (in no particular order) : Air Review (guys, you're just so awesome! Thanks for letting me hang out at the merch table and hear you all play your hearts out), Life Fellowship folks (thank you for the constant encouragment!), Jessica Bell, everyone at Blood:Water, Katie Ellwood, Criselda Vasquez, The entire Obrey family in Chandler, AZ., Lisa Rudzik(thank you SO much for teaching me everything I know about bikes!), James Trammell, the support system of friends at FNB (thank you, thank you, thank you.), to EACH AND EVERY ONE of you that donated in any capacity towards Ride:Well, I am eternally grateful. You all inspired me to push myself beyond my limits...and if I missed you, please know that I just have some memory loss issues, but you are still very appreciated. :)
THANK YOU for being a part of my 2010 story, and allowing me to be a part of yours. I'm truly grateful.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Character Flaws and the Necessity of Grace
This past Sunday, Jim and I headed down to the Oaks Fellowship in Red Oak to attend their college age group's event called Second Sunday. The Gat (as this group is called) and the Oaks are some serious supporters of Ride:Well, so they definitely have some love from this gal.
Aaron Smith, the founder of Venture Expeditions spoke about starting the organization, things God has done in the last few years since it's starting, and the sacrifices that came along with putting faith behind what God had called him to do with Venture.
After he spoke, Aaron, the young adults pastor gave a message (which I for one REALLY needed) about Jacob and the character flaws he possessed. About when he wrestled with the angel of God and the angel asked him his name, there were so many negative attachments that came along with it...
Deciever...Liar...and someone who constantly made decisions to put himself first.
Aaron challenged everyone to look at themselves to see what those character flaws were in us. Some were obvious in me.
Fear...Doubt...Cynisism...
But last night, I was faced with one that I hadn't seen as clearly.
Last night I was in my first car accident. I rear-ended a teenage kid who was driving his mom's Chevy Tahoe. For the record, neither one of us were speeding. We were both coming to a stop at a red light. My not-so-tractful tires and a light rain proved to be enough to not let my brakes do their job. We are both OK though.
But one thing that I'm really seeing in myself after-the-fact, is how easy it is for me to extend grace to others, but RARELY ever to myself. I put so much blame on myself while I was standing there in the rain examining the damage waiting for the police officer to come out to examine the damage. Even today, I think I've apologized about 10 times for what happened.
I know, I know...it's an Accident.
But, for some reason, in my heart and my mind, I thought I was maybe exempt? I don't know.
Maybe this happened as a teaching tool of how often I do this to myself. Maybe this is some way of me learning my character flaws so I can change the negative things and become what it is I'm supposed to be instead.
So, here it is...here I am letting some vulnerability take place for a second.
I'm Melissa. I'm afraid of disappointing people. I doubt myself more often than not. I'm cynical about silly things, and I find it easy to give grace to others while denying myself of it.
I'm working on being: Confident in my abilities and talents despite others' opinions. Encouraging and positive about everything (even myself!), and giving myself grace...Grace. Grace. Grace.
How about you? What are some character flaws that you have? What do you want to change to make yourself the person you want to be?
Aaron Smith, the founder of Venture Expeditions spoke about starting the organization, things God has done in the last few years since it's starting, and the sacrifices that came along with putting faith behind what God had called him to do with Venture.
After he spoke, Aaron, the young adults pastor gave a message (which I for one REALLY needed) about Jacob and the character flaws he possessed. About when he wrestled with the angel of God and the angel asked him his name, there were so many negative attachments that came along with it...
Deciever...Liar...and someone who constantly made decisions to put himself first.
Aaron challenged everyone to look at themselves to see what those character flaws were in us. Some were obvious in me.
Fear...Doubt...Cynisism...
But last night, I was faced with one that I hadn't seen as clearly.
Last night I was in my first car accident. I rear-ended a teenage kid who was driving his mom's Chevy Tahoe. For the record, neither one of us were speeding. We were both coming to a stop at a red light. My not-so-tractful tires and a light rain proved to be enough to not let my brakes do their job. We are both OK though.
But one thing that I'm really seeing in myself after-the-fact, is how easy it is for me to extend grace to others, but RARELY ever to myself. I put so much blame on myself while I was standing there in the rain examining the damage waiting for the police officer to come out to examine the damage. Even today, I think I've apologized about 10 times for what happened.
I know, I know...it's an Accident.
But, for some reason, in my heart and my mind, I thought I was maybe exempt? I don't know.
Maybe this happened as a teaching tool of how often I do this to myself. Maybe this is some way of me learning my character flaws so I can change the negative things and become what it is I'm supposed to be instead.
So, here it is...here I am letting some vulnerability take place for a second.
I'm Melissa. I'm afraid of disappointing people. I doubt myself more often than not. I'm cynical about silly things, and I find it easy to give grace to others while denying myself of it.
I'm working on being: Confident in my abilities and talents despite others' opinions. Encouraging and positive about everything (even myself!), and giving myself grace...Grace. Grace. Grace.
How about you? What are some character flaws that you have? What do you want to change to make yourself the person you want to be?
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Bracelet-Making 101
These last few weeks, I have been finding myself saying a lot more phrases like "I think I need this"..or "That's definitely something that would be great for me.." and so on and so forth.
To keep it short, I've been making everything about me. A place that I seriously despise being in.
Just within the last couple of days, I've been seriously re-evaluating this attitude. And the reminder I've needed has literally been right on my wrist.
Sheesh...
This summer, during Ride:Well, myself and a few other cyclists stopped at a small, gas station turned convenience store in the middle of nowhere, New Mexico. There was an elderly woman behind the counter accompanied by 2 young girls. I'd assume they were both between 6 and 8 years old. As we were checking out with gatorade, water, and Snickers bars in hand, one of the girls asked if we would want to by a bracelet. Each one was a different color and were made out of yarn. The kind of bracelets young girls have always made (as long as I've been alive at least!). Braided yarn with frayed ends.
Simplicity that took on a new meaning after I asked her what she was selling them to save for.
Her response, "So we can go home."
My heart dropped.
She said that her mom lived in Mississippi, and she was wanting to raise money to see her mom instead of having to live with her grandmother (the elderly woman running the store).
After I bought myself and the other Ride:Well ladies one of these bracelets, her face lit up.
She had raised $8.50 and was on her way to raising the funds to get home.
We all have those moments. Those heart-wrenching, don't-even-realize-the-lesson-being-learned, put life into perspective moments.
I constantly have to remind myself of that moment and of moments like that...
Of that young girl..who just wanted to go home.
My "needs" don't seem so necessary.
I want to make a conscious effort to invest in things that will matter to others...matter to someone other than just myself. I want to appreciate time I have with friends and family. I want to always remember that while I'm complaining about my life that has so many awesome aspects to it, others are just trying to get home.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
What I'm Listening to This Wednesday...Barely!
Whew, well, I barely made this blog in on Wednesday, but I MADE IT.
Even though it's late and it may seem that maybe it's because nothing's been seeping through my speakers worth writing about, that's not it at all.
There has been one artist, that has been playing quite a bit the last several days.
Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce this week's musician that I'm loving the more and more I hear....
MAURICE DAVIS.
I actually met Maurice about a year and a half ago...probably at one of the most random places ever. It wasn't in a venue or arena. Rather, it was at a nutritional/health/supplement store. Through mutual friends, Maurice had come by to play a few songs for one of the mutual friends, and walked in with guitar case in tow. From there he pulled out a...12. STRING. ACOUSTIC. Right off the bat, I knew this guy was LEGIT.
He played a few songs, but the 2 that I remember the most vividly were "Red Dress" and "Nobody's Fool". And they were both done flawlessly. I think "smooth" may be a good word to describe the way his voice blends with the guitar chords. A co-worker said it best, "he knows exactly what to do with his voice." And an extensive vocal range does nothing but increase the talent this guy has.
These 2 songs (which you need to go and check out as soon as you're done reading this blog) are available on iTunes! The Maurice Davis Band currently has 2 albums on there:
Draw the Curtain and We Are Permanent.
(You can thank me later for introducing you!) :)
Maurice has also currently been posting videos of song covers that friends have requested. All of them have been AMAZING. Here the links for a couple of my favorites (so far!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4-4nZFwDV0 Cover of Water Runs Dry by Boyz II Men
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG-9UDCmfj0 Cover of Just Friends by Gavin DeGraw
In addition to being overwhelmingly talented both vocally, and musically in general, Maurice also has taken steps personally to spread news and awareness on behalf of missing and exploited children, even going so far as to write a song titled "Missing Children." Davis has an unbelievable story in his own personal life to justify the desire to spread light on the topic.
Check out Maurice's story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpvkoGrEUZY
As stated earlier, the Maurice Davis Band (http://www.mauricedavisband.com/) has albums for sale on iTunes, Amazon, and Napster. Give them a listen. And let me know what you think!
Maurice Davis is also on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Maurice-Davis-Band/14838882997
and MySpace!:
http://www.myspace.com/mauricedavisband
Be Well and Happy Listening!
Even though it's late and it may seem that maybe it's because nothing's been seeping through my speakers worth writing about, that's not it at all.
There has been one artist, that has been playing quite a bit the last several days.
Ladies and Gentleman, may I introduce this week's musician that I'm loving the more and more I hear....
MAURICE DAVIS.
I actually met Maurice about a year and a half ago...probably at one of the most random places ever. It wasn't in a venue or arena. Rather, it was at a nutritional/health/supplement store. Through mutual friends, Maurice had come by to play a few songs for one of the mutual friends, and walked in with guitar case in tow. From there he pulled out a...12. STRING. ACOUSTIC. Right off the bat, I knew this guy was LEGIT.
He played a few songs, but the 2 that I remember the most vividly were "Red Dress" and "Nobody's Fool". And they were both done flawlessly. I think "smooth" may be a good word to describe the way his voice blends with the guitar chords. A co-worker said it best, "he knows exactly what to do with his voice." And an extensive vocal range does nothing but increase the talent this guy has.
These 2 songs (which you need to go and check out as soon as you're done reading this blog) are available on iTunes! The Maurice Davis Band currently has 2 albums on there:
Draw the Curtain and We Are Permanent.
(You can thank me later for introducing you!) :)
Maurice has also currently been posting videos of song covers that friends have requested. All of them have been AMAZING. Here the links for a couple of my favorites (so far!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4-4nZFwDV0 Cover of Water Runs Dry by Boyz II Men
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nG-9UDCmfj0 Cover of Just Friends by Gavin DeGraw
In addition to being overwhelmingly talented both vocally, and musically in general, Maurice also has taken steps personally to spread news and awareness on behalf of missing and exploited children, even going so far as to write a song titled "Missing Children." Davis has an unbelievable story in his own personal life to justify the desire to spread light on the topic.
Check out Maurice's story:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpvkoGrEUZY
As stated earlier, the Maurice Davis Band (http://www.mauricedavisband.com/) has albums for sale on iTunes, Amazon, and Napster. Give them a listen. And let me know what you think!
Maurice Davis is also on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Maurice-Davis-Band/14838882997
and MySpace!:
http://www.myspace.com/mauricedavisband
Be Well and Happy Listening!
Friday, October 22, 2010
This Friday's Food for Thought...
This week I read the blog on the To Write Love On Her Arms site, and read a beautifully written piece by the founder, Jamie Tworkowski. If you have a chance to go to their page- www.twloha.com- I'd recommend it! Reading the story of their organization really opened my eyes and ears to some things that it's so easy to be ignorant about sometimes. I'm truly grateful for the hope and the stories they share.
But there was one paragraph in this blog that really gripped me. Maybe it just "hit home" for me. Maybe it will for you too. Either way, I wanted to share it regardless.
"Be loved. Be known. Love people and know people. Be so brave as to raise a hand for help when you need it. Make friends and make sure they know they matter. Be loyal to them and fight for them. Remind them what's true and invite them to do the same when you forget. If you do some losing or you walk with someone else in their defeat, live with dignity and grace. It is a middle finger to the darkness."
Be Loved. Sometimes that's the hardest part. But be intentional about it. It'll pay off.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Can Love Be...Conditional?
This morning I had a great conversation with a great friend of mine about life and love and relationships and friendships and things of the like. While we were talking about how those kinds of things change more often than we realize, it got me thinking...
Can Love Be Conditional?
Yesterday, I watched Oprah (which may be the first time I've done that in about a year, maybe a year and a half..), but Tyler Perry was the show's guest yesterday. Perry talked about his childhood which had been tampered by several series of abuse. He had experienced 4 bouts of sexual abuse with both men and women, and the main character of this pain of his childhood was his own father. Tyler sat in this chair across from Oprah with tears in his eyes as he talked about the verbal and physical abuse he'd experienced from his father.
And it really broke my heart.
People who have experienced similar things first-hand have a deep empathy for others that go through these experiences.
But something that stuck out to me was at the end of the show, Oprah asked about how his relationship is with his father now, and he proceeded to say that there wasn't really a relationship there. He had yelled and screamed and told his father how he had hurt him, and "let it go...whatever is was that was there."
He said something that was awesome. He said "Anger is ok. Bitterness is not."
(Here's the link if you'd wanna see this clip for yourself:
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Tyler-Perry-Talks-About-Forgiveness-Video/topic/oprahshow)
I'm not trying to be the Devil's advocate, and this is in no means my way of trying to encourage hate or defeat or divorce. I think that each person individually has their own opinions and perceptions on all those things. So that's not my intention. Not at all.
But I do believe that there are some relationships, friendships, etc. that are only in our lives for a short period of time. Sometimes those things are ended mutually, sometimes not, but I do believe that those situations are a part of our lives for a purpose. I believe sometimes it's to show us a personal strength that we hadn't tapped into before then. Sometimes, it's to teach us how to be broken and seek others out due to heartbreak or loss. Whatever the case, I think that we all encounter every relationship for a reason and sometimes only for a season in our lives.
Biblically, the book of Ecclesiastes talks about there's "a time to love and a time to hate." I do my best to deter from the latter, but are those moments destined to be a part of our lives? How do we handle finding the balance?
When friendships and relationships go awry, does that mean that the love has ended? Does love end? Does hate end?
If love does end, does that mean that hope ends?
Can Love Be Conditional?
Yesterday, I watched Oprah (which may be the first time I've done that in about a year, maybe a year and a half..), but Tyler Perry was the show's guest yesterday. Perry talked about his childhood which had been tampered by several series of abuse. He had experienced 4 bouts of sexual abuse with both men and women, and the main character of this pain of his childhood was his own father. Tyler sat in this chair across from Oprah with tears in his eyes as he talked about the verbal and physical abuse he'd experienced from his father.
And it really broke my heart.
People who have experienced similar things first-hand have a deep empathy for others that go through these experiences.
But something that stuck out to me was at the end of the show, Oprah asked about how his relationship is with his father now, and he proceeded to say that there wasn't really a relationship there. He had yelled and screamed and told his father how he had hurt him, and "let it go...whatever is was that was there."
He said something that was awesome. He said "Anger is ok. Bitterness is not."
(Here's the link if you'd wanna see this clip for yourself:
http://www.oprah.com/oprahshow/Tyler-Perry-Talks-About-Forgiveness-Video/topic/oprahshow)
I'm not trying to be the Devil's advocate, and this is in no means my way of trying to encourage hate or defeat or divorce. I think that each person individually has their own opinions and perceptions on all those things. So that's not my intention. Not at all.
But I do believe that there are some relationships, friendships, etc. that are only in our lives for a short period of time. Sometimes those things are ended mutually, sometimes not, but I do believe that those situations are a part of our lives for a purpose. I believe sometimes it's to show us a personal strength that we hadn't tapped into before then. Sometimes, it's to teach us how to be broken and seek others out due to heartbreak or loss. Whatever the case, I think that we all encounter every relationship for a reason and sometimes only for a season in our lives.
Biblically, the book of Ecclesiastes talks about there's "a time to love and a time to hate." I do my best to deter from the latter, but are those moments destined to be a part of our lives? How do we handle finding the balance?
When friendships and relationships go awry, does that mean that the love has ended? Does love end? Does hate end?
If love does end, does that mean that hope ends?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
What I'm Listening to This Wednesday...
As stated last week, I'm very intentional about keeping up-to-date with this blog, especially with this Wednesday Music blog feature :)
Soooooo, this week...I have been oversdosing my ears on:
Soooooo, this week...I have been oversdosing my ears on:
Andrew Belle
I, honestly (and kinda embarrassingly), hadn't heard anything from him til about 2 months ago...
The first time I'd heard him was when a friend of mine posted up the music video of his for the song "Static Waves" which features Katie Herzig on Facebook. I'd heard, in passing, of Katie before-hand and was interested in hearing what she sounded like....
Now, to be fair, Katie Herzig is amazing, and I'll probably doing a blog on her at a later time, but Andrew's voice and music is what made the biggest impact on me personally at this first introduction.
After the video was over, I did was anyone else would do in this situation...I went to iTunes and bought his entire album, The Ladder.
As one who is partial to acoustic-driven tunes, I was blown away by how effective and amazing he is on both the guitar and the piano. Lyrically covering the different levels of a relationship with songs like: Static Waves, Oh My Stars, Make it Without You and the title track...to the heartbreak that can come with lost friendships in My Oldest Friend, the album is chock-full of lyrics and music that will bring hope, passion, grace and will relate to you in areas of heartbreak, loss, and fear.
Andrew is currently on tour w/ Tyrone Wells through the end of November. So if you are in or around a city that is hosting him, be sure to get a ticket and check him out!
Upcoming cities where you can catch Andrew Belle live are:
*Iowa City, IA (10/20)
*Minneapolis, MN (10/21)
*Evanston, IL (10/22)
*Milwuakee, WI (10/23)
*Chicago, IL (10/24)
*St. Louis (10/26)
..and heading to the West Coast!
For more information on the tour, the album, or on Andrew Belle himself, be sure to check out his website: http://www.andrewbelle.com/ or check out http://www.10outoftenn.com/.
Also, be sure to follow him on Twitter via @team_belle and @andrewbelle, and be friends on Facebook!
"On a ladder from there to here, I'll climb
All this clatter between my ears I find
Does is matter if I can't clear my mind?
There's a right and a wrong time."
-Andrew Belle, The Ladder
Friday, October 15, 2010
A Little Food for Thought...and a Simple Food Tip for you :)
Recently, a good friend of mine, Jay Williams, released a book through http://www.lulu.com/ that is a complilation of 1001 Quotes for Leaders...
and I want to share one of the good ones that I've read (so far!)
Here's what it looks like (so go ahead and head on over and buy it for yourself!)
The book is broken up into 23 categories, full of quotes on each topic. Here's one from the "Character" section:
and I want to share one of the good ones that I've read (so far!)
Here's what it looks like (so go ahead and head on over and buy it for yourself!)
The book is broken up into 23 categories, full of quotes on each topic. Here's one from the "Character" section:
"The best index to a person's character is how he treats people who can't do him any good, and how he treats people who can't fight back." ~Abigail Van Buren
Feel free to comment on what that means to you! I'd love to hear!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ok, now for the simple food tip! We all love food, especially inexpensive, easy to prepare, and easy to clean up grub!
So next time you host or attend a get-together, how about the EASIEST (and most delicious!!) cheese-ball EVER! I learned this recipe from my Master's Commission director's wife years back, and every time I make it, folks LOVE IT!
*Soften up 1 box of cream cheese and put in large mixing bowl
*Add 1 pack of Italian seasoning (can be found in the dressing aisle at the grocery store)
*Add about 1/2-3/4 cup of sharp cheddar shredded cheese (depending on how much you love cheese) :)
*Roll it up into a ball and put on a small plate
*Let is set in the fridge for at least 15 mins.
*Enjoy with some club crackers!
Bon Apetite!
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
What I'm Listening To and What I Think You Should Be Hearing Too!
Hello readers!
I know what you're thinking...2 blog posts in 1 week? And yes, this is totally happening! This is "real life" like we in Ride:Well would call it over the summer. Like I said, I'm really gonna try to be more consistent!
Wednesdays, especially, are gonna be fun for me.
I want to focus every Wednesday on some music that I've been recently introduced to or just really enjoy in hopes that you may check them out too (And then maybe they'll be playing near you and you can check them out over the weekends or something!)
...I know, a little far-fetched, but hopefully, it'll catch on over time. :)
Music, as some of you know is something really near and dear to me. Both sets of my grandparents sang together in choirs and singing groups when they were young, my parents both have had their time in choirs and musical ensembles, and I have just inherited a real love of the thing.
Music speaks clearer than words can sometimes...quite a beautiful power.
And now, for my first music blog!:
I heard about this group over the summer while I was participating in Ride:Well, and to be honest, I had my reservations...not to downplay the amazingness of local music, because I'm quite the sucker for it, but sometimes what one person likes just isn't the preference of another.
But I have yet to meet one person who doesn't like the sound of this group.
May I introduce to you: AIR REVIEW
*Air Review is: Doug Hale, Richard Carpenter, Jeff Taylor, Justin Robinson, and Hank Bentley
This 5-man group from the Dallas area is definitely making some waves in the local music scene. It's obvious in every song of their album, Landmarks, that they're all experienced in what they do. These guys know what they're doing in their music/artisitic roles...and what they do, they do well.
Each song sports unbelievable vocal harmonies, amazing guitar riffs, a drum beat fit for head-bobbing, piano solos that will leave you in awe, or all of the above. This indi-rock group is one that I would classify as "the whole package". Within Landmarks, every song brings something to the table.
Every song.
(We all have those albums where we listen to 2 songs then we change the album...so I find it important to mention that this would be the exception, in my opinion!)
And just to add to the ingenuity of this group, their entire album was recorded and produced by the guys themselves.
Trust me folks. Check out the album. You will not be disappointed.
Air Review is currently back in the studio recording/producing their follow-up album, which I, for one am REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO!
They have a couple live shows coming up also, which you should check out if you are in the area:
**October 28th: Concert on the Square in Ft. Worth//Air Review w/ One Eskimo//You can buy tickets at http://www.kxt.org/ and tickets are only $7.50 (So seriously, there's no reason why you shouldn't be there!)
**November 5th: Trees in Dallas//Air Review w/ The Orange// You can buy tickets at http://www.clubzone.com/events/314833/dallas/trees/air-review
Also, follow them on twitter @airreview for info on upcoming shows (and great twitpics of them working hard in the studio) :)
Check them out on MySpace: www.myspace.com/airreview
***Also, you can go ahead any buy the album on Amazon and iTunes!***
And this concludes my first music/opinion/advertising for good music blog...Comment if you'd like :)
I know what you're thinking...2 blog posts in 1 week? And yes, this is totally happening! This is "real life" like we in Ride:Well would call it over the summer. Like I said, I'm really gonna try to be more consistent!
Wednesdays, especially, are gonna be fun for me.
I want to focus every Wednesday on some music that I've been recently introduced to or just really enjoy in hopes that you may check them out too (And then maybe they'll be playing near you and you can check them out over the weekends or something!)
...I know, a little far-fetched, but hopefully, it'll catch on over time. :)
Music, as some of you know is something really near and dear to me. Both sets of my grandparents sang together in choirs and singing groups when they were young, my parents both have had their time in choirs and musical ensembles, and I have just inherited a real love of the thing.
Music speaks clearer than words can sometimes...quite a beautiful power.
And now, for my first music blog!:
I heard about this group over the summer while I was participating in Ride:Well, and to be honest, I had my reservations...not to downplay the amazingness of local music, because I'm quite the sucker for it, but sometimes what one person likes just isn't the preference of another.
But I have yet to meet one person who doesn't like the sound of this group.
May I introduce to you: AIR REVIEW
*Air Review is: Doug Hale, Richard Carpenter, Jeff Taylor, Justin Robinson, and Hank Bentley
This 5-man group from the Dallas area is definitely making some waves in the local music scene. It's obvious in every song of their album, Landmarks, that they're all experienced in what they do. These guys know what they're doing in their music/artisitic roles...and what they do, they do well.
Each song sports unbelievable vocal harmonies, amazing guitar riffs, a drum beat fit for head-bobbing, piano solos that will leave you in awe, or all of the above. This indi-rock group is one that I would classify as "the whole package". Within Landmarks, every song brings something to the table.
Every song.
(We all have those albums where we listen to 2 songs then we change the album...so I find it important to mention that this would be the exception, in my opinion!)
And just to add to the ingenuity of this group, their entire album was recorded and produced by the guys themselves.
Trust me folks. Check out the album. You will not be disappointed.
Air Review is currently back in the studio recording/producing their follow-up album, which I, for one am REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO!
They have a couple live shows coming up also, which you should check out if you are in the area:
**October 28th: Concert on the Square in Ft. Worth//Air Review w/ One Eskimo//You can buy tickets at http://www.kxt.org/ and tickets are only $7.50 (So seriously, there's no reason why you shouldn't be there!)
**November 5th: Trees in Dallas//Air Review w/ The Orange// You can buy tickets at http://www.clubzone.com/events/314833/dallas/trees/air-review
Also, follow them on twitter @airreview for info on upcoming shows (and great twitpics of them working hard in the studio) :)
Check them out on MySpace: www.myspace.com/airreview
***Also, you can go ahead any buy the album on Amazon and iTunes!***
And this concludes my first music/opinion/advertising for good music blog...Comment if you'd like :)
Monday, October 11, 2010
The loss of pride at the hands of my Ride:Well experience
Well, it's been WAY too long since I've posted a blog on here. I feel super lame for waiting such a long time for a follow-up but I've also been wanting to get some thoughts in order after an experience like Ride:Well to share what I believe I learned.
As most of you know (or at least you who read this know), my summer story did not turn out at all as I had planned it.
And right now, I chuckle to myself because I don't think this summer was what any of us had planned on it being!
But, on a personal note, it was a tough, tough, tough summer. From day one...or should I say -1 (training ride day), this experience was not how I'd planned. I had prepared myself for a training ride experience that would show my fellow teammates how experienced I was on this bike, show them how much training and hard work I had put into getting ready for this summer.
Show them how awesome I was....to prove to them that I was gonna kick some butt on my bike this summer.
Interesting enough, after I took the first Ride:Well wipe-out 5 miles into this training ride, I knew that this pride I had traveled to San Diego with was officially gone.
I knew what this summer was supposed to be about. It was about those people in Marsabit, those people that I may never meet, getting clean water. But even talking about that before this summer carried some pride with me. Maybe I thought I was some super-hero..spending my summer saving the day for these people.
But that's not it. That's not it at all. It wasn't about me at all.
This summer was about team. It was about community. It was about me learning to rely on 16 other people that I didn't know before this experience. And most importantly, in my opinion,
It was about me learning what it means to REALLY serve.
That's what I feel like I really got out of this summer. That's what we're called to do. It's so easy for us to get caught up in the super-hero-ness of Christianity that sometimes we forget what our mission is.
Even if I needed to experience a broken shoulder to learn this, I am so grateful. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve some of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life.
I'm grateful for the people that served us.
*For the people that opened up their doors for 17 stinky, sweaty cyclists who let us come into their churches with 17 bikes and 17 rubbermaid bins of our belongings, with smiles on their faces, meals prepared, and in some cases, cold towels.
*Thank you to the woman who let us jump into the pool at her RV park and sit in an ice chest with all of our gear on.
*Thank you to the man who pulled over on the side of the road with cold bottles of water for us.
*Thank you to the members of the church in New Mexico who wouldn't let us conclude our evening without first viewing the amazing sunset.
*To those who let us ride bikes on the stage at your church, and let us sleep in your children's beds while they slept outside in tents.
*To those who gave us cards, letters, words of encouragement, and support through prayer and monetarily for Africa.
*To those who I may have forgotten in this moment, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Those small gestures have taught me and broken me more than you know and I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for teaching me about what this was all about.
In conclusion, I don't think I can finish this blog entirely without thanking 16 people in particular. To my 2010 Ride:Well team. Each of you played such an incredible part of this summer.
Jacob
Erin
Anne
Chris
Brian
Jay
Aaron
Adam
Chase
Ian
Dustin
Karl
Ty
Crystal
Kate
Theresa
*You all are just too amazing for words. Thank you for the summer of a lifetime!!*
As most of you know (or at least you who read this know), my summer story did not turn out at all as I had planned it.
And right now, I chuckle to myself because I don't think this summer was what any of us had planned on it being!
But, on a personal note, it was a tough, tough, tough summer. From day one...or should I say -1 (training ride day), this experience was not how I'd planned. I had prepared myself for a training ride experience that would show my fellow teammates how experienced I was on this bike, show them how much training and hard work I had put into getting ready for this summer.
Show them how awesome I was....to prove to them that I was gonna kick some butt on my bike this summer.
Interesting enough, after I took the first Ride:Well wipe-out 5 miles into this training ride, I knew that this pride I had traveled to San Diego with was officially gone.
I knew what this summer was supposed to be about. It was about those people in Marsabit, those people that I may never meet, getting clean water. But even talking about that before this summer carried some pride with me. Maybe I thought I was some super-hero..spending my summer saving the day for these people.
But that's not it. That's not it at all. It wasn't about me at all.
This summer was about team. It was about community. It was about me learning to rely on 16 other people that I didn't know before this experience. And most importantly, in my opinion,
It was about me learning what it means to REALLY serve.
That's what I feel like I really got out of this summer. That's what we're called to do. It's so easy for us to get caught up in the super-hero-ness of Christianity that sometimes we forget what our mission is.
Even if I needed to experience a broken shoulder to learn this, I am so grateful. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to serve some of the most amazing people I've ever met in my life.
I'm grateful for the people that served us.
*For the people that opened up their doors for 17 stinky, sweaty cyclists who let us come into their churches with 17 bikes and 17 rubbermaid bins of our belongings, with smiles on their faces, meals prepared, and in some cases, cold towels.
*Thank you to the woman who let us jump into the pool at her RV park and sit in an ice chest with all of our gear on.
*Thank you to the man who pulled over on the side of the road with cold bottles of water for us.
*Thank you to the members of the church in New Mexico who wouldn't let us conclude our evening without first viewing the amazing sunset.
*To those who let us ride bikes on the stage at your church, and let us sleep in your children's beds while they slept outside in tents.
*To those who gave us cards, letters, words of encouragement, and support through prayer and monetarily for Africa.
*To those who I may have forgotten in this moment, Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Those small gestures have taught me and broken me more than you know and I am eternally grateful.
Thank you for teaching me about what this was all about.
In conclusion, I don't think I can finish this blog entirely without thanking 16 people in particular. To my 2010 Ride:Well team. Each of you played such an incredible part of this summer.
Jacob
Erin
Anne
Chris
Brian
Jay
Aaron
Adam
Chase
Ian
Dustin
Karl
Ty
Crystal
Kate
Theresa
*You all are just too amazing for words. Thank you for the summer of a lifetime!!*
Sunday, May 2, 2010
I would ride 100 miles...and I would ride 100 more...
Yesterday was "the big day"...
Four members of this summers Ride:Well Pacific team, two members of the Ride:Well Southern team, and two folks who will have treasures in heaven for participating "for fun" met at 7:30 AM yesterday for a 100 mile bike ride. Considering this a fundraising tool and a great training tool, we were all very excited to be a part of this....then came the first 10 mile stretch...
After 10 miles, we were all enjoying the great time together, introductions being made to folks we didn't know very well, and preparing mentally (at least for me personally) for what venture I had begun.
Following this short break, we began a 33 mile ride...33 Miles....This time a couple months ago, that would have seemed impossible, and here it was, right in front of me. This stretch was pretty exciting for me personally. It was on this stretch where I passed my previous record of 40 miles. This, for me, merited a one-handed chicken dance while riding. :) This "leg" of the ride was followed up by a friend of Ride:Well (who is participating in Venture Expeditions' Kilimanjaro climb) brining us snacks and drinks.
Heaven-sent. That's what I have to say about her.
After a 10 minute break there, it was time to finish off the first part of the ride, 20 miles..
I can do this...I can do this...Just have to finish this 20, then lunch time!
As a whole, this ride was really great, beautiful scenery there.
And farms...with dogs...lots of dogs...4 of which charged at me and ran right around my bike for a few hundred feet-SCARY!!! Definitely can't be afraid of dogs if you have an interest in cycling! (Go ahead and journal that tidbit away) :)
But...we made it...lunch time at our meeting spot. I was SO proud of everyone who got BACK ON the saddles after lunch. That point, it would have been SO easy to just throw in the towel, but no one did--and we were ALL off for Round 2!
Right now, I wish that I could add something deeply spiritual about getting back on the bike after a 63 mile ride and a lunch break, but I can't. My first reaction when I got back on the bike was that my butt hurt...REALLY REALLY BAD...That is a pain that you can't describe unless you've experienced it!
Our second part was scheduled for 24 miles... We started strong, and about 10 miles in, we experienced "the hill". I had no clue that hills like that even existed in Texas!! Following the "hill of death" as I will label it, we rode, we just rode...great conversations ...great self-reflection time, just a smooth ride. Following this, we realized that due to some minor miscalculations, we were only about 13 miles away from the 100 mile mark--so we just finished it out.
NINE HOURS TOTAL ON THE SADDLE--and we made it. Wow. Unbelievable!
What a milestone. No one that participated had gone that far before ever. Personal records were broken--and it was awesome! A day of personal time, a day to get to know teammates and new friends, and a day that I for one won't forget.
Ride:Well, here we come!!
Four members of this summers Ride:Well Pacific team, two members of the Ride:Well Southern team, and two folks who will have treasures in heaven for participating "for fun" met at 7:30 AM yesterday for a 100 mile bike ride. Considering this a fundraising tool and a great training tool, we were all very excited to be a part of this....then came the first 10 mile stretch...
After 10 miles, we were all enjoying the great time together, introductions being made to folks we didn't know very well, and preparing mentally (at least for me personally) for what venture I had begun.
Following this short break, we began a 33 mile ride...33 Miles....This time a couple months ago, that would have seemed impossible, and here it was, right in front of me. This stretch was pretty exciting for me personally. It was on this stretch where I passed my previous record of 40 miles. This, for me, merited a one-handed chicken dance while riding. :) This "leg" of the ride was followed up by a friend of Ride:Well (who is participating in Venture Expeditions' Kilimanjaro climb) brining us snacks and drinks.
Heaven-sent. That's what I have to say about her.
After a 10 minute break there, it was time to finish off the first part of the ride, 20 miles..
I can do this...I can do this...Just have to finish this 20, then lunch time!
As a whole, this ride was really great, beautiful scenery there.
And farms...with dogs...lots of dogs...4 of which charged at me and ran right around my bike for a few hundred feet-SCARY!!! Definitely can't be afraid of dogs if you have an interest in cycling! (Go ahead and journal that tidbit away) :)
But...we made it...lunch time at our meeting spot. I was SO proud of everyone who got BACK ON the saddles after lunch. That point, it would have been SO easy to just throw in the towel, but no one did--and we were ALL off for Round 2!
Right now, I wish that I could add something deeply spiritual about getting back on the bike after a 63 mile ride and a lunch break, but I can't. My first reaction when I got back on the bike was that my butt hurt...REALLY REALLY BAD...That is a pain that you can't describe unless you've experienced it!
Our second part was scheduled for 24 miles... We started strong, and about 10 miles in, we experienced "the hill". I had no clue that hills like that even existed in Texas!! Following the "hill of death" as I will label it, we rode, we just rode...great conversations ...great self-reflection time, just a smooth ride. Following this, we realized that due to some minor miscalculations, we were only about 13 miles away from the 100 mile mark--so we just finished it out.
NINE HOURS TOTAL ON THE SADDLE--and we made it. Wow. Unbelievable!
What a milestone. No one that participated had gone that far before ever. Personal records were broken--and it was awesome! A day of personal time, a day to get to know teammates and new friends, and a day that I for one won't forget.
Ride:Well, here we come!!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Patience, wipe-outs, and prayer
It's been a while since I've updated this so I thought it was about time. So, here it goes:
The last couple weeks have been somewhat stressful for me personally. Trying to balance work, training, fundraising, and my normal relationships have proven to be pretty overwhelming at points. But today, I realized something:
In the movie "Evan Almighty" there is a part where "God" played by Morgan Freeman asks, When you ask for courage, does God just give you courage, or does he give you opportunities to be courageous? In relation to me personally, I don't think that God would just give me patience (which is what I've been praying for), but instead, He puts me into situations to learn to be patient.
And that's what I need. God has given me the opportunity to be a part of this life-changing experience, I know He'll take care of me.
On a lighter note, a week ago I went on my first "road ride" with my clip-ins. For those that may not know, my cycling shoes will actually be clipping into my pedals. This requires quite a bit of hand-eye coordination, which I obviously am still learning. I had to "spills"..one just on my right hand, and the other..and pretty hilarious and amazing wipe-out. I fell directly onto my left knee and have a pretty awesome bruise to show for it. However, now, I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with clipping in. :)
I have had 2 fundraisers in the last couple of weeks. One was a surprsie fundraiser which was organized by a couple fabulous ladies that I work with, and a fundraiser dinner/silent auction/spelling bee last night. It was a GREAT time! At the end of the night I got up to talk some about this summer. And to be honest, most of the time, in front of large groups with a mic I either:
A)sweat and shake and feel like crying
B)my face turns red and I can't remember my name
or
C)I feel like I need to throw up
But really, I didn't feel any of those. I was completely real up there and I was completely comfortable up there, talking about Blood:Water Mission. I think that when there is something that is a part of your heart, it's easy to share that "heart" with others.
I've caught myself praying not only for my fellow team members, but also for these people in Kenya that will get their needs met. People that I probably will never meet...that's what drives me. This ride is going to happen...God is going to do some amazing things in me, in my team, in the people we'll meet along the way, and in Kenya. I'm anticipating it already!
www.ridewelltour.org
**Ride:Well**,
Melissa
The last couple weeks have been somewhat stressful for me personally. Trying to balance work, training, fundraising, and my normal relationships have proven to be pretty overwhelming at points. But today, I realized something:
In the movie "Evan Almighty" there is a part where "God" played by Morgan Freeman asks, When you ask for courage, does God just give you courage, or does he give you opportunities to be courageous? In relation to me personally, I don't think that God would just give me patience (which is what I've been praying for), but instead, He puts me into situations to learn to be patient.
And that's what I need. God has given me the opportunity to be a part of this life-changing experience, I know He'll take care of me.
On a lighter note, a week ago I went on my first "road ride" with my clip-ins. For those that may not know, my cycling shoes will actually be clipping into my pedals. This requires quite a bit of hand-eye coordination, which I obviously am still learning. I had to "spills"..one just on my right hand, and the other..and pretty hilarious and amazing wipe-out. I fell directly onto my left knee and have a pretty awesome bruise to show for it. However, now, I'm feeling a lot more comfortable with clipping in. :)
I have had 2 fundraisers in the last couple of weeks. One was a surprsie fundraiser which was organized by a couple fabulous ladies that I work with, and a fundraiser dinner/silent auction/spelling bee last night. It was a GREAT time! At the end of the night I got up to talk some about this summer. And to be honest, most of the time, in front of large groups with a mic I either:
A)sweat and shake and feel like crying
B)my face turns red and I can't remember my name
or
C)I feel like I need to throw up
But really, I didn't feel any of those. I was completely real up there and I was completely comfortable up there, talking about Blood:Water Mission. I think that when there is something that is a part of your heart, it's easy to share that "heart" with others.
I've caught myself praying not only for my fellow team members, but also for these people in Kenya that will get their needs met. People that I probably will never meet...that's what drives me. This ride is going to happen...God is going to do some amazing things in me, in my team, in the people we'll meet along the way, and in Kenya. I'm anticipating it already!
www.ridewelltour.org
**Ride:Well**,
Melissa
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