Health & Free Living

It's been awhile since I quit my job at The Little Gym and I have yet to inform everyone as to what is currently happening in my life. Let's just say, it's an adventure of faith. I am working a lot of hours at Ann Taylor LOFT and doing part-time work for my dad. Also, I will begin teaching voice lessons starting in January. It's hard to always know where the money will come from, but God provides. There came a point at The Little Gym where I knew that I had to get out of there (I had been looking for a new job for about 9 months) and my parents even agreed. I looked at my budget and prayed a lot about it. I felt God calling me to take a step of faith and he gave me faith before, during, and after my resignation. It's amazing how God works. He never leaves us alone and he is always there for us. There are times when it feels like he will never answer and we will be in the valley forever, but he always brings us out and loves us. I can look back now and see specifical...

So, yesterday was my 27th birthday. I can't believe that I am 27! My birthday has been wonderful. It's amazing how birthdays change as you get older. When you're younger, it seems to be more about popularity, and you base the quality of your birthday on how many people know, etc. Now it's different. I'm overwhelmed with all the birthday phone calls and cards I've received -- all meaningful and heartfelt. I'm realizing how much I am loved. My heart is full. The Lord has richly blessed me and I feel his love through all of you. Thank you.

Well, it has been a while since I have written anything and a lot of things have happened. First of all, I have joined a Bible Study. I have been looking for a study with people my own age and in the same place in life for a long time. God has blessed me with such a group and I love it. I was accepted immediately. Secondly, two days ago I resigned from my job at The Little Gym. I have been there over a year and it is time for me to move on. I have been looking for a long time, so I was incredibly happy to give my notice. I will continue to work there until Thanksgiving. I will tell you more details in the future. God has really been working in my life and changing it in so many ways. It has been a long process, but he has remained faithful. My last two job searches have taken me nine months -- interesting... God has been growing and developing me for where he desires to take me next and preparing me for the future. It isn't always easy, but God is good. Here is a poem that really s...

I know that I am not the only one who is filled with grief over the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Having spent the first 6 & 1/2 years of my life in New Orleans, it is hard for me to imagine everything that I remember probably destroyed. Plus, I think and pray for all of our friends in the area. I've always taken pride in where I was born and I feel as if a part of me has been destroyed as well. I was New Orleans recently with the High School Youth Group for my church, working in the inner city...in Hollygrove. You might have heard of Hollygrove. It is in one of the lowest parts of New Orleans and is pretty much wiped out. I constantly think of and pray for the people we to whom we ministered and became so dear to all of our hearts while we were there -- most of them are the ones who have no cars, etc. They're the ones that had to flee to the Superdome. I pray for the ministry of Trinity Christian Community, the place we worked with in New Orleans. Pray that financial suppo...

My sister, Kara, had her cancer surgery today. She had a tumor that was removed a few motnhs ago underneath that was found to be cancerous. So, today the surgeon went to remove any tissue that might be affected. He feels confident that he removed everything and Kara is doing great! Praise God! Please continue to pray for her and the family as she will be unable to use her right arm for the next few weeks. She will also have to go through extensive physical therapy. Pray that the girls, Natalie and Amy, will be able to understand that mommy is unable to hold them all the time. Thank you so much for your prayers thus far. God is good! He is faithful!

I have just returned from the Veerman Family Reunion...I am so incredibly blessed. I have a family that is so incredibly close and enjoys spending time together. The past five days flew by and I miss everyone already. You see, we're not only family, we're close friends. I recently heard a sermon talking about having joy in suffering...Even though I am struggling through some tough stuff right now, I am so incredibly blessed to have this family. In fact, while at our reunion, the thoughts and stresses about work and other stuff at home, didn't even cross my mind. For the first time in a while, I went the entire time with out a headache from stress. (I actually got one on the way home...go figure). I was so at peace and content...I was so full of thankfulness and joy. God is awesome and he is faithful. He has promised to get me through this time. (Spending time at this reunion, however, has only strengthen my desire to have a family of my own :) ). Thank you, Veerman family, ...

It's Me! 

For those of you who are ever thinking of switching insurance, do not use UNICARE. They cover absolutely nothing and they take forever in processing claims -- I am still waiting for their response to some claims, and now those hospitals are hounding me. I'm not that old to have all these problems! Plus, my boss switched from individual plans to a group plan that no longer covers my medications. Thus, instead of two $25 co-pays per month, I now pay $300 per month -- definitely not budgeted. Anyway, just needed to get that out and let off some steam. How annoying.

Well, I went to another Cubs game yesterday and they lost. It was a really frustrating game. I try to hold out hope and believe, but it gets quite difficult in games like yesterday. Of course, I will always be a die-hard Cubs fan -- win or lose. Maybe the Cubs are like my life... I continue to have so much hope only to be disappointed. Life has been a bit frustrating lately. Concerning my future and a job, I am still incredibly lost. I'm often afraid to hope...for a good job, for a good man, for friends. I'm not as strong as I seem. (I didn't get the Wheaton College job and I am incredibly confused). I need God's strength and I am trusting that he has a plan for my life and a reason for my wandering. I just wish I had a glimpse of his plan...

Okay, so the Cubs are breaking my heart, but at least we have Derrek Lee. My dad and I went to the Cubs game on June 13th and here is a photo from where we were sitting (third row behind home plate)...awesome seats, horrible game. I've just got to keep believing. :) (I'm practicing adding pictures, hence this late post).

I've been watching the reality show "Dancing With the Stars". It's a really fun and classy show that has "stars" learning different types of dances (tango, jive, quickstep, etc.) and then performing them and competeing with one another. It's reminded me how much I enjoy dancing. I think I'm going to look into taking some ballroom dancing and/or swing dancing classes through the local park district. Only thing is, I might need to find a partner.

Okay, so I have already changed parts of my blog numerous times. I've been playing around with it and trying to see all that I can do. I am having a difficult time uploading pictures. Any suggestions?

Yeah, so here goes! I've decided to join in the blogging community and keep people posted on my life. Of course, many of you know that I am horrible about keeping people posted, so I will try to do my best with this blog. I'm not completely sure how to use it, so you will have to help me (Mark, Dan, Nate, etc.). This should be an adventure. :)