Inspired once again by my Pastor's sermon, I ask you the following question:
What are YOU doing? What seeds are you sowing? God asks us to plant the seeds, and He will make them grow. So what are you doing to sow the seeds of Christ in other people?
I struggle greatly with evangelism. It is hard for me, as outgoing as I am. As soon as I started to understand what Pastor's sermon was about, I started wondering "what can I do"? When I leave this place tonight, how can I change my life to sow more seeds of Faith for God? Short of going door to door, or asking people to discuss their Faith, what can I do?
It wasn't far into the sermon when Pastor started answering my question.
Listen....to someone who needs an ear.
Smile...at someone you don't know.
Help...anyone....at any time...because you can.
I can do this. I DO do this. But I don't do these things to sow seeds! I just do them, because that's what we do! I had never thought of these things as sowing seeds of Faith for God to nourish. But truly - if we do live life as Christ would have us live, how is that NOT witnessing?
I have had a friend tell me that my Faith inspires her. Without me outwardly doing it - living my life as I do - is evidence of my Faith - and is inspiring someone. If I can, by my actions, lead others into doing good, then I am happy.
But not satisfied.
I just don't feel it is enough.
So like my entry on volunteering - which led to me volunteering twice for CMN, AND joining LWML (and leading a collection drive) - I now want to create a laundry list of things that I can do to sow seeds of Faith in others.
This one won't be as easy for me. I'm looking to leave my comfort zone. I will have to pray on it. But as always, I will keep you posted!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
State baseball...what a ride.
Well, I've been absent from writing lately, but for a good reason. We've just finished the most amazing ride to the state baseball tournament. It's really hard for me to explain what it's like in a small town like this. Unless you've lived in one, and experienced it, it's hard to understand.
At the beginning of the playoffs, my son was able to start suiting up, to help with practices and warm-ups. No chance in playing, he knew that. But he loves being a part of the team, and is not afraid to help out. So he welcomed it. So he got to be part of this amazing playoff run.
After winning regionals, and sectionals, it was time to prepare for the trip to state - only the second time in our school history. Shirts were ordered, food organized, hotel rooms booked. The boys were honored at a tournament, and banners were made - all throughout town, and in the yard of each and every player traveling....
The team would head over the day before. And we sent them off in style! With a police escort, road banner, and lots of Panther fans!
The semi-final game being an 8am game, we also went over the night before. The entire experience, from seeing Pittsville on the billboard at the field, to seeing our boys out there being announced, to our own hometown girl singing the national anthem. It was just such an amazing experience. Many tears, many cheers, and even though the game would be our last, a LOT of Panther pride. We could not be more proud of the job those amazing young men did this year. And an awesome chance for so many young players to go through this experience...
At the beginning of the playoffs, my son was able to start suiting up, to help with practices and warm-ups. No chance in playing, he knew that. But he loves being a part of the team, and is not afraid to help out. So he welcomed it. So he got to be part of this amazing playoff run.
After winning regionals, and sectionals, it was time to prepare for the trip to state - only the second time in our school history. Shirts were ordered, food organized, hotel rooms booked. The boys were honored at a tournament, and banners were made - all throughout town, and in the yard of each and every player traveling....
This was on the corner at the highway coming into town.
This is what we came home to after a day out of town.
The semi-final game being an 8am game, we also went over the night before. The entire experience, from seeing Pittsville on the billboard at the field, to seeing our boys out there being announced, to our own hometown girl singing the national anthem. It was just such an amazing experience. Many tears, many cheers, and even though the game would be our last, a LOT of Panther pride. We could not be more proud of the job those amazing young men did this year. And an awesome chance for so many young players to go through this experience...
Congratulations Panther Boys. We are SO proud of you!
Saturday, June 9, 2012
the Blessing of giggles, and Ken dolls, and wet willies...
We are in the final night of our crafting weekend. Plans changed, and we will be taking them home tomorrow night. It has been such a wonderful weekend. Four days, and three nights, of crafts, and giggles, and goofy pictures, and giggles, and wet willies, and giggling, and joking, and giggling...
YOU GET THE PICTURE
What better sound than two giggling goofy girls?
I am amazed at their ability to get along, to go with the flow, to scrapbook for HOURS on end. They were never at a loss for something to do. Grabbed Barbies for the road trips, made up shows for around the fire, and jumped into every project with whole hearts.
I could not have had more fun. Granted, I am tired. They have had me going for three days. I am beat. But it is a GOOD beat.
Some of my favorite moments:
On our road trip to Green Bay, the girls made the connection between my husband Ken and their Ken (barbie) dolls. So they decided to torment them - dressing him (the doll) in dresses, tutus, you get the idea. At one point, Kennedy said "oh, Ken, you can do the SPLITS". I about peed my pants. She is so funny!
Saturday was scrapbooking day. We started right after breakfast, and they started right in. Between the two - I was helping one with the PC, one with her pictures. By 10, I still hadn't had a cup of coffee, because every time I tried to leave the room, one or the other yelled "MISSY!", Pretty soon they were purposely waiting for me to be leaving the room, then they'd call for me, and break out in giggles. They cracked me up!
Before this weekend, the girls did NOT know what wet willies were. They do now. And they learned quickly that just making the SOUND of one would make William throw his hands over his ears. Oh, the laughter that ensued every time they walked behind him and smacked their fingers... but the BEST was tonight - Ken walked through the living room and quietly, simultaneously got them BOTH, and all I heard was a unison wail. It was hilarious!
I am extremely sad for the weekend to end. But I am so ridiculously grateful for the Blessing and opportunity to create a stronger relationship with them. It has been amazing. And hopefully the first of MANY.
YOU GET THE PICTURE
What better sound than two giggling goofy girls?
I am amazed at their ability to get along, to go with the flow, to scrapbook for HOURS on end. They were never at a loss for something to do. Grabbed Barbies for the road trips, made up shows for around the fire, and jumped into every project with whole hearts.
I could not have had more fun. Granted, I am tired. They have had me going for three days. I am beat. But it is a GOOD beat.
Some of my favorite moments:
On our road trip to Green Bay, the girls made the connection between my husband Ken and their Ken (barbie) dolls. So they decided to torment them - dressing him (the doll) in dresses, tutus, you get the idea. At one point, Kennedy said "oh, Ken, you can do the SPLITS". I about peed my pants. She is so funny!
Saturday was scrapbooking day. We started right after breakfast, and they started right in. Between the two - I was helping one with the PC, one with her pictures. By 10, I still hadn't had a cup of coffee, because every time I tried to leave the room, one or the other yelled "MISSY!", Pretty soon they were purposely waiting for me to be leaving the room, then they'd call for me, and break out in giggles. They cracked me up!
Before this weekend, the girls did NOT know what wet willies were. They do now. And they learned quickly that just making the SOUND of one would make William throw his hands over his ears. Oh, the laughter that ensued every time they walked behind him and smacked their fingers... but the BEST was tonight - Ken walked through the living room and quietly, simultaneously got them BOTH, and all I heard was a unison wail. It was hilarious!
I am extremely sad for the weekend to end. But I am so ridiculously grateful for the Blessing and opportunity to create a stronger relationship with them. It has been amazing. And hopefully the first of MANY.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
big parent moments...
I have been absent from writing, but only because there is so much going on. I choose first to write about some amazing things happening in my son's life.
As a freshman, he plays JV baseball. At the end of the season, the coach offered to the JV players that if they would stay and help with practices, they could ride the bus to the playoff games with the team. My son loves the game, and he decided immediately to do just that. He was the only one for those first two regional games, so the coach actually had him suit up and join the roster. Not to play, but to be in the dugout, supporting the team. We were thrilled.
Then. They won both regionals. All of a sudden, my dear young son is in pictures, and is part of a regional championship team! Amazing! And it's on to sectionals!
By the time sectionals arrived, one other freshman was able to help out. And both were told to suit up, to join two other freshmen added as pitching back up on the roster for the playoffs. At sectionals, I cried as they called him name for the opening. And after winning BOTH the semifinal and final games, cried even more when they won the sectional title, meaning the next step was state! My baby - part of a state bound baseball team! I cried when he got his medal too. It just all became too surreal.
So now we are busy planning for the state tournament. Had his head shot taken today - the one they use for the big board. And the itinerary has arrived - they are staying three days - watching other games. And we parents are making yard signs. It's just been an incredible week for this team, this school, and this little town.
Lots going on in the next week - being announced at a JH tourney, practices, and then off to Appleton. I am so excited for him. Even though he won't play, he is getting the experience of a lifetime thanks to that coach. And as a parent, it is one of the highs myself.
I'll update you all after the tourney. Go Panthers!~
As a freshman, he plays JV baseball. At the end of the season, the coach offered to the JV players that if they would stay and help with practices, they could ride the bus to the playoff games with the team. My son loves the game, and he decided immediately to do just that. He was the only one for those first two regional games, so the coach actually had him suit up and join the roster. Not to play, but to be in the dugout, supporting the team. We were thrilled.
Then. They won both regionals. All of a sudden, my dear young son is in pictures, and is part of a regional championship team! Amazing! And it's on to sectionals!
By the time sectionals arrived, one other freshman was able to help out. And both were told to suit up, to join two other freshmen added as pitching back up on the roster for the playoffs. At sectionals, I cried as they called him name for the opening. And after winning BOTH the semifinal and final games, cried even more when they won the sectional title, meaning the next step was state! My baby - part of a state bound baseball team! I cried when he got his medal too. It just all became too surreal.
So now we are busy planning for the state tournament. Had his head shot taken today - the one they use for the big board. And the itinerary has arrived - they are staying three days - watching other games. And we parents are making yard signs. It's just been an incredible week for this team, this school, and this little town.
Lots going on in the next week - being announced at a JH tourney, practices, and then off to Appleton. I am so excited for him. Even though he won't play, he is getting the experience of a lifetime thanks to that coach. And as a parent, it is one of the highs myself.
I'll update you all after the tourney. Go Panthers!~
Sunday, June 3, 2012
a family tradition...the next generation
I am heavy into preparation for what could turn out to be my favorite "vacation" of the summer. I absolutely cannot wait. Just thinking about it makes me cry happy tears. What could it POSSIBLY be, you ask? Let me tell you the story....
Growing up, I was the youngest of 6, younger than the last before me by over 9 years. I was actually closer to two of my neices, one my age, one a few years younger, than I was to my sisters. Every summer, each of the neices (sisters) would spend a week at my house, hanging out. Sometimes they got rides from their parents, sometimes we picked them up (90 miles away), sometimes they even rode the Greyhound bus. And those weeks were so much fun. Being so much younger than my sibings, those weeks were the only times that I had built in playmates at my house!
This year at our family Christmas, we were talking about these weeks, and the daughters of those nieces both got very excited, wondering if they could spend time at "aunt missy's" this summer? And so, the idea was born, and now, it is only four days away. And I cannot wait.
We are going to start out by baking birthday cupcakes for my daughter, who we are going to visit on Friday. Friday will be a travel day, and then Saturday and Sunday - crafts, baking, and SPA! It's been so long since I had little girls running around the house, chatting, and giggling. And I am so looking forward to it. I love these little girls (and their mamas!) with all my heart, and cannot wait to spend some seriously quality time with them. I really hope that sharing a little snipet of my life with them will bring us even closer.
So preparations continue! Pulling together supplies for various craft projects. Pulling together ingredients for our baking. Surfing pinterest... It's going to be a great week. I cannot wait!
Growing up, I was the youngest of 6, younger than the last before me by over 9 years. I was actually closer to two of my neices, one my age, one a few years younger, than I was to my sisters. Every summer, each of the neices (sisters) would spend a week at my house, hanging out. Sometimes they got rides from their parents, sometimes we picked them up (90 miles away), sometimes they even rode the Greyhound bus. And those weeks were so much fun. Being so much younger than my sibings, those weeks were the only times that I had built in playmates at my house!
This year at our family Christmas, we were talking about these weeks, and the daughters of those nieces both got very excited, wondering if they could spend time at "aunt missy's" this summer? And so, the idea was born, and now, it is only four days away. And I cannot wait.
We are going to start out by baking birthday cupcakes for my daughter, who we are going to visit on Friday. Friday will be a travel day, and then Saturday and Sunday - crafts, baking, and SPA! It's been so long since I had little girls running around the house, chatting, and giggling. And I am so looking forward to it. I love these little girls (and their mamas!) with all my heart, and cannot wait to spend some seriously quality time with them. I really hope that sharing a little snipet of my life with them will bring us even closer.
So preparations continue! Pulling together supplies for various craft projects. Pulling together ingredients for our baking. Surfing pinterest... It's going to be a great week. I cannot wait!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Everyone has their own journey...
This blog is entitled Missy's Journey. I chose that name for two reasons.
One: for the first 18 years of my life, I was called Missy, not my proper name of Melissa. The minute I went to college, I of course changed it, using Melissa. (Don't we all do that? Shed our childhood....branch out... become our own person?) But since losing my mom in 2006, I've found myself calling MYSELF Missy. So I guess I'm coming full circle. I've realized that Missy is still part of me. and always will be. And I LOVE that.
Two: we are all on a journey through this life, learning, changing, adapting, and living in this amazing world together. This is the story of my journey, as I learn and grow, in my Faith, in love, in relationships, in everything.
But I've also come to realize that we are ALL on journies, and each of us a unique one. And who is it of me, or anyone, to judge what someone else is or isn't doing, when we are not taking their journey? It can be so easy to pass judgement, without any frame of understanding.
God teaches us not to judge. It is everywhere in the Bible. He teaches us to forgive. Best said, I think, in Luke:
For me, it's a very personal journey. When someone doesn't meet my expectations, I have to take time to understand their situation, or at the very least understand that I don't KNOW their situation. And then, I need to accept what happens, and forgive if I feel I need to forgive.
A friend posted this last night, and I love it, although it saddens me to think that she is hurting:
One: for the first 18 years of my life, I was called Missy, not my proper name of Melissa. The minute I went to college, I of course changed it, using Melissa. (Don't we all do that? Shed our childhood....branch out... become our own person?) But since losing my mom in 2006, I've found myself calling MYSELF Missy. So I guess I'm coming full circle. I've realized that Missy is still part of me. and always will be. And I LOVE that.
Two: we are all on a journey through this life, learning, changing, adapting, and living in this amazing world together. This is the story of my journey, as I learn and grow, in my Faith, in love, in relationships, in everything.
But I've also come to realize that we are ALL on journies, and each of us a unique one. And who is it of me, or anyone, to judge what someone else is or isn't doing, when we are not taking their journey? It can be so easy to pass judgement, without any frame of understanding.
God teaches us not to judge. It is everywhere in the Bible. He teaches us to forgive. Best said, I think, in Luke:
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged.
Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
Luke 6:37
How many times have we made an assumption on someone's action without knowing the entire story? And how many times has the same been done to us? While I may have gotten up, lounged in my pajamas, enjoyed my coffee and garden walk, and relaxed with the morning news this morning, someone else could have been dealing with terrible family issues, disciplining difficult children, or worse yet, handling horrible family news. So their actions throughout the day may reflect just that. And on the flip side, I am recovering from an extended illness and car accident, and others that do not know that may not understand why I am or am not doing certain things.
We don't know who's hurting, or may be dealing with physical, emotional, or financial issues. We don't know what else other people have going on in their lives that may be complicating things. So we all really need to think before we speak, and remember to be compassionate for others.
We don't know who's hurting, or may be dealing with physical, emotional, or financial issues. We don't know what else other people have going on in their lives that may be complicating things. So we all really need to think before we speak, and remember to be compassionate for others.
For me, it's a very personal journey. When someone doesn't meet my expectations, I have to take time to understand their situation, or at the very least understand that I don't KNOW their situation. And then, I need to accept what happens, and forgive if I feel I need to forgive.
A friend posted this last night, and I love it, although it saddens me to think that she is hurting:
I am still learning, still taking this journey. There is SO much more to be learned.....
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Join me for my morning ritual....
Good morning! Time to start the day! My new "domestic" morning ritual is my morning walk around the yard and gardens, coffee in hand, to check out the progress, pull a few weeds here and there, and water as needed. It is a wonderful way to start the day. I'd love to have you come along!
It all starts with a good cup of joe. My joe of choice for the last few years is a blend of coffee and chicory. Having found it in New Orleans on our first trip, I was instantly hooked. Much stronger flavor, a slight bitterness, it's actually hard for me to drink regular coffee now. So first thing, I brew my pot of chicory and grab a mug. This is my favorite mug, a gift from a dear friend, it reminds me of a beautiful paper crafting design. I don't always use creamer, but it is a treat once in awhile. So grab a fresh cup, it's time to get started!
Let's head out the front door, where most of my containers are that need watering. I love having time to watch each of the plants progress through the spring. I've been taking a ton of pictures, so that I can see the garden at all stages, and determine this fall what to add. This is the front as it is right now, the end of May, 2012. This brick/pea gravel border is only a couple of years old, and the plants are just starting to really become substantial.
I fill my gardens and borders with things that I love. Many received from friends, some from thrift sales, and others just junk I've gotten here and there, but I love it all. When something turns into something I don't love, it gets removed. My favorite thing to do - in my garden as in my house - is fill it with things (in this case plants) that remind me of my childhood. Plants from either my mother's home, or my grandmother's. I don't spend a lot of money on my gardens, but have through the years found so many of them! I hope that you enjoy the tour as much as I do.....
It all starts with a good cup of joe. My joe of choice for the last few years is a blend of coffee and chicory. Having found it in New Orleans on our first trip, I was instantly hooked. Much stronger flavor, a slight bitterness, it's actually hard for me to drink regular coffee now. So first thing, I brew my pot of chicory and grab a mug. This is my favorite mug, a gift from a dear friend, it reminds me of a beautiful paper crafting design. I don't always use creamer, but it is a treat once in awhile. So grab a fresh cup, it's time to get started!
I fill my gardens and borders with things that I love. Many received from friends, some from thrift sales, and others just junk I've gotten here and there, but I love it all. When something turns into something I don't love, it gets removed. My favorite thing to do - in my garden as in my house - is fill it with things (in this case plants) that remind me of my childhood. Plants from either my mother's home, or my grandmother's. I don't spend a lot of money on my gardens, but have through the years found so many of them! I hope that you enjoy the tour as much as I do.....
the Clematis, a gift for mother's day years ago...
the double planter, the last birthday gift from my mother
found this adorable cement feeder at a thrift sale.. don't use it as a feeder
(too low, dangerous for the birds), but LOVE what it adds to the steps.
my newest addition, a columbine, a gift from a dear friend
she had no idea that my grandmother had columbine by HER door
so now I have it by mine
this pink lupine was a gift from another friend
it has since reseeded several times, and I now enjoy them in multiple borders
my mother had lots of peonies in front of our home, so they are very dear to me
this particular peony was a gift from a dear dear friend, and the first to open this year
isn't it beautiful?
Well, these are just a few of my favorites, but I hope you enjoyed the walk. Too many to put all of my beautiful things on here. But maybe we'll take another walk, on another day. Thanks for coming along! Go grab another cup of coffee!
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