Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Long time, no blog

2006-05-25T17:58:00.000-10:00

Whassssup? Remember when that was cool? How about........

* tight rolled pants
* different socks, worn together
* getting your bangs as high as possible
* those shirts that changed color with heat, pink to purple - what were those called?
* sebagos (with the curled laces)
* those brown leather jackets with the maps printed on the inside
* very large plastic jewerly - had to come from claire's to be cool
* guess jeans and duckhead shorts, in every color

Ha! Great memories from the 80's and early 90's.

What did I forget? Tell me your favorites!

EEWW!

2006-04-12T12:59:00.000-10:00

I seriously saw a very old lady get into her car at the gas station today. So what? This......was her license plate..............

Swethang

Obviously she may have hobbies other than playing bridge.

Doing his thing

2006-01-14T18:18:00.000-10:00

My nephew, Dylan, rock climbing.

Household Tip #1

2006-01-14T17:51:00.000-10:00

The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser sponge will work for anything if you mix it with elbow grease.

Rising above and moving on

2006-01-03T20:10:00.000-10:00

..........................................................................................

When I, thought I knew you
Thinking, that you were true
I guess I, I couldn't trust
'Cause your bluff time is up
'Cause I've had enough
You were, there by my side
Always, down for the ride
But your, joy ride just came down in flames
Cause your greed sold me out of shame, mmhmm
..............................................................................................

After all of the stealing and cheating
You probably think that I hold resentment for you
But, uh uh, oh no, you're wrong
'Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do
I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through
So I wanna say thank you
..................................................................................................

Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter

Christina Aguilera...........Fighter

The New Year

2005-12-30T11:21:00.000-10:00

Ok, one of my NY resolutions is to be more active on blogger. It is such a great way to keep up with everyone and to share. So, I will begin posting fun facts, household tips, receipes, pictures and of course, funny stories as usual. Can't wait!

Tonight I am eating over at my sister's house - fondue stlye. Oh yeah.

Part Two: The Reason

2005-11-26T17:25:00.000-10:00

My dad called me to tell me that I had in fact made the perfect shot, however, it didn't quite make it to the deer. Remember back to an earlier part of the story when the rifle got knocked into the tree stand while we were climbing up? Well, my dad got to thinking about it and decided to try out the gun at the range. Guess what? It was totally shooting high, way off! Moral of the story.....don't count your chickens before they hatch!

Last Saturday

2005-11-17T15:14:00.000-10:00

So, last weekend I went hunting with my dad. One of my favorite things to do. I was raised country, being that my father owns a hunting organization. So, we go. The stand that my father suggested that I sit in was extremely high so I was nervous climbing up. Gowned in my hunting attire, very unattractive BTW, I struggled up the ladder with my things. I asked my father to climb behind me and carry my rifle, so that I would have both hands to hang on to the ladder. As I reached the top of the stand my dad handed me the gun, accidentally banging it on the ladder. Some expletives were murmured on mistake by him, which I excused and said, "It's ok Dad".
So, I got situated in the stand and watched my father walk toward his own until I could no longer spot him in my view. About two seconds after that, I became frightened. Oh, did I mention I am petrified of heights? So I am. I began to pray and ask God to please send something out of the woods and into my vision. I thought if I had something to really look at and watch, then it would take my attention off of the fact that I was swaying back and forth about 50 feet in the air. To my amazement when I opened my eyes, there were two does walking out into a lane to feed, straight ahead of my stand.
One was small and light colored, the other was much larger and appeared to be very mature. This is it, my chance, I thought. Let me preface this by telling you what happened the previous weekend. My father and I were sitting together in a large stand, much like a tree house the weekend before. A five point buck walks out and Dad says, "Shoot it, Nikki. Hurry up! Get your gun! Why aren't you moving? Hurry!" I was silent. My father was staring at me with bated breath, thinking "What is wrong with her?" "I don't want it Daddy. It's skinny." "Skinny! You are too young to be a trophy hunter, you are supposed to be a meat hunter!" So, on the argument goes until ten minutes later when the deer hears us fussing and it takes off. Needless to say, my dad was disappointed in me, which was a terrible feeling. But I stood firm on my ground pointing out that I will NOT take a deer just because I can, because I can shoot a gun, or because I am in the stand and it is standing in front of me. It is ALOT of work to process the process.........hunting, shooting, loading, weighing, checking it in legally, gutting, and processing the meat. Hunting is work, and I don't see a point in shooting unless it is something you want.
****DISCLAIMER**** Let me make myself clear that my father has used our family business for feeding our family of six for 27 years and trophy deer may be taken, but the meat is always eaten or given to a family in need for food. *********************
Anywho, back to last Saturday. I decide to take the larger of the two does. My palms are sweaty, my breaths are labored and my heart is racing. I position myself and the rifle. I take off the safety latch, hold my breath, ...BANG! Wooo, I breath out. I look up to see my prize deer .........no where to be found. What? That's ok, I think to myself. It is SO in the woods, just right on the edge, I just can't see it, but I'm sure it's there.
After another two hours, it is finally dark and I await for my father to come and get me down from the stand. He arrives and says, "What did you shoot?"
I begin to explain the whole story to him as I climb down and we walk down towards the lane. We use flashlights to find the deer, looking left to right at the cold hard ground. We must have searched for 45 minutes out there, but there was nothing to be found. So, we decided that I would go home and my dad would return in morning to retrieve the deer.
Sunday morning at church, I was so excited! I knew that when I got home, my dad was going to call and say, "I found it! She's huge! Good job!"
The phone call came. It was sad, so very sad. "It's okay Nikki, lots of people miss deer all the time. I've done it, your brothers have done it. It's nothing to be ashamed of, you just need to practice." Those words stung like hornets. PRACTICE? Why? I am good, and I know I shot that deer. Whatever, I thought. I was ill.
Days go by, and I tell the story to friends and co-workers. Everyone laughs and says, "Well, you'll get one next time"

One week later.......The phone rings. It's my dad. "I went hunting today, I thought you would like to know..........

*********Conclusion to come later*********

The Perfect Shot

2005-11-10T14:31:00.000-10:00

Ok, get ready..for the best story of the week, maybe even the month! I can't share details right now, because I have work to do for my clinical rotation early in the morning. Sit tight, I will share soon.

Sorry

2005-11-04T16:19:00.000-10:00

I feel ashamed, so very ashamed. I have not blogged in like, forever. Although I have not contributed, I have kept up with everyone else's blogs, except my own. I must do better. I don't have anything good to say right now, mostly b/c I just got back from Pizza Buffet, the new and improved I should say, and my belly is full, which has lead to excessive sleepiness. So, I will start anew tomorrow. Later taters.

God's timing.........

2005-06-06T18:45:00.000-10:00

Ok, so I felt really guilty during Perry's sermon this week. I have been looking for a new job for two months now and nothing. I probably applied to like, twenty jobs and still, nothing. As most of you know, I left my old job at the health center in January and took over my mother's business (a home daycare) while she recovered from heart surgery. She was ready to return a while back, but I felt guilty and worried that she was not really ready. So I told the clinic that I would not be returning. Daycare was never really my thing, but I knew that I needed to do this for her. But the past months have been **** for me because I was totally stressed out about finding a job before I return to nursing classes in the fall. I prayed and prayed and prayed.......Nothing.
A few months ago, I was dreading going to a particular social benefit that I had promised a friend I would accompany him too. I tried every excuse to back out, but in the end, I went because I knew I had promised and I must stick with my word. Turned out, I had a great time, and thus felt even more guilty for my selfish thinking. During the event, I saw my orthopedic doctor that I have had since childhood (for a congenital defect). He said, when you finish nursing school, call me. And I thought, great, cool, swell, two years away.
Last week, I came across an ad for a position at that office, so I e-mailed my resume and prayed. Nothing.
Last Friday, I got a call requesting an interview that day. Thirty minutes later, I had a job. A great job.
I started today at the ortho office, working for my favorite doctor, doing "nursing" things, using my education, improving my skills, making more money then at my former job, and was told that they will work with my school schedule when I return.
How awesome is that? I feel so guilty for doubting. Call me Thomas. But I am over that, and promise to let today be that first day of my forever new attitude.

Wednesday

2005-06-01T16:30:00.000-10:00

Rain Rain, go away, come again another day. Weather can really make or break a day - I had plans to mow the lawn and take my nephew to his tennis lesson. Hum, probably not gonna happen. Oh well, must make adjustments!

Who am I?

2005-05-19T20:50:00.000-10:00

I have no idea who I am. I am not my car, I am not my house, I am not my education, I am not my family or friends. God has blessed me with all of the above, but those things do not make me what or who I am. I am not my mistakes, I am not my failures, and I am not my sins.
I am my heart, my mind, my soul, my gifts and talents. I am myself when I am pursuing Christ, and Him alone. Or when I am helping someone, or praying, or sharing the Gospel.

Revelations 2:23
........ "Then all of the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds."

Hello?..........

2005-05-18T12:42:00.000-10:00

Ok, where are they? To what extinct are there lives any busier then mine that they cannot find five minutes to blog at least once a week? When I was introduced to this internet phenomenon, "everybody was doing it." Ok, where did they go? Did everyone suddenly get a better life and I was left behind? I doubt it, but if that's the case, where are they being handed out, because I obviously need one. So, if this post leaves you feeling dirty, rotten, or just plain guilty, then you are being convicted. Give back every once in a while. BLOG!

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom

2005-05-01T10:18:00.000-10:00

Hallelujah! Goodbye rattle trap, hello new car. Ok, not exactly new, but "pre-owned". Who cares? I am so siked - I had my Altima since 10th grade - yes, 10 years. It was way past due. Thanks be to God for this great blessing. Whew hoo!

A delightful surprise

2005-04-23T14:00:00.000-10:00

So this weekend I had two social functions to go to on Friday evening and a special event early (8am) on Saturday morning. I spent all day Friday dreading all of the above. I was wishing I had never said I would do these things, mad at myself for agreeing to them, and busy trying to fake a fever. However, because I committed, I knew I must grin and bear it. My heart was full of negativity, a little resentfulness, and pure dread. I was praying for the storms to continue, a stomachache, whatever it took to call it off. Then I decided to change my attitude. So I prayed for God to change my heart and my way of thinking about the things I was dreading so much because I knew I was wrong for thinking this way. SURPRISE!!!! I went and loved every minute of it! The evening and this morning flew by with lots of fun surprises along the way. It just proves that our God is so awesome. I had a sour attitude and behaved badly in my heart and through my words, and God blessed me in spite of that. It has been a great and unexpected weekend and I have the Lord to thank for it! Whew! Now I need a nap. The perfect ending to a great time.

Nature

2005-04-11T12:52:00.000-10:00

Have you ever done something that seems so insignificant to others but it totally makes you happy? This weekend I did major yard work. I planted grass, killed weeds, planted trees, hung ferns, and put Miracle Grow on any and everything that looked alive. I was calling neighbors out to see my work, taking pictures...... ok, I didn't have any film, but if I had, I would've taken them. It's not that my yard is gonna win Anderson's Garden of the month or anything, but I love it! Seeing things of beauty that are grounded in a fashion of harmony is so cool to me. For instance, I planted a tree (hibiscus) near my living room window where the sun is the harshest in the afternoons. Right now it is only 2 1/2 feet tall, but in five years or so, it will provide shade for those lazy Sunday afternoon naps I like to take on the couch, right in front of the window.

I think God is like this in a way. He provides us with things that don't make sense at the time or don't stand out - but one day, the plan will unfold into a thing of beauty, and look like it was there all along.

Today is.......

2005-04-08T14:16:00.000-10:00

Friday..............ahh..........., it's like a choir of angels singing before me. Rest, relaxtion, reading, television, a movie, and a microwave meal. Then Saturday............SPRING CLEANING!!! Really, I love it. Call me Martha. The smell of febreeze is heavenly.

Easter Weekend

2005-03-27T13:28:00.000-10:00

What awesome services we had this weekend at NS! I served at four of them and attended 1&1/2. Hands down, one of the best worship experiences yet. Props to the NS band! So after church I went to eat at O'Charleys (thank you Heather for feeding the needy) and then to Walmart for a few things. Man, the pastels were everywhere! Hats, white shoes, the whole nine yards. I wonder what percentage of this town really observes Easter as Christ's resurrection day. I mean, I think so many people get caught up in bunnies, baskets, and fancy clothes and forget the true meaning. This is becoming a trend with Christmas just the same. Anywho, this is THE DAY, He arose, rejoice and be glad in it. Thank you Jesus.

Calgon

2005-03-07T12:38:00.000-10:00

So, almost two months have gone by since my mother's operation. She is doing very well - a big shout out to my old home group(aah, I'm sad it's over) and many others for the prayers and thoughts. I miss school - imagine that. Also, unbeknownst to me, after bypass surgery, patients are not allowed to lift over 5 lbs for 6 months post surgery. Bummer is that I had to officially leave my job at the health center. My mother continues to need help running her business (a daycare) since she cannot lift the babies. I am looking forward to August when I can return to my old schedule. Babies are not my spiritual gift..........Calgon take me away, please.

My Prayer..

2005-01-10T17:27:00.000-10:00

My Prayer today is this....................

Dear Lord, please give me peace, remind me that you are in control. Help me to know that you are guiding my steps in the right direction. Please send me strength to do the things that you have called me to do and the strength to endure all that lies ahead. Please pave the way for goodness and light during this difficult time. Father, I thank you for the favor and blessings that you are sending our way. Lord, let thy will be done. I ask this things in Jesus' name.

Amen

First Day Ever

2005-01-07T15:26:00.000-10:00

Ok, so today is the first day I have ever blogged and I plan to make it a habit. Today I learned that God's plan's can come to you in many different forms. I was at a place of discouragement, unknowing, and anxiety this morning over some life altering decisions I had to make today. An unchurched friend of mine had a random thought during our phone conversation early this morning. It was an "Ah Ha!" moment for me. All of the sudden things started to make sense, plans were in the making, and a lot of weight was lifted from my heart. I have now come to the conclusion that this "random idea" of hers was spoken to me on purpose. You know what I mean? It was like an answered prayer that I never would have thought of my own. Isn't it amazing that God sees the big picture and has a perfect plan for us according to His will, but when we can only see a small window, we think it will never change, there's no hope......blah, blah, blah..NOT TRUE.

Ephesians 1:11
In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in the conformity with the purpose of His will, ...