Friendships

Recently, I have been thinking about the list of friends that I have. This was prompted by the fact that Chelsea was so excited about inviting her friends to camp. I think she invited 10 or 12 people and 4 are coming. I am waiting to see how she handles having 4 people there at once. One of the girls coming is Hannah. If you hear her talk about Hannah, you know that they are “BFF”’s. I don’t know if you remember your “BFF” or how many times there was a change in that, but right now, Hannah is the BFF. They are on the same team, they train together, they dress alike, they will be roommates at soccer camp, they share secrets… you get the picture.

To hear Chelsea talk about her friends made me really start thinking of mine. I have a handful of people that I call “friend”. I was trying to think of who I would like as my “BFF”. The obvious answer there would be Scotty. Outside of my relationship with Scotty, I know I have a couple of friends who love me unconditionally. I know I have had some of the same friends for 25+ years and I have new friends too. A lot of times we introduce people or mention someone in conversation by saying “My friend so and so ” and what we really mean is that we know who that person is and they know who we are. The friends I am talking about here know “the uglies” about me. I share my great news, my success, my failures, my dreams, my heart, my fears and my crazy ideas with them. Even though we are all busy with our day to day things, I could call anyone of these people after not having spoken to them in months and we would never miss a beat.

I love my circle of friends, both new and old. I love the friend
…I met in Brownies when I was in third grade, she accepted me later as a new comer at church. We practiced dancing before a party one night. I am so proud of her.
…who came into my life wearing moccasins and carrying a well used Bible.
…who invited me to a retreat in 5th grade. The blessings of that invitation continue to be what my life is about.
…I met in third grade at a new school who knows just about everything about my life and loves me anyway.
…who saw me through some of the drama of being a teenage girl and loved me then and loves me now.
…who is my sister.
…who is older, wiser and understands.
…who is new and I respect some hard decisions she has made.
…who is an old friend becoming a new one.
…who is a new friend and feels like an old one.

These are some of the people I love. I hope and pray for Chelsea that her “BFF”’s are as important to her as mine are to me. Call your BFF today and tell them that you love them.

God Moments

I have really experienced some “God moments” lately. This has changed my prayer life over the past 3 months. I do believe that God is leading me even though sometimes, I catch on a bit late. I am trying to be more open to the way God is working in my life. I am also trying to “hear” what He is telling me. This too, has taken some getting used to. I am at least starting to recognize it. I do believe things happen for a reason. I do believe you have a choice to “do the right thing” in every situation. I do know that God is responsible for all of the “big” events and blessings in my life. What I am trying to recognize now, on a more frequent basis, is that God is responsible for the small blessings too (like the $20 I found in the shorts I haven’t worn in a while).

My favorite scripture is Matthew 6:33. When I was younger (and attending church somewhere else) I was taught JOY – Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. I think this scripture says Jesus first in all aspects of your life. Jesus should be first in your relationship with others, Jesus should be first in your job, Jesus should be first in your thoughts, and so on. Matthew 6:33 is not a “check list” where you get up and say “Good morning, God” first thing and check off the block that says seek Him first. Another scripture that has significant meaning to me goes hand in hand (for me) with Matthew 6:33 and it’s Proverbs 16:3. Believe it or not, I heard the Proverbs scripture on the radio. I told you God is speaking to me …

It’s a great BIG, small world

Yes, that is what I meant. It’s a great big world and it’s a small world. Now that I have made the career move from cubicle city to sales, I am amazed by the people I am meeting who know people that I know. I am seeing a few things come full circle. I am also learning that two things are key: #1 networking #2 keeping my mouth shut. I am in a class this week with a girl that I spoke to on the phone on a regular basis at the last job I had. I asked her if her company knew she was taking the class. Her company does not know, so I am glad that I asked. I am friends with someone who is friends with her boss. Follow that? Anyway, I could have blown that for her in casual conversation with my friend without malicious intent. Oh be careful little mouth what you say …

Honesty… The Best Policy?

Is honesty the best policy? Yes. Well, maybe not all of the time. Well, yes, all of the time, but maybe not complete honesty. Meaning when a simple answer of “yes” or “no” will answer the question AND satisfy the “honesty factor”then you should just leave it at that. So, to answer the question “does my hair look good this way?” you should say “yes” or “no” and leave it at that. There is no need to answer with a complete statement “yes, and it looks so much better than it did yesterday”. I mentioned to a co-worker that a person we both know told me he was selfish and liked money. She replied, “Wow, he really must like you.” I asked why she thought that and she said “Because he was that honest with you.” Does that mean that if he doesn’t like people, he lies to them? The whole thing seems kind of weird to me. This co-worker is the person who gives honest answers and more. Another example would be making honest comments when a question is not asked. The statement “I lost 27 pounds using weight watchers” should not be followed by “WOW! You must have been BIG!”. That’s a little too honest if you ask me. A simple congratulations or even a great job or how about just leaving it at Wow. I mean, wow, would cover it no matter what you thought. Wow, you’re 50! If it is said in the right way, you are being honest and the person has no indication whether or not you mean “Wow! You look much older” or “Wow! You look great for 50″ or “Wow! You look 35!” It is just not necessary to say every little thing that pops into your head. Keeping some things to yourself does not mean you are dishonest, it might just mean that you have some self control. That’s another issue on my mind. Why is it that people find it so difficult to show a little self control? Is it because they are selfish? Is it because they just don’t care? Is it because they weren’t taught? If that is the case; it only goes so far with me. Once you become an adult, you have to take some responsibility for your actions and quit blaming other people. That’s another post entirely. I could write a book on that one! The examples alone would be a best seller. Not like A Million Little Pieces either. I could tell the whole truth – honesty is the best policy you know

Camp Time!

Camp time is right around the corner! I am so excited! Through out the year Scotty and I talk about what we will do at camp and how it will differ or stay the same. This past year has been no exception. We have such fun plans in store for the week. We have worked hard to communicate and write down ideas so the week will be full of activity. Scotty will have an assistant for the first time in a couple of years and I will have 2 people helping me in the kitchen. Our Bible teacher is returning and that means we will have 6 adult staff members to share the load of decorating and cooking and serving at Cafe’ Smiley. We have a terrific theme this year and I know the kids are going to love it! In addition to the staff, we have great counselors. Each and every one of them is going to make an impact on the week. I am a firm believer that Christian Camping builds life long friendships. I enter this part of the year with prayer and hope and excitement. I know that some kids will see Christ for the first time. I know that some kids will make decisions to follow Him. I know that seeds will be planted for future growth. Camp is a mission field and even though I have never had a desire to go to South America or Africa, I understand people who feel called to go. If you are reading this, stop and say a prayer for the 4 sessions of Camp Smiling Acres this summer and for all of the staff and campers. Pray a special prayer of thanksgiving for the behind the scenes people and the people who helped to get it all started in the first place. Countless hours of work, planning and prayer have gone in to the last 38 years and countless lives have been changed as a result. Take time to visit www.campsmilingacres.com between now and the end of August to see changes and updates. Have a great month of June! I know I will …

Invitation arrived

The soccer invitation finally arrived. Chelsea and her friend Hannah both received an invitation to play on the red (B) team. I know they are both disappointed because they really (with all of their hearts) wanted an invitation to play on the black team. I am glad they are on the same team and I think that they will enjoy playing together again.

Chelsea will continue to work with her old coach once a week and will add a day of training at the training facility. I keep telling her to practice hard all summer and have a goal of going in to camp as one of the top players. At her age, she is having a little trouble seeing “the big picture”. I am positive that if she continues to train at this level and this pace, she will be a top player when she reaches high school age. I know she is working and building a good foundation now, but she is not really able to see the benefits of that yet.

We have a few other things going on. There was a camp work day this past Saturday and it was a great success! I am so excited about the upcoming camp sessions! And, of course, I am still reading and reading and studying to learn my new (awesome!) job.

Waiting for an invitation

We have been waiting for Chelsea’s soccer invitation for two days. Well, we have been waiting for a month, but we knew it wouldn’t be mailed until the 30th. So, for two days we have been watching the mailbox. I have played out all of the “what if” scenarios in my head over the past two days. The best case would be Chelsea makes the “A” team and so does her friend, Hannah. The absolute worst case would be Chelsea makes the “B” team and Hannah makes the “A” team (although, we would be happy for Hannah). The other case would be that Chelsea and Hannah both make the “B” team, but at least they would be on the same team. See what I mean? It’s wrecking my nerves. It has been a long two days and now begins the third day of waiting. Hannah’s Mom is calling the soccer office today, so maybe I will know something by Noon today.

On another note, Chelsea is having a great summer so far. More on that later …