Jen and Ben's wedding "reception"

So, it's over. It was great to have this (what ended up being an open-house party) reception for Ben and Jen. It was not what I thought it was going to be but it turned out well. I thought that the song went well and I was definitely relieved when it was over. I have enjoyed my time here with my sister and brother-in-law. I know that we will cherish our last moments together before we go our separate ways. At least I will get to see them in Ohio again...

"God Bless the Broken Road"

So, I just finished recording the song that I will be singing for Ben and Jen's wedding reception and I was definitely more nervous than I thought I would be. Karinne, my voice teacher, suggested that I record it for them as a gift, so I did. I am so honored and blessed to be singing for them. I love my sister and I fully believe that the words I am singing have become true in her life. I just pray that everyone who hears this song can feel the emotion I carry into it and can receive a glimpse of how God works through people's lives to bring about the praise He alone deserves. To God be the Glory!

Winter Plans

19 Days of Vacation! Nice!
It will be nice to have Megan home again. I think she will arrive on Wednesday in time to attend the Christmas Eve service at church. After that, I suppose we will come home and just be together with the family, maybe even open a gift. On Christmas Day, I plan to sleep in :) and then enjoy the family time, gifts and lunch. I need to leave for NH around 2pm to get to my cousins' house by 7pm.
On the 26th, I should be receiving my truck from Ben..which will be nice.
On the 27th, we will be celebrating Ben and Jen's wedding with a party at the Birons' house. I am honored to be able to sing (for the first time after my voice lessons :)) "Bless the Broken Road" for the newly weds. I am really looking forward to that. It will be a very special time hopefully for them as well as myself.
On the 28th, I will just be following 'the couple' wherever they go.
On the 29th, I will head back down to NJ in my new truck and get home in time to watch the Papajohns.com bowl (RU vs NC St).
On the 30th I fly out to OH where I will meet up with my parents and 'the couple' to spend New Years with them.
On the 2nd, 'the couple' will drop me off at the airport where I will then fly out to CO. Kurt will be getting married on the 7th but other than that there are no definitive plans that I know of. I know Kurt has to work a lot so I don't know how much time I will get to spend with him. I am looking forward to spending time with Aunt Linda, meeting my new relatives and just relaxing. Skiing would be wonderful but we are not sure that we can get passes at this point. It should be fun to meet both my cousins' wives and the other people currently living with my aunt and uncle.
I return to NJ on the 9th.
On the 12th, I have my Class 2 physical exam which will help decide my future, more or less. From what I understand, I should be fine. So I plan, at this point, to join the ANG shortly after I get the results back and everything is cleared.
That's it for now. I cannot wait to have 19 days off from work and to just go far, far away. It should be a nice break from it all.
To all my faithful readers,
Have a Very Merry Christmas and Blessed New Year!

Free To Be Me - Lyrics

I received this awesome cd for my birthday (thank you Megan :)) and instantly liked this song. After spending 2 days at the AFB and realizing for the first time that I may not be able to fly airplanes because of my vision, I was crushed. I was trying my best to keep myself composed but deep down I just wanted to just cry my heart out. I know that there is still a chance that I could fly but I won't know that until I receive a second opinion. As I walked to the car that day, getting ready to leave the AFB, I thought to myself, "It just can't be easy can it?". When I started my car, this is the song that was playing. The lyrics just spoke so obviously to me. Did I mention I like this cd a lot? You should check it out!

Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see

(Chorus)
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt

(Chorus)

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though

(Chorus)

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test

So tomorrow is the big day. I will be taking the ASVAB test to see what jobs I would qualify for in the Air National Guard. It has taken a long, well, three months to get to this point. I have entertained the thought of joining the military since I was in high school but life never really allowed me the opportunity to do so until now. After much praying and seeking counsel I have taken the steps necessary to get to this point. I am not sure where this will lead me but I don't have to worry about that because God will show me His plan in due time. One step at a time. I will try to give an update after my test.

sad.

You know what it feels like to enjoy being around a group of people and then not be invited to spend time with them at an event they know I would love to be at. That's how I feel today. No explanation of why. Just left here to wonder why they have chosen to have a great time without me.

Congratulations Jen and Ben!

So this weekend was crazy!
My sister married Ben who is in the army and stationed at Fort Hood in TX. The wedding was so spur of the moment (no pun intended) or at least it seemed that way to us. It was a lot of fun being there in a place I've never been with people I didn't know that well but I will admit being a guide for eight people, of which none of us had a clue where we were going, was less than a good time. I was so happy, beyond words, when I was not the one leading the pack.
We went to Austin's Park which had batting cages, mini golf and video games. That was fun and the next time I go I really want to race my sister and Ben in the go-karts. We also played several games of volleyball in the pool with an invisible net. More like taps I suppose. We went out to eat often and traveled to and from the airport probably as many times. The hotel was great and the service was even better. Go Comfort Suites! God provided financially in so many ways even allowing my sister and husband to upgrade to a jacuzzi suite for FREE. I was so happy for them and my wallet was also relieved as it was intended to be a gift.
We got to visit the Fort Hood museum which was a highlight for me. Seeing the everyday life of a soldier overseas and the sacrifices that some have made is humbling and respectable. I have a better understanding now of all what they go through. I am sure that it pales in comparison to what really takes place emotionally, mentally and physically.

Some new things that have happened since I have been away from my blog:
I joined the worship team at my church and really love it.
I got a cell phone!
I try my best to lead a young adult group which is also fun and very much challenging.
I started my own carpet cleaning business called CleanliCare Carpet Cleaning. God has provided in so many ways including a free vacuum and $20 shampooer! Not much of a start-up cost -- Praise the Lord!
I have a different car 1987 (that's right, over 20 years old) Honda Accord and I really like it. I would say I love it but it's not a Toyota. She is nice though. Her name is Snow White. The best part is that God gave it to me for free through my church! YAY!
I am helping in Children's Church on Sunday morning which has been fun!
And, I am still living with the Smiths and love it here. I have a feeling that God may be changing some things in regard to the living situation but I am not sure.
My job at the YMCA is on summer break right now and I don't think I will be going back but it mostly depends on my carpet cleaning business and how business goes there.
We just finished with VBS last week and 11 of the 13 kids in our class made a profession of faith so that is incredibly exciting!! To God be ALL the glory and thanks! It was a blast!
My plans are to be house sitting for the next two weeks so that is also a praise!
I think that is about it. At least all that I can think of right now.

Thank you to anyone that has lifted me in their prayers. I really appreciate it. I need the Lord's strength everyday!
Have fun serving God!

It's been so long, too long!

So much has happened since I last wrote. December huh? Let me think...My cousin Mandy got married, I spent some time in NH with my sister and my cousins, I went to some concerts including Casting Crowns and Phil Wickham

I never finished this but thought I should post it anyways.