I Love Being Tall

First of all, I must mention that Andrea George flew in from Salt Lake City today and I am so excited to have her home I could jump and shout for joy...only it's a quarter til midnight and my parents are asleep in the room next door, so I won't. But, you get the idea. She's been my bestest friend for a very long time and I hate that she lives on the opposite side of the country. When she is here I actually have someone to hang out with.
Now, here's why I love being tall. And this is so random that many of you will shake your heads in amazement at my absurdity, but that's ok. When I go to Meijer and am ready to check out, lots of times I will get in the first express lane (down at the end by the pharmacy for those who know Grand Haven Meijer). One day I realized that I stand more than a head taller than the display shelves that separate the lanes, and that I could see all the way to the other end to the self checkout lanes. That alone was a cool discovery. But then I noticed something even cooler. Along the top of the display shelves between the lanes is a row of colorful Meijer gift cards. Every shelf has a row at the top, from that first express lane all the way to the other end. So I can look down and see row upon row of gift cards and it seems to go on forever. And I wish I could take a picture because you probably have no idea what I mean but if you could see it for yourself you would see just how cool it looks. So anyway, that's another reason I like being tall. I can see things from a different perspective than the shorter variety human beings.

Bonfire

Nothing beats a bonfire with friends on a lovely summer evening! Woodby's invited some of us over to sit around and roast hot dogs and s'mores. Mmm...yummy. Unfortunately we didn't have a guitar and we didn't sing this time, but we played "Never have I ever...". That was definitely interesting. I learned much about myself and the others in that game. What I realized about myself is that I have done many things and that's why I kept losing the game! I guess I'd rather have a full, fun life and lose the game than have a dull, empty life and win. The s'mores were pretty much amazing. We had regular and chocolate graham crackers, Hershey's dark chocolate, peanut butter, and Reese's peanut butter cups. Wow, they were delicious. Best s'mores I ever did eat. And then there were bats. Three at least. They were flying overhead and swooping a little too close for comfort. Bats fascinate and frighten me at the same time. I like to watch them outside, I hate to have them in the house. So, the bonfire was fun, bats and all. Can't wait to do it again...

Wedding Bells

Yeah for Paul and Stacie! The wedding was beautiful and I had the great honor of singing in a trio during the ceremony. It was a privilege to be part of my friends' special day. And even better, they served ice cream at the reception, not cake. Pretty sure I loved that!

"Chocolate Makes My Clothes Shrink"

Quite profound, eh? Saw this on a plaque in one of the stores today. Had to laugh!

How Do You Know...

if I really, truly care about you? Ask me to get up early to do something with or for you and you will find out! Sam invited me to go to Holland with her today to browse the quaint shops up and down 8th Street while her boys attended science camp. She had to pick me up at 8:15 a.m. For a teacher with the summer off, that is way too early. Since I love Sam so much and take any chance to spend time with her, I was willing to drag my lazy bum out of bed this morning at 7:14. Ick. It was definitely worth it, though. We started with tea and a muffin for Sam, hot chocolate for me, and a bagel and milk for Cate at JP's, then found some fun shops to inspect. Bookstores, candy stores, clothes stores, you name it. At a neat drug store/apothecary I found a magnet with a perfect quote: "Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet!" (Roger Miller) The weather was somewhat cloudy and breezy, just right for walking around town. Cate and Will accompanied us on this outing and they behaved like angels. They're quite fun to have around, actually. I had to smile when Cate called me over to look at some puzzles, "Aunt Lindsey, come right here!" After we picked up the boys and were pulling out of the parking lot the rain came drip by drop until it was an absolute downpour. The timing couldn't have been better. Thank You, Lord! It was a memorable morning, even if I did have to sacrifice a few hours of sleep.

The Story of My Life (just the last few days, not the whole thing!)

I was reminded today that it has been almost a week since I last posted. The way I like to talk that is somewhat surprising. My life definitely has not been dull this last week, I just didn't come up with anything terribly post- worthy in my opinion. So here's some of what has occupied my time this last week. You can decide whether or not it is post- worthy! Ben Bylsma and Jen Shepard got married Friday night in a very sweet ceremony. Aunt Angie made the soups for the reception....mmm, mmm, good. Saturday our church had a Block Party. About half the people in attendance were from the surrounding community, which was the goal of the party. I think we made a good impression, both for our church and our Savior. I helped out some during the event, and beforehand I helped with all the signs (for games, crafts, etc.) I must say, for a totally uncreative person those signs turned out pretty well. I should have taken a picture to show off my handiwork. On Sunday morning our young adult ensemble sang a gorgeous medley of worship- themed songs. It's a fun group to sing in, and we are starting to blend beautifully. We also had an extra choir practice in the evening to prepare for our morning worship service at the waterfront next week. Monday I babysat the Anhalt kids a short while and cleaned for Sam for 3 hours. Bathrooms, sweeping, vacuuming, what a workout! Today I babysat another cousin's kids for a few hours. I love little boys! Spiders, bikes, soccer, Hot Wheels...sometimes that stuff is way better than dress-up, dolls, and princesses! Of course, intermingled with all of these exciting (or not?) events I have had a ballroom lesson, groups, and a party. I also ordered some new dancing shoes today.
So, not a lot to report, but that's my life the last several days. I shall try to keep it better up to date!

Salsa

Tonight I decided that salsa is one of my favorite dances. Samba is my number one favorite, but salsa/mambo is pretty high up there. The movements are quick and snappy (at least they're supposed to be, I'm still working on that part!), and when danced to music it all fits together in a way that gives me goose bumps. I had the privilege of participating in a seminar tonight with a visiting coach. I really don't know much about him, other than the fact he wrote at least part of the Silver syllabus. (silver level is really advanced, I'm just beginning bronze, gold is the highest...) Much to my surprise, the steps he taught us were not terribly complicated. I'll have to ask my instructor at my next lesson, but I think I did pretty well. Either that or I was just doing it all wrong!

I realized this is my first post about my ballroom dancing, so here's a little background on the subject since many people don't have a clue why I would do such a thing! I started watching Dancing With the Stars two seasons ago and found myself wanting to learn more and more. One of my New Year's resolutions categories was "learn something new". Can you guess what one of the new things was that I wanted to learn? Yup, knitting. Ha! Or not! I decided to look into ballroom dancing lessons. Came up empty for a few weeks, then found Arthur Murray Dance Studios on-line. They were offering a free trial lesson, so I decided to schedule one for myself. (That lesson took place on January 18 of this year. I had no idea that it was just the beginning....) I was pleasantly surprised to find that my two left feet were, in fact, not two lefties at all. Before I knew it I was signed up for 4 beginner lessons. The next thing I knew I was signed up for 18 more. Halfway through that set I was approached about beginning my bronze program. I put it off for a few weeks, not sure if I wanted to pursue dancing any further. When it came right down to it, I did want to pursue it...I finally found a hobby I love! So here I am, a full- fledged bronze student, enjoying myself immensely, and considering a career change......just kidding! I wish I had started years ago, however, for I believe it would have improved my soccer skills. Coach was always wanting me to do the dot drill to make me faster (I never did the dot drill Coach, sorry!). Let me tell you, dancing the samba, mambo, salsa, cha cha, and swing has done the trick and it sure is a lot more fun!

"Berry" Big

This lone blackberry came from the Woodby's garden today. Aunt Cathy generously shared the find with me. It was a bit tart, but tasty nonetheless. Have you ever seen such a big berry?!?

When Your Heart Hurts

Something hit me today during church (no, not a pen, gum wrapper, or anything like that!). I can't even remember what Pastor Muri was talking about at that exact moment, but God spoke to my heart in an amazing way. The thought that came to me was this: "God cares about my problems. He cares that my heart is burdened with something right now, and He wants to help me. He hates my sin, but He loves me." Maybe one of you who reads this is hurting in some way, whether it be a sin issue or some other trial. Please let your heart be encouraged. God wants us to have victory, to win with Him. And it is only with Him that we can ever succeed.

Pool Fun

The kids had the pool to themselves for a bit yesterday while us old folks were just sitting around soaking up the sun. Kameron and Alyza had way too much energy...they would jump in, climb out, run around the side, jump in, and do it all over again. We were getting tired watching them! Lexi was happy just floating around in the inner tube, and Kendall played by the edge since she can't swim by herself yet. They were so fun to watch. Oh to be a carefree kid again!

the Girls

Here are the some of the girls who are my "sisters". Annie, on the opposite end of me, will someday be my sister-in-law; Amanda and Nicole are cousins I grew up with as sisters; and Julee is another cousin who is close to us. I love my girls, my sisters. Thank you, Lord!

Red Flags

Typically, when a person hears the term "red flag" he or she thinks "warning, danger, be alert, stay away." Not in Grand Haven!!! When we hear that the red flag is flying at the beach, we get excited. This is when the fun starts. Enormous waves, strong undertow....You think, "that sounds like danger to me!" Well, I suppose it is dangerous, but for those of us who grew up in Lake Michigan, these are the best of times. Today was a red flag day; a fun day. Karin wasn't so into the waves, but Melissa and I spent a long time being buffeted about by the raging waters. We came out tired, weak, and dizzy....and happy as could be. You should come try it sometime...come to Grand Haven and play in the waves!

Friendly Day

All my college friends live in other parts of the country, except for Karin Woodby of course. Today I got a call from Bethanie Wall, my best friend in college. We talked for about an hour and a half, just getting caught up on each other's lives. Email is great, but a phone call is better. Then this evening I was invited to dinner at the Woodby's house and then to go out with Karin and Melissa MacNeal. Melissa lives in New York but is working at Camp CoBeAc for the summer. She was the same year as Karin in school, two years behind me. They were friends first, but when we started riding to church together and working in Sparks together on Wednesday nights Melissa and I also got to be pretty good friends. I loved college and miss all my friends, so I was blessed to have contact with two of them today. Thank You, Lord!

So, tonight Karin, Melissa, and I went down and walked on the boardwalk. First we stopped in Mackinaw Kite Co. and had some fun. On our walk to the pier we walked on the rocks just like when we were kids. Saturday nights are always crowded and super busy, but it was still fun. After our trek to the end of the pier we stopped in at Cold Stone to enjoy some of their delicious ice cream. Great friends, nice weather, yummy food, perfect night!

Go Ahead, Laugh, I Don't Care!

So, my fireworks pictures didn't really work that well, but I found them to be so humorous I just had to share them with everyone!

Sisters

For some reason God chose not to give me any biological sisters. I think it would be fun to have a sister. TAD is the best brother in the world and I wouldn't trade him for anything, but he's not a sister. By God's grace, I have been blessed with a handful of women who are pretty much sisters to me. One of those women is my cousin, Amanda. We are 361 days apart in age, me being older. As we have become adults, she a wife and a mother even, our relationship has grown stronger. She will call me anytime she wants to and I will do the same. When I am at her house, she and Adam let me stay as late as I want. Amanda lets me talk about my ballroom dancing as much as I want and I will gladly listen to her talk about her Mary Kay business. I could go on and on and be here all night, but what I am really trying to say is this: if I had a biological sister, I would want her to be just like Amanda. I am privileged to have a sister-like relationship with her. She is not only my cousin and 'sister', but also my friend.

Today we had a girl's day...Amanda, Grace (her 8 month old daughter), and I went to the bead store (it's real name is Creative Fringe) and made jewelry. Amanda made a gorgeous necklace with matching earrings, and I made a fabulous pink and black necklace. The picture is a bit shadowy, but we are wearing the pieces we made. Fun times!

A Brief Respite

Today I found a great blog, entitled Strangers Among Us , which inspired me to post this picture here. I took this picture while waiting on the bus to get out of Mexico. Men and women dressed in white were walking among the hundreds of cars asking for donations. By the writing on their attire I am assuming they were with some sort of charity or mission. I saw this lady taking a rest from the sun under the shade of her umbrella. In my mind this presented a unique photo opportunity. Growing up with a father who was something of a photographer I have learned to appreciate unusual photographs such as this one. Perhaps you will find it interesting; perhaps not.

Freedom

I heard this poem when I was in college. The title especially stood out to me, and all the meaning it holds. As you thank God for a free country today, Independence Day, remember this one thing:

Freedom is Not Free

- Kelly Strong

I watched the flag pass by one day.

It fluttered in the breeze

A young soldier saluted it, and then

He stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform

So young, so tall, so proud

With hair cut square and eyes alert

He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought how many men like him

Had fallen through the years.

How many died on foreign soil?

How many mothers' tears?

How many pilots' planes shot down?

How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?

No Freedom is not free

I heard the sound of taps one night,

When everything was still.

I listened to the bugler play

And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times

That taps had meant "Amen"

When a flag had draped a coffin of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,

Of the mothers and the wives,

Of fathers, sons and husbands

With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard

At the bottom of the sea

Of unmarked graves in Arlington.

No Freedom isn't free!

picture from www.fmaa-usa.com

Izzy

In all my days working with children, my name has been pronounced in some interesting ways. I have been called "Yindsey", "Windsey", "Wizzie", and "Lizzie". Today a new one came up: "Izzy". I spent the day with Donna Ball and her two adorable children. Her two-year-old, Taylor, is the one who gave me the name "Izzy." She is also the one who wanted ice cream and told us she loves "choc-it" (chocolate). I like this girl; if she loves ice cream and chocolate she can pronounce my name just about however she wants!

Loving Others

Yesterday in church pastor preached an awesome message about loving others. One statement he made really stuck out to me: "If you are trying to satisfy yourself, you will never really be satisfied. If you are trying to make yourself happy, you will never really be happy." My life is full...full to overflowing. Every single night of the week I have some commitment or another. Every day I have things to accomplish. Yet, my life has held such a feeling of emptiness lately. I think I now know why. Everything I do, I do for me. Tuesday-Thursday nights are busy with "spiritual" things: jail ministry, prayer meeting, and Bible study. How could I be doing all those and feel unsatisfied? Because I was doing them for me. I need to turn my eyeballs around and look outside myself for once. Jail ministry should be done for the ladies I meet, to share Christ with them and encourage them. Prayer meeting is a time to set aside for praying for others who have physical and spiritual needs. And Bible study is a time to edify and exhort other ladies I meet with as we study God's Word. All these things are good, but with my eyes on myself, I will never really be satisfied with my work. Now I can do all these things and truly be happy in the Lord as He uses me to take His Words of truth and joy to others.

Loving others doesn't stop there, though. That is just the big picture. Love of others ought to show itself in our everyday activities. How we treat people at the bank, the store, the gas station. How we greet fellow believers in public. 1 John says that people will know we are Christians by the love we have for eachother. Is your life about loving others, or are you too busy loving yourself? This is something I have been convicted about and I know I must make changes in my life in this area. Maybe you, too, need to stop and evaluate who you are loving more. Remember, "in this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His son to be the propitiation for our sins...if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:10-11).