Brittany Maynard Response from NEW Lutheran

This is a video that the high school I graduated from put together. I am so proud of the fact that they have developed a class that is learning so much about current issues and how to shine their light into the world.


The story about Brittany Maynard is heartbreaking. Cancer is heartbreaking.

No one wants to deal with the pain and suffering it brings. Thankfully, many have found the comfort they need in their most awful hours from a God who loves us unconditionally.
I pray that Brittany hears the message that so many Christians are lifting up to God.

I hope that she may feel the love that so many Christians are praying upon her.

We are not looking at this situation with judgment in mind, but with the view of God's plan and timing. He is the one who is in control, that is not our choice to make.


Brittany Maynard said she will take her life November 1, 2014.

That's tomorrow.

Send up those prayers.

Aspirations

Goals. Aspirations. Dreams.

Whatever you wish to call them, you should have them.

Have a purpose in life.

A reason to do what you do.

Personally, my ultimate and overlying goal in life is to be a light for Christ and to be a true example of what His servant should look like.

Right now I am not doing so well at that. 

So I am working on changing the necessary things in my life to get back on track. 

It's hard, but it's possible.

I have other goals, all of which support this overlying goal.

Some of my others are:

• marry the man of my dreams
• graduate college
• become a Lutheran classroom teacher (hopefully a preschool or kindergarten classroom!)
• gain better control over my anxiety and handle my stress better
• start a family
• find a church that fits my family's needs in the best way possible.

Obviously some of these goals are quite a ways off yet. Some have more flexibility in when they may occur.

Regardless of what I have in mind for timing, I need to keep in mind that God has the timing worked out already. It isn't going to always go how I have planned.

Matthew 6 offers a reminder about how to handle these unplanned events and timings:

25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Wise Wednesday

Overwhelmed

Do you ever reach the point where you feel like you are going to break?

I got closer to that today.

I have been trying really hard not to begin cutting again, but damn, it's hard.

I am beginning to fall behind on homework because of work.

I also overthink everything. It is so hard planning a wedding when Trevor offers no opinions, while I am working 15ish hours a week, and taking 17 credits this semester.

I'm scared my breaking point is so close within reach that I will be there in no time at all.

Gosh, this is scary.

Even last night, it took me forever to fall asleep because of all of the thoughts racing through my mind.

I hate going to bed mad, and last night I did.

I really am scared.

Article: Young Engagement

I often come across articles I find fascinating and send them to people they either "apply" to or who I think would find them equally interesting.
I recently came across an article about why someone got engaged before they were 23.
Such a good article.

I am so used to people giving me this look of disgust when I say I am 19 and engaged.
Why do people who do not know you assume they know anything about you? You do not know what my relationship is like, so why are you immediately judging my choice.

This article is an awesome response to my personal frustration, and to the frustration other people in a position similar to me may be feeling.
Take a look: 5 Reasons Why I Got Engaged Before 23.

Blog Reboot

My blog reboot has officially finished!

I have a new background, new font, new title area, and more posts!

I am loving this new look. It definitely encapsulates what my life is about right now.

Let me know your thoughts on the blog makeover!

Work

Well I'm officially not the newest employee at Noodles!
Today, a woman was actually asking me questions, it's her first week there and I seemed to know what I was talking about.

Yesterday I worked at PLUS Time from 3-6 and was then picked up by my aunt to babysit my cousins. I watched them from 8 pm- 1:30 am. This morning my Noodles shift was 11 am- 2 pm. And I head back for a 4- 8 pm shift. Tomorrow I work a split as well.

I'm getting so exhausted from working so much. However, this coming week I don't work Tuesday or Thursday, which will be nice to have a little bit of a break.

The money is much needed. In case you did not already know--weddings are expensive!

Flashback Friday

In my Educational Psychology class last week we discussed memory.
One portion that really stuck out to me was "episodic memory."

Episodic memory is long-term memory for information tied to a particular time and place, especially memory of the events in a person's life. They are often tied to emotional or dramatic events in one's life.

These are those moments that happen with "dejavu."
Those moments where you have a flashback of something that happened to you pop into your when in similar circumstances.

For instance, when I moved to Green Bay from La Crescent, I had an episodic memory occur of leaving my grade school in Good Thunder, MN to move to La Crescent.

It's absolutely amazing how the mind works and how complex it is! Don't we have such an awesome God to have created us with these wonderfully well equipped brains?!


*Also, I have blogged for two weeks straight now! Awesome--right?! Well, the blog reboot has just about come to a close, and I'll be blogging more regularly than I had been before. However, it won't be daily like it has the past two weeks. But Wise Wednesdays will be a weekly occurrence! Have any ideas or thoughts for me, let me know!*

Pizza Ranch and Noodles and Company

Pizza Ranch and Noodles and Company are definitely two different worlds.

My favorite thing about working at Pizza Ranch: my co workers, the owners, the environment in general.
My favorite thing about working at Noodles: I get paid $8.25/hr.

I strongly believe that your favorite part of your job should not be the amount you are paid. However, that's really all I like about Noodles.

Noodles has challenged me in a way that Pizza Ranch did not though. I am meeting a lot of different people through working there. Everyone has such different backgrounds and it is quite the struggle to be the white, pastor's kid that goes to a private college. And yes, I have been asked why I am not living with my fiance yet. The only girl there that knew I am a pastor's kid popped into the conversation to say, "Obviously because she's a pastor's kid and can't do it before she's married."

In my senior year of high school, I took an advanced biology course. We discussed how we would be faced with the topic of creation versus evolution throughout our lives. In the class we were taught both sides. Yes, I learned about evolution at a private, Lutheran school. However, part of me feared the day I would actually face the conversation with someone who really, genuinely believed in evolution.

Sunday I faced that fear. We did not discuss it much, but it was brought up about how a co worker's friend went to a private Christian college for pre-med. She feared the friend would not be accepted into medical school because of "false" science classes, meaning they not only taught evolution, but also creation. I told her about how my high school taught evolution and she seemed to lighten up a bit about the topic, since I flat out stated that I believe in creationism.

It was amazing to me that I had the opportunity to take a stance on my beliefs. I did not know how awesome ti would feel. I did not talk much about my faith, but the fact that I told her I supported creationism shows that I do believe in God.

At Pizza Ranch, I do not know that I would ever have a conversation like that. For one, there is not ever much down time where you just stand around and talk with your co workers. At Noodles, that happens quite frequently.

Despite the fact that I do not like working at Noodles very much, in general, I think that God has definitely placed me there for a reason. For a reason more than just to be able to afford a wedding in August. I am excited to see where Noodles takes me and what I am pushed to do as God's servant.

Wise Wednesday

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

With October's huge emphasis on breast cancer awareness, I thought I would share one of the most intriguing articles about the topic that I have ever read. Ever.

This article is written by a woman who has undergone a bilateral mastectomy (both of her breasts removed) and complete axillary lymph node dissection (remove the lymph nodes which are under the armpits).

Take a read and hear what she has to say: Please Put That Pink Can of Soup Down and Put Your Bra Back On

H&M Obsession

H&M is my all-time favorite place to shop.

They have all of life's essentials.

My most recent online purchase came to a total of: $44.94.

More than I normally allow myself to spend..

However, my purchases were simply divine. I have no regrets of what I bought!

Above you see me wearing some of the lovely new items!

Here's what I bought!

Jacquard Weave Scarf- it's on sale for only $10 (that's how much I paid too) right now!

It looks amazing paired a plain v-neck and Columbia for a brisk fall day.

Mug- $3

These: Deer, Marten, Owl, Ape, and Dog are similar and are the same price as my raccoon mug! Talk about adorable mugs! I fill mine with chai tea lattes regularly..

Leopard Patterned Blouse- $14.95

I normally do not go for "exotic" prints, however they were sold out of the floral so I decided to go for it. I really love this shirt. It fits nicely and dresses up any pair of jeans! It also has a cute buttoned keyhole back.

Gold 4-Pair Earrings- $5.95

I was looking at earrings last time I was at H&M in Mall of America, but decided against buying any. I had asked an employee if they were hypoallergenic (a must for my sensitive ears) and she couldn't find an answer for me. So I skipped them. Online I couldn't even find a good answer. I decided to buy these. I figured if they did not cause my ears problems: awesome! If they did, I just have to give them to someone else. No problems yet! I love them. Perfect gold accents to my normally jewelry-free attire!

Gold Pendant Necklace- $3.95

I've really been digging gold accessories lately. I don't know why. Here is another awesome piece that I am more than happy to have added to my growing jewelry collection. It is so simple, yet so fabulous! It classes up any outfit.

Those were my purchases my last online order. I have not needed to shop online as much here, in Saint Paul, because there is so much shopping nearby. It helps me to get the "need" to spend out of my system. However, I am extremely happy with my purchases and cannot wait to find more good deals that are amazingly cute from H&M again!

Inspirational Video

All of us struggle in some aspect of our life. Some it's money, some it's relationships, some infinite other reasons.
Miss Kay from Duck Dynasty talks about her struggles from earlier in life..
I invite you to take a look at this video.
Miss Kay

Crazy Week

What an absolutely crazy week!

Monday was just a day filled with post-break hangover. Classes suck so much more after break.

Tuesday I ended up skipping my only class. We had a 20 page article we were supposed to read and take notes on, I had completely forgotten. 

Wednesday I had just an outrageously long day..but Trevor and I made some decisions on our wedding and stuff is finally getting done! We have a date picked, venue figured out, and a timeline for the day done! Now to send in the paperwork..
Thursday I did not have any classes, but started my first day at Noodles & Company. It is strange to be working with food somewhere other than Pizza Ranch. I can not really tell if I will really enjoy it or not, however everyone seems really nice there. That will certainly help.

Friday was a busy day. A test. A group discussion on a required reading. A quiz. A paper. Enough said.

My Wonderful Other Best Friend

E: What's your first memory of us?
B: I met you before the beginning of the school year in volleyball practice

E: What's your favorite memory of us?
B: Probably all the time we spent together driving around to random parks and just hanging out at you house and sometimes my house. Ooo or that time we laid in my front yard and watched Dirty Dancing... There are a lot more but I will stop there
B: And getting ready for dance together senior year

E: What's your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?
B: My biggest dream is to become an amazing wife and mother

E: What do you see happening in the next 10 years? Be detailed.
B: In ten years I will be 29 (wow that is old) Well I will be done with college, so hopefully I will have taught for a few years. I also see myself being married and having children. I would see myself at this point working from home so I could stay with my kids.
E: How many children at that point?
B: Hmm I don't know at least one but hopefully more like two

E: What do you look forward to most in the next year?
B: Um being half way done with college, spending more time in classrooms, spending time with all of my friends, and of course yours and Trevor's wedding
E: Aww

E: Where is your current favorite place to shop?
B: This sounds really interesting but I like online shopping. I fill up my cart and delete it and then it gets rid of my need to go shopping. I like Amazon and TJ Maxx.
E:That makes sense.
B: I like to think so plus it is a really good method for procrastination

E: Do you have any final thoughts/comments/things you would like to share with my blog?
B: Well this is the longest I have been without hanging out with Elisebeth and I miss her a ton. So enjoy the time you have with your friends and family.

My Wonderful Best Friend

E: What is your first memory of us?
A: I think it was winter league for volleyball before freshmen year.
E: I wasn't here for that lol
A: Haha oops... Oh! Oh! It was Sarah's party!
A: I completely forgot about that!

E: What's your favorite memory of us?
A: I don't think I have just one haha
A: I remember getting ready for snowball and Steinhaus was there at your house.. Creeper..
A: Or when you were here at my house and my dad started to sing karaoke with us
A: Or stage one
A: Or when we did solo and ensemble together
E: Wow, so many good times

E: What's your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?
A: Right now it's to discover who and what I'm supposed to be
A: And probably somehow make it into the fashion industry
E: Like as a designer? Model?
A: Both or either or!

E: Have any wedding plans you want to share with my blog? (Ana got engaged December 2013!)
A:

A: Well... Where to begin... First off I'm going for the rustic/vintage/boho theme with sage green and blush as being the primary color scheme..
A: As for flowers I'm thinking peonies and helaboris because of the time of year I'd like the wedding to take place, ideally either the last weekend in June or the first weekend in July of 2016.

A:

 A:

 A:

A: Here are some examples..
A: A lot of the decor and such is going to be DIY and things that I've had people so kindly offer to let me borrow. Even the wedding favors are going to be made by my grandma and I; we're going to make jam to give away as gifts.
A: The ceremony itself I would like to be held in the middle of the woods behind my grandparents'
house with the reception to be held in their barn or if that is not possible, I would rent a large event tent and have it in their back yard.
A:

 A:

A: The wedding party and overall guest list is going to be small, with only 75-115 people invited and 3 bridesmaids including the maid of honor and three grooms men.
A: I have yet to decide on a menu so that is still up in the air
E: It sounds like you have pretty much everything else figured out! You should just plan my wedding ;)
A: We don't have a big budget at all for this wedding so we are probably going to keep it relatively "simple". I used the "" because as you well know I have my ideas and they can be pretty complex haha
A: I would love to plan your wedding! Haha
A: And as for my dress I shall keep that one a secret ;)
E: Smart!

E: I can't believe you have all of that figured out already!

A: I've had that figured out for a long time haha

E: What do you see happening in the next 10 years? Be detailed.

A: In the next ten years... Hmm.... Well, Nick and I get married and hopefully by then I will have a set idea as to what it is I would like to pursue career wise. Once Nick is out of the Marines we plan on moving back here and probably getting an apartment to start of with, but eventually we would like to buy a house with land so we can have a small hobby farm with chickens, goats, horses, cats, and a dog. After he's out he is thinking of going into the police force. We also have dreams of traveling the world together before we completely settle down and start a family; which probably wouldn't be till we're 30 or so.

E: Seems like you have it all figured out!

A: Or so I like to think haha

E: Do you have any last comments/words of inspiration/things you need to share for my blog?

A: Well I should say that though it may seem that I have this grand plan of how I want everything to work out I don't expect it to. I don't mean that in any negative sense at all, what I mean is that I know God always has a plan as to how the events in my life, in everyone's lives, will play out for the better even when it seems like things are not going at all the way you had planned them. I always have to remind myself that God is in control and that in the end what he has planned is so much more amazing than anything I could have come up with and that it's times like those that shape who we are and who we become.

A: There I think I said all that I needed to say haha

Wise Wednesday

Every Wednesday I plan to share a bit of wisdom with you all.. So here ya go!

My Wonderful Fiance

E: What is your first memory of us?

T: Lol

T: Us, going to the ranch

T: For lunch

T: Or dinner

T: Whatever it was

E: What is your favorite memory of us?

T: I think seeing Hillsong with you

E: Wow, going way back to the beginning..

T: What??

E: What is your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?

T: Me?

T: Or us?

E: You.

T: Hmmm
T: I don't know, just be successful in something I love
T: Photography...Music

E: What do you look forward to most in the next year?
T: Um
T: Getting ready to live life together daily I think
E: Aww

E: What do you expect to happen in the next 10 years? Be detailed.
T: Ughhhh
T: Hm. Well... I'd like to finish school and move somewhere with more opportunity for us to do stuff! California preferably. I'd like to continue doing photography together since we both enjoy that. I'd like in a few years to grow our family as well and grow together in faith.

E: Do you have any last comments you would like to say for my blog? T: No comments. Yolo. Idk lol

My Wonderful Sister

E: What's your first memory of us?

K: Uh it's a toss up between when I showed the neighbors your bra once or you showing me that you could do a tummy roll thing and I couldn't so we were arguing over whether or not you were fat or I was.

K: lol. good times.
E: I don't remember either of those times!

E: What's your favorite memory of us?
K: Idk. Just talking in the kitchen when mom and dad are asleep.
E: Why?
K: Idk. cause it was bonding time.

E: Do you miss me when I'm at college?
K: Sometimes but sometimes I forget you are away
E; Ouch
K: Well you were gone a lot right before you left so

E: What is your favorite thing about having an older sister?
K: Same clothing size
K: Like having two closets

E: What's your least favorite thing about having an older sister?
K: You're crabby a lot so I guess that's a thing and you dance rape me sometimes(you can word that however you want)
E: Uh lol

E:What's your biggest dream you hope to accomplish?
K: Idk ummm I haven't thought that far ahead I'm just focused on school and crap like that right now

E: Do you have any idea where you want to go to college?
K: Idk. Probably a Concordia. Maybe Bethany.

E: Do you have any last comments for my blog?
K: School is hard. Don't do it.


Well there ya have it! My baby sister! Love her, even though sometimes she forgets about me... <3

Meet Me

As I am reinventing my blog, I hope to gain new followers.

While many of you probably know me from high school and the like, some things have changed about me since then..After all that was about two years ago since we went to school together!

I am going to do a few introductory posts like this to start things off.
If I did go to high school with you, I would love to hear how things have changed in your life too!

The Little Things

Well, followers..
The time has come for me to redo my blog.

I've begun to feel bored with it, so I thought I would try a few new things.
To start things off, I am going to blog more regularly and use more graphic grabbers.
What's a graphic grabber, you ask? Look up.

Thanks to Canva, I designed that little beauty! I absolutely love the site.

Back on track now..
So the blog that has truly inspired me to change my look is Absolutely Arkansas!
Kylie is a newlywed and one of the craftiest people that I "know".
I aspire to someday reach her level of DIY projects, but for starts, how about I just run a semi-decent blog?

So, in order for me to do this, I am going to be refocusing myself.

As a college student, it is so easy to get caught up in the stress of assignments and projects.
As a new adult, it is easy to get overwhelmed with bills and payments.
As a newly engaged woman, it is easy to be swept away with wedding plans and the million tasks to accomplish before the big day gets here.

Right now I fill a lot of roles. I am trying so many new things and experiencing so much.

How to avoid the stress?
I often ask myself this..normally after I am already overly stressed..

The little things in life.
Who is there for you when you are sick and don't want to do anything but lie around?
For me, I instantly think back to last winter when I had mono. Trevor would come over nearly everyday of break and sit by my side as we watched Netflix. I seldom felt like doing anything, but he was there nonetheless.
What do you have to drink before class, or you'll die from exhaustion/thirst/hunger?
I can't leave my apartment without a Chai Tea Latte in hand for my 8 am class.
Who is there when you come home from breaks?
I love being greeted by Buddy, my family's maltipoo, even though he often runs right past me to say "hi" to Trevor. 

There are so many other little things we don't even realize are there.
Two days ago I drove up to Institute, WI in Door County. My sister had a volleyball game at Sevastopol High School.
I had an amazing time driving up alone. I jammed to music and stopped in Sturgeon Bay to take some photos.
The little things I enjoyed then: alone time, music, God's wonderful creation, fall colors, the open bay, volleyball, and time with my sister.

All in all, we need to remember to step back each day and reflect on the little things we have been blessed with. Despite all the doom and gloom we may be experiencing, there is so much good in our lives too.

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