On Campus Adventure gets Creative

We were charged with the task to create a little 3 min commercial describing our activities that we offer here at CrossRoads.  My activity is On Campus Adventure, which can also be described as "If you have fun, don't break any bones, and don't leave with poison ivy, you win!"  We decided the best way to show campers a little taste of what they would be doing, should they sign up for our activity would be to create a short slide show of some pictures.  Here's what we created:

dirt in my mouth and sweat on my brow

I am writing this from my staff training dorm at Garder Webb University in Boiling Springs NC. Its late, and I'm tired so this will be short. I am going to try and do this every day, but we'll see. I want to document one thing I learn a day, and share it with my 8 followers ;-) and the rest of cyberspace heh
Ok so today was a long day. Hugged Erica goodbye this morning and hung out with Tom for a few hours, then it was off to BS...map quest told me it would take 2 hours...it took one...We moved are stuff in and hung out for a few hours, then had some meetings-a returners expectations meeting, and then "the meeting"-where you get to hear every single rule for 2 hours...honestly though, not close to as bad as it sounds.
Side note T.J. I met Amanda Godfrey and she's pretty sweet!
Then we played some ultiment and it was SO fun. I learned the technique of throwing a hammer...I can't really do it yet, but I did learn. Then Sarah, who is my roommate and I had some bonding time, and here I am...
What I learned today:
I have to step up and step out and talk to people and not be scared, because, especially here, people enjoy getting to know others and its pretty fun
ok the end

Reflections in preparation

As I pack for camp tonight, I am thinking back on the last year, and how much Crossroads has made an enormous impact on my life. I've learned so much over the past year, grown so much, and, I pray, become a better friend, daughter, student, sister, and person.  Of course, not all of this is because of camp, but it is all because of the way my relationship with Christ has grown this year, how He has pulled me closer and opened my heart to His love, and some of His plans for me.  This all did start, however, with Crossroads.  

• I have discovered a passion for "at risk" kids and families.  This has come from a desire to make an impact on people's lives.  God has revealed to me the suffering in this world through a variety of different things, and I have come to realize that I cannot sit by in the comforts of suburbia and pretend like everything in the world is as easy as my life is.  I cannot do it.  I think my reading of Irresistible Revolution has a lot to do with this.  Just hearing about a different way to live.  A literal take on Jesus's teachings in the new testament, and an opening of my eyes to the inequalities in the world today really changed my goals and aspirations in life.  
  
• I have learned what a servant's heart looks like, and have slowly begun shed the fear of being used for the desire of serving and loving people.  
  
• I am discovering what it means to have selfless love for the people around me.  This process is well chronicled in this blog, and honestly, I'm no where close.  I am on the road, however.  
  
• I have fallen in love with the outdoors and every thing about it.  I can't get enough, even on hot summer days.  This I owe completely to Crossroads! 
  
• I have focused more on school, and have a growing desire to do my best in every moment of my life.  I struggle with why I need to do that (as an offering to my Christ as opposed to the satisfaction and pride it brings me as a person)
  
• I am learning to have a relationship with a boy, and to not be scared all the time, and to live in the moment, and what emotional purity looks like.  SLOWLY learning.

I'm sure there are more, but thats what I've got.  Also, when I say I, its more "Jesus is teaching" as opposed to "I am learning"

65 things i've "never" been asked

1. First thing you wash in the shower?
hair usually.
2. What color is your favorite hoodie?
gray

3. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again?
yes!

4. Do you plan outfits?
in days when I have to get up early but only to delay the process for as long as possible

5. How are you feeling RIGHT now?
in love....thanks "the proposal" for making me feel like a total girl

6. Whats the closest thing to you that's red?
my computer cover

7. Tell me about the last dream you remember having?
it was about my first night in london.  I hadn't turned in all my paper work, and it was freaking out because i didn't know my way around yet, and i would have to go find the SA office alone in the city, which looked alot like a run down mining town

8. Did you meet anybody new today?
yes.  however, i cannot remember his name

9. What are you craving right now?
water, and some time with Jesus.  also some time with Tom

10. Do you floss?
...no

11. What comes to mind when I say cabbage?
charlie and the chocolate factory...don't they eat cabbage soup at the beginning?

12. Are you emotional?
yes, although I like to pretend I'm not 

13. Have you ever counted to 1,000?
yes, when I was younger I used to do it by twos just to see if I could (i can) 

14. Do you bite into your ice cream or just lick it?
if its in a cone i bite, but not from a sppon

15. Do you like your hair?
some days i love it, others I hate it....never in between

16. Do you like yourself?
i'm getting there.  I'm learning to love the creation God has made in me without being prideful....I'm also trying to figure out how in the world I'm sinful enough to have self confidence and pride issues

17. Would you go out to eat with George W. Bush?
i would.  I want to know what he is really like.  *this does not in any way reflect on my opinions of him as a president 

19. Are your parents strict?
they were as I was growing up, but have become less so with my younger brothers and sister.  I love them for it.  I would much rather be sheltered than over exposed 

20. Would you go sky diving?
not singly, but with a guide or professional or whatever, absolutely. 

21. Do you like cottage cheese?
nope

22. Have you ever met a celebrity?
yes.  peewee hurman and jessica beal...

23. Do you rent movies often?
redbox :)

24. Is there anything sparkly in the room you're in?
yes

25. How many countries have you visited?
...4....5 (maybe more) in the fall!!!! 

26. Have you made a prank phone call?
only to people I know

27. Ever been on a train?
does a subway count

28. Brown or white eggs?
i don't know the difference except maybe in the price....i get white

29.Do you have a cell-phone?
of course...this question should be updated to "do you use twitter"...my answer would still be yes

30. Do you use chap stick?
oh yes. love it!

31. Do you own a gun?
nope, never will

32. Can you use chop sticks?
most of the time

33. Who are you going to be with tonight?
no where else....

34. Are you too forgiving?
yes, but i could always be more so.  I think its more that I can't hold a grudge.  

35. Ever been in love?
yes

36. What is your best friend(s) doing tomorrow?
anna and hannah are working, not sure about Katie...Tom is also working if he counts 

37. Ever have cream puffs?
mrs. dana's are the best

38. Last time you cried?
today

39. What was the last question you asked?
where am I sleeping maybe

40. Favorite time of the year?
fall

41. Do you have any tattoos?
2

42. Are you sarcastic?
NO! NOT AT ALL *sarcastic tone implied

43. Have you ever seen The Butterfly Effect?
no

44. Ever walked into a wall?
yes

45. Favorite color?
purple

46. Have you ever slapped someone?
yes.  I was in the 6th grade on a cruise, and a boy was trying to "booty" dance with me and I had already asked him to stop but he wouldn't so I slapped him.  The end

47. Is your hair curly?
oh yes.

48. What was the last CD you bought?
on itunes...i don't know

49. Do looks matter?
i wish they mattered less. 

50. Could you ever forgive a cheater?
the one time its happened I couldn't.  It depends on the situation.  I could to save my marriage, but only by the grace of my God

51. Is your phone bill sky high?
nope I stay in the rules

52. Do you like your life right now?
yes.  God has blessed me so much, i am only beginning to realize it

53. Do you sleep with the TV on?
sometimes

54. Can you handle the truth?
sometimes.  I would rather hear it though.  I hate being lied to more than just about anything

55. Do you have good vision?
i pretend i do

56. Do you hate or dislike more than 3 people?
no.

57. How often do you talk on the phone?
not a fan, but at least once a day

58. [This question is under construction.]
there are not 65 questions then

59. What are you wearing?
shorts and a tank top 

60. What is your favorite animal ?
i love monkeys

61. Where was your default picture taken at?
virginia hilton park in lexington

62. Can you hula hoop?
only with Brittany Brock's hula hoop

63. Do you have a job?
yep.  Two actually.  i start my second on wed.  CrossRoads HERE I COME!!!!!!!!

64. What was the most recent thing you bought?
ICE CREAM!

65. Have you ever crawled through a window?
maybe, but not to sneak out...

Beach

I'm here.  Photo's will come.  

Its been great.  I have had so much fun spending time with my family.  Tom was also here for a few days which was so good.  Nice to spend some time together before the summer is rushed by.  We had some fun on the way up, when Blastoise, formerly known as the Blue Bullet, needed a break about half way through...so we chilled on the side of the road...2 cops checked on us...the second even stopped traffic.  It was hot, and we still had fun ;-) Finally we made it to The beach was fabulous, and we just had a great time...we tried to play some Settlers, which is hard when my 11 year old brother is yelling at us the whole time because he wasn't winning...ended up being no fun at all, but a rather funny experience.

I am now lonely for the rest of the week, so I will be finishing "the shack," which I'm not really that big a fan of, and reading Kristin's copy of "Redeeming Love" again

For those who followed my blog last summer, I won't be returning to it, but continuing this one, just cause it's easier :-) I have also decided to "delete" my facebook for the entirety of camp.  Should be interesting, and I think difficult.  We'll see.

....this is me blogging more

If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 44 things about your friends, and let them learn 44 things about you! Tag the person that sent it plus others. (whatever)

1. Do you like blue cheese? its not bad...i'm not really a fan of cheese 

2. Have you ever been drunk? nope...never plan to be

3. Do you own a gun? no. never will.

4. What flavor of Kool-Aid was your favorite? i hate Kool-Aid

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? sometimes

6. What do you think of hot dogs? after helping make 300 at lunch today and having kids explain how they are made, still gotta love 'em

7. Favorite Christmas movie? A Christmas Story...the MOVIE, not the play

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? water, sometimes orange juice

9. Can you do push ups? I can, although when I was in the tenth grade, I messed up my rotator cuff doing them at a swim meet....brilliant decision to show off....i still have trouble with that shoulder 

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? amethyst earrings from my wonderful late grandmother.  I miss her dearly.  Purple was her favorite color, and is also mine.  She was a huge influence in my life.  I love Jesus today mostly because of her and the influence she had on the people around me.  

11. Favorite hobby? Photography....check out my Flikr

12. Do you have A.D.D.? ADHD

13. What's your favorite shoe? either my riding boots or my moccasins 

14. Middle name? michelle

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 1. Its late 2. VACATION TOMORROW 3.I want God to move me

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Coke and water...thats really about it....

17. Current worry? stupid SC teacher loan, and the future.  However, my Bible says Do not worry about tomorrow.  Tomorrow will take care of itself.  Today has enough worry of its own.  Worry is the mistrust of my savior, and the more I worry the further I get from Him.  

18. Current hate right now? that I can't stay at the Leisure Center and go to Crossroads

19. How did you bring in the New Year? with my family, the way I always do

20. What is your favorite band? ....no idea....Iron and Wine maybe...Sigur Ros...although thats not really a band...Coldplay? 

21. Where would you like to go? Africa...for an extended period of time too

22. Name three people who will complete this? let's just be honest here...no one

23. Do you own slippers? i own moccasins 

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? no comment

25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? i haven't but I can't imagine i would...jersey is nice

26. Can you whistle? nope....

27. Favorite color? purple 

28. Would you be a pirate? ....first of all what kind of question is this? and honestly, no not at all murder and theft go against everything I believe in....

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? star spangled banner...re-living the glory days.(I sang it at the last basketball game of my senior year, and for some reason everyone loved it....and I'm proud of that...dont think I could ever do it again but)

30. Favorite Girl's Name? no idea...I found an amazing biblical one in acts the other day but I can't remember it now

31. Favorite boy's name? Hayden

32. What's in your pocket right now? no pockets

33. Last thing that made you laugh? ..."how do you wake up lady gaga? poke 'er face" spoken by a ten year old.  I love my job

34. Best bed sheets as a child? alladin all the way...they were actually jasmin i think...purple and pink...and totally awesome...the tiger was on my pillow!

35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? I was standing on a stack of chairs, and I fell face first and broke my nose....two black eyes for about a week

36. Do you love where you live? i prefer the thrill

37. What menial tasks drive you nuts? ...anything where I can't see the end product.  I would hate factory work

38. Who is your loudest friend? hmmmm...toss up between me and KT manley

39. How many dogs do you have? uno

40. Does someone have a crush on you? yeah... i kinda like him too ;-)

41. What is your favorite book? The Bible. Irresistible Revolution (shane clabourn) it will change the way you live.  

42. What is your favorite candy? shockers maybe...laughy taffy...its a candy and a joke...Razzels are also AWESOME...i had some for the first time the other night

43. Favorite Sports Team? cubs

44. What song do you want played at your funeral? amazing grace or isaiah 43

fun with the leisure center

I've been told I should blog more.  So I'm doing it.  Also feeling slightly ADD, so this should be interesting.

James 1:4 

⁴Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

I've been hanging out in James 1 for the past few days, meditating on versus 2-8.  Today, this verse was my day.  The end.

We took our kids to Riverbanks Zoo.  It was 94 degrees.  We parked in the Botanical Gardens Lot, which is about half a mile from the actual Zoo, and did I mention it was 94.  Oh yeah, and we had 39 kids, so the tram was not an option.  

However, the walk to and from the Zoo was wonderful.  It was a little warm, but beautiful.  We walked across the big bridge over the river, and through the river banks and the gardens.  The kids whined, but in the end I was immensely glad we walked.  I got to talk with the kids, and just spend time playing and hanging out and being silly, not being the person keeping them safe and inline.  Over the past 2 summers, I have hated those kids and loved them.  I think I may have finally found some balance between getting to know them and loving them as children of God, but also keeping them safe and following the rules.  Its been amazing.  

Also on the perk side of this trip, I probably lost about 50 lbs.  Just saying.

Sophomore Year

Somethings I've Learned This Year

 

1. Swings and Hammocks make a dorm room ten times better
   
2. Sometimes being alone is very hard
   
3. Sometimes pain is a way to grow closer to Christ, and as much as it hurts, strength in Christ is the answer
   
4. Red flags sometimes are the holy spirit, and following them may lead to something even greater
   
5. A few close friends are sometimes better than 50 simi-close ones 
   
6. Honesty is always the best policy, no questions asked
   
7. I am not entitled to love from the people around me, I am required and blessed to have to opportunity to love them
   
8. Service is an outpouring of my gratefulness of God's love for me, not an expectation for love in return
   
9. College is hard
   
10. I CAN write 30 pages in a 1 and 1/2 weeks, and do well.  
    
11. Don't give up, even when you feel like your not good enough, even when its harder than anything you've ever done, even when no one else thinks you can DON'T GIVE UP, God has put you here for a reason.  Run after Him, and there you will find your success. 
    
12. Don't compare yourself to others.  Be who God has created you to be.  There is always someone better than you, always some one worse-God made us to be who we are only
    
13. I may be a bit of a pain junky 
    
14. I love directing
    
15. I'm scared of commitment and being hurt in relationships
    
16. You can't live your life doing the right thing out of fear.  I struggle with that.  Alot.
    
17. I'm terrible with money
    
18. I love photography.  Love it.  I want to learn everything there is to know about it.  
    
19. We're all in this together.  Ok I know thats lame, but i've found it to be true.  Although we are all so different, as people, I've found, we really struggle with alot of the same things.  Openness brings us closer together, which is something I struggle with, but I've learned I shouldn't be afraid to be open with my struggles, because we can all work together to grow.  
    
20. I love to clean
    
21. I love to give things to people and do things for them and love them in any way nessasary
    
22. I'm pretty lucky to have the friends I do.  No, VERY lucky
    
23. I'm not as introverted as I thought
    
24. I like to plan things.  Hospitality is my spiritual gift.  100% 
    
25. I'm terrible at keeping up a blog.  Terrible.  The end
    

I'm bored, but I don't feel like doing much more than this...

1. This survey gets a little personal; can you handle it?

YEAH 
2. If you married the last person you texted, what would your last name be?
Erin Gill...:-D
3. Were you happy when you woke up today?
nope, I was in pain...freaking wisdom teeth 
4. When were you on the phone last? And with who?
umm Earlier today with my boifriend
7. What are you excited for?
Not having a chipmunk face anymore, and Tom coming this weekend
8. What were you doing yesterday?
Wisdom teeth out and lots of sleeping
9. Honestly, who was the last person to tell you they love you?
Tom and my parents
10. What's the last thing you put in your mouth?
Wata...
11. Have a best friend?
3 of the best in the world
12. Are you scared to fall in love?
yes, i'm scared of screwing up and getting hurt
13. Do you think teenagers can be in love?
I think lust and love get confused but I also think that nothing is out of God's power
14. Last person you wanted to punch in the face?
no comment 
15. What time is it right this second?
10:38 pm...o and my whole house is asleep...sweet
16. What do you want right now?
to not have chipmonk cheeks and for my face not to hurt anymore
17. Who was the last person you took a picture with?
friends at Dave's party
19. When was the last time you cried?
today...my teeth hurt
20. Do you have a good relationship with your parents?
yes, but not until we spent 3 years of high school fighting every day
21. Do you find it hard to trust others?
yep
22. How fast does your mind change?
not too fast
23. I bet you miss somebody right now.
yes....alot
24. Can you honestly say you're okay right now?
ok, not good
25. Why do you think so many people cheat?
I think sometimes we are not willing to work and be content with the things we have.  Jealousy and lust, idolitry, human nature
26. Tell me what's on your mind?
missing people
27. What are you looking forward to in the next three months?
Camp and traveling abroad
28. Have you ever worn the opposite sex's clothing?
heck yes, way more comfortable 
29. When did you last talk to your number 1 top friend?
heh, I talked to all three this afternoon 
30. When is your next road trip?
in about 2 weeks
31. Do you have someone of the opposite sex you can tell anything to?
yeah
32. How's your heart?
its been broken, but God is healing it, using a pretty sweet guy
33. Have you ever felt like you weren't important?
Yes, but itsn't that a testimony to my distrust of my God's love? He has created me to fulfill His will, and therefor that makes me important
34. Do you think somebody's in love with you?
  The king is inthralled with your beauty.  Also, i have a pretty sweet Boyfriend
35. What are you planning on doing after this?
sleep
36. Next time you will kiss someone?
this weekend perhaps 
37. Have you told anybody you loved them today?
yep
38. Who do you not get along with?
there arn't many i don't think....
39. what does your 3rd recent text say?
Group meeting for CRTW...so crappy
40. What are you wearing right now?
pj's
41. You're locked in a room with the person you last kissed, how is it?
fine.  
42. When's the last time you had a grilled cheese?
last week maybe
43. What's your fave boy and girl name right now?
I'm not that far thinking right now.  One milestone at a time.  
44. How did you feel when you woke up?
gross, swollen and in pain
45. Do you wish someone would call or text you right now?
Text  would be preferred...i don't much feel like talking.  But i would love that
46. Do you crack your knuckles?
Its so bad for you, but I totally do it
47. What were you doing yesterday at midnight?
watching tv...almost asleep
48. What are your LEGAL initials?
EML
49. Who's the first B in your contacts?
Bailly 
50. When was the last time you laughed really hard?
today at lunch, although it hurt...heh
51. Your  number 1 top friend walks out of your life, do you go after them?
absolutelym no questions asked
52. Last awkward moment?
something with my family

53. Are you afraid of the dark?
yes.  yes I am
54. Do you have good vision?
nope
55. Have you ever kissed in the rain?
yes
56. Have you ever slapped someone?
yes.  no means no
57. Are you Irish?
a little i believe
58. Do you use chap stick?
when i can find it
59. Do you have any scars?
yes
60. Is there someone you will never forgive?
no
62. Name the last person to text you?
Tom 
63. Would you marry someone 8 years older than you?
yes, if he was "the one"
64. Can you go in public looking like you do?
no
65. Have you ever kissed someone whose name started with a J?
yes...that was random
66. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
both
67. Whats the first thing you'll do on your wedding day?
pray
68. What's one huge pet peeve of yours?
selfishness
69. Has anyone put their arms around you in the past 5 days?
yes.  And it was a good feeling
70. Do you miss the way things used to be?
a little, but they are changing for the better, I'm determined
71. Has anyone ever told you they're in love with you?
yep
72. Song you're thinking of right now?
1234 plain white tees...I KNOW ITS LAME
73. Want someone back in your life?
yes, but friendships only
74. Will tomorrow be better than today?
I sure hope so
75. What’s the color of you’re shirt you are wearing?
teal

76. Has anyone ever sang or played music for you personally?
yeah 
77. Does it bother you when someone lies to you?
so much
79.Are you a naturally happy person? Or is your happiness forced?
 I’m  happy
80. Is there anyone you wish would fall in love with you?
too late ;-)