tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18784481963453709542024-03-19T05:44:45.679-04:00I RejoiceThere, in the presence of the LORD your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the LORD your God has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:7)Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-44608513650783195652011-10-19T12:10:00.001-04:002011-10-19T12:10:59.411-04:00map<iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=texas&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Texas&t=m&z=6&ll=31.968599,-99.901813&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=texas&aq=&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=37.735377,86.572266&vpsrc=0&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Texas&t=m&z=6&ll=31.968599,-99.901813" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">View Larger Map</a></small>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-15017424372868222242009-12-25T18:33:00.003-05:002009-12-25T18:44:57.968-05:00Christmas 2009<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlJb4OXbvkflkF-qso8YzJowgze0jH83iyJ-Vjjctd7pZHohf5I38QvDOHrQHDb6MOzsVuqWX0h9EgaiXLtGwZo8zRAgCf1-VYg7aCc3Vx_Cwpbr3btT-l9_eQvXK6Ezr-kKUDbdSEdY/s1600-h/100_0144.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419323709603277298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 354px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 124px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlJb4OXbvkflkF-qso8YzJowgze0jH83iyJ-Vjjctd7pZHohf5I38QvDOHrQHDb6MOzsVuqWX0h9EgaiXLtGwZo8zRAgCf1-VYg7aCc3Vx_Cwpbr3btT-l9_eQvXK6Ezr-kKUDbdSEdY/s320/100_0144.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUAoTZnljRoR20hDmDlBS-XO5VWmoCDB7NYmRZE5jG1xcjD5PnQ1yy3eqaxlW3kJ40WGbOEmGfZdm9TEgNPo6NkVayAU2TE1g2lX09Yy0o7BSpWCcvGVvLqK4djlWsDg-CTgYEUExbTU/s1600-h/100_0148.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419323704695368354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFUAoTZnljRoR20hDmDlBS-XO5VWmoCDB7NYmRZE5jG1xcjD5PnQ1yy3eqaxlW3kJ40WGbOEmGfZdm9TEgNPo6NkVayAU2TE1g2lX09Yy0o7BSpWCcvGVvLqK4djlWsDg-CTgYEUExbTU/s320/100_0148.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kHKQrugidYgDBd8heKiOgEHOuYoUByG8JjUNqcBJum0tfAPMOefuhRXgNmIWF269-BRtoyfrq4ppzNGm3VueYa9_dtxFk6kMSgS-0L7Pnxh_gvlFq3YHNQLiUt4w0VPs5AhQHzUYKY8/s1600-h/100_0119.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419323699631495074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5kHKQrugidYgDBd8heKiOgEHOuYoUByG8JjUNqcBJum0tfAPMOefuhRXgNmIWF269-BRtoyfrq4ppzNGm3VueYa9_dtxFk6kMSgS-0L7Pnxh_gvlFq3YHNQLiUt4w0VPs5AhQHzUYKY8/s320/100_0119.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwkeSaxUTsosBEglERc91JW1lT1mBLG3PWrJPj3_xE-Bui6gUc5HNV3zzXp1WyUVt42D9KbFW_8JH4IrPB79XniMSwlCCcL4twsJEfNFnUHzipNwfbFVD3Az2vqa6AazmlC05C2HCiBU/s1600-h/100_0129.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419322081451187090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIwkeSaxUTsosBEglERc91JW1lT1mBLG3PWrJPj3_xE-Bui6gUc5HNV3zzXp1WyUVt42D9KbFW_8JH4IrPB79XniMSwlCCcL4twsJEfNFnUHzipNwfbFVD3Az2vqa6AazmlC05C2HCiBU/s320/100_0129.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpH0r6U7MX8JclefvqK2PfZ5-ZParHWq8KWeiJREcYZfviR-kgCQgoW9qFi9szaRDxiJAkyYrcJ8Uv6gGIpzXGXxZAlP7UHlgicnpOdm78VNWYtUtwVL3oum4rJ2m5jbO6nxTiM0XW_c/s1600-h/100_0123.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419322079036498418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDpH0r6U7MX8JclefvqK2PfZ5-ZParHWq8KWeiJREcYZfviR-kgCQgoW9qFi9szaRDxiJAkyYrcJ8Uv6gGIpzXGXxZAlP7UHlgicnpOdm78VNWYtUtwVL3oum4rJ2m5jbO6nxTiM0XW_c/s320/100_0123.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOva41QHNrewhyphenhyphenr-XJV-J50I3Ls62o0YoVSplPFQVzOnrEzzO02sQdP12WOZIhGQbi_748ki9idM-06vv9cn2aA6JGGaHDjAGrDlY6Rvm9GsfbgtBXWAxVCPUlnM7bwGxr3kQVs2TKqTY/s1600-h/100_0124.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419322074829331762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOva41QHNrewhyphenhyphenr-XJV-J50I3Ls62o0YoVSplPFQVzOnrEzzO02sQdP12WOZIhGQbi_748ki9idM-06vv9cn2aA6JGGaHDjAGrDlY6Rvm9GsfbgtBXWAxVCPUlnM7bwGxr3kQVs2TKqTY/s320/100_0124.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvY78sXLVPxgC0p4tOrXbgXepzXRAQzX298lV8pbVKjaytx8769zoTz2tFKWwSu9TfSh_fD5OD5MnNvFvV7Z4rxtnI1YikN4MWcWw0HcfV_knybZdahvWWPc_sBOlLwtebFEsCqgCBTI/s1600-h/100_0121.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419322069516635842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvY78sXLVPxgC0p4tOrXbgXepzXRAQzX298lV8pbVKjaytx8769zoTz2tFKWwSu9TfSh_fD5OD5MnNvFvV7Z4rxtnI1YikN4MWcWw0HcfV_knybZdahvWWPc_sBOlLwtebFEsCqgCBTI/s320/100_0121.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7KzDvn8WwDttgsconXayPQRavRu2C0KxdGSWf_CZuHKp6PQCvThj76ec9bysAUuE403YX_ofZfNhOrKBTkObkATN7MXuXqO5Gkih_wVe6G8diatzgLYqbJ_ufhlqqUhOK2NGyqJ9PFg/s1600-h/100_0110.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419322063429615826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7KzDvn8WwDttgsconXayPQRavRu2C0KxdGSWf_CZuHKp6PQCvThj76ec9bysAUuE403YX_ofZfNhOrKBTkObkATN7MXuXqO5Gkih_wVe6G8diatzgLYqbJ_ufhlqqUhOK2NGyqJ9PFg/s320/100_0110.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-85961585893177034752009-12-09T11:54:00.000-05:002009-12-09T11:55:10.415-05:00Happy DecemberSo, I have this new idea for my blog. I know that I have not been updating at all. My life is in such a season of change, that I am disapointed in myself for the things I have missed recording on here. What I love most about having a blog is being able to come back to it and read months later, to see how my life, my thoughts, my fears or joys have changed. I have started a new full-time job at the YMCA in Charlotte and work from the morning until the ht. After work I am often spending time with high school kids for Young Life. By the time I get home arond 9:30 or 10 pm, I have very little time to sit on my computer and get on facebook, much less catch up on my blog. o have dull moments at work for a lunch break or some personal time, and it is in those moments hat I wish I could get onto my blog page and update. Unfortunately, we have a pretty sensitive internet filter here at the Y, and no personal blog sites are allowed through. I also don't haev internet at my house, so here is the plan: I am going to start typing up blog posts during my free time at work, emailing them to myself, and posting them when I get to a coffee shop with internet. This means I might post 2 or 3 at a time, but dont get your hopes up. I am reminded day after day that our world is a changeful world. Everything is moving, going, growing, transferring, transitioning, and our lives are full of seasons that also ebb and flow. I am in one of the scariest seasons of my life and am feeling the most fear and anxiety I have ever felt. My roomate Robin reminded me yesterday that 'fear is not of the Lord'...and for that matter neither is anxiety. In Malachi God says, "I the Lord DO NOT change." Now, it isn't in there as capital letters, but I can really picture God yellign that part. I picture him yelling, because we ALWAYS forget this. God proves to us time and time again that he will be our provider, that he will pick up the pieces, that he is gracious and merciful...YET we forget. I always forget. His promises, His character, His provisions, His previous doings do not become null and void when we face a new crisis or when we face the changefulnes of the world. He remains the same, no matter our situation. I am learning not to be so selfish with my time as I begin a full-time job. I don't have the same luxuries to spend hours reading, or mornings sleeping, or afternoons napping, or breakfasts with friends. I have to be more intentional with the time I have during this season of change. I have ten days off during Christmas and I cannot wait. I will make it home on Christmas Eve, and come back here on January 1st. Tyler gets to come home with me and meet the entire family, and for this I am so thankful. Tis' the season.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-12854959170141080782009-11-03T11:06:00.003-05:002009-11-03T11:19:04.803-05:00weekday updateOkay, so my dad was getting on me about my utterly embarrasing lack of blogging here. I am hardly ever at my computer (which is worlds apart from college when I was able to update this thing almost every day), but I forget sometimes that for the few that read this, I don't get to update you often. So, for my sake of reading this in a few years to look back on what the Lord has done in that time, and for the few of you that read...here's a little update.<br /><br />I am currently still living in Charlotte with my two roomates and I love it. Charlotte is beautiful. Even when it rains it is not discouraging because you know that there is sun not far behind. It is just wired like that. It is nothing like Cincinnati where one day of rain meant weeks of fog to follow. While I love it, I miss a lot of things. I miss my family the most. I am (scarily) finding myself feeling more detached the older I get. I know this doesn't have as much to do with age as my stage in life, but I am trying to be very conscious about keeping up. The reality is, I am here with my own life, and they their with theirs (funky sentence, huh?). This makes it hard to cross paths at times.<br /><br />I miss college. Gosh the grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side, huh? I am already feeling the grad school itch, though not yet sure what forth. I go back and forth between counseling, elementary ed., and something in non-profit. Since I am clearly worlds away from a decision this won't be happening for a while. With college I miss my friends. Three of my great girls from leading YL in Cinci are spread out all over...Amy as far away as Texas. I miss them. Again, our different stages of life and different schedules makes it hard to cross internet paths often enough. I miss my old roomie. Molly and I are experiencing things apart from each other for the first time in 4 years. It is weird not to be there to share hilarious stories with each other at the end of the day.<br /><br />All of this being said. I am not sitting on the fence here in Charlotte. I have both feet in and for that I can thank the Lord. He has given me so much purpose and reassurance about being here. Ministry is seemingly coming along slow, but I have to remember that I am starting out at a new school, with a full time job, in a completely different region of the United States, with high school kids who have very little idea of what Young Life is. Club is becoming less of a stress and I praise God that he is giving me something to believe in. I still think we have more room to be excellent, but it will get there. In the meantime...it is not easy asking high school kids to come along on this journey with you, so I am really learning a lot of things again. Again I say, the season of refinement!<br /><br />My devotional yesterday said it all. In Malachi 3 it says the Lord DOES NOT change. Never...not his traits, his mind, his patience, the way he feels about us. None of it. So amidst the changefulness of out world, God remains the same.<br /><br />I get to do something SO FUN this weekend. Rebecca and I are flying to New York to stay with Uncle David. Tyler is coming down from West Point and we are going to all spend the weekend together. We will do the city, go see WP, and see Uncle David's new show! I can honestly say that all three of us cannot wait. It will be an awesome quick trip. Then 2 weeks later I get to go to Canton...ah, home :). Thanksgiving with my cousins and family. That spells awesome.<br /><br />Work calls.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-11536419118869013722009-10-08T11:41:00.004-04:002009-10-08T12:11:50.704-04:00embarrassing...My blog neglect is embarrassing. I have been spending very little time on my computer except to answer emails and flit around on facebook, so I have not had the opportunity to post on here.<br /><br />My life is quite a whirlwind. So, for my own sake to look back here in 3 months and really see the changes, I am going to divulge the meet of my schedule:<br />Monday: morning off, 6 hours at the Y, setup for YoungLife club at the Y and get home by 10<br />Tuesday: Bible study with women from church, lunch at home, 6 hours at the Y, high school sporting event, 830 Bible study with peers<br />Wednesday: Y from 715-9, lunch home, 5 more hours at the Y, dinner with high school girls, YL Campaingners Bible study, home by 930<br />Thursday: Y from 715-9, lunch home, back to the Y, FREE night OR JV football game at the high shcool<br />Friday: Y from 715-9, walking with Judy, lunch at home, back to work at the Y, high school football!<br /><br />I am moving into some preschool teaching at the Y as a sub for Wed-Fri to get some extra hours. I also throw in workouts while I am down there in the afternoons. When I was in college I never thought I would be busier, I now know that it will only get moreso. I am the epitome of someone who is constantly looking to the future for "easier" times, but am finding so much satisfaction and growth during this stage of the Lord doing SO MUCH pruning. My life is CRAZY TIMES, but I love it.<br /><br />Tyler came home this past weekend, which was such a needed gift from the Lord. I had been missing him like CRAZY and it was so great to spend time together and attend his cousin's wedding. He continues to teach and encourage me in ways that are so new to me and I am so thankful for that blessing. God is TRULY refining me right now...shaving/burning/cutting off the bad stuff...and it HURTS a lot of the time, but is rewarding all of the time.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-47187705551008632082009-09-17T13:13:00.004-04:002009-09-17T13:24:41.365-04:00So young, but so old.Okay. I know that I have been doing terrible business as far as updating my blog. I have found myself doing a lot of journaling rather than posting on the internet since there are a lot of internal things going on with me.<br /><br />I am quickly learning that life after college is never something that you can be adequately prepared for. There is nothing like working full time. No way to describe it or experience it until you do. And one you are working full time, the responsibility and expectations come as quite a surprise. They are responsibilities and expectations that are previously unprecedented in most people's young adulthood. I had unrealistic expectations that working for a non-profit meant that I wouldn't have the same quantitative expectations placed upon me that people normally experience in the private sector. Silly and wrong. I am in charge of a program that is not filling up quite as quickly as I or my director suspected. After all of the marketing and strategizing, it comes back to where it should always begin - I am praying that the Lord will reveal his hand in this, whether or not it comes out positive in my opinion.<br /><br />Young Life here in Charlotte is proving to be no walk in the park. Why did I even ever think it might be even for just a second? Ministry will never be "easy" because Satan continues to reign here in the world. I am making an attempt to constantly remind myself that I am privy to the greatest news that anyone could ever hear, and I have been called to carry that News to high school students. The Gospel is such a worthy message. Worthy of my discomfort, worthy if ridicule, worthy of being ignored, and worthy of boldness.<br /><br />I love the women I live with. There are no greater people to speak truth into my life right now. They are both familiar with Young Life and have experienced or are experiencing similar anxieties, struggles, worries, triumphs and passions. I do not know how long I will be where I am, but I know that God will need to make it GLARINGLY obvious that I need to leave these two. Well, God or Robin who owns the place.<br /><br />Tyler comes home in two weeks as of tomorrow. I cannot wait to see him. We start young life club the Monday before, and I start my program at the Y the same Monday before, so the weekend after will be welcome hang out tiem with him and friends.<br /><br /> I turn 23 in exactly one month. I am so young. :)Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-77434887098162275292009-09-06T22:02:00.002-04:002009-09-06T22:31:52.142-04:00Celebrating the Day of Labor Weekend<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QNQY7pK3m998lC6dxadFEZs8u5-_W662_1EKf3ZyiOHPRRX5U3z8D_MqUoXY30WFK7Zo3zQhOVYTuqPTZ-YqkJYo0PIieeRk5mc0ZiQ00EBFLeOnMvvFMBlc_OofRlqNmXLibOnhQGg/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378547223981353762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9QNQY7pK3m998lC6dxadFEZs8u5-_W662_1EKf3ZyiOHPRRX5U3z8D_MqUoXY30WFK7Zo3zQhOVYTuqPTZ-YqkJYo0PIieeRk5mc0ZiQ00EBFLeOnMvvFMBlc_OofRlqNmXLibOnhQGg/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div> Way too long since I last posted. I drove home to WV on Friday after work and arrived around 615. I went over to pick up Shawna (my beautiful friend from high school who is getting married June 4th) and then we jumped in the car with my mom and Becca to head to Morgantown. Many people would be surprised to know that until this weekend, I had never been to a home game at Milan Psukar, home of the WV Mountaineers.<br /><div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378547218974094770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9SQ_8MXI5PF8L0BqaauSl3MNfPe-UEKKM-5l-isin5Xw_olhhMxNh1au3yt3xoZ8BwhS4WK6ocJPlpN4t9Rc9uejKFoorUsFHbT8xGe-RyI15fm08ctGiBZOV_YQ0CG3sE_a4Kp1saNo/s320/kids+and+dad+WVU+game.jpg" border="0" /></div><div>We were lucky enough to get Suite tickets (not to be confused with sweet tickets) via someone my dad knows. This meant free food, which I never pass up. Hanging out in the box was great because we had a little more room to move around, but a CLOUDLESS day. I spent the night at Shawna's the night before the game and when I was getting ready the next morning, Shawna's roomate asked if I wanted a WV tattoo for my face. I am a female, and face tattoo's at sporting events are cute for that one reason, so I obliged. </div><br /><div>Two hours of eating, chatting, tailgating, and two quarters of football later, I was headed to the bathroom to scrub off my tattoo, and still came out of the day with a WV shaped sunburn on my face. Glorious.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378547213752499874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0RpmbmnxyIfeJff7tpmGk2ICRbW7Sqr3vd8X6UyCHKiIWSMsvH4dqqR0xWOe-7JT1gUkf319VYvmsmC84JuIBWag4zNMGnZMi1CjxTkRROF_bq6D5l2I8882ziCBdbbTcBY18pbxxcQU/s320/shawna+me+wvu+game.jpg" border="0" />I love being back home around my family, and it is also so great to see Shawna. I also got to see John, her fiance, who I had not seen in forever. Seeing the two of them together, now engaged, was so special. There is something so different and amazing about that. It is clear that they are on board for the Lord being able to do immensely more in the coming year before they are married. I am so excited for the chance to be a part of the exciting-ness!</div></div></div>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-59538537505585120372009-08-28T16:26:00.002-04:002009-08-28T16:29:51.556-04:00Isn't it Ironic?Interesting story.<br /><br />Today I was serving a table of eight and after I brought out the first round of drinks, I spilled a water on a gentlemen. It did not drench him or cause him to have to even leave his seat to clean up, but I did get it on his shirt. I was totally flustered and embarrassed and felt so bad. My manager was there right after it happened and he cleaned up the mess by telling the man that the restaurant would take care of his meal.<br /><br />I pretty much avoided that man completely the rest of the meal. Definitly did not make eye contact. When it came time to do checks, my boss told me to just not give him a recepit at all. He took care of it.<br /><br />The irnoy of the situation: The man wasn't outraged or anything, so he left me a ten dollar tip that would have covered his whole meal had he been required to pay. So I made ten dollars off of spilling water on a guest. I am not stupid enough to think that this will always be the case, but man...what luck. :)Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-81936975525608296802009-08-26T09:27:00.003-04:002009-08-26T09:32:03.294-04:00New Job.So, I start my new job today...well, continue some on site training, but that's a start.<br /><br />I will be working for the YMCA. Some of you may know that I worked for the Y for two years in college in Cincinnati, so I am excited to continue. The YMCA down here is a whole different story from those up north/midwest. They are very grounded in and focused on Christian principles, and as an employee you are taken such good care of.<br /><br />I am hoping to move into a full time coordinator position within the next two months because it is expected to open up. I need to do a little work that proves that I am qualified.<br /><br />We had our first meeting about YL Club planning on Monday. It was our group of Campaigner (Bible study) students who were interested in being an integral part of the club planning process. There were about 18 kids there who expressed interest. I am already starting to feel my first bouts of anxiety about leading at a brand new school. I am worried about girls liking me and worried about giving "enough" time to meeting people, especially in these beginning stages. I need to be reminded all the time that God is bigger than all of my worldly measurements of "enough."<br /><br />Let's see, other than that life is same ol'. Still waiting tables joyfully and hanging out with my stellar roomates. We tye-dyed with our friend Jenna last night. It was awesome. White v-necks.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-31560909805799736882009-08-21T17:14:00.002-04:002009-08-21T17:29:07.465-04:00A Funny Story From the Restaurant BizOkay. So I have been waitressing at a wood grilled steak restaurant for about 2.5 months now. It is called Firebirds and it is 100000 miles short of my dream job. That is all irrelevant to the following story, but I didn't want you people to think that because I am laughing at a story about work, that I like work. haha...<br /><br />Anyway, about 4 weeks ago I no longer had to be the new girl at work because three new trainees started. One guy was named Clint, my childhood rottweiler's name, and he was...hmmh...overzealous about serving. While training he was often stepping right in front of his trainer to take over tables that were not his. He claimed to me during his 3rd day of training that he was a better server than about 75% of people who had been working there since the restaurant had opened a year ago. Really? Funny he says that because Justin, another guy I worked with, really hit the nail on the head when he described Clint like this: "You know, whenever something goes wrong and a manager is on the rampage, you can pretty much bet your entire earnings for the night on the fact that Clint is responsible." Amen, Justin.<br /><br />So, Clint is just notorious for being brash, rude to females, and he ruins a good joke by repeating it every time he passes you back in the server alley. Even if it was someone else's joke. I hate it when people do that. When he first started working, a few different people asked him to pick up shifts for them and he very sarcastically, and with a laugh, would tell those people, "Yea, right."<br /><br />Last week when the schedule came out Clint realized that he had forgotten to ask off for this coming Saturday night. He proceeds to approach me, and ask me if I work on Saturday. After I tell him yes, I think so, I work a double, he proceeds to ask me three more times. "Are you sure? You do? You do?" YES I KNOW MY OWN SCHEDULE. Now, in my defense, I really makea conscious effort to be above reproach at the restaurant. It is such a negative working environment for most that I try to be in a good mood and nice to people. I pray walking in there to exude Christ, but Clint pushes me to the edge.<br /><br />After I tell him that I cannot work for him because I ALREADY WORK THAT NIGHT, he proceeds to tell me what he portrays as a sob story about having to miss the birthday celebration of his friend who is leaving for Iraq soon. Sorry, Charlie. Can't help you out. It's not like your mom is getting surgery. So, fast forward to today, a day before the Saturday that he is trying to get off. Clint approaches me AGAIN today to ask me if I work Saturday, and can I work for him. I politely (as I can) let him know that yes I am STILL scheduled to work on Saturday night and NO I cannot work for him. He double checks, and I about body check him to the face, politely. He proceeds to tell me that he needs someone to work for him because HIS MOM IS COMING INTO TOWN TO VISIT. Thats weird? I thought...seems Clint forgot that he already asked me to work for him.<br /><br />I approach my friend Trish from WV who I work with and tell her this private joke, and she mentions that she picked up on it as well. She then waltzes over to Clint and asks him is he is mad that his mom is coming in town causing him to miss the big birthday bash for his friend who is going away to Iraq soon. His spilt second, quick thinking response: Oh, what are you talking about? Birthday...uh well that friend actually broke his leg so no more birthday party. Way to think on your feet chief. Next time you ask me to work for you, be more prepared with your excuse story.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-28503760186285025972009-08-18T16:48:00.002-04:002009-08-18T16:57:31.469-04:00Officially not on drugsPassed my DRUG TEST. Woohoo. Had lots of nerves heading in there. But what a ridiculous 15 minute experience.<br /><br />I got word today from the YMCA Human Resources Director that I would need to do my drug test within the next three days or else I would have to postpone my employment for an entire year. Needless to say, I went in this afternoon after work. When I get there a MAN takes me through these wooden, rickety swinging double doors and starts asking me some questions. We get to talking about my job at the YMCA, about Ohio, about my WV driver's license, even about college (since he went to Ohio U. like my parents).<br /><br />He feels like an uncle at this point and I keep thinking he is going to hand me over to some nursing school student who gets stuck with the crap jobs...someone who is will point me in the direction of the bathroom with a plastic cup, and to whom I will only speak the word, "Here" when finished.<br /><br />Surprise, the friendly man who has become an uncle to me is the administer-er of the drug test. Neglecting any sort of conversation transition, the man goes straight from talking about Cleveland snow and the hotness of Charlotte into handing me a plastic cup telling me I gotta have at least one ounce, and I can't flush the toilet or wash my hands after I am done. Thankfully he doesn't notice the embarrassment and shock on my face and points to the bathroom telling me that there is a "no running water" rule. I enter, do what needs to be done, and don't flush or wash my hands.<br /><br />I have to HAND HIM MY PEE in front of this other young guy that works there just standing in the hallway. He sets it on the counter as if we are actually in some sterile professional environment, such as, oh, i don't know, a CLINIC. But, instead we are just standing in a dingy wooden hallway with chipping paint and a stack of plastic cups. He puts on ONE plastic glove, takes MY pee, and starts dipping different pieces of plastic in it while talking to me about the weather, again. This man has no shame. Thank God for that people. He proceeds to tell me that I passed and hopes to see me at the YMCA sometime since he attends the same one I will be working at. I refrain from making a joke about him recognizing me by the color of my pee and turn to leave, just in time to see him enter the bathroom that I had just left and flush my pee down the toilet. Enough said.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-33597906130107306462009-08-15T14:46:00.002-04:002009-08-15T14:54:34.847-04:00Moving on...over.Welp...I am moving, again. :)<br /><br />Yes, yes. The word gypsy has never carried so much weight in my life (despite the fact that it is the most ocmmonly used word in the Thomas family vocabulary). Tuesday night I went over to my friend Julia's house (Julia is the new Young Life intern here in Charlotte) to stay the night. Julia lives with one of the most gracious, loving and nurturing women I have met. Robin lives in a three bedroom townhome and Julia moved in there to live just about 3 weeks ago.<br /><br />Anyway, When I got there on Tuesday night Robin called me into the kitchen and said that we needed to have a pow wow. I stood there confused with my pillow and toothbrush in hand ready to make a joke about how I was just going to leave a toothbrush there so that I wouldn't always have to remember to bring my own. Robin proceeds to tell me that God loves her and because he loves her he gave her a home. She was blessed by many a family when working for Young Life when given a place to live for free in order to do ministry.<br /><br />She then proceeded to tell me that God was giving her the opportunity to offer her home to me as well. That she and Julia had talked, and wanted me to move in with them. Crazy people. I love crazy people. So...that's that. I moved some of my stuff over there today and will be there temporarily until I get better acclamated with the area around where I am working at the YMCA and the area around Ardrey Kell (AK) where I am leading Young Life.<br /><br />Can you believe how GOOD God is?<br /><br />Not to mention I get to wake up to some of the sweetest emails. ;)Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-63205490175576938472009-08-11T15:28:00.002-04:002009-08-11T15:38:26.123-04:00As promised...Where do I even begin. Well, my computer is on its last leg battery wise, and I am at Caribou with no power cord, so I will do my best to start from the beginning (though this is more of a circle than a line start to finish).<br /><br />I am currently back living with the Regional Director of Young Life for the Carolina's. He and his wife have been SO GRACIOUS to let me stay at there place at all, much less come back for more since I am still without a full time job or place to live. Each day I feel like I am a little closer to both. There is still some "up in the air" moments regarding housing and working for the YMCA, but some very hopeful prospects. In the meantime I am still working at the restaurant. I like the people I work with and it is becoming more routine once I arrive, but I still dread the hours leading up to going in to work. Working on that...being joyful always.<br /><br />My personal (relationship) life has taken quite the turn and if you are interested I would be willing to share some more, but it is not exactly public blog material. Let's just say that I am happy, encouraged, challenged and being optimistic.<br /><br />The past 3 weeks have been crazy packed with days off of work for visitors and trips. I was able to see Molly, my college roomie, in Hilton Head where I was visiting some other old/new friends. What a great time. Plus I am thinking Hilton Head might be a great new destination vacation for the Thomas/Sliman clans. Though no place will ever be Kiawah (RIP).<br /><br />I am making friends. New ones. Great ones. And many of them. My friend Julia, who is a new intern for Young Life here, is the greatest. She lives very near to me and we have hung out and had sleepovers and had coffee and dinner and all the great things that great women do. She is 1000% Southern and offers many a good laugh and lesson for me regarding all things appropriate in the South.<br /><br />God has ben teaching me a lot about His ability to BE. To be all. To be everything, and at the same time to be MORE. HE IS. I just need to keep remembering that anytime I start to worry about me, and myself, and I and Jaclyn....that HE IS. My shortcomings, my mess ups, my overcompensations...they pale in comparison to the mere fact that he lives in me and HE IS. So scratch all that other stuff.<br /><br />I will start leading Young Life VERY soon. I am nervous and anxious and totally excited. This ministry really had a huge part in keeping me down here and my summer away from it has been my most fruitful time with the Lord yet. He has been preparing me (when I let him, because I am dumb sometimes), and I am ready to lean hard on Him through loving high school girls.<br /><br />So...that is a lot of brief stuff for now. I will be better at this again. I promise.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-26976047546236074772009-08-10T15:45:00.004-04:002009-08-10T16:15:07.685-04:00Guest Blog: Charles G.<strong>I am not giving you what I promised. I apologize in advance for that, but I am giving you something much better: A guest blog from my best friend from Xavier, Charles Galvin. Some of you might remember Charles' earlier guest spot blogs about his stand up comedy, so sit back and hang on. He never disappoints.</strong><br /><br />So it feels like forever ago since Jaclyn and I last saw each other, not counting a few attempts at Skype, which generally works better when you are not trying to pirate free Wi-Fi from your neighbors. In an effort to reconnect, Jaclyn reached out to me and begged that I do a guest blog. And by reached out and begged, I mean I was reading her blog one day, noticed that nothing substantive had been written in a while, asked her if I could do a post, and she obliged. For those of you who don’t know me very well, I apologize. You will probably want to go ahead and stop reading now, because not much of it will be about Jaclyn, partly because we’ve been apart for the whole summer, but also because I’m desperate for a moment in the spotlight of “I Rejoice”.<br /><br />The past summer I took on the job of head coach for the Beckett Ridge Barracudas, a summer swim team that I’ve now coached for 5 years after swimming for 12 years. We achieved what some might consider successful results, winning our league championship for the 15th year in a row. It was a tremendous relief to not let the streak be snapped in my first year on the job, and while I have had many great accomplishments in my career, this summer saw the biggest one yet: convincing a 6 year old to swim a race without taking a breath.<br /><br />Since the magic ended about a week ago, my life has been the whirlwind of adventures that most professional athletes/coaches experience in the off-season, or at least that’s what I imagine. Probably the best part about my job is that while most of the swimmers know I’m 22, it doesn’t ever seem to sink in. They still see me as though I am in High School, and frankly I love it. My best friends this summer have been RJ ( a fellow Xavier grad turned swim coach) and about a dozen boys ranging in age from 10 to 14. Before you raise your eyebrows and get all Billie-Jean on me, relax. I have been on vacation to visit my girlfriend Natalie in Boston, and can assure you that my relationship with these boys is purely to boost my ego and nothing else. There’s nothing like being able to relive that age, only this time around do everything I wish I’d done so that I’m the coolest kid at the pool.<br /><br />I have also been on vacation to visit my grandparents in Vermont. These were some of the same grandparents that offered me some wisdom as to what I should do with my life at my graduation party:<br />Papa: Congratulations on graduating Charles, that’s a big deal. Now what exactly was it you majored in?<br />Me: English with a Business minor.<br />Papa: Ah-ha. You know what? Up in Vermont, they’re dying for people to fill out prescriptions and work in drug stores.<br />Me: You mean pharmacists?<br />Papa: Yes! Pharmacists! And I hear they make pretty good money too. You should look into that. Does Xavier have a pharmacy program?<br />Me: No, they don’t. I think it’s about a 6-year program from what I’ve heard from other people who are in one though.<br />Papa: Well, you’ve probably taken most of the same core classes, so I bet it wouldn’t take as long. Give it some thought.<br /><br />I’ve always thought of myself as a trendsetter, and this summer has been no exception. My most recent offering to society has been living with my parents at home without actively seeking a full-time job. It has yet to catch on from what I can tell though. Most of the Facebook profiles that I have stalked seem to indicate that my former classmates are either enrolled in graduate classes or working somewhere, while some have even gotten married. I am looking forward the gravity of my decisions eventually sinking in and waking up one morning to realize how much time I’ve wasted. Until then, I join you in eagerly awaiting the far-too-few-and-far-between updates on Jaclyn’s life so that I may vicariously live through her.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-4488687385172296302009-08-08T16:21:00.003-04:002009-08-08T16:23:45.394-04:00Updates comingI know it has been ages, and today my mom reminded me. I have been neglecting my blog, and though I am notorious for being a quitter (gymnastics, ballet, flute, swimming, guitar), this is not something I am quitting. The past week has been busy and wonderful and unforgettable all in one.<br /><br />Tonight I head up to a concert a little north of Charlotte with Dad and my sister Danielle. They got into Charlotte today and we are going to see Def Leppard, Cheap Trick and Poison...dad's favorites. After they leave tomorrow I should have a little bit of time to sit, breathe, process and then write...because I gotta write, because life is changing and I want to keep up.<br /><br />God is good people. Expect updates tomorrow. It is a priorityJaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-24997722745928687792009-08-01T11:26:00.002-04:002009-08-01T11:33:07.122-04:00THE FUNNESTSo, this weekend promises MANY many fun times, good memories, and just some of the best people. Tonight, there will be four great friends staying the night and I cannot wait. To begin, my sister, Becca,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365017429804941266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGnWwkipZk-LuMG80zV3TyRTxxt4y2tCQCcJ1CvVTiO5KotPsF5lZVXQIXott1fImjZqI72NSMft-Gw4mf6uS6ImHegCPgLm7_149zSM1nHMDDjGk6CcNIxpiE6yt9S8cFve-2gKrqG0c/s320/becca.jpg" border="0" /> and one of my best friends from Cincinnati, Ally,<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365017429585754674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgivNrHLMU50UCqqDxJj2E99kdREQgXAZRKfpafKQe-LglE5TAGd5nW_WxPA8SOTjtZdBLDQ6-I8xkpipOe31d1spQ61oIng5Chc-iNXTFWh7uO5hKzhuAhpsLk5u2gcJb2po6k9MQMs/s320/ally.jpg" border="0" /> will be getting to Charlotte in about an hour. I will get a few hours this afternoon to just hang with the girls and for that I am so grateful. We will hopefully make dinner and Tyler, whom I met at the beach 5 years ago, and have since reconnected with, will head down early evening. Tyler and I are going to a Rascal Flatts concert.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365017436364699330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 201px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2wKoxN_UNkX5JE-9dBzb7AJv8OTLkLIpntmAZD2p9pm80PmrvkmniA-2KroroP2aXnFqK4T_PPstjAT0ALqIMeO36LHYvYP7KDRWyo0r500p8MVY-0MeRgFGjt63_-AYC_5wFW0PTe5c/s320/tyler.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />After we leave for the concert the 5th and final member of the weekend arrives. He is from Atlanta and goes to UGA. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365017425195177730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNT8DFjAytzi9N6m6uJmKhyxTeTEIyux9oLTqkKnHxgxTsekhLjRhRq1dvlch2Y7EFl_47oSv9GAv9BXHixd9z64gjE0wYTAjm1Tf1TObHidlvIteVqsFcr8YpqKIVC02G1NHtjbkiX0/s320/colton.jpg" border="0" />Colton will be here around 6 or 7. Colton was on Work Crew at Saranac when Becca was also on WC and I was on Summer Staff. They were both Roustabouts and haven't seen each other SINCE then...four years. We are very excited for this reunion.<br /><br />So...what a smorgasborg of fun and friends. I cannot wait for it to begin!<br /><div> </div>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-89959928251715095112009-07-30T11:17:00.003-04:002009-07-30T11:25:29.511-04:00He is with us in the processSo, I don;t have all that much to say today, but I am going to milk it.<br /><br />I have been having some pretty exciting, encouraging, and generous meetings as of late. Some of them job related (which I am not going to talk about for a little while longer), but the others just relational. I had the chance to meet two wonderful women yesterday. I had coffee with Jenna who has just finished up nursing school here in Charlotte and is looking to get involved in Young Life. She seems like a woman that I could truly grow to be in great fellowship with and I am excited about getting to know her better.<br /><br />I had lunch with the committee chair for Ardrey Kell, the school at which I will be leading this coming fall. Judy is AMAZING. She has had such crazy experiences and affirmations from the Lord. What a blessing it was to be encouraged and prayed for by her.<br /><br />It is almost August people, and I have no idea about where I will be living. August is a big month, and also a scary month for me. I would be lying if I said I was not a little bit nervous. But God is in the process and the details, not just the fruition that we deem successful at the end of the process. He is out on the water with us in the midst of the storm, not just in the moments when he calms things down and brings us back to shore.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-64571992782456688612009-07-27T14:18:00.004-04:002009-07-27T17:34:36.201-04:00Guest Blog: Amy Satt!!<strong>***This is a Guest Blog done by one of my very best friends. I have known Amy for four years and spent many a sleepover late night hanging out and laughing. She just graduated from high school and although I knew her at first as one of my Young Life girls, she quickly became one of my dearest friends. She is the first friend to visit me down in Charlotte since moving and I am so thankful for her. She is heading to Baylor in the fall for college!***</strong><br /><br />I hate my life. So okay I just thought I deleted this whole post and rewrote a whole new one and then saw that it automatically saves which is super sweet if only I had known that 5 minutes ago. So this is the original. Enjoy?<br /><br />Okay, so this is semi-awkward for me. I am, in general, pretty awkward so yeah <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">idk</span> this is just like story of my life. I am a horrible writer and sorry, but there probably won't be any squibs (which is a new word I recently added to my vocabulary as I desperately looked it up on my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">iTouch</span> when I was in need of its definition as it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">appeared</span> in Harry Potter--but there a squib is a wizard without the ability to use magic, not a witty saying) in here. ANYWAY, please don't judge Jaclyn by this blog. She does have other friends and isn't limited to this dork right here. Okay, it is kind of fun to do this. I actually have my own blog but I have only written on it once so it was a definitely epic fail on my part. Right now I am in Charlotte visiting my long lost friend who ditched the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Nati</span> to come to the warmer, prettier, nicer-peopled, less smoggy city of Charlotte. Why would anyone want to do that? Currently, Jaclyn has left me again. She is running off to some important meeting while I love on the two cats she is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">house sitting</span> for, as they are never <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">tenderly</span> cared for when she is around. I mean, she gets the job done, but with little love--appalling to me, an owner of four cats.<br /><br />I don't really have any one special thing to write about..I could mention how we just spent like 15 minutes looking for 2 lost cats that weren't actually lost. That was fun. I guess I didn't even really introduce myself. I am Amy. Jaclyn was my leader in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cincy</span> for the past 3 years. She's been my best friend too, which is fine I guess :). I am playing but yeah she has really challenged me with my relationship with Christ and I owe a lot to her. It is also nice to have her around because 1. she makes me laugh and 2. when the four of us get together (Ally, Cece, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Jac</span>, and I) we always make fun of each other. Jaclyn is usually the butt of all the jokes but more recently everyone has been making fun of me so I now feel some sort of sympathy for what she went through. I'll be a freshman at Baylor Univ next year so we will be miles and miles away from each other but luckily <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Skype</span> is our new best friend so it is really not that big of a deal.<br /><br />Do you guys love how random this blog is? I am the least creative person in the world. Our friend Ally is like so creative, she would have written a novel already. You should read this essay she wrote.. all of her stuff is hilarious. If you need a laugh, call her up. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Woot</span>! This blog just <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">autosaved</span> at 3:42).<br /><br />I am going to tell you a story. Okay, so my grandparents live in Portland, OR and we always used to fly up there to hang out with them and go skiing and all that jazz. One winter when I was like 10 years old, my brother Timmy, who was 8, (and is now a junior in HS and goes by "Tim" by people who don't know him) and I were taking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">snowboarding</span> lessons on Mt. Hood. We were separated into mini groups after a big group session on the bunny hill, which was mildly successful for me and completely unsuccessful for him. Anyway, I was riding up on one of the lifts with my instructor who was being nice and friendly. I was feeling pretty important.. considering I had just turned the big 1-0 and had gotten a sweet new winter coat. I was looking like a true snowboarder. Meanwhile, Timmy was wearing a hand-me-down one<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">sie</span> snow suit that was teal and zipped up from the crotch all the way to his neck. It had been my cousins, then my older sisters, and now his. So I was riding up this lift looking at the mountain and my instructor started to laugh and pointed to this kid who was trying to snowboard down the mountain. I looked down and I saw this little teal blob zooming uncontrollably down this huge slope headed for a tree. Luckily, the blob didn't hit the tree, but instead did a complete face plant onto the fresh snow and was just sprawled out like a splat of teal paint, unmoving. I laughed pretty hard and told my instructor that it was my brother. He/She i forget felt really bad but my brother and I are pretty close so this was just hilarious to me. Anway..Timmy is a really good <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">skier</span> now. He hasn't touched a snowboard since. There really was no point to that story but it was the first thing that popped into my head.<br />MORAL: It is nice to try new things, but you don't necessarily have to stick to every one.<br />There. Now there was a point.<br /><p>Anyway, I really want to get back to re-reading Harry Potter 7 and I need to take a shower. So.. wherever you are and whatever you are doing, happy living! It was nice being able to ramble to you all :D<br /></p>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-3141642146696513712009-07-26T00:39:00.003-04:002009-07-26T00:42:36.928-04:00Losing my bridesmaid virginity.As far as having friends who I have been friends with all through high school up until now I don't have many...maybe one. BUT as far as females that went to my same high school that I as not GREAT friends with while going there but and WONDERFUL friends with now, I have plenty!<br /><br />My best friend that went to my same high school is Shawna. She is beautiful and wonderful and such an amazing wonam of the Lord. It has been such a blessing to be walking in my faith alongside of Shawna. SHE IS GETTING MARRIED...and she asked me to be a bridesmaid. WOW YESSSS. She is the greatest. And John, well, he's not too shabby either.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-87587035455175117912009-07-23T14:26:00.002-04:002009-07-23T14:43:30.003-04:00Giving it upSo, I have some pretty exciting things coming up. I have a wonderful visitor coming on Saturday. One of my best friends while in college was Amy. She just graduated from high school and is going to Baylor in the fall. She is wonderful and she is coming to visit for a few nights. Plus she likes cats so she can give the whiney and annoying cats that I am taking care of all the attention they desire.<br /><br />I also have some job things coming up. I am going to keep these on the down low for now, because there needs to be much prayer surrounding what might actualize in these situations. Please be praying that my heart and my head are on track with the Lord's will. If I am not meant to get a certain job, I just pray that it is clear to me.<br /><br />My living situation is still pretty up in the air for now. I am looking, but trying also to trust the Lord. I am trying something new that is an idea I am ripping off from The Shack, which I just finished. In the book, Mack, through much questioning, realizes from Papa that he does not just want to be aour number one priority in our lives, but rather the center of everything and in turn a part of it all. At summer fellowship last night we read Luke 14, about the cost of being a disciple. Scripture says:<br /><br /><em>Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.</em><br /><br />So, Jesus is asking us to do something that at first glance sounds so out of whack from his message of love. But what we came to discuss was the fact that the way that we love every simple little other thing in our life should PALE in comparison to the sacrifice and love we show to Christ. One translation said that we should be "indifferent" to those other things. But, in bringing in The Shack metaphor, God doesn't want to be at the top of anyone's list of priorities; this would denote that he is a separate entity. Rather, he wants to be at the center of each priority, void of a hierarchical system.<br /><br />So, all that was said in order to explain that I am really trying to focus on trust and surrender. Our God is faithful, and even more so if we let Him be. So, in living and in working, rather than just in ministry or relationships, I am trying to surrender my desires to God's will.<br /><br />******************************************************<br /><br />On a completely unrelated note, I played my first game or Settlers of Catan last night. This game is a mix between Risk and some stock market game with resource cards. It is the number 8 most popular game in the world, and I would liken its players to those that play Pokemon or Dungeons and Dragons. All that aside, it has become pretty popular among my male friends in Young Life and so in turn, piqued my interest. Last night I played for my first time, and will willingly admit that I really enjoyed it. It takes about 15 minutes to set up and after we were about an hour plus into the game the power went out at the Robillards. Amie grabbed some candles and we continued to play much like true settlers, by candlelight. Well, I had begun to get pretty involved in the game and was standing up to see the board better from above. Neil was making fun of how into the game I was, so I went to sit down but in the dark my foot missed the couch and my right ankle gave out, only ot send my hand crashing down on the table, uprooting all pieces, including points, settlements, roads and puzzle pieces. So, once again my clumsiness ruined everyone's fun. All five guys that I was playing with just died laughing, and I am left with a sore ankle today.<br /><br />I love hurting myself doing embarrassing things.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-77190972196215295362009-07-20T09:30:00.000-04:002009-07-20T09:31:30.717-04:00Proverbs 4:11-12<em>I guide you in the way of wisdom </em><br /><em>and lead you along straight paths.<br /></em><br /><em>When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; </em><br /><em>when you run, you will not stumble.</em>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-39181848695401016112009-07-19T17:26:00.002-04:002009-07-19T17:45:35.254-04:00Nerve endingsI apologize in advance, knowing that this post could end up being a bit of a downer. Today in church the pastor read from Romans 5:3-5<br /><em></em><br /><em>Not only so, but we</em><em> also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.</em><br /><em></em><br />Since I moved, I feel like patience has been drilled into my head. I have been comforted over and over by God's words telling me that His plans are greater and BETTER than mine, that His timing is the only timing worth abiding by. In the midst of this I have read about men like Paul and Moses, men who waited not days or weeks or months for the ways that God would bless them, but YEARS. On top of that I read a book about Rahab. I prostitute who came to know Jesus in the midst of unbelievers and WAITED for God to come save her.<br /><br />If you know me at all, you know that patience is not one of my easily definable spiritual gifts. That being said, I have been walking in the direction of patience since I moved to Charlotte. It has been amazing how the Lord has proven to me that through Him, even I can learn to wait. All of that has come to a head now though. I have been waitressing now for 3 weeks, and I am fighting an awful internal struggle with my job. I work at a place where I feel so underappreciated and taken advantage of, and where I feel there is never any offer of grace. When I ask others a question, especially management acts as if Iam doing them a disservice. I feel constantly on the battlefield there, struggling to hold steadfast to my faith and morals, while I am feeling as if my spirit is being constantly driven to bitterness.<br /><br />Maybe this is what they mean when they talk about carrying the cross of Christ. My honest and immediate response is that I did not sign up for this, but realistically, I know that I did. Proverbs 16:9 says this:<br /><br /><em>A man's mind plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.</em><br /><em></em><br />Waitressing at Firebirds isn't even close to feeling like home to me. It is not a place that I want to spend time settling in to, but do I have the wrong attitude. I went into this job thinking, "Rejoice always," but leave everyday halfheartedly thinking, "Rejoice in my sufferings." God PROMISES to "prosper" and "not to harm," and I have never doubted that promise. So, I pray for patience, understanding and hope HOPE hope for the future that is promised.<br /><br />At 4 pm tomorrow I have a phone interview for a job that I feel like was made especially for me. It has the appearance of being a job that I would excel and thrive in, while also being challenged. If you could pray for that, I would be so thankful. Lord, please give me the patience to take each day for itself, rather than fixing my eyes on the unknown. Instead let me fix my eyes on your promises.Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-12960769798343740882009-07-17T09:27:00.003-04:002009-07-17T09:28:10.623-04:00Quick note from the Outer BanksHey All! I have been virtually invisible on the interweb this week because I have been at the beach, and really, who wants to be on the interweb at the beach? So, I am heading back later this afternoon, and will work on updating Saturday or Sunday! Yay, miss you all!Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-42592223847600858872009-07-09T15:17:00.003-04:002009-07-09T15:22:34.706-04:00Bored.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SapLcqFs3acKdkXNX7ExhKELL-H3p4oM6_aTfPLh8daAfEFVO8_Z3pu5NOS5tSHGSSfbABn4c34WRTeqPIZWoaV0YTkoDj8KHzlTIoCwvCKU8USELMSQIrmI7L2lZUnCyeuoDWztnU0/s1600-h/090709-151939.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356542376156324898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SapLcqFs3acKdkXNX7ExhKELL-H3p4oM6_aTfPLh8daAfEFVO8_Z3pu5NOS5tSHGSSfbABn4c34WRTeqPIZWoaV0YTkoDj8KHzlTIoCwvCKU8USELMSQIrmI7L2lZUnCyeuoDWztnU0/s320/090709-151939.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I did not plan to blog at all today, but of the 31 blogs that I follow, only 2 of them updated today. So, since I have nothing to read, I will drop a line. I am sitting at Caribou Coffee, my home away from home, killing time until I have to go back to work. I am bored. The restaurant that I work at does split shifts. I go in at 1130 to work lunch...get off around 2, and then head back in at 5 to work dinner. Silly, I know. Tonight I am hoping its dead so I can just be cut first and go home, money or no money. I am ready to start beach mode and that requires me to be off work first. As of tonight after work, its beach me all the way. </div>Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1878448196345370954.post-3766041011465519852009-07-08T16:06:00.002-04:002009-07-08T16:11:17.568-04:00Neat stuff to come.I am currently running on 6 days in a row of work. I am pretty wiped and the money I am making is NOT cutting it. So, I am being hopeful and patient. Really am. Relying HEAVILY on the Lord...Read Colossians 3 this morning and received such encouragement and affirmation in my patience.<br /><br />I applied for a job today as an administrative assistant at the organization that initially drew me to Charlotte, with whom I did not end up getting a job. This would be a great opportunity and seems to fit very well with my skill set. We will see. I worked HARD on the cover letter. How is everyone else?<br /><br />I leave for the beach on Saturday. Thank the Lord for that. Rejoice in that! I cannot wait to play Monopoly, Scattergories and Racko. I cannot wait to leave Monopoly sitting on the table all week, only to come back to it for a few hours each day in order to finish. I cannot wait to do chores with my cousins and design dinner menus. I cannot wait to camel boogie boards, floats, packed lunches, towels, toys and chairs to the beach to relax all day. I cannot wait to read books with Jessica, both on the beach and sunburnt on couches in the evening. I know I will do more laughing this week than I have since last going on vacation with my cousins, and I know we will make more memories that I will cherish long after. No boyfriends, just family. And I cannot wait!Jaclyn and Tylerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16480659170731165327noreply@blogger.com1