Last night we went to the awards ceremony for Alexis' league softball team, the Lumberjacks. She was coming off the field after the ceremony when she fell and sliced the palm of her left hand on a "star" that was on her trophy. The cut wasn't deep enough to need stitches, thank God, but it IS her batting and glove hand. We've got it bandaged and thankfully the tournament her All Stars team was supposed to play in this weekend was canceled so we have less than a week to get it healed for regionals starting a week from today (Friday). It's really sore and Lexi is (understandably) not using her hand today to do anything.
Would you guys please pray for God to heal Lexi's hand REALLY quickly and rid her hand of any soreness that she will start doing things with her hand and she can practice with the team and be ready for next weekend?
Thanks so much in advance for praying and I'll keep you posted!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
An Incredible Day for Liz and DK....And Me Too!
I met one of my biggest inspirations today....And it was the biggest day of HER life! I was honored and humbled to receive an invitation to Liz Jordan's wedding that took place today!
I was REALLY nervous about going by myself because I wasn't sure how accessible things would be for my walker and I didn't know anyone but Liz. However, as always, God showed up and the ceremony location was flat and I was able to walk right to a chair (it was on the groom's side, but that's alright...I love DK too!). There was a ramp leading right to where the reception was held. I didn't see one single step....Thank You, Lord!
The ceremony was beautiful...I teared up watching Liz walk down the aisle with her Dad and as she and DK joined hands...The look on her face...Made me cry again! I'm sure DK's face was equally as priceless, but because I was sitting on the groom's side, I was able to see Liz's face more clearly than his....Perhaps this was another fingerprint of God. It was incredible watching them pledge their love to each other and seeing the love they have for one another and the Lord so clearly reflected throughout the ceremony.
After the ceremony was finished, I easily made my way to the reception area and found a chair to sit and wait. I mingled with a few people. I saw Susan O'Donnell, Mike and Becky Kankelfritz along with their two precious kids, Abby Grace and Sam. I never talked to them but Susan did say hello to me as she was leaving and I said hi back but she didn't know who I was. Becky brought Sam over to talk with some people sitting around me and we exchanged hello's. Sam was SO ADORABLE! I saw Bill Ingram several times (he knew I was coming because we talked about it via Facebook) but he always looked like he was doing something important every time I saw him so I hated to bother him by saying hello. I did manage a wave at him as I was leaving the reception, but I doubt he knew it was me.
I finally saw what I thought was a good time to go and say hello to Liz. I was unsure of how to go about it because I didn't know if Liz would know who I was or even remember that she had invited me (I know the guest list was not currently on her mind) So I was trying to figure out how to tell her who I was..."Hi...I'm Natalie..." or "I'm Natalie....Congratulations...." As I made my way to her I was still trying to decide which approach to use. Liz took care of that for me....As soon as she saw me she instantly came over and hugged me and said, "Natalie, I'm so glad you're here...." I had a huge lump in my throat the entire time we talked. She introduced me to DK and the three of us talked briefly. I was very aware that so many people wanted time with her so I tried not to keep them very long. Once we finished, I didn't stay very much longer because I knew we had a bit of a drive to get back home so I called Dad to let him know I was ready and they came and picked me up. As I was leaving, DK and Liz were about to have their first dance as husband and wife.
I can honestly say meeting Liz in person FINALLY was incredible! I've shared so much with her and she means SO much to me that getting to share such an important time with her meant more to me than I could ever express. I know there were/are a lot of people that love Liz and DK and so to be invited to actually BE there to SEE them get married...I'm still wowed by that fact and feel so honored that they thought enough of me to want me there. It would have been easy for them to say, we can always meet Natalie at a KSBJ special events concert, but to ask me to be there....on their WEDDING DAY....It makes me teary just typing it. Wow.
God was totally present even before today. How you ask? Well, the date of their wedding was a total God thing. Every other weekend of this month is taken so had it been any other time this month, I wouldn't have been able to be there.
I have only three regrets: 1) I meant to sign the guest book before I left and forgot. 2) I sat down for the ceremony and forgot to get a program and 3 (and probably the biggest regret of all) I was hoping to get a picture with Liz using my iphone but I hated to ask and there were people waiting to talk to her so I didn't get a picture with her. :( I actually didn't get ANY pictures because the glare was so bad on my phone that I couldn't get any. I'm disappointed I don't have one with her though, but I'm sure there will be other chances down the road.
I'll never forget today. I know I've said it before but Liz is a HUGE part of my life and it's amazing to see how God lined everything up in our friendship so that this moment could take place on this day. I'm so thankful to have finally met the person I often call "my second sister." and to have met DK who loves and adores her the way she deserves to be loved!
Congratulations, Liz and DK! I'm beyond thankful to have been able to be a part of this day with the two of you. It meant more than you know. I look forward to continuing our journey as friends and continue to pray for you both daily and be thankful that God brought you into my life! You mean more to me than you will ever know and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for both of you as husband and wife! Love you guys!
I was REALLY nervous about going by myself because I wasn't sure how accessible things would be for my walker and I didn't know anyone but Liz. However, as always, God showed up and the ceremony location was flat and I was able to walk right to a chair (it was on the groom's side, but that's alright...I love DK too!). There was a ramp leading right to where the reception was held. I didn't see one single step....Thank You, Lord!
The ceremony was beautiful...I teared up watching Liz walk down the aisle with her Dad and as she and DK joined hands...The look on her face...Made me cry again! I'm sure DK's face was equally as priceless, but because I was sitting on the groom's side, I was able to see Liz's face more clearly than his....Perhaps this was another fingerprint of God. It was incredible watching them pledge their love to each other and seeing the love they have for one another and the Lord so clearly reflected throughout the ceremony.
After the ceremony was finished, I easily made my way to the reception area and found a chair to sit and wait. I mingled with a few people. I saw Susan O'Donnell, Mike and Becky Kankelfritz along with their two precious kids, Abby Grace and Sam. I never talked to them but Susan did say hello to me as she was leaving and I said hi back but she didn't know who I was. Becky brought Sam over to talk with some people sitting around me and we exchanged hello's. Sam was SO ADORABLE! I saw Bill Ingram several times (he knew I was coming because we talked about it via Facebook) but he always looked like he was doing something important every time I saw him so I hated to bother him by saying hello. I did manage a wave at him as I was leaving the reception, but I doubt he knew it was me.
I finally saw what I thought was a good time to go and say hello to Liz. I was unsure of how to go about it because I didn't know if Liz would know who I was or even remember that she had invited me (I know the guest list was not currently on her mind) So I was trying to figure out how to tell her who I was..."Hi...I'm Natalie..." or "I'm Natalie....Congratulations...." As I made my way to her I was still trying to decide which approach to use. Liz took care of that for me....As soon as she saw me she instantly came over and hugged me and said, "Natalie, I'm so glad you're here...." I had a huge lump in my throat the entire time we talked. She introduced me to DK and the three of us talked briefly. I was very aware that so many people wanted time with her so I tried not to keep them very long. Once we finished, I didn't stay very much longer because I knew we had a bit of a drive to get back home so I called Dad to let him know I was ready and they came and picked me up. As I was leaving, DK and Liz were about to have their first dance as husband and wife.
I can honestly say meeting Liz in person FINALLY was incredible! I've shared so much with her and she means SO much to me that getting to share such an important time with her meant more to me than I could ever express. I know there were/are a lot of people that love Liz and DK and so to be invited to actually BE there to SEE them get married...I'm still wowed by that fact and feel so honored that they thought enough of me to want me there. It would have been easy for them to say, we can always meet Natalie at a KSBJ special events concert, but to ask me to be there....on their WEDDING DAY....It makes me teary just typing it. Wow.
God was totally present even before today. How you ask? Well, the date of their wedding was a total God thing. Every other weekend of this month is taken so had it been any other time this month, I wouldn't have been able to be there.
I have only three regrets: 1) I meant to sign the guest book before I left and forgot. 2) I sat down for the ceremony and forgot to get a program and 3 (and probably the biggest regret of all) I was hoping to get a picture with Liz using my iphone but I hated to ask and there were people waiting to talk to her so I didn't get a picture with her. :( I actually didn't get ANY pictures because the glare was so bad on my phone that I couldn't get any. I'm disappointed I don't have one with her though, but I'm sure there will be other chances down the road.
I'll never forget today. I know I've said it before but Liz is a HUGE part of my life and it's amazing to see how God lined everything up in our friendship so that this moment could take place on this day. I'm so thankful to have finally met the person I often call "my second sister." and to have met DK who loves and adores her the way she deserves to be loved!
Congratulations, Liz and DK! I'm beyond thankful to have been able to be a part of this day with the two of you. It meant more than you know. I look forward to continuing our journey as friends and continue to pray for you both daily and be thankful that God brought you into my life! You mean more to me than you will ever know and I'm so excited to see what God has in store for both of you as husband and wife! Love you guys!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cotton Candy Jelly Beans
I woke up this morning with a massive craving for cotton candy jelly beans. They are my FAVORITE kind of candy and the candy store that used to have them near here went out of business. I was giddy when I found some while on our Colorado trip last year and bought a ridiculous amount to bring home (really, it was an INSANE amount). So when I woke up this morning wanting some, I lay in bed wondering where I might could find some but my mind soon moved on to other things.
My Mom brought in the mail today which contained a box for me. The box looked as though it had been through war and whatever was inside the box sounded like it was in worse shape. I opened the box slowly over a trash can so that whatever had broken wouldn't get all over the floor. I peeked inside and saw a bag of my beloved cotton candy jelly beans!! With them was a note my friend in Colorado saying that she knew I'd had a hard week and she hoped this would help!
I have the BEST FRIENDS!!!!
Thank you, Di for the sweet surprise and for constantly having my back! You rock my wheels!
My Mom brought in the mail today which contained a box for me. The box looked as though it had been through war and whatever was inside the box sounded like it was in worse shape. I opened the box slowly over a trash can so that whatever had broken wouldn't get all over the floor. I peeked inside and saw a bag of my beloved cotton candy jelly beans!! With them was a note my friend in Colorado saying that she knew I'd had a hard week and she hoped this would help!
I have the BEST FRIENDS!!!!
Thank you, Di for the sweet surprise and for constantly having my back! You rock my wheels!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
A REALLY BIG Kind of Love
Michael W. Smith recently tweeted this on his twitter page: "Everything about your life hinges on the answer to one simple question: Do you know how loved you really are?"
Only days later a similar question was posed by someone else..."Don't you understand that Christ DIED for you?? Don't you get it??"
And my answer to both of those questions is: No.
I don't know how loved I really am. I don't know, BECAUSE no one on this earth can love me as much as God does. I can try to understand it, and I can try to know how loved I really am but I'm doing so in my tiny little human understanding....My brain CAN'T KNOW. I CAN'T understand.
I don't know ANYONE on this earth that knows me so intimately that they know the number of hairs on my head, that they count every single tear, that they think about me so much that their thoughts about me out number the grains of sand. I don't know ANYONE who adores me like He does. And no, I DON'T get it. I don't get how He would die for someone like me. Someone who fails Him daily, who has sinned, turned my back on Him numerous times, and done COUNTLESS other things that are so unworthy of Him dying for me. And to know He would do it all again if He had to, and He would do it all again, even if I was the ONLY one He had to die for....That He would. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT!
But here's the thing: I'm NOT SUPPOSED TO!!! WE are not supposed to understand it!
There's another quote that my friend Scott Crenshaw recently put on his Facebook WAY before any of the above questions were posed and it keeps coming back to me. I have since put it on a sticky note and stuck it to my desk:
"If God were small enough to be understood, He wouldn't be big enough to be worshiped."
We're not supposed to understand! His love is THAT big!! It's beyond ALL human comprehension! If we understood the things of God, would we still stand in awe of Him? It's like knowing how a magician performs a magic trick....We're not so impressed by it when we know it works.
So, if you're like me and don't "get it" or don't understand His love for you.... Relax. It's okay. You're not supposed to. Just know that you ARE loved and adored in a way no other can love you! Isn't that an INCREDIBLE feeling?!
Only days later a similar question was posed by someone else..."Don't you understand that Christ DIED for you?? Don't you get it??"
And my answer to both of those questions is: No.
I don't know how loved I really am. I don't know, BECAUSE no one on this earth can love me as much as God does. I can try to understand it, and I can try to know how loved I really am but I'm doing so in my tiny little human understanding....My brain CAN'T KNOW. I CAN'T understand.
I don't know ANYONE on this earth that knows me so intimately that they know the number of hairs on my head, that they count every single tear, that they think about me so much that their thoughts about me out number the grains of sand. I don't know ANYONE who adores me like He does. And no, I DON'T get it. I don't get how He would die for someone like me. Someone who fails Him daily, who has sinned, turned my back on Him numerous times, and done COUNTLESS other things that are so unworthy of Him dying for me. And to know He would do it all again if He had to, and He would do it all again, even if I was the ONLY one He had to die for....That He would. I DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT!
But here's the thing: I'm NOT SUPPOSED TO!!! WE are not supposed to understand it!
There's another quote that my friend Scott Crenshaw recently put on his Facebook WAY before any of the above questions were posed and it keeps coming back to me. I have since put it on a sticky note and stuck it to my desk:
"If God were small enough to be understood, He wouldn't be big enough to be worshiped."
We're not supposed to understand! His love is THAT big!! It's beyond ALL human comprehension! If we understood the things of God, would we still stand in awe of Him? It's like knowing how a magician performs a magic trick....We're not so impressed by it when we know it works.
So, if you're like me and don't "get it" or don't understand His love for you.... Relax. It's okay. You're not supposed to. Just know that you ARE loved and adored in a way no other can love you! Isn't that an INCREDIBLE feeling?!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Team Kyle: Donate and Help Save Lives!
If you've read this blog even a little, then you know the story of Kyle Sherrill and you know how incredibly special that little boy is to me. I am joining his team in an effort to raise money for the March of Dimes, which is an organization that helps Mom's have full term pregnancies. As you know, like Kyle, I myself was born prematurely so this organization has personal meaning not only because Kyle is so close to my heart, but because I have been where Kyle was as well. Kyle and his family will be participating in a walk for this cause and it is my hope to raise 500.00 for Team Kyle! You can help! Just click on the link above and you will be taken to my personal donation page where you can donate. Or CLICK HERE
Kelly (Kyle's Mom) has a post on their blog explaining more details and gives a brief history of their journey. Please check it out HERE if you wish.
I would ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation or even joining Kyle's team! Any donation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance and please spread the word!
Kelly (Kyle's Mom) has a post on their blog explaining more details and gives a brief history of their journey. Please check it out HERE if you wish.
I would ask that you prayerfully consider making a donation or even joining Kyle's team! Any donation would be greatly appreciated! Thank you in advance and please spread the word!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Liz Jordan's LIVE Proposal
So I told you in December about Liz Jordan's live on air marriage proposal. Well, now you can SEE it! Scroll down and pause the music first!
And yes, I bawled like a baby when I watched it this morning! Felt like I was watching a second sister get engaged. Love her so much!
Please continue to pray for Liz and DK as they plan their May 1, 2010 wedding day! :)
And yes, I bawled like a baby when I watched it this morning! Felt like I was watching a second sister get engaged. Love her so much!
Please continue to pray for Liz and DK as they plan their May 1, 2010 wedding day! :)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"Front of the Class"
Last night I watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie "Front of the Class" which tells the true story of Brad Cohen and his life with Tourette's Syndrome. It left me beyond inspired!
Tourette's Syndrome is a disability that causes involuntary movements and ticks. While my disability is VERY different from TS, I could relate to the story in SO many ways.
From the teachers and people that told him he couldn't do something because of his disability, to the people that pushed him to keep believing in himself and reach for the stars.
One of the main things thins that bother me about my Cerebral Palsy is that it causes me to startle easily. I jump at EVERYTHING. I remember being SO embarrassed so many times in college when someone would simply sneeze and I would jump out of my skin. Making matters worse was the fact that I usually sat in the front of the class (because it was closest to the door) so that meant everyone behind me noticed, which caused more than a few people to chuckle. Then I would get tense about it and would then jump at every little thing until class was over and I could roll out and breathe a sigh of relief. It is probably the thing I am most self conscious about physically.
When I saw how Brad's classmates reacted to his ticks and outbursts that he couldn't help, my hear went out to him. Although, I know my struggle pales in comparison to his, I truly knew how he felt during those moments. But he didn't allow it to hold him back.
I can now laugh about my jumpiness with my friends and family. They know it's part of the CP and it doesn't phase them. When I get in a social situation where people DON'T know that fact however, it can be rough and I struggle not to let it bother me.
This movie is a MUST SEE for EVERYONE but especially teachers....Of ANY subject or age! I encourage you to go to Brad Cohen's website to learn more about his incredible story! You can also learn more about the movie, and even buy a copy of the movie and book if you wish! Check it out....You'll be be so glad you did!
Tourette's Syndrome is a disability that causes involuntary movements and ticks. While my disability is VERY different from TS, I could relate to the story in SO many ways.
From the teachers and people that told him he couldn't do something because of his disability, to the people that pushed him to keep believing in himself and reach for the stars.
One of the main things thins that bother me about my Cerebral Palsy is that it causes me to startle easily. I jump at EVERYTHING. I remember being SO embarrassed so many times in college when someone would simply sneeze and I would jump out of my skin. Making matters worse was the fact that I usually sat in the front of the class (because it was closest to the door) so that meant everyone behind me noticed, which caused more than a few people to chuckle. Then I would get tense about it and would then jump at every little thing until class was over and I could roll out and breathe a sigh of relief. It is probably the thing I am most self conscious about physically.
When I saw how Brad's classmates reacted to his ticks and outbursts that he couldn't help, my hear went out to him. Although, I know my struggle pales in comparison to his, I truly knew how he felt during those moments. But he didn't allow it to hold him back.
I can now laugh about my jumpiness with my friends and family. They know it's part of the CP and it doesn't phase them. When I get in a social situation where people DON'T know that fact however, it can be rough and I struggle not to let it bother me.
This movie is a MUST SEE for EVERYONE but especially teachers....Of ANY subject or age! I encourage you to go to Brad Cohen's website to learn more about his incredible story! You can also learn more about the movie, and even buy a copy of the movie and book if you wish! Check it out....You'll be be so glad you did!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)