KAKE live

Annie Jr.

2012-01-26T12:20:00.003+01:00

This past semester I had the absolute privilege of directing, with a dear friend, Annie Jr. with our middle schoolers. What an absolute treasure that was. These kids were so self motivated and determined to do well. It was as if they directed themselves. I want to share with you the faces of the kids that I've grown to love so much in my time here...

The adoring audience...

The crew...

Me and my wonderful co-director and friend...

What a wonderful collection of memories from this production. God is so gracious to allow us joy while working through us, despite our shortcomings and failures. :)

A King family trait...

2012-01-24T18:09:00.000+01:00

We have a lot of traits, things we are known for, our height being one of them, our ability to shake a hand properly (thanks Dad), musicality, sometimes humor, loud, hospitable, generally rambunctious but this is one that sometimes flies under the radar.

"Trashcan moments"... If you have been fortunate, (or perhaps not so fortunate) to experience the love for you during the afore mentioned "trashcan moment" you may or may not have had to go to the doctor's for an xray to determine the interior orthopedic damage. if you haven't experienced this then you haven't lived. :) I don't know what comes over us... it's like in that moment every ounce of us wants to crush you, except it's because we LOVE you so much. And sometimes, let's face it, love hurts...

I feel like perhaps Steinbeck experienced this moment from one of my ancestors and wrote us into his book The Grapes of Wrath in the character of Lennie. Fortunately, at least not to my knowledge, none of us cursed with this great capacity to love with such brutish strength has killed anyone... yet. :) Mind you, this is not a character trait that ALL of the King kids share, and you can imagine how those "encounters" end up. :) Bruising of some kind and then tears And so it continues... I honestly have to be careful when I hold little babies, because I am truthfully afraid I will squeeze the life right out of them.

So recently I was tagged in this post and it's true, so true.

It's been called many things, those of us who have experienced these moments may have said things like, "I love you so much I could throw you in a trash can", or "I just want to squish the life right out of you", or even "I could punch you in the face I love you so much", more recently and far less aggressively one of our youngest says, "I love you all the lost baby animals"... OH MY GOODNESS!! Can you feel the love people? Would we ever do those things to you?? OF COURSE NOT!! But we are just absolutely overcome with our love for you... May you be completely consumed by a "trashcan moment" one day in your life and feel absolutely, totally, and in all other ways loved. :)

TRASHCAN MOMENT!!!!

Up Next...

2012-01-18T14:12:00.002+01:00

So we just completed the Middle School musical on Saturday. The kids did a fantastic job and they were wonderful, hopefully I will be able to get some pictures soon to post for you. :) So Saturday we had our final performance, struck the set and enjoyed an action packed cast party... This past Monday we began rehearsal for the High School musical... Beauty and the Beast. I just want to share with you what we have in front of us in the way of costuming...

Source

Ummmm..... What have we gotten ourselves into? :) These are BEAUTIFUL costumes, how does a small private school with limited budget begin to dress these household objects? While we are excited I can't help but wonder how many grey hairs I will have by the end of this year... :)

2012

2012-01-08T19:30:00.002+01:00

Alright people... Break is over and the fun begins again at school. :) A middle school musical in 5 days, a new "running" schedule to adhere to and a resolution to post more blogs about captivating things... :) A tall order, good thing the King Kids were grown like the redwoods. Thanks Mom and Dad... :) Happy 2012 everyone! Hang on to those New Years resolutions and let's make some waves for God this year. :) Deal?

Just Breathe

2011-12-11T10:21:00.001+01:00

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Wow. OK. I am not sure what happened this year but what a whirlwind. Between 5 choral performances, the fall play, preparing for a middle school musical, auditioning for the high school musical, school events, and some semblance of a personal life I have lost sight of this sweet little blog of mine. A place where I enjoy coming to share with you snippets of current life. :) I want it back... the whole of the major events this side of christmas vacation have been accomplished and now it is time for breathing, seeing family, and LIVING. :) My heart sings at the thought of some dear friends and family coming to visit me in just a few days. There are things to clean and plan and buy and prepare for but for the moment I am basking, and breathing. :)

Future days are clear and bright

with sun and laughter and sheer delight.

The heart grows warm at the thought of love

from family and friends...each gifts from above.

With Christmas time comes Christmas cheer

And an ache on your face from ear to ear.

Light fare and merriment combine to create

A perfect blend of memories ne'er to dissipate.

So with this rhyme comes great expectation

Of a family Christmas with untold jubilation.

The day grows nearer, my heart is awakened,

the castle needs cleaning, the tree not forsaken,

the meals need planning, the towels to be laundered

and where we will all sleep needs certainly to be pondered.

So much to do for this future Christmas Eve,

The time has come to

just breathe.

Christmas Concert.

2011-12-08T09:30:00.001+01:00

We did it!! The High School Choir was fantastic this year, as they always are. :) We were blessed to be able to sing in Peterskirche for our annual Christmas concert. It was beautiful. 28 students, 9 songs and only 5 weeks to prepare for it. They did a fantastic job. :) It was a pleasure directing them. Sad to think that this would be my last time performing at this church but I am so thankful for these rich experiences here in Vienna. :) These kids have completely stolen my heart. I am filled with pride and joy at their hard work, at their dedication to put up with me, and at their love for life. What a precious time we had last night. A special thanks to my friend MT for snapping this photo. :)

Then and Now.

2011-11-27T19:02:00.001+01:00

I wanted to share this time lapse photo...
Times have certainly changed.

Taken in a different country and in a different century even, with a 5 year old girl unaware of the road ahead.

Well time hasn't changed too many things... I still am completely unaware of the road ahead, and apparently still have an affinity for stone men coming out of the sewer. So there is always that. :)

Traditional Thanksgiving... or as close as possible...

2011-11-26T12:18:00.001+01:00

I have been the WORST at keeping updated on my blog this year, but I am hoping to be clearing out of that fog. And I have a wonderful post regarding Thanksgiving. :) So...

This year, my very close friends the Stocketts and I decided to host a traditional Thanksgiving meal for some of our Austrian friends. They are unaccustomed to the vast quantities of deathly rich foods we as Americans eat with a spirit of gluttonous thanksgiving. Why wouldn't we share that gift?

The menu:
Butterball Turkey
Stuffing
Gravy
Green Been Casserole
Rolls
Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Something orange to add color, which later ended up being a carrot dish.
Apple Dumplings
Cinnamon Rolls

No pies, we decided to forego them, partly because you can't get canned pumpkin here and what other pie could you possibly serve without pumpkin?

The plan:
Eat at 2pm
sit around lazily
play games
watch the game on a projected screen
eat more
play more games

And the evening was a success. :) Allow me to share my experience through pictures.

My apple dumplings with Cinnamon and Nutmeg.

Here is my rolling pin. I didn't realize I didn't have one until after I already started making the pastry dough... So, pasta container it is... :)

Our table and place settings... :) A little thrown together but I like to think of it as endearing.

Part of the Stockett clan. I just love this family so so much. :)

And here we all are... I am behind the camera but there none the less. A sweet little gathering and a live stream of the football game bigger than life on our wall. :)

One of our Austrian friends went to the store specifically to find American treats to bestow upon us on this day of Thanksgiving. Mountain Dew and Doritos, along with Reese's Pieces and Hershey Kisses. They may not be part of a traditional feast but they may make an appearance from now on in memory of Austria. :)

Food.... SO MUCH FOOD....

And the post Thanksgiving coma. Inevitable, uncomfortable, and yet welcomed.

One of our Austrian friends said that if we told him that he had to eat again, he would leave. I assured him not to be downtrodden for he was but a rookie. This kind of eating behavior cannot be accomplished by just sitting down one day and doing it. We as Americans have been carefully groomed and bred to withstand this kind of caloric intake. The full feeling subsides and then you look forward to next Thanksgiving... After the 3 days of leftovers has commenced.

And thus was our Traditional American Thanksgiving.... or as close as possible.

I hope you were blessed on your day of giving thanks. And know that my thoughts were with you. :)

All Saints Day. 1.11.11

2011-11-06T09:10:00.000+01:00

I have never really recognized All Saints Day. I mean, I recognized that it exists but never did anything special because I know that to be absent from the body, as a believer, is to be present with the Lord. And there is a tremendous sense of freedom and deliverance in that knowledge. This year a friend and I were invited to Slovakia to see Bratislava and go to the cemetery in the evening to take part in a very prominent part of catholic culture. Our hosts, have been missionaries in Slovakia for quite some time and are some of the most gracious and joy-filled people I've ever met. :) And what a blessing they have been in my life.

The catholic church recognizes All Saints Day as a day to remember the Saints who have died and are in heaven. All Saints Day precedes "All Souls Day" in which the souls of the departed who have not yet reached heaven, are recognized and prayed for.

This is of course in contrast to the Christian faith where once you've come to a saving knowledge of Christ you are assured of an eternity with God from the moment you leave this Earth.

Hundreds upon thousands of candles lit up this cemetery and I couldn't help but be so grateful for the assurance God has afforded us as His children. And even more joyous at the thought of Anthony, not awaiting deliverance from a "non-heaven", and not contingent on anything I do on his behalf, but rejoicing in heaven even as I write this. What blessed assurance.

So today, Sunday, rejoice in the confidence you have as a believer in where you will spend eternity. Not waiting... but dancing and singing and worshipping your Creator God. How amazing, and special and unique and empowering. :0) If you do not have this knowledge of God as your Savior please ask someone about it. May God bless you richly today in visions of His grandeur and what He has in store for you...

Good Obsession, Bad Obsession Pt. 8

2011-11-04T15:51:00.001+01:00

Good Obsession:
To add accessories to your wardrobe, adding a "professional" flare to an otherwise mundane toggery. Such as: a scarf, a vest, a fun chunky ring, big dangly earrings, or a nicely placed hair bow. (OK, I never do the hair bow...)

Bad Obsession:
To use these accessories with such frequency that a student asks you if she can borrow your vest so she can dress up like you for a Halloween Party...

Picture of Heaven.

2011-10-17T11:07:00.000+02:00

Perhaps the single most amazing thing about being here in Vienna and at the International Christian School of Vienna is the diversity. I don't just mean one or two cultures represented amidst the overwhelming white majority. I mean true diversity. I mean, that in a group of 5 kids at least three countries, cultures, languages are represented. I can't begin to explain to you the beauty of this reality.

This Sunday I went to a Celebration Service at VCC where the attendees all wore national dress and it literally brought tears to my eyes as we lifted our hands in worship singing together in English and German. It was a completely surreal, majestic, and glorifying experience. As part of the worship we were told to look around and shake hands with 3 people and tell them, "this is a picture of heaven." And just in front of me and behind me I was in contact with 3 nations. Amazing. And to think of all of us in heaven singing praises to God for eternity. It makes me so excited!!! And a little jealous of Anthony who is already up there singing his heart out. :0)

This is the heart of God. That all the nations of the world would come to know him. How blessed and fortunate am I to be in a place where all the nations are meeting on a daily basis. Beautiful. I will forever seek out diversity for the rest of my life.

Source

Apfelhof...

2011-10-16T20:06:00.001+02:00

I was privileged to be able to enjoy a morning out in the sun yesterday picking, potatoes, apples, and pumpkins. I had to leave early unfortunately and so was not able to experience all the wonderful things Bauern Bernard had to offer. :0) But here are some pictures for you to enjoy with me.

A pleasant and warm outdoor fire pit.... Kept our hands warm and our fall hearts happy. :0)

Oh... Bauern Bernard and Whitney. Endearingly pronounced Veetney by our apple farmer friend. :0)

We even had our very own Snoopy. :0) He seemed to love basking in the sun as much as we did.

It was a very exciting day for me. :0)

With my friend working here with a church plant. Beautiful isn't she? :0)

So many beautiful apples to pick... And they all tasted D.e.L.i.C.i.O.u.S.

Bauern Bernard, preparing the fields for us to harvest some potatoes.

And the time came for us to gather said potatoes. :0)

Here is the haunted apple cellar.

Do you dare enter? :0)

Upon their return from the apple orchards, the farming participants delighted in delicious baked potatoes. We want to thank Columbus for bringing this initially confounding plant to the people of Europe. Once we got past the suspicious nature of eating something that grows beneath the Earth's surface, we were able to be saved from famine. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. :0)

Bauern Bernard even made some delicious freshly pressed apple juice. :0)

Two good friends here in Vienna. One from New Zealand, the other from Chicago. Both a blessing and an impeccable contribution to the team at ICSV.

:0)

Oh the pleasantries of fall... How we enjoy you, for now until we give yield to Jack Frost nocking on our door only to bring Christkindlemarkts and Glüwein. But for now revel in your ever shortening days and perfect nestling weather. :0)

It's time...

2011-10-12T22:43:00.000+02:00

Well... today I put on a pair of my FAVORITE shoes of all time. Purchased on our first "sisters" trip to Sweden 3 summers ago. They were an Italian vision that could not be ignored AND I was with my sisters who encouraged this serendipitous purchase...

Here they are in all their Mary Poppins splendor...

But alas, this morning when they shod my feet a strange and very distinct difference sounded between my left footstep and my right... Sort of a lovely deep Italian click from my right combatted with a very metallic and treble ping from my left. "What could it be?", thought I. And I looked down to discover the irrefutable truth.

The left heel is just DEAD. Nothing to be done. I know that I could take them to a cobbler, but they are old and well used.... Perhaps I could hold on to them for a bit longer but sometimes you just have to let go....

So fair thee well by beautiful Swedish, Italian shoes...

Thank you for making me feel like Mary Poppins...

Practically perfect in every way.

We've been through a lot together and have forged through several countries...

You will be missed, and a sequel will be sought after, but you are irreplaceable.

How Could I Forget?

2011-10-08T13:16:00.003+02:00

We just concluded Spiritual Emphasis Week for the secondary students at ICSV. And I was floored. In many ways, this week snuck up on me and I did not spend time covering it in prayer. But it did not sneak up on God, and He was present. Absolutely and overwhelmingly present. It was decided that this year instead of bringing in someone to speak to the students that we would keep it "in house" which meant that our teachers got to share their stories... their testimonies of the faithfulness of God in their own personal lives.

The theme of the week was "By His Design" and the whole of the students, staff, and faculty were reminded of how true that statement really is. And God began to move mountains in the lives of His children. Walls were breaking down, tears were flowing, questions were being asked, difficulties were being wrestled with, and students were profoundly impacted. God was moving, and prayerfully, really changing the hearts of those who were estranged from Him.

I forgot the power of TESTIMONY. How could I forget that? It's one of the most powerful tools! A real life testament of how God has made His name great in our own lives. One of Satan's tricks is to discourage us from sharing because he KNOWS that His defeat lies in the living proof of God's grace and mercy, and love. But this week Satan's best efforts at squelching the truth were thwarted, and God's name was made paramount to everything else.

Revelation 12:11

And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb

and because the word of their testimony...

Do you know your testimony?

Do you recognize that you have a testimony no matter what it includes?

Have you ever written it down?

Who have you shared it with?

Why haven't you shared it?

Who's going to tell your story if you don't?

Will you share?

When will you share it?

Source

Share it!!!

Five Shooting Stars

2011-09-29T19:56:00.001+02:00

The night was dark and the moonlight was dancing across waters of the Chesapeake Bay. A strong breeze made the water dance with that much more brilliance, and was that much more breathtaking. A sense of awe and wonder.

A Feeling.

Of being so small. Looking up, one bright shooting star streaks across the star, then another shortly follows ever so dim but existent none the less. Then a stillness in the skies as the waters of the Chesapeake lap along the rocky shore. Then, a yearning.

A Desire.

To really know that in that moment God was present. Not just a head knowledge but a desire for the spirit to wail in response to the presence of God.

A Remembrance.

Of a long forgotten but sometimes recalled King. God's desire to know and to be known by His children.

A Sign.

An unclaimed sign in the Old Testament was now being called upon. "God, I want to know that you hear me. I want to know that you see me. Show me three more shooting stars."

1 Star shoots across the sky.

Time.

"I need to know you hear me, that I am where you want me to be. That I have responded to Your calling in a way that pleases you. Show me a second shooting star."

.......Time......

"This may be brazen of me, but I will not leave this spot until you show me two more shooting stars. I asked for three, you have shown me one. Show me a second shooting star."

............................TIME...................................

A second shooting star shoots across the sky.

Tears.

Tears of joy flowing out of my very soul. To know that GOD hears me. That His presence is right here, right now. An excitement, a thrill, greater than any adrenaline rush, grander than any adventure. And then..."Father, show me one more shooting star." Feeling ungrateful, feeling unworthy, fearing my own boldness at approaching a God who is so very alive and so very active. And still something within me pushes me to ask again. "Father, I asked you for three shooting stars. You have shown me two. Show me your beauty, grace, majesty, brilliance in a third shooting star."

Nothing.

Loneliness. A long time passed. And confession poured forth out of my mouth and into the breeze as it dried my tears. Conversation with my creator, as my best friend. Honesty with no secrets, no pretenses, nothing held back. An outpouring of pent up emotion, hurt, pain. And a statement, "No matter where I go, or what I go through. I know you will always be with me."

A third shooting stars blazes across the night sky.

Five Shooting stars in total.

AWE.

A loss of breath, a recognition of God for WHO HE IS. My soul bursts. "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips." (Isa 6:5) Fear of the Lord and joy and His having heard my voice come together and crowd my soul until an outpouring of laughter, and sobbing carry on the winds of the bay.

Beauty.

Majesty.

Glory.

Power.

Proclaimed throughout His creation.

And His listening ear turned to me, the one who required a most costly sacrifice on a cross 2000 years ago.

Thank you Father for "revealing Yourself by nature and miracles. You are beautiful. You are beautiful. You are the Lord, the Famous One. Famous One. Great is Your name in all the Earth. The Heavens declare You're glorious, glorious, great is your Fame beyond the Earth."

(Chris Tomlin)

(Source)

3 years, Eclipsed.

2011-09-28T18:38:00.002+02:00

It has taken me such a long time to write this post. I think because I don't know how to put into words what I experienced on the anniversary of Anthony's homegoing. I was so confounded. It has been 3 years and on Wednesday the 21st of September I woke up and thought, "I am not sad anymore."

What?

At first I felt guilty, like that sadness should always be mine to bear. Then I was confused because I didn't think that I still harbored such sadness... And honestly I can't tell you what it was. The morning of the 21st was preceded by several very difficult days and even months of confusion and tears, of not really feeling anchored and then one morning....

Lamentations 3:22-23

"For the Lord's lovingkindness indeed never cease,

For His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning;

Great is your faithfulness."

This verse, all of a sudden came alive. I was wrestling with God all week, wondering why? and how? and am I doing OK? Is this what you had in store? Is this where you want me? Is there more for me? And so on, endlessly....

God said, STOP. And look what I have done in you these past three years. Look how I have grown you. Look how your path has been prepared for you. LOOK.

Upon reflection I realized that even if I could go back to what my life was with Anthony, I would choose not to. !!!!!!! In that statement is the freedom of a long held breath finally released. I recognized that if I did go back, I would no longer fit in the comfortable niche that was my life. My life is new, different, and designed just so. It has taken me this long to descry this very poignant and in some ways fundamental truth.

I will always miss Anthony, and remember him with a smile on my face and in my heart, but he has moved on with his eternal life, and I feel like finally I am released to move on with my own earthly life. In many ways I have "moved on" but this final step is in allowing myself to emotionally let go and move forward.

Not to diminish the grieving process or the painstakingly difficult steps, but the grief of these past 3 years was, in an instant, eclipsed by what God the Father has done since. Amazing.

So in the observing of Dumas Day this year I smiled. :0)

A first, and also an ongoing process.

What is next? I can't even imagine, but I am more myself today than I was 3 or 5 or 10 or 20 years ago. I've said it before and I know it to be true...

God IS good.

Sweet Kailyn Ann...

2011-09-18T19:32:00.003+02:00

This little bundle of sweetness is my new love. :0) The newest member to the family of my dear friends, the Johnstone's. She has quickly wiggled her warm, cuddly, sweet self right into my heart. Oh my goodness. Her parents, my dear friends have asked me to be godmother in this young lady's life. If only I had a magic want to fulfill her every desire... As it is, I have a power greater than any wand, magic or otherwise. My promise to my goddaughter is to pray for her fervently and continuously. To pray that the Lord guides her footsteps and clearly shows her His desired path. Am I up to the godmother challenge? By God's grace may I be a special part of this precious child's life. So... I guess we are stuck together for good Kailyn. :0) I don't mind if you don't.

I would like to take this moment to thank the Lord for filling my heart and life with so many little children. From my own 9 nieces and nephews (maybe more to come...) to the babies of my dear friends, I am blessed beyond words at the abundance of family in my life.

Thank you Father for showing Your love to me through
little hands,
a 5 year old boy's fashion advice,
teenage emails,
speech impediments,
hugs that hurt,
kisses that require clean-up,
absurd nicknames (Chubby, Kiki, Mickmush, Cricket the list goes on...)
tears upon separation,
then tears again at reuniting,
through giggles that make angels smile,
and through the warmth in my heart when hands specifically reach out for me to take hold of them and not let go.

This is what life is about. To love and be loved well, so that the Father's love is the visible tie that binds us together. Thank you God in heaven for reaching down to us through love in all its various forms. :0)

Noisy Gong...

2011-09-17T21:48:00.004+02:00

This week in staff devotions a local missionary for OM spoke to us. He shared a most convicting thought...

He said, "I can do great things, really good things, but am I doing it out of love?"

(source)

1 Corinthians 13:1
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become an noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

As I serve here at the International Christian School of Vienna, I can serve and serve well by doing the things that are expected of me, and maybe a bit more so that I know I am giving it my all. But why? What is my motivation? Is it love? Do I teach my kids because I love them? Do I cover someone's class out of love? Do I recognize the opportunities I have as a chance to love and to love well? Do I exemplify Christ's love? This has challenged me greatly this weekend.

I want to be a sweet sound in God's ear, I don't want to be a noisy distraction to His beautiful composition. I want to serve well, and completely out of love. And I want to be reminded of this call every day. This is my prayer.

(source)

To the Rathaus.

2011-09-05T18:31:00.000+02:00

A friend of mine and I went down to the Rathaus to enjoy the delicious foods and cultural delicacies of the outdoor Film Festival here in good ol' Vienna. We were in for a treat with a French opera by the name of "Manon". While we were watching this opera I was reminded of a very favorite piece from my college repertoire that I did in French as well. I told my friend this and not 20 minutes later the lead character sings the very song I had mentioned before. AMAZING!! Here is the youtube clip. Please keep in mind that I did not perform it with these props, or in this outfit... :0) But the beauty of the song remains the same.

I am Reminded.

2011-09-02T10:20:00.001+02:00

I am reminded of how good God is. How in every aspect of our lives he is present and ready to provide for all your needs, not always your wants. And for that we can be thankful. If I got what I wanted all the time I would lead myself to destruction probably. But God, in His sovereignty is always working.

My return to Vienna has been a mixture of a lot of emotions, but in the end I am reminded that this is where God wants me. In another blog I will share with you my experience with shooting stars that left me in tears, simply because of the constant presence of God. For now I want to share with you a picture that reminds me of how God has provided such a wonderful community of friends and family here. :0)

This picture is one of my favorites, I'm not entirely sure why, but it captures a real moment of laughter and fun. So many of my dear friends gathered to celebrate life. :0) I am so blessed by the people and babies that surround me here in Vienna. Praise God for relationships and the love found within. :0)

For more pictures of the evening go here...

"Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art...
It has no survival value; it is one of those things that give value to survival." - C.S. Lewis

From the fire to the furnace...

2011-08-26T17:14:00.002+02:00

Warning: This blog entry serves no spiritual purpose really, I just needed to update and this is what is on the mind of EVERY Viennese resident this week....

Or for those of you with a metric brain...

I ask you... WHY????????

I left this stinkin' weather in Maryland, or so I thought.

Perhaps the most defeating thing is that there is NO relief. For 4 days now, and one can't even cool off in the evening in the comfort of one's own home.

For ne'er an air conditioner can be found.

So we swim.

Every day.

After school.

In the alte Donau from a very gracious staff members back yard.

But during school hours....

there is only one thing to do.

Sing to a fan. :0)

And make jokes like:

"Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego just came by my office. They left 'cause it was too hot." (JS)

and

"It's so hot I just saw the devil walk by with a popsicle." (AE)

To which someone responded, "Where did he go? I want one!" (BD)

and last but not least

"It's so hot I want to take my skin off and sit in my bones." (Anonymous)

Welcome Back.

2011-08-15T14:56:00.002+02:00

Dinner with a dear friend on a terrace overlooking Vienna...
And God showing His beauty and enormity.
Not a bad way to start off the year...

"Greater things have yet to come, and greater things are still to be done in this city."
-Chris Tomlin

And my heart breaks...

2011-08-11T12:51:00.004+02:00

Others returning to Vienna have done a similar post but...
This is what I've been able to surround myself this summer...
This is also what makes my heart homesick...

Some are coming within the next few months and for this I am very grateful. Life is so rich when surrounded by those with a common love for God and each other. :0) Thank you my dear friends and family who fill my cup until it overflows. :0) I love you!

HP-7b

2011-07-24T22:22:00.001+02:00

I finally was able to see the ending to an extremely large investment of time and emotional energy. :0) My sister and I were able to steal away for 2.5 hours late at night with our niece to take part in the epic ending of a story well told. And in 3D. Dorky?

What makes you say that?

But it was a night of wonder and excitement that filled our little HP hearts with a story of overcoming adversity. :0) And three identical smiles to prove our enjoyment. :0)

Isaiah, King Ahaz, Bear, and Me.

2011-07-18T05:51:00.000+02:00

King Ahaz was a man in tension with an impending battle ahead of him (Isaiah 7). Two nations, one from the north and one from the east planning on laying siege to Jerusalem. The response to this impending disaster was Isaiah 7:2, "his heart and the hearts of his people shook as the trees of the forest shake with the wind." The Lord then reminds Ahaz that "if he didn't believe then he wouldn't last." (vs. 9)

This is where I am. After some unexpected changes in life, a few tears shed, and growing pains withstood I find myself feeling like this tree looks. Like I've been "struck down but not destroyed". The same truth for King Ahaz is true for me. If I don't believe that God is in control and that He has my best interest at heart then I will never last through this life. I must know that life. people. roles. traditions. these will all change and just as Shakespeare said, "rough winds do [and will] shake the darling buds of May." How will I respond? This is God's response to Ahaz, and to me, and Bear's message has brought it to my attention leaving me challenged...

TAKE HEED ------- BE QUIET ------- DO NOT FEAR ------- DO NOT BE FAINT HEARTED

(verse 4 of chapter 7)

This life is a life full of tension. Some expected, some completely out of the blue. Some are welcomed, and some are met with dread and a trembling heart. But it's part of living. It's part of life and how are we to respond? And how deeply are your roots planted? To what strengths can the winds blow before it's too much? Root yourself in the truth, protection, and steadfastness of God's love. That unchanging, unaltering, beautiful strength. It is therein where we can rise again and face another day.

Current Life.

2011-06-29T13:43:00.001+02:00

Wowzers... It's been a while. Now that I've returned to the states and have gotten my wits about me, I hope to be able to post with more consistency or at all. :0)

Here is my current life.

Taken by NL during camp.

Yes... my job this summer for the 3rd summer. Pool manager/life guard. Out in the sun, protecting little children from the unpredictable wiles of the water. This renders me to a state of being super paranoid and strict all summer because I'm so nervous that something bad will happen... BUT, I am charged with keeping the kids at the pool safe, and I will do that to the best of my ability. :0)

Here we all sit while we go over pool rules. I am talking to the boys up front, not hanging my head...

And this is life right now. Get to the pool at 9 and am finished at 5, the extra time is filled with various things that need to be done here at Camp Wabanna, or with trips home to love on my family, or dinners with friends to catch up on all that has transpired this past year. :0)

It's good to be home for a little while. I'm excited about the upcoming fourth of July. Not sure yet what I will be doing but it will feel good to be here in my home country for it's birthday. :0)

"Lucky in Love"

2011-05-20T15:13:00.003+02:00

I just received this from my mother. :0) A picture of her parents, whom I never had the privilege of meeting, in 1944 before my mother or Uncle were born.

How cute are they!!! :0) And Momma says that her Dad always used to say he was "Lucky in Love". They BOTH were from the looks of it. I can't help but grin from ear to ear when I look at these two and know that I'm related to them. :0)

So here's to you Grandma and Grandpa Hollar. Thanks for raising your kids to be such dynamic parents. I love you both without even knowing you. :0)

Birthday Smiles.

2011-05-17T13:02:00.000+02:00

I walked in to find a Venti Caramel Macchiato. :0)
A Happy Birthday sign and balloons on my desk,
A hand written sign on my door from one of my students (not sure which one),
A bag of Korean goodies with the sweetest notes,
American Cheetos and a Mountain Dew from one of my coworkers,
And birthday wishes from my students...

Choir was particularly touching... :0)

I love these kids. :0)

Only in Vienna...

2011-05-16T09:35:00.000+02:00

I mean I guess if you have to wait for the Ubahn, you should wait comfortably...

Belated Mother's Day...

2011-05-15T22:42:00.000+02:00

Some of my fondest and warmest memories revolve around the velvety tones of my mother's voice. Whether she was singing scales, humming lullaby's, singing along with some kind of church choir cassette tape, or singing while playing her guitar, my her voice is one of those that just warms you from the inside out, it calms you and removes you from the present moment to some place much more beautiful. :0) We, as good children of course, teased her for her song style selection but in the end when I sit down at my guitar it's the songs I've heard her sing a million times that come flooding into my mind and manifest themselves through my fingertips. This is one of those songs... We always called this particular chord the "Heaven" chord and there is something about the quality and timbre of my mother's voice that just fits inside of it perfectly.

Momma, I know this is a remake, and not nearly to the caliber or quality of what you did but I love you and want you to know that this brought me so much pleasure and joy to work on and sing something that was yours. :0) I hope this can and has brought a smile to you face. :0) Happy Mother's Day and I love you so so so much. :0)

p.s. sorry it's late

Austrian Brunch.

2011-05-14T19:53:00.005+02:00

One of my dear Austrian friends, Ami, had an open house brunch this morning and it was truly fantastic. :0) Look at this spread...

Complete with radishes, tomatoes, cheese, meat, basil, red peppers bread, fresh strawberries, fruit salad, greek salad, black currant juice, and these delicious baked pockets of goodness that I can't remember the name of...

Ahhhh....

Good German conversation was had... and I listened...

We played Qwirkle... and I lost...

And the orange juice was freshly squeezed and spritzed...and I loved it... :0)

A great Saturday morning that I wanted to share with you. :0)

Last Concert.

2011-05-10T22:03:00.003+02:00

Well tonight was the last Secondary Concert of the year, also the last thing that I am responsible for. I can't even begin to express how much these kids have meant to me this year. Here is video of the last song we did. "Faithful Over A Few Things" by Glenn Burleigh. I sang it in College and loved it then and these kids learned it, did it well and fell in love with it as well. :0) It's a long song but enjoy!!

Lady of Song.

2011-05-05T23:29:00.004+02:00

Ella Fitzgerald

"I sing like I feel."

"The only thing better than singing is more singing."

"I know I'm no glamour girl, and it's not easy for me to get up in front of a crowd of people. It used to bother me a lot, but now I've got it figured out that God gave me this talent to use, so I just stand there and sing."

"I guess what everyone wants more than anything else is to be loved. And to know that you loved me for my singing is too much for me. Forgive me if I don't have the words. Maybe I can sing it and you'll understand."

"Ella is the boss lady. That's all."

- Billy Strayhorn

I have always been completely entranced by this woman. Always. Not sure why exactly, her music does more to me than any other persons music, besides my own mothers. I know her life was a difficult one and her personality was not what one would expect for the "Lady of Song". I don't know if she loved Jesus but I know Jesus loved her and I can only hope that someone told her that at some point in her life. :0) Her music inspires me towards musical excellence. I love singing, I miss singing, and I hope to continue singing throughout my lifetime... I like to think that Ella and I have that in common. :0)

(Quotes were taken from Ella's official website)

2 Corinthians 5:7

2011-05-03T12:17:00.000+02:00

Walk by faith...not by sight.

Adductive.

Conflictive.

Expansive.

Explosive.

Elusive.

Imperative.

Hortative.

Illuminative.

Intensive.

Hard.

Turning into a bird here...

2011-05-02T12:25:00.000+02:00

OK Folks, these are some of my favorite snacks here in Vienna...

Just a mixture of nuts and berries, I'm pretty sure these are the ingredients of most any bird treat you might find at the pet store, perhaps excluding the cashews.

If you're feeding your birds cashews, then I wish I were a bird in your yard. :0)

Bernd Das Brot.

2011-04-28T08:17:00.001+02:00

Introducing what appears to be the German equivalent to Sponge-Bob Squarepants....

Bernd Das Brot.

(Bernt the Bread)

"Bernd is a depressive, grumpy, curmudgeonly, constantly bad-mooded, surly, fatalistic, melancholy loaf of pullman bread speaking in a deep, gloomy baritone. He is small, square-shaped and golden brown with hands directly attached to his body, eyes circles and a thin-lipped mouth. According to himself, he belongs to the species "Homo Brotus Depressivus"."

(Wikipedia)

Those of you who know my brother, or if you ARE my brother and are reading this then I hope you enjoy your name twin. :0) Who knew? Here is a youtube clip for your enjoyment.

His song centers on the difficulty of having arms too short to play the piano.

Love you Bernty!! :0)

Legit Lit...

2011-04-27T14:12:00.001+02:00

I have so enjoyed the book club I've been a part of this year.

We have read several dystopia's like

1984 by George Orwell and

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley,

we've read some profound fiction like

The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis,

we've read some light hearted reads like

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy and

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens,

we've read some deeply theological books like

Subversion of Christianity by Jacques Ellul,

and some great novels like

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens.

We've discussed many topics outside of these books including cultural intelligence and the bondage of marriage (totally different sounding within context). We've eaten a lot of pistacchio's and 70% cacao chocolate bars... And this year we are losing half of our members. There is a weight of sadness one must bear when one finds connections and personal sharpening in the intellect of others. One day it has to end. And with that reality comes a feeling of disappointment. We have one book left to read together however, we finish with a New York Times bestseller by Anne Tyler

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant.

On a more personal note I am left with my copy of David Copperfield previously owned by a friend. It came to me in one piece but in my care it has been all but destroyed... Sad but true. This is of course an indication of my love for this book and nothing else. Every time I look at it I am reminded of this sweet group of people with a love for literature and fellowship, and I can't help but be a little proud of all the great books we've devoured. :0)

So here's to you Legit Lit and here's hoping that our dwindled numbers will be able to carry on the tradition... :0)

When in Eisenach...

2011-04-26T15:19:00.001+02:00

A rare sight indeed. But the real point of interest is in the background.

It's not a bed...

It's a luggage rack.

Just tryin' to be like the locals...

For "Dumb and Dumber" Fans.

2011-04-25T14:07:00.002+02:00

Germany wants to get the word out on the street...
One train sign at a time...

Start "puttin' out the vibe." :0)

"You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown!"

2011-04-19T17:26:00.001+02:00

It came...

It was a great success.

These kids are some of the best I've ever worked with.

The whole cast was, for lack of a better word,

MAGNIFICENT.

I look back with a smile on my face

and a nice, deep, satisfied, and cleansing

Ahhhhhh.

I would like to say to these kids,

"Job well done." :0)

The Pearl - Steinbeck

2011-04-18T16:52:00.007+02:00

As a choir teacher I have to speak in terms that will appeal to the senses to achieve a certain sound in the voice. This, as a result, makes me a lover of analogies. My kids make fun of me for it but I don't mind because in the end they produce a sound that they didn't even know they could achieve because music is more than just singing the correct notes, its laced with feeling and purpose.

A well read friend of mine gave me a book recently, "The Pearl". John Steinbeck wrote this short novel that wrestles with good and evil. But every element to the story is represented by a particular melody. When evil is present the lead character Kino hears a foreboding melody ringing in his ear. His family has certain melody, good has a certain melody, everything in his life has a melody and they flow into and out of one another. Such an amazing picture of life.

If you've read the story, and as the title indicates, the pearl plays a huge role in the life of Kino and his family. In the end it leads to the near destruction of Kino's family and how material things or money can't buy happiness, which is not the point of this blog entry. The part that I was so struck by was in the beginning when he finds the pearl. Here is the quote:

"the melody of the song was gray-green water...But in the song there was a secret little inner song, hardly perceptible, but always there, sweet and secret and clinging, almost hiding in the counter-melody and that was
the Song of the Pearl That Might Be"

This quote is the perfect analogy for hope. Hope is a slight melody always imperceptibly there. And as you see that hope start to come out of your periphery into your reality the melody grows louder and contrasts but also accompanies the already existing melody that is your life. And if the hope for something fades away, so does the melody that belonged to that hope leaving the original melody and room for other songs of hope in your life. I am challenged to listen more closely, and to gaze upon and hope in the incandescent beauty of the unexpected appearance of pearls in life.

Mars.

2011-04-15T22:23:00.001+02:00

One of my all-star choir members,

is now the proud owner of a square kilometer of land... on Mars.

And a certificate to prove it. The little X on the Mars globe is his plot of land.

He hopes to bequeath it to his great great great great grand children

once Mars has been developed. :0)

Another reason why I love my job. :0)

Meet the Cast...

2011-04-13T15:43:00.000+02:00

You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown

Cast '11

Lucy

Charlie

Linus

Patty

Schroeder

Snoopy

Woodstock

Charlotte

Violet

Sally

Ruby

Lydia

Freda

Peggy Jean

Backstage

Sound/Tech

Sunday.

2011-04-10T19:03:00.003+02:00

  A Sunny Day
  A cool breeze
  A pond to sit by
  A packed lunch
  Glasses to help me read
+And a great book to pour over....

A wonderful Sunday. :0)

It's Coming!!!

2011-04-09T21:32:00.006+02:00

No, not the rapture as you may have thought from the thumbnail picture....

"You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown"

Next weekend Thursday, Friday and Saturday, presented by the ISCV high schoolers. It's going to be nothing short of amazing. :0) Just check out these costumes!! All designed by one VERY talented woman here at ICSV. And all created by a team of extremely talented seamstresses. :0) A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.

I can't wait!!!

Pictures of the cast to follow...

Tech Week.

2011-04-08T11:09:00.001+02:00

The week before the play... Meeting with kids for extra practice at 7.15 am and staying until 6.30pm for play practice proper. With 5 classes to teach in between. As a result,

this is my desk.

Spring Choir '11

2011-04-06T20:38:00.002+02:00

I wanted to share the faces of my choir this semester with you. :0) I also needed a picture for our Spring concert so you know what that means.... PHOTO SHOOT!!!! I love this new hobby. :0) Feel free to click on them for a bigger version. :0)

To the park we went....

With spring weather comes cute shoes... :0)

They like to pretend they don't like these photo shoots.... ;0) I know better.

And of course the jumping picture... :0)

I am hoping to post audio of their concert in May. :0)

Makes me laugh...

2011-04-06T12:01:00.000+02:00

...Every time :0) What a memory.

A Strong Tower.

2011-04-04T09:43:00.002+02:00

This weekend's women's conference was nothing short of impacting. Our speaker, Myrna Alexander, spoke on the theme "A Firm Foundation in Unstable Times". My heart was blessed as she bore testament to the faithful and unchanging nature of God, that when anchored in Him, nothing can destroy us. We discussed Hannah of the OT, and Mary of the NT, we dissected Psalm 77, we laughed, we cried, we praised God for WHO HE IS and WILL ALWAYS BE.

One illustration we discussed was of the Strong Tower.
Psalm 18.10
The name of the Lord is
a Strong Tower
the righteous runs into it and is safe.

Safe from what?
The righteous is not safe from being attacked,
but IS safe from being destroyed.

The tower is where we go, not to escape trials and attacks, but where we go to be strengthened and fortified to hold steadfast to the truth of who God is DURING said attacks. If I have come away with one thing, after hearing unbelievable testimonies of trouble and strife in the lives of these women, it is that Satan can attack with his most creative and awful tricks, but He will NOT win. We, as Christ bearers, will not be destroyed. Even in the face of adversity or death the light of Christ will continue to burn if we hold fast to the strength of the king of all principalities. It is through His strength that we continue to stand.

Source

Prayer. 1578.

2011-04-03T18:56:00.002+02:00

One of my favorite things from this weekend was that one of the ladies would start each day with an ancient prayer. The disappearing, if not already disappeared art form of using such graceful words to capture an emotion and a reverence while contritely declaring the truth of God. I was moved.

A prayer on being quiet before God:

Nothing, O Lord is liker to Thy holy nature than the mind that is settled in quietness.
Thou hast called us into the quietness and peace of Thine,
from out of the turmoils of this world, as it were,
from out of storms into a haven;
which is such a peace as the world cannot give,
and as passeth all capacity of man.
Grant now,
O most merciful Father, that,
through Thine exceeding goodness,
our minds may yield themselves obedient unto Thee
without striving;
and that they may quietly rise into that sovereign rest of Thine above.
Grant that nothing may disturb or disquiet them here beneath;
but that all things may be quiet and calm through that peace of Thine.
Amen

Chapel Rap.

2011-03-31T11:15:00.004+02:00

These are two of my kids in Praise Band.
One of them rewrote the lyrics to Lecrae's song "Background".
This again is why I love my kids and am so thankful for God allowing me to be here at ICSV.

Concert in Madrid.

2011-03-29T17:06:00.001+02:00

Seeing and hearing my four kids take part in this Honors Choir and produce this beautiful musical moment is what brought me tears of joy and pride this weekend.

Enjoy!!

Sunday Morning.

2011-03-29T00:08:00.001+02:00

A reminder and a challenge to the kids gathered at ECA in Madrid, Spain 2011.

"You are the light of the world.

A city on a hill cannot be hidden;

nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket,

but on the lampstand,

and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Let your light shine before men in such a way,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 5.14-16

To the City.

2011-03-26T17:22:00.000+01:00

Please note my tenor's contribution to the picture.

The choir.

Last rehearsal...

Break Time.

2011-03-25T20:03:00.008+01:00

When you have such an unrelenting schedule... a break is just what the doctor ordered.

I went on a walk, got rained on, ruined my shoes, and took pictures... :0)

To Madrid.

2011-03-24T12:18:00.008+01:00

Waitin' for that jet plane.

Free Coffee.. Thank you Munich.

Great start to the weekend.

Europe.

2011-03-22T13:40:00.000+01:00

An aerosol extinguisher. Clearly designated to "Stop Fire".

Does anyone else find this as a slight contradiction in terms?

BUT, look at all of its handy dandy uses!!

So portable you can use it in your trailer, OR on your iron.

Mocca Lounge.

2011-03-21T23:15:00.001+01:00

OK, I've started to branch out from Starbucks.... Not saying that I'm turning my back on it, but I am enjoying the alternatives. Here is another neat place that some friends introduced me to...

The Mocca Lounge.

Some of my dear friends... :0)

Wall of Pi and Me.

2011-03-21T10:56:00.001+01:00

One of the random things in Vienna... The wall of pi.

And me...

Why I love my Pappa...

2011-03-20T10:21:00.001+01:00

When I was home for Christmas I found this in a wood pile...

He was practicing with some of his woodworking tools. :0)

This brings a smile to my face every time I see it.

Family Fun Night...

2011-03-18T19:01:00.003+01:00

This is a fantastic event put on by the International Christian School of Vienna every year. Each classroom is transformed into a different country of the countries represented in our student body. Everyone comes dressed up in national dress with native treats to share. It's quite the ordeal and the kids get so excited about it. Even the older ones. :0)

Pastor James. England.

Peru and India.

Scotland.

Africa.
(not a country I realize, but she was so cute I forgot to ask)

Philippines.

India.

Namibia.

There was some Bollywood dancing, skits, singing, and playing of asian instruments. It was a wonderful evening. :0)

Although, America... we have pretty lame stuff to offer at events such as these... cowboys and indians, mcdonalds and junk food... But it's my home country just the same. :0)

Marie Cardouat

2011-03-17T14:25:00.004+01:00

I am completely captivated by this illustrator. Marie Cardouat .

Whimsical, beautiful, elegant, full of feeling... I. love. her.

63 degrees.

2011-03-13T23:14:00.000+01:00

Capri's, Sanuk's, beautiful weather, and friends to make you smile...

What could be better?

Honors Choir.

2011-03-11T22:57:00.014+01:00

Four were chosen.

For their skill.

For their fortitude.

For their school and country.

Together they will fly to Madrid,

join the ranks of singers

representing 8 different nations

and unite their voices

to deliver 2

harmonically pristine concerts.

Please note...one is missing due to illness...

And I.... I get to watch. :0)

Words can't express how proud I am.

Being Sick.

2011-03-10T10:55:00.003+01:00

I.
am.

SICK.

:0(

Source

I have tried so desperately to fight it BUT alas...the pre-spring cold has attacked and settled in my voice box. I cough and I cough to fight the tickle that persists but alas...it does not go away.
Day 6.
It actually is so bad that this morning at our usual Thursday and Friday 7 am honors choir practice, I was able to clearly correct my Bass by singing his part for him.
NOT EVEN KIDDING.
I have been told that I sound like I'm about to cry every time I talk. I have all my kids doing silent work because how do I teach them with a voice that sounds like this looks?

Source

I have lost all creativity. Even for blogging which I LOVE to do!! I haven't written any songs... I haven't even journaled!!! I am literally on survival mode. HOWEVER... I do believe I am on the mend. I feel better though I sound worse. I have seen the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel...

Source

I just hope that it doesn't bring with it a train to knock me down again. :0)

I wanted to blog SOMETHING because it's been so long. And hopefully I will be renewed and refreshed to update you on all the great upcoming events.

First.... Spiritual Emphasis Week (next week)

Then... Madrid with the Honors Choir (In two weeks)

Third... High School musical... "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" (In a month)

OK... Bis spater!

I just Love this.

2011-03-01T21:08:00.001+01:00

From the amazing game "DiXit"

This picture captures exactly why I love reading so much.

Thank you Libellud for publishing such a truly beautiful game. :0)

Hope.

2011-02-27T11:26:00.001+01:00

Reading Romans 8 this morning left me wrestling with the concept of hope. I love what Paul says about hope and of course it is true that, "in hope we have been saved" but what follows that statement is this,

"but hope that is seen is not hope;

for who hopes for what he already sees?

But if we hope for what we do not see,

with perseverance we wait eagerly for it."

I find these two verses (24 and 25) to be quite thought provoking. In my current situation I find that hope is an extremely time-consuming and difficult virtue to possess. It requires much patience, striving and as Paul said, "perseverance". But I think the real difficult part of hope is trusting that even if whatever it is you are hoping for is not met or is denied that God is still good. That he still has a plan. That he designed it that way for his perfect composition. How difficult it is to put yourself wholly into hoping for something knowing that there is no assurance to the outcome. If there was an assurance than it would no longer be hope. And yet hope is so everyday, it is so accessible, and to live a life void of hope is no life at all. It also SHOULD be a part of our Christian walk as hope is a product of character, character a product of perseverance, perseverance a product of suffering, and suffering a product of living a life for a God whom the world denied, hated, and murdered. (Romans 5.3-4)

While mulling over this concept of hope and wrestling with the implications therein, Romans 8.28 screamed at me;

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good

to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."

Beautiful. And a sweet breath of simplicity. It is not my job to worry about the outcome of a hope that is disappointed but rather, to practice hope and allow God to show His goodness through ALL outcomes, good and bad.

Everyday.

2011-02-26T09:38:00.000+01:00

After being reminded by my dear friend, it is in the everyday that this Bible verse holds true.

Philippians 4.13

I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.

Not only to move mountains, His strength is sufficient when you feel like you are unable to take another step...

Le Nozze di Figaro.

2011-02-20T00:11:00.001+01:00

225 Years ago Mozart's opera, "The Marriage of Figaro" premiered in Vienna. :0) I went to see it tonight in this lovely building, standing room only for 3 euro...

The Vienna Opera House. It was in a word... remarkable. The building itself is exquisite and the opera was full of hilarity, soaring harmonies, and the allure of love. I had a WONDERFUL time, AND got to take pictures... :0) (I'm loving this new hobby)

Hall of composers.

Trying to get a better look.

The scarves to hold our places...

Hot Volleys.

2011-02-17T22:59:00.003+01:00

I'm not being silly people, that's the teams name Hot Volleys, Austria. :0) I tried my hand at photographing these fine young athletes however, I have yet to purchase the dream lense for my camera... SO, here is a picture of them...not taken by me.

And here is a LINK if you would like to see them playing. And in the video, if you will notice the bright yellow seats that are in the front on the left hand side.... that's where we were sitting. This is not a video of tonights game however.

This was a spectacular treat, and nice to get out of the school mindset for an evening. And while they did not play their best, I was AMAZED at how high they jumped, how hard they hit the ball, and how FAST their reflexes were. The ball was served, returned, AND hit out of bounds before I realized it had even left the server's hands...

Well done Hot Volleys... well done. Maybe a different name though... I'm just sayin'.

Valentines' Day.

2011-02-14T19:30:00.002+01:00

Source

A friend of mine said, "To love well means you'll get hurt."

No truer statements could be made.

Christ said,

"This is my commandment that you love one another, just as I have loved you."

Knowing that He would suffer He;

Loved the unlovable,

Embraced the avoidable,

Spent time with the despicable,

Touched the untouchable,

Reached out to the unreachable,

Cared for the uncaring,

Wept with the hurting,

Spoke truth to the doubting,

Listened to the rambling,

Guided the wandering,

And was available to all who sought after Him.

And all this KNOWING the fate He faced.

Love as Christ loved,

Love like you're not afraid.

And never shy away from an

opportunity to be hurt.

That same opportunity might

open a world you might never have known.

Nothing ventured is nothing gained.

Happy Valentines' Day. :0)

Steve.

2011-02-13T12:44:00.001+01:00

Alright my friends. :0) I have returned from a lovely week off. And BOY do I have some stories to share with you. I would like to start with perhaps one of the more unexpected surprises, which came in the form of a middle aged man named Steve from Massachusetts who stumbled upon the ever coveted occupation of the Sound of Music tour guide after having watched the movie 3 or 4 times.

Meet Steve.

At this point I will merely post the 2 and 1/2 page notes of direct quotes from the mouth of Steve...

Please... enjoy... and take care to read each of these quotes with a Boston accent. :0)

When you have Nazi's you have action and excitement.
We are led to believe that she got married at the Abby because that's where she got married.
It was a nunnery... or.... a monastery... or something but that's not really important.
There was no way that Maria could have heard the nun's singing from the mountains, they were too far apart.. And that's political justice my friends...
I don't know the name of all the children.... oh... wait a minute... I do... from the movie... let's see here...
In real life they played musical instruments, you know like the lute or whatever.
That's the songs they learned from Mariah. Spiritualism and these old folk musics like Old Macdonald or whatever.
Most old Americans are Germanic.
Well over 50% of America is German
1% of all Americans speak German. I probably speak it better than most, even the Germans that have lived in the states a number of years.
Do, Re, Mi and a little light on my loafers.
We'll see how this goes... I have a dentist appointment right after this.
People come "pilgering" here all the time. The Sound of Music is the most important thing that has ever happened to Salzburg
OK, I'll just lay off the informatory stuff. (Isn't that why we came on a tour?)
Could you imagine saying Islamic jokes at the Haj?
Everyone goes on tour except for poor people.
You can see it, I can see it, they can see it, you have to know, cause' of the shadows.
Anyone who doesn't like The Sound of Music is a bad person.
That's what the Von Trapp family children and I have in common. I fell through the ice on the lake... up to my waist.

Steve: Your accent tells me you are from Wisconsin or Minnesota

Me: Really? I've never been to either of those places.

Steve: Well neither have I but I have an ear for these kinds of things.

At the end of a 3 hour tour we all left quizzically looking around wondering, "what just happened?" And "what did we just pay for?"....

I had to share the BEST tour of all time. :0)

A Stroke of Genius.

2011-02-03T19:46:00.000+01:00

Alright folks... I have not been to the grocery store in a REALLY long time... Much to my own and my room mates dismay. Between 7 am practices for honors Choir, afternoon practices for the musical, and various activities I have had little to no time for much else.

So I am hungry. Very hungry and I look in my fridge to find things that should have been thrown out a week ago. Ew. How can you make something from nothing? And then..... a stroke of genius. I have a little bit of left over salsa, one little portion of chicken, two rolls, and some cheese that had fortunately not been opened yet or it would have followed the same end as half of the things in the fridge... A little bit of toasting, frying, and broiling and

VOILA!

My oldest sister and I deemed it chicken bruschetta... And quite honestly, it was DELICIOUS!

Thank you Lord for creativity, left over ingredients and a great stove to cook on. :0)

Momma's Email.

2011-01-31T20:17:00.003+01:00

Kristi,

Just find joy in the journey,
meaning in the process and
richness in the outcome.

Right now you are a proven Momma Eagle and it is important to focus on those eaglets.

Flying takes skill and knowhow for both the mature and young. You must know the currants, the drafts, both that push you up and drive you down. You need to be quick to see the little ones falling and catch them. And you need to watch out for others that might be weak. Though I do not think this part is “eagle-esk” but a trait of the Holy Spirit. In nature only the strong survive, but in God’s Kingdom, the weakest are strengthened and made great. (Very funny, upside-down Kingdom), but it is 100% survival for all that are citizens of it.

Take on life, oh daughter of the Living God. Do not forget who you are and who’s you are. Be what you are designed to be nothing more and nothing less.

Brought to you by “Garbage Can Moments”

Love you,

Mom

This is why I love this woman so much...

I mean, how amazing are those words!!

I love you Momma, and even though this may not be the best picture of us :0) It makes my heart happy. :0) Thank you for loving and encouraging me and teaching me how to love and encourage others.

Can't Sleep.

2011-01-31T03:58:00.000+01:00

Waking up to find no time has passed while in Dreamland

A region of reverie where your cares and worries

are silenced by music, warmth, beauty

I wake to find

A stillness, a chill, silence

A million things come roaring into my mind

A region of confusion, hurt, hope

All while feeling I've played the fool.

There is a something agreeable to early rising

Although the silence becomes deafening

within a plagued or vexed mind.

What is now a chance for reflection

will result in exasperation

And still I lie awake.

Partaking in

An overearly portion of the Lord's

never ending compassions

that are new

every morning.

Lam. 3.22-23

A Silence Retreat and a Strange Feeling.

2011-01-30T11:16:00.005+01:00

This past weekend I was asked to stay and chaperone a silence retreat. It's really quite impressive, the kids organize and run the whole thing. It begins around 6.30 and they alternate between worship and an hour and a half of silence spent dwelling on things of the Lord, whether it's in prayer, reading scripture, or journaling. At the end of 3 worship sets and 3 hours of silence they come together to challenge each other with what the Lord has shown them.

I was BLOWN AWAY by how God is working in these kids lives. I was so proud to be with those kids and to see the hand of God in their personal lives. Truly beautiful. We finished discussing at around 2 am, and didn't actually go to sleep until 4 am. :0) Good times had be all.

At one point in the evening I heard one of the girls singing a song that I wrote. Very perplexed I looked to find out how she knew it! This is what I found...

!!!!! Yes, that's the one song I have on Youtube that they downloaded and put on their ipod. I just stared at them and the ipod with the strangest feeling...

Middle School Musical.

2011-01-26T20:14:00.000+01:00

Here it is folks... A wonderful documentation of my wonderful cast of "The Legend of Sleeping Beauty". :0)

Walk.

2011-01-23T13:41:00.004+01:00

Isaiah 30.20-21

Although the Lord has given you

bread of privation and

water of oppression,

He, your Teacher will
no longer hide Himself,

but your eyes will behold

your Teacher.

Your ears will hear a word behind you,

"This is the way, walk in it,"

whenever you turn
to the right or to the left.

Sing.

2011-01-21T22:49:00.000+01:00

Psalm 30.11-12

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;

You have loosed my sackcloth and girded me with gladness,

That my soul may sing praise to You and not be silent

O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.

Study Night.

2011-01-19T21:45:00.003+01:00

After some wise counsel and encouragement, Rebecca (a dear friend of mine here in Vienna) and I have decided to be intentional with relationship building within the Junior and Senior class girls. We have commited to having an evening with the girls once every other week. Nothing spectacular and with no pressure, we want a neutral place where fun can be had and trusting relationships can be forged. Thanks to a willing and supportive room mate we have deemed my apartment as such a place. The kick off was a study night. With finals tomorrow and Friday, one can ALWAYS use a new place to study...

My sweet Rebecca...

SMILE!

Junk Food...

And LOTS of laughter... Let the good times roll.

Good Obsession, Bad Obsession Pt. 7

2011-01-12T14:24:00.001+01:00

Good Obsession: To keep yourself busy. After all, you know what they say, "an idle mind is the devil's playground".

Bad Obsession:

PS. If you have to add sticky notes, you are too busy...

Jet Lag.

2011-01-10T00:42:00.001+01:00

Alright folks... You may or may not care, but it's true I am getting destroyed by jetlag. It's been no big deal so far because I've not had to teach.... But TOMORROW... that all changes. And I'm still up. Still not tired... And realizing that tomorrow is going to be a rough one.

I'm out of this..

So I definitely am NOT doing this...

Who really sleeps like this anyway?

As wonderful as that looks and would feel right about now, I am more like this...

Anyone have the spindle of a spinning wheel I could prick my finger on? I could really use some of that beauty sleep right now...

A Found Treasure.

2011-01-06T20:19:00.004+01:00

While in Maryland I was going through my old CD's and found this little note from Anthony from before we even dated. He gave me Michael Jackson's "Invincible" CD, a note of encouragement, and a quarter. The last three lines are the best and to see his name written in his handwriting. :0) I wanted to share with you.

A reminder that, "the longest journey begins with the smallest step." Good advice from a wise man and ironic when I look at where the journey of my life has led me. No matter where that journey leads you, God has gone before you and prepared the way.

Isaiah 43:19

Now it will spring forth

will you not be aware of it?

I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,

Rivers in the desert

See Ya Later!

2011-01-05T18:14:00.003+01:00

Goodbye is too hard... See ya later holds hope for future times together. :0)

Until we meet again...

May you take the time to sit and reflect on the ways God has been good, even through the difficult...

May your feet boldly take you only on journeys that will fill your heart with joy and love for God...

And may you treasure every smile you share with the dear friends and family that surround you...

Forgive easily

Love completely

Leave disappointment for someone who fails to see the goodness of God in ALL things...

~Here's to you 2011~