The Love of a Sister

Well first I've like to share the exciting news that my Ruthie is going to be a Clemson Tiger! : ] I couldn't be more proud of her - or excited for what God has for her there. I'm the picture of the proud older sister this morning as I share that with you. It's also nice that she'll be a little closer to me. As long as she keeps progressing south I'll be happy.

Family is so important to me and as I chatted with a friend about that the other day I was really struck with our blessed I am. Being told I was lucky was a pretty regular occurrence for me during my childhood (and still today) but normally this was a result of Dad's career choice. In my old age of 23 I would argue that luck has had nothing to do with my life but that my parents hard work and the blessings they've received for seeking God's will for their lives has had everything to do with where we are today.

I have a beautiful, wonderful family and my upbringing has taught me how to love and appreciate them in a way that I'm sad to see is abnormal. The more time I spend with teens at my job, teaching them the skills they need to have successful relationships the more I realize that I am in a minority of people who were taught these fundamentals at home.

Now, my sisters and I laugh about some of the methods my parents used to teach us some of life's lessons - or the extreme efforts they put in. For example, I remember on summer vacation when I was about 5 having one "practice conversation" after another about how to say no to drugs. At age 5 I'm not sure I was aware what I was even saying no too but rest assured even my tone of voice was perfect my 5 and a half. Thanks Dad.

I read a book a while back called "My Sisters Keeper" (Jodi Picoult - my favorite author and one of my literary heroes). The book follows a relationship between two sisters as one is battling cancer and the other finds herself caught between donating more and more of herself, or cost her sister her life. As I read the book I cried and cried trying to imagine having to battle for one of my sisters lives and what price I would be willing to pay for either of them. I called and left my sisters crying voicemail messages that night I'm sure they didn't understand telling them they could have any of my organs they needed. And I sent Rach the book for her birthday this year (don't worry Ruthie, you'll get one yet!).

The more I fight to teach and to show the teens of Tampa about true love and successful relationship building - the more thankful I become for the kind of love Christ modeled. The love my parents have for each of us three girls. And the type of love they taught us to have for God, for them, for each other, and for others.

"And the greatest of these is love" - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Love,
B

Author?

If you've seen the movie A Walk to Remember then you're probably already familiar with the concept of what my Dad calls "a bucket list".  These are your most grandiose goals. The few chosen items that you want to achieve, ultimately before you "kick the bucket".

My Dad once asked my Mom what was on her list and then proceeded to say that only a few of them were bucket list material.  My Mom is so selfless that most of hers were things she wanted to do for other people.  Namely, for us girls.  Some of them were small goals of things she wanted to try or learn.  

Dad never told me what his were now that I think about it, I'll have to ask.

So what's on mine?...

I remember when it felt like I would have truly lived when I got a drivers license or finally graduated high school.  Those felt like the ultimate goals at different points in life.  Then it was graduating college and finding a career.  Moving away to a new city on my own.

Not very grandiose, I know.  But as we grow, our dreams should grow with us.  We learned to see beyond the next year or two and think ahead to what we want our lives to look like.  That's something my Dad would always ask me, "What do you want your life to look like?"...I hated it growing up because I felt like it was such a loaded question. It was also alway followed with, "what are you doing right now to make that happen?".  I wasn't ready to think about forever - I just wanted to survive my next set of finals.

Let is suffice to say that I truly am my Daddy's girl because these 2 questions have come to haunt me in my new young adult life.  Ask any of my close friends - the ones I talk to for hours weekly.  They will tell you I've pondered these aloud to them and asked them the same questions with some regularity.  What I love about those same friends is that as we figure this out together we are growing and pushing each other through this together.

I'm not going to share my bucket list now - in part because it's always under construction.  But my boss told me this week that he thinks I should write a book.  He said my love for telling a good story would make for a throughly entertaining book, even if only about hilarious moments in my own life from childhood, through college, and now as a 23 year old sex ed teacher!

My Grandpa always wanted me to write a book.  He loved my stories (even ones about him).  I started a book once when I was 10 at his prompting, but to this day I'm not sure where that went too.  He asks me every Christmas when he visits where that is - and when I'm going to finish it.  But I never lost sight of that dream of his for me.  He has always been the biggest fan of my stories.  Laughing even as he tried to defend himself against my exaggerations.

And so, to my list I'm adding today that someday I want to be an author of more than just a blog.

Love,

B

The Friendship Crisis.

The Friendship Crisis as I've so affectionately come to call it happens to everyone a little differently. I believe it's safe to say it does in fact happen to everyone - though perhaps there are exceptions and I'm just more of the rule.

This phase of life has become quite fasinating to me in my 9 months of being a young, post-college adult. But for those of you who perhaps haven't come to call it that, don't yet realize you're in one, or have recently come out on the otherside...Let me break it down.

The Friendship Crisis is when you get to a place in your life where you begin to seek out the friendships you can pour into. The ones that will last. The people you will raise your children with, grow old with, vacation with, etc. Different personality types usually hit this crisis at different ages. For me, the ever-social "otter" personality - it happened during my senior year of college and continued until just a few months ago.

So why do I call this a crisis? Because inevitably when you hit this phase you will figure out just how little depth some of your relationships have had. This is no doubt made worse for those of us in the "facebook generation". Facebook does not in fact mimic real life - and so therefore, being a facebook friend does not make one part of the other's inner circle. For some people, it creates a false sense of intimacy.

As a facebook addict myself I have mixed feelings about "facebook friendships". I love being able to keep up with my friends and family. Facebook (and other social networking devices) have taken this sort of keeping-up-with-the-masses idea to a level no other media has yet been able too. However, it provides for many people a false sense of friendship...for this, I have an example.

The year the Colts made it to the Super Bowl my facebook page got more hits than it does on my birthday! And during the overwelming amount of messages I received one will stand out in my mind, maybe forever. It was a message from a guy I'd met once, who'd later added me as a friend on facebook feeling that our shared love for football & the Colts was reason enough to cyber-stalk each other. So after not hearing another word from him for a solid 2 years, I get a message a few hours after we won the last playoff game and were officially Super Bowl Bound! The message read something to the effect of... "Hey Becca. Remember me? I was thinking since were friends and all...maybe you could help me get some super bowl tickets?".

If you're laughing, go right ahead. It still makes me laugh just thinking about it. I thought it was some kind of joke at first. Prime example of the kind of "friends" you make in college who you will not be vacationing with 10 years down the road. Having somewhere around 1300 facebook friends, if that's all it took to score some tickets - I would have filled half the stadium with my friends alone. These are not the friendships that make it through the friendship crisis alive.

For me, going through this friendship crisis in my early 20s was in large part because your early 20s can look very differently depending on who you are and who you want to be. For some, they're still in college, maybe taking a victory lap or two. Some fill these years with partying. Some with traveling. Some with further education and studies. Some, like me, begin careers. Many move back in (or stay in) with their parents - some venture out on their own or maybe blaze uncharted territory in a completely new place. In the struggling job market and economy some thrive and some suffer.

I moved away the day after finals - to fulfill my dream of returning to Tampa. During thi time I was also beginning my first career. And moving away put my friendships into perspective. Some in good ways, others in bad....

There were people I feared I'd never hear from again, who have turned out to be my most faithful phone buddies. These friends inspire me and put to shame the saying that out of sight means out of mind. These are the friends I have come to adore most since my move. They've kept involved in my new life and they've allowed me to be intimately involved in theirs, even from afar.

Out of sight out of mind is however the perfect way to describe some of the friendships I'd once held dear. As soon as the communication took more effort then bumping into each other out and about, it ended. It was a tough reality for me to face. Not all friendships are worth saving and not all of your efforts are recepricated.

Lastly (at least for now) there are new friendships. For me, I was more deliberate with finding friends here in Tampa than ever before. Finding the kind of friends who would encourage me in the things that I've set out to make priorities. Ones that are serious about their faith, their careers, their friendships, their futures. One's that don't let being busy be an excuse to go weeks without talking to you. Friends that understand that ultimately, you make time for what is important to you.

Coming out on the other side of my own Friendship Crisis, I'm more appreciative than ever for my true friends.

Love,
B

How Cute.

Love Kurt Warner even more after this...Daddy passed this on so I give it to you now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwAAmLudRoY

Love,
B

Becca is...

...listening to Rich Dad Poor Dad the audiobook by Robert T Kiyosaki. My parents have set such an incredible example for me of how to be resposible and smart with their money and as I set out to be independent and successful in my younger years, I imagine I have to master this in stride with all the other lessons in my adult life. Oh finances, why can't you just be easy? But the book is good. Practical. Realistic. Entertaining. Already it has been very thought-provoking. I've written a list of questions to ask my own Dad. Oh yeah, I'm a dork.

...reading "The Lovely Bones" and contemplating what death looks like through the non-christians eyes. How would I understand death outside of my faith? It's been an interesting journey. And again, thought provoking. But the book is well-written and intensely endearing.

...tired from a long week of work and ready for the lovely Valentines weekend.

...excited about the Condo hunt which is officially in progress.

...thankful for the newest additions to her life & friendship circle - Christina & Amanda.

Love,
B

Valentines is...

...what you make of it.

I think people over-dramatize it in both direction. If you're in a relationship and you only spend one day a year spoiling your lover then by all means, step-it-up! And if your single then avoid wearing all black, eating a pint of ice cream, and crying to movies where one of the lovers dies! Valentines can be fun as a single.

I'm feeling kind of non-committal in my love-life lately. So I'm spending it with a very special someone from Orlando. : ] Mere & I have big plans to go to Bahama Breeze (our favorite restaurant to eat at together - the one on the beach) on Friday night. And then perhaps out for a bit in Davis Island with Christina. We are then spending the actual Valentines Day on the beach in Clearwater, working on our tans and relaxing after long work weeks.

So take it from me...single by choice or not, Valentines can be fun! And if you're in a relationship -- make it special.

Love,
B

"Love doesn't make the world go round. It's what makes the ride worthwhile" -- Franklin P Jones

Updates.

 

First off, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who facebooked, called, e-mailed, im'd, texted, etc to congratulate me and the family on Dad's new job!  I have wonderful, loyal friends and I'm so thankful for each of you.  I am excited for what the 2009 season will bring for the Colts, and for the Christensens.  God has been so good to us - in all aspects of life.

J & I are doing pretty good at getting along on our own.  Hopefully his Mom will be able to make it home in the next day or two.  But in the mean time, I think I'm handling nanny duty pretty fabulously - all things considered.  And we're having lots of fun of course.  Pics are of the Valentines themed cake we made Friday for him to take to a friends house.  I'm thankful things have gone on without any hiccups.

I experienced my first Gasperilla this weekend - but I'll save that story for another post (with pictures when I get new batteries for my camera).

I started the High Dive class at church last week and I'm pursuing change in my heart & life by having expectations.  I'm already excited for this weeks class.

Congrats to Kelly, Kyle, and new Baby Leo!! : ]

Love,

B

In line with my morning thoughts...

This is a poem that my boss handed out in one of our recent staff meetings...I kept it in my desk because it registered with me. So I'm sharing it with you now.

Love,
B

Lester was given a magic wish
By the goblin who lives in the banyan tree,
And with his wish he wished for two more wishes--
So now instead of just one wish, he cleverly had three.
And with each one of these
He simply wished for three more wishes,
Which gave him three old wishes, plus nine new.
And with each of these twelve
He slyly wished for three more wishes,
Which added up to forty-six--or is it fifty-two?
Well anyway, he used each wish
To wish for wishes 'til he had
Five billion, seven million, eighteen thousand thirty-four.
And then he spread them on the ground
And clapped his hands and danced around
And skipped and sang, and then sat down
And wished for more.
And more...and more...they multiplied
While other people smiled and cried
And loved and reached and touched and felt.
Lester sat amid his wealth
Stacked mountain-high like stacks of gold,
Sat and counted--and grew old.
And then one Thursday night they found him
Dead--with his wishes piled around him.
And they counted the lot and found that not
A single one was missing.
All shiny and new--here, take a few
And think of Lester as you do.I
n a world of apples and kisses and shoes
He wasted his wishes on wishing.

-Shel Silverstein

Beautiful.

I was watching a video this morning on youtube that a coworker of mine sent me. It was a mini sermon by John Piper challenging our new president to be bold and courageous with the power he has. I was struck while watching with a challenge I received a few years back...that you have only one chance to leave a legacy, what will yours be? I think back to that question fairly often when it seems easier to just plow on through life without causing any riffs. I hope that I never have to be president because that's a lot more pressure than I ever want to deal with...but he's not the only one who's given chances to be bold. So this morning, I'm thinking of how that's going to apply to me in my own life over the next few days, weeks, months.

Also on my mind this morning was this verse...

Isaiah 52:7 -

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of the messenger who announces peace,

who brings good news,

who announces salvation,

who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’

Get out your little black books...

I will be hitting the midwest for an adventure this summer...and I wanted to go ahead and get on all your scedules.

A sweet friend of mine since almost forever is getting married in Chicago on the 11th of July. So, I will be flying in the 9th (Thursday) into Indy and will fly back out the 13th (Monday). Inbetween I will be in Carmel, Indy, Lafayette, & Chicago. So, if you're going to be around - let me know.

Can't wait to see everyone!

B

Hilarious.

Okay, in light of my recent visit to a nail salon to get acrylic nails myself, this video cracked me up. Wanted to share the laughs.

Love,
B

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzHihzsdTAE

The Breakfast.

Well, the breakfast was more than I had expected! This was the first year that they had opened the Super Bowl breakfast (hosted by Athletes in Action) to the public. So there were tons of people there. The set up was a bit strange...having so called VIP tables on the floor level of the sundome where the stage was and such. These people were served meals like a normal banquet style. While those in the stands had to grab food buffet style and bring it to their seats up where people sit normally during games.

I was able to sit at Table 60 (on the floor) with the Family First staff which was fun as always (thanks Cason ; ] ). It was great to see some family friends like RV Brown & the Gills as well as meet some new people, like Reggie White (a long time hero of mine)'s daughter. I also really enjoyed the music ...but sadly can't remember who the group was. Chris & someone I think?

Cason told me when we got there to take some pics and I was all proud I had my camera with me, until I realized the battery was dead. SO, I only have cell phone pics. Weak, I know.

Note to self: Remember in the future that a camera is pretty worthless without working batteries.

Ok, so other than that I thought that breakfast was fabulous. It was heavy on the NFL stars and I'm sure that was quite a draw for most of the attendees. But it was also great to see Coach Dungy honored by having several people from his past there to surprise him and say a few words.

What a great reminder that you can love the Lord AND be successful in a worldly industry. It's great to have lights.