ex(PR)essed

Good news to report on behalf of my family in southern California — the fire nearest them is mostly under control, and they are no longer in danger. The fire that was closest to them is shown in this photo that my brother sent me — yikes. And this fire’s cause was arson. I can hardly fathom the mental imbalance of a person who would take delight in causing this much damage and hardship to so many people.

Speaking of things I can hardly fathom…I was home sick yesterday, and I spent the entire day in my pajamas, wrapped in a blanket, and alternating between watching television and doing crossword puzzles. I seriously watched nearly 12 hours of television yesterday (which is about 12 hours more than I normally watch on a given day). Daytime television primarily. Wow — talk about mindless drivel. The only good part of my television viewing? Reruns of “Perfect Strangers” and “Who’s the Boss” last night. Those shows take me back to my childhood. I could almost picture the black and white afghan that I used to lay under when I was home sick, and I could almost hear my dad ribbing me about my greasy, unwashed hair! Sigh…the good old days!

Seriously, it’s good to be back at work today. This is a big weekend for Messiah athletics. Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams take on Elizabethtown tomorrow. These are big games to determine conference titles and homefield advantage in the play-offs. Go Falcons!

I was planning to write a frivilous blog about a wonderful day of celebrating my birthday yesterday, but I can’t keep my eyes from CNN or keep my heart from my brother and his family in southern California. Dwayne, Barb, and Brandon, according to their last e-mail, are only two miles from one of the many raging fires in Orange County.

These fires remind me that 1) we are not as strong as we think we are, and 2) God is control.

What a weekend! Jeff and I had intended to spend Friday evening at home — our first evening at home together all week. But, we got a better offer when Jeff’s friends from college — Pete and Sarah — called to say that they were in the area for Homecoming at Messiah. So, we abandoned the idea of cleaning and watching episodes from the first season of “Murphy Brown” for dinner with Pete and Sarah. Good choice — we truly enjoyed our time with them.

Then, Saturday morning, Jeff dropped me off at Messiah for a day of Homecoming festivities. The weather was gorgeous — blue skies and warm temps. I was amazed by the number of people who returned for Homecoming. I guess since I’ve never returned to Lock Haven for their Homecoming festivities, I didn’t totally appreciate what a strong sense of loyalty many alums have for their alma mater. Plus, I think Messiah does exceedingly well at fostering a strong sense of community among its students and alums. Though I’m not a Messiah alum, I shared in the excitement of reuniting with old friends as I spent a few minutes catching up with Rachel, Erica and her fiancee, Justin and Alisa, Pete and Sarah, and a few of Jeff’s other classmates. All in all, it was great day, capped off with a night of Killer Uno at the Pattons.

Sunday was the usual church activities — except that church was far from usual. We celebrated the completion of a rather significant renovation project with a special service and delicious lunch. Sunday nights are my time to meet with my small group of Senior High girls. Last night we took an outing to Borders. These crazy girls are too funny (see picture of Emily above). I am constantly so blessed by each of them. Jeff and I also enjoyed some playtime with Natalie and Emma after youth group.

But, now it’s back to work already! Don’t worry — I’m not taking it too hard because I’m the birthday girl today! Let the celebrating continue…

I’m sorry for the graphic nature of this photograph of my elbow. There’s an important lesson to be learned by observing my scrapes and bruises. Ready? When playing football with youth group boys in the gravel parking lot at your church at night, be careful of your footing after making a great catch and attempting to run it in for a touchdown.

It/I went down (literally) like this: After youth group, Jeff usually goes outside with some of the boys to play football in the gravel parking lot beside our church. (I stay inside having meaningful, dignified conversations with the girls…) Last night, I was ready to leave and went out to collect my adorable husband so we could stop at the grocery store on our way home. The boys were mid-game and asked if I wanted to play. Of course I did — it was an honor to be asked! So, Matt threw a few passes (all dropped by his rather inept receivers, myself included). Then…the perfect toss — TO ME! I caught it, pivoted right into Stephen, the mighty defender, and then…well, I don’t exactly remember. Jeff says I was airborne for about 10 feet (could be a slight exaggeration) before landing hard on the gravel. I was slightly dazed, but still in possession of the football! Wahoo!

So, what’s a little blood when you’re playing football with the boys, right? With my brave girl cape flapping behind me, I laughed, jumped to my feet, and ventured into church to wash my bruises and seek sympathy. (Youth group boys and my husband — not so good with the sympathy!) Thankfully, it seems that nothing is broken or misplaced. Simply a bruised elbow with a great story.

This is the thing — I love my youth group. After a somewhat frantic day at work yesterday, 90 minutes with those 13 kids totally turned my day around. We used our faces to fish for a whistle in a plate full of whipped cream (I totally beat Tyler and managed to inhale slightly less whipped cream than some others), did some funny skits, and spent some meaningful time in prayer. What a blessing!

Tonight, the women’s group at my church is venturing to Messiah to eat dinner with some of the college students who regularly attend our church. I’m really proud of the women’s group for venturing out of their comfort zone. It promises to be a fun evening — and hopefully an encouraging one for the students who join us.

I love my church family. And, I’m pretty fond of my Messiah College family too.

Three years ago, my very best friend, Jamie, and her mom, Karen, invited me and my mom to join them for their annual autumn shopping trip to Lancaster County. We went — spent hours shopping at Amish roadside stands and bulk food markets — and loved every minute of it. Last weekend, we reunited again for a weekend of shopping, eating, giggling, eating, shopping, and more giggling!

After shopping at some favorite spots on Friday, we headed to a beautiful, quiet bed and breakfast where Buttercup, the cat picture above, greeted us upon arrival and saw us off when we left Saturday morning. This cat was too cute! On Saturday, we went to Stasburg for a quilt auction. This was my first auction, and when we first arrived, I was speechless. There were hundreds of quilts. Beautiful, colorful quilts. The smell of sauerkraut wafted throughout the fire hall, people were eating homemade pie and drinking hot coffee, and adorable Amish children were scurrying around shoeless. It was a lovely, peaceful sight. But my favorite part was definitely the auctioneers. Each guy had a very distinct style — some were easier to understand than others, some made jokes, others sang. One of my favorites closed the bidding each time by saying in a sing-song voice, “I sold ‘er!”

The best part of the weekend? Spending time with some of my favorite ladies. Jamie and I met within our first few days at Lock Haven University. We both lived on the first floor of Russell Hall; we had psychology 101 together. I invited her to the poster sale with me, and it’s been nothing but good times ever since. This girl is like a sister to me — in all the best ways possible. As a matter of fact, we are regularly asked if we’re sisters — sometimes people even ask if we’re twins. (Happened to us twice last Friday…) We’re not, but we wouldn’t mind if we were! Jamie is a lovely, caring, gifted woman who brings nothing but happiness and inspiration to my life. And her mom? Just like mine…too cute!

When Lock Haven called me last week to ask me to contribute to their annual fund, I couldn’t help but smile. The student making the call was asking about my favorite Haven memories and whether I kept in touch with any friends I made while there. I grinned. At that point, my shopping trip with Jamie and the moms was just days away. I’m thankful that God blessed me with great friends while I was a college student. So thankful that I willingly pledged money — whatever it takes to help others find their Jamie in life.