Tuesday, August 14, 2007
a summer project
This summer I was given the task of putting on my creativity cap to create, build, construct, and execute successfully several "giant" games for our Giant Health and Satefy Fair during the Caribou Cares About Kids Festival, held annually each year in town. My adventure also included the constructing of a giant movie screen from paint, sheets, staples and wood for a family movie night under the stars. I have no pictures of the movie night, but I will say the park was filled with many little ones, teenagers, parents, grandparents, etc. and everyone seemed to have a lovely time. Our summer efforts turned out to be a huge success. Below are few glimpses of the process of creating some of these games and the movie screen.
packing frenzy
Only 4 sleeps remain until I cross the border for another year of living in the wonderful land of Canada.
Today I've come to the following conclusions:
1) I dislike packing
2) I'm not much fonder of unpacking
3) No matter how many dates you go on with John Adams, his biography is still 700 pgs. long and takes forever to read.
4) Just as I'm getting acclamated to sleeping in my bed at home, I have to move to a new one.
5) The bite of fall is in the air.
6) Co-ed softball is officially over and with it, the bulk of summer.
7) I have far too many clothes to choose from including a mountain of t-shirts, some dating back to early grade school. (I've never figured out why they give little kids t-shirts they can wear until they're in college.I suppose it's kind've neat for the college student to look back and say "Hey I wore this in 5th grade." leaving out, of course, the fact that it was practically a nightgown or something.)
8) No matter how long your "remember to bring list" is, everytime you turn around, you find something you forgot to write conveniently next to something else you didn't even think about bringing until you saw it.
9) I'm thankful for people who are easy to work with.
10) Sisters are good for taking your mind off endless tasks you need to accomplish and helping you procrastinate for a time.
I'm quite excited to get back to school, however, the more I think about what I have to do before I leave - the more this scheduled time frame is making me kind of claustrophobic.
Today I've come to the following conclusions:
1) I dislike packing
2) I'm not much fonder of unpacking
3) No matter how many dates you go on with John Adams, his biography is still 700 pgs. long and takes forever to read.
4) Just as I'm getting acclamated to sleeping in my bed at home, I have to move to a new one.
5) The bite of fall is in the air.
6) Co-ed softball is officially over and with it, the bulk of summer.
7) I have far too many clothes to choose from including a mountain of t-shirts, some dating back to early grade school. (I've never figured out why they give little kids t-shirts they can wear until they're in college.I suppose it's kind've neat for the college student to look back and say "Hey I wore this in 5th grade." leaving out, of course, the fact that it was practically a nightgown or something.)
8) No matter how long your "remember to bring list" is, everytime you turn around, you find something you forgot to write conveniently next to something else you didn't even think about bringing until you saw it.
9) I'm thankful for people who are easy to work with.
10) Sisters are good for taking your mind off endless tasks you need to accomplish and helping you procrastinate for a time.
I'm quite excited to get back to school, however, the more I think about what I have to do before I leave - the more this scheduled time frame is making me kind of claustrophobic.
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
fear not My child
When talking to the Lord about some of my hearts desires, a hymn we used to sing at church when I was a little girl came to mind:
Fear not My child
I'm with you always
I know every thought
And every tear I see...
Fear not My child
I'm with you always
I know how to care for what belongs to Me!
I love how sometimes when we question life, circumstances, and paths, how the Lord, sometimes remaining silent, others speaking loud and clear - showers us with a Father's love. He lavishes us with sweet reminders of who He is and the power He alone has. He is faithful!
Fear not My child
I'm with you always
I know every thought
And every tear I see...
Fear not My child
I'm with you always
I know how to care for what belongs to Me!
I love how sometimes when we question life, circumstances, and paths, how the Lord, sometimes remaining silent, others speaking loud and clear - showers us with a Father's love. He lavishes us with sweet reminders of who He is and the power He alone has. He is faithful!
Monday, August 06, 2007
the missing ring
Upon graduating from the 8th grade my parents got my a very pretty ring with my birthstone. I treasured this ring and felt pretty when I wore it, the shining topaz shimmering in the sunshine of early summer. I did not own this ring for long until it went missing. Just after beginning highschool and relocating to a new home where we currenty reside, my ring went missing.
With a little sister in the house who loved to play dress up and who had - on occasion- been caught trying on this ring...all fingers pointed to her as the culpret of the missing ring.
Fast forward roughly 5 years - to today - Jessica was in our living room tonight trying on every pair of jean she owns, causing us all to burst into fits of laughter as some pairs were a little too snug, some too filled with holes, some cleverly decorated with safety pins and some in mint condition. As she picked up a random pair from the pile she reminded us that I'd given them to her a number of years ago. She flung them around in the air for a split second, just long enough for all of us to hear a " tink, clink, tink, think tink....tiiiiiink." Caught off guard by this noise and the knowledge that something had fallen from the pants we all said in unison, "What is that!?" All we heard was, " No way! OooohhhhH!"
After a few moments of gloating by Jessica, basking in her guiltlessness and following an apology on my part, she handed me a treasure I thought was forever lost - my ring.
It's amazing how my ring could have at any moment gone missing and I would never have known...poor Jessica, assumed as the culpret all these years and voila, one evening trying on jeans, the ring appears.
With a little sister in the house who loved to play dress up and who had - on occasion- been caught trying on this ring...all fingers pointed to her as the culpret of the missing ring.
Fast forward roughly 5 years - to today - Jessica was in our living room tonight trying on every pair of jean she owns, causing us all to burst into fits of laughter as some pairs were a little too snug, some too filled with holes, some cleverly decorated with safety pins and some in mint condition. As she picked up a random pair from the pile she reminded us that I'd given them to her a number of years ago. She flung them around in the air for a split second, just long enough for all of us to hear a " tink, clink, tink, think tink....tiiiiiink." Caught off guard by this noise and the knowledge that something had fallen from the pants we all said in unison, "What is that!?" All we heard was, " No way! OooohhhhH!"
After a few moments of gloating by Jessica, basking in her guiltlessness and following an apology on my part, she handed me a treasure I thought was forever lost - my ring.
It's amazing how my ring could have at any moment gone missing and I would never have known...poor Jessica, assumed as the culpret all these years and voila, one evening trying on jeans, the ring appears.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
roots, rocks and a little perspective
Today we adventured on our last day of biking to the Nordiac Heritage Center in Presque Isle. As our bikes departed on the single-track trails, up and down the hills we went, slipping on roots, rocks, and every other weed and branch one could imagine present in the woods. Needless to say, I was slightly unamused.
As our promised descent from this place approached, I began to find myself rather frustrated thinking we were on our way down the mountain and wondering why exactly we were still climbing gigantically steep hills. Once again, I was unimpressed and an unimpressive attitude began to fester in my heart.
Mounting once again on my seat, I began to relentlessly pedal over rocks and roots galore...recognizing my frustration and poor attitude, I began to ask the Lord for strength and to change my attitude. Suddenly, I heard a voice - not likened unto a whisper nor a yell - it was an assertive, plainly sweet voice calling, "Look around Beloved."
Quickly, as though a switch had been turned on inside of me, I found myself smiling and instinctively taking in with my eyes the breathtaking view around me. As I forgot about the awful roots, rocks, and mud beneath me, this is what I began to see:
Though I strongly believe woody trails should be reserved strictly for jogging, strolling or hiking, I'm thankful for the opportunity to recognize mountain biking isn't my thing. I am a big fan of road biking, and biking to a destination. When I'm out trampsing among trails I feel lost without a purpose, consumed by the slippery roots, pesky bugs, and jagged rocks. I've learned much about pushing my physical limits this past week and today I learned once again to how much I need to bless the Lord at all times. Instead of thinking about myself I needed to change my perspective, to look beyond what my wheels tred upon and instead, to glance up, to recognize the beauty our great Lord has prepared for us and I was blessed to see today.
Here's to turning in my trail maps and retiring from my week in the woods...
As our promised descent from this place approached, I began to find myself rather frustrated thinking we were on our way down the mountain and wondering why exactly we were still climbing gigantically steep hills. Once again, I was unimpressed and an unimpressive attitude began to fester in my heart.
Mounting once again on my seat, I began to relentlessly pedal over rocks and roots galore...recognizing my frustration and poor attitude, I began to ask the Lord for strength and to change my attitude. Suddenly, I heard a voice - not likened unto a whisper nor a yell - it was an assertive, plainly sweet voice calling, "Look around Beloved."
Quickly, as though a switch had been turned on inside of me, I found myself smiling and instinctively taking in with my eyes the breathtaking view around me. As I forgot about the awful roots, rocks, and mud beneath me, this is what I began to see:
Though I strongly believe woody trails should be reserved strictly for jogging, strolling or hiking, I'm thankful for the opportunity to recognize mountain biking isn't my thing. I am a big fan of road biking, and biking to a destination. When I'm out trampsing among trails I feel lost without a purpose, consumed by the slippery roots, pesky bugs, and jagged rocks. I've learned much about pushing my physical limits this past week and today I learned once again to how much I need to bless the Lord at all times. Instead of thinking about myself I needed to change my perspective, to look beyond what my wheels tred upon and instead, to glance up, to recognize the beauty our great Lord has prepared for us and I was blessed to see today.
Here's to turning in my trail maps and retiring from my week in the woods...
inspirational training
Yesterday I went biking with a group of CRX kids (Caribou Rec. Xtreme- an outdoor summer program) to Fort Kent’s 10th Mountain training facility. Complete with much grass, hills, rocks, and roots, our atmosphere assured us we were surely in for a day of interesting riding.
Something I found particularly interesting was when we first arrived at the facility the place was bustling with various athletes diligently going about their training regimens. A red flag was raised to alert all visitors of the athletes training. I was amazed at their discipline clearly visible on the course. Quite literally these athletes eat, sleep, breathe, and train for the biathlon.
With this in mind, I have to wonder – shouldn’t we as Christians have a “similar” training regimen in our daily walk with the Lord? Shouldn’t we eat, sleep, breathe, and train with His purpose on our minds, His work as our workout, and His will as our drive and motivation?
I think our lives often get too crowded and overwhelmed with fillers that soon turn into excuses to stray from a training regimen. For anyone who exercises (or attempts to) on a regular basis, perhaps you can relate. How many times do we find ourselves saying we’re too tired or too busy to go for that run or take the dog for a walk? How often do we let the weather (humidity, rain, sunshine too little or too much) dictate when and where we go as we slowly begin to neglect our physical training? Are we getting enough sleep? Are we eating the right foods?
Considering our spiritual lives, how often do we plan to exercise our talents and giftings for the Lord and never get around to doing so? How often to we promise to pray for someone, leave a note of encouragement, or truly study the Word, and simply forget, or get too busy with life?
What would happen if the biathletes watched movies instead of shooting their rifles – or – ate potato chips instead of protein? What would happen if these athletes only ran when the weather was conducive to their absolute comfort? We all know their training would suffer and certainly their performance in the big competition would suffer as well. Their standings would certainly fall below their expectations and they would likely disappoint those who had invested much time and energy into their training through encouragement, sponsorship, etc.
I wonder what habits and comforts I’ve let mar my training regimen…physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually…and which of these things are holding me back from being all the Lord wants me to be at this moment for His glory.
Something I found particularly interesting was when we first arrived at the facility the place was bustling with various athletes diligently going about their training regimens. A red flag was raised to alert all visitors of the athletes training. I was amazed at their discipline clearly visible on the course. Quite literally these athletes eat, sleep, breathe, and train for the biathlon.
With this in mind, I have to wonder – shouldn’t we as Christians have a “similar” training regimen in our daily walk with the Lord? Shouldn’t we eat, sleep, breathe, and train with His purpose on our minds, His work as our workout, and His will as our drive and motivation?
I think our lives often get too crowded and overwhelmed with fillers that soon turn into excuses to stray from a training regimen. For anyone who exercises (or attempts to) on a regular basis, perhaps you can relate. How many times do we find ourselves saying we’re too tired or too busy to go for that run or take the dog for a walk? How often do we let the weather (humidity, rain, sunshine too little or too much) dictate when and where we go as we slowly begin to neglect our physical training? Are we getting enough sleep? Are we eating the right foods?
Considering our spiritual lives, how often do we plan to exercise our talents and giftings for the Lord and never get around to doing so? How often to we promise to pray for someone, leave a note of encouragement, or truly study the Word, and simply forget, or get too busy with life?
What would happen if the biathletes watched movies instead of shooting their rifles – or – ate potato chips instead of protein? What would happen if these athletes only ran when the weather was conducive to their absolute comfort? We all know their training would suffer and certainly their performance in the big competition would suffer as well. Their standings would certainly fall below their expectations and they would likely disappoint those who had invested much time and energy into their training through encouragement, sponsorship, etc.
I wonder what habits and comforts I’ve let mar my training regimen…physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually…and which of these things are holding me back from being all the Lord wants me to be at this moment for His glory.
Monday, July 30, 2007
our meeting
Thank you all who offered your prayers for the situation I shared in the last post. I am grateful for your words of encouragement.
This evening that brother in Christ and I met together at Tim Hortons (the place where all serious talks take place, right?) and I shared my heart, asked for forgiveness and shared my desire to glorify Christ in our friendship, whatever that may look like and whatever dynamics it may encompass.
We shared in laughter and caught up on life with small talk.
I'm thankful for this opportunity to grow and change, once again, more into the image of the One who made me, loves me and cares so deeply for me...my Jesus.
God is good and I'm beyond words thankful for all He has in store in both the near and immediate future...I'm ready to keep on growin'...
This evening that brother in Christ and I met together at Tim Hortons (the place where all serious talks take place, right?) and I shared my heart, asked for forgiveness and shared my desire to glorify Christ in our friendship, whatever that may look like and whatever dynamics it may encompass.
We shared in laughter and caught up on life with small talk.
I'm thankful for this opportunity to grow and change, once again, more into the image of the One who made me, loves me and cares so deeply for me...my Jesus.
God is good and I'm beyond words thankful for all He has in store in both the near and immediate future...I'm ready to keep on growin'...
Saturday, July 28, 2007
my awful attitude
It's amazing how sometimes as Christians, we think we're done with a certain issue or circumstance in our lives...until it pops up again, quite unresolved, with the need of deeper more careful resolution.
I thought I was finished with a certain part of my life and to be straighforward and quite honest, the attitude of my heart has gone quite sour toward a certain brother in Christ and I haven't the vaguest idea as to exactly why. All I know is that this evening my Mom called me out on this 'anger' of sorts that has been dwelling in me...and all it took was a few moments of quiet reflection to pin point something my heart has been musing on for awhile...I'm not finished resolving this circumstance...and God is in fact calling me to lay myself down, to cast aside my self pride, to be vulnerable with this person and to glorify God at all costs of myself. The Lord has caused me to realize I am not finished growing in this area of my life and for Him to release me to do things that I both desire in my heart and He's called me to do...order for Him to grow me...I need to let go. I need to deal with this attitude of my heart that has consumed my thoughts and behaviors.
The Scriptures tell us in Matthew 12:34,"out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Proverbs 23:7 states, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." WOW!! Right now that would mean I am essentially acting like an awful person, speaking awful things. It's a scary realization for sure. I have been very selfish and prideful, believing there was no real issue with my attitude at all and that my Mom was just misjudging my attitude. My mouth has not been speaking lately what I want in my heart to reflect, about a certain brother in Christ. A hatred of sorts and disgust really has wedged its way inside of me and I honestly don't know 100% how to deal with it.
I felt prompted to call this individual tonight after church, knowing inside I must first confess my attitude and behaviors, ask for his forgiveness, and somehow be honest about life I guess. I want to figure out what the Lord has in store for the both of us as brother and sister in Christ.
I want more than anything to grow in the Lord...and I know the Lord wants me to grow in Him...because of this I need to lay down this issue, freely of all self pride and let the Lord have His way in me, to cleanse me head to foot in this issue and to recognize that when in fact this issue is dealt with, my growing will never truly stop. I want to claim victory in this area of my life...to walk in freedom with a heart that spills and overflows with an abudance of things that glorify Christ.
I now await a response from this brother and I'm hoping his heart will be willing and open to talking...and listening really to me. I covet your prayers for strength and humility during this time. Also, please pray he returns my call and we are able to talk.
I'm quite thankful to have a conscience and a God who loves me enough to point out the junk in my life that can be only demolished by Him and replaced with things that honor Him.
I enjoyed the sunshine and time for thinking today...
I thought I was finished with a certain part of my life and to be straighforward and quite honest, the attitude of my heart has gone quite sour toward a certain brother in Christ and I haven't the vaguest idea as to exactly why. All I know is that this evening my Mom called me out on this 'anger' of sorts that has been dwelling in me...and all it took was a few moments of quiet reflection to pin point something my heart has been musing on for awhile...I'm not finished resolving this circumstance...and God is in fact calling me to lay myself down, to cast aside my self pride, to be vulnerable with this person and to glorify God at all costs of myself. The Lord has caused me to realize I am not finished growing in this area of my life and for Him to release me to do things that I both desire in my heart and He's called me to do...order for Him to grow me...I need to let go. I need to deal with this attitude of my heart that has consumed my thoughts and behaviors.
The Scriptures tell us in Matthew 12:34,"out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." Proverbs 23:7 states, "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he." WOW!! Right now that would mean I am essentially acting like an awful person, speaking awful things. It's a scary realization for sure. I have been very selfish and prideful, believing there was no real issue with my attitude at all and that my Mom was just misjudging my attitude. My mouth has not been speaking lately what I want in my heart to reflect, about a certain brother in Christ. A hatred of sorts and disgust really has wedged its way inside of me and I honestly don't know 100% how to deal with it.
I felt prompted to call this individual tonight after church, knowing inside I must first confess my attitude and behaviors, ask for his forgiveness, and somehow be honest about life I guess. I want to figure out what the Lord has in store for the both of us as brother and sister in Christ.
I want more than anything to grow in the Lord...and I know the Lord wants me to grow in Him...because of this I need to lay down this issue, freely of all self pride and let the Lord have His way in me, to cleanse me head to foot in this issue and to recognize that when in fact this issue is dealt with, my growing will never truly stop. I want to claim victory in this area of my life...to walk in freedom with a heart that spills and overflows with an abudance of things that glorify Christ.
I now await a response from this brother and I'm hoping his heart will be willing and open to talking...and listening really to me. I covet your prayers for strength and humility during this time. Also, please pray he returns my call and we are able to talk.
I'm quite thankful to have a conscience and a God who loves me enough to point out the junk in my life that can be only demolished by Him and replaced with things that honor Him.
I enjoyed the sunshine and time for thinking today...
Monday, July 23, 2007
buggies
For anyone who exercises, or finds themself quite joyful outdoors, do you think smiling while you run or bike could result in a lovely collection of bugs on your teeth?
Whenever I go running or biking, bugs always pelt my face, so I wonder...as I find humor and joy outdoors, is it possible I am also collecting a lovely smile full of buggies?
Every once in awhile, I imagine someone returning from an exercise outing and smiling, only to find their teeth speckled with buggies, like the grate of a car. Strange, I know...but what does one think of while they're running and being pelted by bugs?
Whenever I go running or biking, bugs always pelt my face, so I wonder...as I find humor and joy outdoors, is it possible I am also collecting a lovely smile full of buggies?
Every once in awhile, I imagine someone returning from an exercise outing and smiling, only to find their teeth speckled with buggies, like the grate of a car. Strange, I know...but what does one think of while they're running and being pelted by bugs?
Thursday, July 19, 2007
heart desire
I've been reading several books this summer for PLC and one of the books on the lineup was Hannah Hurnard's book, Hind's Feet on High Places.
This book really made me think and this passage, spoke somewhat of a yearning desire in my own heart, something that's tugged at me through reading this writing in it's entirety:
"Set me as a seal upon thine heart
Thou Love more strong than death
That I may feel through every part
Thy burning, fiery breath.
And then like wax held in the flame,
May take the imprint of thy Name.
Set me a seal upon thine arm,
Thou Love that bursts the grave,
Thy coals of fire can never harm,
But only purge and save.
Thou jealous Love, thou burning Flame,
Oh, burn out all unlike thy Name.
The floods can never drown thy Love,
Not weaken thy desire.
The rains may deluge from above
But never quench thy fire.
Make soft my heart in thy strong flame,
To take the imprint of thy Name."
This book really made me think and this passage, spoke somewhat of a yearning desire in my own heart, something that's tugged at me through reading this writing in it's entirety:
"Set me as a seal upon thine heart
Thou Love more strong than death
That I may feel through every part
Thy burning, fiery breath.
And then like wax held in the flame,
May take the imprint of thy Name.
Set me a seal upon thine arm,
Thou Love that bursts the grave,
Thy coals of fire can never harm,
But only purge and save.
Thou jealous Love, thou burning Flame,
Oh, burn out all unlike thy Name.
The floods can never drown thy Love,
Not weaken thy desire.
The rains may deluge from above
But never quench thy fire.
Make soft my heart in thy strong flame,
To take the imprint of thy Name."
Thursday, July 12, 2007
my last name
I often joke about being the smartest kid in my preschool class - afterall, I had to learn the whole alphabet to spell my name. What do I mean? My last name is Zbylut...Z-B-Y-L-U-T, and as one can clearly observe it begins with a 'Z' or 'Zed' in Canada. My name is very Polish, and very unique. I've lived my whole life at the back of the line, it's just a natural thing for me.
Aside from all this, I'd have to say one of the greatest parts of having a unique last name is how people both attempt to say or spell it. Today, I was reminded once again of my preschool days learning to spell Zbylut.
Arriving home from work, I discovered a package on the kitchen table. It was addressed to my mom, and therefore, had this silly sight not caught my eye, I would have walked away without a second thought. However, what my eyes beheld was quite a humorous sight. In all the 19+ years of life, I've never seen an attempt at our last name go quite so wrong. The package read something to the affect of:
Rita Dbylut
----------
----
For those of you who think I spelled Zbylut wrong above by accidentally pressing D instead of Z, I shall inform you, whomever sent this package, hand wrote our name that way. Dbylut. (Neat!) I chuckled thinking, for sure, this guy takes the cake of poor spellings of our name. It's practically up there with Zibilt, Zibblet, Zyblut,Zoblut, Zibillet, etc.
Dbylut...who knew!? :)
Aside from all this, I'd have to say one of the greatest parts of having a unique last name is how people both attempt to say or spell it. Today, I was reminded once again of my preschool days learning to spell Zbylut.
Arriving home from work, I discovered a package on the kitchen table. It was addressed to my mom, and therefore, had this silly sight not caught my eye, I would have walked away without a second thought. However, what my eyes beheld was quite a humorous sight. In all the 19+ years of life, I've never seen an attempt at our last name go quite so wrong. The package read something to the affect of:
Rita Dbylut
----------
----
For those of you who think I spelled Zbylut wrong above by accidentally pressing D instead of Z, I shall inform you, whomever sent this package, hand wrote our name that way. Dbylut. (Neat!) I chuckled thinking, for sure, this guy takes the cake of poor spellings of our name. It's practically up there with Zibilt, Zibblet, Zyblut,Zoblut, Zibillet, etc.
Dbylut...who knew!? :)
Nicole & Cale's Wedding
Last weekend I had the privilege of taking part as a guest at two dear friend's wedding. Watching their love grow and get stronger over the past year and such has brought my heart great joy and makes me excited to fall in love one day with the person I'll walk down the aisle and greet. The weather was beautiful and the ceremony shined with Christ's glory. God is faithful!
Nicole and Cale, God bless you!
Nicole and Cale, God bless you!
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Thursday, July 05, 2007
my 1st cavity
Two weeks ago I went to the dentist a clean toothed young woman. As I left I held an appointment card for today and the voice of Dr. Smith ringing in my head, "Yep, that #13, deep grooves, what a shame, we'll have to drill it."
Apparently I have "deep grooves" in my teeth (lucky me), and the dentist unfortunately discovered a cavity at my last cleaning that most people get when they're much younger. I was told that you either get it in that tooth or don't...apparently once something gets stuck there it's practically impossible to get it out...so I got a cavity. (neat!)
Bear in mind here I've never had any dental work done beyond brushing, flossing, and a number of years ago that gunky bubble gum flavored flouride...I was even spared having my wisdom teeth removed when they decided to disappear (Thank you Lord) when I went to the orthodontist.
When I arrived at the dentist early this morning I had a realization. The feat of some 19 years and 8 months cavity free fades away as you lie reclined in the leathery dentist chair. I wonder, who invented paste that makes your gums go numb? I feel bad for the people who tested the stuff. What a not nice feeling it is to have your mouth droop and 1/2 your throat go numb as the gunk drizzles down. Why does the needle they shove into your gums have to be so big? Is that necessary? Big needles are scary.
I once thought I liked the dentist - now I'm reconsidering. :)
Apparently I have "deep grooves" in my teeth (lucky me), and the dentist unfortunately discovered a cavity at my last cleaning that most people get when they're much younger. I was told that you either get it in that tooth or don't...apparently once something gets stuck there it's practically impossible to get it out...so I got a cavity. (neat!)
Bear in mind here I've never had any dental work done beyond brushing, flossing, and a number of years ago that gunky bubble gum flavored flouride...I was even spared having my wisdom teeth removed when they decided to disappear (Thank you Lord) when I went to the orthodontist.
When I arrived at the dentist early this morning I had a realization. The feat of some 19 years and 8 months cavity free fades away as you lie reclined in the leathery dentist chair. I wonder, who invented paste that makes your gums go numb? I feel bad for the people who tested the stuff. What a not nice feeling it is to have your mouth droop and 1/2 your throat go numb as the gunk drizzles down. Why does the needle they shove into your gums have to be so big? Is that necessary? Big needles are scary.
I once thought I liked the dentist - now I'm reconsidering. :)
celebrating Independence Day
We celebrated the 4th of July with an annual 'Zbylut family BBQ' at our home. The day with filled with much laughter, socializing, water balloons, yummy cuisine, and sparklers. These photos do not even come close to capturing the enjoyment I took from my afternoon surrounded by family yesterday. I neglected my camera and traded capturing moments on film for conversations with aunts and uncles I haven't chatted with in ages. Bless the Lord for His healing power to restore and for His hand in all situations for His glory. The Lord is good and He is faithful. My eyes bore witness to this and my heart was blessed.
Friday, June 29, 2007
a rainbow
I went for a bike ride tonight with my Mom and we got caught up in a storm. This was no ordinary storm however, for the sun was beaming brightly, brilliantly in our eyes. The temperature dropped a few degrees, and slowly, the thick yellow rain clouds illuminated by the setting sun began to sweep toward us. A few drops began to pelt our faces and before we knew it the wind was causing most of our pedaling efforts to be quite useless and it started to rain much heavier....it was however, a lovely workout. :)
Eventually I reached was seemed to be the end of the rain storm and looked back to see Mom almost caught up...my eyes beheld a sight so grand, so brilliant, so breathtaking, it made me smile....a rainbow....towered above the town and in my own opinion, we had ridden our bikes right through the middle of it. ( It even became a double-full rainbow! Beautiful!)
You see, one great thing about rainbows is once you see one, and it appears you're quite near it....there is virtually no escaping from it. You always feel like you're quite near that rainbow when in fact you could be quite far from it.
I love that rainbows always bring the reminder to my heart of God's faithful promises...and His beckoning to trust Him in the flood, to trust Him with new beginnings, open waters,and the unknown.
How did Noah do it? I haven't a clue. Let's just say I think I am quite thankful to see rainbows on a bicycle rather than a gigantic ark.
Eventually I reached was seemed to be the end of the rain storm and looked back to see Mom almost caught up...my eyes beheld a sight so grand, so brilliant, so breathtaking, it made me smile....a rainbow....towered above the town and in my own opinion, we had ridden our bikes right through the middle of it. ( It even became a double-full rainbow! Beautiful!)
You see, one great thing about rainbows is once you see one, and it appears you're quite near it....there is virtually no escaping from it. You always feel like you're quite near that rainbow when in fact you could be quite far from it.
I love that rainbows always bring the reminder to my heart of God's faithful promises...and His beckoning to trust Him in the flood, to trust Him with new beginnings, open waters,and the unknown.
How did Noah do it? I haven't a clue. Let's just say I think I am quite thankful to see rainbows on a bicycle rather than a gigantic ark.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
a dance
Do you ever feel like dancing?
Do you ever break into a random dance in seemingly private public places?
Apparently I do. Occasionally, (okay, often), I have the desire to dance while I'm out for a run or walk, etc. Clad in my sneaks and music player, I often get caught up with a joy that is at times unexplainable. When I find myself alone with the Lord, smack in the middle of nature...I feel free.
Today was a dancing day...and minus the 3 young guys on bicycles I was practically alone the entire time. As I exited the woods area of my run, I stopped for a few seconds and my feet took to dancing. I started to chuckle when my eyes caught a rather embarrassing sight...a young boy (our neighbor from just up the street to be exact) came darting out of the woods on his bicycle with a huge grin on his face. "I saw you dancing," he said grinning.
Caught in the act, I suppose leaves me with nothing more to do than to shamelessly dance...and be okay with people seeing me or getting a good chuckle out of it.
So I must ask, how many of YOU break out into random dancing when you think no one is watching??
Do you ever break into a random dance in seemingly private public places?
Apparently I do. Occasionally, (okay, often), I have the desire to dance while I'm out for a run or walk, etc. Clad in my sneaks and music player, I often get caught up with a joy that is at times unexplainable. When I find myself alone with the Lord, smack in the middle of nature...I feel free.
Today was a dancing day...and minus the 3 young guys on bicycles I was practically alone the entire time. As I exited the woods area of my run, I stopped for a few seconds and my feet took to dancing. I started to chuckle when my eyes caught a rather embarrassing sight...a young boy (our neighbor from just up the street to be exact) came darting out of the woods on his bicycle with a huge grin on his face. "I saw you dancing," he said grinning.
Caught in the act, I suppose leaves me with nothing more to do than to shamelessly dance...and be okay with people seeing me or getting a good chuckle out of it.
So I must ask, how many of YOU break out into random dancing when you think no one is watching??
Friday, June 22, 2007
Jesus, the lawn nome???
Last night I asked the Lord to open my eyes so I might see Him in all things...
I got bit by a spider this afternoon...and was quite disturbed that it bit me not on the arm or leg or some other fairly acceptable place...IT BIT ME ON MY HIP. Yes, my hip. What makes it worse is that it was beneath where my jeans rest on my hip, and I only noticed it when it started to itch. I checked to see what was so itchy and beheld a fearful sight. My Dad wondered how it bit me there...I told him I chose not to dwell on that thought for the possibilities were far too disturbing for me to even consider. Ick!
Farther along in the story Dad thought the spider might be poisonous or something and was wondering why I'm the only person in this house who sees...and now gets bit by spiders. The only thing I could think of was how much I wanted to exercise as the thought of poison pumping through my veins faster as my heart beat picked up passed through my mind. Nice, right? So what did I do? I did what any other 'invincible until He calls me home' young woman would do...
I went on a bike ride this evening...pumping with all my might up hill after hill...my old purple mountain bike from the 6th grade, far to small for my now much longer legs, doggie chewed handles and all...I rode, and I rode and I rode.
A soft wind blew in my face as I listened to some tunes on my music player. I felt thankful for the peace the Lord has brought to my life over these past few months. The trees swayed in an almost enchanting way as lupins painted a breathtaking rainbow of color across the landscape. Glancing across an old country rode, I saw the humungous clouds building upon one another and their dark, grumbling colors swirling together letting all know they possessed a storm somewhere far above us. The sun shined brilliantly, warmly as the chilly wind kissed my face. What an amazing evening bike ride it was.
I had an amazing chat with the Lord and as my ride neared its last mile or so, I glanced at someones yard and what my eyes beheld caused me to chuckle...there He was...or an image of sorts of Him. 'Jesus, the lawn nome' rang out in my mind before I had the ability to think anything else. Smack in the middle of someone's garden stood a lawn nome Jesus.
I don't quite understand what in particular struck me as being funny about this...all I know is this evening, I truly saw Him in all things around me...even a lawn nome.
How I love joying in and with the Lord. :)
I got bit by a spider this afternoon...and was quite disturbed that it bit me not on the arm or leg or some other fairly acceptable place...IT BIT ME ON MY HIP. Yes, my hip. What makes it worse is that it was beneath where my jeans rest on my hip, and I only noticed it when it started to itch. I checked to see what was so itchy and beheld a fearful sight. My Dad wondered how it bit me there...I told him I chose not to dwell on that thought for the possibilities were far too disturbing for me to even consider. Ick!
Farther along in the story Dad thought the spider might be poisonous or something and was wondering why I'm the only person in this house who sees...and now gets bit by spiders. The only thing I could think of was how much I wanted to exercise as the thought of poison pumping through my veins faster as my heart beat picked up passed through my mind. Nice, right? So what did I do? I did what any other 'invincible until He calls me home' young woman would do...
I went on a bike ride this evening...pumping with all my might up hill after hill...my old purple mountain bike from the 6th grade, far to small for my now much longer legs, doggie chewed handles and all...I rode, and I rode and I rode.
A soft wind blew in my face as I listened to some tunes on my music player. I felt thankful for the peace the Lord has brought to my life over these past few months. The trees swayed in an almost enchanting way as lupins painted a breathtaking rainbow of color across the landscape. Glancing across an old country rode, I saw the humungous clouds building upon one another and their dark, grumbling colors swirling together letting all know they possessed a storm somewhere far above us. The sun shined brilliantly, warmly as the chilly wind kissed my face. What an amazing evening bike ride it was.
I had an amazing chat with the Lord and as my ride neared its last mile or so, I glanced at someones yard and what my eyes beheld caused me to chuckle...there He was...or an image of sorts of Him. 'Jesus, the lawn nome' rang out in my mind before I had the ability to think anything else. Smack in the middle of someone's garden stood a lawn nome Jesus.
I don't quite understand what in particular struck me as being funny about this...all I know is this evening, I truly saw Him in all things around me...even a lawn nome.
How I love joying in and with the Lord. :)
Monday, June 18, 2007
happy father's day thought
I have a great Daddy, and to bless his special day I wanted to bake him a cake. If words could describe what an adventure baking this cake was, I'd share them, but for now I chuckle at the thought someone else has been in my shoes and felt the same way before.
Father's day was cloudy and filled with raging thunderstorms...a great opportunity to be mindful of our dear Heavenly Father, and I decided to go for a stroll in the pouring rain. I brought along my music player and as the rain poured down my face I listened to the words of Butterfly Kisses. A verse I never knew existed in the song was treasured by my heart today and caused me to chuckle. "I know the cake looks funny Daddy, but I sure tried..."
Though I'm 19, I know you still see me as 3. Though I'm in college, I know you still remember my 1st day of preschool. Though I've had a driver's license for nearly 4 years, you gave me my first taste of the roads the day you pulled my training wheels off and cleaned up my scrapes and bruises when I fell. First grade brought us to the Father-daughter dance, my first and best date to a dance ever...though prom is more recent, we know to you it's all the same. You taught my how to mow the lawn, change my oil and put air in my car tires. You attended every chorus and band concert, soccer game and event...you were always a Dad first, before work, before rest, before anything that involved taking time away from your three girls and beautiful wife (Mom). Thanks Dad for raising the standard for men in our lives, and for showing us every day how important a Daddy's love, discipline, and teachings really are. Love you Dad!
Happy Father's Day Daddy!
Father's day was cloudy and filled with raging thunderstorms...a great opportunity to be mindful of our dear Heavenly Father, and I decided to go for a stroll in the pouring rain. I brought along my music player and as the rain poured down my face I listened to the words of Butterfly Kisses. A verse I never knew existed in the song was treasured by my heart today and caused me to chuckle. "I know the cake looks funny Daddy, but I sure tried..."
Though I'm 19, I know you still see me as 3. Though I'm in college, I know you still remember my 1st day of preschool. Though I've had a driver's license for nearly 4 years, you gave me my first taste of the roads the day you pulled my training wheels off and cleaned up my scrapes and bruises when I fell. First grade brought us to the Father-daughter dance, my first and best date to a dance ever...though prom is more recent, we know to you it's all the same. You taught my how to mow the lawn, change my oil and put air in my car tires. You attended every chorus and band concert, soccer game and event...you were always a Dad first, before work, before rest, before anything that involved taking time away from your three girls and beautiful wife (Mom). Thanks Dad for raising the standard for men in our lives, and for showing us every day how important a Daddy's love, discipline, and teachings really are. Love you Dad!
Happy Father's Day Daddy!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
sisters grow up fast
The past few weeks have been filled with graduations, proms, dances, and memories that will glimmer and fade over the next season of time. For this reason, photos are a great thing and here are a few moments captured around my home of excitement in my sisters lives, who are growing up terribly fast. Enjoy!
Jessica's 8th grade Promotional
Jessica looking pretty in her dress.
Chris Ramos (cousin) and Jess
Jenna & Jessica (bestfriends)
Three Musketeers
Jessica & Ben
The girls
Sherri & Jess
Zbylut sisters
Jessica & I
Mom, Dad & Jess
Sherri's Junior Semi-Formal
Jessica's 8th grade Promotional
Jessica looking pretty in her dress.
Chris Ramos (cousin) and Jess
Jenna & Jessica (bestfriends)
Three Musketeers
Jessica & Ben
The girls
Sherri & Jess
Zbylut sisters
Jessica & I
Mom, Dad & Jess
Sherri's Junior Semi-Formal
Saturday, June 09, 2007
spider terror
Last night I stayed up watching a movie with my family and in the wee hours of the morning as we all retired, my body told me to head straight to sleep, but my heart told me I needed some time with the Lord. Opening my Bible, the words of Psalm 84 absorbed in my heart. Fatigued as I was I opted not to journal. As I stood up, a song filled my heart with worship. A strage alertness filled my body and I decided to journal some thoughts before going to sleep. Usually journaling helps me wind down, but tonight, with every word I became more alert.
Finishing, I decided even though I felt wide awake, I would call it a night and attempt to tire myself with the lights off. Placing my journal and Bible on the night stand my eyes zoomed in on a speck at the edge of my bed, roughly a foot from where my feet were resting. "No way..." I muttered," You have got to be kidding me! That thing it huge and it's on my bed! Urrrh!"
By lamplight I scrambled off the bed away from the spider and ran to grab my spider shoes. Flipping on the big bedroom light my eyes beheld a sight that stirred a great anger in me. On my bed stood a spider the size of a quarter, just hanging out, tapping his spider legs and camoflaguing his spider self to my greenish blanket. I was furious and my guess is the spider was dead before my shoe ever touched him from the downward force of energy coming towards him...perhaps not, but regardless...my heart pounded wildly and with mouth agape at this hideous sight, I ran up the stairs into my parents bedroom and showed them.
* I can not begin to understand why there are so many spiders in that room chasing after me. Each time I find one it's bigger, scarier and closer to me. There have never been so many in that room...and what started out as a laughable joke has become completely ridiculous. As far as I'm concerned, the bed was the last straw. I am now moving back upstairs into the teeniest-tiniest room in our house...but it's spider free, so tis' where I'll be.
Finishing, I decided even though I felt wide awake, I would call it a night and attempt to tire myself with the lights off. Placing my journal and Bible on the night stand my eyes zoomed in on a speck at the edge of my bed, roughly a foot from where my feet were resting. "No way..." I muttered," You have got to be kidding me! That thing it huge and it's on my bed! Urrrh!"
By lamplight I scrambled off the bed away from the spider and ran to grab my spider shoes. Flipping on the big bedroom light my eyes beheld a sight that stirred a great anger in me. On my bed stood a spider the size of a quarter, just hanging out, tapping his spider legs and camoflaguing his spider self to my greenish blanket. I was furious and my guess is the spider was dead before my shoe ever touched him from the downward force of energy coming towards him...perhaps not, but regardless...my heart pounded wildly and with mouth agape at this hideous sight, I ran up the stairs into my parents bedroom and showed them.
* I can not begin to understand why there are so many spiders in that room chasing after me. Each time I find one it's bigger, scarier and closer to me. There have never been so many in that room...and what started out as a laughable joke has become completely ridiculous. As far as I'm concerned, the bed was the last straw. I am now moving back upstairs into the teeniest-tiniest room in our house...but it's spider free, so tis' where I'll be.
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