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Saturday, December 29, 2007

Eco-resolutions for the New Year

Ideas Even a Toe Dipper In the Green Pool Can Deal With

1. I will relinquish my title of Most Likely to Acquire Useless Crap I Don’t Wear or Need.

Admit it — your closet is full of had-to-have items that have been punished to a life of hanging unworn. Your have enough notepads, pens, books, magnets, and collectible tchotchkes to fill a mini storage unit. Yes, our purchases keep the economy going, but most of us buy far more than we need. (There are whole TV shows dedicated to demonstrating ways to unclutter!) Remember that packaging, waste, and pollution are created to make these items available to you. If you trash those once-new goodies when you’re no longer interested in them, they will live in a landfill for years and years. It’s time to clean out, and stop the crap collecting.

2. I will avenge my phantom load.

Phantom load has nothing to do with the pounds that mysteriously appeared on your midsection over the holidays. The term refers to the energy wasted by electronics and power chargers when they are plugged in but not in use. That’s right — your computer cord, cell phone charger, and time-telling DVD player are all sucking energy from the outlet even when there isn’t anything attached or being watched (hence the spooky phantom-ness). Actually cut the power to your electronics by plugging them in to a power strip and flipping the switch to off when you’re not watching or listening.

3. I will be smarter than bottled water companies and drink for free what they are trying to sell me.

Kicking the plastic water bottle habit might sound like an impossible feat if you’re as addicted as the average thirsty American; last year we consumed about 50 billion plastic water bottles. If the fact that plastic is bad for the environment doesn’t get you to quit, just think: Several bottled water brands use the same H20 that’s available from your faucet. So buy an eco-chic reusable stainless steel bottle, and refill it throughout the day — for free. If you’re parched at the mere thought of quitting cold turkey, ease into a plastic-bottle–free life by bringing one less bottle a week to the gym, or by giving them up at the office.

4. If I can remember to TiVo “Dancing with the Stars,” I can remember to bring my own bags to the grocery store.

It’s as if plastic shopping bags are required to exit a store—the disposable sacks are forced on customers even when the purchase is just a can of soda. But plastic bags are made from petroleum and only about 1 percent of the estimated 500 billion to 1 trillion Annie Bell plastic bags consumed worldwide are recycled each year. Most end up in landfills (where they take perhaps 1000 years to decompose) or in the sea. If you start bringing your own bags now, you’ll be ahead of the curve if plastic ones become outlawed in your community.

5. I will switch to recycled paper products at home (but not if they make me chafe).

We know there are some folks out there who must have two-ply, but even you can commit to changing just one thing. If you have a Larry David-like aversion to recycled toilet paper, try the paper towels. If brown won’t match your kitchen colors, look for recycled paper towels that are whitened without chlorine or stick with washable dishcloths. By purchasing recycled paper products you’re preventing trees from being chopped down, and paper waste from ending up in landfills. In addition, less energy and water is required to produce a recycled paper product.

6. I will consider whether my meal came from the farm or the factory.

Big agriculture isn’t all bad. Everyone has a guilty culinary pleasure that comes from a big factory (see: Oreos, and Cap’n Crunch). But while you’re worrying about your own carbon footprint, remember that your food has one too. Think of how many miles your food has traveled (do you really need berries from Chile?), how many chemicals are used, and how much pollution and waste have been generated in the production of your foodstuffs. Support local agriculture by shopping for food at a farmers market. The goods will be fresh, and you might enjoy meeting some of the people who grew your dinner.

7. I will take a day off from road rage and take mass transit or car-pool one day a week.

If you have public transportation options available to you, try switching to the train or bus one day a week. According to the American Public Transportation Association, public transportation use saves 1.4 billion gallons of gasoline each year, and can reduce household expenses by $6,200. Plus you’ll get a day off from road rage. If you don’t live near public transportation, try organizing a once-a-week carpool with your neighbors or coworkers. You’ll save on fuel, tolls, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by removing cars from the road. As a bonus, you’ll gain access to that exclusive carpool lane.

SOURCE: The Daily Green

Monday, December 24, 2007

The first time that you opened your eyes
Did you realize that you would be my savior?
The first breath that left your lips
did you know that you would change this world forever?

I celebrate the day
that you were born to die
so I could one day pray
for you to save my life!

Happy Birthday Jesus

Thank you for coming to earth to show us how to live and love.

Your sacrifice has changed my life and I will love you forever!


My prayer for Christmas - please watch this

This video reflects my heart this Christmas. If we all pulled together, we could make a HUGE difference right here in our own community!






Want to know what you can do to help - go t0 "The Bridge"

The BEST Christmas movie EVER!

Just in case you didn't get a chance to watch it this year, here's a great montage of the bestest clips from the bestest Christmas movie EVER - Christmas Vacation - watch and enjoy! It just wouldn't be Christmas with out it!



Which part is your favorite?

Mine:

#1 - The squirrel scene
#2 - The sledding scene
#3 - Uncle & tree on fire

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Now this is my idea of Christmas!!


This morning Trent, Cody and I went down to The Bridge to help with their Secret Santa day where kids could come "shop" for their parents. My friends Merri, Aaron, Linda, Jean Anne and her husband David and son Walker were all there to serve to.

I got to wrap the presents for them and Trent and Cody served coffee and hot chocolate to the parents while they waited. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN!! I don't even need any Christmas presents, because that's what Christmas is to me.

Check out the news story here - Melody and Shaun were adorable - I got to wrap all of their presents for them and their brother Robert. I hope their family has a wonderful Christmas!

Monday, December 17, 2007

Fear Factor at youth group



Here's a video I made from our special event "Waypoint Fear Factor" a couple of weeks ago - check it out!

Computer Crash!

Well, I've known it was coming, but I didn't expect it to be on my new laptop - I thought it would be on the old Dell desktop that we've had for awhile.

A couple of weeks ago I had a prompting to back up my stuff on my laptop (stuff being MY LIFE - 2 years of studies, all of my workshops, future ideas and brainstorms, 3 years of pictures, my calendar and lots of other stuff). I went right out and bought an external hard drive and hooked it up the next day. The problem is that I am a dummy when it comes to stuff like that (I'd much rather work with people than technology) and I did not get my files moved to the hard drive.

4 days later I'm working away and my computer had a fit and just died on me - it was a sad, sad day. Right now it's at a document recovery place and I'm going to be paying them BIG BUCKS to hopefully retrieve the data.

Let this be a lesson to you - Back your stuff up now!

Ouch - I have a broken finger . . .

The embarrassing thing is that I broke it awhile ago and ignored it hoping it would get better . . . it didn't.

When I went to Dr. Oppman he sent me to an orthopedic surgeon who said that it was too complicated for him and I had to go to a hand specialist.

After talking to the hand specialist the surgeon decided to try splinting it for 8 weeks - fun. If that doesn't work, which I really don't have much confidence that it will seeing that the tendon has completely come off the to knuckle, I have to have surgery. YIKES!

How did I do it you're wondering? Well, I can officially say that I have a football injury now.

Wednesday, December 05, 2007

My friend Judy

So today and every day, I will choose to allow difficult situations, even ones as difficult as this, to make me better.

In particular, I choose to try to love better – love Jesus better and love people better – everyday . . . Judy Gregory

A couple of days ago my good friend Judy had to speak at a funeral . . . her Dad's funeral. I have no idea how she was able to do it, except that she is a person of great strength and courage. What she had to say, especially under the circumstances of his death will be forever etched upon my heart.

Judy, you have had a HUGE impact on my life. Thank you for your leadership, your teaching, your example, and your friendship.

If you want to be inspired today - click here and read the entire message

Friday, November 23, 2007

The 1st Annual Rajski Turkey Bowl

Yes, believe it or not, the Turkey Bowl is just touch football played with a thawed fresh turkey instead of a football.

Bailey making a run with the turkey. Right after this shot she threw the turkey at me unexpectedly and hit me in the face - it was hilarious but I still have a fat lip today from it!


Here's Trent getting ready to launch a turkey pass

Josh is goin for it - tryin to score with the turkey but Taylor is right on him!

And a fun (but sick) time was had by all!






Wednesday, November 21, 2007

God, in the busy-ness of my day, I sometimes forget to stop to thank You for all that is good in my life. My blessings are many and my heart is filled with gratefulness for the gift of living, for the ability to love and be loved, for the opportunity to see the everyday wonders of creation, for sleep and water, for a mind that thinks and a body that feels.
I thank you, too, for those things in my life that are less than I would hope them to be. Things that seem challenging, unfair, or difficult. When my heart feels stretched and empty and pools of tears form in my weary eyes, still I rejoice that you are as near to me as my next breath and that in the midst of turbulence, I am growing and learning. In the silence of my soul, I thank you most of all for your unconditional and eternal love. Amen.
Copyright ©1999-2007 explorefaith.org

Thanksgiving funny

Watch this - it's pretty funny!


Monday, November 19, 2007

Oh Deer!

This is Cody's first deer - an 8 point BUCK - 1 shot - 200 yards away!
He gutted it himself in the field and endured an initiation I can't speak of.
I can't believe my baby was man enough to do that.
Is it possible to be extremely proud and horrified at the same time?

Here's the hunting crew celebrating the first shoot of the season!

They call him "The Shooter" now.

Todd, Cody, Aaron and Trent (pretty sexy camo, huh?)

Does anyone have any good recipes for venison?


Monday, November 12, 2007

The only way you can live the life that God created you to live is with God. At the core of our being nothing works except knowing Him.

Recognize that you were created to live in the presence of God and the more aware you are of His presence in your life the more powerfully you will live your life. Erwin McManus

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Update!

I was shocked when I got on my blog and saw how long it's been since I've posted. Here's what's been going on, in no particular order:

On Friday I spent about an hour and a half at JaRoss spa sitting in the relaxation room with a warm herbal neck wrap, baking in the sauna, soaking in the jacuzzi, lounging in the big comfy robe and pampering myself with exotic body scrubs, lotions and hair products. Guess how much I paid for it? NOTHING . . . well, I paid $30 last month for a membership that lasts for a year. I can go in anytime and and the facilities as much as I want and it's free! I love it and it's a great way to relax and recharge. You should do it for yourself!

I've been working on some programs for my coaching practice. Here are some of the programs that I'll be offering for 2008: (Coaching is not for people in crisis, but people who want to get the most out of life)

  • Holistic Health - Spa environment with aromatherapy, music & relaxation exercises, concentrating on your mind, body, spirit and soul
  • Fitness & Wellness Program - Motivational environment using inspiring images and quotes to stay motivated -focus on building a healthy lifestyle instead of just going on another diet (again)
  • Relationship Repair and Rebuild - Working through relational problems and building strength in relationships- couples, parents, family, business
  • Teen Program (age 14 - 19 female or male) - Fun and interactive environment using art, photos, music and more to find out who you really are and what’s important to you
  • Academic Coaching - A 10 session program for students who want to excel in their school work and figure out what they want to do in college
  • Jump Start - A one-time two-hour coaching session designed for women who are tired of letting life just “happen to them.” - A great pick me up!
  • Goal Setting - Tired of setting goals and not reaching them? Do you even know what your goals are? Find out what’s important to you and how to get there.
  • Relax and Recharge - Come to this 2 hour session to relax, de-stress and refuel. Shift your attitude and perspective so that you can again see life in a happy, joyful positive way. (This is a great Christmas gift for someone special!)

Youth ministry has turned out to be much different than anyone anticipated - Blair and I are slowly working on building trust and rebuilding the ministry - it's going to take some time. In the meantime I feel God has confimred to me that coaching is my passion and the direction that I'm still supposed to be going in. Sometimes it's really hard to balance both jobs.

Family life is good, crazy and never a dull moment. Cody is 14 . . . going on 21 . . . Enough said! There is never a dull moment in our house and I am constantly on my toes reading and researching on how to be an effective parent. I am very grateful to my son that he is inpsiring me to learn so much right now and he's helping fuel my passion to help families work better.

Trent and I just got back from Vegas last week for a business conference that we always go to. It was fun, but we're always ready to leave. We didn't win anything, but had a great time seeing the CORR (championship offroad racing), Louie Anderson, Dick's Last Resort and the Titanic Exhibition.

We had to get all new countertops because the countertops we had were junk. That wasn't fun cuz our kitchen was all tore up again - ughhhh. But now it's almost as good as new and we just have some final things to do.

I'm getting excited for the holidays! We are simplifying this year and spending more money on spending time with people we love rather than buying a bunch of dumb gifts that they won't even use. I can't say what they are, but it's going to be great. We're also going to have Thanksgiving at our house, a Christmas party and maybe even a New Year's Party. Fun times, fun times.

Alright I guess that's it - give me an update on what you've been doing!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Cody's best football moment

Football is now over and Cody's team placed 3rd in the division - not bad! Next year his big rivals (Schmucker and Discovery) will all be together on the Penn field working as a team - everything will change and he's really excited about wearing the Black and Gold.

In a final tribute to his last time wearing the Grissom uniform, I had to post a picture of his best football moment.

This kid from West side's job is to take Cody out so that he can't get to the quarterback. Notice he's about half Cody's size.
Here's what happened 1 split second later after Cody hit him . . .

The kid is KNOCKED OUT - if you zoom in you can see that he is out cold.
He didnt' know what hit him. Cody just hit him and took off after the quarterback (which he did help make the sack). Keep in mind that Cody is bigger than a lot of adults I know - 5' 11" and 180 lbs! The poor kid!
Cody said when the kid got up he said (in a Napoleon Dynamite kind of voice) "dude, that big kid hit me"
There's an internal conflict going on inside me -part of me is like "yeah - that's my son!", and the other part is like "ooohhh - I hope he's ok. I wonder if we need to call and apolotize to his parents?" lol

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

OUCH!

OUCH! I had dental work done today and my jaw is killing me. This is the start of a long journey I will be on for 2 years! My jaws are shifting, making a severe crossbite that is going to get really bad as I get older, which will not only look bad, but will cause some health problems.

In order to fix it right, I have to have orthodontics to move my jaws back into place. I am not excited, but am happy that in the end the bonus will be that for the first time ever in my life I'll have a beautiful smile! That's what I'll think of through this entire painful and financially exhausting process!

Here's the schedule:

  • Today - temporary crown on my back molar to support the orthodontics
  • 2 Weeks - Put the permanent crown on
  • 4 Week - Another temporary crown on the other back bottom molar
  • 6 weeks - Put the permanent crown on
  • January 8 - Go in the a.m. and have some of my cosmetic dentistry ground off and removed, in the afternoon go see Dr. Long and have my braces put on.
  • January 2010 (are you kidding me?) - HOPEFULLY braces off, straight jaws, straight teeth and trip to Dr. Benefiel to put the veneers back on my front teeth and fill in all of my ugly silver fillings (that's my bonus to myself).

When all is said and done it'll set us back about $12,000 and I'll be 44 years old. Oh well, at least Cody and I can share appointments for awhile!

Friday, October 12, 2007

Pics from my Photography Workshop with Todd and Brad Reed





Tuesday, October 09, 2007

My first photography workshop

Wow - it was a gorgeous weekend up north along the Lake Michigan coastline.


I had the incredible opportunity to study with 2 of the best photographers EVER - Todd and Brad Reed. They live in Ludington and offer a weekend workshop where you get to go out on location with them and learn about how they see God's creation and how they capture it so beautifully. It was AMAZING and I learned so much.


Check out their photographs here.

It was held at a wonderful bed and breakfast in Ludington called The Cartier
Mansion and I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a perfect get away in a charming lake side town. Gary and Sueanne, the owners, are delightful people and Sue ann is an amazing cook. Check out their website here.

Now I want to go back and redo all of my pictures that I've taken and apply the stuff I learned from Todd and Brad!

To see some of my photos I've taken before I took this class, click here. In a couple of days I'll post some that I took over the weekend.

P.S. I did not take the picture shown here at the top, it is one of Todd Reed's famous shots. In the second photo, Brad Reed is on the left and Todd is on the right - they are a father son team.


Thursday, October 04, 2007

What a way to end the season!

Wednesday was the last B game of the season and I've never seen that team look so good. We had another show down with Schmucker and Cody played the entire game - I've never seen him play that aggressively!

Here he is #62 forcing a fumble


Look how big Cody is compared to this kid - it's hilarious! He's like a tank!

We were down 13 - 20 and in the last 7 seconds Reese Haithcox scored this amazing touchdown (it was a run of half the football field). That brought the score to 19-20 - YIKES!

Here's our good friend Austin Watson (#40) getting ready to receive the ball and hold it for the kicker. What pressure for a bunch of 8th graders - they had to get this kick to win!

IT"S GOOD! GRISSOM WINS 21 - 20!!!!! (Look at Reese the running back doing a flip - he's right by Cody #62)


The crowd and the team goes CRAZY!!!

Coach K - the Athletic Director and 8th grade football coach

A very happy team! (Look at Cody - isn't he so cute?!)

Airiana says "Good Job Cody"!


Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Results of the Big Game . . .

Grissom team looking pretty intense before the game starts
We played at the Penn High field under the lights - pretty exciting stuff!
Grissom scores the first touchdown of the night!
Go Guardsman!!


We were lookin' T-O-U-G-H but in the 3rd quarter Schmucker started pulling ahead
Touch down Brad Kitts


Final Score
Schmucker 32 - Grissom 20
It's a sad day! BUT . . .
We have the best cheerleaders!




The big game is tonight!

Well, tonight is the big game - Grissom Middle School vs. Schmucker Middle School. It's at Penn on the big field and the kids get an announcer through the whole game. It's very exciting!

From what I understand Schmucker is tough - they're undefeated. I am hoping for an upset from our boys here at Grissom! I'll let you know!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

My prayer today


Today's Daily Word - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Thank You, God, for children—Your vision of greater good in the world.


Children—what a blessing they are in my life. From their innocence, purity, freedom, and guileless natures, I learn to take one day, one moment, at a time.


Children are my guides through the maze of life’s mysteries. I bless these wonderful miracles in my life, children who are my teachers, my reminders that each moment can be a new beginning.
Wherever they are, whatever they are doing, these young ones are growing, learning, and adapting to the environment in which they live. Giving thanks for all children, I appreciate them as God’s vision for greater good in the world.


“But take care and watch yourselves closely, so as neither to forget the things that your eyes have seen nor to let them slip from your mind all the days of your life; make them known to your children and your children’s children.”—Deuteronomy 4:9


Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Do you ever have one of those days where you have so much to say but you don't know how to get it out of your mouth into a form that anyone can understand?

I'm having one of those days . . . no, I'm having one of those months.

So that's it . . . for now.

Friday, September 21, 2007

If I can just deal with life and allow God to use those dealings to transform me into the right person - the EXPLOSIVE person, the person with GUN POWDER in my veins . . .

Then the noise I make will be worth hearing.

The fire that is seen in my life will scorch the room.

The substance of my life will pierce the hearts of those around me, and where I stand . . .

I will always leave a mark!

(From "FlashBang - How I Got Over Myself" by Mark Steele)

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Grissom Wins!



Cody #62 - Defensive End

Cody goin after the Quarterback



T.J. Bayer SCORE!

Jeff Laidig SCORE!

Jamil Davis SCORE!




Today's Daily Word - Saturday, September 15, 2007
Let Go, Let God

I live life inspired, whole, and free. What a comfort it is to know that I can let go and let God lead me in all matters and in all that matters.

What I am releasing is the mistaken belief that I need to direct and control all the various aspects of my life. What I am accepting is the greater good that is emerging and unfolding.

With God leading the way, I am free of all fear and doubt. My trust in God strengthens me with the resolve to live my life fully.

What is in store for me this day and in the days ahead? I may not have all the details just yet, but there is no doubt that the light of God shines brightly in and through me. I am ready and eager to step forward into a life of inspired living.

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you.”—Jeremiah 29:11-12

From The Daily Word

Monday, September 17, 2007

My New Journey . . .


3 weeks ago I was just minding my own business, winding down the summer and looking forward to working on my Life Coaching practice this fall (which, by the way, is going really well), when out of nowhere – BAM! – God grabs me and points me in an entirely different direction.

Well, it wasn’t exactly an ENTIRELY different direction, it was a path I’ve been on before and thought that God was finished with.

Are you sitting down?! I've agreed to accept the job of Youth Director at Waypoint Community Church in Middlebury. I will be working with some of my favorite people in the whole entire world, Blair and Tracy Carlstrom - Blair is a new pastor there.

I will still be doing my life coaching practice, and I will also do the youth job for one year (it’s a temporary gig). It’s really cool because with my life coaching I am specializing in family and relationship work, so the 2 fit hand in hand. Eventually I'm hoping to incorporate family work into the ministry too.

The beauty of this is that the youth ministry is very important to Waypoint and has been very successful, so I have incredible support. Blair and I will be working together with middle school and high school students to help them connect with God and with each other – it will be focused all around relationship, connection and every day things they are dealing with. Instead of preaching at them, we will raise a topic and ask questions so they can talk it out. I will get to use everything that I learned in coaching school and apply it to youth ministry. Funny how God does things like that! It's so awesome!

My good friend Judy Gregory summed it up for me and really helped give me the confidence to take this on (thanks Judy!):

"Lanette, you belong in youth ministry. You have the passion and the drive. As an AA, you were in the right department, just the wrong position. I think you came away with a whole lot of great memories from the experience, but a few scars too. I just think you needed a little time to heal in between, so that God could redeem it all. Even if you do nothing beyond being yourself, you are going to do and be incredible!"

I am so grateful for this new direction and new journey and can’t wait to see what God is going to do!

Pics from youth group