NOEL

For whatever reason, not being home for Christmas this year is harder for me than it has been the last couple of years. I miss hanging out with my sibs. I miss Christmas Eve with the Putnam side and Christmas night with the Sjoberg side. I miss my Mom's cooking. I miss the snow. I miss Gram's house decorated for the Season and her Noel sign on the front porch (Dad just sent a picture of the sign in a email the other day).

However, it occurs to me that there are many that cannot not be with their families this Christmas for reasons completely against their will or out of their control. And I am SO blessed with such a wonderful family. I feel the love from a thousand miles away. And isn't that what's important. For Christmas really isn't about things for me but about family and Jesus and all that God has blessed with me. And He has blessed me with wonderful people in my life.

So wherever this Christmas finds you, think about the people in your life and be thankful for the ones you have, have had and have yet to find. Blessings to all and Merry Christmas!

Whether Or Not You Agree

Not gonna lie. At 25, there are definitely things that I thought I would have done or accomplished by now that I haven't. However, I'm not one to look in the rearview mirror and lament. Instead, I think about all the possibilities that the future holds.

I want to change the world! I really do. And I don't mean that I plan on running for president someday or becoming a millionaire and feeding a whole third world country single-handedly. But I want my life to matter. I want to do something that will matter now and count for eternity. I'll be the first to admit that I have issues with some missions organizations and the way that some things are handled when it comes to sharing God's love with the world. And many "good" non-Believers out there are doing a lot to help those that are in need. But my desire to bring change stems not only from the tangible, physical needs of people, but more so from that fact that, as a Christian, I know I'm here for a greater purpose.

I've had it out with God more than a few times in the last several years. I left Bible school and Christian college angry with the way that I saw Christians acting and the methods being used in the average church in America. I don't like some of things that are done in the name of Jesus and missions and the church. And I'm still trying to find my place in the world as God would have me to be. Why? Because I don't settle for the status quo. And yes, the Bible is the road map for Christians but I believe that many that have been mislead. And too often we take what Scripture says and make it fit our lives when shouldn't it be the other way around?

And when it all boils down and the rubber meets the road, it's all about LOVE, people! And that, my friends, is the hard part. Why? Because love is not a feeling. It's not just an emotion. It's an action. It absolutely has to be. Otherwise, it's empty. And what does the world around us see when it comes to love from those that call themselves Christians?

And changing the world usually doesn't happen by the hundreds or thousands. It happens one person at a time. It it often may be the most unlovable person in your life and mine. Because love for that person is not going to come easily so when it comes, it makes the biggest difference.

Thoughts On Thanksgiving!

Okay, hands down this is my favorite Holiday of the year. I LOVE Thanksgiving! When I think Thanksgiving, I think Family and I LOVE my family. No, it's not easy being a thousand miles away from them on this day (or any holiday) but I am so blessed to have family all over and I have never been without some of them when the holidays come.

Thanksgiving is far less stressful than Christmas it seems. ( I hate that Christmas can get that way since it really has nothing to do with the reason for the Holiday). But perhaps this is one of the reasons that I favor T-day.

When I was a kid, Thanksgiving was most usually at Gram Sjoberg's with family. It was also the day that, if it had been cold enough, we could skate on the gulley (a large 'ditch' full of questionable water in the woods behind out house). I remember Dad would go out and test it in the morning and we would wait for the verdict. It was always so dissapointing if he came in and told us it wasn't frozen enough to skate on. But as I remember it, there were plenty of Thanksgivings that we were able to skate.

This is also the day that people traditionally think of all that they are thankful for and I have plenty to be thankful for. Besides the traditional roof over my head, food on the table, etc... I'm thankful for all the wonderful people in my life, family and friends. I'm thankful to have a job in these difficult times. I'm thankful for the freedom I have in the country I live in. I'm thankful for all that God has done for me and in me and will continue to do.

Family, I love you all so much and hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving where you are and with the people you're with.

Through a Child's Eyes

When was the last time you watched a kids' movie? Better yet, when was the last time you watched one with a kid? I love kids' movies and I watch them with or without children being present. But there's something great about getting a child's perspective on.... well, life, love, happiness and magic.

Tonight I was watching Enchanted with Emma. Emma is almost 3 and she loves princesses. (I was a bit too much of a tomboy when I was young to really be into princesses.) At the beginning of the movie, Prince Edward saves Giselle and they ride off on his white horse. Emma got really excited and said "Look Mel, he saved her and took her on his horse". And I couldn't help but smile because isn't that the part that all girls love? Isn't that when we all sigh and wish for Prince Charming? And we never really grow out if that no matter how life may taint our outlook. I'm not going to take this very far tonight, I've blogged about this before. If you want to know my thoughts on Prince Charming, look back at a few blogs in the last year or so. I was just struck tonight by the innocence and excitement of a child. If you haven't lately, watch a movie with someone under the age of 10 and see what you might learn.

Just Haven't Met You Yet

Okay, first off, let me start by saying that I am more than content in my singleness. I know that people tend to get the idea that those of us that are "unattached" are automatically miserable, but that's just not the case. And although I someday very much look forward to being found, pursued and romanced, now is not that time in my life. And I'm not ready for it to be. I get the questions alot... "is there anyone special in your life?"....or "are there any prospects?". And my answer remains the same, "Nope". But I'm also quick to add that I'm fine with that right now and it really is as it needs to be.
Always been a Michael Buble fan and one of his latest songs is my new favorite. So, although I usually like to share my own thoughts, I'm going to let him do the talking for me. Below are the lyrics and video to "Haven't Met You Yet". Great song.

I'm Not Surprised
Not Everything Lasts
I've Broken My Heart So Many Times,
I Stop Keeping Track.
Talk Myself In
I Talk Myself Out
I Get All Worked Up
And Then I Let Myself Down.

I Tried So Very Hard Not To Lose It
I Came Up With A Million Excuses
I Thought I Thought Of Every Possibility

And I Know Someday That It'll All Turn Out
You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid That I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I Might Have To Wait
I'll Never Give Up
I Guess It's Half Timing
And The Other Half's Luck
Wherever You Are
Whenever It's Right
You Come Out Of Nowhere And Into My Life

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Baby Your Love Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Possibility

And Somehow I Know That It Will All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid I'll Give So Much More Than I Get
I Just Haven't Met You Yet

They Say All's Fair
And In Love And War
But I Won't Need To Fight It
We'll Get It Right
And We'll Be United

And I Know That We Can Be So Amazing
And Being In Your Life Is Gonna Change Me
And Now I Can See Every Single Possibility

And Someday I Know It'll All Turn Out
And I'll Work To Work It Out
Promise You Kid I'll Give More Than I Get
Than I Get Than I Get Than I Get

Oh You Know It'll All Turn Out
And You'll Make Me Work So We Can Work To Work It Out
And I Promise You Kid To Give So Much More Than I Get
Yeah I Just Haven't Met You Yet

I Just Haven't Met You Yet
Oh Promise You Kid
To Give So Much More Than I Get

I Just Haven't Met You Yet

~Michael Buble

Ramblings from my Wandering Heart

Do you ever feel like your current circumstances have you "trapped"? Like you can't really be who you are because of where you are or what you're doing? And I know that there are those that would argue that you can always be all that you can be wherever you are (this may be true to a degree) but if one is not doing what one loves and is passionate about, then I would argue that it is very difficult. I believe that everyone should find something that they love and do it with all their heart. Life's too short to spend so much time.... bored. And I'm all about seeing and doing as much as we can with the life that we have. Who says that you have to have the same career for 40+ years and then retire? Try new things and switch it up every once in while. Keeps life interesting. And if you're going to travel, don't limit yourself to just the country that you live in. And don't tell yourself you can't do things because of your current circumstances. Make things happen. Move in a direction. And if you decide you don't like it, turn around or take a different route.

To Make You Think

These are not orginal. I stole them from Andy Rooney.

I've learned... The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned... That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned... That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned... That you can always pray for someone when you don't have the strength to help them in some other way.

I've learned... That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone need a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned... That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned... That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned... That's it's those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned... That under everyone's hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned... That to ignore the facts does not change the facts.

I've learned... That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned... That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned... That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned... That life is tough, but I am tougher.

I've learned... That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned... That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned... That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.

I've learned... That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned... That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

Not so much thoughts....

.... but more of just a general update.

I'm in New Jersey as I write this. I have just spent the last 3 days in Pennsylvania for the wedding of a couple of friends. The drive up was long but good. I need random trips now and then to appease my longing for travel and adventure. And the farther north I got, the more beatiful the scenery became. The leaves are turning here and I miss that this time of year. I will admit that I've become a bit of wimp when it comes to the weather and it's been a little chilly up here (yesterday I felt like it should be snowing :)).

The wedding was at camp and going to camp for me is like going home. I absolutely love it there and as I drove around there were SO many memories that came to the surface. And as I left, I couldn't help but feel a little sad. Part of my heart will forever be at Camp Ladore. I can't say that for everywhere I've lived but it's certainly true there.

Catching up with old friends was wondrful as well. Many of them are more like extended family and that's one of the things that I love. Thank you to all who helped me through those summers.

And Congratulations to Les & Luie and many blessings!

Using My Senses

The Summer went by too fast.... and summer is my favorite time of year so I'm always sad to see it come to an end. I like Fall though and I don't even think about Winter because that just depresses me. :) Spring and Summer are when I am particularly spontaneous and adventurous. Those are the months that I could just pick and go and not give it a second thought. Fall, however, causes me to settle back in to life that I live. But it also inspires me to learn. I don't know, maybe it's all the people going back to school, whether by force or by choice. Or maybe it's the fact that I can't really pick up and go to the beach or even the pool anymore. Or maybe it's some underlying psychological thing.... Who knows. But every year around this time I'm ready to learn. It's funny too, because I never liked school. I'm still not a fan of "text book" learning, but hands on, bring it on. I LOVE to learn something new. Lately the ideas of the things that I want to do in life have been a bit overwhelming. If you really think about it, the possibilities are endless. And I am a women of many interests. Jack of all trades. I'll probably never complete a 4 year degree and you can pretty much forget about a masters.... that's just not me. But that doesn't mean that I'm not learning and applying. In fact, I think it's great that there are so many things that one can do with just a few months of education. Probably someone like me came up with the idea.... (I think I've developed ADD as I've gotten older). :)

On a slightly different note, but keeping with the season, I love the smell of Fall. This week there were a couple of days that smelled like Fall and I wanted to stay outside all day. There's something about that cooler air that is just so.... refreshing. One thing I miss about the north is the spectacular colors when the leaves change in the Fall. I'm headed to Pennsylvania for a few days in October and I so hoping that the leaves will be beautiful. God has given us so many lovely things in creation. It's amazing!

I know this has been a really random blog and a bit disjointed, but I just wanted to share some thoughts and my thoughts are rarely coherent.

The Distance Between Us

People often ask me if I ever get homesick being so far away from my family. And the truth is, I usually don't since I don't really think about it. And I'm not homesick now, but I am thinking about it....

This week marks a new chapter in the lives of my family members. For the first time in almost 25 years, my parents are empty-nesters and we may very soon be spread out across 5 different states. I, for one, find this to be rather exciting. It's a chance for adventure and growth and many opportunities. We each are finding our own way in the world and discovering who we are and what we want.

At the same time, there's a bit of sadness knowing that things will never be the same again. I have many, many wonderful memories of growing up in Hodgdon, Maine and most of those memories involve my siblings. And for as much as I love change and adventure, sometimes I just want to be a kid again, riding my bike in endless circles around the drive and not having a care in the world.

But here's what I love about my family....

Over the years, the distance between us grows. We get older and change. But our relationships get stronger and at the end of the day, when we all come home again, nothing has really changed. :)

Dad, Mom, Colleen, Erik & Britta, I love you all so much!

A Few From this Weekend...

Here are some pictures from my friend Ann Marie's wedding in Connecticut this past weekend.

The Call of the Open Road

For those that read this blog on any kind of a "faithful" basis and especially those that have read since the beginning (or if you're related to me), you know that it has taken me a long time to find contentment. It has come though but it was a long and sometimes painful process getting there. I've learned that contentment doesn't depend on where you are, but on what you do with what you have been given, whether great or small.

Now I know that some of you will see the title of this entry and immediately think, "Here she goes again. She's get her bags half packed and is ready to roll". Let me assure you that that is not the case. I've just been doing a lot of thinking lately and the title seemed appropriate.

This month will mark two years that I've lived in South Carolina. Wow! Where did those two years go? And it's funny because when I moved here I came with the intent to stay two years and then most likely move on. Perhaps that has been part of what has sparked my mentality as of late. I've found myself.... reflective. I'm young and free and hardly settled down and I love it that way. Besides it leaves the doors of possibilities wide open. But there are things that "tie me down" in a sense - debt, lack of a finished education, work - so I am always brought back to "what am I going to do in life?" "Where do I go from here?" I have plans, it's just finding a way to execute those plans. That's where my mind tends to work overtime. It has been lately.

And along my journey I have met people and been places that I truly miss and sometimes think I would like to return to.

I've also learned not to analyze every thought and move in great detail. God's will is not limited and He can certainly use me wherever I am. Sometimes I'm not allowing Him to use me and that's something He's been showing me too.

So along with learning about truly being content, I've come to the realization that I will probably always be ready to "hit the road" at anytime. That's just who I am. For me, the "call of the open road" is forever present. But not in a discontent way. In a way that calls me to the adventure that lies in the unknown. I will probably always wander to some degree but "I'm young and I love to be young. I'm free and I love to be free". :)

When Life Doesn't Make Sense

I came home from work, grabbed my Bible, journal and a book and headed to the park to sit by the lake and.... listen. I felt like I should pray but didn't know where to start and felt more compelled to just sit still and listen and write. Whoever coined the phrase "When it rains it pours" hit the nail on the head. It seems that it sometimes works that way. And right now it's not so much my life as the lives of those around me that seems to be crashing in and God doesn't make sense. And what do you say?! I for one am not a fan of the "Sunday school answers" because sometimes "God is in control" isn't always the most comforting thing to hear, however true it is. Sometimes I have to ask "Why?". And sometimes I have to express my frustrations with God. He's God, and He's big enough to handle our frustrations and anger. And even though His plans are sometimes hard to see and figure out, I don't think that He sits in Heaven trying to hide things from us and play games. He wants to share with us but in our human minds and limited visibility, we aren't going to understand some things this side of heaven. That's just a cold, hard fact. Today was a day that I couldn't find anything in the Bible that expressed how I felt except for the book of Job. God allowed Job to ask and be upset. And when he was all done, God spoke. And though I'm sure Job still had many questions, that was enough. So... ask questions, scream at the top of your lungs, cry until you can't anymore and then when you've shared all your frustration with Him, allow Him to wrap His love around you like a hug and listen.

So "American"

I went tubing with some friends the other day on the Chattahoochee River. As we were floating along, my friend Amber made the comment "This is so American. Only an American would come up with something like this". And as I thought about it, I realized she's probably right. And I think that's one of the things I love about summer. I'm adventurous and love to travel. I love all things international. But at the end of the day, I'm an all-American girl. And summer brings out the American in me. I love camping and roasting hot dogs and making s'mores. I love the ocean but I'll take the lake any day too. I think everyone needs a little culture in their life and I'm definitely all for seeing the world. But as I stood on my back porch last night spitting watermelon seeds into the grass, I once again thought how American I truly am. :)

This Land is Your Land, This Land is My Land...

I love this day. I have so many great childhood memories of July 4th. We would get up and head out town for the community parade. We always sat in the same spot every year with the same people. It was great. In fact, to this day, when I go home on the 4th, I have to sit in that same spot to watch the parade. Otherwise, it's just not the parade like it should be. Funny, I love change but I love family traditions as well. :)

Then, we would head to Gram's or Uncle Paul's for lunch and most of the afternoon. I love family and we spent a lot of time with family.

We had our spot to watch the fireworks from as well. We called it the Sjoberg's spot because a lot of our family all sat there. One of our traditions again. When I was really little, fireworks scared me but they soon became one of my favorite parts.

But for as much as I love the traditional 4th of July events, I love this day because it reminds me of the freedom of the great country that I live in. I was raised very patriotic. I have many family members that have served our country in one branch of the military or another. I cry when I see soldiers march by or when I hear the National Anthem or "God Bless the USA". The 4th means so much more than parades and fireworks. Yes, it's a celebration. It's a party for our country. But price for our freedom was great.

So enjoy this day! Enjoy the traditions! Love being with family and friends! And, if given the chance, thank a soldier!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

Family, Friends, Maine and Moose

cont.....

For All My Girls!

A little girl about 4 years old came into the bank the other day with her mother. On her head she wore a silver tinted plastic crown with large colorful jewels. I leaned over the counter, looked into her dancing eyes and asked "Are you a princess?" Immediately an ear-to-ear smile broke out across her face and she said "Yes" and did a little twirl. I couldn't help but smile back at her. She is so young and innocent and playing the role that we all wish to play.
When I was young I loved to play dress up. Sometimes I was Mary Poppins or Marie from the "Sound of Music". And some days I wanted to be tough like a boy and I would play the role of a game warden or police officer. But my favorite dress up days were the days that my mom would let me put on her wedding dress and I would walk up and down the upstairs hallway pretending that I was getting married. For a few moments I felt "like a princess".
If you read my blogs on any kind of a consistent basis, you'll notice that I talk about this kind of thing quite a bit. But there's a reason. I think that too many girls these days have forgotten what it was like to want to be the princess. Listen to the words from one of Taylor Swifts most recent songs:
"I'm not a princess, this ain't a fairytale, I'm not the one you'll sweep off her feet, lead her up the stairwell.... and it's too late for you and your white horse to come around".
We've been hurt and often at a young age. And the idea of "Prince Charming" has long since been forgotten. And every once in a while, we need to be reminded of the dreams we once had.
For me, it's the little four-year-old face that I can't forget smiling up and me and twirling with her crown on.

Something Worth Fighting For...

Most times it's really hard for me to ask GOD to teach me something when I am in the middle of a difficult or uncomfortable situation. And lately things have been... difficult. After weeks of frustration and confusion and possibly some anger, I asked GOD what HE wanted me to learn from all of this, and immediately HE began to show me things.

Sometimes GOD brings hard things into our lives for the sole purpose of drawing us closer to HIMSELF. And that is not an easy thing to accept because not only was it difficult getting there, but we have to face the reality of how far we have drifted. It's never easy, but I'm learning a lot and being drawn closer to the ONE that loves me for exactly who I am and pursues my heart everyday. Because I'm worth the pursuit!

Today was an absolutely beautiful day.... It was about 90. I spent most of the day at the park. Below are a couple of pics from the Soiree in Downtown Anderson this morning. The horses are the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Just When You Think You've Seen It All...

While standing in the check-out line this afternoon, I saw a booklet entitled "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Prayer and Devotions". REALLY?! I'm not going to go on forever on this one and rant and rave or anything, but is this really necessary? Has the world complicated a relationship with GOD to the point that someone actually needs a pamphlet to tell them how to pray and read the Bible?
I'll be the first to admit that my devotional life is often not what it should be and my relationship with GOD sometimes leaves a lot to be desired. However, over the years I have found that GOD is really very easy to talk to and HE is always ready and willing to listen to us and take us back. Reading the Bible might seems like work at times, but if you can read.....
Just thought I'd throw this out there.

Recent Getaway...

Just returned from a few days on the beaches of the Gulf Coast and some fabulous time with family. Loved every minute of it... returning to reality was difficult at best.

Florida Pictures

And More...

More Florida Pics...

March 2nd

It's March 1st and Snowing...