Being Parented by Your Boss

It has to be one of the most awkward things in life to be parented by your boss. When you work for your parents there needs to be a seperation when it comes to the work space. They can't just walk up to you and start speaking to you like a child. At this point in time you are their employee, not their child.

I was sitting at my desk working on entering data into the customer database. There was music in the background just like every other day, I went to turn it up a little and accidently turned it up too high. I immediately turned it back down to a reasonable level and turned around to find my boss/father ready to pounce. He started raising his voice about the inappropriateness of turning up the music while he was on the phone. (Bonus: everyone on his conferance call heard him reprimand his daughter/employee.)
It would be one thing if he spoked to me nicely but he got the Father voice and stance that makes you feel like your 5 again.

Only 1.5 more weeks til I am free! haha. October 18th can't come soon enough. I am so grateful for my new job.

"Plans For Us"

I have recently been asked to be apart of the Young Adult Ministry Leadership Team at my church. I am so blessed to be apart of this team. On Graduation day when I had to leave Eastern I was heart broken. As soon as I got in my car the first song that played was Jenny & Tyler's Plans for Us:

"tears in eyes because she wonders where her gift has gone

fears in sight because it seems that they will not return

we’re far from home and we can’t seem to find a decent reason

why the One we call our love would put us in this season

we can make believe like we are satisfied

we want to taste and see the plans You have for our little lives

plans for us to prosper, far away from harm

You will come and answer, when we pray to You our God

plans to give us hope a future in Your arms.

You’ll be found by us when we seek You with all our hearts

You gave this song

You give so much and we do not know why

trust in You is all we can do, trust that You’ll provide direction

these songs we sing seem vain because the waiting takes more time

patience give to us o Lord to wait until You guide

we can make believe like we are satisfied

we want to taste and see the plans You have for our little lives

chorus

we were angry with You; we were tired of you feeling so far away

shaking our fists at your face wondering where is the grace You promised, You said you’d pull us through

and i’m told it’s not your fault; You haven’t moved

but still i can’t find even a glimpse of you

we can make believe like we are satisfied

we want to taste and see the plans You have for our little lives"

I felt like I was leaving my gifts and passions at Eastern and it was devestating to feel that God's plan for you was left behind. When I was invited to be on this team it brought light back into my life. It made me feel apart of something and that I can make a difference. It is incrediablly rewarding do know you are living within God's plan for your life. When things like this happen you wonder why we didn't have a little more faith.

Jenny & Tyler
Fuel at Fellowship Alliance Chapel

Missing EU

This past week has been really difficult, as again, the realization that I will not be returning to Eastern as a student becomes aparent once more. This week Eastern students moved in and started their first few days of classes and I am not. I get to work everyday, which would be a lot easier if I enjoyed my job.

In the last two weeks the bible studies ended, Fuel (young adult group) is on it's summer break, and many friends moved or returned to school, leaving me home to twiddle by thumbs. HELLO, can we say "oversight." I am proposing that there should have been something going on during this time to keep all us new graduates occupied while the rest of the world returned to school. (Okay that was dramatic, but thats how it feels.)

In the last week I have read three books! Could I be a bigger nerd. I have even resorted to turning the TV off and choosing to read instead. Not to mention I got the pleasure to work 50+ hours this week. Good Times.

If anyone has any new suggestions on how to occupy my time for the next month while I wait for things to start up again and hear news on a new job, that would be lovely.

Some say that a book is just a book....

I say it is a place you run to when nothing else seems to be going right, A place that you can get lost in and forget about everything. A place where you can get completely consumed in some other world that otherwise you would never get to experience. You get to be right in the moment when two people realize they are perfect for each other or wrapped up in the emotions when tragedy strikes. You get to laugh along with the characters and get front row seats to their lives.

I absolutely love when a book has caught my full attention and I know I can't put it down until it's finished. This past weekend I completed 3 books in 3 days. I know crazy but I couldn't stop until I knew that all were safe and living happily ever after...as books usually end. :)

Indiana Cousins Series by Wanda Brunstetter follows the live of 4 Amish cousins who face tragedy in the form of a car accident while traveling to Hersey Park. 3 lives lost and the rest changed forever.

A Cousin's Promise introduces the tragedy through the eyes of Lorraine. Her struggles only begins with the accident and death of her cousin and friends and continues through her fiance's lost of his left leg and his insecurities and depression to provide for her. Through many ups and downs and unbearable moments Wayne comes to trust the LORD again and sees that he can do all things through Christ.

A Cousin's Prayer follows Katie who has been struggling with paralyzing panic attacks since the accident. As life continues to speed past her, Katie is crippled by her fears and doubts. Only through the kindness and gentle spirit of her new friend Freeman can she learn to trust God and overcome her panic attacks. As she gains control of her life again, she comes through and finds herself getting the happy ending she always hoped for; a fiance and best friend....Freeman.

A Cousin's Challenge follows the final two cousins Jolene and Ella. Both cousins suffered lost the day of the accident; Jolene in the form of her hearing and Ella lost her brother Raymond. Both women struggle how to make life work again and stay strong for their families.

Jolene is faced with learning to communicate all over again and the truth she may never teach again. She is determined to not wallow in self pity and when she is asked to teach 2 deaf children that moved into the community she is thrilled. Little does she know the whole community is interested in learning to sign, especially Lonnie who just recently lost his hearing in an explosion. Not only does Jolene get to teach again but she gets the chance to love. Lonnie and Jolene face many struggles ahead as they will now have to raise a family while both being deaf.

Ella has the weight of the world on her shoulders and has yet to really feel the pain of losing  someone close. She is determined to make ends meet and support her family without the help from the community, especially Jake Beechy who knows exactly what to say to get under Ella's skin. As the book progresses you watch Ella struggle through each day refusing help and Jake insisting she allow him to give her a hand. To both their surprise love begins to well up in both and a change of heart is on the horizon.

I hope I didn't ruin the books for anyone interested in reading them. I have come to realize with the help of my very intelligent sister that the relationships established through these books and Amish tradition is what draws me in and gives me hope. The men are gentle and kind and considerate. They rely on God and lead their families in a Christ-like manner. Now I am not looking for an Amish man but I am waiting for a man of God. All good things come to those who wait. :)

Just another day in the life of a reader....

The Right Way To Do Business?

So here is my dilemma, I have been working on and off for my father for the past three years in his Computer Repair company. During every break at school I would come back to work and for a few days it’s awkward until I find my place again. I have now graduated and I am back until I find something else.

There is a new “intern” (40 something retired police officer) who is now working at the shop. I know when my father isn’t there I am in charge of customers, phones and general store procedures.

My question is how you tell someone who doesn’t know your experience how to do something or that they are doing something wrong without sounding arrogant. I have tried several times to suggest ways to talk to customers or make a sale. However he is very defensive even when my dad corrects him.

I feel like he doesn’t know that I know what I am doing when it comes to managing the store. I guess this will be my experience in any company I work for because I am sure there will always be someone older than me that I am in charge of. I guess the difference here is my roll isn’t established yet.

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog. I realize that as you are reading the title there is nothing surprising about it being pink. I understand that and I embrace that I am predictable. I decided to create a blog to share with friends and family and whomever stumbles upon it, my thoughts, crafts and special projects I am working on. Hope you enjoy :)