Random Thoughts By Nick

~Random thoughts inspired by Nick~

What makes these thoughts of randomness special is Nick's ability to blurt them out at the most awkward of times, especially when what's going on has nothing to do with what he's saying. My response follows with complete silence from his end as if I'm the one who just randomly said something weird.

1."I wonder how hard it would be to make a perpetual motion machine with rubber bands."
Huh? A Perpetual what???

2."I don't understand why guys would want to wear skinny jeans."
Me either.

3. "Do babies really bounce?"
You've got to be kidding me! You are kidding me right???

4. "This is my most favorite story ever. You know, the one about Joseph."
Which story are you talking about?

5. "You have no idea how much I'm jonesing for fried pickles. MMMMM..."
It's 10:30 at night. Go to bed!

6. "Faja?"
What are you saying???

7. "I'm not playing this game."
Uh, What game?

8. "Ya know, I was thinking...."
Thinking what??!!!??

9."Your my favorite."
Your favorite what?

And drumroll please......

10. "I'm just running numbers ok?"
Huh? Why? We're driving!

If you have experienced a random saying from your pal Nick, Please Share by leaving a comment below!

Yes, he's driving around with goggles on.

First Deep Thoughts Of 2012

As we welcomed the new year on our knees in prayer surrounded by fellow believers, I was overwhelmed with a sense of awe and freedom. Awe of how the Father has orchestrated such an amazing life for Nick and I. We truly are blessed to walk this life together and continue to wake up amazed that we get to spend everyday for the rest of our lives together. Freedom because death has no hold on me. I KNOW where I'm going in the end and therefore it erases all fear or doubt. For once, I feel a sense of freedom to complete my mission without the what-ifs and fear unknown. 

There's so much we are able to accomplish when we give up complete control.

Today, this second day of 2012, has me asking, who am I to complain of anything ever again? I have seen time and time again grace, provision, and mercy that has been extended my way.  The stress I often take upon myself is completely unnecessary. Why worry when I supposedly have faith in the creator of the heavens and earth? I worry because it's this sick human condition I cannot shake. It's a condition that has me biting off nails, waking up all hours of the night, creating list's, and it's a condition I will take on no more. 

Throwing off the chains of worry so that I may live freely.

This morning I found myself thinking of the type of legacy I want to leave.  What will people say of me when I am gone? Who will cry tears of sadness verses tears of happiness when my name is mentioned? Will they remember me as a worry wort or someone who relished every moment of time given?  I do not know the answers to these questions nor am I going to worry about it.  I will however make sure that every person I love and come in contact with knows that each moment of 2012 is anticipated as the best and last moment of my awe-inspiring life.

"Life is pitiful, death so familiar, suffering and pain so common, yet I would not be anywhere else. Do not wish me out of this or in any way seek to get me out, for I will not be got out while this trial is on. These are my people, God has given them to me, and I will live or die for Him and His glory."

~Gladys Aylward

Our Neighborhood

Six years ago we were blessed with the opportunity to move into a relatively peaceful neighborhood in east Omaha.  While we didn't exactly fall in love with the house, we did  fall for the mesh of cultures living right outside our door.  The beautiful green space at the end of our street and the friendly neighbors are what have made these last couple of years fly by.  It's been interesting to "force" people to be neighborly, but Nick has a knack for it and remains in contact with several of our neighbors who have left the "hood."

Nick helping with park clean-up

We've been members of the Leavenworth Neighborhood Association and paid our dues for the last 5 years, but never actually took part in the going-on's in the territory. We were highly "encouraged" to get involved in our city and neighborhood when we were in Haiti of all places.  So, a couple of months ago, we began attending meetings and Nick helped with a clean-up project. Nick is now sitting on the board for a two-year term as secretary and I help whenever needed. It's kinda funny, but so simple at the same time.  Neighbors are really an extension of family, but they just live closer!

The warehouse crew

Recently, we took part in our association's Christmas Cheer project.  They provide each student at Jackson Elementary a gift bag full of books, notepads, crayons, hat and gloves, and various goodies. Jackson Elementary is primarily Spanish speaking and on the lower-income end. A group from our association and a couple volunteers from the local Campfire Kids Club, joined together one snowy Saturday morning in a warehouse where we sorted 6 pallets of books that the company donated for our gift bags. Isn't that awesome?! We then gathered again a couple weeks later and packed the gift bags for grades Pre-K-6th. 

Packing bags

Nick delivering bags to classrooms

Through this involvement with our neighborhood, we're finding that something so simple as our time can make the biggest impact. To change this crazy world, you must first start at home.