Mrs. Rogers Neighborhood

Since recently acquiring a library card (I know some of you are horrified by that), I have re-discovered what a wonderous land the public library is.  My commute has also become much much more bearable as I tear through audio book after audio book.  Right now, I am listening to Water For Elephants, which I am sure I will discuss with you in the coming weeks, but today I want to tell you about Superfreakonomics. Superfreakonomics, by Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner is subtitled "Global Cooling, Patriotic Prostitutes, and Why Suicide Bombers Should Buy Life Insurance," but that only begins to sum up the thoughts that went into this work.  They did not have Freakonomics at my library, so I compromised and took on the second book first.  While the first 15 minutes were them apologizing for their controversial nature, and explaining some issues that came up in the first book, it was genuinely interesting and entertaining.  Honestly, as a business major, I loved it.  It is an unco…

The first book we tackled for our newly established book club (we are on our third book right now) was called, appropiately enough, The Reader, by Bernhard Schlink.  Controversial in nature, this book revolves around an affair between a young boy and an older woman.  I like the Google review's phrasing that stated, "both a literary surprise and a moral challenge."  You find yourself appalled, yet you continue to read, because generally speaking it is a relationship most of us are not only familiar with but are also completely baffled by. The first half of the book I hated, if I am completely honest, but as you see where the author is taking you, and you let them take you there, you begin to find the value in the first half.  Written from the boys perspective, you see how this choice to be with a much older woman early in his life effects his entire life, down to every relationship and every emotion.  There are moments where you feel sorry for him, because although he knew…

Before I tell you more about the books my book club has been reading, I first must tell you about the first book on tape I listened to... which by the way turned into a gateway for a whole new world!  This was an intense experience as I drove and listened and it made me understand why people love this option who have long commutes.  I am hooked, and am on my fourth book on tape in the car right now! 
I will tell you all about them in good time...

This is an autobiography of a father wrestling with his son's drug adiction, and it effected me to the core.  The book goes through the child's entire life, and shows the connection between the father and son.  It shows why this relationship was so important to them both.  They are as close as a father and son can be when he is young and even as he gets older, but drugs get in the way of everything.
The slippery slope is detailed in that Nic (the son) started smoking pot at an early age and got drunk on a family vacation when his p…

I know I have been MIA and I know that is slightly unacceteptable.  Every time I come around I talk about how much I miss you, but actions are worth more right?  I am here to fill you in on a big piece of my life lately - a season of reading.  I literally have 5 books to fill you in on (maybe even 6 by the nd of the week)!  But first, I want to introduce you to my book club :)  We are on our third book now, and still going strong.  I will walk you through book by book, but I wanted to talk about the idea of book club and what it means to me. I loved the concept from the moment it was mentioned.  I was already in my "season of reading" this year where I was making an effort to read a book a month, and with my new discovery of books on tape (you will hear more about later in the week) I am flying through 2 books a month at least!  With that being said, I jumped at the chance to share some snacks and delve into a good book with a group of girlfriends.  We all offer so many diffe…

Happy Tuesday my Lovely Readers!
Today I wanted to share with you a recent article I wrote for Polka Dot Coaching, and hopefully get some of your feedback!  I genuinely love writing on others peoples blogs, although my own allows me a certain type of freedom as well; and this was no different.  It brought me so much joy to see how Nailah (the creator of Polka Dot Coaching) took my words and added an image and description of myself to go with them.  This is more than an answer to prayer, it is an affirmation that my desire to write is also a gift God has granted me with.  That is HUGE for me.  It can be something other people take seriously, and something that I really pursue.  Each time someone else publishes a piece I have written, my confidence grows a little in a humble way.  God, use me to further you through my writing, and use me to make a positive impact on this world!  It is not just about writing for me; it is about making an impact on others. 
I have been wrestling with lo…

Daddy, you have taught me so many things in life, but most importantly you have taught me the value of people and selflessness.  You give every ounce of your energy, time, and finances to making me and my siblings and mother life the best we can ask for.  I have never wanted for anything.  You have provided for all of my wants and needs for as long as I can remember.  I would never dream of taking that for granted.
The trip we went on last year to Boston and Maine was the beginning of something wonderful.  I look forward to many more trips in the future, hikes through beautiful places, and laughter and delicious food all over the world.  I dream of so many places I want to see with you, and I pray often God will provide us the opportunity to do those things together.
Thank you for instilling faith in me and for never letting me make excuses for not going to church or working on my relationship with God.  Thank you for always telling me to look for a man who respects me and loves me f…

I have the honor and privilege of knowing this wonderful selfless family.  They attend my church and our ties are truly amazing.  My grandmother and Erin's grandmother are best friends in Maryland, while we discover our relationship here.  Erin is a woman who has changed me for the better.  I can honestly say after knowing her I will never be the same.  
I feel like I have precious little to say in comparison to this amazing couple.   They are awe inspiring and will never fail to amaze me. Take 9 minutes to listen to their story and the outlook they have on life.   You will never look at your own problems the same.
I honestly pray to be this strong, brave, and faithful in the face of adversity.


Mike and Erin, you daily amaze me.  I know there are days where you must crack and cry and scream and then there are days when you feel blessed and showered and adored.  I pray for your continued peace and faith through this journey of life.  Know that you are naturally inspiring and you d…

Priorities.  
Even when you feel like they are in the right place it seems like there is not enough time for what is truly important.  Even when you are surrounded by friends and family you cannot make them feel important enough or tell them you love them enough.  Even when you spend time with wonderful people there are not enough hours in the day to make them feel enough love.  Even when you write letters and make phone calls you cannot write or call enough.
What am I learning?  You can work towards a goal of being 100% present, but our humanity does not allow us to be perfect, and that would be attaining perfection.  We can work towards being like Christ, but we cannot attain it.  That is a hard spot to be in.  I like knowing I can attain something and then work towards what is next.  The lesson I am seeking to grasp, is that the work and drive to keep moving forward despite never fully attaining or perfecting the Christian life is all a part of the journey.  I only hope I can strive …