Of Boredom, Final Grades, and Experiences

I'm just going to ignore the fact that I've not posted for over a month, okay?  Thank you.


  At the end of February, I began taking the final class in the Signature Leadership Courses by Dr. Jeff Myers.  This was an eleven week class, set to finish on May 10th.  I was not going to be able to start classes at Thomas Edison until June...so I was excited for that three week break!  Well...long story short, for multiple reasons, I wanted to finish a week early.  However I ended up finishing almost two weeks early.  I was pumped that I would get over a month break!!  That quickly ended -- I believe it lasted only through the night.  I found that I didn't have much to do.  Sure, I could clean, watch movies, or read...but for some reason, that sounded a lot more fun before I was on break.  Typical.

  I kept myself busy by trying to sell books, enrolling in Thomas Edison (yes, that did indeed take a full day), and minimal cleaning.

  Finally, I could start preparing for LIVE's Mother's Day Brunch, which was happening Saturday, May 10th.  See, if I start planning too early, I'll get it all done, and then have nothing to do in the final days' leading up to it.  So I have to wait to plan for bigger events.  Anyway, I started meeting with a few of the planning committees comprised of my older girls.  I made way too many trips to Target...especially for someone who lives twenty minutes away from the nearest one.  I planned for the planning meeting which was happening two days prior to the Brunch.  I stayed up late prepping final touches for the gift that the girls were making for their moms.  I cleaned (sorta).  I painted my nails (which I never do).  We packed three laundry baskets full of food, decorations, and other supplies.  And I stayed up late Friday night relaxing watching TV (that's how I de-stress).

Shopping with the Decoration Committee!

  Even though I felt a little overwhelmed, and a tad-bit nervous for this Mother's Day Brunch, the event went spectacularly!  I can't even begin to describe how well it went and how fun it was!  I was thrilled to find out the moms enjoyed themselves, also!  My girls put a lot of work into helping me plan this event, I'm so proud of them!  They worked hard on decorations, writing a skit, writing their testimonies, singing, and making food.  I wish I could share more pictures, but for the sake of my girls' protection, I won't be able to.  But here are a couple photos to give you a small glimpse of the fun we had!

This young lady, who I have the amazing privilege of mentoring, shared her testimony in front of the moms.  Two other girls did as well - they all did a beautiful job!

  Other things that have been keeping me busy....

Mother's Day, 2014

My friend Ashley had surgery so I've spent a couple days hanging out with her as well as some others from our small group.

 On May 9th, I was given a ticket to Leadercast -- a world-wide, day-long simulcast featuring speakers including Laura Bush, Andy Stanley, Randall Wallace, Malcolm Gladwell, and more.  This was such an incredible opportunity for me, especially arriving on the heel of finishing my leadership class with Dr. Myers!  I learned so much, and would love to go again next year!  If you ever have the opportunity to go, GO! 

  A few great movies have come out recently, and my mom has taken my sister and I to them.  I love that our movie theater has $5 Tuesdays. :)

Watching Disney movies with my sister.  Boy do these bring back memories!

Yesterday, I made red velvet cake pops. (this is as great of a picture as I got)

Reading...

okay, so I've read one book on that list so far.  BUT, I still have 16 days of my break left!  Need to fill it with something besides my Nancy Drew games! :D

  Oh and that course I mentioned at the beginning?

Yep, I passed with 99%!  And...I am now a Senior in college!  Wow.  Finally!  :)  I begin my year at Thomas Edison in June and have ten classes to take with them.  By this time next year, I will be finishing up my very last college course EVER!!!

 There ya go, an update on my exciting life. ;)  And for those of you wondering...no, I do not have any more trips planned.  I wish I did, but I think traveling will have to wait until after I graduate (remember, just one more year!).  Besides, I have a four-month long backpacking trip through Europe to save for!! ;)

Sierra

in 36 hours...

In 36 hours, this group will all be leaving their houses to meet at 3:15am to head to the airport.

I can't wait for this trip to Haiti!  We have such a wonderful team, and I know God is going to work through each of us and in each of us.

I can't believe we're only 36 hours away from leaving!  Not only that, but I can't believe all we'll be doing within those 36 hours: packing, working, shopping, and school (at least I'll be doing school!).  Not to mention any preparations that have yet to be made.

Your prayers for our safety and health are greatly appreciated.  I recently read a book called When Helping Hurts by Steve Corbett and Brian Fikkert.  This is a wonderful book to read especially when going on a short-term mission trip.  Anyway, this book included the following quote:

"Until we embrace our mutual brokenness, our work with low-income people is likely to do far more harm than good." (pg. 61)

Which leads me to my next prayer request: please pray that we will realize our mutual brokenness and have a godly mindset as we head down to Haiti.

With love,

Sierra

photos of what I've been up to

Wow!  I kind of didn't realize that the last post I posted was...almost three weeks ago!  Well, good thing I was working on this post! :)  I've been pretty busy lately.  My life has been filled with high school, college, Sunday school, and some other things mingled in here and there.  Here are a few photos to show you what I've been up to:

Sunday school lesson!

Wrapping Christmas gifts

Studying Principles of Marketing

I received this coloring page from a girl in my Sunday school class

My December itinerary

Highschool 3rd year Latin

I am just starting to be involved in a Skype Bible study with several other girls internationally.  I will be diving into this book soon.

The next few photos are photos of some crafty things I did over a weekend right after I finished my Leadership Theory & Practice course.  

It is kind of hard making wire unbend when you've already bent it a certain way. 

This wreath type thing looks pink, but it's the same color red (deep red) as the 'S' shown above.

Getting cards in the mail!

Working on Economics and American Government for highschool work.

Finished math in two weeks! :D  Whoo-hoo!

There's my little update.  Not much is super new.  Looking forward to Christmas: just one week and two days! :)

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It's been a long, long while since I've posted what I'm thankful for.

351. an awesome LIVE harvest party

352. a wonderful Thanksgiving

353. paintball wars with my family

354. Black Friday shopping with my mom

355. going to Operation Christmas Child's processing center

356. going to the MOA with friends

357. getting Christmas packages and cards in the mail from friends

358. Bible study over Skype with girls internationally

359. fun LIVE meetings

360. going to The Hobbit with my family

361. teaching Sunday school

362. caffeine

363. finding fun games that my LIVE girls enjoy

364. watching movies while I clean 

365. shoveling our long driveway after a beautiful snowfall

366. Pinterest :)

367. God's goodness all the time, even in the midst of tragedy

368. my "sub coach" and friend who is willing to give me school advice and tips

369. finishing highschool and college math

370. having 39 college credits

371. cute journals & stationary

372. being able to lay in bed all weekend when I'm sick

373. wrapping presents

374. Christmas music

375. visits from cousins

376. hugs from my Sunday school kids

377. a quiet Saturday

378. gifts from my LIVE girls

379. my white fleece jacket

380. a fresh snow fall

 Have a blessed week.  I will get better at posting regularly....I hope. :P

Love in Christ,

  Sierra

Example of Leadership

Last week, I started my very first college course.  Yes, I've taken several tests, but as far as courses with assignments and deadlines go, this is the first.  So far I'm liking it!  Of course if you were a fly on the wall at my home, you would think otherwise, but that's just because it's a stressful week this week and next. :P  But, I am enjoying it and learning a lot already!  I'm so excited as this 8 week course continues because I'll be able to apply what I'm learning immediately in my LIVE for Christ group and also as I'm co-teaching Sunday school...and any other leadership the Lord brings me this year or in my future.

 So in the first week, I have to read a book called Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin.  In this book, Goodwin talks a lot about different leadership skills -- especially those of Abraham Lincoln.  I'm sure everyone has probably heard that Lincoln was a humble man.  Reading this book (the whopping 3 of 26 chapters that I've read), I've found out what he did in his humility.  Below are some notes I took about how Lincoln was humble and a good leader.

• Lincoln was a loyal friend
• during the 1860 presidential election, he was patiently awaiting the outcome, and would accept whatever it was
• though he experienced many disappointments in his life, he never gave up, he pushed through.  Yes, he got discouraged, but he kept going - he moved on.
• Lincoln was a great public speaker
• he was very consistent - people trusted him
• although Stanton said rude things to and about him, Lincoln forgave him and moved past it.  He rose above his hurt and actually gave Stanton the highest post of power that was in Lincoln's authority to do: secretary of war.  I wish I could rise above previous hurts and offenses like that.  It's something I definitely need to work on.
• He put himself out there and got involved with the public.  While he did this, Lincoln was attentive to those he conversed with; paid attention to what the public wanted.
• he purposefully kept a good track record during the running in case "people gave up on their first love", he would be someone they could fall back on, and wouldn't regret doing so.
• Lincoln always reconciled any differences between he and others
• he was ambitious; he wanted to win just like any of the other candidates did.  However, he didn't allow his want for success to destroy or damage his relationship or his character.

 I admire Lincoln for his humility and his "down-to-earth" personality.  These are great attributes of a good leader and I pray that the Lord will help me acquire some of these characteristics.

This week month I'm thankful for... [I know, it's been a month already since I've last done this!  I'll get better at posting these again...I hope :) just take note that these are from this past 30 days.]

281. the Lord providing me opportunities to lead
282. a great turnout for the LIVE pool party
283. hanging out with Lydia
284. long phone calls with Cassie
285. dipping cake pops with Emily
286. the opportunity to serve someone in need with my youth group
287. the surprise of Laura coming to stay
288. the blessing of meeting and seeing again CP friends
289. an all-girl video call
290. friends who pray for me
291. completing all my assignments my first week of my first college course!
292. a renunion with the Brazil team
293. finding out one of our translators from Brazil is coming to visit us
294. Lydia allowing me to stay at her house this past weekend while I'm in her area for a job
295. my sister filling in for me at work while I was gone
296. my dad helping me study for a test
297. finally getting a song out of my head (yes, it's that song. :P)
298. getting good grades on my first assignments
299. my mom helping me with school
300. God's sustenance through this past weekend

Love,
    Sierra

An Update on My Life

You haven't heard from me in a while.  Sorry for my procrastination. :)

 Well, last Sunday, the Brazil team hosted a 1950s fundraiser dinner.  What a success!!!  It was SO much fun! The team worked so hard to put it all together, and we had many volunteers in the kitchen, nursery, and some other places here and there.  As our team leader said, our team has a wonderful mixture of people: everyone had a job, they did it, and did it well.  And I know I enjoyed doing my job with 2 other team members!  The Lord has blessed this trip SO much already and we aren't even close (when you count months...it will sneak up, though) to leaving!  Oh, and my mom and I have now both received our passports in the mail!  It's pretty exciting to be another step closer.

 God blessed another LIVE for Christ meeting yesterday afternoon!  We talked about Sharing the Gospel.  I gave each of the girls a few tracts along with a challenge to give someone or leave a tract before our next meeting.  It was such a blessing to see these girls so excited to hand them out!  The youth celebrity million dollar bills were a favorite, along with 101 of the world's funniest one liners.

 This weekend is going to be a relaxing one!  Tomorrow, I'm going to go grocery shopping with my mom.  I have decided, since I'm not the best person in the kitchen, I'm going to practice.  Because that's what everyone has been telling me to. :)  I have a notebook filled with delicious sounding and looking dessert recipes.  I came to the conclusion that I can not only practice my baking/cooking capabilities, but practice my use of the camera, also.  I'm excited to see where I'll get.

 Today I got to go shopping with my mom.  It's nice to have someone run back and forth to the racks with new, cute clothes while I'm busy trying one the one's I've already brought into the changing room. :)  We spent some time at Kohl's and Maurice's (I could spend hours at Maurice's!) and also got our nails done.  It was a fun day!  Now for some relaxing.

 Looking forward to doing some more reading this weekend, too.  Last week, I finished The Hunger Games and now I'm waiting for the 2nd book in the series to come to the library.  I think I'm number 70-something in line.  I have a friend who I'm going to discuss the books with, but she's on vacation and I'm missing her emails very much!  In the meantime, I have a couple Christian mysteries to read and a Karen Kingsbury book.

 Next week, I'm going to be starting to study my next CLEP test: Natural Sciences.  We'll see how I do on that. :)  I'm taking 8-10 weeks for this one, because 1) I still am working on high school work and, 2) Science is not my strong suit, so I'll need more time to study.

 It snowed!  Finally!  Okay, we had snow before, but it always melts before I get a chance to photograph it!    But, this time I had the chance.  Except...they didn't turn out as nicely as I had hoped.  Here are just a couple.

Have a great weekend!

 ~Sierra

For the Week It's Been!

 Please note that this was written on Saturday, Jan. 28.  

Wow, I feel completely worn out from this past week, and then I realize I still have a day left -- which is also full! :)

  Sunday morning was a Brazil team meeting.  We discussed a couple fundraiser dinners we'll be having for our church, which was exciting!  It's getting closer and closer, and it will be here before we know it!

 Sunday afternoon and Monday I stayed home since I didn't feel very good.  I'd rather be healthy or actually sick, not in the middle. :)  Tuesday and Wednesday were also stay at home days besides youth group on Wednesday night.  But those two days were also get-down-to-school days.

 I had a coaching call for college on Wednesday, which is always a highlight.  We went over how Sociology was going.  My coach had some pointers of what my next steps should be and we made some goals to be done by...the end of the week -- which will be today. :)  There's so many resources for this test, it's hard to know what to do next!  But I started studying with a new resource now, called InstantCert, which has been really helpful and I'll be able to use it for my next test, too.

  Thursday I had LIVE for Christ which went well.  We talked about being dedicated to God and living our lives wholly for Him.  We started singing different songs such as "Every Move I Make" and "Big House" (two of my favorites from when I was younger) so that's always exciting.  It's fun to see them doing the actions and praising God.

 Friday I worked for a few hours, which is always fun and I always learn a lot!  And we relaxed with a movie that night.

 This morning was an early morning (for a Saturday, at least) as we went to church to set up for the fundraiser dinner tomorrow.  I buttered 18 long loaves of bread -- we had 4 ladies on the "bread team", some slicing, one making the garlic butter, and me buttering.  We had a nice little system going while the others browned hamburger, set up tables, boiled spaghetti noodles, wash dishes, made a banner, etc.  What a great time of team-building and fun-ness! :)

 But...after this week, it's nice to be relaxing.  I actually read a leisure book this week (and finished it!)!  That is quite an accomplishment these days.  I look forward to being able to do more of that. :)

This week I'm thankful for...
201. study calls
202. girl game night with friends
203. Brazil planning
204. a new sweatshirt
205. index cards
206. finishing my bedroom
207. friends passing college tests
208. late night talks with my mom
209. answers to prayers
210. Brazil team building

 Have a blessed week!

 ~Sierra

Following a Mission Statement

 Recently, I was reading a book by Mindy Starns Clark.  In this book, the main character works for a very rich and generous man who gives grants to non-profit organizations.  The job of this main character is to research about the organization and determine whether or not they are deserving of this grant; she checks to see if they're using their money wisely, etc.  It is noted in the book that she always starts off by reading the organization's mission statement to see what they claim to do and be and then goes on to see if they actually follow this statement.

 About a day after I read this book, my mom and I had a long discussion on following mission statements while we were on a walk.  In my post Great Expectations, I included my life's mission statement.  What my goal is for my life.  Anyway, on this walk, we talked about how it is so easy to stray from the mission statement that we have set either for our own lives, maybe a business, etc.  The phrase "easier said than done" applies very literally to this topic.  You can write an awesome mission statement in five minutes, and even mean it, but it takes patience, diligence, and God's help to actually follow the statement.

 As you may know, I lead a discipleship group called LIVE for Christ in my home.  When you start a business or a Bible study, or, in my case, a discipleship group, you should have a mission or vision statement.

  The mission of LIVE for Christ is to direct young ladies ages 8 to 17 to live their life honoring their heavenly Father.  Lessons focus on respecting the Lord, others, and themselves as they walk with the Lord.  Learning to fear Him, not man, and make the Scriptures a vital part of their lives is the main concept of LIVE.  Through lessons, games, and at-home challenges, girls are encouraged to live their lives fully for God as His daughters and be example to others by shining their light.

 For me, it is sometimes challenging to make sure everything I plan in a LIVE meeting, ties back to my mission statement.  This also allows the girls' parents to know what their daughters are attending.  There are no surprises as far as activities they won't approve of.

 This planning takes careful consideration.  I can't imagine how churches, youth groups, and large organizations can make sure their activities follow their mission statement.  I'm sure we can all come up with at least three church related activities that haven't matched their mission statement.  These inconsistencies can cause people to leave a church, can cause hurt relationships, and even cause a slow straying from God.

 So what's your mission statement?  What's it for: your life, business, group or Bible study?  And, most importantly, are you following it?  Am I following mine?  Are we asking God for His guidance and help?

 Have a blessed week!

 Sierra