Really?

So, I really do not pay much attention to the news and to politics, but the more I hear, the more I feel the need to become involved. Today, my dad told me about how people are pushing to build an Islamic Mosque near Ground Zero, and I know that I really shouldn't comment before delving deeper into the situation, but I need to speak my mind. I fully believe in the freedom of religion, but shouldn't we take sensitivity into account also. If people are not allowed to stand outside of an arab festival in the outskirts of Detroit to hand out Gospel of John pamphlets, peacefully, because it might offend someone, how much greater would the offense of an Islamic Mosque so close to Ground Zero affect not only those who tragically lost loved ones, but also other Americans who mark 9'11 as a loss of innocence, an end to peace, a turning point in American History.

Guilty Pleasure

This summer, I have found a Guilty Pleasure (that Dad, Mom, and Angie have enjoyed, as well): Hot in Cleveland. This TVLand original centers around the story of 3 50ish women who crash land in Cleveland, only to decide to stay there, in a house with an 80ish housekeeper (played by Betty White). Not really sure why I like the show, but it is pretty much clean, witty humor, so that is probably a good reason, and not nearly as disturbing as some of my other favorites, such as Bones, Law and Order: SVU, and NCIS. Anyone out there want to share their guilty pleasure tv show?

Rise and Shine

... and give God the glory, glory!
My first day back to work, after a week off to visit family. Long day-10:30 to 5:30. This would not have been quite so bad had I not been told on the phone last night that I would have an hour break (as usual), but instead, I got there to find that I did not have a break... at all. Not even 15 minutes off to just put my feet off, but oh well, I survived.
Tonight, I plan to finish "The Lucky One"- A Nicholas Sparks novel that I started yesterday after finishing "The Last Song" in 2 days... needless to say, I am on a Nicholas Sparks kick! Also, will be watching new show- Rizzoli and Isles on TNT.
Have a blessed day! Love, Christa

"Where and Who I Want to Be"

The title of this post is a lyric from one of my favorite songs in the musical, Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Belle realizes that who she has become is who she wants to be, and that living with the Beast isn't so bad at all.
This phrase "where and who I want to be" reminds me of all the times I want to escape and be someone completely different only to discover that all along, I've had everything I need and am exactly in the place (physically or metaphorically) that I am supposed to be.
Just thought I'd share a few of my sentiments at the end of a busy summer, and state that I have decided to try to blog, if only a few sentences, every day in the next year (unless of course, I have limited access to a computer/the internet).
So my summer update
May: wrapped up 09-10 year at CUW with finals, audition for music department, and graduation. Began May-term Lutheran Confessions class and Multicultural clinicals at Hope the next monday. Lived w/ Grandma
June: finished summer school. Returned home. Began work at First Class Chirstian Childcare. Trip to South Padre Island w/ Family abruptly ended by Hurrican Alex.
July:Spend Dad's 50th Birthday in Houston due to "Alex" evacuation. Continued working. Played organ for Zion service for the first time Aunt Christa, Lauren, Sarah, and Skylar visit.
August: Take Sarah and Skylar to visit her in-laws in Wisconsin. We visit our family in Wisconsin. Return Sarah and Skylar to Aunt Christa and Lauren in Joplin. Visit Peter and Emily in KC. Will Continue working for 7 more days. Return to WI on 23rd. Start classes 30th.

Well, there's my summer update. Will hopefully be updating again soon. Sorry to those of you who's blogger accounts I'll be filling with my daily updates.
Love, Christa

O How the Years Go By

"And oh how the years go by
And oh how the love brings tears to my eyes
All through the changes the soul never dies
We fight, we laugh, we cry
As the years go by

We took everything
All our times would bring
In this world of dangers
’cause when your heart is strong
You know you’re not alone
In this world of strangers"

Wow, it has been a while! Quick update:
Christmas break saw me home and in OK for Lauren and Jordy's wedding.. I was a bridesmaid... Good time had by all!
January: Rehearsals for winter band tour (to St. Louis), Clinical hours at Immanuel, Tour to StL, Second Semester Started
February: Second Semester in full swing, planning and rehearsing tons for choir spring tour
March: Spring Break-Choir tour to WI, MN, NE, WY, and CO- Awesome time!
April: Home for Easter w/ Grandma =) .. Got to see Mom, Dad, Angie, AND Sandi.. Peaceful break-up w/ Jon, 19th Birthday last night =) Mom came up to surprise me, Applebees dinner w/ friends here... People I know will always be there for me... Impromptu party at Grandma's friday night w/ Ice Cream Sundaes!

Always Busy, Usually Focused, Sometimes Lazy, Never Alone
Love, C