You are my everything...

...and I will adore You.

with ALL creation I sing
PRAISE TO THE KING of KINGS.


Where would I be without this love?

I once was lost but now I AM FOUND!

I love CHRISTMAS time.

December. Can't believe it is December.

Even though it is the busiest month of the year, I love it.
In the meantime, I'm listening to Christmas music and waiting on the snow.

Slow down, take a breathe.
Enjoy life as it comes.

Airport CRAZE

So, I'm flying Chicago to Cleveland.

Flight leaves at 6am
Being the smart one, I figure an hour beforehand will be plenty enough time for me to catch my flight...ha...helloooo it IS thanksgiving break!! ahhh busiest time of the year!

I arrive at the airport at 5:20.
Check-in line literally was back into the the back hallway ( I couldn't even see the check-in area).
I was for sure I was going to miss my flight.
One kind person let me cut in front of them, while another said "Yes, I do mind. We have a flight to catch too." HA.
So I gave up and figured I wasn't going to make it.
So I get checked in....and then its security with 15 min before take off.
I run to security, an old couple let me step in front of them in line...and I'm off to gate B5!
Luckily it was B5 and not B18.
I MADE IT! with 5 minutes to spare!


again. God is good. I would have been there all day, maybe all night, if I would have missed it.
I'm finally in Ohio with the fam for Thanksgiving! yah:)

Olivet Soccer

We are back from the NCCAA tourney and results stand: girls(6th place) and boys(5th place).

Kissimmee, FL - a whole week:

-rode 24 hours in a charter bus from IL to FL with boys & girls team together.
-had two crazy, wacky bus drivers (ET & George) they made the trip HILARIOUS:)
-walked through Downtown Disney
-ate at House of Blues
-saw IWUers who I miss a ton!
-spent time on the BEACH:)
-bolt broke on the bus with just 2 hours left to ONU, luckily ET fixed it.
-woke up to a toy squirral singing "I'm gettin nothin for Christmas" at 6:50AM! ha.
-tried every sleeping position possible for the long bus ride.
-watched a gazillion movies or wait I slept through most of them.
-Ok, yeah I slept just about the entire ride there and back, ha!
-ate a lot, too much at that...there is something about girls soccer and food:)
-worshiped and shared from our hearts
-witnessed a life given to CHRIST!! :)

The trip was SO much fun and when you are able to see a life come to Christ you are reminded of what it's all about.

God is good. He never stops pursuing.

NCCAA Florida

We are heading down to Kissimmee, FL tomorrow for the NCCAA Women's Soccer National Tournament with the guys team. That's 20 hours on a Charter...yikes.

We play our first game against IWU on Friday.
I'm pretty pumped.
Ok, like wayyyy pumped.

I've promised to wear purple...ha:)

It's November, Yikes!

We had our annual costume practice yesterday and I went from Xena 06' to Pink Panther 07'. My good friend Amanda and I then passed out candy at the baseball coach's house in costume. It was TONS of fun and we saw some adorable kids.

Can't believe it is NOVember.
Thanksgiving is almost here! :)

Leaves are changing.

It is finally cooling down.
The leaves are changing.
A deer tried to get into the athletic building.
It broke a window with it's antlers. weird.
I wish I could have seen it but i didn't.
The team didn't practice today but...
We decorated three children ministry rooms tonight.
It was fun. They fed us pizza. cheesers pizza.
I have to write a paper. It's due tomorrow night.
Amy and Stef are coming this weekend. I'm pumped.
They are amazing friends. I miss them. I love them.
I'm going to go write that paper:)

Colbie Caillat and Trevor Hall

Saw these two in concert with Julian in Chicago.

Trevor Hall...sweet voice.

Good time. I love the city of Chicago.

24

I'm 24 now, and that is soooo weird to say.

but HEY, Indians rocked the Yankees last night.
yeahhhyah!

Go TRIBE!

Cleveland Indians clench the division title...yahhh that's right!

Here we go...

Jon McLaughlin

First thing, I no longer have to read 3,000 pages of history....woohoo, praise the Lord.


Saw Jon McLaughlin in concert...sooo good.
George Stanford and Sara Barielles both opened for him...outstanding...check'em out!

It was soooo beautiful out today.
I miss my family and friends.
BUT Oct 12 will come soon enough:)

3,000 pages what?

I am taking American Civ as a directed study this semester.

What does that mean?

It means I have to read 3,000 pages of American History by Dec 10th.
This is ironic because I do not like history, not one bit.

I'm trying to be optimistic and will most likely be reading several biographies.

Ask me about George Washington in a month.

God amazes me

Wow, I am just amazed by God.

It's not something you can describe...it is just...wow, I don't know.

CDL

I was not cut out to be a driver with a CDL. We just got back from a weekend in Indiana and I drove the Tiger bus back to IL. Now, remember it is not a full bus but a shuttle.

Bottom line though, it's possible I lose a few days of my life each trip because of my intense stress levels. Ha, but I don't stress a whole lot, so I suppose I can manage.

There's a random thought.
It's a new week, LOVELY.

He is our King
He is our Love
He is our God
Who has come to bring us back to Him.

What are my priorities for today?

BizzzzE

Life is picking up again. It is getting busy.
But wait, I'm pretty sure busy was the descripter for my summer.
So really the crazy, busy life is in continuation.
But, I'm okay with that.
In fact, this time of the year is my favorite.
Students come back to campus and it it ALIVE again.
In FULL swing.

Hello Fall.
Hello Football Season:)

Wiped OUT

Wow...just got back from Michigan, where we went for our week long preseason soccer trip. It was a good time for sure.

WE....

-played a TON of soccer
-went to Warren Dunes
-ran up the sand dune 5 times
-conquered the waves of lake michigan...ha they were surprisingly huge.
-slept in one big room - 24 girls yikes!
-did some tubing
-water skied
-ate good
-went canoeing
-journeyed through Christ's life
-worshiped the Lord together

It was sooooooo tiring and I am wiped out at this moment, but it was AMAZING.
Michigan is beautiful and again, I say, I WILL have a boat and live near a lake one day.

Time for some rest.

Off to Michigan

Leaving for Michigan for our week long preseason camp.
Should be a good time.
the lake. campground. the team. soccer. Jesus....yeah it's gonnna be ROCKIN.

all packed up and ready to go.
my OSU buckeye shirt an all...haha...gotta have ohio gear when you enter Michiganer country!

Six Flags

Illinois - Went to Six Flags today, which doesn't even begin to compare to Cedar Point (located in rockin Ohio), but one thing must be noted and remembered for further amusement park visits.

*Do not ride the teacups ever again. Unless, I need a good upchucking.

I did ride the teacups. I did not get sick, but it took everything in me to keep it down.

I'd like to say I have a strong stomach, but I can only take so much of contant spinning motion. All in all, it was a good day of rollercoaster riding. The only downfall was that it rained near the end of the day, and after waiting in line for an hour for Superman, it was shutdown due to rain.

Da Bears Camp

I'm working Bears Camp and no matter how many times I see the players walk by me...

I'm still starstruck!

I mean they are human just like me right!? ha.
If I wasn't such a sports nut, it would make this a lot easier.

Chris Leak (Gators QB) walked by me the other night as he was headed to the field and I wish I would have thought of it at the time, but I would have yelled, "Go Bucks!"

Ha, not sure how he'd recieve that, but it would have been fun.

Back in the States

I am back in the States after a 12 day mission trip to Guatemala. I am not sure what I can say about it because words can't explain the greatness of God...but it was amazing.

From what I can remember right now, here is a little recap on the trip:

-shoveled a lot of dirt into wheelbarrels.
-picked up lots of trash.
-literally got ants in my pants (I was standing on an ant farm)
-poured cement (made by scratch)
-did VBS (I was a singing puppet)
-got frustrated with my own lack of spanish speaking
-increased my spanish vocabulary, just a little - un poco!
-climbed an active volcano
-ate lots of beans, rice, tortillas, and chicken
-witnessed 30 children giving their life to Christ...ahhh rejoice! :)
-played in my first international soccer game.
-had a soccer clinic with 200 kids on a small bball court -insane but AMAZING.
-bargained at the market
-slept in 95 degree weather with what felt like 100% humidity
-slept through dogs barking, fireworks, and random noises.
-flew 1st class for the first time ever.
-had a handfull of cold showers.
-learned how to play the game, Big Booty.
-laughed at Raymundo and Julio lots (funniest guys ever)
-carried a huge bottle of water around everywhere.
-brushed my teeth with the water (even tho they said not to)
-sang a LOT of "Silly Songs with Billy"...over and over.
-worshiped our amazing Savior and shared with our hearts.

There is so much more, but this is a glimpse of the amazing trip God planned for us. I am excited to see this team of girls play this fall. I feel so blessed to be a part of a group of women who genuinely want to follow Jesus.

I have been blown away in awe.
How did I come to be here...

Praise Him.
From whom all blessings flow.

On flight to Guatemala

Leaving for 12 day mission to Guatemala...ah sooooo pumped.

Loving, laughing, and playing soccer until July 25th.

On Fire

St. Louis - Naz Youth Conference

There have been 2 services so far this week, and I am blown away.
These people are on FIRE for Jesus. Ah, it is beautiful!

rock on...

Indy

Indy is pretty nice. I spent the weekend there and walked the canal. Pretty cool city.
Indiana isn't so bad after all.

Chicago Fireworks

The fireworks in Chicago are SWEET! Every boat is out on the lake and all lit up...so amazing.

Week in Myrtle

Myrtle Beach, SC - spent a week with my sister near the beach, where she lives and goes to school.

During the week...

-rode the banana boat (water raft pulled by jetski) with 6 girls and spent half the time in the water...good time.
- watched fireworks on the beach.
-bought a sweet pair of Pumas.
-nearly drowned from the massive waves and current.
-saw the movie Evening - wait to rent this one.
-put layers of sunscreen on and still got burnt!
-got mistaken for a 17 year old. ha!
-witnessed the worst behaving child, who sat in front of me on my flight.
-picked out a church and went.
-spent time with my grandma, aunt, uncle, and cousins on the beach.
-went to Broadway at the Beach with kj.
-spent time with my sister:)

I actually tried to extend my stay in Myrtle. I really love being near the beach. It was a great week! Loved it.

Chicago Overnight

It was an overnight weekend in Chicago. Went with a friend and hung out with some wonderful Brazilians. They spoke and worshiped in Portuguese. My friend helped translate, but I can definitely understand the frustration with language barriers. I would love to be multi-lingual. That'd be sweet. The Brazilian culture is so loving and inviting...it amazes me.

Went to a Vineyard Church Sunday afternoon -4pm. It is a new church plant in a beautiful, ancient church - so great! Small with such genuine people. loved it.

Now off to see my sister in South Carolina:) Summer is flying.

There is a FIRST for everything

It was a weekend of firsts....

-First visit to the Bucher home.
-First attendance to Willow Creek Community Church - its HUGE!
-First Cubs game - and they lost 3-11
-First time in Lincoln Park - big time apartments...city living is sooo different.
-First real picnic in a long time.
-First taste of wheat grass from Java Juice. mmm tasted grass the rest of the night.

It was a great weekend with three great friends and such a welcoming family. God has blessed us all too well.

Cleveland Down 0-3

The Cavs are breaking my heart...ahhgrr.

I love close games, but losing never feels good.

wow

Tonight, for the first time I watched the movie, World Trade Center, and it just wow...I don't even know.

I am reminded at how amazing and overflowing the Lord's love is for us...I can not comprehend His love, but it shakes my world everytime I try to grasp it.

One of these days...

I will own a boat.

Tennis

I played my first game of tennis today. I can't believe I have never played the sport; it's too bad because it is great. I watch tennis on the tv whenever it is on, so I had some idea of how to play it -or so I thought...ha!

In my head, I think I can hit it hard and controlled like the professionals...you know like Federer...HA. For the life of me, I CAN NOT hit the ball without wanting to CREAM it. It was my first day so its okay, but now I really want to get good or maybe just decent.

If you haven't, go play a game of tennis. Try something NEW!

Ohio

I spent the last week at home in Ohio. I hadn't been home since December - the longest yet. I think I'm growing up though because I was okay with that.

A week in Ohio:

-Watched a brother graduate from high school.
-Visited my grandma and aunt.
-Went to see Pirates 3 with my little sister.
-Drove hundreds of miles.
-Met up with a couple college friends.
-Caught up with a few high school friends.
-Went fishing; caught a BASS - got over the fear of taking the fish off the hook. i think.
-Visited and played with the two MOST ADORABLE adopted boys ever - they gave me a toy lizard to keep:)


It was a great visit, but I often find in ever visit I take, there is not enough hours for the quality time I'd really like to give. All in all, I enjoyed home and plan to make it happen again. Life is beautiful!

"Ms. Zellers!"

Yesterday was my last day of substitute teaching and I have mainly been subbing for preschool/kindergarten. It was field day yesterday, so you can imagine the chaos of the entire school of pre-k/kindergarten outside. Thankfully, I only had 9 kids to account for. As soon as we got out on the playground, I hear..." Ms. Zellers...Ms. Zellers!" These two little boys had remembered my name from subbing and my heart melted :) It is such a great feeling when God affirms to you that you are exactly where He wants you.

I am understanding more each day why I am here in grad school getting a degree in teaching.

Here we go CAVS

Cavs are still in it! BOOOYAA!

Can't sleep

It is strange that you can get a cold midway through the night. How is that?
Then you take some PM cold medicine and it knocks you out the following day. So you sleep a ton and then you're wide awake, kind of like now. Not cool when you have to wake up early the next morning.

Line Dancing

Last night, I went country line dancing with a few friends. ha! It is actually a ton of fun. You pick up on the dances pretty quickly. Most of the people there are truely from the country and have the boots, belt buckle, cowboy hat, flannel button up, and monster truck to show for it. I've only gone here a couple of times, but I almost feel like I'm walking into another world, another culture. It is such a down to earth, old fashion feeling atmostphere. I like it.

Country living is very appealing.

Joy.Love.Laughter.

I worked with an autistic boy today at a nearby elementary school and it reminded me of the summers I worked at this mentally handicapped camp. I absolutely loved it. JOY. LOVE. LAUGHTER. Despite their limitations, they LOVED life. Those summer were full of laughter and love, it opened my eyes and my heart. Today, was one of those "wow" days. The little boy had minimal to no verbal communication but he was loving life with his every smile and wild scream:) I highly recommend you interact with this group. Maybe someday I will get another chance to work with these amazing people. I would love it.

I'll take Joy. Love. Laughter.

Oh My Word!

I can't believe I have started a blog. I'm still not sure why I have, and I am not sure how long I will keep it. We'll see if it serves its purpose of just thinking out loud to myself. I am more apt to write in here than in my journal, so I'll give it try. I'm pretty random, so that it will be.