2 posts in one day? Do I have a fever?
Well there isn't much to report on "us," because the manly side of "us" is still out of the country in England on business, and this trip has been 6 weeks. Aaaand we don't know when he's getting back.... we were expecting to see him this weekend or even as late as June 1, but even that's up in the air now due to complications over there with his work. I need my hubby back! I actually have a bit of a hard time imagining what it will be like when he comes home and is here... in the apartment... for real... not just an image on a computer screen via skype. But I'm sure as soon as he and his mess return from England, it will all be back to normal! But I happen to LOVE normal! I hear of all these people going on dates with their husband, and I can hardly remember the last time we did that. Yesterday was the 100th day we have been apart total (not consecutive).
I've had an incredibly stressful week because I'm anxiously awaiting the return of my honey... but on top of that, the internet on my desktop work computer suddenly stopped working on Tuesday, so I've been working in the main office instead of the home office. This is frustrating b/c I don't have all the stuff that I have at home, but it's good to come in and see people I haven't seen in a few months. As it turns out, it may not be the computer's problem, but our modem, so that will involve the cable company, which is never a short process.
On that topic, Saturday marked my 4th anniversary with my company. It's a little hard to believe that I moved here 4 years ago for this same job, and I'm still doing it. 4 years out of college and still at entry level. Yup. I have switched positions in the company several times, but I enjoyed my first role the best. BUT the pay is good, we stay busy, and I'm really really good at it.
Have I ever mentioned that I have the best friends in the world? That post will come soon after Mike returns, whenever that is. They are so wonderful at distracting me and keeping me busy with fun activities to encourage me and help me pass the time.
More info when it becomes available....
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Jon & Kate Plus 8 Divided by Two Equals Train Wreck
In the past few years, one of my favorite TV shows has been Jon & Kate Plus 8. Watching those little cuties grow up, learn new phrases, and function as a crazy family unit is pure entertainment. But recent events have turned me into one of those people who will probably never again tune into this show.
Mike and I have watched it together many times, and even before we were married, I told him, "I will NEVER speak to you like that in private or in public," regarding the way that Kate treats Jon like a child and is always very hard on him. Mike has often teased me that I'm like Kate in some ways, and he's like Jon. I'm a little weird about germs and I like to make everything from scratch and use as many organic items as possible... and Mike is very low-key about stuff sometimes. But that's where the similarities end.
Did anyone have a chance to see Monday night's season premiere of the show? It was extremely uncomfortable to see the obviously distant Jon and Kate at their childrens' birthday party, pretending to have a good time. It was painful to watch... they had papparazzi hiding in the bushes, following them to Target, and catching all the awkward moments. The husband and wife didn't even acknowledge eachother's presence, except when Kate needed Jon to do something for her.
It bothers me when tabloids annoy people like this, but these are not people who originally intended to be celebrities, but have turned into them. It's a slippery slope, and they have been sliding down it for some time now. Last month I bought and read Kate's book, Multiple Bles8ings, and thoroughly enjoyed it. She came across in the book as being very real, and after reading it, I feel like I know her. The book helped me to better relate to the Manleys, a family in our church who had quints over a year ago... helped me to learn about the emotions that their mother may have gone through, and may be going thru at this time. The Gosselins claim to be a Christian family, but hey- infidelity, deceit, etc can happen to anyone if they are not strong enough in their faith to fight it off.
I was in denial about all of this because the tabloids were the ones reporting everything, but once Kate's brother Kevin and sister-in-law Jodi came out to the media about what was going on, I knew everything was truly going downhill. I still don't want to believe it all, but this stuff happens.
Despite all of this, they continue to film the show. TLC (The Learning Channel) is famous for providing a great deal of variety in their reality shows, and they are not usually trashy like others... after I watch a TLC show, I often don't have the "my brain is going to melt from inactivity" feeling that I get from watching shows on Bravo or MTV. TLC needs to halt all the filming and leave them alone to deal with their issues. Nobody in their right mind wants to see a family crumble, especially when 8 kids are in the middle of it. I really hope that they get some Godly counsel and can work things out... but after seeing the interviews on Monday night's season premiere, they couldn't even look at each other. Sad.
I don't know exactly where I'm going with this post, these are just my feelings. Any thoughts?
Mike and I have watched it together many times, and even before we were married, I told him, "I will NEVER speak to you like that in private or in public," regarding the way that Kate treats Jon like a child and is always very hard on him. Mike has often teased me that I'm like Kate in some ways, and he's like Jon. I'm a little weird about germs and I like to make everything from scratch and use as many organic items as possible... and Mike is very low-key about stuff sometimes. But that's where the similarities end.
Did anyone have a chance to see Monday night's season premiere of the show? It was extremely uncomfortable to see the obviously distant Jon and Kate at their childrens' birthday party, pretending to have a good time. It was painful to watch... they had papparazzi hiding in the bushes, following them to Target, and catching all the awkward moments. The husband and wife didn't even acknowledge eachother's presence, except when Kate needed Jon to do something for her.
It bothers me when tabloids annoy people like this, but these are not people who originally intended to be celebrities, but have turned into them. It's a slippery slope, and they have been sliding down it for some time now. Last month I bought and read Kate's book, Multiple Bles8ings, and thoroughly enjoyed it. She came across in the book as being very real, and after reading it, I feel like I know her. The book helped me to better relate to the Manleys, a family in our church who had quints over a year ago... helped me to learn about the emotions that their mother may have gone through, and may be going thru at this time. The Gosselins claim to be a Christian family, but hey- infidelity, deceit, etc can happen to anyone if they are not strong enough in their faith to fight it off.
I was in denial about all of this because the tabloids were the ones reporting everything, but once Kate's brother Kevin and sister-in-law Jodi came out to the media about what was going on, I knew everything was truly going downhill. I still don't want to believe it all, but this stuff happens.
Despite all of this, they continue to film the show. TLC (The Learning Channel) is famous for providing a great deal of variety in their reality shows, and they are not usually trashy like others... after I watch a TLC show, I often don't have the "my brain is going to melt from inactivity" feeling that I get from watching shows on Bravo or MTV. TLC needs to halt all the filming and leave them alone to deal with their issues. Nobody in their right mind wants to see a family crumble, especially when 8 kids are in the middle of it. I really hope that they get some Godly counsel and can work things out... but after seeing the interviews on Monday night's season premiere, they couldn't even look at each other. Sad.
I don't know exactly where I'm going with this post, these are just my feelings. Any thoughts?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Dear Fashion Industry,
Please stop making clothes so baggy. They are comfortable and feel great, but make some of us look pregnant. Because some of us, as soon as we get married, are constantly asked (even in not-so-baggy clothes), "are you expecting?" Recently the only thing I've been "expecting" is that question. Yeah, not such a fun question to answer.
Sincerely,
Rachel "No, I'm not pregnant, just trying to be fashionable" Couts
Sincerely,
Rachel "No, I'm not pregnant, just trying to be fashionable" Couts
Monday, May 18, 2009
4 years ago....
I made the biggest change of my life (up to that point) and moved here to Indianapolis! I can't believe it's been 4 years! In this time I have learned so much and have grown in so many ways. I moved 1000 miles away from home to a state where I had no friends or family, and (as dramatic as it sounds) one of my biggest fears was that something would happen to my in my apartment (pass out, hit my head, die, etc.) and no one would know it until I didn't show up at work the next day. This was the scariest thing, but was probably one of the coolest things I've ever done.
My mind goes back to when my Dad and sister Melissa pulled away from my new apartment, and I knew it would be months before I saw them again. Months. An eternity. I sobbed so hard for about an hour, then decided to pick myself up and get moving. I went to the store and bought shelves. And put them together myself. Looking back, I remember being so proud of myself for putting together those shelves. Haha.
But it wasn't long before I started to meet people at church and at work who helped me to find my place. God was so gracious to send such a wonderful support system my way, just when I needed it.
This is Abi, Me, and Heather at the Christmas banquet, where Mike and I had our first date
My first summer here I went to Brownsburg Christian Church (now called Connection Pointe Church of Brownsburg) where I met a sweet couple who had just gotten married and needed to get rid of furniture. They gave me a table & chairs, and a couch. The table and chairs were so nice, but they are now in the hands of some lucky Goodwill shopper. The couch is now in Ryan & Laurel's home. After a few months, I visited College Park Church in Indy and fell in love with the teaching, and also the dear friends I met. I don't know what I would have done without y'all! Abi, Nate, Heather, Ingrid, Rachel, Beth, Allan & Karen Harmer... thanks so much for your continued friendship.
Good times! This is Josh, Ingrid, Chris, Amy, and Nate. I think we went bowling that night.
After attending College Park for about 3 months, I met the most wonderful Michael Couts at Timothy's home, watching the movie "Miracle." I thought he was nice and cute, but at that point, I wasn't really looking for someone. But he found me. He pursued me for a few weeks, then we started hanging out more. He asked if he could be my escort for the 20somethings Christmas Banquet. That was our first date. While at the banquet, I pulled 2 of my friends, Lucile and Abi, aside and demanded answers: "What do you know about this guy? What do you think? Do you know his family?" He walked in on us talking, and we played it off. When he approached me, he put his hand on the small of my back and asked what we were talking about. When he left, Lucile burst out, "He put his hand on your back! He put his hand on your back!" That still brings back a smile to this day. We went back to my apartment and watched a very safe date movie, "Elf." And that's when he held my hand for the first time, but not without asking if it was OK. When Buddy the Elf says, "You look miraculous," Mike turned to me and said "that's what I thought when I saw you tonight." At that point, I proceeded to melt.
BOOM. 14 months later we were engaged, and 5 months after that, we were married. And here we are!
I miss Texas more than anything and ask Mike every once in a while if his company has any openings there. I can go anywhere with my job, and sometimes I really do want to get outta here. If the opportunity arose, I would move to Texas in a heartbeat. No argument here! Texas is the best state in the union, and I often joke that I never should have left. Obviously I'm glad I did, but homesickness isn't a rare thing. For crying out loud, my family is there, and we're lucky to see them once a year, maybe twice. But Indiana has been good to me, and I'll stay here with my hubby as long as God wants us here.
I went from being alone in a place with no family or friends, and I now have both. Could I be more blessed?
Oh, and today is my Dad's birthday. He is 57 years wise today. Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Sundays
I don't know if anyone actually reads this blog, but I know that one day I'll be able to look back on this and remember...
But Sundays are the absolute hardest day of the week. I work all week long, waiting for the weekend, do some stuff on Saturday, then dread Sunday morning. I love going to church and seeing my friends, but I feel like half of me is missing without Mike there. I've been skipping Sunday school often because sometimes I just don't feel like being with other people, even though I know it is probably best. I just want to go to the service, then duck out and go home. I want to be with people, but be alone. Weird.
Anybody else been through something like this?
Friday, May 8, 2009
Political Post
I've had one brewing for a LONG time, and I'm still going to hold back because I have a LOT more to say than I will express on this blog. Some of it is not exactly Christ-like, so I'll just hold on to it.
The question that keeps coming back to my mind over and over is:
"How can someone be a Bible-believing Christian and support Barack Obama?"
If someone has the answer to this, I would love to hear it. I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. It seems that most Christians with whom I attend church are conservatives, but I know there are some Liberals out there. Moderates even. That's fine. I can still love them as Christian brothers and sisters.... but I will always have a hard time understanding how they can explain relating their faith to their political opinions. Now I know that we all make mistakes... I make small decisions every day that I immediately regret, and realize that they are sinful. But I do my best to not continue to live that way.
I just don't understand how someone can call themselves a Christian when they fully support a President who is in favor of the following:
-Abortion- not just in our countries, but he repealed a law that bans sending money overseas to help people in other countries get abortions... countries to which we are trying to reach with the GOSPEL of HOPE.
-Embryonic Stem Cell research- this all begins with an abortion
-Socialized Healthcare- Man, you shouldn't get me started on this one... basically I will be paying for other people's healthcare with my hard-earned money... illegals even. Why do you think people come to the US from abroad to get healthcare? We have the best system in the world. Why are people dying in Mexico of Swine Flu? Poor healthcare. They have to wait in line for drugs. People in Great Britain are dying of cancer b/c they can't get the medicine they need b/c the government won't get it to them. Do you want your doctor's office to someday look like the Social Security office or the Dept of Motor Vehicles? Sure, it would be great for everyone to have healthcare, but that's not the way it works. Sorry. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Get a job that offers you benefits, or get private healthcare. There are always options. To rely on the government is just plain silly.
-Redistribution of wealth- again, I'll eventually be paying for the bum on the street who doesn't want to work for a living. Oh, and the illegals again.
And these are just a few. You may be thinking, "What do those last 2 have to do with believing the Bible? Aren't we supposed to help the poor?" And the answer is YES. But that is something that should be left up to us, personally. It is not something that should be mandated by the government. That's what non-profit organizations are for. Think of how many organizations are out there, who may start suffering because of lack of funds once these required taxes are taken our of our paychecks. People may not be able to afford to donate to various organizations. It is as if the government mandates everyone in the country to spend a certain amount of hours serving at a soup kitchen each year, depending on how much money they make. Sound fair? Not really.
Now I haven't lived through very many presidents, but I have tried to pray for each one every day. However, this has been the most difficult one. It is so hard to pray for someone who stands for everything you are against, and is against just about everything that you stand for. How can I support a man who signs the declaration for the National Day of Prayer in silence? It's as if he's doing it just to appease people like me. To "reach across the aisle" I guess. Like his arm was twisted. It makes me absolutely sick to see where our country is headed, and can't believe that I'm praying for the man who is pointing us in that direction. I don't think I've ever been so challenged in that way. Please, fellow Christians, R or D, join me in praying for this man and his staff.
OK so I think I'm done. Like I said, I have many more opinions, but it is probably best that I keep them to myself. These are my opinions, and these are my struggles. And I welcome feedback.
The question that keeps coming back to my mind over and over is:
"How can someone be a Bible-believing Christian and support Barack Obama?"
If someone has the answer to this, I would love to hear it. I have a hard time wrapping my head around it. It seems that most Christians with whom I attend church are conservatives, but I know there are some Liberals out there. Moderates even. That's fine. I can still love them as Christian brothers and sisters.... but I will always have a hard time understanding how they can explain relating their faith to their political opinions. Now I know that we all make mistakes... I make small decisions every day that I immediately regret, and realize that they are sinful. But I do my best to not continue to live that way.
I just don't understand how someone can call themselves a Christian when they fully support a President who is in favor of the following:
-Abortion- not just in our countries, but he repealed a law that bans sending money overseas to help people in other countries get abortions... countries to which we are trying to reach with the GOSPEL of HOPE.
-Embryonic Stem Cell research- this all begins with an abortion
-Socialized Healthcare- Man, you shouldn't get me started on this one... basically I will be paying for other people's healthcare with my hard-earned money... illegals even. Why do you think people come to the US from abroad to get healthcare? We have the best system in the world. Why are people dying in Mexico of Swine Flu? Poor healthcare. They have to wait in line for drugs. People in Great Britain are dying of cancer b/c they can't get the medicine they need b/c the government won't get it to them. Do you want your doctor's office to someday look like the Social Security office or the Dept of Motor Vehicles? Sure, it would be great for everyone to have healthcare, but that's not the way it works. Sorry. There is no such thing as a free lunch. Get a job that offers you benefits, or get private healthcare. There are always options. To rely on the government is just plain silly.
-Redistribution of wealth- again, I'll eventually be paying for the bum on the street who doesn't want to work for a living. Oh, and the illegals again.
And these are just a few. You may be thinking, "What do those last 2 have to do with believing the Bible? Aren't we supposed to help the poor?" And the answer is YES. But that is something that should be left up to us, personally. It is not something that should be mandated by the government. That's what non-profit organizations are for. Think of how many organizations are out there, who may start suffering because of lack of funds once these required taxes are taken our of our paychecks. People may not be able to afford to donate to various organizations. It is as if the government mandates everyone in the country to spend a certain amount of hours serving at a soup kitchen each year, depending on how much money they make. Sound fair? Not really.
Now I haven't lived through very many presidents, but I have tried to pray for each one every day. However, this has been the most difficult one. It is so hard to pray for someone who stands for everything you are against, and is against just about everything that you stand for. How can I support a man who signs the declaration for the National Day of Prayer in silence? It's as if he's doing it just to appease people like me. To "reach across the aisle" I guess. Like his arm was twisted. It makes me absolutely sick to see where our country is headed, and can't believe that I'm praying for the man who is pointing us in that direction. I don't think I've ever been so challenged in that way. Please, fellow Christians, R or D, join me in praying for this man and his staff.
OK so I think I'm done. Like I said, I have many more opinions, but it is probably best that I keep them to myself. These are my opinions, and these are my struggles. And I welcome feedback.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Notes of Encouragement
I sit at a desk all day long, and just like everyone, I have good days and bad days. But there are some notes of encouragement, or just symbols that make me happy that are tacked/taped on the bulletin board above my desk. I thought that I'd share them, in hopes that they might encourage you today!
Still I will trust you
Still I will follow
Still I will listen
to your every calling
While the storm rages on
And I can't find my way
Still I will trust you Lord
-Still I Will Trust You by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
"Hold on to the promises of God, no matter how long it takes. Because no matter what your situation, God is always faithful."
-Some pastor on Moody Radio
"Happy Wedding Day! I'll be thinking of you. Love you much, Meg."
-note left on my desk from my friend Megan the week before we got married
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in you
I will trust in you
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
-You Are My Hiding Place by Selah
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin!
-Before the Throne of God Above, one of my faves
"It's only temporary!"
-Courtesy of Grandpa Couts
"This is the day the LORD has made! I will rejoice and be GLAD in it!"
This isn't a note of encouragement, but it brings back good memories: a pink foam cutout of a baseball bat, painted with gold glitter, "GO ASTROS." I made this at Radio Lollipop in 2004 when the Astros were in the playoffs. Good times.
I also have a double helix keychain that I made in the genetics class that I taught at the museum when I lived in Houston.
Still I will trust you
Still I will follow
Still I will listen
to your every calling
While the storm rages on
And I can't find my way
Still I will trust you Lord
-Still I Will Trust You by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
"Hold on to the promises of God, no matter how long it takes. Because no matter what your situation, God is always faithful."
-Some pastor on Moody Radio
"Happy Wedding Day! I'll be thinking of you. Love you much, Meg."
-note left on my desk from my friend Megan the week before we got married
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in you
I will trust in you
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
-You Are My Hiding Place by Selah
When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin!
-Before the Throne of God Above, one of my faves
"It's only temporary!"
-Courtesy of Grandpa Couts
"This is the day the LORD has made! I will rejoice and be GLAD in it!"
This isn't a note of encouragement, but it brings back good memories: a pink foam cutout of a baseball bat, painted with gold glitter, "GO ASTROS." I made this at Radio Lollipop in 2004 when the Astros were in the playoffs. Good times.
I also have a double helix keychain that I made in the genetics class that I taught at the museum when I lived in Houston.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Nothingness
So yeah, there's nothing to really blog about. I'm still here. Mike's still there. And will be for another 4 weeks. This is the most un-fun thing EVER. However, Pastor Mark's sermon yesterday really encouraged me, and I told Mike to get on www.yourchurch.com to hear it. Something my Dad would always say in the face of a trial or disaster, "You know, God is not surprised by this." True.
Pastor Mark delivered a message from Matthew 2 about the state of affairs in Jesus' region after he was born. Herod was in control. Herod was also nuts. He ordered the slaughter of all those baby boys under 2. So when Herod got threatened and freaked out, so did the people of his kingdom. There were 3 main points that I took away from this, and I want to share them:
1. God is unstoppable, in control, and always a step ahead, even when we don't see it.
2. Jesus is opposed- actively or passively- by those who are threatened by them.
3. Opposing Jesus- actively or passively- is treason either way. Yikes.
That first one is the most applicable for us right now. Mike has been away for 11 weeks so far, and by the end of this whole thing, it will be about 15 weeks. Why would God do this? Why would he have us apart for so long? If I learned one thing from Pastor Mark's series on Job, DON'T ASK GOD WHY.
You know how when we plan, God laughs? Well I have some ideas of positive things that have come out of our separation. The negatives are obvious, so I won't focus on those. So here they are. Go ahead and laugh, God! My feelings won't be hurt.
1. Mike has become so independent and learned a whole new culture all by himself. He has been given a chance to travel, almost all on an expense account.
2. Frequent Flyer miles... I think as of right now we have enough for 4 round-trip tickets anywhere in the continental US.
3. If Mike hadn't been in England for an extended period of time, then I never would have been able to visit, and wouldn't have a nifty stamp on my passport. (first one!)
4. Since Mike left, I have been more diligent in my quiet time than ever before. And even when he was back for a week visiting, I was still able to keep it up. I may actually read through the whole Bible this year!
5. This has given me more time to spend with my single girlfriends and encourage them in their walks with Christ.
6. God could be protecting Mike from Swine Flu here in the US. You never know.
7. I was sick for the past 2 weeks with allergies that caused a severe cough, often waking me up in the middle of the night several times, as if I was choking. This would not have been good if Mike were in the bed next to me.
8. Plainly put, the apartment stays cleaner with just me. And trust me, I make enough mess for 2 people, but when it is just me, I tend to be neater.
Well lookie there! There IS something for me to blog about! Hopefully in this time apart, Mike and I will continue to grow personally, and then share what we've learned when this whole ordeal is over.
In Mike's absence, though, I have found a new 24 buddy! My friend Jennifer came over last week to watch it with me (b/c neither of us like watching it alone) and we're going to try to make it an every-week type of thing!
May is getting bizzzzzzzzzzy though. I'll try to keep up with the blogging. But then again don't I always say that?
Rachel <><
Pastor Mark delivered a message from Matthew 2 about the state of affairs in Jesus' region after he was born. Herod was in control. Herod was also nuts. He ordered the slaughter of all those baby boys under 2. So when Herod got threatened and freaked out, so did the people of his kingdom. There were 3 main points that I took away from this, and I want to share them:
1. God is unstoppable, in control, and always a step ahead, even when we don't see it.
2. Jesus is opposed- actively or passively- by those who are threatened by them.
3. Opposing Jesus- actively or passively- is treason either way. Yikes.
That first one is the most applicable for us right now. Mike has been away for 11 weeks so far, and by the end of this whole thing, it will be about 15 weeks. Why would God do this? Why would he have us apart for so long? If I learned one thing from Pastor Mark's series on Job, DON'T ASK GOD WHY.
You know how when we plan, God laughs? Well I have some ideas of positive things that have come out of our separation. The negatives are obvious, so I won't focus on those. So here they are. Go ahead and laugh, God! My feelings won't be hurt.
1. Mike has become so independent and learned a whole new culture all by himself. He has been given a chance to travel, almost all on an expense account.
2. Frequent Flyer miles... I think as of right now we have enough for 4 round-trip tickets anywhere in the continental US.
3. If Mike hadn't been in England for an extended period of time, then I never would have been able to visit, and wouldn't have a nifty stamp on my passport. (first one!)
4. Since Mike left, I have been more diligent in my quiet time than ever before. And even when he was back for a week visiting, I was still able to keep it up. I may actually read through the whole Bible this year!
5. This has given me more time to spend with my single girlfriends and encourage them in their walks with Christ.
6. God could be protecting Mike from Swine Flu here in the US. You never know.
7. I was sick for the past 2 weeks with allergies that caused a severe cough, often waking me up in the middle of the night several times, as if I was choking. This would not have been good if Mike were in the bed next to me.
8. Plainly put, the apartment stays cleaner with just me. And trust me, I make enough mess for 2 people, but when it is just me, I tend to be neater.
Well lookie there! There IS something for me to blog about! Hopefully in this time apart, Mike and I will continue to grow personally, and then share what we've learned when this whole ordeal is over.
In Mike's absence, though, I have found a new 24 buddy! My friend Jennifer came over last week to watch it with me (b/c neither of us like watching it alone) and we're going to try to make it an every-week type of thing!
May is getting bizzzzzzzzzzy though. I'll try to keep up with the blogging. But then again don't I always say that?
Rachel <><
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