Chasing Snowballs....

The Christmas festivities have begun! We kicked off the season with our 2nd Annual Segregation Christmas! I so look forward to our segregation nights. :) I just gotta say that these girls mean so much to me and I don't know what I would do without them! We did a $10 gift exchange and I ended up with a fancy fruit bowl and serving dish from Erin. Very cool.


We have been hit by massive amounts of snow in the past 3 days. I think we've gotten close to 2 feet and it isn't going to let up for another day!

Yes... this is my driveway and my car... and I no, I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon.

My wonderful hubby and me. :)

My little snow dog. I had a GREAT time watching this silly little pup chase snowballs in the back yard. Haha. I had to get the camera out and document some of it. :)

I can hardly believe that Christmas is in 4 days! This past year just went by SO fast. We have been so blessed throughout this past year though... here are just a few of the reasons why (and yes, Erin... I copied this wonderful idea from your blog. Haha.)... :)

• Another year of marriage to my wonderful husband, Jordan.
• Starting grad school... looking forward to a career in counseling... so exciting!
• A new job with ACCESS - the best place to work ever!
• My pup and kitty. :) They make life so entertaining and enjoyable!
• My sister, Krista, and Ben (finally) getting engaged!! Looking forward to 5/23/09!
• A vacation to Gatlinburg, TN with my hubby... a great way to spend our 2 year anniversary.
• Realizing that really living is keeping life simple and passionate... finding opportunities to make a difference in the small ways.
• Taking my health and fitness seriously. I love running!!
  
• Spending time with family... nothing tops this.
• My friends... God has blessed us SO much with some amazing friendships.

I can't wait to see how God uses us and blesses us in this next year.

About Me

::Lindsy Griffis::

I am a young nonprofit professional working as Development Director of a small local nonprofit in Grand Rapids, MI.  Although I am new to the nonprofit sector, I am fascinated by what I have learned in the past year.  I am passionate about the good that is happening in the Grand Rapids community and continually look for ways to educate myself in the area of nonprofit development, leadership, organization, and advocacy.  While you are sure to hear me talk about the work I do as Development Director, know that my thoughts and beliefs are mine separate from any organization I may be involved with.

Apart from work, I am first and foremost a wife and a Christ follower.  My husband, Jordan, and I live in Grandville, MI and have a cat and a dog (whom I love).  We are musicians through and through and enjoy listening to and making music together.  Reading is also a favorite pastime of ours and you may find me reading the latest book on leadership, faith, or personal growth.  I will be sure to mention my favorites.  Jordan and I are also what I would call “core church people”.  We are natural leaders and are passionate about the work of the church.  At this time we are in transition and are looking for our church home – we are excited to see where we land at the end of this detour.

I have always been an avid “journaler” – even before blogs existed (if you can believe that!).  I have decided that it is time to let the social networking world in on this conversation and see what we can possibly share and learn from each other.

Turkey Time!

Thanksgiving has come and gone. How time flies! We had the pleasure of spending time with Jordan's family for the whole weekend which was a great time! I always enjoy spending time with them and playing with his younger brothers - Kevin - 16, Joel - 14, and Drew - 12 in 2 weeks! I never had younger brothers, so it is kind of fun for me to hang out with them and be kind of a "big sister" role... although much of the time was spent playing video games. :)

This Thanksgiving I was able to really sit and dwell on how incredibly blessed Jordan and I are... and I feel more thanks in my heart than I think I have before. In my new job, I am working to help eliminate hunger and poverty... which is all around us... in our own neighborhoods and cities... and we don't see it, unless you look for it. This year, the need has hit us stronger than ever before... and I am so extremely thankful for stable jobs and not having to worry about food on the table or paying bills. I realize more and more that this is a blessing from God... and not something that I have earned or deserve. I am thankful for a loving husband who clearly puts others ahead of himself. I am truly blessed!!

Here are some pics from the weekend. Unfortunately we didn't have the camera out much except for the last hour we were there... but oh well! And most of the pictures are of the dogs... but I am thankful for them too!!

Mom Griffis and Drew make homemade rolls. Mmm mmm!

I had lots of fun with the pups! :) The more dogs the better in my book!

Again... happy to be covered with pups!

Macy and her cousin Buster being good dogs.

Haha... Macy's reaction when I gave Buster the treat first.

We had the first annual Thanksgiving get-together at our house this year with our friends. :) We have "segregation nights" where all us couples get together only to segregate the boys from the girls and have some good bonding time!

And of course Macy demands to be the center of attention.

Yummy cheese dip!

Overwhelmed... and loving it!

I am officially 2 weeks into grad school!

At this point I am completely overwhelmed with all that I have to do in the next 2 1/2 years, but I know it will be SO well worth it. I have found myself doubting if this is something I can actually do... will I be an effective counselor? Will I be able to actually counsel in a role that I enjoy? Will it be worth the thousands of dollars we are spending on this education? God has lead me here - so my answer is yes. It will be challenging, but that is why I am doing it. I want to grow as a person and as a "helper" in this world.

I am reading this book for my first class called Becoming a Helper by Marianne Schneider Corey and Gerald Corey. I am actually REALLY enjoying it - it is very applicable to where I am at in this journey - as they even discuss their own questions, concerns, and insecurities as they were beginning in this profession. They assure the reader that it is "okay" to feel this way - everyone does. I feel a huge amount of reassurance in reading this and confidence that I am taking the right steps.

Here they list suggestions for creating your professional journey - things I should keep in mind as I step into the counseling profession. However - I think these are good suggestions for anyone starting a new career.

• Look for opportunities to stretch yourself. Focus on what you can do rather than the limitations you have.
• Seek help when you need it, both personally and professionally.
• Find a group of people who are supportive and can offer you encouragement.
• Seek out at least one mentor and become closely networked with others in the helping professions.
• Get supervision and be open to feedback and learning.
• Remain connected to those people who mean the most to you in your life. Take time for your family and your spiritual core.
• Strive to integrate your personal and professional journeys. Be committed to taking care of yourself in all ways.
• Learn about people from cultures different from yours and become culturally competent.
• Stay humble and open. Be your genuine self. Lear from others and integrate that into who you are.
• Listen to your intuitive voice and create your own path.
• Don't think of mistakes as failures but rather as opportunities for growth and change.
• Establish both long-term and short-term goals.
• Realize that much fo your education will soon be out of date.
• Recognize that obstacles, disappointments, and failures are all teachable moments.
• Maintain a sense of humor.
• You're a part of the future. You can make a significant difference. Become an agent of individual and social change.
• Don't become easily discouraged.
• Work hard and set high standards for yourself.
• Think globally, act locally.
• Give back to the profession. Join a professional organization and attend conferences.
• Read, discuss, reflect, and keep a journal.
• Don't focus on the financial aspects of a job.
• Develop interests outside of the counseling field.
• Identify your strengths and limitations. Seek out self-exploration and therapeutic experiences.
• Keep life simple and passionate.
• Dare to dream and have the courage to pursue your passions.
  

I find these statements EXTREMELY encouraging. Reminding me that this is something that I CAN do with great success!! :)

I have decided that I am not doing the School Counseling emphasis anymore, but rather the Community Counseling. This will give me a wider variety of experience and exposure to different types of situations in my internship and elective courses - which will help me to eventually land a job somewhere. I have a passion for youth and young women - and I do not feel that I necessarily NEED to be in a school in order to do what I want to do. I don't want to limit myself to only working in a school at this point. While the School Counseling degree wouldn't limit me in that I would still graduate with a LLPC, my experience would not be as diverse and that is something that I want. We'll see - down the road I may want to take courses in School Counseling and see what I can do... but that is my decision for now!

Jordan has been EXTREMELY supportive and encouraging as I embark on this journey. I obviously don't have as much time to lounge around with him, but he is letting me study and do homework as he works on the house - relieving some of this work for me. He is an amazing husband! :) I guess that is why I married him!

So little time.

This summer has flown by and I can't believe that we are heading into fall already. Stores already have Halloween candy out (ridiculous) and the air is getting cooler and cooler (which I personally like).

Gettin' Educated

First on the agenda of updates is the fact that I was accepted to Spring Arbors Masters program for School Counseling! (Yaay!!!)... which is both exciting and terrifying. I know I will do great if I stay disciplined, but it will be time consuming. And this is my last weekend as a free woman - I start Tuesday (On August 19... mine and Jordan's anniversary).

Hike the Smokeys

Late in July - Jordan and I spent a wonderful relaxing week in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. We hiked, shopped, and watched cabel TV!!! It was great to get away from it all before I start into my busy school schedule and we are considering it our 2 year anniversary trip a little early. :) There is a reason they are called "Smokey". This is the view from one of the hiking trails we did. This one went 10 miles (round trip) up to Mount LeConte.
We did a hike up to Rainbow Falls - an 8 mile loop that ends up at a 80 ft free falling waterfall! It was beautiful! However... weeks later we heard in the news that a young boy and his father were mauled by a bear on this very trail!! Yikes!... scary!

Can You Feel the Love??

On July 3, 2008 my sister, Krista and her boyfriend of nearly 7 years, Ben, got engaged!!! (finally.) They are getting married on May 23, 2009 and I couldn't be MORE thrilled for them! It will be great when Ben is finally an official member of the family. They asked Jordan and I if we would take their engagement pictures - something we have NEVER done before - but we agreed... keeping in the back of our minds that it was free and if they sucked they could always pay a professional. :) However, I was pleasantly surprised at how GREAT they turned out!! Of course - it makes it easier when you are taking pictures of such photogenic people. Here are a few of my favorites...(p.s. if you click on the picture you can see it life size!)

2nd Annual "Hunting Club" Weekend

Last weekend we met up with my parents and Ben and Krista for a weekend at the "Hunting Club" up near Standish. The "Hunting Club" is what it is... meant for hunting... with a lodge to show all of the successful hunting trips throughout the years. We stayed at my grandparents old trailor - which was probably bought a good 40ish years ago... needless to say it needs some updating, but it works for a nice getaway. Jordan, Dad, and Ben have had talks of someday building a cabin up there and making it nicer for weekend trips.

This is Ben throwing himself off the paddle-boat into the mucky lake. Macy had her first swim at this time too! She was SHOCKED at first, but eventually ended up jumping off the boat and paddling a short way to shore to come back to her mommy (me.)

You better believe that there was fishing.

We were corn-holein' with the best of them. I'm pretty sure I was beat each time I played.

Macy had the time of her life running around free in and eating lots of sticks. I think Dad enjoyed playing with her too... not sure who enjoyed it more though. :) Haha.

While we were in Vol Country, we got Macy a Tennessee Vols scarf so she can cheer the team on with Mom this fall.

2nd annual hunting club family photo. This time including Macy who is not quite sure what that blinking light is on the camera. :)

Training Mode...

SO - I have decided that I am going to train for a 5K this fall! There are a number of races in September, so that gives me 2 months to get ready. I want to get in shape and try to increase my endurance to run further and faster! I have already run 3 days this week with my longest run being 2.8 miles. I read an article by Jeff Galloway to increase mileage by 1/2 a mile each week on my long run. My long runs are going to be on Saturdays, and I'll use this blog to update my training as well! So - this Saturday, I'll be running 3.3 miles (and we'll see if I can actually run the entire time...). Here is my route...


I am really excited to push myself in this way... I was on a consistent running schedule last summer and never felt better. I need to keep it up!!

Also... yesterday I had my interview/timed test for grad school. I was so nervous, because on Tuesday my admissions rep had called me and told me that from the last batch of interviews 4 people were rejected!! I found this to be quite discouraging, but did my best and will pray that those making the decision would seek God's guidance in this!! And... if I am not accepted, that means I have some praying to do about what God wants for my life! I would be absolutely THRILLED to be accepted, but I know it is competitive... I'll keep you upated.

One last announcement... Last week Thursday Ben and Krista got ENGAGED!!! I am so so thrilled for them. They have been dating nearly 7 years and have handled their relationship in such an amazing way, pleasing to God. I can't wait to be a part of their wedding (I am the matron of honor... sounds so old!). We are getting together tonight to begin the first steps in planning! Fun!!

Lots of changes - as always! But they are all good. Thanks so much for your friendship and prayers!

Loving the Spring Weather...

A couple of updates in the recent weeks...

I have entered my application to Spring Arbor University for grad school!!  I still have an interview and a test where I need to write a timed paper, but otherwise all my materials are in.  I am VERY excited and would love it if you would keep me in your prayers as I pursue this goal!

Also - earlier this week I got a new bike!  It is a hybrid road bike and I am super excited to start exercising on it.  I have been on a quest for the past year or so to up my physical fitness and hopefully lose a little weight.  I lost 25 lbs last year (can you believe it??) and over Christmas gained about 5lbs back.  Now to reach my ultimate goal, I'd like to drop about 10lbs more and just increase my fitness and endurance.  I figure the more people I tell about this, the more they can hold me accountable.  I had been doing exercise videos, running, and exercising at the gym with my primary cardio the elliptical.  I really want to get into cycling.  I have circulation problems in my feet and have horrible knees.  My knees don't hurt while I run, but I usually feel it the next day.  I'm hoping that biking will be fun for me and also be a way to build my endurance without hurting myself.  Luckily there are a lot of GREAT trails around me!  I can't bike too far right now without feeling it, but I want to be able to log 50+ miles a week once I get into it.  This is a good time of year to begin, because I still have at least 5 months of biking weather ahead.  I'll see what I can do after that. :)

Taking the plunge...

I think I finally made the decision to go for my Masters degree. I spoke with someone today from Spring Arbor University about their Counseling program and it sounded like a perfect fit for Jordan and I at this point in life. They have an "accelerated" program that would allow me to finish in 32 months taking class only 1x a week. Sounds GREAT! I have to get all my application materials in ASAP - and hopefully I will be able to begin in August. AHH!! It is scary, but I am thrilled. Prayers would be appreciated... that my app will get in on time (which mainly means my references) and that I will be accepted and able to begin in August!

Jordan and I have lately been doing more around the outside of the house while the inside is on "hold" for a little while. It is sooo nice with the warm weather and fun to play outside with Macy. :)

Contact Me

email| lindsy.griffis@gmail.com
facebook| www.facebook.com/lindsy.griffis
twitter| www.twitter.com/LGriffis84
linkedin| www.linkedin.com/in/lindsygriffis

lookin' forward

I have missed blogging. I used to post on a weekly basis and I loved it - helped me to gather my thoughts and take on a different perspective.

Lately my thoughts have been on whats next. I have a difficult time being content with where I am which is a blessing and a curse. In some ways I don't take the time to be thankful for where I'm at right now and what I've been blessed with. On the other hand, it is good to keep moving forward. Right now I am looking into graduate school. After much thinking and evaluating, I think that school counseling may be the right path. It is a better fit for me and what I want in life than getting my MSW and I would actually be excited to begin school again! Jordan is excited and supportive of this, just wants to make sure that we wouldn't be too busy for each other. Crazy as it is - sometimes I feel like we have less time together now than when we were dating. We'll make sure we have our time together though... regardless of how busy our schedules are. And I really like the idea of being on a school schedule when I have kids one day. If it takes some tough work for the next couple of years to get there, that is worth it in my opinion. In the meantime, I know Jordan sometimes feels great with his job and sometimes doesn't. Pray for clarity and direction for him as well. He is also waiting for whatever is next (..aren't we all..) Sometimes it is just difficult to be patient.

Macy began puppy kindergarten a couple of weeks ago!! :) I am so proud of her - she is doing great! She is a wimpy puppy sometimes, but has been going through tunnels and up ramps like a champ! I love my babies.

Love you all.