RE:Me - Faith & Healing

Welcome!

Hopefully you're either one of my friends or are genuinely interested or just stumbled upon this blog by accident haha. In any case, I am glad you're here!...I hope to just ask questions, incite discussion, engage one another, but most importantly use this blog to pour out love, hope, and faith!

**Notice: Along the way I hope to update both the format and content of this cite and make it more intentional. That's what I want this to become, an intentional place to share, encourage, communicate and connect through our joys, pain, blessings, hardships, and faith or even lack thereof. But I need your help, input, thoughtful words, and wisdom to accomplish this!

So, I am playing around with calling this re-launch of my blog "RE:Me" as is referenced in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things become new." Any thoughts or alternate ideas you may have, I really hope you share them...because I know that I am not always the most creative. But I thought that this is relevant for a few reasons:

1. This is a NEW blog the old one has "passed away", its outdated. And being new can offer a fresh start, a clean slate.

2. As a christian, how can this possibly be more encouraging!? We are new creatures! If we are in Christ, old things have passed away, and ALL things become new!

3. Its about being honest, admitting our mistakes, past transgressions, owning it, and pressing on in faith.

I snapped this picture this past week because it honestly and practically shows how the growing pains I and we often go thru.

Often times we feel broken, hurt, dented, or cracked. There are weeds that so easily entangle us. Things effect us both positively and negatively. I am super guilty of this, and all too often letting affect my mood, communication with friends and family, interacctions, and relationships.

But, through the brokenness, God is continually working. I also need to confess that, I shamefully do not always have the strongest faith when it comes to believing this. There's a difference between knowing and believing. 

But beauty, growth, and NEWness can come from brokenness. What are your "old things"? And while this beauty and growth should be encouraging, we should be aware that it can sometimes occur during moments or periods of discomfort, pain, and tears. 

The outcome, however, should keep us hoping for what is unseen...the beautiful unfolding of the flower in the crack. The truth is that we are RE:made. We are a new creation, and if our faith is as big as our God, then sit back and watch what can grow in between the brokenness.

faith. hope. love.

 

2015 Stanley Cup Predictions

So this year we are gain having the Arron Reinard Stanley Cup Playoff Challenge.

It goes like this...myself, my friend Arraon and some friends he knows predict the winners of each round of the playoffs. The person with the most correct predictions wins. In the past there has been a point system associated with each round to help dtermine the winner.

This year we posted our picks on fb mainly because it was more convenient. 

Correct picks are in BOLD

Matt 
RD 1 - East: Rangers in 5, Canadians in 6, Islanders in 7, Tampa Bay in 6 
           West: Ducks in 5, Canucks in 7, Wild in 7, Predators in 7
RD 2 - East: Rangers in 7, Canadians in 7
            West: Hawks in 6, Ducks in 7
RD 3 - Hawks in 6, Rangers in 7

CHAMP: Hawks in 7

      

Randy

RD 1 - East: Canadians, Rangers, Capitals, and Lightning
            West: Blackhawks, Blues, Flames, and Jets
RD 2 - East: Canadians, Rangers
            West: Wild, Flames
RD 3 - Rangers v Ducks

CHAMP: Lightning

Mike
RD 1 - East - Senators (6), Lightning (6), Rangers (5), Caps (7)

            West - Wild (7), Hawks (6), Ducks (6), Canucks (5)

RD 2 - East: Lightning, Rangers
            West: Hawks, Ducks
RD 3 - Ducks (7) v Lightning (6)

CHAMP: Hawks

Aaron
RD 1 -  East - Canadians, Lightning, Rangers, Islanders

            West - Wild (6), Hawks (6), Ducks (7), Flames (6)

RD 2 - East: Rangers, Canadians
            West: Ducks, Wild
RD 3 - Lightning v Ducks

CHAMP: Lightning in 6

Jeff
RD 1 - East - Senators (7), Lightning (6), Rangers (7), Caps (7)

          West - Blues, Hawks, Ducks, Flames

RD 2 -East - Rangers (6), Lightning (7)
          West - Ducks (6), Hawks (7)

RD 3 - Rangers (7) vs Hawks (7)

CHAMP: Hawks in 6

Aarons Notes:

After round 1 here's how I see it correct me if I"m wrong. Jeff got 6 of 8 missing on Sens and Blues. Mike got 6 missing on the Canucks and sens. Randy got 6 of 8 missing on the Jets and Blues Matt got 5 of 8 missing on Isles, Canucks and Preds and for the first time (I think) in forever.....I won round 1 picks.....with 7 for 8 missing only on the Isles. 

Also I think this was the best first round picks we've all ever made collectively. Like.....no one really really sucked (that's usually me). Good job boys.

Here is how the points shake out:
Matt - 10
Randy - 8
Mike - 12
Aaron - 10
Jeff -  12

You can say it was a split. But I did correctly guess the Cup winner and the correct amount of games it'd take. I love doing this every year, mainly because I do not get to watch as much hockey as I would like, but I love the game. There isnt many other playoffs that are more exciting than the NHL. Til next year folks!

NHL Playoofs 2014

NHL Finals

Kings vs Rangers

First to pick the underdog. All the winning goes out the window...seriously, who cares? Hope its a great final with some awesome hockey. Exciting, hard hitting teams and great story lines.

Speaking of story lines, this is amazing...must watch!!

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=10938904

 Going with King Henry and the Eastern Conference...Rangers in 7

NHL Playoffs 2014

NHL Playoffs Rd 3

So, although I went 1-3 in the last round, all three losses ended in Game 7s. That's how close I came this year. However, probably not going to win but want a good and NEW finals matchup. For that to happen I have to play with the underdogs!

Rangers vs Canadians

NY City. Madison Square Garden. Though I somewhat despise the Rangers, itd be nice for them to win again.

Rangers in 7


Kings vs Blackhawks

I really like the way the Hawks are playing, but a NY vs LA finals would be a great showcase for the finals.

Kings in 7

NHL Playoffs 2014

NHL Playoffs - Rd 2

Bruins vs Canadians
I just dislike Montreal, its that simple. They dont do anything for me. If you hockey is all about passion and desire, thats reason enough to pick Boston. Bruins (in 6)

Rangers vs Pens 
Just cause most people are picking against them. And I am going to win then I want to pick not based on others, and just go with good, solid matchups. Pens (in 7) 

Ducks vs Kings
This one is very tough, I want to pick the Kings, theyre hot, they are streaky, they are somehow the favorite? But as a child I loved the Ducks, especially Paul Kariya. This ones for you Paul! Ducks (in 7)

Hawks vs Wild
If they dont beat themselves, Chicago is to most solid team in the playoffs, they'll go as far as Crawford takes them and how well they can fight. Hawks (in 6)

NHL PLAYOFFS 2014! - 5 Bloggers; 1 Winner!

NHL Playoffs - 1st Rd

Aaron Reinard Memorial Pick'em Inter-blog Tournament (aka ARMPIT): 

1 Bruins vs 8 Red Wings

Rask should win the Vezina, and a year after the bombing in Boston, I feel like they are ready for another run. Now the Wings have made the playoffs 23 years in a row! And they always come alive in the playoffs but I'm picking this year based on who I like, so lets go Beantown! Bruins (in 6) 

2 Penguins  vs 7 Blue Jackets 

 Blue Jackets might be a really tough out. I don't know why but Pens have lost the last 2 years to weaker opponents. Still I am a homer and with in Crosby we trust! (Fleury in the playoffs...not so much; but he's got to come up big eventually, right?) Pens (in 6)

3 Lightening vs 6 Canadians  

 Team Canada won the gold at the Winter Olympics, ugh...the US strikes back, go Lightning! U-S-A! U-S-A! Lightning ( in 5)

4 Rangers vs 5 Flyers

FLYERS SUCK! Rangers (in 5) 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 Ducks vs 8 Stars

The real Duck Dynasty begins this year! Getzlaf has been awesome and with Jiggy retiring recently, I hope there is enough karma for a good playoff run! I just always love how this team sticks with it. Ducks (in 6)

2 Avalanche vs 7 Wild  

The powerhouse at the beginning of the season, this is the BIG upset special folks, just not this year. I am just more excited for the 2nd round possible match ups out West. Avs (in 5)

3 Blues vs 6 Blackhawks

Chicago is my Boston of the West. Physically and mentally tough team that finds a way to win. The Blues are cracking down the stretch, and as much as I do like them, I don't see them having it this year. And Miller, as great as he is, always has that "one" goal a game that he shouldn't allow. But wouldn't shock me if the champs went out. Hawks (in 7)
 
4 Sharks vs 5 Kings

Cliche game! Knock-out, grind it out, physical, hard hits, Dr. bills, hospital visits....this series will be tough. Expecting each to dominate at home; so the team that wins on the other's ice will win the series. Kings (in 7)

- Best of luck everyone!

Birthday Traditions!

Aaron has asked me to share on the topic of birthdays. I would hope that most people look forward to their birthdays, I mean what’s not to like? There’s cake (or pie!), ice cream, family, friends, fire...I mean candles, and let us not forget PRESENTS!

When I think of birthdays, I think about traditions!  For some, birthday traditions might mean having those things I mentioned above: cake and candles, presents, and family. For me, it is all about my Grandma Ledebur. All of my favorite birthday traditions happen to involve my Grandma.  

See, my Grandma always wants to make your birthday extra special, so she has each of us over for our "birthday dinner". You even have a special seat at the table. You see, for as long as I can remember, and probably even before that my Grandma places coins under the birthday boy/girl's plate equaling how old they are. So when I turned 26, under my plate was a quarter and a shiny penny. Even though it is a small amount of money, we all look forward to it. It makes you feel loved. Additionally, my Grandma also insists on making whatever you want for your meal. My dinner is typically roast beef with and vegetables.  It doesn’t matter how many times I have my Grandma’s roast beef, it always tastes amazing and she always seems to put love into to making it. Then we finish each birthday meal with a delicious chocolate cake or dessert of your choice. She just recently turned 92 and so for her birthday I wanted to make her her own cake. It turned out well and was a pretty cool experience. And now I will hopefully one day get to continue these traditions she carried on with my family.

But traditions need to start somewhere. For instance, I am sure my Grandma had someone putting money under her plate when she was a little girl and therefore she carries on that tradition with us. It is often our family who implants the traditions in our lives. For me, these traditions carry over to my faith, my friends, and work. They get ingrained in my friendships and I think that traditions are most fun when you can share them with others.

So why do birthdays matter? Because they are a reminder, yes of how old we are, but also because they are a tradition you will celebrate each year with the people you care about the most. So if you have a birthday coming up, Happy Birthday and make sure to celebrate and carry on those traditions! (Insert funny have your cake and eat it too line!)

 

NHL CONFERENCE FINALS!

Clear eyes, Full hearts, Can't lose!

Round 2 was much friendlier to me. Went 4 for 4 on my pick of the Pens, Bruins, Hawks, and Kings and 13pts overall. I generally like all these teams, I really do! Pens have passion, Bruins have heart, Kings have resiliency, and Hawks have the will. They also have all been the last four Stanley Cup Champs! 

So this is going to be really hard to pick. There are favorites in each series, but if the hockey playoffs have taught us anything its that there are no rules when it comes playoff time.

However, this year the home ice has been an advantage. Each team has had big wins at home and struggled a bit on the road. But it really means nothing. So drop the puck fellas! Here we go with the picks, down to the final stretch...

Pens in 6
Hawks in 7

Above all, this pick 'em stuff doesn't matter in the end...it will be GREAT hockey. A reminder to those who bet on games, make predictions, and silly bets. Please, enjoy the games. We all root for "our" team, but it is a beautiful game so watch it and enjoy it for what it is. #hockeylove

Round 2

Pens in 6
Bruins in 7

Hawks in 7
Kings in 6

...a more complete analysis coming soon!

2013 NHL Playoffs! Drop the Puck!

Quick Recap:

This is the third year of my participation in the Aaron Reinard Hock-Blog Spectacular: Last year was not a complete wash as I was only one game under .500 and picked the Kings. But this is the year, I can feel it!

Here are the match-ups & my 2013 NHL playoff predictions:

 

1 Penguins v. 8 Islanders

2 Canadians v. 7 Senators

3 Capitals v. 6 Rangers

4 Bruins v. 5 Leafs

East: Pens (in 5); Canadians ( in 7); Capitals (in 7); Bruins (in 5)
 

1 Blackhawks v. 8 Wild

2 Ducks v. 7 Red Wings

3 Canucks v. 6 Sharks

4 Blues v. 5 Kings

West: Hawks (in 4); Ducks (in 7); Sharks (in 6); Kings (in 6)

Yes. I went chalk in the East. Are the Isles beating the Pens? No. It would be the upset of all upsets…but it also wont happen. Tavares will get hot in this series but no one else will step up enough to help him out. But watch for Marc-Andre Fleury throughout the playoffs. He blew it last year against the Flyers and will need to be strong the whole playoffs for the Pens to win the Cup. I honestly dont know who to pick between Montreal and Ottawa. I literally havent watched them, even when they did play Pittsburgh. I don't think Ottawa is strong mentally so I guess I will lean toward Canadians. Ovechkin can carry the team on his back and pull it off, at least for round 1. I feel like this is a TRAP pick, and no matter who I pick they other team will will. No Timmy Thomas, but hold on boys & girls, we are back on the Bruins bandwagon. On paper and on the ice, Boston should win. 

And if those reasons are not good enough, here is the best of the rest:

• A penguin spends 75% of its life on ice...clearly a sign.
• I hate picking the Caps, so why pick them? Reverse psychology friends.
• Senators bring us low employment, crappy healthcare, education cuts, etc. Canadians on the other hand bring us Tim Horton's! 
• With recent events there will be a lot of emotion, heart, and passion at the Garden #BostonStrong.

Chicago in four. Enough said. The Ducks/Wings match up is intriguing. After almost missing the playoffs for the first time in 22 or some odd years, the Red Wings have life. It should make for an up and down series and a long series too, but my gut says the Ducks. Both Vancouver and San Jose have the ability to blow this series and take an early vacation. That being said, lets have fun and go upset, I mean, why not the Sharks? The Blues have been on a hot streak and the Kings are the defending champs. Have some pride L.A.!  

 Other worthy points:

• In Mighty Ducks the nemesis of Charlie and the gang was who? - Yep, the Hawks!
• Keep the theme going...quack...quack...quack...quack..quack.quack.quack! The quack attack is back jack!
• 104 days, 41hours, 4mins, 12sec until SHARK WEEK 2013!
• Blues? Well, that's depressing....plus, the Lakers are out of the NBA playoffs so Jack Nickelson has to root for someone. right? Go Kings!

- Best of luck to my competitors! Lets go Pens!

PLAY!

So let me set this up. Last weekend I took a group of students from University of Pittsburgh at Titusville, where I work, to Jubilee, a christian conference for college students held each year in the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. This was my 6th year going and pretty much love it every year! 

At Jubilee there are: large gatherings, where students from over 30 or so colleges all come together to hear from amazing well-known speakers and sing along and worship together.....then, there are also workshops - or breakout sessions where students go to hear different speakers talk about how we can connect our faith to our vocation, careers, & passions. 

This year, speakers included author & director of Restore International, Bob Goff (look him up!), Tullian Tchividjian (Billy Graham's grandson), and author, Derek Mellaby. There are also exhibition tables if you're interested in seminary or summer camps or mission/social activism. 

This year, Jubilee also held an essay contest asking for submissions about where God is working in your life as a college student and how you hope to serve him in your career as a result.

The following article is by the winner, Brittany Tietje, a student at Slippery Rock (SRU) who submitted her story to The High Calling, a Christian magazine. 

Play as Work

Recreation, simply put, is the grown-up way of saying “play.” Play relieves stress, increases physical and mental fitness, and introduces new ways of learning. And the public is becoming more aware of the benefits of recreation as part of a healthy lifestyle. But in a world filled with “go-getter” attitudes, competitive spirits, and the drive for “keeping up with the Joneses,” where is there time for leisure and play?

I have often wondered this myself. A college senior and an avid lover of the outdoors, I would much rather go hiking, spend the day rock-climbing, or even sit in a tree and read than go to work or class. As I draw closer to entering the work force, I view my future with significant trepidation.

Most discussions with working adults who intend to offer their advice and support for my future include the forewarning that “college is the best time of your life, so have fun now.” While I appreciate their concern, I can’t bring myself to believe that God calls us into careers that bore and frustrate us on a daily basis.

I deeply believe that, though this earth is broken due to the fall, God works in and through us so that we can experience His goodness in our everyday lives. That includes work. Recently, I began to realize the potential for recreation itself to be a kind of work that shows this goodness.

Imagine this scenario. Your office team has been working on a big project, and while the deadline is rapidly approaching, advancement has suddenly stopped. Unfortunately, the team seems unable to refocus as a unit to finish this project. Your boss decides to send everyone to a team-building workshop. You spend the day on a ropes course having fun and playing games that challenge you and the team mentally and physically. The facilitator works through the elements to increase communication, encourage negotiation, highlight varied strengths and weaknesses among the team, and promote overall ability to function at a higher level together. The next day at work you not only have some valuable memories and laughable moments to reflect upon, you also have an experience to draw from that sets you back on track for completing that big project on time.

I am a Parks and Recreation major. My career goal is to glorify God through play. As I look to my future, I see the opportunity to be the facilitator in the above scenario.
God is glorified by people experiencing a community that knows and cares about its members. God is glorified by people discovering the strengths He has given them and how to use those strengths. God is glorified by children and adults learning in nontraditional methods about valuable skills such as teamwork, acceptance, forgiveness, endurance, and patience; all skills that can be developed through experiential education activities. That is why I see this scenario, and others like it, as a way for me to glorify God.

I still expect life after college will be a lot of hard work. Life in college is a lot of hard work. More importantly, I’ve realized that the key to enjoying my future as much or more than the present will be to choose every day to find some little way to play, and then use that moment to serve others and glorify God.

Post written by Brittany Tietje, a senior majoring in Parks and Recreation Management.

-- This article is the first of four in a series that will introduce the next generation of young professionals to our High Calling readers.