For my birthday I had the idea to go back to my childhood and purchase a great set of DVDs from the 90s. The TV show being one that I spent much of my time enjoying after school with a snack (the good old days), Boy Meets World. If you grew up in the mid to late 90s you knew what Boy Meets World was and it had the same premise of most of those after school family drama/comedies. Great family, goofy brother, & funny teacher that seem to always get in trouble, but most of all have a story to tell in a quick 30 minutes. Watching all of the seasons in a row makes me realize the cheesy nature of the show, but it also reminds me of the life lessons that I learned while I was young. Even more it reminds me of the lessons that I need to learn now.
I recently had a conversation with a great friend and that friend reminded me of the amazing life that I truly have. I have been blessed for the past 5 years to have known an amazing woman, introduced to her in October 2008. We were two different people back then, young and stupid, but little did I know that she would be the person I would have the honor of spending the rest of my life with her. A young 19 year old kid who was blessed with an 18 year old girl who was loving enough to give me a chance. 5 years later our love continues to grow daily, our family continues to grow, but most of all we continue to understand and value the fact that our love is what is most important.
A great friend of mine reminds me that even if everything in your life seems to be in shambles, you must understand that love is the thing that reigns true through all things. It reigns true because it was love that God ordained from the beginning. The love that he made an example of when he sacrificed his son for the entire world. This is the example that we have the opportunity to follow and I am so blessed to have a wife to share this type of love with. Life may be stressful, life may be hard, but love is all i need.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Indie Thoughts // Normal Mind
Showing posts with label Future. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Future. Show all posts
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Monday, October 21, 2013
The Big Move...
As many of you may know, Jenny and I recently moved to a new state and a new home. Detroit, MI has been our home for the last year, but after an amazing opportunity to pursue a wonderful job at Element Three. Her dream job and our dream opportunity to be close to our family, friends, & one of our favorite states. Jenny is truly an Indiana girl and we are so happy to be here.
We recently moved in the Carmel Landing apartments in Carmel/Westfield, IN and we could not be happier. We were so blessed to find a great apartment in a great community. Not to mention Indie could not be happier to have found a new home with a patio a yard and much more. He is so excited to have friends (Mr. Boo & many others) although he is saddened to be without his best friends from Michigan, Hershey & Max.
We are so happy to be in this place, but I am sad that we left behind some great friends and students in Michigan. We miss you all so much and hope to see you very soon. We are always praying for you and Twin Oaks has a special place in our hearts.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Wet Feet...
If you haven't already, I strongly urge you to purchase the book Circle Maker by Mark Batterson. It is a great story about a faith journey for National Community Church. Most of all it teaches us as pastor to reinvent the way that we pray and the way that we interact with our Lord. But what I have found most recently is the way that I pray is being forever changed. The way I think about my relationship with God is coming alive through the way that I communicate with him.
I just recently started the Draw the Circle 40 Day Prayer Challenge that is laid out in the book and the companion. Reading today I found a text that was so empowering. That is the story of the Israelities crossing the Jordan River.
It is explained that the Israelities were making along journey to the promise land and they were on the cusp of finally making it there and the only thing that stood in their way was the mighty Jordan River during flood season. This was the most intimidating thing that they faced since the parting of the Red Sea. Yet another daunting task that they had to face in order to achieve what God called them to. But what is interesting about this story is that God called the Israelities to take the first step. He promised them that when they go their feet wet, the River would be stopped and they would walk across on dry ground. Therefore they had a decision to make, would they wait for God to make something happen before or would they be willing to get their feet wet and make the first move.
This is the issue that rescinates so much with my life because so much of the time what God is calling me to is so close, but I spend my life waiting for God to make the first move, when in fact God is waiting on me to get my feet wet. I don't know how close I have been to the dreams God has ordained me for and I am waiting for him to move. But this text suggests something so different. That is the idea that sometimes, God is waiting for us to step out in faith and say "I know it doesn't look like it now, but if I get my feet wet and step into the raging Jordan, then you will complete your side of the bargain and allow us to walk on dry ground." How many times are we waiting for God's will to be revealed in our lives when in fact God is waiting for us to step out in faith, so that he could then reveal his will in us?
What things are holding you back from truly stepping into the river and saying God I am ready and willing for you to part it. So much of the time we spend our time so close to our dreams when in fact they are there for the taking if we are willing to make the first move.
God is saying it is time for us to move, are you willing to take the first step and truly get your feet WET.
till another day,
normallyINDIE.
I just recently started the Draw the Circle 40 Day Prayer Challenge that is laid out in the book and the companion. Reading today I found a text that was so empowering. That is the story of the Israelities crossing the Jordan River.
It is explained that the Israelities were making along journey to the promise land and they were on the cusp of finally making it there and the only thing that stood in their way was the mighty Jordan River during flood season. This was the most intimidating thing that they faced since the parting of the Red Sea. Yet another daunting task that they had to face in order to achieve what God called them to. But what is interesting about this story is that God called the Israelities to take the first step. He promised them that when they go their feet wet, the River would be stopped and they would walk across on dry ground. Therefore they had a decision to make, would they wait for God to make something happen before or would they be willing to get their feet wet and make the first move.
This is the issue that rescinates so much with my life because so much of the time what God is calling me to is so close, but I spend my life waiting for God to make the first move, when in fact God is waiting on me to get my feet wet. I don't know how close I have been to the dreams God has ordained me for and I am waiting for him to move. But this text suggests something so different. That is the idea that sometimes, God is waiting for us to step out in faith and say "I know it doesn't look like it now, but if I get my feet wet and step into the raging Jordan, then you will complete your side of the bargain and allow us to walk on dry ground." How many times are we waiting for God's will to be revealed in our lives when in fact God is waiting for us to step out in faith, so that he could then reveal his will in us?
What things are holding you back from truly stepping into the river and saying God I am ready and willing for you to part it. So much of the time we spend our time so close to our dreams when in fact they are there for the taking if we are willing to make the first move.
God is saying it is time for us to move, are you willing to take the first step and truly get your feet WET.
till another day,
normallyINDIE.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Cousin Eddie's Big Day...
I have had the honor of getting to know this man, my cousin, Edward J. Schmidt for the past 10 years of my life. He is an amazing man of God and has always been one of the main influences in my life. I am so honored and blessed to have him as a part of our family and could not be happier for his Ordination tomorrow.
Many of you reading this may have met Eddie before, but if you haven't let me explain a little bit about who this man is.
I first met Eddie in Shop class in 7th grade at Chiddix Junior High School. At the time Eddie and I both were a bit nerdy, but he had a way with words and especially telling jokes. He was definitely the class clown of the Chiddix Team Titans and was so funny to be around. I continued to get to know Eddie as we both started to get involved with Remix, mentored under Joel Craig, at Eastview Christian Church, Normal, IL. We went on our first missions trip together to Cincinnati, OH in 2003 (Know Sweat) followed by a trip to Mexico, 2 Trips to DR/Haiti, & 5 Trips to CIY Move. We spent so many hours together getting to know each other, but it really wasn't until we decided that we were both going to Cincinnati Christian University that we became family.
At the time I did not know Eddie well, but we thought what the heck, we might as well room together. There is no other people from our hometown going to CCU so at least we had that going for us. We could not have been more right. We spent the rest of our senior year/summer getting to know each other and by the time we came to CCU we were joined at the hip.
While at CCU we created traditions like Friday Naps, Movie Nights, & Roomie Playlists (Power of Love). Not to mention became known as those "two annoying guys that always are with each other". We were a lot to handle, but we had a group of friends that fit like a glove and we could not be happier to still have those relationships today.
Eddie then went our separate ways, as Eddie ventured off to Australia, England, & Florida, I went to work with Bloc Ministries, & met my beautiful wife Jenny in Indianapolis.
Our journeys have led us so many places (Detroit, MI), but one thing is for sure Eddie and I are family and we will stay that way. Eddie is one of the most kind-hearted, genuine, loving, and comfortable people to be around. He lights a room the second he walks in and he is a diligent scholar when it comes to understanding God's word. I look up to him in so many ways and I am so honored to call him my brother in Christ.
Eddie, I am so happy for you and congratulations on your ordination. Welcome to the ministry my friend and it is going to be such an exciting journey. One thing is for sure, there will be highs and lows, but you know that Jenny and I will always be here for you. We love you so very much and couldn't be more proud of our cousin Eddie.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Many of you reading this may have met Eddie before, but if you haven't let me explain a little bit about who this man is.
I first met Eddie in Shop class in 7th grade at Chiddix Junior High School. At the time Eddie and I both were a bit nerdy, but he had a way with words and especially telling jokes. He was definitely the class clown of the Chiddix Team Titans and was so funny to be around. I continued to get to know Eddie as we both started to get involved with Remix, mentored under Joel Craig, at Eastview Christian Church, Normal, IL. We went on our first missions trip together to Cincinnati, OH in 2003 (Know Sweat) followed by a trip to Mexico, 2 Trips to DR/Haiti, & 5 Trips to CIY Move. We spent so many hours together getting to know each other, but it really wasn't until we decided that we were both going to Cincinnati Christian University that we became family.
At the time I did not know Eddie well, but we thought what the heck, we might as well room together. There is no other people from our hometown going to CCU so at least we had that going for us. We could not have been more right. We spent the rest of our senior year/summer getting to know each other and by the time we came to CCU we were joined at the hip.
While at CCU we created traditions like Friday Naps, Movie Nights, & Roomie Playlists (Power of Love). Not to mention became known as those "two annoying guys that always are with each other". We were a lot to handle, but we had a group of friends that fit like a glove and we could not be happier to still have those relationships today.
Eddie then went our separate ways, as Eddie ventured off to Australia, England, & Florida, I went to work with Bloc Ministries, & met my beautiful wife Jenny in Indianapolis.
Our journeys have led us so many places (Detroit, MI), but one thing is for sure Eddie and I are family and we will stay that way. Eddie is one of the most kind-hearted, genuine, loving, and comfortable people to be around. He lights a room the second he walks in and he is a diligent scholar when it comes to understanding God's word. I look up to him in so many ways and I am so honored to call him my brother in Christ.
Eddie, I am so happy for you and congratulations on your ordination. Welcome to the ministry my friend and it is going to be such an exciting journey. One thing is for sure, there will be highs and lows, but you know that Jenny and I will always be here for you. We love you so very much and couldn't be more proud of our cousin Eddie.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
2012? We are still here...
It is now January of 2013 and the Mayans were wrong and we are still here. With that being said, I would like to take a look back at the year that was truly amazing for the Tod Family. If you received the wonderfully designed Christmas cards from my Wife, Jennifer of Turquoise Feathers Studio, LLC, you know that 2012 was a big year for us. Just to lay out a couple reasons for why 2012 was such an amazing year for us.
I accepted my first position in ministry as the Community Youth Coordinator at Groesbeck UMC in Cincinnati, OH on Jan. 2nd 2012.
Jennifer & I tied the knot at the Harrison Center for the Arts in Downtown Indianapolis, IN March 10th, 2012.
Jennifer & I moved into our first apartment in March in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.
Jennifer & I graduated from Herron School of Art & Cincinnati Christian University (respectively) on May 12th - May 13th 2012.
I transitioned into the position of Pastor of Student Ministries at Groesbeck UMC in Cincinnati, OH.
We introduced Indie Tod into the world as we adopted our first puppy in August of 2012.
I accepted the position of Student Ministries Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, MI.
Jennifer & I moved to Southgate, MI in the Down River District of Detroit, MI.
I introduced the rebranding of the Student Ministries at TOCC entitled The Uprising
Jennifer accepted the position of Graphic Designer & Social Media Director at Mousetrap Mobile in Royal Oak, MI.
Jennifer's freelance graphic design business became an official LLC under the name, Turquoise Feathers Studio, LLC in November of 2012.
I preached my first sermon at the main sunday morning service at Twin Oaks CC on Dec. 30th, 2012.
As you can see, this year has been as crazy as they come. We are looking forward to not moving as well as transitioning into new jobs. But we are also excited about the new opportunities that will come to us in 2013. Just a few things we are looking forward to are, Turquoise Feathers becoming a huge company, Missions Trip to Dominican Republic, Moving into our first house. It should yet again be an exciting year in 2013 and I will keep you updated through this blog.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
I accepted my first position in ministry as the Community Youth Coordinator at Groesbeck UMC in Cincinnati, OH on Jan. 2nd 2012.
Jennifer & I tied the knot at the Harrison Center for the Arts in Downtown Indianapolis, IN March 10th, 2012.
Jennifer & I moved into our first apartment in March in Downtown Cincinnati, OH.
Jennifer & I graduated from Herron School of Art & Cincinnati Christian University (respectively) on May 12th - May 13th 2012.
I transitioned into the position of Pastor of Student Ministries at Groesbeck UMC in Cincinnati, OH.
We introduced Indie Tod into the world as we adopted our first puppy in August of 2012.
I accepted the position of Student Ministries Pastor at Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, MI.
Jennifer & I moved to Southgate, MI in the Down River District of Detroit, MI.
I introduced the rebranding of the Student Ministries at TOCC entitled The Uprising
Jennifer accepted the position of Graphic Designer & Social Media Director at Mousetrap Mobile in Royal Oak, MI.
Jennifer's freelance graphic design business became an official LLC under the name, Turquoise Feathers Studio, LLC in November of 2012.
I preached my first sermon at the main sunday morning service at Twin Oaks CC on Dec. 30th, 2012.
As you can see, this year has been as crazy as they come. We are looking forward to not moving as well as transitioning into new jobs. But we are also excited about the new opportunities that will come to us in 2013. Just a few things we are looking forward to are, Turquoise Feathers becoming a huge company, Missions Trip to Dominican Republic, Moving into our first house. It should yet again be an exciting year in 2013 and I will keep you updated through this blog.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Thursday, November 29, 2012
2013? We will see...
I know many of you are wondering is there gonna be a 2013, I mean the Mayan Calendar ends on Dec. 21st 2012, yes there is going to be a 2013. With that being established there are a lot of great things to look forward to for 2013. I would to share with you just a couple of those as we look forward to 2013:
Music
1. Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love
2. One Republic - Native
3. Foster the People - TBA
4. The Black Keys - TBA
5. Jimmy Eat World - TBA
Movies
1. Gangster Squad - Jan. 11th
2. The Hunger Games - Catching Fire - Nov. 22nd
3. Man of Steel - June 14th
4. Oz: The Great & Powerful - March 8th
5. The Great Gatsby - May 10th
Books
1. Jesus is _____? - Judah Smith
2. Follow Me - David Platt
3. Who do you think you are? - Mark Driscoll
4. Risk is Right - John Piper
5. What We Talk about When we Talk about God - Rob Bell
These are just a couple of the things that I am looking forward to for 2013, not to mention the fact that I get to celebrate my first year of marriage with my wife, we will celebrate our first year in Michigan as well as my first year work anniversary. It is going to be yet another monumental year in 2013 for the Tod Family and I can't wait to get started.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Music
1. Ra Ra Riot - Beta Love
2. One Republic - Native
3. Foster the People - TBA
4. The Black Keys - TBA
5. Jimmy Eat World - TBA
Movies
1. Gangster Squad - Jan. 11th
2. The Hunger Games - Catching Fire - Nov. 22nd
3. Man of Steel - June 14th
4. Oz: The Great & Powerful - March 8th
5. The Great Gatsby - May 10th
Books
1. Jesus is _____? - Judah Smith
2. Follow Me - David Platt
3. Who do you think you are? - Mark Driscoll
4. Risk is Right - John Piper
5. What We Talk about When we Talk about God - Rob Bell
These are just a couple of the things that I am looking forward to for 2013, not to mention the fact that I get to celebrate my first year of marriage with my wife, we will celebrate our first year in Michigan as well as my first year work anniversary. It is going to be yet another monumental year in 2013 for the Tod Family and I can't wait to get started.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
That Time of Year...
Yes, once again it is the holiday season and if you have been paying attention, the radio stations have started to play Christmas music, the department stores have been selling their overpriced artificial trees, & black friday came and went. It is a great time of the year not only because it is an excuse to ask for things that none of us really need, but it is a great time to be with family.
This year is my first Christmas with my new family, which is made of up of my beautiful wife Jenny & our little puppy Indie. We are spending this Christmas in the great state of Michigan at our home and it is a wonderful time. There are a couple of things that really make this time of year great for us and I would like to share those with you:
Decorating the Home
Buying Christmas Sweaters
Taking Pictures together in the snow
Watching Christmas Movies (Elf, Home Alone)
Decorating Cookies
Drinking Egg Nog
Buying stocking stuffers for each other
Watching All the Office Christmas Episodes on Christmas Eve
Opening one Present on Christmas Eve (New Tradition)
Spoiling Each other with things
Eating as much holiday themed food as possible
Layering Clothes
Drinking some great Holiday Grogg Coffee
These are just a couple of the things that I look forward to this time of year and I am so excited to be spending this Christmas with my beautiful wife and making new traditions each year. It truly is a wonderful time of the year and I am so happy to have the family I do to spend it with.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
This year is my first Christmas with my new family, which is made of up of my beautiful wife Jenny & our little puppy Indie. We are spending this Christmas in the great state of Michigan at our home and it is a wonderful time. There are a couple of things that really make this time of year great for us and I would like to share those with you:
Decorating the Home
Buying Christmas Sweaters
Taking Pictures together in the snow
Watching Christmas Movies (Elf, Home Alone)
Decorating Cookies
Drinking Egg Nog
Buying stocking stuffers for each other
Watching All the Office Christmas Episodes on Christmas Eve
Opening one Present on Christmas Eve (New Tradition)
Spoiling Each other with things
Eating as much holiday themed food as possible
Layering Clothes
Drinking some great Holiday Grogg Coffee
These are just a couple of the things that I look forward to this time of year and I am so excited to be spending this Christmas with my beautiful wife and making new traditions each year. It truly is a wonderful time of the year and I am so happy to have the family I do to spend it with.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, November 5, 2012
On my Chest...
The expression of "wearing your heart on your chest" is something I had never really thought of till this moment. I would like to think of it in a little different way. I think that God does call us to truly wear our love of Christ on our chest, but I think that God lays others things on our heart that he would like to be included when people look at us. Most recently (besides everything else I have written about tonight) God has put on my heart the idea that we are disciples of Christ and that we have a job to do. But even outside of the fact that we have a job to do, Jesus has faith that we can do this job. He merely calls us to take up our cross, deny our own selfish ambitions, and follow him. Truly do what a disciple is which is be more like Christ (our rabbi) and follow him.
God is put it on my heart so much that I did not even realize it until I entitled an entire sermon series, "Going all in" challenging our students to have Bold Faith, Bold Obedience, & Bold Sacrifice. Little did I know God was going to talk directly to me in the midst of me talking to a group of 50 students on a weekly basis. I did not realize that he would be challenging me to truly think about the decision I have made with my life and will make with the rest of my life and ask am I denying myself and follow Christ or am I letting my crosses weigh me down? How are the decision I am making leading me closer to Christ and making me more like my rabbi.
If all we are called to do in this life is to love Christ and make him known, that is what I want all of my future decisions to display. I want people to look at my heart that is surely on my sleeve and see that it is stamped by Christ. I have a tattoo on my chest that is a price tag that is stamped with the word PAID. I did not do this to look cool or get an awesome Christian tattoo, instead I did this to remind myself that no matter what I do or have done my life has been paid by the blood of Christ. In response to that, what else can I do but follow the man that saved my life as close as possible.
Following my own selfish ambitions are merely the things that led Jesus to his death on the cross, so I am going to do all I can do to throw those down, turn around, and follow my savior, my christ, my sacrificial lamb.
That is what I wear on my sleeve. I wear a heart that has a stamp of payment on it and I have decided in order to glorify the man/God that saved my life, I am going to follow him with all everything that I have.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
God is put it on my heart so much that I did not even realize it until I entitled an entire sermon series, "Going all in" challenging our students to have Bold Faith, Bold Obedience, & Bold Sacrifice. Little did I know God was going to talk directly to me in the midst of me talking to a group of 50 students on a weekly basis. I did not realize that he would be challenging me to truly think about the decision I have made with my life and will make with the rest of my life and ask am I denying myself and follow Christ or am I letting my crosses weigh me down? How are the decision I am making leading me closer to Christ and making me more like my rabbi.
If all we are called to do in this life is to love Christ and make him known, that is what I want all of my future decisions to display. I want people to look at my heart that is surely on my sleeve and see that it is stamped by Christ. I have a tattoo on my chest that is a price tag that is stamped with the word PAID. I did not do this to look cool or get an awesome Christian tattoo, instead I did this to remind myself that no matter what I do or have done my life has been paid by the blood of Christ. In response to that, what else can I do but follow the man that saved my life as close as possible.
Following my own selfish ambitions are merely the things that led Jesus to his death on the cross, so I am going to do all I can do to throw those down, turn around, and follow my savior, my christ, my sacrificial lamb.
That is what I wear on my sleeve. I wear a heart that has a stamp of payment on it and I have decided in order to glorify the man/God that saved my life, I am going to follow him with all everything that I have.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, October 8, 2012
the Uprising...
As many of you know as of September I accepted a position at Twin Oaks Christian Church in Woodhaven, Michigan to become their Student Ministries Pastor. I have been working for this church for just over a month and last night we were able to launch our brand new Student Ministry service called the Uprising.
This is going to be a church led by students for students purely to spread the gospel to all of the students that are in our Down River Area. The Uprising is dedicated to building up a group of students that will faithfully, humbly, & wholeheartedly serve the Lord.
I had the honor last night of putting on our Fall Kickoff with all the help I could get from my Adult Sponsor team. We had a wonderful night of worship, fun, fall inspired food, and relevant speaking. It was so exciting to see over 50 Middle School & High School Students there who were excited to hear what all of the Uprising was all about.
Now outside of all of the logistics and everything else, I am so excited to be serving God here at Twin Oaks. To lead a service like this is what I have been dreaming about doing since I felt the call to go into Student Ministry back in High School. I have been dreaming of the day when God will give me a chance to preach the gospel to a group of students that are anxious to hear it. It is such an amazing feeling and I am so honored to be serving him in this way.
I cannot imagine what God has in store for us at the Uprising, but I am so excited and I know he is going to do some amazing things.
If you would like to keep up on all things the Uprising then check out:
Facebook: The Uprising
Twitter: @Uprising_SM
Website: www.twinoakschristian.com
I am so excited for the school year and to see what is going to happen.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
This is going to be a church led by students for students purely to spread the gospel to all of the students that are in our Down River Area. The Uprising is dedicated to building up a group of students that will faithfully, humbly, & wholeheartedly serve the Lord.
I had the honor last night of putting on our Fall Kickoff with all the help I could get from my Adult Sponsor team. We had a wonderful night of worship, fun, fall inspired food, and relevant speaking. It was so exciting to see over 50 Middle School & High School Students there who were excited to hear what all of the Uprising was all about.
Now outside of all of the logistics and everything else, I am so excited to be serving God here at Twin Oaks. To lead a service like this is what I have been dreaming about doing since I felt the call to go into Student Ministry back in High School. I have been dreaming of the day when God will give me a chance to preach the gospel to a group of students that are anxious to hear it. It is such an amazing feeling and I am so honored to be serving him in this way.
I cannot imagine what God has in store for us at the Uprising, but I am so excited and I know he is going to do some amazing things.
If you would like to keep up on all things the Uprising then check out:
Facebook: The Uprising
Twitter: @Uprising_SM
Website: www.twinoakschristian.com
I am so excited for the school year and to see what is going to happen.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Just another week...
Yes, it is the middle of August 2012 and there is really not much to talk about in life. We are in the midst of something amazing here at Groesbeck Church with a rebranding campaign in full swing. We are just one month away from the relaunch of our Contemporary Service at 11:00am on Sundays and we could not be more excited about the opportunities that are going to come our way as we begin to serve the church.
But when I really think about it...what seems to keep coming to my mind is why we do what we do? What is the purpose of living a life as a pastor to a congregation of people who are looking for something. It is really just that. All of us inside are seeking something in our lives whether it be fame, fortune, love, happiness, but all of those things still really cannot fill the void that seems to get more vast every second of every day. That is the amazing gift that we pastors have the opportunity to share on a weekly basis.
The idea that hope can be find in a relationship with Christ Jesus and Christ Jesus alone. It makes all those other things seem insignificant. It brings to light the reason that we pastors stay up late and wake up early, visit the sick, preach on sundays, counsel during the week, because there is a community we are a part of that is looking for something. We have that something and it is our job to show that to them.
God has revealed in me that despite all things, he power and hope reigns true in all things. It is an exciting feeling and most of all a feeling that makes me want to drive to work every morning. A feeling that excites me when I have the chance to interact with students. A chance that excites me when I am able to share the gospel with a student and they get it. There is not a better feeling in life then knowing that you shared the gift of life with someone, the gift of life in Jesus Christ.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, June 18, 2012
InstaUpdate...
One of my favorite apps for the iPhone (hopefully the iPad here soon) is Instagram. As I like to say it gives me the opportunity to take great pictures even though I have not photography skill of my own. If you to have instagram then you can follow me at normallyindie. I currently have posted 151 photos over the past year and they range from books, to cool sites, to messages to my beautiful wife Jenny. All are unique and give me the chance to put a twist to them that make them my own. Here are a couple of my favorites over the past couple months. If you enjoy feel free to follow me. (username : normallyindie).
till another day,
normallyINDIE
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| Jenny leading us in Worship |
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| Our First Pice of Mail |
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| "?" |
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| Seabird live @ The 86 Club |
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| My Dad is such a Beast |
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| Coffee Emporium on a Rainy Day |
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Book Review - Onward by Howard Schultz ...
Coffee has been a huge part of my life since I was 12 years old. My first interaction with coffee or a coffeeshop was a white chocolate mocha from Starbucks in Bloomington-Normal, IL. At they time my coffee taste buds were not so high and I needed a lot of sugar added to handle the coffee taste. But as I continued to grow up and my palette was toughened, I moved from a white chocolate mocha, to a vanilla latte, to drip coffee with a little bit of sugar, and now finally good old black coffee. My relationship and growth with coffee has grown from merely a small to go cup of coffee to a full on experience. In each city I have lived in over the past 5 years I have a specific coffee shop that has become home (Coffee Hound, Starbuck's, Corner Bloc, Mojo's, Strange Brew, & Coffee Emporium).
Although I have a heart for local coffee shops, there has always been a place in my heart for Starbuck's Coffee Company. I am not really sure why, but there is merely something about my start of my relationship with coffee that links me to Starbuck's. This link has only continued when I got ahold of the story of Starbucks book Onward written by their Founder & CEO Howard Schultz himself.
This book is written in the view of the story of Starbuck's and their journey from Pike Place to the thousands of stores across the world. Howard spend much of the book writting about the importance of leadership and leadership by communication. Reading through his words you can clearly see that coffee was not just grounds and some hot water, but coffee for Howard is a lifestyle, coffee for Howard is an experience.
What I could take away from this is the connection between the Starbuck's business model and the business model of the local church. So much of the time we think of church as being merely a Sunday morning event that we are required to be a part of because scripture says so, but this is not our product, our product is a lifestyle or an experience. The Lord has called us to a build a church that is centered on bringing people into relationship with his son Jesus Christ and in doing so leading them on the path of sanctification. With this responsibility we cannot merely "sell a good cup of coffee", but we have to make people realize that a relationship with Christ is so much more.
Like Howard, I look forwarrd to examining the ministry I am a part of and begin to understand if I am merely adding hot water to coffee grounds or if I am creating a once in a lifetime experience that will change the way people live their lives.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, April 2, 2012
And the Vote was...
If you have been following Groesbeck United Methodist church in Colerain Township for the last couple of months, you know all about the Consultation process. This being a process that was voted on and issued by the West Ohio Conference of Methodist Church (for those of you who are non-denominational, this is the form of organization for the Methodist Denomination in West Ohio). Led by our conference leaders Sue Nelson Kibbey and Brian Brown, our church was chosen as one of only 12 in the 1100 that call themselves West Ohio Conference members. This is truly an honor to be considered for this and our church members as well as staff were really exciting to see what this meant.
Therefore, over the past months there have people evauluating our church, all the way from our building structure to our worship style. They explored all areas of our church community and at the end of their time of evaluation they gave us 5 prescriptions. These prescriptions were 5 changes that they believed needed to be made in order to take our church to the next level. After a month of town hall meetings and conversations the church membership body took a vote and by a wide margin the prescriptions based (92.7%) and will be initiated over the next 3 years here at Groesbeck.
This exciting time of evalutation mostly makes me felel as though I should praise the Lord for the gift he has given us as a church, but it also reminds me that there are some huge opportunities that must be taken advantage of over the coming years. We, as a staff and church body, have an amazing opportunity to change the lives of thousands of people in the Colerain community through the changes and development that will come with these prescriptions. All of which are centered on our core task to go and make disciplines.
With all that being said, I would ask for your prayers in the coming years for guidance from our loving and faithful Lord as well as leadership. We are feeling callling to shared the gospel with as many people in the Colerain area as possible, therefore we need your prayers.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Therefore, over the past months there have people evauluating our church, all the way from our building structure to our worship style. They explored all areas of our church community and at the end of their time of evaluation they gave us 5 prescriptions. These prescriptions were 5 changes that they believed needed to be made in order to take our church to the next level. After a month of town hall meetings and conversations the church membership body took a vote and by a wide margin the prescriptions based (92.7%) and will be initiated over the next 3 years here at Groesbeck.
This exciting time of evalutation mostly makes me felel as though I should praise the Lord for the gift he has given us as a church, but it also reminds me that there are some huge opportunities that must be taken advantage of over the coming years. We, as a staff and church body, have an amazing opportunity to change the lives of thousands of people in the Colerain community through the changes and development that will come with these prescriptions. All of which are centered on our core task to go and make disciplines.
With all that being said, I would ask for your prayers in the coming years for guidance from our loving and faithful Lord as well as leadership. We are feeling callling to shared the gospel with as many people in the Colerain area as possible, therefore we need your prayers.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Alec & Jenny ...
As many of you know, on March 10, 2012 I married the most most wonderful woman in the world at the Harrison Center for the Arts in Indianapolis, IN. The wedding was perfectly designed from the save the dates almost two years ago to the centerpieces on that beautiful day. (check out turquoisefeathers.blogspot.com for updates) I was so honored to be a part of such a special day and most of all to take a role as husband for the rest of our lives. Our wedding day doesn't just mean we are now married, but it also means that we have begun a journey, a journey that sends us into a relationship that will pass through decades and generations and most of all will begin a new family.
Jenny and I's respective families are the Schroeders and Tods, the Schroeders calling Indiana home and the Tods calling Illinois home. The marriage of us two has now instituted a new family and that is the Tod's that are calling Ohio home.
We have finally come to the point that after 2.5 years of long distance that my beautiful bride and I will be beginning our new family here in Cincinnati as the Tod Family.
follow the Tod's at www.alecandjenny.com for updates on our new lives together.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Jenny and I's respective families are the Schroeders and Tods, the Schroeders calling Indiana home and the Tods calling Illinois home. The marriage of us two has now instituted a new family and that is the Tod's that are calling Ohio home.
We have finally come to the point that after 2.5 years of long distance that my beautiful bride and I will be beginning our new family here in Cincinnati as the Tod Family.
follow the Tod's at www.alecandjenny.com for updates on our new lives together.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, March 5, 2012
To Your Story...
Last night at CHAOS//Sunday Night Benji and I led the students through an exercise as a part of our Crash Series (series dedicated to shamelessly pursuing the mission of Jesus Christ). We encouraged the students to ask themselves a few questions about their relationship with Jesus and in the midst of this establish their story. This practice is not something revolutionary to the church, but it is a form of evangelism that seems to be effective when it comes to truly loving people in the name of Christ. With this being said, we asked them to think about what their lives were like in these three situations
Before they met Jesus
When they met Jesus
After they met Jesus
Each of these stages of their lives, no matter where they were in their relationship with Jesus, brought to life some important ideas and reflections. But it got me thinking about my story, so I thought I would share it with you.
Before I met Jesus...
I was raised with two parents that felt it would be beneficial for us to go to church. Therefore, my family and I attended Harvest Christian Church in St. Charles, MO. This was the place I was introduced to the idea of church and what it meant to be a regular church member (not necessarily a follower of Christ, for I was still 5 years old when we attended here), but this was the place my mother decided to follow Christ for the first time. It was a long journey for her, but you will have to ask her for her story. Shortly after this my father got a job in Wellington, FL and we were off. Our next stop in this journey of faith was at New Hope Community Church. This is where much of my religious beginning took place. I began to realize what the bible was, who God was, and Jesus' purpose for coming to this earth.
When I met Jesus...
Only a few years later, I attended a Vacation Bible School (super cheesy I know), and during their invitation time with my group, I found myself walking toward the front of the room. I was not sure why, but I merely felt a tug on my heart that being in relationship with Jesus was the purpose of our lives here on Earth. It was like that missing piece that I did not even know was missing was finally in my grasp. Little did I know, my father was attending a Promise Keepers event in Atlanta, GA and during the same week he encountered Christ for the first time. He too chose to follow Christ with his life, giving me the push I needed to follow in his footsteps and be baptized into the faith. There is just something about a father son relationship that brought us together that day and I will never forget it.
After I met Jesus...
Although I was now in relationship with the savior of the world, I was quickly learning that there were a lot of problems in this world and I was going to have to suffer through a lot. Just a few years later we were relocated away from our church home back up north to Illinois. This was especially hard for our family because we truly felt our family was in Florida, but we chose to trust God and he brought us, as a family, to Bloomington-Normal, IL. We then found a church home at Eastview Christian Church and me with OASIS Student Ministries. These years in Junior High and High School are what led me to believe that the Lord was calling me into vocational full-time ministry. Before this was able to happen, I had to endure some suffering. During my 8th Grade & Freshman year of high school, I struggled with severe anxiety and depression. It was a long battle that God led me through, but as he finally did, he set on my heart that I would never allow a student to feel inferior or worthless. But now it was my job to teach students of the hope and power that comes through a relationship with the living God. Through much prayer and conversations with men I trust, I came to the conclusion that I would pursue a degree in youth ministry from Cincinnati Christian University. It was at this point that Jesus truly made me into the man I am today. At college, I was given the opportunity to work with Bloc Ministries in Price Hill and for some reason he gave me a hurt for the intercity students in Cincinnati. Not to mention he allowed me the privilege to marry the most amazing partner in ministry Jennifer Schroeder (#31012). As I continued on my journey the Lord led me to Groesbeck United Methodist Church and CHAOS//SM to do ministry alongside Benji Sayre and the rest of the staff at Groesbeck. TO BE CONTINUED...
As I look back at my story I hope that it will change of the lives of those who read it, not because it is about me, but because it will show people the power of the cross and the redemption that is found in a relationship with Jesus. I pray that as you read this you begin to write your story for the Lord is speaking to you everyday and even today he is adding a line to the poem that is our lives.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Before they met Jesus
When they met Jesus
After they met Jesus
Each of these stages of their lives, no matter where they were in their relationship with Jesus, brought to life some important ideas and reflections. But it got me thinking about my story, so I thought I would share it with you.
Before I met Jesus...
I was raised with two parents that felt it would be beneficial for us to go to church. Therefore, my family and I attended Harvest Christian Church in St. Charles, MO. This was the place I was introduced to the idea of church and what it meant to be a regular church member (not necessarily a follower of Christ, for I was still 5 years old when we attended here), but this was the place my mother decided to follow Christ for the first time. It was a long journey for her, but you will have to ask her for her story. Shortly after this my father got a job in Wellington, FL and we were off. Our next stop in this journey of faith was at New Hope Community Church. This is where much of my religious beginning took place. I began to realize what the bible was, who God was, and Jesus' purpose for coming to this earth.
When I met Jesus...
Only a few years later, I attended a Vacation Bible School (super cheesy I know), and during their invitation time with my group, I found myself walking toward the front of the room. I was not sure why, but I merely felt a tug on my heart that being in relationship with Jesus was the purpose of our lives here on Earth. It was like that missing piece that I did not even know was missing was finally in my grasp. Little did I know, my father was attending a Promise Keepers event in Atlanta, GA and during the same week he encountered Christ for the first time. He too chose to follow Christ with his life, giving me the push I needed to follow in his footsteps and be baptized into the faith. There is just something about a father son relationship that brought us together that day and I will never forget it.
After I met Jesus...
Although I was now in relationship with the savior of the world, I was quickly learning that there were a lot of problems in this world and I was going to have to suffer through a lot. Just a few years later we were relocated away from our church home back up north to Illinois. This was especially hard for our family because we truly felt our family was in Florida, but we chose to trust God and he brought us, as a family, to Bloomington-Normal, IL. We then found a church home at Eastview Christian Church and me with OASIS Student Ministries. These years in Junior High and High School are what led me to believe that the Lord was calling me into vocational full-time ministry. Before this was able to happen, I had to endure some suffering. During my 8th Grade & Freshman year of high school, I struggled with severe anxiety and depression. It was a long battle that God led me through, but as he finally did, he set on my heart that I would never allow a student to feel inferior or worthless. But now it was my job to teach students of the hope and power that comes through a relationship with the living God. Through much prayer and conversations with men I trust, I came to the conclusion that I would pursue a degree in youth ministry from Cincinnati Christian University. It was at this point that Jesus truly made me into the man I am today. At college, I was given the opportunity to work with Bloc Ministries in Price Hill and for some reason he gave me a hurt for the intercity students in Cincinnati. Not to mention he allowed me the privilege to marry the most amazing partner in ministry Jennifer Schroeder (#31012). As I continued on my journey the Lord led me to Groesbeck United Methodist Church and CHAOS//SM to do ministry alongside Benji Sayre and the rest of the staff at Groesbeck. TO BE CONTINUED...
As I look back at my story I hope that it will change of the lives of those who read it, not because it is about me, but because it will show people the power of the cross and the redemption that is found in a relationship with Jesus. I pray that as you read this you begin to write your story for the Lord is speaking to you everyday and even today he is adding a line to the poem that is our lives.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Down to Single Digits...
If you have been following either or our blogs for the last year and a half you know that Jennifer Schroeder of Turquoise Feathers and Alec Tod of normallyINDIE are tying the knot in just 9 days. This marks the end of a very long journey that began way back when in October of 2008 when I first laid eyes of my future bride. It has been a long 3.5 years since that first day we met, but we have made it here and I could not be happier.
Not only is this a journey that is coming to an end, but it is launching a much longer journey that was ordained by God. It is launching into and eternity of love that we will be spending together. An eternity of love that will be modeled after the unconditional love that is found in the arms of Jesus Christ.
But that is all good and swell, but it has not been an easy road to get to where we are today. It has taken growth, a humble spirit, prayer, love, and commitment to get to where we are today. But most of all it has taken sacrifice. Not the easy stuff that most people think of like giving up the remote, food choices, money, or radio stations (although all of those do happen), it has taken the denying of myself for the betterment of my bride. For she is just that, my bride that, like Jesus does for the church, I must sacrifice myself for her betterment. It takes the sacrifice of dreams, future plans, and job choices for the betterment of her. But I know what many of you will say, why would anyone get married when you have to give up everything that you hold dear and I would have this to say to the skeptic. There is nothing like giving up everything for another person, only for them to do the same for you. Just as I have given up my dreams, future, and jobs for the betterment of Jennifer, Jennifer has denied herself only to support me. She has sacrificially trusted the Lord with our relationship even to the point of moving from her home for the past 22 years to start a new home with me here in Cincinnati, OH. She did not do so because there was something in it for her or because she was forced, it did so because she, like me, has chosen everyday to deny herself for me.
That is why people who fall in love, stay with one another for all of eternity. They have realized that they must wake up everyday and deny themselves for the betterment of the love of their lives. For there is nothing better than giving your life to someone and them doing the same.
So as I prepare to read my vows of promise to my future bride, today I vow that I will deny myself for Jennifer only to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Not only is this a journey that is coming to an end, but it is launching a much longer journey that was ordained by God. It is launching into and eternity of love that we will be spending together. An eternity of love that will be modeled after the unconditional love that is found in the arms of Jesus Christ.
But that is all good and swell, but it has not been an easy road to get to where we are today. It has taken growth, a humble spirit, prayer, love, and commitment to get to where we are today. But most of all it has taken sacrifice. Not the easy stuff that most people think of like giving up the remote, food choices, money, or radio stations (although all of those do happen), it has taken the denying of myself for the betterment of my bride. For she is just that, my bride that, like Jesus does for the church, I must sacrifice myself for her betterment. It takes the sacrifice of dreams, future plans, and job choices for the betterment of her. But I know what many of you will say, why would anyone get married when you have to give up everything that you hold dear and I would have this to say to the skeptic. There is nothing like giving up everything for another person, only for them to do the same for you. Just as I have given up my dreams, future, and jobs for the betterment of Jennifer, Jennifer has denied herself only to support me. She has sacrificially trusted the Lord with our relationship even to the point of moving from her home for the past 22 years to start a new home with me here in Cincinnati, OH. She did not do so because there was something in it for her or because she was forced, it did so because she, like me, has chosen everyday to deny herself for me.
That is why people who fall in love, stay with one another for all of eternity. They have realized that they must wake up everyday and deny themselves for the betterment of the love of their lives. For there is nothing better than giving your life to someone and them doing the same.
So as I prepare to read my vows of promise to my future bride, today I vow that I will deny myself for Jennifer only to wake up tomorrow and do it all over again.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Book Review - You Lost Me by David Kinnaman...
I had the privilege of meeting Dave Kinnaman (author of unChristian) a few years ago when I was representing Cincinnati Christian University's LEAD Program at their annual Accreditation conference in sunny Orlando, FL. It was a great weekend of sun and speaking to hundreds of students about the impact Jesus is having on their campuses. But their was just something about Dave that caught my eye.
Since then I have been following his work with the Barna Group and when he came out with his newest book, You Lost Me I ordered it. It has finally made it's way to the top of my pile of books to read and I got through it this week.
It was a book dedicated to understanding the current generation of young adults, especially young christians, and why so many of them are choosing to leave the church. This age rage was specifically ages 18 - 29 in the United States. It brought to light many issues that are present in our churches today including the differences in generations. Kinnaman explains that this up and coming generation can be compared to the 60's & 70's a generation of young people who do not take information from anyone, instead they learn themselves. This is a generation of self-starters, helpers, community builders, and lovers. It is a generation filled with promise for a better future, only if their voice is heard. Most of all in the our American churches today their voices are ignored. For whatever reason these voices are no longer being heard, therefore this generation is going to a place where they will be heard and leaving the church. This is not only dangerous for the young adults that are leaving their faith aside, but it also destroys the future of the church. For at some point this current generation of leaders will die and it will the younger generations job to take over. If they have all left the church because of a lack of a voice, then the church is gone.
Throughout his book he reminds the reader that they must listen to the generation of leaders that is following behind, for they are the future of the church. The church must be relevant to this generation of believers, not the past. The church must constantly be moving, growing, and innovating in order to meet the needs of their people.
This book is a strong read for any young minister or a group of ministers who are seeking the guidance of a relevant leader. It will allow to you dive into the minds of your most important generation and grab ahold of them.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Since then I have been following his work with the Barna Group and when he came out with his newest book, You Lost Me I ordered it. It has finally made it's way to the top of my pile of books to read and I got through it this week.
It was a book dedicated to understanding the current generation of young adults, especially young christians, and why so many of them are choosing to leave the church. This age rage was specifically ages 18 - 29 in the United States. It brought to light many issues that are present in our churches today including the differences in generations. Kinnaman explains that this up and coming generation can be compared to the 60's & 70's a generation of young people who do not take information from anyone, instead they learn themselves. This is a generation of self-starters, helpers, community builders, and lovers. It is a generation filled with promise for a better future, only if their voice is heard. Most of all in the our American churches today their voices are ignored. For whatever reason these voices are no longer being heard, therefore this generation is going to a place where they will be heard and leaving the church. This is not only dangerous for the young adults that are leaving their faith aside, but it also destroys the future of the church. For at some point this current generation of leaders will die and it will the younger generations job to take over. If they have all left the church because of a lack of a voice, then the church is gone.
Throughout his book he reminds the reader that they must listen to the generation of leaders that is following behind, for they are the future of the church. The church must be relevant to this generation of believers, not the past. The church must constantly be moving, growing, and innovating in order to meet the needs of their people.
This book is a strong read for any young minister or a group of ministers who are seeking the guidance of a relevant leader. It will allow to you dive into the minds of your most important generation and grab ahold of them.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Home, Sweet, Home...
As I have gone on a blogging spree to catch up from a long eventful break, you all must know that Jennifer and I have moved from Indiana to Ohio recently (I live here now Jennifer will be joining me after we get married in March and she currently is living in Indy still). On December 30th, we officially moved into a new home on the corner of 8th & Main in Downtown Cincinnati. It is a dream home for us, a 2 bedroom apartment (1 for us 1 for Jennifer's studio), that is on top of a business in the heart of downtown. With that being said I would like to give you a little outline of the place and some of our favorite parts.
As you approach the front door, you see that it is purple, which is just awesome.
You then walk up the 4 flights of stairs to get to the top floor and open the door to our entryway which includes three great windows that overlook the canopy of Arnold's Restaurant (oldest in Cincinnati) as well as a full scale reading room complete with a tiger rug, wingback chairs, and loads of books. Not to mention this the room that the bathroom is located, which is important to know.
Continuing through the apartment you head into the dining/living room that has some great future and wood flooring from the early 1900s. We will be adding internet and a much bigger TV in the near future.
Well that is a small tour of our apartment as it is today. There will be continued updates as time goes by and if you would like to come visit let Jennifer and I know and we would love to have you.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
As you approach the front door, you see that it is purple, which is just awesome.
 |
| Our Front Door |
 |
| Bathroom |
 |
| Reading Room |
 |
| Living Room/Dining Room You then turn right into the kitchen complete with new floors, countertops, loads of storage, and new appliances. The old cabinets and pantry are both things that Jennifer and I loved. |
 |
| Kitchen Continuing to the end of the tour is the bedroom on the left and Jennifer's studio on the right. Her studio is a work in progress as she has not fully moved in just yet, but I am sure that all things Turquoise Feathers will be taking over that place. The bedroom features a queen bed which we just purchased thanks to Grandma Jeanie. We have collected some great furniture pieces from both of Jennifer's grandmothers, but we are still looking for a rug and another dresser to accommodate Jennifer. |
 |
| Our Bedroom |
 |
| Jennifer's Studio |
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Monday, January 2, 2012
Natural Ohioans...
As of December 30th Jennifer and were no longer Hoosier (I was an honorary Hoosier, Normalian, Floridian, and Missourian), but we are now Ohioans. We moved into our new apartment on 8th & Main in Downtown Cincinnati. Naturally, after 3 days, we have become experts at our surrounding areas and all the happenings in Cincinnati. Therefore, here are a couple of our favorite place we have been so far and places that we hope to venture to in the very near future.
Within Walking Distance
Cincy by the Slice
Fountain Square
Arnold's Restaurant
Donato's
Algin Furniture
Ohio Bookstore
Coffee Emporium
Artist Materials
Findlay Market
Little Bit of a Drive
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Goodwill
Bloc Thrift Store
Corner Bloc Coffee
Sitwell's
Esquire Theatre
Buybacks
Okay so we still have some work to do to be considered official Ohioans, but you have to admit we are getting there. As for our plans, I have moved into our new apartment full time, start my job at GUMC tomorrow morning, and upon our wedding on Saturday March 10th Jennifer will be joining me here in Cincy. As she finishes school she will be part time in Indy from Monday - Wednesday, then the rest of the weeks in Cincy until our Graduation weekend May 12th - 13th.
We will continue to do some searching and I am sure I will continue to update with reviews and place to go as we continue the transition from the great state of Indiana to the great state of Ohio.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
Within Walking Distance
Cincy by the Slice
Fountain Square
Arnold's Restaurant
Donato's
Algin Furniture
Ohio Bookstore
Coffee Emporium
Artist Materials
Findlay Market
Little Bit of a Drive
Habitat for Humanity Restore
Goodwill
Bloc Thrift Store
Corner Bloc Coffee
Sitwell's
Esquire Theatre
Buybacks
Okay so we still have some work to do to be considered official Ohioans, but you have to admit we are getting there. As for our plans, I have moved into our new apartment full time, start my job at GUMC tomorrow morning, and upon our wedding on Saturday March 10th Jennifer will be joining me here in Cincy. As she finishes school she will be part time in Indy from Monday - Wednesday, then the rest of the weeks in Cincy until our Graduation weekend May 12th - 13th.
We will continue to do some searching and I am sure I will continue to update with reviews and place to go as we continue the transition from the great state of Indiana to the great state of Ohio.
till another day,
normallyINDIE
The Best of 2011...
January seems to be the season of new beginnings there always seems to be a moment of reminiscing. For me, 2011 was a long year of a change, heartbreak, and growth; not to mention fun, excitement and great adventures. So I have compiled a couple of lists of some of my favorite happenings of 2011. Here they are:
Top Albums
1. Simple Math - Manchester Orchestra
2. 21 - Adele
3. Jack's Mannequin - People & Things
Top Songs
1. Virgin - (Simple Math) Manchester Orchestra
2. Pumped Up Kicks - (Torches) Foster the People
3. You are a Tourist - (Codes & Keys) Death Cab for Cutie
Top Movies
1. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2
2. Water for Elephants
3. Midnights in Paris
Top TV Shows
1. How I Met Your Mother - CBS
2. Scrubs - FOX/ABC
3. The OC - FOX
Top Reads
1. Simply Christian - N.T. Wright
2. A Grief Observed - C.S. Lewis
3. Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2 - J.K. Rowling
Top Events
1. Our Tattoos - by TJ Harmon (8 total)
2. Moving to Cincy/New Apartment
3. Remembering Family
Top Purchases
1. iPhone
2. Our Antique Stuff
3. Urban Outfitters Shopping Spree
Top Internship Moments
1. McTuesdays
2. Dallas 2011
3. The Brew
Top Check ins
1. Qdoba (US 135 in Greenwood)
2. Strange Brew (Smith Valley Rd in Greenwood)
3. Brass Ring Lounge (Shelby St. in Fountain Square, IN)
Top Sports
1. Cardinal's Playoff Run
2. Colts Sad year (2 - 14 in 2011)
3. Butler's March Madness (Part 2)
Top Experiences
1. Interviews
2. My week at UO
3. Handcraft Fests
Top Hashtags
1. #Awkward
2. #love
3. #11in11
Top Apps
1. Twitter
2. Instagram
3. ESPN ScoreCenter
Those were a couple of lists to help guide you through the next year. Each of these things were great and special in their own way and I was so lucky to have had the opportunity to share most of these with my fiancé Jennifer Schroeder.
We have a big year planned here in 2012 with a new job, new city, our Wedding, and Graduations, just to name a few. Be following along here at www.normallyindie.com for updates, insights, and thoughts about this beautiful we call home (until the good Lord returns to save us all).
till another day,
normallyINDIE
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