The Sunrise to Follow

I watched the sunset today at Cobbs Hill Park with some friends. As it was setting, all I could think about was my time in Rochester ending, just as sunset signifies the ending of another day. It has been a weekend full of goodbyes and endings as I pack up and prepare to move to Binghamton.

Today I said goodbye to friends at church. It was my last Sunday at Browncroft for a while, a place I have come to love and call home. I spoke to Pastor Rob at the end, expressing my appreciation for my time there. Afterward, it was a tearful drive to another friend's house, and we enjoyed a picnic lunch at Highland Park. We wandered the park, enjoyed our lunch, talked and reflected, and sent Mother's Day videos to our moms by the magnolia trees - it was such a pleasant afternoon!

Later, watching the sunset with a couple other friends was the perfect way to end such a memorable weekend, and as I reflected on my time in Rochester ending, I thought about the new chapter beginning. Last night I began reading a book that my sisters gave me for graduation - Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung. It's about finding God's will. Here's a section from chapter two:

"God is not a Magic 8-Ball we shake up and peer into whenever we have a decision to make. He is a good God who gives us brains, shows us the way of obedience, and invites us to take risks for Him. We know God has a plan for our lives. That's wonderful. The problem is we think He's going to tell us the wonderful plan before it unfolds. We feel like we can know - and need to know - what God wants every step of the way. But such preoccupation with finding God's will, as well intentioned as the desire may be, is more folly than freedom. The better way is the Biblical way: Seek first the kingdom of God, and then trust that He will take care of our needs, even before we know what they are and where we're going."

While I have a job and a place to live in Binghamton, there are still a lot of unknowns about this next step in my life. After the sun set tonight, we commented that the same sun would rise tomorrow morning. I am trusting that God has a beautiful sunrise ready for me as I begin my journey in Binghamton! I don't know what it will look like, but that's the fun in watching the sunrise - they are new and different every time!

College Grad!

I graduated from Roberts today! Today was a celebration of four years of learning, being challenged, and growing into who I am today. I could not have asked for a more perfect day - I loved every minute of it! I was able to celebrate with my family and friends, and the weather was beautiful!

The day started with Baccalaureate - a worship service for all the undergrads. I met Honna before the service, and took pictures with lots of friends! The service was filled with music and words to ponder, and it was a pleasent way to start our day of activities.

After Baccalaureate, Honna, my family, and I went to my aunt's house for a lunch with a lot of my favorite foods - baked ziti, spinach strawberry salad, brown 'n serve rolls, and blueberry cream dessert! It was relaxing, and we took more pictures.

My parents have supported me during these years of college - my entire life, actually - and I know their love will continue as I move on to the next big step! I love my dad's expression here - doesn't he look so proud?!

After the ceremony, there were lots of hugs and some goodbyes - a little tougher hug and goodbye when it came to my roommate, Michelle. We have roomed together for two years, and I have LOVED it! Somewhere along the way we moved from being roommates to being really good friends! She has plans to live and work in Syracuse, so there will definitely be some roadtrips planned!

Today was a wonderful way to bring closure to this chapter of my life - what a journey it has been!

Starting Summer Right

Lindsey, Honna, and I are all done with classes! We celebrated today at Lugia's - an ice cream place near campus. It was fun to spend time with these senior business majors and a couple others that joined us.

Last night I was told that we are half way through Spring, so that means it's time to start thinking Summer! I have done that this week by going out for ice cream three times! I've worn capris and flip flops, and I even tried on my bathing suits, anticipating cruising in the Bahamas in a little over a week!

Looking forward to a great summer!

Salutatorians - # 2's

Lindsey, Mike, and I were all salutatorians (# 2!) of our high school graduating classes! We recently realized this and searched for our speeches to share with each other.

Lindsey shared memories of 14 years with her class that included Silly Sally, many field trips, and a number of firsts for her class. She shared some inspiring quotes at the end as well, one about the importance of bringing humor into a situation.

Mike categorized each level of school with a mark. Cooties for elementary school, a "Do you like me? Check Yes or No." note for middle school, and a mother willow tree firework for high school as students are making their own unique paths. He challenged listeners to create their own mark for their life and grab ahold of the many opportunities that are out there.

My speech included memories my class had over the years and expressed lyrics to a song by Mark Harris, The Line Between the Two (click to listen). I challenged listeners to think how they were spending their time and how they would want to be remembered when their life was over.

The lyrics to the song are fitting as I think about graduation and my time at Roberts coming to a close. The line between the two refers to the dash in between your birth date and death date, or for my time at Roberts, August 27, 2007 - May 7, 2011. What does that line look like for you, graduating seniors? Here's the chorus to the song:

And the years go by, how they seem to fly
They'll all be over soon
When our life is done, did we live and love
The way we wanted to
Cause everyday that we leave behind
Goes on to tell the truth
Of how we lived in the line between the two
The line between the two.

I challenge you to life your life the way you want to be remembered.

Laura Tischer through the eyes of her roommate =)

Hello "Blessing For Life" followers!  My name is Michelle Lippert and I'm honored to say that I've had the privilege of living with Laura Tischer for the last two years!! Our story goes way back to freshman year....
Laura and I both had First Year Seminar together.  I never really talked to her then, and I definitely had no idea that I would live with her for two years- its funny how things work out.  So fast forward in time to the end of sophomore year...I was roommateless (if that's a word) and had no idea what I would do for a roommate in the start of junior year, just get a transfer right? Wrong! I was pleasantly surprised to be approached by none other than...Laura Tischer! She suggested we be roommates, and not having any other ideas or better options (just kidding) I willingly accepted. 
Summer of 2009 came and went (quickly) and we moved in together August of 2009.  At first I'm pretty sure she was overwhelmed by my constant talking, I mean I would stay up super late studying my life away, come in at 2am, sleep for a few hours, and be gone in the morning before she woke up only to come back later that night and tell her about the drama of my day.  The amazing part is that me and Laura are so different, but yet we live together so well. I can't remember a single time when we really got into an argument (except of course over that pizza sauce that's totally expired in our fridge that she won't get rid of haha).  And, over the last two years I have come to really appreciate Laura.  She gives me great advice and keeps me grounded.  Laura Tischer is one of my best friends, and definitely makes my list of "Top 10 Favorite People on Campus."  So, what is it about Laura Tischer that I love so much??? This is just a little of what I've come to appreciate over the last two years:
Laura Tischer is...
Very organized, i'm pretty sure she has more bins and storage units than Walmart- but her side of the room is always in order.
A great cook, give this girl a crock pot and some chicken and you won't be disappointed!
A lover of email, I have never met a person who can compose a more professional email- and with that said, when I have to email a professor, I let her do the writing...
A hard worker, she gets her homework done right away, and that's always something I've looked up to as I tend to procrastinate (a little).
A woman of faith, Laura's relationship with Christ comes first- she truly is a devoted Christian, and it's evident in her life and attitude.
A planner, ask this girl to plan a party or event. Anything really! She'll make some killer guacamole for it too :)
A business woman, Laura Tischer is one of the leaders of her business class. She's involved in SIFE and has excellent grades.  Her hard work has truly paid off and she'll go far no matter what she chooses as a career.
Fun, Ok so this one sounds silly, Laura Tischer is fun?? But it's true! Her laugh is contagious, and when she gets really excited about things she speaks to you like you're standing at the other end of a football field, but this girl knows how to have a good time!! (Mashed potatoes and spinach dip anyone??? And, thanks for silent raving with me!)
The Game Master, I have never ever in my entire life met someone who loves playing games as much as Laura Tischer...as a result? I have come to love games, and game nights. 
Caring, Laura truly cares about people- and she's made this clear every time she listens to another one of my silly stories. 
An awesome friend, Laura listens, encourages, spends time with people, is always up for fun and games, will laugh with you, cry with you, and be there for you.  She has truly been an amazing friend to me for the last two years, and I have appreciated it more than she knows :)

SO, I should wrap this up because it's getting lengthy (but she knows I can talk, and talk, and talk...) and I'm sure she wants to go to bed!  But I have to conclude with this...

Laura Tischer,
Thanks for being an awesome roommate.  Your friendship has meant so much to me over the last two years.  I know you'll go far in life and I hope that wherever life leads you, the road will detour you to my front door for some cupcakes and coffee :)  You're a really awesome and beautiful person, please don't ever change!

Love Always,
Your Roomie,
Michelle Lippert
=)

Browncroft Friends

I met Audrey and Jordan, not even a year ago, through Browncroft Community Church. We are from three different states, in Rochester for various reasons. I am so glad our paths crossed during my time here!

I met Audrey in June after service on Sunday. I casually mentioned that I was going to run six miles that afternoon, and she said she would join me! I was shocked, as not just anyone is willing to run six miles. We exchanged contact information, and even though running together didn't work out that day, before I saw her again, Audrey had signed up for the half marathon I was planning to run in September. We became running buddies and shared rides to church since she lived near Roberts. We clicked instantly and have encouraged each other throughout our time in Rochester. Three words to describe Audrey - Ambitious, Thoughtful, and Spiritually Minded. I have appreciated getting to know Audrey, and hope to run another half with her someday!

I met Jordan in November at a GAP game night. I loved her sweater, and she was fun to talk to. I wondered if she would be up for getting to coffee together, and I asked for her number so we could make plans. I contacted her later that week, and we chatted for two hours over coffee at a cafe. It was refreshing to meet a new friend, and I was picturing more fun times with her in the future. We had lunch at my townhouse one Sunday after church, and I stopped by her place after my internship for dinner a couple of times. She is very welcoming and often came up with fun activities for us to do. Most recently, we spent an afternoon being crafty! Jordan used her Martha Stewart knowledge, and we created two fun projects. Three words to describe Jordan - Imaginative, Adventurous, and Passionate about her Faith. I've enjoyed spending time with Jordan, and hope to see her a few more times in Rochester this summer!

Browncroft had opened several doors for me this past year and a half, and I'm so glad these two friendships formed through Browncroft!

Lots of Laughing

"Maybe that just means that you had a lot to laugh and smile about this year."

My friend, Mike, responded to me with this statement the other night. I had just mentioned how so many people had commented on my laugh this year. Things like, "It's so distinct." or "I love it!" or "I'm going to miss hearing it when you move to Binghamton."

So many people have talked about my laugh this year, and Mike pointed out that maybe it's simply because I have been laughing more recently. I definitely see this as a good thing, and I'm glad that people enjoy my laugh because I plan to keep on laughing for years to come!