“If we let ourselves, we shall always be waiting for some distraction or other to end before we can really get down to our work. The only people who achieve much are those who want knowledge so badly that they seek it while the conditions are still unfavorable. Favorable conditions never come.”
― C.S. Lewis

I love this quote. I feel like it perfectly describes me. I’m always waiting for the right time to do my work. To paint or create or write. I have to clean my room first, or do laundry, or clean the bathroom. Or make dinner. There is always an excuse. I thought it would be easier in Kansas. I thought I would have fewer distractions. I had so many plans to be so productive and so far, I’m still failing at time management. But as C.S. Lewis said. “Favorable conditions never come.” It’s a new day, a new place, a new life, and I’m ready to get down to work!

We sit at Starbucks now in the mornings. Read our bibles, blog, drink coffee, talk, and laugh really loud. The people at this store don’t know my name yet. I bring my own coffee because I’m cheap. But they know us. Well, they know Liz & Laura. The sun is pouring in the windows, warming the table and creating a glow around us as we study. People trickle slowly in and out. Soft jazz tunes fill the store creating a tranquil yet lively atmosphere. It’s such a great way to open the morning.

I’ve been reading Ezekiel. I don’t really know why. It just seemed to be the book I should study next. He is an amazing guy. Super brave. Super obedient. I came across a few verses today that made me think of a conversation I recently had with one of my friends about confronting people who are making bad choices in their lives. It’s so hard to confront people. At least for me. Especially when they are making sinful choices and don’t see anything wrong with them. I’ve been there. Believe me. I have made my fair share of really bad choices. Would I have responded differently if I had people in my life telling me I was wrong? Living in sin? I don’t know. Maybe.

God sent Ezekiel to confront the people of Israel who were rebellious and walking a road towards destruction. Ezekiel was my age when God called him. He says when God put him in this situation he was overwhelmed. 3:15 I sat among them for seven days – overwhelmed. God had a plan and Ezekiel, although confused and encumbered by the task in front of him, was obedient. Confrontation is HARD, God knows this. But He explains why it is so necessary.

3:19 But if you do warn the wicked man and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his evil ways, he will die for his sin; but you will have saved yourself.

3:21 But if you do warn the righteous man not to sin and he does not sin, he will surely live because he took warning, and you will have saved yourself.

The warning is needed. The result is not guaranteed. But as each verse promises, you will save yourself. When we fail to warn people in our lives, God holds us responsible. James reiterates this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:20)

This doesn’t make it any easier for me. It doesn’t resolve my friend’s situation. But it does provide some answers. Warning them is the right thing to do. And even if they do not respond to and heed the warning, at least you will know that you have done the right thing. And who knows, maybe a confrontation is just the thing they need to get them back on the right track.

Me, Sue & Liz outside our house in Kansas 🙂

Some quick pics of the ombre yellow cake I made for Christopher & Susan’s reception right before I left NY. I also made Guinness, Carrot, Tiramisu, & Wedding White cupcakes!

Well, I am here in Kansas. Not exactly sure why. Sometimes I feel like I woke up and decided on a whim to move somewhere, and picked Kansas. It feels weird. I feel out of place. Or really just like I am a fun vacation with Liz & Allie and will get to go home in a few days. Back to my comfy bed, my puppy, my family, my friends, and my places to go.

We drove for 3 days and stopped to do many fun things in-between. We visited our dear friends Allie & Joel in Indianapolis, explored that city for a while then moved on to Elkhart Illinois where we stayed with Rob & Sarah and had a fabulous time. From Elkhart we visited St. Louis and went up in the arch and went to some great places there. Then we finally got to Kansas City. It is so far away here!

We unpacked, shopped, explored, went to a Royals game, made it on national television, cooked, ate, shopped some more, and just have been enjoying our fun time together. I do like it. I think it will take a while for me to get used to it. I like our house and Sue & Liz, my roomies. We have three big trees in our yard, oak, sycamore, & maple. We live on a hill. I didn’t think Kansas would have hills. We live near a miniature pony farm. I fully intend to ask them if I can walk their ponies down the road. How fun. There’s a cute little puppy who lives next door, and three annoying schnauzers on the other side. They never stop barking.

Today I made homemade mac & cheese, pumpkin spice cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and bought mums to plant all around our yard to give it some color. Its been raining and cool, so it feels a bit fallish. It will be back to 100 on Monday, so the fleeting fall feeling will be over. Tomorrow is church and then Allie will go back home to Rochester. I think that’s when it will become real.

I didn’t get placed at a Starbucks, but they are using me as a floater until a space opens up at a store. Its a little annoying to work at lots of different stores, but it will be a good way to get to know all the stores around here. And I have 40 hours next week so that’s a blessing. I’m looking forward to working again. It will at least be something normal!

I’ll take some pictures once it stops raining. Miss everyone back in NY! Come visit me soon!