JVC a year in photos

139: “Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence” - Max Ehrman
Lately spending time in silence is something that I have been taking a lot of great joy in, especially in nature. I never used to think I was the sort of person that enjoyed a lot of peace and quiet, but it seems that it is what I retreat to when I have the opportunity. In college I would find my self spending a lot of time alone on walks, running, riding my bike or sitting in a park and now I am able to see the great love I have of silence. BUT I would not love silence as much without the great joy of spending time with people and being around others to share the joys of everyday!
Mother Teresa says it really well…
“We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature, trees, flowers, grass grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence. We need silence to be able to touch souls.”

138: Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha- Lily of the Mohawks
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha is soon to become a Saint, she was a beautiful example of loving God and giving your life to Him. I learned about her when I was very young becuase she was my gre…at grandmothers favorite saint and my mother worked as a counselor at a Catholic camp called Camp Tekakwitha.

“I am not my own; I have given myself to Jesus. He must be my only love. The state of helpless poverty that may befall me if I do not marry does not frighten me. All I need is a little food and a few pieces of clothing. With the work of my hands I shall always earn what is necessary and what is left over I’ll give to my relatives and to the poor. If I should become sick and unable to work, then I shall be like the Lord on the cross. He will have mercy on me and help me, I am sure.” -Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha


-The poor health which plagued her throughout her life led to her death in 1680 at the age of 24. Her last words were, “Jesus, I love You.” Like the flower she was named for, the lily, her life was short and beautiful. Moments after dying, her scarred and disfigured face miraculously cleared and was made beautiful by God. This miracle was witnessed by two Jesuits and all the others able to fit into the room.-

137: Beauty and the Beast
My favorite disney movie has always been Beauty and the Beast, I got this tea set when I was in 1st grade for Christmas and I have always loved having it up in my room!
A favorite memory of mine is when my Grandpa Yanzer (who passed away 10 years ago) baby sat me when I was very young (3 or 4) and let me watch beauty and the beast the entire day while sitting on his lap. I may not have a Grandfather anymore, but I have wonderful memories of a great man.
“I want adventure in the great wide somewhere. I want it more than I can tell.” - Bell

136: Merry Christmas
Right after leaving our house, we ran into this happy Santa taking a Christmas morning ride. Perhaps it is a victory ride after a long night of Santaing!

135: New Lights
We have had the same Christmas lights for over 10 years, this year Dad decided to get some new lights which just so happened to come with this nifty remote control! Papa Yanzer wins again!

134: Flying into LaCrosse
My last flight was 20 minutes from Minneapolis to LaCrosse (my entire day of travle was 12 hours and 3 flights). I had no nervousness at all because I was so excited to just watch all the things I recognized out the window! there was a beautiful sun set and moment when you could see both above and below the clouds. There is something peaceful about coming home!

133: A night to my self
I was the last in Portland, so I decided to go walk downtown and see all the Christmas decorations one last time! Portland is magical during Christmas and I am so glad I decided to brave the dark to walk in old port

132: Happy Skate
What a magical day at work! We went roller skating at Happy Skate (who isint happy when they go skating)! I think the last time I had gone roller skating was in high school with 4-H! It was so much fun skating with the STRIVE folks although there were many wipe outs.

131: light
“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light. “
Helen Keller