The Story Behind My Latest Nickname...and why I'm Blogging again!

I use to blog quite a bit...I think I still have a couple of blogs floating around somewhere, but it's been WAY too long since I've even attempted to look at them.  For the past couple of years, I took a break from blogging...and really from a lot of the things that had been a huge part of my adult life.  I needed time to heal from some hurts, and some time to grow and get back to where I needed to be.  Thankfully, we serve a God who is all-powerful and whose forgiveness and love can help us to do anything that He calls us to do, if we are only willing to submit to Him.  Thankfully, He pulled me back to Amarillo to be close to my family who have been a great support and kept me accountable and have just allowed me to work some things out!  I've also made some new friends who have been a great support as well!  (Love my TBC Young Professionals class!)

About 3 months ago (wow...has it already been that long?!), I started back in Children's Ministry at church in a small town near Amarillo.  I cannot begin to describe the JOY that it has been to be back doing what I know that God called me to do over 10 years ago!  I love this church family, and am working with a wonderful staff and support staff!

We have a weekly newsletter here, and our pastor and youth minister manage to write wonderful articles each week.  I've realized that I've gotten out of the practice of writing...even though I used to be pretty good at it!  I decided to start blogging again to maybe get some of my skills back.  I don't know that anyone will care to read this, but I wanted to have the practice all the same.

Now, you may be wondering...WHY did I pick this name for my blog?

Well...

I've enjoyed getting to know the people here, and apparently am feeling VERY comfortable now!

A few Sundays ago, our pastor Kyle was preaching out of Hosea.  He was going to be using the names of Hosea's children to tell the story.  When I was planning my children's sermon, I talked about name meanings and how important they used to be, and then went on to read Isaiah 49:16 where God talks about having our names engraved on the palms of His Hands.  We talked about how when we become a Christian, God never forgets about us or leaves us.  All fine...BUT in the first part of the children's sermon, I mentioned what MY name means...Friendly Little Elf.  Matthew, our youth minister, grabbed right on to that one!  :-) 

As for the OOPS part...Those of you who know me well know that I'm a BIT of a klutz!  ;-)  (I seem to remember hearing the phrase, "pulling a Nissa" used a few times)  Well, one Wednesday afternoon, Matthew texted our receptionist and asked if anyone wanted a drink from Sonic.  We all turned in our orders, and a little while later, Matthew shows up with our drinks.  I pulled my drink out of the holder...and promptly dropped it right on the floor!  That's right, an entire Route 44 Diet Dr. Pepper...ALL over the floor.  After that, Matthew decided to call me Oops Elf. 

His name only got stronger that day, as I managed to have one of the "klutziest" days I've ever known!  While trying to get something that fell on the floor, I hit my head on my desk.  Then later while I was teaching the children, I toppled off of the stage in our meeting room (BUT managed to catch myself). 

Needless to say, I've given him plenty of ammunition for the days to come!  But in all that craziness is some comfort...I feel like I am more myself than I've been in a long time...So even if it causes some bruises, I'll take it joyfully!  (And laughing all the way!)