To Look Back Upon

It's about time for some form of post! SO many things have happened... God has shown Himself vibrantly in the past months.

Yesterday, I became a licensed driver. The day before that, both Kevin and I had our braces taken off. It was an all day affair which included driving to Uniontown, eating chocolate covered pretzeling, watching Aristocats, coloring with colored pencils, and having lunch in a small Italian restuarant.

Community Day, our last scheduled day of fundraising for Zambia, was all day on Saturday. Though it was an exhausting ten hours, we raised $250 and did have fun in the process. A man from Ndola happened upon our table. He was stunned and honored to see a project taking place in his own town. He didn't want to leave and was eager to get involved. We exchanged information and hopefully can put him in contact with Covenant Mercies.

Last week, I officially graduated high school. The commencement, like the education of each graduate represented, was one of a kind. What a moment it was to hear my name, walk across the stage, and have my mom and dad hand me a diploma.... high school--it's the past.

Our family attended youth camp on June 21-24. I can't even begin to touch describing the pure fun of camp, what I learned, and how the Lord met me. It was monumental! Also included in the proceedings was the traditional group ice cream stop on the way home for some fabulous soft serve and ice cold water... yum!

On June 20th, my extended families came together to celebrate my graduation. LOTS of preparation went into the party the week of--cleaning, cooking, decorating, sorting photos, setting up tents, buying bubbles for the little kids. The food was delicious; all credit to my mom, grammas, and aunts. Knowing that each person at the party came to wish me the best was priceless. Years of sweet memories were represented by each person there. Having a party was a privilege, and the moments with my family were precious.

June 1st was my evaluation, the official last day of my home school education. Ten years of choosing curriculum, field trips, Little House on the Prairie unit studies, co-ops, art classes, Bible club meetings, lunch in the livingroom, and not eating lunch at all because of the workload. A smile always creaps onto my face when I think about my mom's story of how she hestitantly began homeschooling. To God be the glory!

That, my friends, is just a taste. My purpose in cataloging all this is simply to have a record to look back to. Dad and I will be boarding a plane to Zambia in five days. Adventure awaits! More importantly, we have faith that God has glorious stores of grace to pour out in diverse ways. There'll be more stories to tell and more events to catalog when we get home.

Just a Little Something.

I was tempted to twitter but felt awkward posting about days past... even if it was only yesterday. Twitter's such an "in the moment" type of updating. So here I find myself, home sweet blog.

Brand new rope swing + first swim of the summer + fettuccine alfredo + sharing stories + uproarious laughter = a very memorable Saturday.

In exactly one week, I will be finished with high school. WHOA. yes!
To quote my dad: "Thinking about the fact that you've actually finished... it's surreal."

Within a very close proximity of time, my brother will be graduating 8th grade & entering high school.

I know this is a super short post but it's gonna stay that way.
Thanks for reading - even if it is meager.

I sit at the computer constantly during the week and dislike doing it any more than necessary on the weekend.

=]

Check out the Zambia blog if you get a chance! www.teamzambia.wordpress.com

In the Mail

Just received my ice blue graduation gown! The yellow tassel came last week. Graduation caps - what funny looking items. I don't see myself wearing mine any longer than necessary. 

Momentous, momentous, I do believe. 

 

Perhaps I should have tweeted this lovely update. Just signed up on Twitter. Planning to at least use it during the Zambia trip if not before. This is the first mention of the Zambia trip on here.

 Yes, Reader, Dad and I are going around the world in July, to Africa. AFRICA! Why? I've asked the same question. How? I've asked that question too. Both are answered in the Lord. 

Now on to things with have their ending all too soon enough: school work. 

Too soon? Maybe not ;-]

Testimony

13:39 "Safety is not the absence of but the presence of God"

13:52 "If you do God's will...you might be sent to Africa. It might be hard; it might be scary. But...you will not be disappointed...it is the best...God's will is the best."

15:00 "There is no risk when you are in God's will."

17:51 When something needs to change, "what matters is if you have the courage to do it."

Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." ...Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

James 4

Zambia

Whether I go or not, God has work for me to do. 

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

Philippians  2

8 + 7 = 15

1. I am not fifteen years old.
   
2. "Humble and I know that I am" is a once-loved song from my past. I now cringe at the thought.
   
3. If I could go anywhere, it might just be Morocco. And if I were there, a primary objective would be to eat an orange and drink the infamous coffee.
   
4. As of today, I've drank drinked drunk two cups of coffee in my life thus far.
   
5. 2.8 is a magic f-stop
   
6. When my mom asked me to explain to my brothers the other day how the War of 1812 started, I couldn't remember.
   
7. Ever seen those little round silver cake decorations? They're adorable.
   
8. Pineapple and blueberry are a fabulous color combination.
9. I am a unfortunately a dilettante at piano.
10. Maturity and reality have not taken a tole on me in the area of work - I still hope to have a job I like [most of the time anyway]
11. I'd like to go apple picking some time.
    
12. If in my life I could walk along a wall of Jelly Belly's and just pull the levers and eat them - wow.
13. Doing an Audrey Hepburn movie marathon would be great.
    
14. Being truly spontaneous is a rare but precious thing.
    
15. I went through a phase of loving stuffed monkeys.

why was six afraid of seven?

'cause seven eight nine. 

8 T.V. shows I watch

The Office
What Not to Wear
Gilmore Girls - the way they converse on & on & on in their own little world... I like.
American Idol - if I catch it
uhhhh oh! Ace of Cakes
just to fill in # 6 I'll say "other shows on Food Network"
annnnnndd I'm out.
so sorry. no more.

8 favorite restaurants

The Trattoria - best apple walnut salad ever... I've tasted many an apple walnut salad...
Chipotle's because we don't have one here yet & whenever I've gone there out of town it's been part of an amazing time
a certain Lebanese place
I really want to try Moroccan food...
Olive Garden or Panera are frequently called upon
Napoli's
Chick Fil A - why does listing that seem sort of sad? It's good; but it is fast food. but it's good stuff. 
Lidia's

8 Things I look forward to most in the morning

breakfast
brushing my teeth
seeing the sun shining
meeting God
getting the mail
driving home from the high school
seeing my brothers wrapped in blankets with sleepy faces and warm smiles

8 most recently viewed movies

pride and prejudice
north and south
finding nemo
cinderella
marley and me
million dollar mermaid
teacher's pet
it happened tomorrow

8 things one might find interesting or peculiar about me

i can't roll my tongue
there are over 16,000 pictures in my iphoto from a time period of two years
my favorite kind of popcorn is white kernels popped on the stove in oil
i like to mash bananas rather than eat them regularly
i like white bread if it's toasted and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar
i own a lime green nalgene bottle and think it's pretty cool
i've never gone rock climbing
i feel like this last number eight has to be really good to make a "last impression"

8 smells I love

chocolate
lilacs
my gramma's closet
the inside of my piano
fresh dirt
the christmas drink the c-family makes
starbucks stores
new paper

it's coming... or maybe it's already here.

I finished my American Lit book today! It's now forward on to British. I wish I could think of some quote about marching on, Britain, troops...

I threw a baseball a few minutes ago. The boys are playing outside. 

Walking out to get the mail as become a habit; it's origin points straight to waiting for college acceptance letters. But even before that, at the old house, it was great fun to stand right inside the door, lean out and lift the lid to the metal mailbox. It was a familiar sound, a comfortable normal detail of life. Since we've moved, walking down the driveway to get the mail has served as five minutes to inhale, to step away for perspective and generally say hello to the neighboring houses and outside world. 

Today, I donned my blue Adidas sandals and worn grey sweatshirt for the venture. Old clothes are good friends. I grabbed a letter from one of the two universities I applied and am accepted. It's probably just another student-to-student letter. I laughed when I opened it standing in the kitchen; it was another acceptance letter. I laughed. It was the third or fourth acceptance letter they've sent me. I get it--you like me, I'm in, yes we can, okeydokey. 

A new hair cut has added interest to my day. I probably won't be wearing my hair in a bun so frequently. I woke up, let my hair down, and it was all over the place. Six inches disappeared with the stroke of Mom's comb and scissors. 

Have you smelled spring yet? The great February thaw occurred this week. I'm not sure that it's really all that "great," but it sounded official and annual. The sky is bright. The grass is muddy beyond muddy. I stuffed my scarf in my backpack this afternoon because I didn't need it; it was warm. A breeze races through your hair when you go out. Spring is riding on that breeze; it's coming. The lightness of nature is making me attitude light too or at least lighter.

I've gotten an atrociously small amount of schoolwork done today. As much as I see responsibilities calling in my thoughts for attention, I'm not wrapped up in the work. It is possible to enjoy something you are not consumed with. At least I would say and keeping hoping so from where I currently sit. My schoolwork is not overpowering, and I am still fighting to enjoy it. But today, there's a settled feeling that's right alongside of it all. Is this peace?

It makes a difference.

Changing how you say something makes all the difference even if you're still saying the same thing.

Commanding that "This is not a cartoon we watch," searching for the remote and abruptly changing to a better show brings a response of anger. Not to mention that fact that it happens to be rude.

Asking "Is this a good cartoon?" and waiting for an answer, in contrast, ends in a peaceful transition from bad to good. Instead of taking over with the force of despotism, the actions become helpful... which is the intent anyway!

For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. Romans 7:15

Do not provoke [your] children to anger... Ephesians 6:4

In this Moment

Not seizing an opportunity feels lousy... disappointing. 

Distraction from the Remarkable

I believe they are everywhere--remarkable signs of God's sovereignty, if we only have eyes to see them.

What if everywhere around us is an unfolding story that we cannot see, because we are too distracted by the movies, the television, the gossip and little stressers of the day? What if we are, in fact, on a grand adventure, but we cannot see the immortal view because we are too easily entrapped by more boring things?

Every day, we awaken to a far greater drama than we can imagine. We live with the reality that God died for us. We exist with a knowledge that He is currently preparing a home for us to live in with Him. Unlike so many others, we have the opportunity to delve into a personal friendship with our Maker. What could possibly be more splendid? What could possibly induce us to forget it?

authorship of Beauty from the Heart

Quicky

Still sick but taking stuff.
Behind in understanding math because of being sick.
However, verifying trig identities is "fun." It's like factoring in algebra, which I liked.
Just beginning to think about the fact that I have to write the ending to the story in English class... tomorrow...
Going to view senior pictures tonight finally!

Currently reading When I don't Desire God: How to Fight for Joy. Although, I've been sort of reading it since the summer... it would be more accurate to say that I picked it up again.

I got books out of the library today about Morocco! And about random things to do around the city when you can't think of anything to do.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Romans 5:1-2

15 Things

1. My favorite spot in our house is the brown leather recliners in the living room. ah... relaxation!
   
2. The first time I ate black raspberry frozen yogurt was tasting some of my gramma's. I've liked it ever since.
   
3. I think orange is the happiest color.
   
4. If you haven't had the peppermint whipped cream at Starbucks, go, now and get some. Get extra. It's yummy!
   
5. I wish my hair was wavier.
   
6. I'm fairly sure I will not become a lawyer.
   
7. Glass fascinates me - earrings, bowls, windows, sculptures.
   
8. Homemade things make me happy.
   
9. I wish I had a better eye for color in buying clothes. I dislike wearing black as much as I tend to.
   
10. From the little bit of traveling I've done, it's something I really like.
    
11. Taking pictures around the house can settle me down when I'm frazzled.
    
12. Revolving doors are a novelty.
    
13. I'm sick right now.
    
14. On my twelfth birthday I received a Samantha American Girl doll, a pink cradle, some home-sewn dresses, and the small accessories for her.
    
15. Sometimes I think about how it will feel when/if I'm a grandmother, I've lived my life... and how I'll think about the years I was in high school.
    

Note: After thinking about it, I'm pretty sure it wasn't my twelfth birthday... somewhere more around my sixth or seventh.

Frozen Strawberries

We pick strawberries every summer, eat them until we're sick of them, and then freeze the rest. During winter nights, we pull out a bag and sprinkle some sugar on top for a special snack. Last night we did just this while watching family movies. There was a lovely fire in the fireplace. It's something we all like and worth documenting I thought!

Smoothies are also enjoyed around here. The latest recipe, incredibly simple yet delish, cranberry juice and strawberries.

Someday I'll Learn

Yesterday we set out to get my driver's learner permit. 
We made sure we had everything needed- forms, payment, ID. 

Driving learner's centers are closed on Mondays.  

So we went again today. They are open on Tuesdays. And everyone knows it- it was 2 pm. The room was filled. 

I didn't know there was a distance vision test... and my glasses were at home in my school tote bag.
I use them during math class to see the chalkboard. 

Third times the charm? 

The boys kept asking, "When are we leaving for your driving lessons? Are we going with you for your driving lesson?"

All this reminds me somehow of Driving Miss Daisy.

Simplicity

is the definition of my posting of late.
Writing stories and posts about life will return... but this is now.

"I’ve got to fling myself upon His truth and promises and wait for His will with the utterly abandoned delight of a small child trusting the good purposes of a parent to bless them." [Unconformed]

God has and is using Proverbs 3 so heavily in my life this year. Reading that scripture in that post brought a moment of sitting in contented awe with God. That He reminds me of His presence in my life and cares for my soul through continuing to remind me of such truth in simple, real life, understanding who I am ways- no words.

Elliot

A Favorite Blog- Go Read It!

Some recent posts:

• On the topic of evangelism. 
  
• This post down to the very scriptures fits right in with who and where I have been for the past months and still am, I think. 
  

photo credit The Rebelution & Forthright Fixation

Teal & Timing

this post sat in draft for awhile... but here it is!

Teal was the color of yesterday, and I suppose it will be for the next six weeks as well. The rubber bands aren't going anywhere, no matter how much I wish I could take (at moments rip) them off. My teeth are sore. Yesterday there was mainly just pressure, but today the pressure has increased and the nerves are all highly sensitive.

I didnt know that there was a country of the name Bohemia. 

Wikipedia is at times, not such a bad thing.

In photography, I'm learning to appreciate timing, waiting, and getting that shot. I guess that transfers to life right now too. Waiting, but with that same feeling that I get when I'm looking through my camera. Waiting with expectancy just to click that shutter, just to make those decisions, see opportunities, gain clarity. When I photograph, I can definitely get myself into a zone. In life right now, I'm with the Lord & He's with me. It's not a bad place to be. 

I've Been Getting Mail... lots of it.

I have this crate in the corner of the dining room. It's my mail crate, specifically mail from colleges who are "very eager to hear back" from me.  I find the attempts to speak like we're old friends in the quite generalized letters amusing to read through. There are two or three that are the size of half a newspaper sheet; one or two are the size of index cards. Postcards, business form letters, how to choose your major surveys, lists, timelines, creative graphics and photography and then the not so creative-- its all included. There are several stakes of envelopes inside the crate: high potential, might happen and not a chance.

• The high potential pamphlets or letters are from schools close to home and that appeal to me. There are a few that fill just one of the requirements instead of both, but on the whole, its got to be a double-whammy to make it into the high potential section.
• The might happen's are from schools which are close to home but I dont like as much or farther away (farther than I will go in reality) but that still are appealing. If I didnt have parents who cared where I went to school or if I could have a map picturing all of the schools possible to attend, I might put my figure down on one of them, maybe. 
• The not-a-chancers are the obscure, the distant and the where in the world is that town let alone the college in the town... or maybe the college pretty much is the life of the town? Minnesota, Michigan, California, Illinois, Dallas (Pennsylvania), Florida. We're not talking UCLA, here... ever heard of Pitzer College? 

Pensacola Christian Academy went from high potential to not-a-chance last year I think it was, so this isnt a caste system; and there are several schools which arent placed simply because I dont know how to view them. 

What the schools choose to boast about is always interesting:

• "The Great Book College...the college for readers, real readers." College can already have a tremendous reading load; can you imagine how it is there?
  
• "An extraordinary college...with a difference." Isnt something that's extraordinary already different from the ordinary?
  
• "Individuals. Inspired." I like that one... artsy.
  
• "It fits." The pamphlet is covered in pictures of shoes. 
  

John Cabot university didn't have an interesting slogan, but they're located in Rome, Italy so they're worth mentioning. American University in Washington, D.C., Shimer, and Barnard College of NYC win the award for best graphics and design. The front of Hillsdale College of Michigan's pamphlet was sweet in that it reminded me of the Yale website. One college had a bright yellow envelope with the one word in blue on the front: HELLO. 

Have I gotten a letter from "the one" yet? It dawned on me the other day that I have to pick one school. One. How does that choice happen? What if I make the wrong choice? And oh my, I'm so indecisive. The answer: God has chosen and I need to place confidence in His transcendent grace and omniscience in my life. Yes, I need to seek, but He is faithful even when I am not. He brings me back to working when I couldnt care less, when I say, "forget it all I'm gonna go be a Bohemian poet." Whatever happens in my life, I'm safe; I'm saved and accepted because Christ, in my place was forsaken by His Father on the cross. 

This isnt a post about a recent exciting happening, though I could have written about a few. This is a post about a part of my daily life at the moment, the joy of getting mail (even when it is related to schoolwork), recognizing the pleasant nature of humble things in life, and listening for words from God even when you're not hearing voices.