The Plague of Indecisiveness

Oh, what should I write about?!
Whose life should I pour countless hours into researching so I'm able to write knowledgeably on their life, which realistically I will still not know an iota about? You can gain knowledge of an individual's beliefs or the way they were an asset to humanity; but there is something crucial missing in all that study- life! The person is dead. and I am alive. There is the possibility that I will live my life more fully or reach better heights with it because I have the advantage of using them as examples. but I will never really know them. I'll never know what drove them to do what they did or think what they thought.

The topic for one of two biographical essays I shall write this year is due today. And here I sit, writhing over this decision. Why is that I find it so difficult to make a choice, any choice, this choice?

Life is full of choices. Maybe I should stop stumbling over the bigger ones and build up the habit of making successful smaller ones. Who to write this paper on is not a huge decision; no where near as big as where to go to college. In theory it sounds great, doesnt it? Too bad I'm not successful in implementing my own stratagem.

Maybe there's a book on the subject I can read...

;-]

I've successfully vented. Once I've published this post, I'll return to my scrap sheet of paper with names scratched off, rewritten, and scratched off again. My brain will play a broken record: you've got to decide. you've got to send the email. this is not hard. you've got to make a decision. I will proceed to step out of my little tangent bubble and back into reality where as much as I analyze or discuss, the problem persists and stares me in the face; and the only source of comfort- it just dawned on me- is prayer.

"The whole purpose of places like Starbucks is for people with no decision-making ability whatsoever to make six decisions just to buy one cup of coffee. Short, tall, light, dark, caf, decaf, low-fat, non-fat, etc. So people who don't know what the heck they're doing or who on earth they are can, for only $2.95, get not just a cup of coffee but an absolutely defining sense of self: Tall. Decaf. Cappuccino." -Joe Fox in You've Got Mail

Rain Rain

The next line of the song is 'go away' but I am rather enjoying the current weather so I'll skip that part.

Yes, that's right. I like the rain. It takes alot [along the lines of torrential destruction] for me to think of rain as anything other than refreshing. Now, the humidity that is sure to follow, that's a different story. School has creeped up on my and now resides, looming, almost similar to the dense, humid air is doing outside on this fine morning at this minute very minute at 7:53 am.

Last night I played in the rain, jumping in puddles where the sidewalk or the road pavement was uneven. There were the funniest puddles on our front steps that made a shadow-like mirror image. A self-quote: "that would make an awesome picture."

I spent Tuesday reading my military history. 58 pages. And then an article entitled, "Knowing History and Knowing Who We Are. " or something like that.

We put up our tent Monday in the garage. The poles needed to be more spread out than the dimensions of the garage allowed for or I believe the boys were going to sleep in it. It's a wonderful tent- two rooms, each one nice and roomy, and I would even say homey; it has lots of screens, some of which purpose as a sun or star roof.

And now here we are at Sunday. Upon arrival at church, I got to hug a vivacious and wonderful person and friend, Megan. Communion and church both held special tidbits. The message was great and served as the basis of my devotions today. Can you imagine how a visitor or even someone unsaved could or would respond to what was preached?

We had a care group pool party planned. Food included wedding soup, pulled pork, watermelon and hummingbird cake with cream cheese icing. All the 'youth' did swim. Except me. I was busy with Ms. Jackie's camera. A couple games of Apples to Apples were played. Good laughs. Timothy and Abigail are terribly good photography subjects and playmates. Video games were entertainment for a good while. Olivia and Rachel were playing some sort of pretend with my bedroom as their headquarters for a while. Later into the afternoon, in the words of Sarah-Cal, the adults talked in the following manner [which she demonstrated in a one-of-a-kind tone of voice]: "this is where I was struggling this past week; how about you...?" While the convo was going on downstairs, time was passed upstairs by checking out the workings of Mac, and then the remainder on Kevin and my first ever game of Risk. My military history became of use as I scoured my brain for a good title. I was Smedley Butler which beat being Joan of Arc by a long mile. We brought the Dr. Pepper and the pretzels upstairs and munched. When the game was forced to end due to parental force, Kevin was dominating the most land.

How to Spend Summer Days

Or at least here's how I've done it recently.

Highlights from the last picnic of the summer this past Sunday-

• Sit in the third row at church. in the middle. just because.
• Throw the frisbee around abit. Unsuccessfully attempt to throw it into JB's car on a whim.
  
• Be undecided while going along the tables full of yummy food
• Eat. talk. listen.
• Snap pictures as everyone wanders around and examines the surprise firetruck
• Snap a few pictures and then start singing in the rain
• Two words- Mud. Slides.
• I have multiple bruises, all well worth it.
• "They'll remember this their whole lives." -Overheard Mrs. D.G. It's truth.
• "That's something a boy would do" shall forevermore RIP
• It was fun to let the mud dry and then savor the entire experience a few more times on the second slide.
• My clothes washed out completely. No damage done. A vivid memory gained.

a quote that floated around our house a few days:

"I'm sorry. I underestimated your ability to deduce the situation."
[or something like that] -Dan

Undecidedness

So. I've been thinking.
Alot about school, but more than that. About life. Specifically what to do with mine. I dont have an answer to the oh-so-popular questions asked by curious family and acquaintances. And as I've realized, there's a more important question: what does God want to do with my life?

I mean, come on. When you've got choices swarming and swamping your brain, choices that are the components to important decisions, how easy it is to take things into your own hands- what do I want to do? what do I like to do? what should I do? what am I able to do? Though there is something to be said about finding what I enjoy spending my time doing and am proficient at, my greatest pleasure, my magnificent obsession should be Christ. Alone. How easy it is to forget that my life is not about me, myself and I. Going to school is about gaining knowledge, but not for myself. It is following God's will for my life so that He can use me! The one who truly trusts God prays; and then prepares the field for the rain that He has prayed for. I desire to be prepared, but I do not want to loose sight and time for the prayer.

It's about Christ. The Gospel. His glory. And since when did I become capable of doing anything worthwhile apart from Him? Since when did my accomplishments, my righteousness, become the exception?

I'm continuing to realize that God has for me a specific purpose and plan. I'm not gonna be the kid who has completed fifteen college courses before I get to college. I'm not going to be a world famous musician. I won't score a 2400 on my SATs. I have this innate desire to never say I can't do something. I can always learn to do it. That principle has served me well, and learning is vital, but it is also 'meaningless.' I've been reading Ecclesiastes :-]

In the end, where does my happiness rest?

What could give me more happiness than knowing that my life has been used to serve someone other than myself?

I have the reassurance through His promises that when I lay my own self down and determine to only build the name up Christ, His name shall be exalted among the nations.

"I am only one. But still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I still can do something; And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something I can do." -H. Keller

I just keep thinking- the choices I'm making now, I make them once and then live out the consequences. I cant make them on my own apart from Him. It's like I'm frozen- I know that God has fore-known what my life holds, how He is going to use me. I dont know what the path looks like, but He does. I'm praying that He guides me. I dont have to see everything; I dont need to walk by sight. But I know that I do need to seek and see His face.

As of last night, I'm going to rejoice in my undecidedness, not downplay it. I pulled out the last edition of the Excelsior and read through it. I didnt have to go far- a front page quote- "Take time to be undecided. It can be thrilling."

Beyond the blessings I have seen and grace that I know now, I will sing of mercies yet untold.

Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Selah

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Come and see the works of the LORD,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.

He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear,
he burns the shields with fire.

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."

The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.

A Picture's Worth

First off, a short story:

Last night Dave walked into my bedroom and my light fixture cover sitting on my dresser. It'd been there a week. He asked why it was sitting there, and asked if I needed a light bulb. "Yep, I do," I said while absorbed in restacking books along my dresser. "I'll get it for you!" At that moment I realized that I could do two things- continue what I was doing and pretty much ignore my brother; or take advantage of the moment and possibly make a memory.

I followed Dave downstairs. I watched him grab a kitchen chair and pull it over to the hall closet. He climbed up on the chair and proceeded to rummage through the grocery bags hanging on the wire hooks, filled with various light bulb boxes. I just watched from behind and answered with "75, 60, 120" when he couldn't read the occasionally faded numbers. He found a 40 I think it was and I helped him jump down from the chair. When we were back in my bedroom, "Let me put it in." He stood up on my bed and reached. I stood behind him with my hand around his waist, lifting him just an inch or two. We both turned the light bulb into the socket; where his hand slipped off and couldnt reach, my grip was steady and right-tighty...Let there be light!

[insert picture of a camera here]

I've been thinking alot lately about photography. I'd bet that if you asked pretty much anyone I know, they'd be able to tell you that I take tons of pictures! It's kinda funny...

Photography captures moments; photos are memory images that you can view right in front of you. These past few weeks, I've realized that there are two kinds of memories, captured and uncaptured. The captured are of course those that are preserved in some form- video, photo, audio. It's the pictures that the words out of your mouth after viewing them are "yes!" because you managed to catch a fleeting moment. It's the videos or audio that capture a piece of life that you don't have access to anymore or that can't be relived. The uncaptured memories have always gotten under my skin. I've always wanted to have everything "preserved" so that I could remember things always and not have to rely on my brain. The uncaptured are those which due to timing, poor camera quality, lighting, distance or even the fact that you are the subject and no one else around has a camera or notices the possibility, the shot remains untaken.

My perspective towards the 'uncaptured' has been tweeked lately. Uncaptured is in quotes. I have these vivid snippets in my head of a moment that I didnt capture in film or video, but somehow they've ended up captured in my mind. They're in my head. I cant put out an album and show them off, even though they're beautiful. Looking through a brick-sized hole into the baseball dugout and seeing Steve sitting on the bench by himself laughing, other boys around, yet invisible. Two pastors standing in front of a church family after announcing that one of them will be leaving. A friend that you've missed smiling and laughing. My dad and my brother with their heads together, looking each other straight in the eye, both grinning. I suppose the images that have been pressed into my mind the past few weeks are similar to what painters experience...they see something, remember it, and attempt to capture the life and essence of what they saw on canvas.

These moments would have made wonderful photos I'm sure. And I still dont like missing a 'great shot'; but lately I've experienced that taking the time to enjoy a moment for every ounce of what it is, and not being so anxious to click my shutter is a great thing. Life can be exquisitely beautiful from behind a camera lense; but to truly live life, you've got to do more than admire or capture or recreate a picture of it, you've got to experience it for yourself. In a sense you could say that one needs to be in the picture, not just taking it.

Sometimes that means consciously letting a moment remain 'uncaptured.' But it usually means coming away with your heart touched in a way that I think, will last alot longer than any digital file or piece of Kodak paper.
_

Currently Listening: Switchfoot. Gone. Like Frank Sinatra.

UPDATE: The computer's fixed! An acquaintance of a friend spent three hours working on it, and after many attempts finally beat the trojan. Best part- every file remained safe and sound. We would definitely recommend him...

Yesterday Today Forever

Yesterday I made lemonade from lemons and giggled my head off with some of my best friends in this world. It was a great day. Cherry vanilla ice cream and pickles are yummy- not together or anything, although that would be interesting. Laptops are wonderful things. Being around people that allow you to be completely [well, mostly anyway] yourself is priceless.

What today holds for me, I'm not completely sure. I do know that so far I have been successful in repairing our computer back to a runnable condition. I've checked my email. and flickr. I've made a DVD of our family videos. And I know that as soon as I remove myself from this keyboard and screen, 5-6 batches of brownies are going to be calling my name.

Google verse of the day - Ephesians 6:17-20

"...and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."

I want to read more.

Super Sunday

Yesterday was a long day. But a long day spent doing otleechna things with my friends. My friends! What a blessing it is for God to have given me each and every one of them [you].

While looking at the Duff scholarship website just a few minutes ago, I see at the top of the page:
COLLEGE DOESN'T HAPPEN BY CHANCE.

and then I think, nope. It doesnt. It happens by Providence.

Gee It's Been Awhile

Somewhat torrential downpours are occurring at this very moment at our house. Hail the size of a quarter. Lightning. Thunder. Rain that waters the grass.Rain that came in and made puddles on the floor since we were a little late in closing the windows.

Now that we've covered the issue of the weather, where to go next.
Youth camp. Fourth of July weekend. Pastoral hopscotch. Big bang bong & wham-o some large topics there.

The on-going house hunt. The ironic visits from family. The sleepover with Sarah and Rachel that I enjoyed because it gave me an excuse to do things I haven't done in years. Mulching at Ms. Iva's was probably the only time mulching has ever been fun for me. Why I'm thankful for my SAT prep class. I'd recommend it to anyone and everyone. The semi-existent plans for the coming school year.

What I've been reading lately- Psalm 37. Miscellany. I also checked a handful of classics out of the library. Anna Karenina is 800 some pages! I never knew Pygmalion was a play not a novel.

What the boys have been doing lately- playing legos and going to work with Dad.

What I did for six hours yesterday- shopping, which I only like to do if I'm not trying to find anything or if I find what I set out to find. I didnt buy a dress, but did buy some normal clothes we crossed paths with that were on sale.

What everyone but me has been doing alot of- packing...in faith. I've got the faith part, just haven't been participating in the packing as of yet.

The Shortest YC Post in History

It's kind of fun to do the impossible.
-Walt Disney

I can imagine God saying the above in the context of youth camp...and ultimately, life walked with Him.

...

Back in October I bought a blue bracelet with this little darling's name on it.

http://aliviarachelhaughery32005.blogspot.com/

Good Stuff

'But every trial of our faith is but a trial of His faithfulness.'

-Kept for the Master's Use

For if there first be a willing mind, it is accepted according to that which a man hath, and not according to that which a man hath not.
2 Corinthians 8:12

Walmart To-do List

This post is rather pointless.
I laughed at this list though. Hope someone else will too :-)

• Set all the alarm clocks in Housewares to go off at 5-minute intervals.
• Walk up to an employee and tell him/her in an official tone," 'Code 3' in housewares".... and see what happens.
  
• Go the Service Desk and ask to put a bag of M&M's on lay away.
• Move a 'CAUTION - WET FLOOR' sign to a carpeted area.
• When a clerk asks if they can help you, begin to cry and ask,
• "Why can't you people just leave me alone?"
• Look right into the security camera; & use it as a mirror, and pick your nose.
• While handling guns in the hunting department, ask the clerk if he knows where the anti - depressants are.
• Dart around the store suspiciously loudly humming the "Mission Impossible" theme.
• Hide in a clothing rack and when people browse through, say "PICK ME!" "PICK ME!"

It's done.

I cannot express how many times I have written a to-do list over the past months that included "work on research paper." I now get to scratch if off every single list I can get my hands on.

My paper is done, kaput, finished!

I crashed at approximately 2pm this afternoon. I was fried; my brain function was approaching the E. Mum prayed for me. I drank some water. And sat back down to come up with an intro and conclusion--the wonderful paragraphs that transported me over the minimum word mark.

I know it's not my best work. I know that in places the sentence structure could use work. I know that a few of the points could use a little more beef (explanation) behind them. But I have 2640 words typed and that fulfills what I need to get my English credit. This, my dear, dear friends...is a good feeling.

Whoo Hoo

I'm officially Spaced Out.
YC '07 countdown: 7 days

I Like Lists.

The following is a list of what I've consumed [other than spiritual nutrition ;-] today thus far.

• Pasta salad
• Caesar-ish salad
• KFC drumstick -yay! Another church tradition!
• 2 meatballs
• BBQ Pork
• 1 pickle
• 1 piece of apple pie
• 1/2 a M&M cookie
• granola bar
• water
• Fresca
• a frozen banana which tasted a little like a popsicle at times
• a small fudge brownie -a package made its way home with us somehow

Life is full of first experiences -aka doing things for the first time.
Today was the first church picnic I've ever been too; it won't be the last!
Yummy, yummy food as described above. Good & simple convo- I like things that are uncomplicated. Ultimate frisbee- I was catching pretty well towards the end of the game, but my throwing was way off. Throwing was better for me earlier in the game ;-P I know we have a frisbee somewhere around the house...I need to find it...

I like little kids. Watching them play in the water was the bestest! Bestest is a very girly word. I'd be scared if I heard a guy say "well, ya, like, that was just the bestest evER!" My camera was in hand for the last hour we were at the park. I took some very cute shots of Abigail, Timothy, Hannah & Aaron and Lydia & Abigail. After I download them I'll edit this post or post another post so ya'll can enjoy em :-]

That's pretty much the summary of the day for now. I could include notes fro Mr. R's message, or samplings of conversations I had or other such fun things; but that would be slightly complicated to do at the moment, and as I said before, I'm currently a fan of uncomplicated things.

Looking forward too:

• EVALUATION. I wonder how many times I said that word today...
• Should I include my SAT prep class on this list?
• swimming
• last softball game of season this week
• Wednesday "prayer and pizza"

and a little farther down the road...YOUTH CAMP!

Want a Good Laugh?

Hmm. I think I wanna post.

...But am not quite sure what to post about yet.

You know that feeling when you're sitting somewhere, watching something, and you feel warm? Maybe it's a summer night. Somehow What a Night come to mind. Maybe you're wrapped in a cozy blanket. God has been showing me how to become more fully His, that He's got me in His arms, and that He is as faithful to me as He was to Jacob.
[1] [2]

Realizing and describing where I am in seasons isn't quite easy for me; I'm learning how. For a few months I've been wrestling with trusting God and accepting where He's placed me once again- on a threshold. That threshold leads to a whole new and foreign part of His plan for me. God has been faithful to meet me everyday. Everyday He's used someone or something to show me that He's with me, that He cares, and that He's continuing to prepare me for whatever I need prepared for. He's placed me in where I'm supposed to be throughout my life, and He'll continue to do so. I'm not on my own.

It's been at times similar to jumping over an abyss. The abyss sits between personal will and desires and Christ's plan which is known to be everything best. One minute you look at the great gap and you're terrified. You turn away because your flesh doesnt want to jump over it! You're content to stay completely on your own terms. Christ knows the depths of your heart. He sees that beneath the fear and whatever else there is that the true desire of your heart is to be closer to Him. He brings it out of the darkness and to the light. Because of Christ's work on the cross, you are united with the Father. He wraps both arms around you and guides your pitiful and incapable feet smoothly. The inches become feet which become great lengths. The abyss is no doubt large, but how much bigger is our God?

Picture the way a child's hand grasps on to things- hair, toys, clothes. My heart has been like a child's hand. It has had a firm grip. I've had to come to the Lord and allow Him to pry open the fingers of my heart and let the object being grasped be removed so that my heart can fully be filled with Him.

Maybe reading Hinds Feet on High Places is affecting my mind- causing me to think in allegory form ;-)

Oh, and just so the topic doesnt remain anonymous- it's our family moving. Years of seeing this season of life in the distance- well- now it's sneaking up to the position of being smack in front of my face. I'm "sensitive," a "pack rat," and "sentimental." More importantly however, I am God's child and He is sovereign. We'll see how the story unfolds, eh?

Surely goodness and love shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6

Accomplished

• Science and history test essay questions completed
• Science and history records checked as accurate
• Science and history quizzes all completed; corrected
  
• Final science test taken
• Required three papers for English 10 credit final drafts gathered/set aside
  
• Literature anthology 11 pages read
• List of Bible verses studied as part of curriculum typed
• Forgot to mark off Monday as Memorial Day, so my log's off a day. It confused me for a good few minutes as to what I gotten messed up and where the missing day was...
  

• Cabinets organized so all the groceries would fit
• Grocery's unpacked
• 15 minute IM convo
• 2 picture uploaded to Flickr
• Email checked 4 times

Also this week:

• 2 plays that felt awesome at home plate; several in LC field
• Helped paint the shed
• Cleaned my room
• Been in the pool twice
• "And he said to him, 'Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!'

Need to:

• Wrap up Math and Bible
• Read another book
• Finish my anthology
• Finish my 10 pager after I chat with Mr. C. (that idea about calling it a free right wasn't half bad & may happen by the way...)
  
• Maybe go to softball practice tonight
  
• Find a way to wake up early
  

Ya, Good Stuff.

I love surfing this blog.

Side Note: the updates on NA are great. Can't wait to listen to the sessions. Oh, and the guy in the middle with the white shirt in this picture resembles the guy in this picture which you will not be able to view unless you are one of my Flickr contacts.


HOW TO WRITE GOOD

1. Avoid alliteration always.

2. Prepositions are no words to end sentences with.

3. Avoid clichés like the plague.

4. Employ the vernacular ad nauseam.

5. Eschew ampersands & abbrev., etc.

6. Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are unnecessary.

7. It is wrong to ever split an infinitive.

8. Contractions aren’t acceptable.

9. Foreign words are not apropos.

10. As Emerson said, “I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.”

11. Comparisons are as bad as clichés.

12. One should never generalize.

13. Don’t be redundant; it is highly superfluous to use more words than necessary.

14. Be specific, more or less.

15. Understatement is insipid.

16. Exaggeration is infinitely worse than understatement.

17. One word sentences? Simple. Eliminate!

18. The passive voice is to be avoided.

19. Bad analogies are like feathers on a snake.

20. Even if a mixed metaphor sings, it should be derailed.

21. Who needs rhetorical questions?

22. Colloquialisms are grody to the max.

23. Abjure polysyllabic obfuscations.

24. Finally, chech for pselling errors and typeos.

Relevant Words from Other People

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is really a large matter- it's the difference between a lightning bug and the lightning." -Mark Twain

Welcome to resistance
The tension is here
Between who you are and who you could be
Between how it is and how it should be

From Kept for the Master...I could post the whole first chapter that I read today! Amazing book based upon the song "Take my Life and Let it Be."

"Take my life!" We have said it or sung it before the Lord, it may be many times; but if it were only once whispered in His ear with full purpose of heart, should we not believe that He heard it? And if we know that He heard it, should be not believe that He has answered it, and fulfilled this, our heart's desire? For with Him hearing means heeding.

Have we not been wronging His faithfulness all this time by practically, even if
unconsciously, doubting whether the prayer ever really reach Him? And if so, is it
any wonder that we have not realized all the power and joy of full consecration? By some means or other He has to teach us to trust implicitly at every step of the way. And so, if we did not really trust in this matter, He has had to let us find out our want of trust by withholding the sensible part of the blessing, and thus stirring us up to find out why it is withheld.

Consecration is not so much a step as a course; not so much an act, as a position to which a course of action inseparably belongs. In so fas as it is a course and a position, there must naturally be a definite moment when that entrance is made. That is when we say, "take"' but we do not want to do on taking a first step over and over again. What we want now is to be maintained in that position, and to fulfill that course. So let us go on to another prayer. Having already said, "Take my life, for I cannot give it to Thee," let us now say, with deepening conviction, that without Christ we really can do nothing,--"Keep my life, for I cannot keep it for Thee."

I knew What He Meant

"I like your hair styling today, Dave."
"Aw, ya, thanks Lane. I put jello in it this morning."

Good weekend. Except for having to leave church before Mr. P. was even done talking. Watched The Glenn Miller Story and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Sunday afternoon.

Chilled after pictures on Saturday. About to head out to house hunt-nothing to report on that- when SQ (first name's not Susie) called. Bonfire was mucho fun. Even the rain was fun. I think SQ'd disagree on that point though. ;-)

Memories Include:

• Being attached at the hip

• Drinking lemonade

• Seeing Mike standing really high with the fire on his face in a cool way with an undertone of spookiness

• Learning the difference between a construction and an industrial *cough imaginary cough* engineer

• Thinking that Jess really did have to wear that necklace all the time (gullible & stupid was I; it was funny)

• Saying that Fluffy looked like she was electrocuted

• Learning how to play Egyptian Rat Slap and Spoons; hearing Anna (& Dan) yelp
  

• Random guitar playing I wanna think of a good phrase or two to describe it vividly- everyone just sitting around, taking turns strumming away, everyone else joins in singing occasionally. Hearing the "best cord ever." Liked that CAUTION tape strap.
  

The two littlest were found chillin on the couch in the basement watching a flick having been deemed "so cute" by all of Matt's BP High friends. Oh, and I received some stellar flipflops from the Big Apple. I was wearing them on Sunday!

Handcuffs Smoothies Movies & Baseball

• The littlest munchkin handcuffed his ankles together (or maybe his older brother/Irish twin did it for him), and it took us nearly an hour to get the things off. Needle nose pliers, a papersclip, a bobbypin, keys, and a butterknife were all attempted. He laid there reading Curious George and watching some show, completely undisturbed. I was upstairs, completely unaware, until I came down seeking some sort of nourishment. When I saw him I immediately thought of the story of my uncle who got his head stuck in the bars of his crib, got to meet a fireman, and even get his picture in the paper.
  

• I cant find the camera USB cord & that's not good since I need it.
  

• We rented Pursuit of Happyness last night. I'm pondering whether to go into what I thought about it...

• As we were sitting down to watch the movie, everyone voiced that we think Dave's gonna be a construction engineer. We didnt know what the difference between that and an industrial engineer was. Dad said, "he was born for it."

• Throwing frozen strawberries in the blender, using the chop button a few times followed by the puree button makes a yummy substance. Steve's allergic to strawberries. I mixed him a concoction upon his request of 1 banana + a lot of peanut butter + some water, the whole time thinking "how nasty." It came out a soupy, mushed up banana-y muted brown color. I never tried it though I am usually very keen on trying new foods. He gobbled it down and said it was delicious!

• The K-man cant wait till school's over (that's not a news flash around here). He's already been to work with Dad several times. Steve's gone too. We've got a plethora (one of my favorite words!) of caulking tube airplanes and spaceships.
  

• I did some very, very interesting scholarship/college research yesterday. It spurred me on to work hard for sure. I've set some high goals. I dont even know what I want to study. God has a plan. My plan currently is to do my best, seeing as a chunk of His plan hasnt been revealed yet. I need to do the best work I can so that I am equipped for Him to use me in the way that He desires.
  

• Found out that we might get to visit with Aunt Betty depending on what we're doing for the 4th of July :-)

& I'm off to get ready for my softball pictures this early afternoon. The other two players and Coach are at the field now. There were pictures at 9am, game at 10; pictures at 1pm, game at 2:15 at a different field; pictures at 1:30, practice right after til 4pm at a different field.

Summed Up

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O Lord,
And teach out of Your law,
That You may give him rest from the days of adversity...

For the Lord will not cast off His people,
Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

Unless the Lord had been my help,
My soul would soon have settled in silence.
If I say, "My foot slips,"
Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.
-Psalm 94

Pray Boldly & See What He Shall Do

Come forth. Come forth into what God has.
No fear. All things severed. Do not be afraid.
Breathe deeply. Inhale the sweet, fresh, clean, pure air. Freedom.
Everyday is exciting, an adventure. "What do you have for me today, Lord?"
No anxiety about a future. He is my future and my hope and all that is good in, the only reason for this life and the next.
To Him I belong. May my heart be aligned with His plan.
Break free from the binds and step out. Step OUT into the great good that He has sitting before.
As Lazarus came forth when the Lord called, come forth and be freed from the heaviness, the darkness, the dreary.
When the vision of the people is not clear, they shall perish-- they shall wander aimlessly.

My eyes tonight have seen clearly. Tomorrow has a purpose.

I have seen the power of prayer. I was effected by the power of prayer when I was least expecting it.

this has been another post coming to you on another semi-anonymous subject matter. it's a synopsis of things that were prayed tonight sitting at our dining room table. I cant express to you in written words at this moment what these words mean to me. This post is a penny's worth of my thoughts and just the tiniest snippet of my life at present.

my hope is that it hasnt been dead boring; and that the Lord somehow ministers to you through reading it...somehow...He's good at those sorts of things. ;-)

Lights Camera Interview...Roll Film

Name three of your top favorite movies.

I wouldnt even know where to begin really.
Movies would just keep popping into my brain one after another. I tried to think of a good way to tie the word popping in with movie theater popcorn...not coming to me. Back to the show...

If I tried hard enough, got creative enough, and made sure our video camera's battery was charged enough, this would be a cool contest to enter. It'd be awesome. [alot like you Mike.]

Three Words

"I'm forever grateful."

That phrase has been a broken record in my head for the past 15 minutes.

Even if things aren't so "great" at a certain time, day, year--that there is still something to be thankful for. That sounds so elementary really, so shallow at first glance. My thought continued...I should be thankful in the present for what God has done in the past. I can look over my shoulder to what God deemed completed in my life or the life of my family, or see processes moving farther along and find a refreshment there.

When it may seem as though the things "praiseworthy" are outnumbered by the things not so pleasant, I should not only recognize that every situation is for the best because I am a child of God, but also that God is faithful and will not leave threads unbound in my life. Each and every fiber will be woven beautifully into a tapestry for His glory and His name.

I am indebted to Christ for salvation, happiness, the everyday as well as major blessings He gives. I can never give payment, never give enough thanks for the things He has done, is doing, and will do. Why should thankfulness/gratefulness [I wonder what the real difference is there...further research needed...] stop because the good times in my eyes may stop?

The things He has done should not lose their meaning in my heart as time brushes over them. Thankfulness should be applied towards past, present and future situations.

We(I) should be forever grateful because our God is forever faithful.

Check it Out

Part of me says this idea is downright irresponsible and stupid to do. The other part says, "gee whiz those pictures are cool!"
...I havent decided whether or not to try this.

Oh, and the catching part...if that's optional, well...let it drop on purpose?! I think I'll make the catching mandatory.

Recently Feeling

two songs I heard today "struck a note" with me. I cut the lyrics abit, making them more precise for how I saw them. That's probably technically not a good thing to do considering a song is someone's masterpiece...

It's a long wait at the gate;

Up and down again, but this time it's different.
It took some waiting to straighten out the bend,
At times it was difficult.
Got a new life, It takes some getting used to but...

I’m always in this place where the things I seem to take are the things I wish would fade.
I always purpose in my heart to do things the right way then I realize I’m still clay, and this piece that’s being shaped will be a beauty you create.

I am nothing without your love.
I’m unworthy but your death has been enough
I’m completed by your touch, but I feel like I’ve been given so much and I thank you!

No sign of any rain. My skies are clear today.
I keep bracing for that hit, But there's not sign of it.
No obstacles in sight.
My skies are clear tonight; My skies are full of light.
I keep thinking I might see that cloud arrive,
Oh, but there's no sign of it...No sign of it.

I wouldn’t even face all the troubles of the day if it wasn’t for your grace.
Sometimes I even wait to see if I’m awake...seems so good I can’t relate.
Tour every word I crave, and I’m grateful for every breath I take.

When I’m feeling all my shame; You won’t let it stay.
I sail away into your love. I’m taking every day to give my life away.
It’s the only way I know.

And as I look around, it's all new ground.
The leaves on the trees touch down;
it's been a long road, a heavy load.
I just simply had to go, had to get here hard as it's been.

Debate Airing on ABC.com

Actor Kirk Cameron and best-selling author Ray Comfort will square off with two atheists in New York on Saturday, May 5. They will broadcast the entire debate on ABC.com on Wednesday, May 9 at 2:00 p.m. EST. ABC's website is already the 7th most visited news site, with 19 million visitors every month. The debate will be moderated by Martin Bashir, and on May 9 a shortened version of the debate will be aired on Nightline also on Wednesday 9th.

Comfort -- who claims he can prove the existence of God, scientifically, without mentioning faith or the Bible -- stated, "...I'm ecstatic. I can prove the existence of God in that amount of time [13 minutes].

"We are very grateful to ABC for taking this courageous step," Comfort continued. "As far as we know, nothing like this has ever been done before.

Is there actually evidence for God? That's the most important question any of us will ever consider."

Cameron added, "...Most people think that belief in God is simply a matter of blind faith, and that His existence can't be proven. We will not only prove that God exists, but as an ex-atheist I'll show that the issue keeping so many people from believing in God -- Darwinian evolution -- is completely unscientific. It's a fairy-tale for grownups."

The debate came about after ABC ran a story in January about hundreds of atheists videotaping themselves blaspheming the Holy Spirit.

"But," Comfort continued, "there is something more sinister here than a few people not believing in God. Why would so many be so bitter against Christianity in particular? Why aren't they making videos that blaspheme Buddha or Mohammed or Ghandi? We made our own video clip and posted it on www.Hollywoodblasphemy.com to expose why.

As of May 2 there is still an opportunity for people to join in the debate, by submitting questions that will be passed on to the panelists. ABC will limit the live audience to 100 people, evenly divided between atheists and believers.

I'd Like to Have a German Car

Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6am. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today.

After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) filled it with GAS from Saudi Arabia and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB . At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his computer (Made In Malaysia), Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE) and turned on his TV (MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can't find a good paying job in AMERICA.

A Language Lesson Thanks to Walt Disney

sty·mie also sty·my

• (stm) tr.v.sty·mied(-md), sty·mie·ing also sty·my·ing(-m-ng), sty·mies (-mz) To thwart; stump: a problem in thermodynamics that stymied half the class.
  
• n.1. An obstacle or obstruction. 2. Sports A situation in golf in which an opponent's ball obstructs the line of play of one's own ball on the putting green.
  

I'm vaguely remembering a kid on The Little Rascals named 'Stymie.' If my memory's serving me correctly, and that kid's name really was "an obstacle or obstruction," that's just too funny. Words are just plain fun.

I had an urge to look this one up. Never had before:

Supercalifagilisticexpialitrocious [ˌsu.pəˌkæ.lɪˌfræ.dʒəl.ɪs.tɪkˌɛk.spi.æ.lɪˈdəʊ.ʃəs]) (super-cala-frag-a-listic-ex-pee-al-a-dough-shus)

• Roots of the word have been defined, as Richard Lederer writes in his book Crazy English as follows: super- "above," cali- "beauty," fragilistic- "delicate," expiali- "to atone," and docious- "educable," with the sum of these parts signifying roughly "Atoning for educatability through delicate beauty."

PS: Please forgive the awkward square doodles in the definition of stymie. Dunno where they came from or how to boot them back there!

Short Snippet of Some Moments

FUSE fun night numero uno = a digital scavenger hunt. Fun times.
"Fan of Spam in Spain." --say it three times fast.

Grad party for four [three present] friends who I'm so blessed to know and continue getting to know. We were only at the house a short time, but I made a great memory. I still really want to learn to swing dance! I dunno that I'll be any good at all, but I at least have to try.

I'll miss her, but I'm filled with joy about her leaving...deep down that is. Tears did well up several times in the past weeks while pondering the situation and past good times. Every ending is only a beginning. And sometimes endings, well, really aren't endings. They're just a sort of pause, a sort of extended season of separation or quietness or calm or lowered activity. Relationships can fade like a vapor in the sunlight in life, but for those in the family of Christ, eternity will be one long and joyously united celebration.

I love our church. I love what God has done in leading us to join their family. I thank God for the comfort of that family and also of Sovereign Grace. After talking with a friend tonight, I now feel happy after not being sure what I felt like all day long. God is good.

Oh! Side note! On Sunday, Mr. P. mentioned a verse Phil. 2. Mom decided to memorize that exact verse of which I cannot remember the reference on Friday. coolness. We continued reading in Phil. 2 today. Reinforced was the idea of rejoicing in everyday, knowing that God has made it; and to remember to build His name and not our own in everything we do. I realized what joy that concept could bring--when building a name for myself, my tasks are burdensome; but when I do make everything I do a brick in building the name and fame of Christ, there is joy. freedom and joy. Dad's been working nights this week, so he got to join our newly established morning devotions and prayer =]

PS.
Kev is at this moment playing the last three innings of a baseball game. The score when we left was 18 to 3...the other team. He hit a bomber that woke up everyone sitting on the bleachers down the first base foul only to strike out. We left right after that =\

Preach It

In my wandering, I happened across the current church pastored by the man I've been watching and listening to for Bible class this school year. The videos I've been watching are from 1998, when Jim Schettler was the pastor at the PCC Campus Church and held several other positions at the high school and college in Florida.

I've immensely enjoyed his teaching. I've applied the basics doctrines he's taught in my own head every time I hear Mr. P. speak. It's cool to be able to hear something, having previous and deeper knowledge of it, and be able in your mind to expand and more fully understand what's being discussed.

I came across these sermons and thought it worth coming back to in the future. Kinda cool that our church is studying Genesis too...

Radio Message Listening

A few mixmatch notes from-

I turned my radio on this morning and listened to Jack Hayford for a half an hour. I was doing other things in my room [folding clothes, making the bed etc.], but instead of music, I chose to listen to the words of his sermon because pictures of W. Wilburforce reciting Psalms while walking to Parliament and a chapter of Humility: True Greatness which says to use one's travel time each day for meditation flooded my head. Hayford spoke on bearing our own burdens and those of others. Love was emphasized.

Just as I was ready to turn my attention from listening, C.J. Mahaney's name was said. My attention was renewed, and I decided, making the choice to put off my schoolwork for another half an hour, to listen in and take some notes. The announcer for the station referred to Sovereign Grace as a "movement of churches." I dont know why that struck me or why I remembered. I usually think family rather than movement.

In [incredibly] short- great message on modesty.

Pirate Remorse

Dude, we missed a good party! Sadness on that point. Oh well--We stored up treasures in heaven while others made the choice to pursue treasure of a more pirate story-like nature. ;-)

Everyone's costumes were great, the performances very funny. & thanks to Mike for preserving some moments so that those of us who were unable to attend could enjoy.

[I said remorse more because it was a good word than because I really truly felt that upset.]

Consider This

A small victory for the sanctity of infant life:
http://www.comcast.net/news/index.jsp?cat=GENERAL&fn=/2007/04/18/639998.html

How many of those who say that partial birth abortions protect women's health have studied how they go about killing the child, completely formed and perfectly capable to live life--partially born?

It makes me sick to my stomach.

Both supporters of abortion and nonsupports should study what is really being allowed or aimed to be eliminated. Educate yourself on the issues which you claim to have an opinion on. Study the process by which the child is dismembered or neglected. Did you know there is one type of rare yet legal type of abortion in which a perfectly healthy child is completely ignored, left to die after being born? Think of the number of citizens this country has lost since 1973.

Maybe one day this country will not only consider the health of mothers, as supporters so fervently [and inaccurately] proclaim they are doing, but return to taking the health of it's future, unborn citizens into consideration.

Google Has Failed

I can find mix-match quotes or facts on Charles Brower, but can find no indication of any of his work by Googling. I'm looking for a book, speech, or short writing [not sure which] called "Dare to be Square." There was a quote from it in my speech text, and I am wanting to read it.

Help of any sort, anyone?

Oh, and if you know how the code for putting an image into the description bar and wouldnt mind passing it along, I'd be greatly appreciative!

Disappointment but Positivity

Tomorrow is the postmark deadline for the Answers in Genesis Evolution Exposed research paper contest. Due to my need to do extensive research and use writing a 2500 word paper as a thorough learning experience, my paper isnt done. I was using the contest as incentive. This may sound strange--I didnt want to win the first prize of $50,000 to Liberty Uni. I wanted to win one of the four runners up: a laptop and tons of books.

I've got the backbones of a first draft, but need to do reorganize and re-research on a few points in order to really get my points across efficiently. I'm disappointed that a final draft isnt sitting on my desk, with crisp black ink on flawless white copy paper. Throughout the whole process however, I've been praying that if the Lord wanted my paper in the contest, He'd give me the strength and timing to complete it. I was leaning on the whole "close a door, open a window" principle. I didnt want to rush my writing. There'll be other contests.

The downer--I set an allotted time to cut back on reg biology to write my paper. I've now got to go back to full school, full paper-writing mode.

Drowning Melville

There arent particular jokes that make me laugh, but Drowning Melville just made me happy when watching.

It was neat to hear the voice of an Ian Murphy having been praying for him since his accident, but never having met him.

Running a Race

life's crazy.
especially this weekend. gee whiz.
the line-up for this weekend is incredible just including the things we're doing, let alone the things we're not able to.

two-thirds of me is saying it's really nice to be busy. the other third is saying I wish I could focus on one or two things in my mind. At the moment, I'm uh, pretty scatterbrained. It was great to start my day with forty-five minutes of reading my Bible and prayer though, and I've been able to accomplish much already today.

The struggle with weekends like this for me is really being in the individual moments and not just flying past the current because my mind is on the upcoming.

My room is a wreck. partly because of my attempts to reorganize everything more systematically, and partly because I've got a gazillion different projects, not necessarily big or worth noting, or even all-consuming, but still projects. Put it this way--I've got my entire school life, clothing collection, library, sleeping quarters, items apart of my social life, and majority of my creative life all in one room.

I just finished Judy: A Story of Divine Corners. I bought the copyright 1930 hardback last summer at a yard sale at the lake for a dollar or two. It was a lovely story. It is written in a very simple style as far as teenage literature goes, but not so simple that it seems elementary. I enjoyed the simplicity and vintage flair. I found myself able to relate very well to the characters and the activities that occurred in the story of a girl and her circle of friends at their lake camp. I've read a few other novels base on the setting of a girls and boys summer camp, but the way the two groups related in this story was much more realistic and exemplary than I've seen before. I recommend the book for sure =]

In Review

Easter has come. and gone.
I wouldnt describe our entire day as having a peaceful aura to it, but I would say that it held very good memories. Dad and I served on the welcome ministry for the first time. Dad told Mr R. that "we had the best Sunday out of the year to do it." Doing the guest packets was interesting...I'll get better at it. I was "proud" of the way we passed the offering. Good communication. haha.

Mr P.'s message couldnt have been better for our family who came . There couldnt have been any more exact words to speak to him. My prayer was that he was listening.

It didnt really feel much like Easter here as far as the weather. A good amount of girls shuffled into church with their Easter dresses on looking lovely but consequently froze. It was in the 30-40 degree range outside. COLD. My dad told one family they're girls looked"like an Easter basket" coming out of their van. I had 15 minutes to get dressed having spent a chunk of time trying to revamp a jean skirt so that it was wearable. When will I learn to do such things the day before?! I ended up going the dress pants route. Guys have it easy...just wear a suit or dress shirt, look spiffy, and always be warm.

We spent eh, two hours aprx at Gram's house, just hanging around basically. That part was peaceful now that I think of it. Just some fruit and candy and veggies oh & pierogies to munch. We each got a choco bunny and an Easter egg with our name on it. Mine was lime ;-) Next stop was home. Some of Dad's family came over at 5pm. Grandparents, one uncle, four cousins. Gram marveled at the fact that we had dyed eggs and in response noted how she had noticed Mr P.'s mention of eggs and choco bunnies [which she gifted us with later]. Dinner was outstanding & much awaited. Pierogies, hot sausage, potato au gratin [I know that's not spelled correctly], fresh steamed broccoli, stuffed cabbage, pasta-ish potato salad...I think I'm missing something.

I wanted to include a picture of the night before Easter with the choco crosses Dad and I bought at a local candy shop, but Blogger's being buggy. Dave always makes the goofiest faces. It'll be a wonder if we ever end up with a real smiling picture of him.

This month's calendar is quite filled it seems though I cant put my finger on distinct reasons why
-My paper which I will be working on as soon as this post is ca put

-skipping FUSE and a pirate party this weekend for a trip north to see my cuz in her HS musical
-KB leaving, other friends graduating and discovering what good they can bring to the world
-softball and baseball gearing up.the boys are already set. I have a "meeting" at the field tonight
-two weddings coming soon [whoohoo for both couples!]
-trying desperately to finish what I set out to do in all areas of my life...only by the power of Christ in me.

The highlight of last week other than EC was a trip to an house of rather overpriced merchandise [boutique mall] to see Amazing Grace with a buddy. PHENOMENAL has been the word I've been using. I'd like to do a review of it right here and now, but alas the clock ticks. I also watched Little Women, the 1933 version with K. Hepburn. In my mind I did an interesting comparison between that version and the version with Winona Ryder. Love's Unending Legacy was on Hallmark channel on Saturday night, and as a family we watched...painfully aware of what an horrible script that had been concocted. I found out today that Micheal Landon Jr didnt produce it, and that pretty much explained the dramatic differences between the first two movies in the series and these most recent ones. I'll watch all the forthcoming ones, just because it's a series. I wanna see how badly he can botch a storyline...or if he can make a steep comeback. I missed watching Easter Parade [a classic favorite] for seeing Napoleon Dynamite for the first time all the way through on Sunday night.

PS: I wrote a post last week, using our eBay purchased, recently refurbished yet technologically ancient laptop & as my mouse hovered the publish button, the inevitable. Connection was lost & all applications lost.

Kindergarden Science

Can you think of an animal [other than the duck] that has webbed feet?

David's reply was "a spider."
He made me chuckle.

Expression of Experiencing Spring

I stepped outside the front door for the first time today just a few minutes ago.
I felt this rush of warmth. It was the same sensation of having a snowflake or the outdoor atmosphere temperature at below freezing first touch your skin.
I felt uplifted.
The sun has been down for awhile now.
I heard inaudible voices of little kids. dogs barking. birds chirping in a mysterious, unrepeatable, distinctly harmonious conversation.
I saw several fresh green growing plants. Perenials. They show the sovereignty and omnipotence of their Creator simply by blooming. They do what they were made to do--give glory to Him.
Boldly stood there one daffodil.
I saw our Chinese Maple tree, completely bare of the red leaves of summer days. It seemed to be a skeleton. I couldnt see them from where I stood, but I know there are buds on its branches.
The wind brushed over and through my hair. In all directions, but ever so softly. My skirt danced slightly.
I drank in the fresh air with several deep breathes.
All I did was step into the world on the other side of the door. I stood on our front porch and my soul soared with the birds into the scene of spring. I stood there. Still, quiet, and became a part of God's creation. I just let it absorb me. For a few moments, the beauty of spring was all there was.
I didnt try to preserve it by taking a picture or making a video. I just enjoyed the moment. I lived in the moment.

...and then went inside to live it up by contining research for my creation science paper!

Quit Tugging on Your Shirt. Buy a New One.

modesty

1531, "freedom from exaggeration, self-control," from M.Fr. modestie, from L. modestia "moderation," from modestus "moderate, keeping measure, sober," from modus "measure, manner" (see mode (1)). Meaning "having a moderate opinion of oneself" is from 1553. Modest (adj.) is first recorded 1565.

I'd like to say I didnt have to deal with modesty, that I've got it under control. I cant. I deal with it every time I walk into the store to buy jeans--how tight and where they hit my waist. I deal with it every time I try on a shirt. Whether it's too tight, too low, whether it's transparent. I have the priviledge and the responsibility to hold a higher standard, to be an image-bearer of God. That can be a struggle when every store seen as fashionable in the teen world of today presents short, thin, tight and provocative as what should be.

The issue of modesty covers not only what I chose to wear, but how I respond to what others are wearing or how I respond to the person wearing it even. It's about reaction as much as action. I cant control what others are wearing, but I do need to control my reaction to it. That is even more true for guys.

In shopping at thrift stores and less name brand places I've found my niche and have continued to settle more comfortably into it.

-----

So I officially wrecked the 'links' section. I was messing with code trying to find where to paste the html for an ad to this site. I clicked 'revert to classic template' and it changed the layout and link content to the way it was several months ago. The loss of creativity and time made me angry. Granted, I've lost much more important content in the past than the links section of my blog and I should be thankful in the situation. Anger can feel so futile. I satisfy myself by feeling it but ultimately know in the pit of my stomach that I need to let it go. That was earlier this week. Today however, I figured out how to return the template to the way I had it. Huzzah! Relief. & even more emphasis on the lesson of anger being futile.

EDIT: Thanks to the guidance of one Laedelas Greenleaf, the link/animation now has a lovely home in the sidebar!

Watch a Good Movie Buy a Good Book & Be Green

On the entertainment front, I recently watched Flicka. The fam is at this moment in the living room watching the newest Rocky; I watched it earlier this week. Flicka's got a great soundtrack. The landscapes are lovely. As far as the storyline, it was lacking. There were several emotionally well-executed scenes. I dont think I'll ever easily forget a D.B./H.Q quote from when we went Christmas caroling: "We need to go see a good movie." "Flicka!" "We need to go see a good movie..." The newest Rocky's not my favorite. It doesnt have a high level of action or anticipation. It is in keeping with the rest of the series, and closes the story off quite well with Adrian's death, the complete reconciliation of father/son, and the restuarant which Rocky has opened.

[Random Google Searching Pays]

Tomorrow is the homeschool book fair. So I can't decide what to wear--my taupe or navy skirt with my taupe or navy shirt?! Or should I go for the jean jumper and tshirt? Yes, that was a homeschool "dress code" joke. Dont beat me up for it. I have no problems with wearing skirts or being simple. I just take a somewhat humerous stand point at times on the whole scene. We didnt go last year; we didnt think we needed to with planning on cyber schooling. Next year will be 11th grade and as well as Abeka has served us, I'm sick of it. We're looking into a somewhat-local Christian/classical education study center for next year. I have several ideas as far as morphing what I need to study and what I want to study and how I want to go about it. I am sure Mum has a plan for shopping with the boys too. It'll be a fun day. Definitely.

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day.
Since I'm not legal & will dare say that even if I was I wouldnt be celebrating thoroughly like a true Irish woman, I'll be decking myself out in one of my favorite colors, taking pictures that will make those who arent in them green with envy [just kidding!] and eating yummy [hopefully] green food with good friends.

Exploring Christianity this week was neat. K.B. and D.C. led a seperate group I was included in of the under 18 folks. K.B. was seated in Mr. P's authoratative chair and conversation was abuzz. Such GREAT questions were asked. I'd never been in Mr Pierson's office before and I enjoyed it thoroughly...the photos of his family, the mustache/nose glasses on the top shelf that I had heard the story behind the previous week, the picture of the city. The shelves of books are the most remembered part. I recognized title after title and just wanted to sit there reading each and every one.

Sufficient Breviloquence

NOTES ON THE DAY:
God is good. & lavishes me with what is good for me.
Jesus Christ on the cross took my place; I take His as being seen as blameless in the sight of the Father. My past, present, and future sin is atoned for. That was spoken at EC, was affirmed through my doctrines class and reaffirmed this morning through worship.
Lunch at the Q's was splendid. It was just lovely to eat lunch with a group of friends. [Is it just me or does the word usage there projoke one to want to talk in an Enlish accent?]
Arielle was visiting! She's a very much missed buddy. Oh how I'd love to go to New York to see her. Can anyone say school field trip?! haha.
Ultimate was quite convivial. Running makes me feel alive. I'll feel even more "alive" tomorrow when I'm sore. It wasnt terribly competitive; we had moments. Laughter was aplenty! Everyone kept coming and leaving so that made the team setup interesting, jostled it quite frequently. When the game(s) were over the guys ensued in dog pile/back jumping/wrestling action. A very casual game of "hackety-sackety" was played as well. Shamrock shakes were on the menu, but not for us. Our family headed to the Skiles' house for pizza. I had the urge for supreme pizza and apparently Mum did too. Everyone else had pepperoni/sausage.

NOTES FOR COMING WEEK:
-Keep my mind on the day at hand, not at what I plan on doing the next day or the coming weekend--so hard.
-Do the best work I possibly can to the glory of God. My tendency is to get wrapped up in assignments. Visual aid: textbooks. strangling action. me. On the other end, I can get quite lazy.
-Scratch "do notecards for creation science paper" completely off of my list.
-Email people just because I like being social like that.

Can I have a million dollars?

There was multi-billionaire in Texas and every year he held an absolutely huge cookout party for all his friends. On his estate was an olympic-size swimming pool. In that pool was a man-eating shark.

Every year he would say, "Anyone who swims across this pool, I will give whichever he chooses: 100 million dollars, half of my entire estate, or my daughter's hand in marriage."

And every year when he asked that question nobody would do it. One year right after he finished explaining, there was a huge splash. Everyone rushed over to see who it was. In the pool a man was swimming faster than anything anyone had ever seen. The shark was right on his tail, and with it's huge jaw was just about to bite his legs off when he jumped out!

The billionaire came over, wrapped the man in a towel and said "That was amazing! I've never seen anyone swim that fast. You must want 100 Million dollars?" The wet man said "No. I dont want the money." "Okay, do you want half of my estate?" The man said, "No." The Texan continued, "Then you must want my daughter's hand in marriage." The still dripping-wet man said, "No... I want the name of the guy who pushed me in."
--

A little boy was talking to God and said, "God, how much is a million dollars to you?" God replied, "1 penny." Then the little boy said, " How much is a million years to you?" God answered, "1 second" The child then had a bright look on his face and said, " God, may I please have a penny?" God smiled and answered, "1 second."

How Great is Our God

Friday Night Packaging.

Cabin Fever Packets & invitations to the festival. Snowshoveling for free. Bringing Joy.

Coming together Saturday after setup.

All we could eat.

A little tike gets sticky and silly with cotton candy and a balloon hat.

Skinny Little White Boys.

Moonbounce Dudes.

I've already added pictures to my flickr of the weekend. My reasoning in putting them on here is because a picture is worth a thousand words. The weekend was packed; it was an envigorating feeling to be doing something every minute of the day. It was tiring too :-) I tried to stop at some point on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to record and remember the little things. So quickly do I forget not only the fellowship-related things that have made me smile, but the things that God has done.

We met each other on Friday night. We worked and worshipped together. We spent from morning till late afternoon in the neighborhoods Saturday. We ate and prepared, worshipped and talked together. We met with the Lord. We prepared our hearts and continued to prepare for the tasks of the day. We had fun and then we ate together again. On Sunday night, everyone came together to talk about what we had seen and done. It was the last time I was going to see the people I barely knew anything about but yet in three short days had unexpectedly and wonderfully bonded with. Most I knew only their name. After spending encouraging time in individuals YG's, we filled the little sanctuary that had been the hub and nucleus of activity, the beginning and end point. We worshipped. How great was the God we had seen. How great is the God which we serve. How great is the God which brought us together, a body. How great is the God which has continued and has continued to work in me! Bob's leadership was wonderful to witness. He knew exactly what questions to ask and how to relate with that room of teens.

He asked for one word descriptions.

The Day we had:
life-changing. amazing. unity. inspiring. phenomenal. blessed. fantastic.

The God we saw:
vivacious. uncontainable. pleased. fun. wild. gentle. merciful. strengthening. driving. glorified. happy. unstoppable. magnificient. creative

The God we were taking home:
gentle. outgoing. humble. alive. someone to confide in. Savior. flexible. open-hearted. joyful. perservering. hungry. strong. patient. strong