iron girl

2010-09-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

For anyone who would by some strange chance still check this blog after over a year you have probably figured out that I don't really use it anymore. I have set up a new blog to keep all my family and friends updated on my adventures here at the Joshua Wilderness Institute.
http://carpediem122.blogspot.com/

2009-03-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

Ok, its only been a year and two days since my last post... not that long...

This school year has proved to be a very eventful one so far. I didn't play soccer this fall so I could work and earn some money for the Europe trip (which is happening this month!!). Work is both eye opening and sad. It hurts to see how far gone so many of the other kids are, if you think about it please pray for their salvation.

Over Christmas break we drove to Montana to spend Christmas with Levi. We drove on compact snow and ice almost the whole time and the temperature stayed below zero most of our time on the base. It was very nice to spend time with Levi.

Basketball went really good this season. We made it to the play-offs, the first time since 2001. So that was fun and I am really excited to see what next year brings.

A couple weeks ago I got my licence and am really enjoying the freedom. There are so many places I have to go for school, work, drama, and everything else so it is a big relief to my parents for me to be able to take myself.

I am actually home with what appears to be the flu so you can be praying that I will get better. I have missed the first two track practices and will have to make those up some how so I can compete in the first meet.

One to dwell on- A friend sent me a text the other day and I think it is a great reminder for all of us: remember to pray, it is a sin not to.

2008-03-01T16:51:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been awhile. So instead of telling you all that's been going on in my life recently I am just going to put up pics. A lot of things are missing but these are some highlights. These are way out of order.

day at the ZOO!!!!:

so this is the first sign by some rocks by a fence...

and this sign is by the rocks talked about in the previous sign...nice.

turtle!!!
gotta take care of my eggs...

so these were 3 tiny holes I climbed in. kinda difficult.
carousel!!!!

Romeo and Juliet(dress up day,not for real)
Manchu Picchu!!!
FOR GRANT!!! We all ran a track meet for Grant.(that's what the stickers say)

ouch...

ANNIE!

my deer.(sorry bout the blood. she took a little tumble down the hill.)

who knew capes were back in style?

FBI luncheon speech

mall escapade.

soccer boys.

Have to have my peppermint fix.

Trash cans. Gotta love em'.

Cruella d' Vil

Christians in America

2007-11-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

Well, its kinda been a long time... wow.

This is a speech that I did for English class this last Monday because it has really been on my heart lately. If it seems short it is because it had to be 2 minutes. I may expand more on it later, this is a challenge to everyone.

This nation is becoming a very dangerous place for Christians to live. I mean this not in the sense that we are persecuted but that we are not persecuted. Christianity in America is becoming more and more dangerous the more that it becomes so “ok” with every one. When the day comes that people on the street will absent mindedly say “oh yah, I’m a Christian” and can know nothing will happen to them, that is a sad and catastrophic day. We are living in that day! It is great to live in a place were you can pray freely and worship freely and it has many benefits but I think the consequences far outweigh the benefits. As a result of this freedom of religion Christianity has become watered down and people who claim to be Christians look just like the rest of the world. They may say they are just not extreme Christians or they aren’t super good or super godly but they are “ok”. This is wrong! We cannot be luke warm in our stand! Claiming one thing and doing another. What if we lived in a time of extreme persecution, like in the Roman days? I can guarantee that a good majority of “Christians” would no longer claim that. They would slip in with the crowd to save their hide and avoid the atrocious tortures and deaths that were occurring. Christians who refused to denounce Christ or who lived out boldly for Him were burnt at the stake, burned with hot plates of steel, dragged though streets, tied up in a dead animals and tossed to a lion or bull to be mauled, they were pierced, lacerated, whipped, had their bodies disassembled, and suffered so many wickedly evil and unbearably painful things that we cannot even imagine. Let me ask this question of you today. If you had to take a stand for Christ or just live like a Christian with the threat of those few things that I listed, would you? If we were suffering persecution would our persecutors be able to persecute us? Would they have enough evidence to convict us of being a child of God? Do you stand strong enough for Christ that you would be persecuted? Or would they see you as being on their side?

This society is dangerous because people are going to hell every day who claimed to be Christians. Are you misleading others to think that they are saved because they look just like you and you claim Christ? Because you did not live out for Christ or talk to them they never really new what it was to be saved, how sad.

Since the world won’t do it for you, you need test your true colors and test your heart to see where you stand. Don’t be deceived, satan will use any means he can to make us stumble, one of these ways is watering down the gospel and what it means for us to live like Christ

My trip

2007-07-10T14:45:00.000-07:00

Well, as said in my last post(it explains a little more about my trip) I just got back from the FBINAA YLP(FBI National Academy Associates Youth Leadership Program). It would take many hours of typing for me to tell you about all I learned and all the fun I had but some pictures will have to suffice. I feel like I just had an amazing life changing experience and am very blessed.(These pics are not in order.)

This is Lydia and I dancing in the airport. This is actually a movie. Good times.

This is on the bus riding to the airport to go home. :(

This is Maartin. He is from the Netherlands/Holland.

Can't be FBI without the shades, I mean come on.

We took a lot of pictures as we were leaving the base.

The four of us hung out quite a bit along with Josh and Ryan.

This Ryan. We were good friends.

This is A.J. He had the fastest time on the Yellow Brick Road.

And Ryan again.

This is Josh. He and I were great friends and ya know why? Cause he was a brother! I was so excited when we started talking and we talked about our churches and they are so much alike! A non-denominational straight Bible teaching church just every thing is same.(Most of the kids I talked to were Lutheran or Catholic or atheist.) We have so much in common. So meeting him had to be one of the biggest highlights in my week. We even got into some discussions with other people. It was so cool. Hope to see you soon brother!

These are monks, crossing the street. Actually really hilarious.

This is our council group. We also had book groups.

This is Josh and I.

My roommate and I are in the middle and my suitemates are on outsides. My roomy was from Alabama.

This is Kevin. a.k.a. Stud-muffin.

This is in the lunch room at the FBI headquarters.

This is my roommate. We had good times.

While waiting to get into the capitol we had the biggest downpour of rain. One of the biggest I have ever experienced. If you went out for 10 seconds you were as wet as just jumping in a pool. It was absolutely crazy. I gotta tell you a story about this. So we are all huddled under these big white canvas things for about 30 minutes waiting to get into the capitol, and I was on the edge that happened to be the angle that the rain and wind were driving at. So I decided to dart about 7 feet to another tent(I took that picture from the tent I ran to). I waited at the edge waiting for a break in the downpour and when that didn't happen I decided just to go for it. Right as I took a step from under the tent the top of it that had been filling up with water had gotten a little to heavy. And so, at that exact moment when I was positioned perfectly being slightly bent over the tent dropped the biggest load of water right on the back half of my head and right on my back. I obviously let out a little yelp. I took the final 3 remaining steps to safety. And to make it worse it just so happened that almost every one in the tent saw it because somehow my little endeavor got some attention. It was like 7 feet for crying out loud! Oh well, everyone saw it and it was hilarious so no worries, how else are great memories made? Although it did get me wetter that everyone else for that time we all soon got pretty even because we had to walk about 300 meters to the security check point in the downpour through 2-3 inch deep torrents of water that were running down the hill we were trying to walk up. Long story short, we all looked like drowned rats.

This is Ryan and Lydia and me at the capitol.

And here is still-slightly wet- freezing cold me.

This is Mr. Nasty. We all wrote whatever we wanted on him and signed our names and stuff and then one of the students got to take him home.(At the end we all got our own Mr. Nasty and had people sign it).

Yah, that's right. I put a magnet on good ol' Marysville.

This is JFK's son... not really but he looks like him huh?

This is a food shot. The food there was not bad. For cafeteria food it rates about a 8-9.

This is Lydia. A really good friend. We have a ton in common and have lots of fun. Love ya girl!

We would hang out in the hallways to our dorms during any breaks we had or before bed. Some good times there...

Well, this is all of us.

This would be me... in my uniform...in my dorm...on the base...yah.

These are three of the good friends I made.

This is the classroom in which most of our time was spent.(I sat in the seat right in front dead center between those two boys, spit gallery...gotta love it.)

Hi from Virginia

2007-07-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well as suggested in the title, I am in Virginia right now attending the FBI Youth Leadership Program at the Marine Base, Quantico. I have had a great week and have made many friends. There is a representative from each state here and also Australia and Canada and the Netherlands.There are 50 of us total(some states are combined). It is so cool. We'll be walking down a hallway saying hello or good morning the FBI agents, just kinda neat getting to talk to them and also to some really high up people. Physical training hasn't been absolutly deathly but tomorrow we are running the Yellow Brick Rode which is a 4.25mi absticle course(although we only get to do one absticle :( ) that goes through the woods and is very uneven and just a very physical challenge. I can't wait! And also, sadly, tomorrow I am flying home. I have already grown so much in my knowledge and leadership skills. I will tell you all more and show some pics when I get home. Love you all bunches!

Never quit

2007-06-21T10:09:00.000-07:00

While enjoying a great breakfast with my dad and Levi at Lynda's yesterday an older man, one of the chef's, came over and placed his hands on Levi and my shoulders. He asked how the food was and we said it was great. Then he started to talk. He said this: "I am 64, an x-Marine, I served two tours in Vietnam fighting for your freedom and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Now one thing that the Marines taught me was never quit, never quit. No matter what, or how hard it gets, never quit. That may sound elementary but it saved my life many times. Out there on the battle field with people shootin' at you is no fun, but you just remember never quit."

And just as quickly as he had come, he was gone. It was so brief and so to the point. The three of us sat in silence thinking about what had just happened.

That old man coming up and saying that brief thing to us really touched me. Something about his very monotone voice, or his sincerity, or his gentle touch on our shoulders, something about that man amazed me. Here he was just talking to us, no fear of man at all. I will never forget that.

If you ever feel drawn to tell someone something, as long as it is appropriate, do it, you never know how it may touch their life, especially if it is about the Lord.

One last thing, thank those who serve us. The service man behind you in the coffee line, buy his coffee. The military man on leave who is taking his family out to dinner, cover the bill. Or simply go up to a soldier and shake their hand and tell them how you appreciate them, it is a major blessing to a soldier (various soldiers I have spoken with have said this). And mostly, the best thing we can do is pray for our troops.

me and my guitar

2007-04-15T15:13:00.000-07:00

You guys got to check this out! I bought a bass guitar over spring break and it rocks, literally! I bought it a the Guitar Center in Lynnwood, that place is really cool. The guys there thought it was pretty cool that I played bass, one guy said, "Yah, nice. We need more chick guitar players." It was fun. I got my whole set up: bass, stand, amp, tuner, case, strings, strap, and the necessary cords. Here's some pics from the photo shoot my mom and I had:

(this one is for you asianbeat...)

Pretty cool, huh? Well, I love you all and see you on Wednesday!

God is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-04-02T20:23:00.000-07:00

I don' even know where to begin. If you remember I posted about an answer to prayer that had a possibility of happening, well guess what... God answered YES! I'm just so bubble-bustin' with joy it's hard to explain! I guess I'll tell you why I'm so overwhelmed with utter excitement.

This whole episode started with a man in our church giving me an application for a program called the FBI Youth Leadership Program. I immediately knew it was something I would be interested in. So, I filled out the application and had to write a one page essay on leadership. I waited for a few long weeks and then one day in the mail I got a letter saying I got accepted to move forward with the interview process and giving me the date and time of my interview, the final step. I got ready for my interview on Saturday and my mom and I drove up to the Kent Police Department. Upon arrival we waited for a few minutes with a young man who also was there for an interview. We were ushered in and had our mug shot taken(a good mug shot-not bad) and then the young man went into one room with three men giving his interview and I was led to another room and was greeted by three ladies who would be doing my interview. The interview went smoothly and I felt good about it. There were 10 young people between the ages of 14-16 who being interviewed for the program from Washington(the program is only open to that age group). And then I was told I would be contacted by mail with whether I made it or not. Now I had to wait. But much to my surprise and joy today as I was working out and watching Men in Black II the phone rang and my dad picked it up. Nothing out of the ordinary so far but then my dad called me over and told me who it was. With my parents watching intently I was told that I had been accepted! I don't think I have ever cried before from excitement, I could barely talk. We cried and hugged and laughed, the feeling was outstanding and exhilarating. Then we went to Baskin Robins after the excitement calmed down a little and had ice cream for dinner.
So this summer I get to go from June 30-July 7 to Washington D.C. and Quantico, Virginia with 39 other students from the US for a week of learning and physical training.
Now I think you can understand my excitement just because it was totally God working, on my own I could not have excelled in the highly competitive process.
Thank you to those who prayed for me and a big HUGE shout out to my family and most of all my mom for supporting me in this, I couldn't have done it without her.

Right under our nose

2007-03-01T17:10:00.000-08:00

The Casting Crowns song "Does anybody hear her" really got me thinking. We so often just get into the "routine" of church. We go and sit by the same people, talk to the same people, and try and reach out to the same people every week. These people are those that we are most comfortable around. We do not see, or chose to ignore, the person who comes every week who is alone, hurting, or struggling. And what about that new person who we so skillfully avoid? It is sad how often we do not take the time to talk to somebody or to care enough to look and see that something is not right. It can be so easy to go to church thinking about "what I can gain", but really it shouldn't! I know we've been preached this many times but it takes lots of work.

Naturally as humans we care for ourselves above others, but as Christians we are not the natural human! We need to set out looking at how we can help and disciple others. Like the song says, there are people in our church who are searching for the hope that is tucked away in us. And so many people are trying to eat steak when they really need milk, but we are to blind to see it. These people often won't come out and ask it so we need to see it, and not just see it but do something about it.

Our conversations with these people need to go farther than the weather. Most people want to open up, but there is no listening ear to hear and no biblical counsel to aid.

Our church is usually very good at this, but still it is the same few that take visitors under their wing. It should be our challenge to break out of our comfort zone so we can grow. We should try to even talk outside of church to check on them. It is amazing the warmth a person can feel from a caring church family, especially if they don't have a family.

I realize we cannot go out and get every ones life story and be best friends with all, but we can sure impact some lives if we would just open our eyes.

The power of prayer

2007-01-06T20:58:00.000-08:00

I wanted to throw out a reminder on the importance of prayer. I know sometimes when you pray for something for a long time it can be easy to give up or lose faith, but don't! I just had an opportunity open up for me that has been an answer to my prayers of a long time. I had begun to think that I would never even have a chance to do the thing I wanted, I had ideas of what I could do but none of them measured to the way God answered my prayer. This opportunity actually combines two of my dreams into one SUPER dream (hopefully) come true. Just the fact that He opened this door brought me to my knees, now I just pray that it will all work out. I'm not going into specifics, but if you would pray God's will be done in this situation that would be great.

Prayer is a powerful thing and the way we can communicate with our Lord. Unlike other "gods" that people worship, our One true God listens to our petitions and works all things out according to His perfect will. God has promised His children prosperity, but it often comes in ways we couldn't ever imagine. So keep praying fervently to God and let Him do the rest.

Life... what can I say?

2006-12-15T06:59:00.000-08:00

HAWAII PICS

This gold guy was really cool. He looked just like a statue and scared lots of people.

This dude kissed my hand before I sat down. Just let me tell you right now, painted lips and painted guys for that matter are weird.

This is Tony, he was our "leader" for parasailiing. He was really cool.

This was the nephew of one of my parents old friends. He has a great personality.

Nothin' like a great picture on top of a whale to wrap up a miniature golf game.

I thought this was funny.

This was in a submarine that we visited. I don't get how grown men could live in those things for months.

This is just a few of our pictures I might put up some more later.

I havn't been able to write lately because my half of the computer isn't working right, but we figured out that I can use my dads account for blogging.

Yo ho, Yo ho, the highschool life for me! ( I just had to add that.)

Basketball has been going great. And besides the insadent during the third practice when I broke my finger, I have stayed virtually safe. And I've finally been able to play cause the doc gave me the ok to buddy tape my finger to my middle finger durnig practice and games. Basketball is the greatest sport!

You can expect alot more posts from me so do don't check out just yet!

Always remember

2006-09-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

Well its kinda been awhile since I posted so I am going to catch you up.
School is going great. No really, I discoved in my thoughts a while ago that I have been very ungrateful and kinda having a pity party for myself. I did not realize the friends I had. But I am pretty much acting like myself now and having a stinkin' awsome time!
Highschool really dosn't feel to much different from JH. Practically every one in my class says that, too. The first day of school just felt like a regular day(except for the games).

Yesterday, as we all know, was the 5th annaversary of the attack on the Twin Towers. I would now suggest to all of you to pray for those families who I know are still suffering from the death of their loved ones. The tragety of that day rings in my mind as I watch various interviews and documentaries on that dreadful day. I will also say that I am so glad President Bush was in office during this time. I believe we take for granted the blessing we have of having a Godly man leading our country. Never, ever forget why you have freedom. Countless men and women have served and are still serving our country by fighting on the front line and risking their lives to keep America free and safe. If you see a person in uniform, don't walk by! Thank them from your heart for their service. Also veterans. They did not have as much technology in the World wars, Korean, or Vietnam wars. Think of how different the USA is form other countries. We have innumerble blessings: Bible's, food, clothes, shelter, money, jobs ect. We owe it to those soldiers who believe in these things and are willing to take a stand. And also those who take a stand at home. Policemen, firefighters, ironworkers and there are many more. The iron workers played a huge role in the rescue and recovery at 9/11. They were the ones who moved the metal and iron and also cleaned out afterwards. The first responders gave their lives saving others. Can you imagine running into a burning building? Or how about running into the second tower after the first had collasped? I am proud to be an American and am proud that now we are building new towers. We will not be brought down. So hats off! The flag is flying, high and true!

I have returned my flower...a changed bee.

2006-08-15T19:40:00.000-07:00

Hey hey! I just got back from a road trip. My mom's brother, Cowboy, and his wife flew up from Texas. We went along the Washington coast line and sight-saw and took lots of pictures. We spent time in the Olympic mountains, which were magnificent. So hopefully, after I figure out how to get you Hawaii pictures and ICTHUS pictures, I will put up some pictures from this last camping trip.

I was thinking about how much all my friends (and me for that matter) changed so much during our JH years. Not only physical changes but also spiritual changes. Some for the good and some for the not so good. This post is a call out to all Junior Highers, but also highschoolers and grown-ups. JH can be a couple of tough years. Everybody is changing or 'finding themself and their place in life'. Even in a private school like Grace, students can still be very cruel. It may not be verbally anounced to you that you are not accepted in the "in" crowd, but we all know actions speak louder than words. I can tell you, from first hand experience, it's tough not being invited to go to the movies, or to birthday parties, or get togethers. But really think about it. Generally those in the so called 'cool' group are not the 'good' students. Would you want to be associated with this crowd? As I write this I also write to myself- maybe God has a reason for you not getting to hang with some of the people in your class, or maybe there is a reason you feel like a loner and out cast. During my JH years, and even a little now, I wanted so desperatly to fit in. I cried numerous times to God to let me have friends and to let people give me some time so they could really see who I was.

I think we all do this- we go through stages in our relationships. Mine tends to be-(Ok, this is a little akward for me to let come out of my head, because some of you reading this may be in one of these stages) First, I identify if they think little or much of me. (this is selfish and wrong I know, I'm working on it). Second, so if I feel equal to them I'm bouncing of the walls crazy I can come up with good remarks and funny things to say. But if I hold the person in a high place over myself(alright this is super embarassing...) then I tend to be more quiet and I try and impress them(stupid? Yes). Thirdly, once I get to know them and spend lots of time with them my real personality shows and I'm comfortable. So for me to get to this "comfortable" stage in a relationship it might take some time. I know some of you are the same way, it takes a little while for you to open-up and be yourself.

All to say... DON'T DO THAT! Be yourself all the time! No matter who you are around, relax, let your personality show. True friends will come from that, the ones that know you and can see when you are down or sad no matter how hard you try and mask it. Those are people you want to hang with! Not people who just want to be your friend because they want something from you. Remember, always think about what you can give the person in a relationship and not what you can get.

So really try to always be yourself.

One thing that helped immensily during my JH years was that I found a mentor, a brother, a person who would take time and talk to me. He may not know it but he is a major reason I pulled through. (Big Bro, just to let you know how much you have impacted my life I will tell you that I am drowning the keyboard in my tears right now thinking of all the times you listened to me cry and all the times you took time and spoke some of the most encouraging words that still stick with me and give me strength. You always brought me back to the Bible, and for that, I can truly say, I am ETERNALLY grateful.) For you, the person who is having tough years, find someone. Whether a teacher, small group leader, parent or gardian. Find a strong Christian believer and cling to their knowledge. Don't feel ashamed to cry in front of them. They know how much pain you are having to deal with.

And to you highschool people- find a young person to throw your life into. You may have to do the reaching out but it can change a life. I still have yet to find a young friend, but I had a few highschool gals(you know who you are) who reached out to me and discipled me. Always, always think about others.

One last thing I have to say is- God is your best friend. He never will leave you nor forsake you( this is a promise repeated numerous times throughout the Bible). I made this mistake of feeling alone, not trusting God to pull me through. Never ever lose your trust in Him, alone! No earthly fame or treasure can satisfy. You will always have mean and hurtful people in your life but as long as you trust fully in God you will have peace.

Why is it that...

2006-07-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Here is some new reading material for you all while I work on getting up some Hawaii pictures for ya.

Why is it that...

My dog won't eat out of her dish if there is even the slightest speck of white showing at the bottom of the dish?

We cry, in movies, when an animal dies but just blow it off when a human dies?

We can waste an easy 2 hours in front of the TV, but struggle to spend an hour with the Lord?

Johnny Depp is such a stinkin' great, totally awsome actor?(cough, cough SKH)

We cry when someone else cries even though we don't know why they are sad?

My fingers are purple?(oh wait, I'm eating cherries, duh)

Once your life seems to be calming down disaster strikes?

Espresso Connections rocks just a tad bit more that Starbucks?

I can't think of any more "why is it that" questions?

Farewell Starbucks, hello Connection

2006-06-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

I wrote this poem to Starbucks, not the people of Starbucks but to the coffee. The great goodness of that place is awsome but as you will see, it went from #1 to #2 on my list.

You once were top dog,
But now no more.
You have been bumped down,
Now second on my list.

Espresso Connection is great,
With it's $2.00 specials, oh yum!
Sorry to leave you behind.
I promise to meet again.

My room, Oh Starbucks, will look like you.
With beautiful deep red walls,
And coffee as the theme.
A perfect place for studies.

Altough yealding no place to sit,
EC still surpasses all.
It lets me try new things,
Without hurting my wallet,

Yet, your Java Chip frappecinno,
Though not very coffeeish,
It stays as my favorite cold drink
For that, only you can offer.

I love the enviroment of your store,
And plan to work there as a job.
EC still really rocks cause
They give me free coffee for my b-day.

I still remain loyal
Despite my new love.
I shall return my Starbucks
Ahh yes, I'll be back!

A spiritual revival

2006-06-06T07:19:00.000-07:00

I want to share with all of yoy an amazing thing that happened to me on Sunday. My life lately has been filled with trials. And I have been searching for comfort in trying to fit in(which in fact made it worse), looking for the recognition of man, and trying to get through on my own. Sunday was a day full of tears as I realized I have not been placing my trust in God. I've been covering up my feelings and not admitting what was going on inside of me to either myself or others. After church Mr. Bowers really brought everything into perspective for me. I was saying all these bad things have been happening to which he said in short "Why are they bad things?" I knew that God works out all things for those who trust in Him, but I wasn't living it or believing it. After church,at home, I sat out in the car for a long time. By God's grace all the songs that played on the radio had to do with trials and storms. At the beginning I just couldn't force myself to sing with the song "How great is our God" because I was not happy with all that was happening but after I prayed and recalled some more of Mr. B's words I could rejoice in what God had for me through all this. A song came to mind that always makes me cry everytime I sing it "Jesus I my Cross Have Taken". The whole "man may trouble and distress me" part I was living out good, but not the "twill but drive me to Thy breast" part. Likewise with the "life with trails hard may press me", but I would not realize that "heaven will bring me sweeter rest". Another song that was a super heart breaker, then builder-upp'er is by Casting Crowns, Praise You in this Storm. I know alot of times our tendency is to just scan over the songs people put on their blogs, but really if you are going through any kind of a hard time, which I know everyone is, no matter how small this song is truly amazing-
I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining

As the thunder rolls I barely hear
Your whisper through the rain“I’m with you”
And as You mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I’ll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
Every tear I’ve cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry
You raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain“I’m with you”
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

This song explains so much of what I was fealing.

I can't rightly explain what happened to me that wonderful day, but I know one thing, God preformed a marvelous work in my heart. Thank you Big bro for your wisdom, and for bringing me back to Gods Word to get me through.

All by me onesy

2006-05-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

I kinda enjoyed the ramdidity of the the post three times ago so in a second I'll go again. But first I am going to practice some bragging rights. First off while camping, one of the mornings I got up made coffee(yum,yum,yum) and-here's where it gets good- I made a fire all by meself! I majorly multitasked two tasks that needed my full attention. And today while packing up to leave I packed up all the stuff in our tent and took it down. All by myself! My humbleness at this and that moment has somewhat left me, but come on, you would be happy, too. Anywho, back to wonderful tastyness of randomness.

Papa Murphy's pizza is super delic.

A stupid skeeter bit, excused me, lanced me right on my right eyebrow.

I like my harmonica.

I absoltly love all those different T-shirts and signs that say funny stuff of which there is an abondance of in Leavenworth.

Men and fish are alike. They both get in trouble when they open their mouths.

Ha, ha, hee, hee, ooo ahh. I'm kinda hyper.

I just gave my dog a bath. Now she'll hate me for about 6 hours.

My dog blows bubbles when she plays in water.

I need to start training more for the STP. My bike-butt is not quite in shape yet.

John Currly, from Evening Magezine on channel 5 is wierd.

I'm going to be in 9th grade in One28 next week! Ahhhh! I'm so stink'n excited! Blarggg!

My uncle is 3rd on the transplant list for a liver! What a huge answer to prayer. Thank you all so much for your prayer and encouragement.

I can't wait to go to Icthus again this year! Last year was lots of fun, but I have changed a whole bunch and I think this year will be even better.

Ooooo, ooooo. I am going to tell you a funny story! While at family camp this week the bathroom was closed so Kailegh, Tylynn, and Barbara came down to the one at the lake with me. ( Lake Wenatchee) while drying my hands and singing they left me out the back door. So I went out the front door and came around the back. Sure enough they were stacked one a-top another looking around the corner waiting for me to come out so they could scare me. So I came up and boo'd them. You should'a seen the looks on their faces! We all got a good laugh and so did the people standing there.(I'm sure you wonderfully smart ladies(that was not sarcastric) don't mind me sharing that.)

So, once again I think my ramdidity has currently run out. Except for one last plug in-

WSU rocks!!!!!!( ehh, hem. cough, cough. Mr. B!)

Please pray

2006-05-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

On Thursday we found out that my uncle may not live through the weekend. He has had many liver problems as of late and was waiting for a liver transplant. His kidneys are failing and some how he now has a blood infection that is most commonly fatal. My mom left early this morning to go down to Salt Lake City Utah to be with him and some of the other family. This is hard on me and everyone. All this happening after just a few weeks ago when my father had to leave on very short notice to go be with his mother, who I'm not sure how she is doing right now. This pilled on top of other struggles is quite difficult to cope with. Please pray for assurance of his salvation, because we are not sure he is saved, and for our family. Thank you.

Are you willing?

2006-05-11T19:36:00.001-07:00

Monday night I was watching a certain show when at one point one of the characters said something that really hit me. He said "You don't strike me as the kind of guy that would be willing to die for him." After the show I really started to comtemplate this. Are we living our lives in a way that shows we are willing to die for Christ? Do you love God so much that you would die for Him?

Are you willing to die for Christ?
In answer to this question all professing Christians would say yes. But at that moment, before the trigger is pulled, what would you do? Would you cower before anther human being or firmly state what you believe. I believe, in that moment, that God will give you unbelievable peace of heart and comfort of mind. Just think, you are going to be zapped into the presence of the Lord your God! And also, think of all the people you would leave behind that would be strenghtened by how you stood firm.

I know what I would do. If you are sure of your salvation then the answer is an easy one. The overwhelming sense of joy and happinness, that I'm sure will come when you know you are going to meet your creator, will be awsome! And its not like you have anything to lose, as we have learned, the things of this world are all vanity, a striving after wind.

Standing strong for what you believe in does not always mean life or death. A more 21st century illustration is when you meet some new people. And say they are each saying that they think Christianity and God are stupid. When it comes your turn to tell what would you do? Would you be able to be rejected or would you cave into the peer pressure. I find it helpful to think through these senarios now before they happen so you will be ready to stand for God. Do not be a hypocrite and say you believe around some and not others. Your salvation is a marvelous thing and not anything to be ashamed of.
Like that one veggie tales song -

"Stand up, stand up!
For what you believe in, believe in,
Believe in, God!
He's the one who'll back you up!
And stand with you!"

God will always be there for you no matter what. No matter what your "friends" think of you, know that God will never leave you or forsake you. And you can have peace knowing that you will be in heaven and that He will stand with you always.

random stuff

2006-05-07T21:12:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I mowed the lawn. I must say it looked pretty snazy, but probably not as good as SKH's. Yah, now that I think about not even close.

Have you ever wondered why the rain never puts out the sun?

I like PJ pants.

I'm in 8th grade. Soon to be in 9th.

I can't stinkin' wait to remodel and paint my room this summer!!!!!!!

I can make a foot using the comp sybals
Oooo
( )
) /
(_ /
I can also do an angel

(\ /)
( \ __ / )
( \()/ )
( / \ )
( / \/ \ )
/ ( )
( ___ )
(ah, so the angel I finally copied after failing to do it myself. I did come very close though)
(I think these are going to get all messed up after I publish this but you can try and copy it and just line up the lines.)

Here are some abreviation that are used as of late:
LOL= laugh out loud
ROFL= roll on floor laughing
LTR= long term relationship
STR= short term relationship
G2G= got to go
TTYL= talk to you later
SYL- see ya later
BFF= best friend forever

The book of Joshua is interesting.

Ok. I think I've run out of random things to say, except I have no other random things to say which is kinda random in a random sort of way.

Well, TTYL. Cause I have G2G, and do some ROFL when you do/write/say something that makes me LOL. No time for a STR maybe a LTR. I'll SYL all you fellow blog readers who are all my BFF's.

I'm finished.

SLEEPOVER!!!!!

2006-04-25T20:53:00.000-07:00

As promised here a few pictures from the JH girls sleepover. We had a blast spending time together and bonding.

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-04-12T18:32:00.000-07:00

On wednesday night while Sabrina and I were shooting hoops I was telling her about people she would probably see tonight that she hasn't seen in years. I mentioned- Nathaniel, Andi, Ben, Jacob and a few others. Nathaniel walked in the door and I said "that's Nathaniel" she said "I could tell". We then talked about a few people one of which was Ben Hackbarth. She said "I remember him. He was really tiny." I nodded. A few minutes later Ben Hanson came in the door. I said "oh, look there's Ben". Her jaw dropped and her eyes got huge. "THAT'S(big dramatic pause...) BEN!!!" I started laughing so hard. I said "major growing spurt huh." I then told her that that was not the Ben she remembered. Later when Ben H. oh, wait both of them are Ben H... Ben Hackbarth came in and sat infront of us I told her that was Ben and she said "now that's more like it."

Well, I thought that was hilarious.

Ben H and Ben H, you both rock!

Sabby my friend, you have never ceased making me laugh since K- grade.

stand for God, but don't do that

2006-04-08T12:24:00.000-07:00

As my mom and I were driving home from the One28 JH girls sleep over I saw something. On the side of a building were the words "love God ". Why would someone right that on a wall? I mean it is a sin, right?. You are vandalizing anothers property. So my point is that we should stand for righteousness and tell people the good news but don't give people the impression that writing on buildings is what Christians do.

Last night was very joyful. Three of us stayed up till 3 watching 'Sahara' and then 'A series of unfortunate events'. We did alot of Karoke. I love microphones! Stay tuned for some really neat photos!

This is an extremely tiny post(just thought I'd point out the obvious for ya).

spring break!

2006-04-03T22:07:00.000-07:00

My first day of spring break, Saturday, was enjoyable. I spent the morning baking muffins while dancing and singing with the News Boys( I'm sure you're all having fun picturing that). And today which is Monday we went shopping for a dress for 8th grade banquet. I found one that is so pretty! Sabrina, my best friend is staying at a hotel about 5 miles from me! She lives about 6 hours away in Curlew. And whats so cool, she is coming to One28!

How much in a day are our thoughts actually about God. Praising Him and praying. I know I've been struggling with this lately. Once in a while I try to take the example (thanks Mrs. Bowers) of taking your lasso and catching that calf(the thought) and then tying it up, you take your thoughts captive. (did I get it right?). Sometimes it works. I've been finding myself, when I focus on God, I make poetry or songs. Its really neat. I think I finally found what helps my mind meditate on God. I write down some of them, and others I forget. I may share some with you sometime. They are not like "pete went to the store, pete came out the door, he had a sore deep in his core" (I just made that up hee, hee). They are spiritual and scripture poems. So I'm sharing with you my joy of finding something that helps me and asking you to keep me accountable, as my brothers and sisters in Christ. So if you see me just sitting and thinking please ask me what I'm thinking about, and don't let me get away with "oh, nothing really". But if you see me feverishly writing something down dont bug me! No, I'm totally kinding. And also, keep saying your prayer requests out loud because when I think about them I will be in prayer to God which is where I should be. Love all of ya!

Jesus take the wheel

2006-03-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

This song ripped my heart out, tossed it on the ground, stomped on it a few times, and then shoved it back in. Ouch. Seriously, I realized this morning on the way to school how much I've been trying to do things all on my own. I've been trusting my own strength and smarts to try and get through life. I need to let go of the wheel and let God do His work in me.

"Jesus Take The Wheel"

She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati
On a snow white Christmas Eve
Going home to see her Mama and her Daddy with the baby in the backseat
Fifty miles to go and she was running low on faith and gasoline
It's been a long hard year
She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention
She was going way to fast
Before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass
She saw both their lives flash before her eyes
She didn't even have time to cry She was sooo scared
She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my own
I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder
And the car came to a stop
She cried when she saw that baby in the backseat sleeping like a rock
And for the first time in a long time
She bowed her head to pray
She said I'm sorry for the wayI've been living my lifeI know I've got to change
So from now on tonight

Jesus take the wheel
Take it from my hands
Cause I can't do this on my ownI'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
Oh, Jesus take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go
So give me one more chance
Save me from this road I'm on
From this road I'm on
Jesus take the wheel
Oh, take it, take it from me
Oh, why, oh

This really bites

2006-03-26T07:22:00.000-08:00

So, I was being stupid and I wacked my knee on a metal chair. I'm on crutches and a knee immobilizer. It's super uncomfortable. My parents were gone to California all week and my mom led a Bible study for whole bunch of women. She did great! My Uncle, who needs the liver transplant will have all the tests done for the transpant on April 12. My dad is pretty much all healed and even went on a bike ride yesterday. I didn't get to go of couse, it would be a little difficult to ride a bike and not bend your leg. My cousin who is in the Marine Corps, is on his way by ship to Singapore and then to Iraq. All the people mentioned above would be greatly blessed if you would keep them in your prayers(including me!).

This one's for all the girls

2006-03-20T07:02:00.000-08:00

I thought this was kindof a neat song by Martina McBride-

This is for all you girls about thirteen
High school can be so rough, can be so mean
Hold onto, onto your innocense
Stand your ground when everybody's giving in

This one's for the girls

This is for all you girls about twenty-five
In little apartments just trying to get by
Living on, on dreams and Spaghetti-Os
Wondering where your life is gonna go

[Chorus:]
This one's for the girls
Who've ever had a broken heart
Who've wished upon a shooting star
You're beautiful the way you are
This one's for the girls
Who love without holding back
Who dream with everything they have
All around the world
This one's for the girls

This is for all you girls about forty-two
Tossing pennies into the fountain of youth
Every laugh, laugh line on your face
Made you who you are today

Yeah we're all the same inside
From one to ninety-nine

what a night

2006-03-13T07:03:00.000-08:00

We went to Baskin Robins last night and the ice cream I had was sooooooo good. I had 1 scoop of raspberry sherbert, and the next was the best, it was succulent peppermint ice cream with true authentic chunks of candycane. They would melt in your mouth and cause that overwhelming sense of yum that only true candycane lovers can know.

Now for one of my thoughts I had during the day- as I sat eating breakfast a crow landed atop a very skinny, almost evergreen tree, with a tall top on it. So it lands and the tree sways not only from its weight but the wind. It looked quite stupid flutering its wings trying to stay balanced. (If you're wondering what spiritual value this has, it's coming I promise) So it sways forward and sticks its wings out. Then gets level and puts its wings down, but right when it would do that the tree would bend. I then thought "that is just like us, when we land our faith in Christ we are on His tree for good. But when we stop reaching out for Him the tree bends and when we confess and reach out again we get balanced and relaxed. Then, being as dumb as we are, we put our wings back down. We do this over and over again. I have been reading through the Bible and I am so shocked at how many times the Israelites complained against God. After each time something bad would happen, they would confess, and do it all over again. I used to think they were so unsmart, until I realized how much I do that. I am not content, and complain wishing life could be better when really I have so much. A family, money, a bed, God's Word, an awsome youth ministy and church, and good friends. The list goes on and on. So out of one little crow landing on a tree I got all that. Sad, maybe. But at least I learned something.

I want to thank all of you for your continual prayer for my family. My dad's hand is doing alot better, both of them are. And my uncle is still in need of a liver. Love all of you!

dealing with an annoyance

2006-03-07T10:17:00.000-08:00

Yah, its been forever since I posted last. I think this is the longest I've ever gone without posting. Trust me, I will not try and break that record. I'm a little sick. No fever or anything just a cough and a voice that sounds worse than Darth Vadors. I missed school yesterday and today cause I can hardly talk and I have this pressing headache that hurts whenever I look anywhere with my eyes besides straight ahead. So I feel crummy but that dosn't mean I can't type.

I want to talk about enemies. We all have that person who just buggs us to high heaven, we may not consider them an enemy but they get on your nerves and make you mad. Do you have a person in mind? Good. So how often do you give that person the joy of you getting mad at them and yelling and letting it get to you? How often do you come back at them with a sly remark? If you think you are going to hurt their feeling or something you're not. Trust me, they get much happiness out of seeing you flip-out and go out trying to get revenge on them. So think about this-

Romans 12:20-21:
Therefore "if your enemy is hungry, feed him;
If he is thirsty, give him a drink;
For in doing so you will heap coals of fire on his head.
21. Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good."

As you can see, we are to love all those people who get on our nerves. Come'on. You know how this works, you've been there, you're annoying someone and they ignore you and do something nice for you, its not fun anymore and you start feeling pretty bad. But then there is that person who will get all mad and you feel so triumphant inside. So apply that to what others feel, like it says "you will heap coals of fire on his head." kinda comforting in a way. But thats not the right mindset, you should treat them kindly because God commands us to and because, yes you know it, you love them.

AGGHHHH!! NOOOO!!!

2006-02-23T19:23:00.000-08:00

So today I come home after doing some grocery shopping with my mom and I knew Levi was home so I walk in and right as I'm calling out his name to come help unload groceries I see this streak of red that looked just like blood on the stair case! It totally freaked me out! Then he came down the stairs and I'm like WHAT HAPPENED! ARE YOU OK! He was fine, it's just that he slipped down the hill on the west side of the gym three times, and so he had his coat off and then he shut the door on his coat sleeve that had his red pen in it and that is what got an the stair case. I havn't had a shock like that since... oh... I think last time was when this lady sicked her dog on me and Sabrina. Or maybe when we went off an embankment at the river on a four-wheeler, and we went flying over the handle bars and I was almost unconscience under the water. Hey Sabrina, good times huh, (painful times). I've had so many freaky things happen to me I've kindof built an amunity to it. But not totally.

I bought some awsome new pj pants. They are WSU! Cougars rock my world. And if anyone says other wise I'll,I'll... actually I'm not sure what I'll do. But the fact still stands COUGS ROCK!

My father is stuck on I-90 in the mountains tonight and the weather is not good. So please, I implore you, pray for him. And my uncle, I havn't heard from him since I found out about his liver failing, so keep him in your prayers also.

I finished Leviticus today and read a little of the intro to Numbers. I'm going to start that in the morning, I'm excited. Leviticus was good. It gave me a much greater appreciation about not having to do all those Old Testament laws. If you havn't read that book you should, it can be a little monotonous at some points but it's good.

I have to share with you something Andi said in our small group on Sunday. So she has her coat over her head and she says "I look like a nun!" (and here's where it gets good) "I could live in a nunery!" I guess you had to be there, but it was funny.

remodelling

2006-02-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

Yes, you are at the previous "Christ in me is to live" blog. Change is good ya know?

I've been thinking about my thought life lately. If I could sit down and read all of my thoughts I had for one day I don't think I would be very happy with myself. Even just knowing what my mind has wondered into has been on my mind. Weird, yes, to think about your thoughts(?) but it is nessecary to keep your thoughts pure and holy in the sight of God. I've been critical, and making quick judgements about people that I shouldn't. I kick myself(not literally) every time I do it and try to think the best about them. I erks me when your with a group of people and they start snickering about someone who is different from them. Now if someone is doing something stupid on purpose that is different, but it's the overweight or the mentally handicaped that makes me feel so bad when people laugh at them. I've been getting better about not be so quick to determine what someone is like before I meet them but it is hard to break old habits, especially when they are in your head.

I have just another thought, or pet-peve you could call it. It really gets on my nerves in church or chapel when before the speaker is even done speaking people start ripping and snapping and zipping. It is such a distraction and, so disrespectful. It must really hurt the preachers' feelings to know that his adiance is so caught up in getting out that they can't just sit and listen to the end of the sermon. I don't know if it is natural for me to get so annoyed or fed-up with things like packing up before a sermon is over, or about abortion(as discusted in my previous post) but if it is or isn't I can't get rid of it. Now the whole packing up thing dosn't happen so much in church, its more in chapel on Wednesday's, and today it happen again so thats why I'm on such a tangent about it. I think God is trying to teach me patience.

And one more thing, if you could pray for my dad and my uncle. My dad just had surgery on his hand and my uncle's liver is failing. My dad is doing good, and keeps recovering. But, my uncle could really use your prayers.

abortion

2006-02-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

I am so fired up and frankly I am angry about all this allowing abortion and people supporting it and people actually doing it! How could you take the life of a child. Utterly helpless and fully relying on its mother. On the news is stuff about people trying to make it right to have an abortion right before giving birth. No matter how a baby is formed, it was God's will for you to carry this young life and you have no right to take it. I can't explain the fire that is burning in me about this. I would never show it by burning clinics or doing something like that, because that would just be pilling sin on sin which would not do anything. At the least, if the mother could not provide a loving home, they could put the baby up for adaption so they could grow up with hopefully a loving family. I don't usually get angry about stuff, but I am flat-out mad. I would really like to know what your thoughts on this subject are.

wow. God is amazing

2006-02-16T07:18:00.000-08:00

I just have to share how God has been at work in my life lately. I wrote in my diary Tuesday about how I need to stop focusing so much on worldly things and treasures, and how I needed to focus on God more and His awsome power. Then all-of-a-sudden on Wednesday, Mr. Sarr taught about our inheritance in heaven and how it is far greater than anything in this world. It has brought that change to my thought life that I had been searching for. Now I have something to focus on that is far better than all that other stuff. And this morning I had a thought and I was enjoying it, and out of nowhere comes this handout that our small group got from Esther Martin last year and it caught my attention and flipped that thought right out of my mind! In so many other ways God has been showing His power and glory to me, and that He knows I'm here, and that the trials I've been facing have been by His will and He has allowed them to occur. God has been using all the sermons on 'vanity' by Mr. Higgins, to change what I want and desire. Thanks to all you who have influenced my life and praise to God for His infinite wisdom and might.

My baby

2006-02-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

This little girl is the cutest! This is a picture of my baby doll Snickers sleeping, maybe not the best, but more are to come in the near future...

fun,fun,fun!

2006-02-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

This four day weekend has been pretty good. Thursday, Levi and I played tackle-football, it was loads of fun and pain. Then we road our bikes to the store got two buffolo chicken "hungry man's" and a chicken pot pie for my dad. Then we got a gallon of milk and carton of cookies and cream ice cream. Yesterday dad, me, and Mr. McDonald went for a little less than 18 mile bike ride. We need to start riding more if we are going to be ready for the Seattle to Portland bike ride which is 200 miles. That night we had Papa Murphy's Pizza and watched two DVD's. I hope all of you are enjoying your four day weekend.
As I suspected, Leviticus is kinda boring. All it's talking about right now is all the instructions God gave to Moses and the people for sacrificing. I enjoyed Genesis and Exodus and I am really looking forward to Proverbs and Song of Solomon, and I also kinda want to read Revelation.
Seahawks lost as I'm sure you already know. But honestly I don't really care that much. I never got that much into professional football, I like college better. Track is coming up and I am bound and determined to beat the record for the JH high jump. Last year I could match it, but could not beat it. Arrggg! It made me not very happy. I'm bigger and a lot stronger this year so I should be able to propell myself to the needed height.

mindless chatter?

2006-02-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

It's been on my heart lately about how important it is to share our faith with unbelievers. And also to talk about things that don't just fill time but actually provide spiritual benefit. We spend our days in mindless chatter and aren't focused on God. Our affections are in the wrong place(SKH). I heard alot about our affections from all those who enjoyed the sermons by Pastor Higgins over the snow retreat. From the little bit I heard I felt convicted. It is very good to think about, who is at the top of your priority list? You, God, someone or something? If God is not penetrating your thoughts day by day, moment by moment then something is wrong. I find that when I read my Bible in the morning, I think about Him more than when I don't. What you have in your head and heart come out of your mouth. Think about hell for a moment. Burning for all eternity! If you can call someone your friend, that is an unbeliever, you should be showing Christlikeness in your words and actions in hope that God will use you to turn them to Christ. Even if they are mad at you or whatever just remember that that little bit of persecution could save them from the fires of hell. I have been thinking about myself and what others think about me alot more lately than I should, so my conversation has not been God centered. Please pray for me that God will give me the strength to share the gospel and to talk about things that will further God's kingdom.

I have to tell that our team,both girls and guys, went undefeated in our league and also won the championship games. So the JH girls and JH guys have two nice trophies each for the schools' trophy collection. It is bitter sweet. Bitter, because Saturday was my last game as a junior higher and sweet because, well, we won. So, bring on the high school ball!

Magnificent Obsession

2006-01-25T07:09:00.000-08:00

This is an awsome song by Steven. Read this and ask yourself if God is really your only consuming passion.

Lord, You know how much
I want to know so much
In the way of answers and explanations
I have cried and prayed
And still I seem to stay
In the middle of life’s complications
All this pursuing leaves me feeling like I’m chasing down the wind
But now it’s brought me back to You
And I can see again

This is everything I want
This is everything I need
I want this to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires
Lord, I want it all to be for You, Jesus
Be my magnificent obsession

So capture my heart again
Take me to depths I’ve never been
Into the riches of Your grace and Your mercy
Return me to the cross
And let me be completely lost
In the wonder of the love
That You’ve shown me
Cut through these chains that tieme down to so many lesser things
Let all my dreams fall to the ground
Until this one remains

You are everything I want
And You are everything I need Lord,
You are all my heart desires
You are everything to me

You are everything I want
You are everything I need
I want You to be my one consuming passion
Everything my heart desires Lord,
I want it all to be for You
I want it all to be for You

Stop Dating the Church

2006-01-19T17:51:00.000-08:00

"Stop Dating the Church" by Joshua Harris is amazing. The part that has struck me the most is when he points out that most of us go to church with the mindset of what we can get out of it. It definetly got me thinking about my motives. And the way that he relates things to his own life shows that he really believes and knows what he writes. And I couldn't agree more with the comment by Derek Webb at the beginning of this book- "In Stop Dating the Church! Joshua Harris passionately communicates the urgency of God's people becoming the counterculture we're called to be and gives us tools to get started. I appreciate that Josh has written this book with more than instruction; he writes it as one who also struggles with us to discover our own place in the body ofChrist." I haven't read through the whole book yet, but from what I've read, I would suggest this book to anyone looking to better appreciate the church and the importance of getting involved in a local church.
We just played our last league game and won! Now we're the CHAMPS! I'm very happy, this has been a good year for me and all the other girls.

resolve

2006-01-13T20:30:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. This book/magazine/bible thing is so wrong! It is called 'resolve' for girls and who knows what for boys. It is shaped like a magazine. It has beauty tips and tips on getting dates and "is he the right one for you". The book is filled with quizes and 'thoughts boys have". I was looking through one of these things today and even though it has all the scripure written down you can't hardly read it past all the little colorful boxes and pictures of boys. You try to read the scripture and you're thrown off by some quiz about "is he just a player". I'm sorry but this really bugs me. I don't believe God meant for His Word to be watered down like that. When you read the Bible you should be concentrating on His Words and meditating on it, not doing all that other stuff. Its really hypocritical, how can it put verses about being pure and not comiting adultery next to something about ways to attract the opposite sex? I believe it would be wise to stay away from this "Bible". Well... now you know how I feel about that.
We won our basketball game tonight. It was supposed to be a league game but the refs didn't show up, so next time we play this team it will be our league game at their gym. Our team is still working well together. We did alot more running back and forth across the gym than at most other games. But it was fun none the less.

small group

2006-01-08T17:05:00.000-08:00

Reading through Genesis is more fun than I originally thought. I'm suprised at how many little details I didn't know about the stories I grew up with. I'm teaching in our small group this Wednesday and God has laid a subject on my heart. Its based on a story about a boy who reached out to a kid and they became friends. Four years later it turned out that the kid was going to kill himself that weekend but the boy saved him without knowing it. So it just goes to show that one little act of kindness can have a major impact on a persons life. I'm hoping God will give me the right words to say to show the other girls how important it is to reachout and maybe help someone get back on their feet and not to be afraid of what others will think about you if you help one another. It will be a good experience for me.

stupid technology

2006-01-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Hi, I know its been awhile, but my computer wouldn't work, it wouldn't let me post my post. Oh well. our basketball team is doing great, we are undefeated in our legue. Our team works well together esspesially us starting five. We've got each others game figured out and can support each other well. Basketball is a good team building sport I've found. You have to trust the other people to do their part to make the plays and stuff work. I really enjoy running and working up a sweat for our JH b-ball team. Man, next week we have three home games. I hope lots of people come, because its amazing how an excited crowd can pump you up and help you play beter. Lets face it, who dosn't like b- ball at least just enouf to watch a game? I love basketball!

aghhh! dentist!

2006-01-02T14:47:00.000-08:00

Oh my goodness. This day is filled with sorrows! Dentist this morning, and they didn't have mint floride so I had to have strawberry(yuk) and she kept making me rinse my mouth and then stuck that little vacuum thing in my mouth, and then she'd have me close my mouth and I'd feel air sucking in through my nose and then the thing would get stuck on my cheek or tounge and made really freaky noises.bleh! And she did some wicked, hard core flossing, gee wiz she made almost every little gummy part between my teeth bleed. And now I have to go to the orthodontist but thats OK because today he's going to give me the green light to get my braces off the next time I go in. Yippe! I think my mouth is going to run away if it keeps getting pulled and yanked on against its will. Oh well, at least its all over in one day.

2006-01-01T14:17:00.000-08:00

What can I say, Cougars rock! Oh, and Rose Bowl watch out the Texas Longhorns are coming to town! I love football and I love the cougs and texans.

weird traditions

2005-12-31T09:16:00.000-08:00

Think about it. People all over the world get together to scream at the top of their lounges at 12:00 at night on Jan 1st. We blow out candles years after our birth to celebrate it. Black Friday is a time for people to lose all common sense and mow people down to get the better deal. What causes people to repeat these traditons year after year? I'm not saying I don't like some of these traditions but seriously don't you wonder what or who started them? And shaking hands, who ever came up with that! Think about it hard, its messed up. And who in their right mind would gather together to start riots and get drunk every year at Marty Graw(I have no clue how to spell that). So there are my random thoughts for the day. Happy New Year!

huh...

2005-12-30T19:55:00.000-08:00

I think I've run out of things to talk about. or mabey its just that I've been gone all day and brain isn't fully engaged(like it ever is...). anyway I'm going to watch somthin' on the tv with my fam. ttyl.

a novel?

2005-12-29T18:53:00.000-08:00

I read alot. And when I read,what I read kinda plays like a movie in my head. Its loads of fun. When I read the Bible I have a hard time "running a movie". But I just read the book of Esther and it was fun, like a novel. I guess it's just the books that aren't a story that are hard to get sucked into. Of course books like Proverbs are filled with sayings and truths that are fun to contemplate and think about. There's so much to do in my new Bible, so many notes to read and understand. I've never really craved the Bible like this before, its really awsome. God is amazing isn't He? I know it wasn't good to just be reading the Bible in the morning and not craving it, but now I feel I can really learn more deeply from my new Bible. God will provide whatever to draw you closer to Him, if its really what you want. Of course sometimes God lets trials enter our lives to make us fully rely on Him.

Zephaniah

2005-12-28T10:48:00.000-08:00

This morning I read through the book of Zephaniah. It talks about judgement day, it's a little depressing to read about all the bad things that will happen. I haven't read through a book in one sitting in a long time. I've been waiting till January 1st to start at the beginning of the bible and hopefully finish it by next Jan. 1st. I got my MacArthur study bible yesterday and that is what I'm going to reading out of. It is so packed with notes and study helps it's amazing. So I am reading some of the short books till Jan when I'll start in Genesis. If I read about 4.5 chaspters a day I should finish(I got that off the one28 website bible study helps). I can't hardly wait to start, because I'm one of those people who when I start something I have to finish it. It will be fun, but I'm a little scared about getting into Leviticus and other books like it because they are mostly geneologies.
I have two new-years resolutions one is to drink less pop. I don't drink to much right now but I think it will help with my sports and my over all health to drink very little or none at all. The other one is read through the bible in a year. They are not anything to fancy but I plan to stick to them.

CHRISTMAS

2005-12-25T16:32:00.000-08:00

For Christmas I got some nice stuff. I had been asking for a portable DVD player with a built in Mp3 and so my parents got one for the whole family to share. I got a Mp3 and two really nice coats and a pair of slippers. In my stocking I got a coconut(?). and a huge CANDY CANE (mmm..) oh, he he, I also got a really nice knife for hunting. Over all, in giving and recieving it was a great morning/afternoon. I got my mom 6 vanilla tea light candles and two holders for them. And for my dad, my brother and I got him this jean coat with some kind of fleece lining in it. For my bro I got him this new pirate game thing that came out. He just wanted the model ships out of it. Hey, tell me some stuff you got and received for Christmas in my comment box. Merry Christmas!

reports

2005-12-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

I just finished a presidents report. Its supposed to be 5-6 pages long but thats kinda hard when your president was only in office for one month! Wouldn't that stink. you get a job you've always wanted then you die one month into it? But for Christians only good can come out of that. cause you don't have to worry about your job in heaven. Anyway passing away would open another job oppertunity for someone else.( I'm trying to optimistic) how many of us can say that we look forward to Christ coming back or calling us home? I don't really mind reports just as long as i have adequate time to prepare and write it. I like them because you get to pick a subject and learn more about it. Keep on living for God!

Subway

2005-12-22T14:50:00.000-08:00

hey, did you know you can have subway in your own kitchen. Its easy get some meat, pickles, mustard, mayo, peppers, and lettuce and put it all together in a wheat tortilla and you have just created a cheap and highly delicious lunch, snack or dinner. To top it off have a bag of salt and vinager chips and rootbeer. Its pretty healthy minus the chips and pop part. I'm well content because I just finished one of those. ttyl.

docters

2005-12-21T21:46:00.000-08:00

Oh, man. I went to see a doc about my knees. And wouldn't ya know she told me to take it easy. ha! ya right! She couldn't keep me from running or playing b-ball no matter what!. I never did take a huge liking to docters but you kinda gotta respect them because it is a pretty hard proffesion to get into. I'm not suppossed to run on hard surfaces like cement. But I never did see a sidewalk or street made of anything soft. Oh well, if you know me then you know I am not going to be a couch potato all Christmas break. If you are reading this right now I want you to get up and do somthing active. That is if you have just been sitting around surfing the web for days. So there's my little challenge for you. Oh and flipping through chanels and giving your thumbs a workout on controlers is not doing something productive. If anything, if you need to sit, read your Holy Bible cause God is the best Docter ever.

why Philipians 1:20-21?

2005-12-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

I had always wanted to find that life verse. cause everyone was like " oh my gosh it just hit me and stuck!" so I went on a search for a few days just opening up my bible looking for the verse that stuck. I gave up. That was a long time ago, I had forgot about looking for 'the verse' . Well a few weeks ago, I came across this verse in a song you know"christ in me is to live, to die is to gain"we sing it in church alot. Then, I don't even know how, I found it. I read some context and came to realize verse 20 held lots of meaning for me. And for some reason now i can't stop thinking about it. God is amazing! In verse 20 it says"but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in by body whether by life or death..." This has been my prayer for myself that God would help me remember to glorify Him with my body. I need to be reminded that I only have one body, and only one life to live in it. And also it is the temple of GOD! I mean seriously, how many of us, if God were to ask to come in our house/heart, would open the door wide and invite Him in or would we not want Him to see whats been filling our time and mind? This point of view has made me want to confess my sin more and always be pure because you never know when you're going to be zapped in to his presence. The passage has increased my non-scaredness of death. It conforting to know that in death you can only gain as long as you have Christ. when I became a Christian I stopped fearing death, but this verse has hightened that so now I know I will be joyful when my time comes.
It also says " I eagerly hope that I will in no way be ashamed..." wow! I take this as meaning not being ashamed of the gospel. The verse gives me strength in knowing that Paul, who was in prison and being majorly persecuted still stood strong for God, and encouraged others to do the same. If this was important enouf for God to include in the Bible for us to read then its important enouf for us to take to heart and follow. And if Paul made it through what he did then we can surely make it through the little bit of persecution we get in the US.
So God set a verse a verse in front of me that fits my life, and gives me strenght to stand. He is an amazing God!

this should be fun!

2005-12-19T17:49:00.000-08:00

Hey! This is my first blog. For all you blog readers I plan to write everyday or close to it. Our church Christmas concert last night was beautiful! Then afterwards I got to hang out at the Luggs open house. It was a blast. Ha, ha, ha this is fun! Ahh, the joys of Christmas break,you get to hang out , create blogs, and eat junk. good times, good times. ttyl