1/29/05

(this space intentionally left blank)

Well, I guess I dont need parental consent to eat a late night snack. Instead I should probably have parental guidance. Thats one more carton of icecream gone...



I dont know why they put it away with only one serving left in the bottom...



Healthy midnight snacker, dat's me!

Good night!

11 O'Clock Blues

Do you ever wonder where "o'clock" came from? Who came up with that?

Anyways, it's 11pm. If I were smart, I'd go to bed. But, as you can see, I'm still here. But I have a reason! A dilemma actually. I have a decision to make.

To eat, or not to eat? That is the question. It's time for me to go to bed, but I'm hungry again! (dont you hate it when that happens?)

My brother and I are the only ones still up, so I could get food without parental consent...but then again, I dont need parental consent to get food, or to eat food. But I'm tired. But I want to stay up to catch a friend online, if he comes online.

So, do I eat and stay up to talk to my friend? Or do I bypass it all and get some sleep? Am I smart, or not?

Guess I'll have to stay up and figure it out. In the meantime, I'm gonna go find something to eat.

Awww!!!

I just got done watching "Ever After" with my family. What a sweet love story that is!!
It's always wonderful to see a happy ending that just makes you smile.

Someday I'm gonna have a story-book romance. It may not be THE story-book romance, but it will be MY story-book romance. He may not be Prince Charming, but he'll be the person God has had planned for me from the beginning.

What an awesome thought to look forward to!

Ta ta, my friends! And sweet dreams!

Good Morning!

Ok, so it's 3pm. So what?

Today was a beautiful day! When I woke up this morning, the sun was trickling through the trees, the snow was glistening, everything seemed to be glowing... until I stepped outside to get in the car. Then the cold air kinda made everything seem gray again. :-p

But things got better! Once we left church to come home for lunch, it had warmed up to a BALMY 30 degrees and the sun was shining, and the icicles were dripping little chrystal drops of sunshine.

Right now, it's bright outside, but the shadows of dusk are beginning to form. The icicles have stopped dripping, the sun has gone behind the clouds, and the snow is gradually turning blue.

The house is quiet as people settle in for a nap. In a few hours, everyone will be up again, lively again, and hungry again. The night life and snack time will begin.

Until then, ta ta!

1/28/05

Divine Appointment!

It's amazing who you'll meet in a gas station!

Today, my gas light came on. (it happens sometimes...) So my brother and I pulled into the local Shell to fill up. He washed my windows while I pumped, cause he's a good brother. I went inside to pay and buy a couple sodas. As I went to pay, the cashier asked me what my hat said. (I was wearing my white Stric'ly Jesus hat) I told her, and she asked what it meant. I said "It means my life is strictly for Jesus." She said "So is mine." She told me she's been saved since she was 5, and that it's been hard living in the world, but not of the world. She told me it was good to see young people who are serious about God. When I walked away, she was smiling.

It's always good to smile at people you meet, but thats not always what they look at. Today, I didnt wear my heart on my sleeve, it was on my hat, but people still saw it. This was the first person to comment on it, but I dont even know how many people have read it.

That encounter has had me smiling since. It just goes to show that you can be a witness without even trying. What a good feeling! Maybe I'll wear that hat more often....

1/26/05

BLizzard Update 1-25

SNOW!!!

The blizzard held off for a whole month. NOW we are getting the snow we needed on Christmas!

It has now been snowing alllllll day. And it snowed two days ago...and three days ago...We have the more snow NOW then we did all winter! And its FREEZING. I REALLY want it to be warm again...I dont want to have to wear three layers under my sweatshirt! I'm really looking forward to Summer now! For several reasons!

Gotta run now. Think warm thoughts for me!

1/25/05

Hmmm......

I was sitting here, talking to my favorite person, and then he said something that got me thinking...and then I said something that got him thinking... so there we were, both thinking, and neither of us saying anything!

"Some people say life is too short. Some say it's too long. So who's right? Is it just long enough?"

Hmmm....

;-) to my favorite person.


1/23/05

Are you using all your strength?

The story is told of a little guy valiantly but futilely trying to move a heavy log to clear a pathway to his favorite hideout. His dad stood nearby and finally asked him why he wasn't using all his strength. The little guy assured his dad that he was straining with all his might. His dad quietly told him he was not using all his strength, because,
"You have not asked me to help you." (Zig Zigler)

How many times to we assume an "I can do it myself" attitude about life? How many logs do we come across that we try to move by ourselves? And how many times do we just give up?

But you know, we don't need to do it all ourselves.
Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Isaiah 40:29 - He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

God is always standing nearby, waiting for us to ask Him for help. He is always at the ready, poised to reach out and push that log out of the way. All we have to do is ask.
1 John 5:14 - This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Got a log in your life?
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)
He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)

Prayer Request!

Hello Folks!
I have a prayer request for anyone who happens to read this.

My church is heading down the road to falling apart, going stagnant, and some other bad stuff. My brother (our church's Prayer Ministries Leader) and I are trying to pull together a prayer group. My parents are trying to help us, as well as some others in our church. Along with this endeavor, we have several tough situations in our church that need to be dealt with.

PLEASE pray that those involved have the wisdom, discernment, and guidance they need to handle these situations. God has a plan for our church, but I can see we are letting too many powers-that-be muddle it up.

This is something I feel very strongly about (which means my temper flares up more than occasionally). Please keep us in your prayers.

Obituary of Common Sense

(recieved this through email yesterday)

OBITUARY...


Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend
by the name of Common Sense who has been with
us for many years.

No one knows for sure how old he was since his birth
records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such
value lessons as knowing when to come in out of
the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and
that life isn't always fair.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial
rules (don't spend more than you earn) and
reliable parenting strategies....
(adults, not kids, are in charge).

His health began to rapidly deteriorate
when well intentioned but overbearing
regulations were set in place.

Reports of a six-year-old boy charged with
sexual harassment for kissing a classmate;
teens suspended from school for using mouthwash
after lunch; and a teacher fired or reprimanding
an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

It declined even further when schools were
required to get parental consent to administer
aspirin to a student; but, could not inform the
parents when a student became pregnant and
wanted to have an abortion. It gave condoms
to boys at school as boys will be boys.

Finally, Common sense lost the will to live as
the Ten Commandments became contraband;
churches became businesses; and criminals
received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense finally gave up the ghost after
a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup
of coffee was hot, she spilled a bit in her lap,
and was awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents,
Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion; his daughter,
Responsibility; and his son, Reason.

He is survived by two stepbrothers; My Rights
and Ima Whiner. Not many attended his funeral
because so few realized he was gone.

1/22/05

Home again, Home again, Jiggety Jig.

I'm home!!

Yeah, it's still cold out there.

We got our most recent copy of Adventist Review today, and in it, my Dad found the quote:
"Evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where the bread is."
I thought that was really cool! And it's true! Christ is the Bread of Life. And we lowly humans have virtualy NOTHING without Him! We are beggars!

Something to think about. :-)

Waffles!!

Good Morning!
While I am standing here in the kitchen, eating my waffles, I'm hearing the news (or rather, reading it). We are expecting a snowstorm! It's About Time!

The girls and I are getting ready to go to church, just Sabbath school today. The crazy weather people are predicting -9* today, WITH a windchill! I really would just like to go back to bed, under my three blankets (one being electric). Snow is expected to start after noon-time. I really wish those crazy weather people would find a better job... the weather listens to them! It does just what they say! Man! The power they must have! I wonder what would happen if the people who report car crashes had that power! Or sports!

But besids that, it's darn cold here. I dont even want to go outside, my nose freezes. Hannah and Leah had better wear enough clothes today, I won't take complaining about cold. They didnt HAVE to come. lol

Time to go get a mocha and another round of waffles (or would it be a square of waffles?). I'll write again this afternoon when I get back.
Huge Hugs!

1/20/05

I have no title for this post...

I am sitting here, in front of my computer, eating the last of the Mint Cookie Caverns icecream straight from the box. Icecream always tastes better that way... slowly melting...

Mom is beside me, looking on, eating peanutbutter out of the jar, left over from her banana. Ooh, she just grabbed another banana after reading what I typed. heehee. Gotta love Mom.

It's almost 11 pm. My brother is in his room, complaining about a website that needs DESPERATE help.

Not a whole lot happened today... we started early on our Spring Cleaning. The house looks pretty good now! I scared Mom today... I did dishes. Took her a while to realize it was me, then she asked me if I was feeling alright... why is that? Hmm...

I'm currently studying world history in school... pretty boring, but must be done. I'm considering reading The Great Controversy at the same time, to see how things go together. Should be interesting!

I've been updating my website a lot too... I have a lot I want to do with it, just need to make time around school and family to work on it.

Every morning I wake up to the CD in my stereo. (funny that) And the first song I hear in the morning, when I first wake up, is the song called "More" by Matthew West. Amazing song! Imagine waking up to hear:
I love you more
Than the sun and the stars
That I tought how to shine
You are mine
And you shine for me too
I love you
Yesterday, and today,
And tomorrow
I'll say it again and again
I love you more!

What a way to start the day! I've also been starting each day by reading a little in The Messiah, a modern adaptation of "The Desire Of Ages". Good book so far! Thats one to read with a highlighter in hand!

Early mornings are also going to end up the best time to catch me online, as I HAVE to buckle down on school work. I'll usually be online from 6:30 to 9-ish, and again in the evenings, late like tonight. TRYING to improve my study habits (or lack thereof)!

Now, as my icecream is mostly melted and drips everytime I take a bite, I'm going to leave you with a verse I've come across recently. (pulling out my Bible and journal...)

"In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk -- better yet, run! -- on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline -- not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.
You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works thought all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness."
Ephesians 4: 1-6 The Message

Good night!

It's 3:26, do you know where your brain is?

I do!

Anyways, I was just taking a break to find chocolate and crack my back, and I picked up my little "Pocket Power Book of Integrity". In it I found a couple quotes that are pretty good. Just thought I'd share!

"The true test of character is what one thinks, says, or does when no one is watching."

"Watch your thoughts, because they become your words. Watch your words, because they become your actions. Watch your actions, because they become your habits. Watch your habits, because they become your character. Watch your character, because it becomes your destiny"

"Listen to your heart as much as you do your head."

"A true test of your character: Do you remain the same under intense pressure?"

Just thought those were interesting!
ttfn!

1/19/05

Website updated!

Well folks, I have updated my website! Now there is something on every page, even if it's not much. As I said before, there are pics from Florida up. I've also put up a bio of sorts, and some other stuff... It's really not supposed to be an 'I love me' site, honest! I just did a website about what I know, thats all! It's a work in progress, so there will be more. If I find the time, that is!!!

Should run for now. Much love all around!

Here's a thought...

What if it were me
That lost someone
When the towers fell?
What if?

What if it were me
Who cried at the loss
Of an airplane victim?
What if?

Wat if it were me
Whose husband left for war
And never came home?
What if?

What if it were me
Whose child was kidnapped,
Molested, and killed?
What if?

What if it were me
Whose son was killed
Just because?
What if?

What if it were me
Whose entire regiment died
Under attack from enemies?
What if?

What if it were me
Whose house was flooded
By hurricane winds and rain?
What if?

What if it were me
Whose family was swept away
By a 40-foot wave?
What if?

What if it were me
Who had nothing left
But God?
What if?

What if it were me?

1/18/05

Tuesday Morning Thinking Stuff....yeah.....

This morning I was sitting here by my computer, coffee by my side, and my Bible open in front of me. While I was looking at a few interesting verses, I was hit with the feeling that I should move into ministry instead of counseling. I looked at the website for the college I want to attend, Andrews University, as well as another college, SAU, and checked out their religion majors. Like they knew I was coming, they both offered exactly what I had in mind. SAU offers a B.A. in Religion Edu. for carreers like a academy Bible teacher, which is one area I've been thinking about. And Andrews offers a B.A. in youth ministry, the other area I'd thought about. Hmmm...

So now I need to pray about which direction God wants me to go in! Pray for me!

1/17/05

Why???

Why is it friendships have to dissolve so easily?
Why is it certain people can make me so mad, all I can do is cry?
Why is it someone can make me smile for a week or more, with only a few words?
Why is it a voice is so important?
Why is it I feel so old, but so young at the same time?
Why am I so patient with some people, and have such a short fuse with others?
Why do I love driving so much?
Why do I want to grow up so fast, and why do I want to stay a kid?
Why is music such an important part of my life?
Why is it so important for me to make people smile?
Why is it I can sing at the top of my lungs in the car, but clam up in front of other people?
Why is it I can only be around a huge crown of people for just so long?
Why am I not big on deep water?
Why have I gotten so serious about things I once didnt really bother with?
Why is coffee so yummy?
Why is it women love chocolate?
Why is it some guys just dont get it?
Why can I find the answer to almost any question in my Bible?
Why can I get my thoughts down better on paper than by speaking them?
Why do I enjoy being by myself so much?

Why do I ask so many questions?

More Florida Pictures!

I got the album up! Check out my website, under the Photo section. You'll find them!
Let me know what you think!

Tootles!

1/16/05

Silly Sisters!


This is my sister, Sam, and I... I told her to "smile pretty!" and this is what I got! The picture looks different cause my camera was on the wrong setting... but it actually came out pretty cool!

Sam was wiggling all over when my family met me at the airport Friday... she couldn't wait to get out of that stroller and give me a hug. Once those little baby arms were around my neck, they weren't moving... She wanted nothing to do with anyone else! I think she missed me!!!