The Marrow of Life

What's that I hear? L.A. Lakers?!

2011-05-27T15:33:00.015-05:00

As much as I love Charlotte, and feel like it is an ideal place to live and raise a family, I unfortunately do not have a hometown that is known worldwide. No one jumps at the mention of Carowinds, gets excited about the fact it's the second largest U.S. banking center, or wants to fly over to watch a NASCAR race. (I have found though, that a few Macedonian children do know about the Bobcats... weird? Yes. I hardly know about them!) But I say all this to just establish that Charlotte is not the major American city to use as a conversation starter.

Los Angeles, however, is the perfect start.

My team of teachers has been traveling to a different elementary school every morning. We plan to visit all ten of the schools in the different municipalities of Skopje. So far, it has been an eye-opening experience. The education system here is so different from anything I have seen in the States. (The most appalling has been their treatment of special needs students, but that will have to be another post another day.)
But anyways, because we are in a different school every day, we have been teaching the same lesson every time. At first we switched things

Do You Know Your Numbers ONE Through FIVE?

2011-05-09T13:42:00.002-05:00

1. There can never be only ONE person out and about from our team. This has proven to be very challenging for us, more so for some than others. The more time that passes, the more frustrating I find this rule. Although I understand the reasoning, I also know how to walk places alone in a city. I am smart and well-traveled. On the other hand, some people do think I live with my head in the clouds. So maybe I do need a constant partner... One thing is for sure though, I would never want to live overseas alONE.

2. On Saturday when we found out about the annual Skopski Marathon, Dani and I got super excited. We then found out the following information, in the following order: There was a marathon, half marathon, and 5K; the races were Sunday; the registration deadline was on Friday; the people on the other line of the phone said we could come down to the office before it closed in TWO hours and register in person. So of course, the TWO of us, TWO of our teammates, and the Neals all headed out to find the offices. We made it in time, paid our money (only U.S. $5!!), and got our race packets! Here we are out front:

3. We then moseyed around the River Walk area and saw that there are THREE physical activities to do down there: run, bike, or rollerblade. If none of those are particularly appealing, you can also participate in one of the other THREE activities in the area: lounging around a park, watching a football game, or going to a mini amusement park (AKA bumper cars). I have not experienced that last one, so I don't have a picture of it... yet. But here are a couple of photos of the park and stadium:

4. Sunday was race day! And I met FOUR Americans! It was really exciting. They are all Peace Corps workers, and three of them were running in the Skopski races. If the Peace Corps just payed their workers, I would be in line to sign up right now. As it is, I need to get my loans payed off before I can be free to go do some kind of work like that. But anyways, I actually met some more Americans at church later, but that is the next story. As for the 5K race, I got 21st out of 285 women! Yay! I did not do that well-- I just barely made my goal of 30 minutes or less-- but compared to all the other females out there I guess I looked pretty good. haha... Here is a picture of Dani and I at the finish. (As you can see, it was very hot... )

5. Church was great! It was just such a relief to be with other believers. Saturday night my house discussed at our nightly powwow how the Body of Christ is present all over the world, and how you can feel like home walking into a church simply because you are family, in the supernatural sense. This could not have been more true for me Sunday morning. After such a stressful week adjusting to living on my own in a completely new place, where I can't recognize anything anywhere on any sign, it was such a relief to understand the worship songs and sermon. Also, in a place where the neighborhood mosque's call to prayer wakes us up, it was good to enter into the presence of God along with other Christians.
Then, after church there was a potluck at someone's house. The FIVE of us team mates headed over there in different pairs, stopping along the way to pick up various items. For Dani and I, we headed back to the house first to get some different clothes. On the way, I found an adorable puppy, which I am still greatly regretting not taking home with us. But here is a picture of the sweet thing!! He was sooo soft and small. Mmm.. love at first site. And speaking of love, the ice cream Sunday at the end of the potluck was love at first sight too. Basically, I had many encounters with love today. And when the FIVE of us finally walked home in the evening, I was well on my way to being recharged for the new week!

New Experiences All Around

2011-05-06T16:06:00.000-05:00

Today I did two amazing new things... go into downtown Skopje and cook dinner. Yes!! Although it actually wasn't too epic of a day on either account. But anyways....

Downtown we saw:

The Mother Theresa house! There is a small museum inside, but we are saving that for another day. Perhaps I will have more pictures/stories when that excursion occurs.

A statue of Alexander the Great! Unfortunately, there is major remodeling and reconstruction going on all around this area, but in about five years it will be beautiful.

For dinner:

I helped chop vegetables for curry stir fry! I was great until I got to the onion. I was a little leery, but I was a committed chef and tackled it anyways. However, fulfilling my self-prediction, I had to run from the room halfway through to cry off all my mascara. Don't worry though- I returned and finished off that onion!

"It is like a groddy version of Western Europe..."

2011-05-05T13:58:00.001-05:00

This morning I got up super early since my internal alarm clock is still a little off. (I know some of you are probably thinking "Linda have an internal alarm clock? Are you serious?!" Yes, it is in fact true... after many hours of sleep, even I awake on my own.) But it was alright... I just took my time showering and getting ready. Then on to making my breakfast- a cheese and chicken/ham sandwich. (Again, an aside to clarify that yes, my deli meat was a mix of both chicken and ham... yum!) I also had a mug of apple juice to wash it down. A perfect start to the day. I then sat on one of our arm chairs in the living room with my Bible and a great view of this:

It is actually a little distorted... the street you see in front really goes to the right parallel to our balcony, and the mosque is straight ahead out the window. I read in Psalms and found it really encouraging. Even in great changes, I can praise God who in His endless love is faithful to me. May you experience His peace today too!

And now, I think I'll just list some of the more interesting things that have caught my attention lately:

- The closest place to get free wi-fi is the coffee shop attached to a gas station about fifteen minutes walk down the road. It is actually a really nice place, and it has American style drinks, pastries, and prices. (For example, my small hot chocolate costs nearly twice that of my lunch. Starbucks, anyone?) The other distinguishing feature of this place is that they have a constant stream of toned-down covers of American pop and rock songs. It was fun... for the first half hour. Now, a jazzy rendition of Madonna's "Material Girl" is playing. Unfortunately, it is just not really my taste. On the other hand, it is nice to be able to listen to a chill calypso version of Pink Floyd.

- I think every toilet I have used since leaving the States has flushed in a different way. (And let's just preface this paragraph with the note that "W.C." means water closet which means bathroom. One of the girls on our trip could have saved herself much discomfort and frantic searching if she had but known that the toilet was five feet away marked by a giant "W.C." sign. Poor thing. Haha) Anyways, the airplane bathrooms-- small enough to probably double as booby traps in another life-- have weird buttons under the sink to flush the toilet. The toilets woosh upon release of the button and shoot out cold air at feet level. Yes, disturbing. One of the toilets in our house has a giant button that takes up nearly the whole top of the tank. The tank for the toilet in the Neal's house in attached to the wall near the ceiling, and there is a chain hanging down that you pull. Finally, the toilet in the gas station here has a little metal toggle in the center of the top of the tank. Also, every single toilet seat is padded. Weird? I think so. Or maybe I am weird for noticing all these variations!

- All of my teammates have been commenting on how Macedonia reminds them of countries they have visited before. So far, I am living in a city that is just like Costa Rica, Guatemala, St. Lucia, and various Western European countries. So I am beginning to think that it is just non-American. I mean, when it reminds everyone of the few places they have been before, that would make sense, right? Oh well... that is the way people process things. I even have categorized Macedonia as somewhere between Peru and Switzerland. It is still a developing country, but with the European flavor. So far, it is ok... Hopefully, it will become familiar in the next six weeks.

- Cars park everywhere. We have to dodge them all the time... on the sidewalk! Also, hundreds of pansies are planted along the main road, and city maintenance men sweep the streets every morning. (It is definitely a clean city, if not pretty.) Dogs hang out on the raised grassy median, and kids are seen out at all hours of the day. Then again, elementary students are only required to attend school from 8am-11am and then 11am-1pm is optional. Optional school? Really? High schoolers go to school in shifts, half going from 8am-1pm and the other half taking 2pm-7pm. Every two weeks, they switch which shift they take.

Arrival in Macedonia!

2011-05-04T12:54:00.000-05:00

After a few flights-- one long, most fairly short-- I have arrived at my destination! I am pretty jet lagged despite attempting to sleep on my overnight flight and taking a nap this afternoon. For that reason, I am going to save any long descriptions of my trip until tomorrow. But, to give you a little something to keep you going: My seatmate from D.C. to Vienna was a rocker from a group called Rhino Bucket. I think they've been around longer than I've been alive, but they still tour the States and Europe. You can check out one of their songs here, but I am not guaranteeing it's any good. Still, I met someone decently famous :) My adventure has begun!

P.S.

2011-04-16T18:22:00.000-05:00

I'm graduating from college in a couple of weeks... and I am really scared. Not so much of the unknown-- as intimidating as I find that-- but of losing all that I have come to love in the past four years.

Just wanted to make that confession.

Your prayers are always welcome.

Thanks.

Persistance in Prayer

2011-04-16T18:14:00.000-05:00

The past few days I have been spending a lot of time in prayer about a particular need that is close to my heart. I have felt discouraged as time seemed to pass with little positive change, and even the appearance of negative changes. It seemed like I was the only one to hold to the hope that God can do great things in our lives, beyond our comprehension. I was beginning to wonder if maybe I am just not being "realistic enough" about things. However, as I was thinking about it during my devotion time today, I opened to my New Testament reading for the day and found the title of the passage to be the "Parable of the Persistent Widow". At the same time, the song that was playing on my itunes reached a point in the lyrics that said "Praise the Lord of my soul when it's all gone wrong. Everything fades but our love shines on. Praise the Lord of my soul when your hope is gone. Everything fades but our love shines on." Wow! God is so good! I need to be persistent in my requests and in my praise. He is faithful, and even if I never see the answer to my prayers in the way I would like, I know my Father hears me and is listening just as intently as I am praying.

Mm Mm Good

2011-01-20T16:22:00.000-05:00

I like food.

I reeeally like food.

And I am discovering that there are some types of food that I like more than others, in varying intensities and at various times of the month. (I'm sure you know what I mean- you can either sympathize with me OR forgive me for subjecting you to that potentially awkward observation).

But anyways, I am currently loving chocolate.

Chocolate cheesecake (thanks Katrine).

Dove chocolate (always dark, of course).

Chocolate peanut butter pie (thanks Annette).

Chocolate ice cream (thanks Baldwin).

Chocolate chip cookies (just craving... haven't had any... yet).

In fact, it has gotten to the point that I am actually considering a life of limited sweets and health conscious self-denial. Can you believe it?! That is so not me. It is just not natural and I do not think I have the will power to accomplish such a change in character. I mean... those little red-wrapped bite-sized dark chocolates just speak to me!

Don't be alarmed though. So far, this is just a little blip on my screen. I have lots of other much more important tasks to conquer and then cross off my list. It just came to my mind as I sat at my desk wondering 'to eat, or not to eat'. And it leads me so nicely into another recent matter of thought...

Unfortunately I don't have time to expound today, but consider this just a taste of what is to come :)

the end draws near

2010-08-02T15:06:00.007-05:00

so, i know it's been awhile since i posted. i sincerely apologize.

i'm still not prepared to go into detail on all that has transpired in the last month.

therefore, a few pictures will have to do. (and not in any particular order..)

i went to st louis.

i went to chicago.

i went rock climbing.

i went to a wedding.

i love you all and hope you are aware of God's multiple blessings in your lives! i'll be leaving indiana one week from today, and then hopefully i will be back online to share more.

the most cautious dare devil you've ever met

2010-06-28T22:44:00.005-05:00

So tonight I took a break from life here on campus to go cliff jumping with some friends. It was not my first time, but apparently that doesn't make me any less of wimp when it comes time to launch myself off a rock. I thought I would just share a short video from my final jump. This one was by far the highest one, and I was pretty scared. Ironically, it was the one that took me the least amount of time to work up the nerve to jump... probably because I knew if I thought about it I wouldn't go. Unlike all the other cliffs, on this one you actually have to get a running start to clear the bushes before going over the edge. It ended up being a lot of fun though and a great adrenaline rush. And bonus points for Linda: I was the only girl to jump this one!! All five boys went first and came straight up to tell me I had to go. Haha... Well, I hope you enjoy!

perseverance

2010-06-15T21:24:00.011-05:00

So tonight I really don't want to write anything. But since it's been about a week since I've made a real post, I figured I could push through my laziness and hammer something out... To recap the last week:

In Cooking:
-- I nearly set off the fire alarm... making a toasted cheese sandwich. How sad! There was smoke filling the whole downstairs and I was running frantically from one end of the house to the other, opening every window or door and turning on every fan I could find. Miraculously, our super finicky alarm stayed silent.
-- I was trying to be lazy and eat with a plastic fork so I wouldn't have to wash my dishes, but then one of the spokes broke off. Still lazy, I kept on eating, a little sideways. Then the spoke on the other side broke off, so I was evened out but eating with only two little things sticking out to grab my food. Then, my handle broke!! Still lazy, I just gripped the broken neck of the fork and pushed through.. pretty much shoveling my food into my mouth on a quarter of what was my plastic fork five minutes prior. Don't worry though, as soon as my meal was done I retired that lousy excuse for a kitchen utensil to the trash can.
-- I have discovered home-made parfaits!! Yay!! I love me some granola, yogurt, and fruit combos. My favorite kind of yogurt is greek yogurt, and it is twice the protein which is excellent for my vegetarian-out-of-financial-necessity diet. (Although from my previous stories and perhaps your pre-existing knowledge of me, it is clear my vegetarian choice could be from lack of cooking skill as well as lack of funds.)

At Work:
-- I weed-whacked, threaded rope, weed-whacked, tied knots, weed-whacked, belayed people, and weed-whacked. Oh yeah, and I weed-whacked.
-- It is insanely muddy here!! It literally thunderstorms every night, and our Indiana farmland (or woods!) are flooded. Makes for a fun time traipsing around in Ketcham...
-- Today we had our first group out to the low ropes course at Ketcham. I did not have the most successful day, but I felt much better when at the end of the afternoon I reconvened with the other leaders and found out that their groups tanked as well. One fun thing though- I wore a Hawaiian print dress to match my co-workers' Hawaiian shirts! We are a funny group.. maybe I'll post a picture one of these days.

With friends:
-- I went to Ivanhoe's the other night with a bunch of friends, and we made it there just as it was closing. After picking up our delicious ice cream treats we drove out to the Taylor lake to lie out on the pier and look at the stars. It was pretty great. Then, when one of the guys took off his clothes and jumped in, we pulled the classic grab-his-clothes-and-run move. Unfortunately, we couldn't actually drive off because he was the one who'd driven, his car was a manual, and none of us could drive stick. It was still pretty hilarious, but it could have been oh so much better!
-- I went back tonight with two of my co-workers and this time took my Ivanhoe's chicken salad out to the pier. After eating half of it (don't worry- the other half is now in my fridge for tomorrow's lunch) we all jumped in and went for a swim. We heard thunder after about 20 minutes and got out just before the lightening and torrential downpour started. Next time we go hopefully we will have more people and better weather!
-- My pet fly, Arnold, died. Because my roommate is awesome, she suggested a burial and provided the coffin. We went out front and buried him, complete with a headstone and sign. Right now it's probably three inches under water, but I thought I would include a picture so you could see what it looked like in all it's sad glory. Or at least you can see me and a tiny bit of the sign...

In School:
-- I am taking New Testament online.
-- I hate online classes.
-- My professor has yet to return either of my two emails or grade any of our first week's worth of work, which was plentiful...
-- I am finding it hard to be motivated to write.
-- My classmates have terrible grammar and spelling... and most of them are professional adults!! (And by that I don't mean they are professional at being adults, but that they are professionals in their career fields.)
-- I am reading good portions of the New Testament though, and I've enjoyed that. I'm on Acts right now, and I really like Acts 4: 23-35. So much so that I'm including it for you here...

On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Sovereign Lord," they said, "you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: " 'Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One.Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

That's about it now! I hope this update has been semi-revealing of the real life of linda irene. Have a great week, friends!

Oh you know.. just stealing...

2010-06-14T20:02:00.001-05:00

This is a post from another blog to which I contribute from time to time.. so if some of you have access to the other, sorry for double-posting!

Hippie at Heart? I don't know...

So, I just finished watching Across the Universe. As I'm sure you would all assume, I really liked it. But I think that I had a very different reaction to it than I would have if I'd seen it a few years ago when it first came out. Although I am really attracted to that hippie lifestyle, I feel like I know so much better now. It seems so free and fun... but empty. Maybe if you were a part of a group that had some kind of cause you would feel fulfilled, but looking at the actors on the screen, I knew I would be ultimately unhappy. But then what is the alternative?? A quiet life in the suburbs? Conservatism? Yikes. That goes against my nature, what I'm attracted to... but can I change that? Did God make us to like a certain lifestyle, or are we simply choosing something because of the social factors influencing us from birth? If we are born inclined to one style of living, do we overcome that if He calls us to something different? Would He call us to something other than what we love? I guess that brings us back to the question of whether or not we're created with any natural attractions.
And then the movie's depiction of war.. horrible! I love war movies (in a weird, twisted way), but I really hate war. And since I was thinking about and researching pacifism a lot a few months ago, I feel like I am in a strange place right now to be watching this. I see it all from a little different angle. Also, I know that if M. chooses to re-enlist in a year, he will almost certainly be deployed. So what does that mean for me? What if it's my friend, brother, loved one? Does that change how I feel about the war? Honestly, my interest in pacifism sprung out of my concern for the civilians whose lives are being invaded and destroyed, and maybe from a curiosity about what Jesus really meant when he delivered all those non-violence speeches and one-liners... but I hardly ever thought about the soldiers and their families! How do I feel about things now? Am I ready to go back and re-open my investigation into what peace really means? Do I want to listen to what God has to tell me about pacifism? I have no expectations as to what I'll find, except that I know I will be surprised. I think I will re-open that book actually. I really want to know, and to let that knowledge make me radical.
My life words right now are excellence and adventure.. (And I feel like "radical" will fit in there nicely)... I have decided that if I pursue excellence, adventure is sure to follow. And in looking for adventure, I will find many roles in which I can strive for excellence. I pray that these two words may be carried out fully in your lives...

ps. I know this post seems a little uncharacteristically pensive. Just pretend I'm there with you in person. Katrine always thinks I'm overly dramatic in person.
Also, if you haven't seen the movie, rent it. (Warning: It is a little outrageous in it's content, but worth it if you keep in mind the culture of the wild 60's.)

Run Linda! Run!

2010-06-05T21:37:00.004-05:00

Today I finally made myself get out of the house and run. Although I have been doing my core workouts each night this past week, I really needed to get my heart rate up doing something other than thinking about the next time I get to go to Ivanhoe's. (hahaha.. that was a joke. please laugh.) Anyways, I knew that it had been awhile since I'd done any running, but I set out pretty positive and with high expectations. Let's just say I crashed and burned. The biggest nuisance tonight was that despite the mild-ish temp of about 80 degrees, the air is extremely thick. Thankfully it was windy at a few points so that helped, but I was still soaked by the time I returned home. I set out to do a 2 mile loop, but I ended up cutting off about half a mile. However, now that I know my starting shape, I can work towards more endurance, quicker times, and farther runs... I'll keep you updated!!

Right now I'm downstairs in my room feeling like the roof might cave in at any moment. One of the girls living above me has a friend over and they are jumping around and bellowing 80's pop songs at the top of their lungs. Seriously, I can hear the springs in the bed and the thud of the bed legs on the floor. Yikes. If you don't hear from me in a couple of days, call the rescue crew!!

Just a storybook life.. no big deal.

2010-06-01T21:34:00.007-05:00

Tonight I drove into the sunset.... with three boys.

Just kidding! Kind of... Actually, no that is exactly true. We did not get off work tonight until 8:15 and as I drove our awesome old Jeep away from the camp and back to campus, the sun was creeping down the blue sky and setting the fields ablaze in deep orange and soft yellows. It was beautiful. I think one of my favorite parts of this summer will be driving that Jeep with the windows down and the music blasting. (It was Ben Folds tonight.) I swear, Indiana is really something in the summertime. I mean, it is kind of hot, humid, and buggy.. and maybe a little slow, but it can be beautiful in its own way.

So anyways, IWU's summer CAL staff went out to Rainbow Christian Camp to do some extra training. We were expecting to do high ropes all day, but we ended up spending most of the day learning how to facilitate other games. So, just in case you ever need an interesting way to expend ridiculous amounts of energy learning someone's name, or you need to filter your water through fifteen swimming noodles before putting it into your glass, I'm your girl!! In fact, I could lead you through about seven hours of that! But really, it was fun. And hopefully will be useful. For the last couple of hours we did get to do some fun high ropes stuff, and that pretty much rounded up our 12.5 hour workday!

Tomorrow we don't start til about noon, so hopefully I will be able to get up early and get in a run and some errands. A few loose ends to take care of before summer really starts.

And now that's about it folks! Just want to leave you with a thought....

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave
again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.
And by Him we cry, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself
testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. Now
if we are children, then we are heirs-- heirs of God and
co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings
in order that we may also share in His glory.

Romans 8: 15-17

Sunday

2010-05-23T21:00:00.004-05:00

I want to apologize for my lack of communication... my computer charger died again! That is the third time in the past year!! So anyways, I'm waiting for my replacement to arrive and using Amy's computer in the meantime. Because she is still in class (and still addicted to online tv... haha), I don't have many chances to get on and write here. She actually just got out of the shower and has a paper to write, so I'll have to update you later. But just a preview- trees, bugs, weddings, kisses, and sun[burn]. That should do for now! :)

And for real this time...

2010-05-18T21:10:00.002-05:00

I got back early from work, and I'm determined to hammer out a real post. It's so much more interesting to get on here and see a bit of my life every so often- although I do hope you are following along with the readings! After this CRAZY last weekend, I got a little slack, but I'm going to get back with it tonight. I'm kind of bummed I missed Sunday's message to go along with the devotions, but maybe I'll have a chance to listen online and then can post some notes on that as well...

So anyways, this past Friday I finished my May Term class- hallelujah! It was a stressful and busy 8 days, so I'm relieved to be done. I still have a couple of papers and a few assignments to finish up before this Friday, but then I'll never have to deal with MUS 180 again. Ever! Still, I did enjoy it while I was there, and I honestly have developed a resolve to continue to visit museums and attend musical events throughout my life. It is always good to appreciate fine art. It puts you in your place... in a good way.
Friday night Matt came by and picked me up to go up to Fort Wayne. He had planned a date to go learn the foxtrot. (And yes, my friends, if you laughed out loud at this thought.. or even just chuckled to yourself.. please be assured that that was my exact reaction at first hearing his plan.) It ended up being a lot of fun, although I think we did more watching than dancing in the end. It turns out each song they play is music for a different ballroom dance. Needless to say, the variety of dances we know is very limited, so we only got out on the floor together a few times. (However, a couple of cute old men did ask to take me out and teach me a few new dances, offers which I of course graciously accepted and enjoyed. Poor Matt! haha.) I have now been inspired to add dancing to my list of cultural activities to cultivate throughout my life! It is such a fun social thing to do, and great exercise on top of that!
Saturday morning around 4am, I dragged myself out of bed to pack up and head out with some friends to the Red River Gorge in Kentucky. Those who have been following this blog may remember that I first went backpacking there two or three years ago, and I was climbing there this last fall. The four people in my car met up with four more already there, and the eight of us had a great day full of climbs on Saturday. I surprised myself by not having fallen too far behind, although I know if I was climbing more at school I could have done a little better. Still, I led a 5.8 and top-roped a 5.10a. Plenty of room to improve, but I had a lot of fun with the climbs so that's all that matters... to me at least. I was with some pretty intense people though, so I know that for some folks it's all about the crazy moves and high ratings. Unfortunately, Sunday it poured pretty consistently. I also had brake trouble. Put that with mountainous, curvy terrain, and it's a terrible combination. We decided to go out to breakfast at a cute hostel with awesome food and then drop my car off to have the brake fixed while we chilled at another place and played cards. After lunch we went back, got my car, and headed back to Indiana. It was rainy all the way back, but an uneventful drive nonetheless.
Monday, I was incredibly unmotivated so I slept in and then hung around the room not doing a whole lot. I worked in the afternoon- first going out to the paintball course to learn how to run things, and then hanging out in the rec putting up all our tents and checking to see what parts were missing. It is ridiculous how many poles or rainflys can go missing! The evening was spent again in the room, this time watching tv.
Today, I slept in again but then set out to accomplish some things. I did a few loads of laundry (including one by hand!) and cleaned up all the stuff I had lying around from the last couple of weeks. I played raquetball with Amy after lunch, made a Wal-mart run, and then rushed back to shower before heading to my boss's house for dinner. She had all of us over to grill out before heading to work/training tonight. It was GREAT food, and it was also fun to get to hang out again with the guys I'll be working with this summer. I'm learning a lot of random skills, not the least of which is handling boys' humor and weird choices of conversation. It should be a great summer :)
And that is about it! Whew! Sorry I wrote so much... it's probably not all that interesting for you, but it will give you an idea of what's going on with me. I hope you all are having as crazy of a life as me-- remember, life should be an adventure!!

Almost Update

2010-05-18T12:39:00.004-05:00

So, I was all set on typing something worthwhile in here (ie. personal), but then my whole post got deleted when I was about halfway through. And I just don't have the heart (or time!) to re-type it all!! Sorry... I'll try to do it tonight. I won't be back from work/training til around 11 though, so we'll see.
Much love to you all. Give me a call sometime, or send an email. I'd love to hear about your summer plans!

Cleaned Up and Set Apart

2010-05-13T16:14:00.002-05:00

I, Paul, have been called and sent by Jesus, the
Messiah, according to God's plan, along with my friend
Sosthenes. I send this letter to you in God's church at
Corinth, believers cleaned up by Jesus and set apart for a
God-filled life. I include in my greeting all who call out
to Jesus, wherever they live. He's their Master as well as
ours!

Every time I think of you-- and I think of you often!-- I
thank God for your lives of free and open access to God,
given by Jesus. There's no end to what has happened
in you-- it's beyond speech, beyond knowledge. The
evidence of Christ has been clearly verified in your lives.

Just think-- you don't need a thing, you've got it
all! All God's gifts are right in front of you as you wait
expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene
for the Finale. And not only that, but God himself is right
alongside to keep you steady and on track until things are
all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this
spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and
our Master Jesus. He will never give up on you.
Never forget that.

Completion

2010-05-12T15:21:00.004-05:00

For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human
body. So you also are complete through your union with
Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.

When you came to Christ, you were "circumcised," but
not by a physical procedure. Christ performed a spiritual
circumcision-- the cutting away of your sinful nature.
For you were buried with Christ when you were
baptized. And with Him you were raised to a new life
because you trusted the mighty power of God,
who raised Christ from the dead.

Colossians 2:9-12

Monologue

2010-05-11T19:43:00.000-05:00

I saw myself so stupid and so ignorant--
I must have seemed like an animal to you, O God

But even so, you love me;
you are holding my right hand!

You will keep guiding me all my life with your
wisdom and counsel; and afterwards receive me into
the glories of heaven!

Whom have I in heaven but You?
And I desire no one on earth as much as You!
My health fails; my spirits droop, yet God remains!
He is the strength of my heart;
He is mine forever.

But those refusing to worship God will perish, for
He destroys those serving other gods.
But as for me, I get as close to Him as I can!
I have chosen Him and I will tell everyone about the
wonderful ways he rescues me.

Psalm 73: 22-28

Who Am I?

2010-05-10T21:25:00.004-05:00

"I am the LORD, your Holy One,
Israel's Creator, your King."

This is what the LORD says--
He who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,

"Forget the former things;
See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.

The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the desert
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise."

Isaiah 43: 15-16, 18-21

A Journey

2010-05-09T20:25:00.000-05:00

Before I start, just a quick side note-- HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY, MOM!! I love you.. you do a great job being our mother! :) Sorry I couldn't be home this weekend.. I'm thinking of you!

Today at church (CWC) we started a new series on identity- "I Am, You Are". I'm pumped to be able to dig into the Word and see what it has to say about who I am, who God is, and how that affects the way I relate to the world. I recently had a conversation with a friend about who we think we are, and I surprised myself by immediately thinking "I'm a child of God." It looks like God was already working on my heart and helping develop that healthy mindset. It is important to find our identity in Him first, but I have so much more knowledge to gain about what that really means!! So anyways, I'm inviting you to join me on the journey. I'm going to be posting the daily readings on here, and I'd love for you to be reading along with me. You can even leave a comment with your thoughts if you feel led! The devotional journal that my church put together asks us to think of the following questions as we meditate on the Scriptures:
- What does the passage teach me about God?
- What does it teach me about me?
- How does it teach me to relate to God and to others?

May God bless the reading of His Word! :)

Summertime!

2010-05-08T20:22:00.005-05:00

Goodness, it's been forever since I posted something. I'm afraid all my posts (and journal entries, for that matter) begin this way. Sorry! Anyways, I have been reminded about this site quite often the last couple of weeks because I have several friends starting blogs for various reasons. (FYI, the two most important: My college roommate is doing a nursing/Spanish internship this summer in Guatemala, and my sister is doing a Graphic Design/missions internship in England!!) Yes, I'm a little jealous, but that's ok. I know there is a good reason I'm in Indiana this summer. All I know right now is that I'm working for the Center for Adventure Learning, but I'm hoping to help teach English and maybe tutor French. And of course I'll be spending time with the friends who are also staying around here for our summer break.

Amy, one of my suitemates from the lodge last year, is my roommate for this May Term. We are in one of the second floor bedrooms in a townhouse here on campus, and it is pretty nice!! We have tons of room, and I'm learning to cook. (Yes, family! I'm learning!) I do have to admit that Amy has taken care of most of the dinners so far, but I have mastered breakfast and lunch! :)
Today, we went to the Indianapolis Museum of Art and the Castleton mall. It was a long day... but fun. I'm in a [very intensive] 8-day condensed Fine Arts class right now, and the museum visit was a part of a project. I have to say though, the more I study art and music, the more I enjoy it. When I grow up I want to go to operas and museums and historical sights and famous plays.. all the time! haha.. maybe.
Well, it's time for this post to end. Since I began writing, I got rained on, drove to Epworth, and watched a cute but cheesy movie. We saw "Hope Floats", a classic 90's film. Anyways, now with a little ice cream I'm off to bed :)
Goodnight!!

Biking!

2009-12-26T20:52:00.006-05:00

I understand now why old folks become snow birds... it's in the 70's today! The day after Christmas! (And just in case you're wondering.. Christmas was great.)
To take advantage of this great weather, Katrine and I decided to bike around Sebring lake this afternoon. It is about 10 miles all around, but it's all on a sidewalk so it's pretty easy going. We stopped a couple times to take pictures and look at weird signs and buildings, and we still made it back in time to get ready for the MK Reunion thing. Oh the joys of being part of the SIM family! :)

Here's a photo of my favorite house that we passed:

And here's my proudest biking moment:

Out For A Jog

2009-12-24T12:08:00.000-05:00

Today I went running around Sebring (the SIM village, not the whole town). I can't believe how out of shape I am!! But it was great weather.. the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the whole neighborhood incredibly peaceful. I literally had to hop over two squirrels and a crane on my way through! Hopefully I'll be motivated enough to do this again before heading back up to the cold.

Still Alive!!

2009-07-26T19:42:00.002-05:00

HI! I am still here, although I've been absent from the internet world for awhile. Well, not that long I guess... Anyways, this last weekend Katrine and I went up (over? down? both?) to the Greenville area to visit some of her college friends and join them on a church rafting trip. We left work early Friday and headed up to her friend's apartment. It was fun to get to meet one of Katrine's best friends and see more of the town where she lives. We had an amazing [college-kitchen-appropriate AKA easy] meal, which I've actually made before with my roommate... some kind of chicken veggie thing inside a crescent roll thing- delicious! Then we chilled and watched a movie. Saturday we got up and headed over to their church to meet about 15 other people to drive a few hours up to Nantahala River for rafting. It was the first time Katrine and I had been, and our group was taking three self-guided rafts, so it was good that we ended up being on a pretty calm piece of the river. It took most of the afternoon and I really enjoyed the trip, even though I did lose my paddle along the way and just chilled in the raft the rest of the time :) When we finally made it back to the apartment another friend had shown up (who normally lives there during the school year) so it was nice once again to meet Katrine's good friend. We had to hit the hay early though to get up Sunday for church. We went to Katrine's home church the next morning, and then had another good meal and lazy tv time before packing up for home. By the time we made it back we were pretty tired and grumpy, but all in all it has been a good weekend. And.. I think that's all! Have a good week everyone!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggity Jig Jig

2009-07-12T22:49:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm back in the States. A few adventures, a hint of a tan, and a bit more Spanish vocab later... I have a lot of good stories. I will try to go back and update some more from my travel journal, which I'm sure you've noticed has been coming online a little belated. I don't know how long it will take, but I'll get around to it eventually. For now, I'm back home working and enjoying time with friends...

Tienes Agua?

2009-06-20T21:12:00.002-05:00

Today was long and frustrating... so I think I'll skip the beginning where I'm complaining about life and go straight to the fun events of the night. (And that wasn't sarcasm- it really did get exciting by the end of the day...)
We drove from Cusco to Quillabamba, and after finding my aunt's house vacant, we continued on to another aunt in Echarte, my dad's semi-hometown. We arrived here around 8pm, hot, tired, super dusty all over inside and out, and pretty irritated with life. But, we had arrived! It was of course dark already (in the mountains it always darkens around 6pm when the sun starts to set behind the hills) and we hadn't been to Echarte in years. This led to slight confusion, which led to passing my aunt's restaurant, which led to drawing the attention of the whole street as we did at least a five-point turn and went back over the rickety, temporary bridge to pass the restaurant again and park on the other side. My dad wanted to send someone else inside first so that Tia Eva would be surprised. I volunteered Katrine and I for the task- I love to create surprises. We climbed out of the crammed station wagon and stretched our limbs as we tentatively walked over to the store front. Awkwardly we stepped in and smiled at the girls standing at the counter and the familiar woman behind it. "Tienes agua, por favor?" I asked, leaving off my customary "sin gas" that indicates I would prefer my water without carbonation. It didn't really matter this time since I wasn't expecting to go through with the order. She said "si" but look at us kind of strange, and when it seemed she had maybe recognized us I smiled and said "Hola, Tia Eva!" She came flying out from behind the counter to hug and kiss us and ask if we came with our parents. (Later she said she'd had a splint-second moment of panic when she thought something had happened to our parents and we'd come to live with her! Ha.. not sure that would be the easiest place to get to if we suddenly were homeless...) Anyways, we led her outside where we all did the rounds of exclamations and kisses. After a bit of arguing about where we would stay, she won us over and had us come in to set our stuff up in her front room. It was a tight fit, all seven of us in their bedroom/living room, but we all had beds and space for our packs.
We next walked up to town to eat at a polleria (chicken restaurant) and be gawked at some more by the locals. I guess white folks don't come this far out very often. The town has changed a lot though. Since natural gas was found in the region Echarte has become the richest regional capital around.. and this has only been in the past few years. Now the town in under renovation- a new fire station, new "main street" complete with paved road and flowers along the side, and a large new bridge being built. I must say, it's impressive work. Well.. church tomorrow. My cousin's husband is a church leader so we feel a little obligated to attend, no matter the hour that we get to bed. It's all good though.. I am excited to see what town improvements have been brought to the tiny one room building that housed the church nine years ago. I'm sure it's evolving with the town too...

Machu Picchu

2009-06-19T16:51:00.000-05:00

Today we took a taxi, train, and bus to get up to Machu Picchu... and it was amazing! Trip of a lifetime, although I hope to do it again some day. We also hiked the mountain behind Machu Picchu, called Waynapicchu, which was quite a trek and definitely worth the work. Here are some pictures!

Gross

2009-06-18T16:39:00.000-05:00

This evening our family left for Urubamba with our bags checked at the desk of our hotel in Cusco. We are only taking a couple of small backpacks on this trip. We arrived and met our family and then Katrine and I sat outside in the sun a while because it was cold and she felt sick. We went in for our coffee and bread supper and spent some more time talking with our dad´s aunt and cousin. Late that night we went across the street to see another one of my dad´s aunts and an uncle. It was a surprise for them and I have never in my life had someone so excited to see me! I can´t believe she remembered our names from some little baby picture she had. She called us every pet name you can imagine and she and her brother wanted pictures with us all. They were the cutest old people I have ever met. The only negative part of our trip across the street (except that it significantly extended our bedtime and I was super tired) was that they made Katrine drink some fennel tea for her upset stomach, and we all got a cup as well. It was the most disgusting thing I´ve ever tried...it was so bad I couldn´t even finish it! (Which I think is saying a lot; I am making a big effort to eat/drink everything). So we finally got to bed around 10:30. Katrine was not feeling any better, but we laughed about how the effect of the tea was to ¨clean you out¨ by releasing all the gas in your stomach. It seems that it has another effect too, if you are not used to it. Around one in the morning I woke up to Katrine vomiting over the side of the bed into a plastic bag. I´m going to skip the rest of the nasty story because although it is funny to my sister and me, it probably wouldn´t amuse everyone. Anyways, after brushing her teeth, Katrine and I were able to get back to sleep. I think our parents went back to bed shortly after. And that was the final ending of our day.

Making Lemonade.. part three

2009-06-17T02:30:00.003-05:00

Ok! I´m back. And now I have to thank God that all is well and my family and I are safe in Cusco. I prayed several times last night that God would still the mobs as He had shut the mouths of the lions in the lion´s den for Daniel. Basically, last night a van came by around 6 and said they had a flat tire but would be back in an hour. One car came between that time, but it was filled before we hardly even knew it was there. (By this time there was a large crowd infront of the bus station). To prevent that from happening again, we split up, with my mom and Katrine along the edge of the street and my dad and I at the corner. When the bus returned, it actually parked about a block away and sent a man to get some passengers. They didn´t want a mad rush of people because it would attract the attention of the mob of strikers/protestors. With great luck (or probably the hand of God) the man approached my sister to get a ride. We hurried (as nonchalantly as possible) down the street, around the corner, into an alley, and finally into the van. It was all quite sensational- hushed whispers, furtive glances, hurried motions. We packed ourselves into the van, and were just situated when, despite all our best efforts, the mass of people arrived behind us, all clamoring for rides. We had room for one more person, and then the doors were closed. Now, thinking back (although hardly any time has passed), I can´t say whether we even moved at all before we had to stop again. If anything, it was just halfway down the block. All of a sudden, out of nowhere, came an army of angry shouting men/boys on bikes. We turned our faces away from the windows in case they should break them, and a man in the back of the van told us urgently to stay silent but pray. A few minutes longer and, as soon as it began, it stopped. We were allowed to continue on our way. I think the mob was under the impression we weren´t leaving the city though, because the driver (a native of the city) took many small roads and curved through the city to sneak out. We were absolutely silent and it gave lots of time for thinking. It was kind of erie. I wondered if I could sneak out of my town. Do I know Fort Mill that well? Charlotte? And then, I thought about how we were like the illegals coming across from Mexico to the States, or slaves being transported on the Underground Railroad. It was interesting. The story gets even better though! We had left around 7, and at 8 we got stopped by another mob of men. This time, all the men in our van got out to protect the tires from being slashed (and hopefully protecting us as well!) My mom, sister, and I were instructed to cover our heads so that the mob would not see we were ¨gringas¨- white women. It was a little scary.. and a little exciting, not gonna lie. But after two hours of sitting in the stuffy dark I was pretty bored with it. The mob had cooled down some and instead of attacking the bus with shouting they were gathered around a tire fire they had started in the middle of the road. At last, at 10, we were off again. Dozens of trucks and buses that had been held up on both sides were allowed to pass. We rode a few more miserable hours (I was naseous, uncomfortable, freezing, and my leg kept spasming). Then, trial #3!, we came to a bridge that apparently was falling apart and could not support our weight. Again, dozens of buses, trucks, and double story tour buses were stopped on both sides. Each unloaded everything and after the passengers (that would include us) walked down to the river and across the bridge, the vehicles cautiously began to take turns going across. So once more, adventure was had and danger averted, but by this time I was in no mood. More crazy fast driving on hair pin curves, and we made it to Cusco at 1:30 in the morning. We were sick, exhausted, and homeless. Dropped off in the middle of a dark Cusco street, we again walked to find a suitable hotel where we woke up the door man to check in. The hotel is surprisingly nice to be the nearest one to the bus stop, and we´ve enjoying the hot water... and cable tv. :)
And so... that was my night. More about Cusco to come!

Making Lemonade.. part two

2009-06-16T17:00:00.001-05:00

Today has been unbelievable! It´s only 5:00pm and we´ve already experienced grand adventure. And it should only get better! (Or worse, depending on how you look at it.) Anyways, this morning Katrine and I were going to sleep in some, and then we were all going to go for a walk around Lake Titicaca. However, when our parents went to check on our bus tickets for this afternoon, they were told that because of the strikes and road blocks our bus trip was cancelled. Either we had to leave in about 30 minutes (at around 9:30) or we could take a night bus that went the long way around to Cusco (around 12-13 hours. ugh). So our parents hurried back to the hostel where we decided to pack our bags and rush to the bus station. This bus was only supposed to take us to Sicuani where we would have to walk around a road block to catch the next bus. True to it´s word, we stopped at the edge of Sicuani around 3:15. But it wasn´t some lesiurely stroll from there. We had to walk nearly an hour to get to the bus station! And we were briskly walking, carrying our packs. Our dad was afraid we´d miss the 4 cars/buses supposedly waiting, so that´s why we hurried. But there was no need for that! We´ve been sitting here since 4:20... and the locals waiting with us say a bus might not come until 8 or 9. I´m getting kind of tired of waiting. I haven´t eaten all day except for a few cookies and an apple. Also, a couple of mobs have gone by, but they haven´t bothered us sitting here on the curb. Besides, they are mostly boys on bicycles. How threatening. :) But really, hopefully we´ll stay safe. I´ll finish how the rest of the journey went tomorrow...

Funny Friends

2009-06-14T19:37:00.001-05:00

This has been one of our funniest days so far! We got up kind of early to go to church- my mom had contacted an SIM missionary and he had suggested this church that met at an international school not too far from the house. His daughter attended this church, but he worked in the slums on Sunday. The church was really great... I enjoyed the singing because I could actually follow along on the screen and participate. The message part of the service was more difficult to sit through though because I don´t know Spanish. I tried to follow along with the verses but I think I missed a lot of the points. Anyways, after church we went back to the house and got the Montanchez family to go out to eat. We (Katrine and I) ended up riding in the back of their (nice and large for Peruvian standards) Sante Fe. It was parked awkwardly along the curb when we got in,and the trunk couldn´t close because of a small tree growing right there. (I´m still not sure how we got the trunk open...) But after a couple attempts to close it, Mr. ordered his One Son to pull the car up some. Looking at us to make an attempt at an explanation, he patted the tree affectionately and smiled. ¨It´s my friend!¨ he announced as Katrine and I burst out laughing. It was really cute.. maybe you had to be there. Then- off to Tipiko! (A really nice restaurant with lots of patrons- a sign of a truly good place.) The two Montanchez daughters and their families came too... so we were a full table. Katrine and I, as usual, split a meal- but we had such huge portions it was more than enough for us both. It was chicharron, which is like the side of a pig- meat, fat, skin all still intact with crunchy deliciousness!! :) Also, speaking of delicious, we had amazing fried cheese squares and yuca fries. But the best part was the company!! The Montanchez family must be the funniest, friendliest family I´ve ever met! And they are all equally hilarious in their own way, which is the great part. It turns out, Daughter One and her Husband lived in Charlotte five years ago! And they know all the places we know... the places we live! Husband 1 was very talkative, and when Daughter 1 wasn´t talking to her two wild twins (who did spend most of the time on the playground with their nanny) she talked to us as well. It was a crazy fun time! So we laughed (privately) about how the One Son said ¨cheese¨ -- ¨chez¨-- and we laughed (publicly) at Daughter One and her Husband´s story about wanting to buy cuy (guinea pig) in Charlotte- to eat! And the time they called 911 multiple times in a row just to see if the phone was working... and you can imagine how that ended. And how their boys were practicing how their boys were practicing how to greet us in the car on the way to the restaurant- ¨I say- Hello! My name is Twin 1!¨ So many good stories and good storytellers! After lunch we went by the airport with Mr. and Mrs. to see their businesses... a small restaurant/snack shop and a packaging both. Finally, we left to spend the rest of the evening at Lucy´s house. It was really nice to see them in their home, get to know the little twins better, and look at tons of pictures from their travels. And now, one last funny story... the twins are learning Spanish (and German!) at school, but were being too shy to count for us. However, when my mom pulled out some gifts for them and Daughter 1 said they had to count first, Son 2´s eyes got round, he straightened up, and raising each finger on cue he shouted in that cute accent ¨1,2,3,4,5!¨

Colca Canyon

2009-06-12T12:07:00.001-05:00

We went to Chivay today (a town a couple hours from the Colca Canyon).. and we head back to Arequipa tomorrow night. It´s been fun staying in a nice hotel.. not a regularity for us, even on vacation. And we´ve had fun doing the ¨tourist thing¨ going to a famous place in a tour group. Apparently the canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon, and the condors we´ll be seeing are famous for Peru.

Making Lemonade.. part one

2009-06-11T11:51:00.000-05:00

The days go by fast. Or slow. I don´t know which to call it. Basically, it seems like many days ago that we got on this night bus. And I guess that´s where my story begins...
This morning, with only ten minutes left of Spiderman 3, our bus turned off unexpectedly, leaving us clueless as to the victor in the final fight between good and evil, Peter Parker and Eddie (Last Name) Jr... Ok. Enough of that. The point is, once we weren´t glued to the screen anymore, we were free to observe, remember what our subconsious had been picking up for the last few minutes, and conclude that we had already stopped but were turning off the engine now because it was determined that the long line of buses and cars were not going anywhere. A bus steward came upstairs to tell us that we were allowed to get off but we were not to go too far. We immediately got off and with our new Japanese friend who was sitting infront of my mom, we set out to see what was going on. It turns out that there was a huge (ok.. pretty small) demonstration going on, and no traffic was allowed through. Tires were burning in a barrier across the road, and one bus had already had its front window smashed. People were milling about and one man was shouting into a microphone, perched atop a restaurant balcony hanging over the the demonstration. After some inquiring and walking about, my dad found out that it was a protest agains the government selling part of the rainforest to a company that would exploit its resources. Unfortunately, many of the people in the streets were not fully informed and the majority barely spoke Spanish. (They spoke an indiginous language, Quechua.) We decided to head back when we saw there wasn´t much more to do in the town and some buses were starting to move in the distance. We were only one hour from the city of Arequipa (our destination) so we were hoping something could be done to get past. Imagine our horror though when we were walking along and couldn´t find our bus! Confused, we picked up our pace, craning our necks around the back each time we reached the end of a bus, sure ours was next. And then- ¨This is where it was!¨ My dad shouted back to us as he stood in a large empty spot in the road. ¨It can´t be¨ the other four of us insisted as we passed by in staggered progression. Then we saw it- way down the road pulling out of a gas station! We rushed ahead and made it on just in time before the bus pulled out through a side street and continued on its way on an alternate road. Can you believe we almost missed it?! But it gets even better. We took an old dirt road that I´m thinking in some places was a non-road. It was constant jarring, and yet not hard banging shakes but little vibrations, so permeating that I felt even my post earring were going to rattle right out of my earlobes. Honestly.
We finally arrived, dirty and tired. Family friends picked us up and took us back to their beautful house with and beautiful, beautiful shower. :) I can´t wait to take a shower. Also, its a much higher altitude here so we are all a bit lethargic but hopefully we will get some good sight seeing in tomorrow.

Arrival

2009-06-09T11:48:00.000-05:00

Today we arrived in Lima! It´s crazy. I stepped out of the airport and it looked like every other big city I´ve been flying to the past few years. And then I inhaled. I remembered that smell! It is definitely a different place.. and I love it. Vicki Faura (the mother of one of my mom´s students) picked us up and took us to a hotel. It´s a pretty nice place and it´s been a long journey so I´m headed to bed now.

Back Home

2009-06-02T21:26:00.003-05:00

When you fly, you forget how big the world is. You leave Orlando in the afternoon and make it to Charlotte in time to wash your dog before the sun goes down and have your dinner on the back patio. You forget about all those people and cities, mountains and lakes, miles and miles of highways that separate your starting point and destination. But I guess sometimes it's better that way, trading adventure and leisure for speed. Especially after you've been gone for so long and just want to get back to your own bed. After all, there's no place like home.

Family Reunion

2009-05-30T22:43:00.011-05:00

Again, I'm about a week late here... I arrived to the family reunion really late last Saturday night, after spending half the day in airports. It was so good to see my family, immediate and extended, after such a long time. Obviously, it had been longer for some... I can survive a couple days without my parents :) Some of the extended family, however, I had not seen in years.

We stayed in a beautiful lake house, and enjoyed the pool and lake right in the backyard. There were jet skis and plenty of water skis/knee board/tubing equipment. We also spent some time just lounging in the house, eating lots, and singing songs around the campfire. I think that's kind of a family tradition.. the singing that is. Well, the eating might be too.. haha. Anyways, as usual, I prefer pictures.. and thanks to several photographer cousins (Nava in particular) I have quite a few to offer. So enough of me now.. here's a visual idea of what I've been up to!

Wedding

2009-05-29T10:46:00.004-05:00

It's been almost a week since that "Holy Union of Whitney and Ben" (as one of my friends so wittily labeled his facebook photo album of the event)- and I still can hardly believe that the wedding is over! It was exciting but surreal.. we had been so busy the couple of days prior and then I got so little sleep the night before that by the time we were actually on site and getting pictures taken I could hardly take it all in. It was beautiful though; the weather was perfect and the whole place decorated just right. Everyone looked great, but Whitney was gorgeous. I couldn't quite believe how much she looked like a bride that day. It was so right.
The ceremony went pretty quickly, all of us making it to the front without tripping, the pastor cracking a couple of jokes to loosen us all up, the flower girl standing still for most of the time, the bride's bouquet getting passed back and forth to several people without any awkward clumsiness.. and then the kiss and pronouncement of man and wife! And, true to the rest of the wedding style, we waltzed out down the aisle to a funny pirate-esque tune.
I was only able to stay for half of the reception, but I enjoyed a wonderful meal with the wedding party (and the goldfish in the centerpiece fish bowl). I said hello to quite a few people that I have not seen for at least a year, and then I said my goodbyes to the new couple. It seemed as if I was half losing my friend, but I know she's moving ahead in her life, and it is the right place for them to be.
I got a ride to the airport from some friends of the bride (that I did not know previously) and then I rushed through the security to catch my flight. I still had my hair and makeup done, my pearls still around my neck, and my bouquet in hand. Of course, I expected some funny looks, but not questions about my own marriage. It took a lot not to answer questions with "Umm.. no. Do you see a guy with me? Not many folks go on their honeymoon separately..." I just smiled and explained that I had been a bridesmaid.
Well.. I have rambled on for awhile now, so I apologize. I just have one more thing to add... another thousand words :)

all on my own

2009-05-21T00:54:00.002-05:00

Early tomorrow morning my family will be leaving to drive down to the family reunion, leaving me to fly down by myself Saturday evening. It was crazy around here tonight with packing, repacking, checking to see what had been forgotten, and packing again. Even though I'm not leaving for another few days I went ahead and packed a bag for them to take so that I'll be a little less bogged down during the airport rush this weekend. Actually, to be more accurate, I picked out some clothes and had my sister stuff them into her bag. She's pretty great like that. So.. they leave in the morning, I will be busy with some shopping, teaching, and then going with friends to get manicures/pedicures. And I'm sure some more wedding related activities will come up. Friday will probably be a lot of setting up at the site of the wedding, and then the rehearsal. I can't believe it's coming up so fast! Saturday will be a blur of hairspray, makeup, sunshine, and "I-do's". I can't wait! Pictures will be coming...
That's it for tonight! I need to get to sleep. I'm starting to get sick so if I can just overcome it this one time.. my summer is picking up now so I have to hold off any illness for 6 weeks. I'll have all July to recover!
So.. goodnight.

Day 2

2009-05-15T00:37:00.002-05:00

I don't really have anything to write today, but I wanted to record something just so I could prove to myself that I did not forget about it. I'll try to have something of worth tomorrow...

Home Again

2009-05-12T15:34:00.002-05:00

So.. it's been awhile since there has been any activity on here. I guess this is just something I let go while I was getting busy with the rest of my life. Anyways, I'm back on and hopefully this will last awhile. This past year has brought such change into my life, but I don't think it's necessary to go into all of it. I hope though that my new perspective on life purpose(s) and relationships will show in a new focus of my blogs, but we'll see...
I am still at IWU, and I think I've decided to stay. It's a bit late now for me to transfer. I feel too involved, connected, and needed to leave it all at this point. I used to think it was either a sign of weakness or great conceit to claim that you were needed, but I'd like to think that I know better now. It is simply stating a fact.. a fact that hopefully everyone can recognize in their own lives. Anyways (I ramble too much) I am looking forward to a jam-packed junior year with a new major (TESOL Education), two minors, three jobs, and many close friends. We even have a kitchen next year in our campus apartment so I plan to practice my cooking.. haha. but for real..
And then this summer.. that is another whole adventure! Right now it is seeming kind of sparse to me, mostly because I am lacking a job, but there is plenty of leisure activity to fill up the itinerary. This month I am "working" part-time in an ESL class at an area high school, visiting old friends, getting ready for my friend's wedding, being in my friend's wedding, and then heading to Florida for a long overdue family reunion. Then next month I get to fly out to another family reunion- in Peru! We will be touring the country and seeing family on a 5 week trip to the "other" homeland. It should be pretty amazing... And then I'll be coming home and hoping to find something to do to finish up the summer!
And now Katrine is nagging me to finish writing to my "imaginary audience" so we can watch tv together. Can't beat sisterly bonding, right? So that's it for now.. Hopefully more to follow :)

lately

2008-02-28T21:58:00.008-05:00

"When anxiety was great within me, Your comfort brought joy to my soul." Psalm 94:19

Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come. Revelation 4:8

Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth. Psalm 96:9

YOU ARE STILL HOLY (edited)

words & music by Rita Springer

Holy, You are still holy
Even when the darkness surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still sovereign
Even when confusion has blinded my eyes
Lord, I don't deserve Your kind affection
When my unbelief has kept me from Your touch
I want my life to be a pure reflection
Of Your love

So I come
Into Your chambers
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Savior
And I'm at Your mercy
And all that has been in my life up to now
It all belongs to You
You are still holy

Holy, You are still holy
Even when I don't understand Your ways
Sovereign, You are still sovereign
Even when my circumstances don't change
Lord, I don't deserve Your tender patience
When my unbelief has kept me from Your truth
I want my life to be a sweet devotion
To You

What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36

GIVE ME JESUS (edited)

words by Fanny J. Crosby & music by John R. Sweney

In the morning when I rise,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.

O, when I am alone,
Give me Jesus.

From depths of sin I cry,
Give me Jesus.

O, when I come to die,
Give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
But give me Jesus.

Give me Jesus,
Give me Jesus.
You can have all this world,
Give me Jesus.
Give me Jesus

p.s.

2007-11-22T19:58:00.001-05:00

it's been a year since i started this blog.. weird... i'm getting old!

10 Days Since I Wrote Last

2007-11-22T19:58:00.000-05:00

So, I have a lot of news... but I can't write it all now. I mean, I do have the time, but just not the focus and energy. I can't seem to make myself concentrate for long enough! However, I'll tell you the two most important things- my fish died and it snowed today, on Thanksgiving! 1) my fish died... Yes, my two amazing pets, The French Fish and The Other One, died last week. It was tragic. The French Fish died last Friday right before I headed out to Chicago for the second time, and then The Other One died right when I got back Sunday. The prettiest one of Lindsay's died while I was gone. Anyways, I was pretty sad about that for a little while but I've gotten over it. We have the twins and their brother now. The funny thing is that one of the twins and the brother look more alike than the two twins themselves. We were hasty in our naming... Lindsay took them home with her for Thanksgiving though so hopefully they will survive the break. Oh yeah.. that reminds me. I am in Newcastle, Indiana right now! For my Thanksgiving break! I am staying with Hope, who lives across the hall. If you have been following my super interesting college life :) you would realize that makes her Tiffany's roommate. They are nothing alike but I love Hope too. She has an amazing family here (a twin sister and younger brother) and they live in a beautiful house. It is quite spacious.. I get my own basement.. good deal, huh? haha.. Well, that brings me to the next point: 2) It snowed today!!! Can you believe it? I really feel like I'm part of the northern culture now. It snowed on Thanksgiving! I haven't been out in it yet, but I plan on it tonight. I'm going to Starbucks in about an hour. We'll play some games there, and then we'll come back to pack our bags. Then... we'll pack in the car to go sit in the mall parking lot. Crazy!!! We'll eat food and watch Christmas movies on our laptops. Then, like all those fanatics I always laughed at, we'll rush in the store at four in the morning to grab all those amazing deals. Haha.. being a poor college student makes you desperate! Just kidding... kind of. Well, I do have a list of people I have to buy for so I have to get on that. Anyways, I better go now. I'm looking through the store flyers to pick out what I'm getting tomorrow. That will help with the craziness in the store, and it will help me not overspend. Which I'm sure some of my readers are particularly concerned about. So.. that's all for now. I love you guys and am so thankful for each and every one of you!

P.S.

2007-11-12T02:13:00.001-05:00

Just so you all know.. it's 3 months 3 weeks and 3 days until my birthday. Mark your calenders! Linda is turning 19!

i think i'm getting old :)

Verse of the Day on Facebook

2007-11-12T02:13:00.000-05:00

"My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water."
Jeremiah 2:13

I could write forever on this verse... but I just don't have time tonight. However, I thought I did have a couple of minutes to share it with you. Ponder it's application in your life...

.:. thoughts .:.

2007-11-06T13:42:00.000-05:00

So I was talking to Tiffany last night... (and I really have to thank God for her, she is "kindred spirit" for sure-haha)... and we were having one of our deep discussions that occur at random moments when we have a lot on our minds/hearts and just need there to be someone to listen. Someone who listens exclusively and who cares entirely. Even though we are really crazy together when outside or traveling, I would say we spend even more time sitting in her living room with watery eyes and open ears. Like I said, I can't thank God enough. Anyways, I was doing some deep thinking, as usual, and this came to me:

As I am searching the Bible for answers to my questions, I don't feel as though God is revealing my life path to me, but I believe instead that he is molding my character into a person who can choose her own life path.

Of course, God does give us direction, and I have to believe that at some point my questions will be answered, but right now I think my confusion has to be worked out by me and me alone. God still has His plan for me though, and so He is working to make me into the person who loves and follows Him so well, she can instinctively pick the right way.

Well, that's about it for now. I have a lot to finish up this week before I head up to Minnesota this weekend! (And in case you're wondering Family, yes I am super excited!) Still, it's a bit stressful right now. So, I may not write again for awhile. Love you all! Thanks for reading... wish you'd leave a comment though!

Picture Me :)

2007-11-05T14:11:00.000-05:00

Almost Adventure

2007-11-05T03:31:00.000-05:00

Sooo.. I made it off campus again this weekend. And I also found a spelling mistake in the previous entry. Man alive :) my life goes in circles. Just so you know.. The French Fish and The Other One are still alive! More later.. I promise!

ps. i actually took notes in church.. so i'm sure to have something spiritual

News

2007-10-28T04:39:00.001-05:00

Ok, I just read back over part of my last entry.. and I found spelling mistakes! Ahh! I know.. I'm weird. But English is extremely important, you know! :) Anyways, I also thought that there's a reason you're supposed to write something and then go back later to read it. Some stuff seems so dumb afterwards. Oh well. So... I learned that more people than I thought are actually reading this, so I am updating again. Just to say that we got two new fish. Our RA's tank broke so we adopted her fish. They are kind of mine since Lindsay has the other four. I named them The French Fish and The Other One. Creative, I know.. Actually, The French Fish has a mustache thing that makes me think he looks French. He also is a bottom feeder and so that reminded me of the French lobsterish thing in the movie Finding Nemo, the one that goes around cleaning everything and talking with a really strong accent. Anyway, I thought I might name my French fish Jacques too, but I usually stick to The French Fish. Then Tiffany came over and she asked if she could buy a fish and board him in our room. (Yes, we're crazy! I mean, she ever offered to pay!) Lindsay, however, said she could "own" our two new fish. I couldn't bear to part with The French Fish, but I did say she could have The Other One. I'm not sure if she took us up on that offer. I'll tell you later... I know you're dying to know about the fishtank. Well, more news on my weekend adventures later! I made it off campus Friday and Saturday.. both really random roadtrips with a little maps and a lot of guessing. It was fun though, and I'm still in one piece. Hope you all are living life free as well! :) Goodnight!

Backpacking!

2007-10-21T22:32:00.000-05:00

Ok.. I thought I'd just let you guys know I'm still alive. This is what I've been up to:

"When I'm going up hill and about to die, I hate it. But when I'm all alone, hiking through nature I'm like 'This is the life, man! And I love it!' "

At Last!

2007-10-06T10:37:00.000-05:00

Ok... I'm sorry I haven't posted in awhile! I really did think of it a few times but I hate typing, and trying to think of stuff to say... not fun either. But then I decided that if I have dedicated readers, I ought to appreciate their loyalty and reciprocate! :) -that was a joke... just in case you didn't catch that katrine- Anyways, as I was deciding to make a post I realized that I was supposed to have this blog to type up my devotions so that (originally) my Bible Study could read what I thought on stuff we read.. and of course they were supposed to do the same. Well, that didn't work out quite right.. but I still typed up a lot of stuff for a couple of months. You should check it out! But again, back on the topic of today... I decided I could just transfer stuff from my journals onto here. That would eliminate all the thinking! So all that for this: my prayer journal..

(To God) Now, I want to apologize for asking for so much! I'll try to write a couple pages about You now. I can't decide of it's really good if I'm like "I'll tell you all sorts of good things about you in return for You doing what I ask for..." But I do want to practice worshipping you in this way too! We're supposed to, right?! But then, asking You for stuff is okay too... maybe even right? I'm kind of confused. I guess I'll go ahead and write my list now, and keep searching for answeres. You show me one way or another, right? :)

100 Wonderful Things About GOD
1. You paint amazing sunsets.
2. There are lots of different climates.
3. There are many different "sceneries".
4. You always forgive us.
5. You love the real, core me.
6. You pursue me.
7. You are stronger than everything.
8. Everything is your creation!
9. You are so patient and merciful.
10. You plan things really well.
11. You hold everyone accountable.
12. The human body is so complex!
13. Light and Darkness obey you.
14. You made trees to grow really tall and wide.
15. Gravity is always working.
16. There are really cool-looking planets.
17. You're creative- people have toes to help them stand.
18. You are everywhere at once.
19. You give many second-chances.
20. You know when to say "no".
21. We have precise taste-buds.
22. The world has mountains and valleys.
23. You are kind.
24. You are Love.
25. You wake me up early in the morning.
26. You give people faith.
27. You are Beauty.
28. I'm baffled by your majesty.
29. You gave us Jesus, Your Son.
30. You want to know me.
31. You are generous.
32. The beach sounds wonderful.
33. You give strength to the weak.
34. You comfort those in need.
35. Jesus will always remain faithful.

Okay, so back to me...talking to you (the reader). That is just the first part of my list.. I'm still working on it. I've learned that I know very little of the nature of God. If He is my friend.. I should know Him better than this!! So I'm working on that. If any of you can think of more to add to my list, I'd love to hear! So like I said, I'm trying to get to know God better.. so I am working on reading my Bible and journaling on that daily too. So far, not so good. I mean, I love doing it; I even miss it when I don't do it! Still, it hasn't been quite daily yet... but here is a little from the recent past! (Specifically, Day of Solitude)

I'm at Lake Michigan in... well... Michigan, with a group of girls from Eastside. We're doing Day of Solitude, and it's turning out to be pretty great. I'm a little worried because I'm missing a whole day of studying, but I think it'll be okay. I'll have to trust God to help me make up for the learning of today, tomorrow. Anyways, we're on the beach. It's gorgeous. Here's my silly poem I wrote when I first sat down:

The Wonderful God- Things at the Beach
The water, the sky are blue
The sand is soft and tan too
The towel is flat and white
The sun is hot and bright
I am at peace

(note to reader: if you really just look at what i included there, it seems so simplistic. but really, that's pretty much all that i saw... the beach was so empty at the time and we were all spread out. about all i missed there was the green grass!)

And guess what? When I woke up a little while ago (yes, I was napping. God gives rest too!) I noticed that some people were setting up for a teeny wedding right down the beach! Just a little lattic altar/archway and about 15 white folding chairs. Pretty cute...(I'm going to skip some of my random descriptions of the wedding party)..Ok, anyways, their service is starting and so should mine!

2 Timothy 2: 3-4
"Share in the suffering as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. To please the recruiter, no one gets entangled in the concerns of everyday life."
I love this verse! (well, two verses. but especially the second...) Countless places in the Bible, there are reminders that we, as followers of Christ, are facing a life full of struggles and pain. Not exactly what would be advertised in a promotional book, but then it also makes it clear that the benefits/rewards that we'll get from knowing Christ intimately will overcome all of the pain. That one piece of solid knowledge is what is to assuge our doubts. And as I'm here, worrying about "stuff" (no need to write all these worries down.. just imagine) I'm reminded that those are everyday things that are just hindering me. To please my recruiter, God, the one who has faith that I can complete the task, rise to the challenge, the one who wanted and sought me out, I must avoid the trap of "everyday life".

Ok, so there was more to my entry but I have to go really quick. Hopefully, I'll make it back to finish this post.. I know I'm not the most trustworthy on that. Anyway, Lindsay and I got some guppy fish today, then realized we had the wrong tank! So we're going back to the store really quickly before our fishies suffocate! :) Bye!

Day of Solitude

2007-09-29T21:40:00.000-05:00

Today a group of girls from my hall took a trip to Lake Michigan to participate in a Day of Solitude. The chaplain/spiritual life coordinator for our dorm (North Hall Eastside) is doing a year-long study on spiritual disciplines and solitude is the one for the month of October. We left this morning around nine and drove straight to Starbucks :) Then, loaded up with caffeine (at least, those who drink coffee.. I always opt for the coffee-free!) we headed off for the beach. The car ride up was pretty fun and I got to talk more with some of my "new friends"... I'd already met most of the girls in our van, so it was just nice to chat and learn a little more about each other. We talked about siblings, school, boys, ministry, church, and of course... yellow cars. I'd never heard of this game, but a couple of girls do the "punch buggy" thing with yellow cars. It's called "Bananas", and one of the girls on the trip today taught me the game early this week. We've been playing every time we go off campus, and we started it up again in the car. Exciting news- I do believe I'm the new champ! :) Unfortunately, this inspired a great following of rabid Banana players who get quite viscous. Anyways, by the time we got there, it was about noon and so we ate our picnic lunch, compliments of our lovely cafeteria. It was pretty good... I had a ham and cheese sandwich, chips, and an apple. Then, we headed out onto the beach to pick our spots. It was so beautiful and perfect weather! I headed down the beach a little and set up my blanket and unpacked my bag. I wish I had had a camera so that I could share some of it with you... maybe I'll figure out how to upload a picture or two from my cell phone. Anyways, I napped, read, wrote, and relaxed for the next four hours... it was wonderful. About halfway through the time, I woke up to find a small group of people setting up for a little wedding just a few yards down the beach! It was probably a second marriage, judging by the little boys running around with the groom and bride, and there were only about fifteen chairs. It was the most simple and intimate wedding I'd ever seen. And yes, I did see it. I watched, along with everyone on the beach, as the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and bride traisped up through the sand from the parking lot. I even watched as they began the ceremony, but since I couldn't hear anything I decided to go back to my reading. I wrote a lot down, and I'll share a little tomorrow... but it's late now and I need to get to bed. Tomorrow I go to that church I mentioned earlier- God's House!

Rearranging!

2007-09-27T00:25:00.000-05:00

My roommate wants to move our furniture around already! Well, our living room furniture anyways... thank goodness the bedroom is so small and weirdly shaped that there's not much else we could do in there. But I guess it's kind of okay though... the extra bed we had in the living area was getting really old. I had like no room behind my desk! I loved to sleep there occasionally (those who know me well know my propensity for switching beds) but other than that it was a pain. However, Lindsay really liked to sit there everyday to talk to people online and do homework. I was just thinking about suggesting a new couch or chair when she decided that we should move everything. She looked up some furniture online so we may actually be getting that new chair! It's perfectly okay with me as long as we get some more space... and my desk doesn't have to move someplace I won't like. As far as I'm concerned, we've only been here a few weeks so only minor changes need to be made. Still, investigating furniture and such does make one want a personal apartment. I'd love to have one with Katrine, a place to make our own. I guess that will come in just a few short years! (And with that, a monthly payment! Yikes!) Well, that's all for tonight. I promise I'll get to the rest of my post from the other day... well.. another day!

2007-09-22T15:08:00.001-05:00

Ok.. so I thought it was about time for another post. I also thought it was time for another spiritual post. However, I seem to be short on those (such an awful thing, I know!) so that may have to wait until later today. I promise I'll post something though! Anyways, today the girl across the hall, Tiffany, had her dad, sister, new step-mom, and new step-sisters come up for a visit. Her dad just got remarried the other weekend and they'd been on their honeymoon in Ireland. I got to hear all about it! She's really close to her parents and loves her new step-family as well. I met all the girls/mom earlier this morning, and I may go out with them and a friend later tonight for ice cream. There's this place called Payne's that's not too far and it has amazing custard and coffee. I think I mentioned it before because it was our last stop on the hall scavenger hunt. Oh man! Speak of the devil :) Tiffany and her crew just got back from lunch and are bringing in groceries or something... Anyways, big change of subject, kind of. This morning I got up at noon, and I have been cleaning my room and bathroom, doing laundry, curling my hair, and picking out something to wear. (Yes, that took all day... sad as that sounds!) I actually should go check on my wash right now! I'll be back later to catch you up on the rest of my day, and also give my spiritual two-bits on some Bible passage I've been reading.

P.S. If you leave a comment, don't do anonymous. Pick the one that allows you to put in your name. Thanks! :)

The "Hair" and Now...

2007-09-16T01:46:00.000-05:00

Ok... so my title is super cheesy but once again it's really late and I've got to be going soon. I just wanted to include a few pictures from when my roommate straightened my hair.. it's crazy! I had no idea my hair was this long! I'm pretty sure no one will recognize me, but that's okay. It'll be fun to venture out anonymously :)

Scavenger Hunt

2007-09-15T11:25:00.000-05:00

So... I managed to venture off campus this week. I think it's the first time (excluding my trip to church last week). My unit, which is about half of the rooms on my hall, had a scavenger hunt last night. We were given envelopes with instructions as to where we would drive and take a picture. I was with my roommate Lindsay in a car with Tiffany, who lives across the hall, and Aleda. We had a blast! We didn't win, but it was fun driving around finding places. None of us are from here, so we got very good at following the directions! I'm about to go get some lunch though.. so I will have to finish this story later. I just wanted to let everyone know I'm still here! :) And here are some pictures to keep you busy... these are just some of the places we visited!

My First Week!

2007-09-10T00:50:00.001-05:00

Well.. obviously I've arrived, and things are going pretty well. I can't believe it's been a week- it seems like forever already! I had a hard time the first couple days calling my dorm room "home", but with everyone reminding me, I've got it down. I love the weather here! It is like fall, which is my favorite season, and when it rained the other day I got to wear my really cool rain boots!! Which I hadn't been able to wear down in SC because as usual there was a drought all summer long. Just because I know you're dying to know.. they are hot pink with white and yellow daisies on them. So let's see.... I have a pretty even schedule with Chemistry and Anatomy & Physiology taking up a lot of my time. I have those classes MWF and then labs TTH. I'm also taking a Cultural Anthropology class, which I am super excited to start this coming Monday night. I have a World Changers (every freshman takes this UNV180 class) on Tuesday nights and then my awful PE/Health class is also TTH. I had to run, without prior notice, 1.5 miles in that class the other day! And for those who know me well, you know that although I may not look out of shape, I am out of breath running across the high school parking lot. Sooo... yeah. That was the worst experience here yet. It did prompt me to start using the "Wellness Room" that's three doors down on my hall. I'm determined that next time we run a couple miles, I'll be just fine. (And just for the record, because again I'm sure you're dying to know, I was NOT the last to finish!) Well, I tried out a church today. I'm sure that I'm not going back, but I did like it. It reminded me a lot of the church I grew up in, before a lot of stuff started to happen... and that's just a long story there. But back to this church- Brookhaven Wesleyan Church. It was pretty traditional, all hymns. I went with a few girls from my dorm and I think we all decided we'd try another one next week. I think I'll go to Lakeview Wesleyan... I've heard it's good and I know some kids that go there. And then again, College Church (also Wesleyan) is only a short walk across campus. That's always nice :) I think by the end of this year, I may be officially Wesleyan. There's not a whole lot of variety here. But there are a couple of smaller, non-denominational, geared towards young folk churches around. There's this one place- God's House- that I will probably visit just because I met this girl (more like young woman) that goes there and she really encouraged my friend and me to visit. Which brings me to... my friends! It's so hard to be here not knowing a single person (well, I actually do know a couple of people from past visits, but that doesn't really count..) especially when there are others who seem to know half the school. Still, I love my housemates (what I insist on calling my roommate and suitemates) and we spend a good amount of time together. Lindsay and I share a bedroom and living area, and then we share our bathroom with LeAnn and Cara. I also know some girls on the first floor, and my roommate has a good friend from the third floor who comes down to visit quite a bit. Or at least she did, but she's pretty busy with tennis right now. Anyways, let's see.. I do still keep in touch with my three closest friends from home- two girls from my class and then my sister. Katrine is in Switzerland right now studying French and I talk to her a lot on Skype. You should talk to me too if you have it (linda.guz)! It's like an internet telephone thing... I even have a webcam now so you can see me! How exciting... I love it when I can see my friends, and I've given them all "tours" of my dorm room and housemates. And tonight I helped a friend with an English paper. Actually, I've been proofing it for her and tonight I just helped work on a couple of paragraphs. I love English and won't be taking it anymore, so I don't mind helping. Skype makes it easier because then I can explain what I'm doing, and she can ask me about the sentences she's working on. Well, as interesting as I'm sure that was :) I'd better go... I have to finish a pre-lab for my Chem class tomorrow morning, and it's already really late. Sometime give me a call (765 677 8655) or write (105 IWU Student Center, Marion IN *I-don't-know-my-own-zip-code*) Thanks! :)

Still Packing

2007-08-28T23:14:00.000-05:00

Well... I have not been inspired to write anything recently, and honestly I'm not sure if I would have had the time to write even if I'd thought of something. I will try to write again after I've moved in, but I think this is all for now. I am almost finished with all my packing and then I have a couple more errands to run. Thursday we will drive up to IN and then Friday morning I move in. I have an amazing roomie, Lindsay, with whom I'm sure I'll get along swell :) Then, Tuesday I start my classes! It's daunting of course, but I can only go forward now, like I said. I made my college choice and there's no way to go back now. I will give myself a couple weeks to get adjusted and then I think I'll be a little more enthusiastic. I tend to need time to warm up to things I think.. Anyways, thanks for reading. Hopefully this post seems a little more lucid than the last :)

School Time

2007-08-27T12:38:00.000-05:00

I'm getting ready now for school to start... I just started my packing the other day. It's been weird having all my friends leave first, but I'm glad now my school starts so much later than everyone else's. This way, I feel like as much as I love it here, there is nothing left for me. I can only go forward... and as scary as that is at times, I am sure that I'll survive. Maybe even thrive :) haha.. I couldn't resist that rhyme. Well, I've got to go continue my packing. I've been busy all week seeing all sorts of people for the last time in a few months. It's been bittersweet... well, I'll write more later Katrine.

Work!

2007-08-17T23:48:00.000-05:00

So this month seemed to be slowing down some at the beginning with two of my three jobs ending, but then it has picked up again with my last remaining job piling on the hours while they still have me. I have to say though.. I'm grateful for the little extra money that I can save up now. I am working a ton until this next Wednesday, which will be my last day at work and my one week mark until I will be packing the car for college. I leave the next Friday... unbelievable! However, pretty much all my friends will be gone by this weekend, and then the next Wednesday is the first day of school for my school district here in SC, so there won't be much of anybody here to hang out with... it is so unreal! Well, I'm working on my separation anxiety and hoping to get pack up by this next week. I still have a few things to find and buy and then I will be good! I'm sure I'll write again before then! bye....

developements

2007-08-11T23:03:00.001-05:00

so.. a lot has happened since my last post. first, i should write something concerning trine so people will think i'm still concerned. not that i'm not concerned.. but you know what i mean. well, katrine went on her first big trip. and didn't arrive at her expected time and place. and pretty much had everyone freaking out. literally, all over the world! and the coolest thing is.. she didn't even know it. in fact, until she reads this blog (oops) she will have no clue the problems caused because she boarded a regional train instead of inter-city. oh well... she survived so we all got over it. and then, now on to something new. i found out who my roommate is! that is tres exciting in case you're not up on college news. especially exciting when you only know like five people there and won't be coming home until christmas! anyways, she is super sweet and i love her already. i know we'll get along well. and if we don't a day or two- i already know our suitemates! i'm super excited about that too, because of the like five people i know, two ended up right across a bathroom from me! yay! and now, for the third development. my cousin is visiting me! and of course not just me.. my folks and his friends too. but anyways, it's been a nightmare finding entertaining things to do around here. i'm beginning to wonder what it is i do for fun! but we did go see a movie in the park the other night with one of my good friends. that was pretty fun. it was batman begins. pretty much the best superhero movie ever! :) well.. it's been a long post. love to talk more later. take care!

Rebound!

2007-08-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

Okay, my last entry sounded pretty pathetic. Perhaps the "sappy-ness" was a result of the time (somewhere around midnight), but then again I am used to being up late and not going weird so who knows... Actually, Katrine would know. She knows how I can get really sappy all of a sudden when I'm tired and such, and then I start crying during a tv show.. that's supposed to be a comedy! But here I go again with the boohoo-I-miss-Katrine stuff. However, I am surviving just fine. I wish she were around but I'm not doing that badly...yet. I have been busy and will continue to find things to do. She is doing fine as well and although she is struggling with not knowing the language, she is having fun with our one year old second cousin once removed (whew! what are mouthfull!) I think she'll start having even more fun once the traveling starts! Lucky duck...

Farewell

2007-07-30T01:19:00.000-05:00

So Trine is leaving tomorrow afternoon.... she'll be going to Switzerland (CH) for a 5 month study abroad. She'll live in French-speaking CH to study in a language school and also get to know our "homeland" a little better. Ok, that line sounded too much like my Grandpa :) But, seriously, I am going to fall apart. My sister is not just someone who I really like to spend time with.. she is someone with whom I share a part of me. We might as well be twins- we meet almost all the criteria. I keep thinking of things that I want to do before I leave home and I can't imagine most of them without my sister. I mean, there are so many things we planned on doing, but just haven't gotten around to doing. I knew there would come a day when I had to let go, and I couldn't live with Trine forever, but it's just come so fast! I still have a month of living here in all these mucky memories without her! I can assure you.. I'll be spending as much time as possible away from home... I wish I was going to CH!

Filler

2007-07-11T20:35:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I have to put something down here so I'll say that I missed talking to God so I took up my prayer journaling again last night. I'd not had the book for a few weeks because I've been out of town or not staying in my room at home... but it's good to be back in a semi-routine now. Well, that's it for now. 'Nite!

Promised Pictures

2007-06-28T21:14:00.000-05:00

dad at beach

me with my masterpiece

our living room and my two "uncles"

"aunt" and sister playing shuffleboard... sideways

Sister with sunscreen left on face

sunrise Friday morning

bird footsteps

my "aunt" in morning

my parents

Myrtle Beach

2007-06-24T17:58:00.000-05:00

So.. I just got back from the beach. We had a bangin' time, let me tell you! :) Ok, really- it was fun. Even with the "old foggies" as my sister called them. Katrine and I were the only two under..let's see... 45? Does that tell you anything? But like I said, we had fun. got tan. saw too much. spent too much. did too much. did NOT sleep enough! etc. I will upload a couple of pictures a little later... most of them are from our minature golf sessions... in which I did really horrible except for one hole-in-one, which of course made me whoop and holler enough to make the whole place turn and look at me. Except there were only like two other groups there because we got there so freaking early- as usual. Anyways, this doesn't make a whole lotta sense so I'll sign off for now.

p.s. spiritual truths to follow :) we did groups devotions every morning... i'm a lucky girl.. seriously

Busy

2007-06-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, today I've been unusually busy... which is my lame excuse for not putting anything important on here. However, I will say that God has been teaching me about idoltary lately, and it's been a hard lesson. Also, I've been reading a book called Practical Justice for my World Changers class at IWU. It's summer reading.. can you believe it? I thought I was done with that! :) Oh well. It's pretty good so far. Half way through Chapter 1... C: Well, have a great weekend y'all!

I think I made God laugh..

2007-06-03T16:26:00.000-05:00

Ok, I just had the weirdest thing happen... I declare (my grandma's saying- haha), God sure does have a sense of humor! I was sitting down to type up my devotions today.. and to be honest I couldn't quite remember where I was in 1 Corinthians. So, I just flipped to 1 Corin. and was browsing to find my spot when I came right to 10:23-24. It seems that everytime I flip my Bible open to find where I am, I come to these verses first. Therefore, I thought maybe I should look at them again (because I already passed that chapter and hadn't gotten anything out of them). Verse 24 says "No one should seek his own good, but the good of the other person". Well, I guess it is the influence of TMA, but I started to think 'Well, if God brought this to my attention, it must be because I need to use it in some part of my life!" So I got to thinking and immediately something popped up. Now.. I'm sure this will sound a little funny, but- my mom has been bugging me to give her my year-end report card. It's not like I didn't want to, but I had kind of lost it. I knew it was somewhere around with all my stuff, but everytime she wanted me to look for it I would half-heartedly shuffle through some papers, and then I would announce "Nope Mother.. not here! Just like I said!" (And yes, I do call my mom "Mother"! And really, I have searched half-heartedly enough times it adds up to a few whole-hearted searches I think.)
So anyways, when I read that I decided that I really wasn't honoring my mom, putting her good first, and obeying like I should. It is such a simple task she asked too! So there I was, sitting on the floor in my room amid all my stuff strewn on the floor and bed, and I just turned around and looked at my window seat behind me. I grabbed a stack of papers underneath a couple of books and thought "I might as well start right here!" And you guessed it.. the first paper I saw was my report card. All God needed was for me to get the point, and then he triumphantly produced the missing object, right out of thin air it seems! And now I've written an epistle about it so I won't even get into my devos from today, but that's alright. I think it was a good story.. :)

Graduation.. another post :)

2007-05-27T00:44:00.001-05:00

Galatians 1:10 NLT

2007-05-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

10 Obviously, I’m not trying to win the approval of people, but of God. If pleasing people were my goal, I would not be Christ’s servant.

This morning at TMA, we went way over... so much so that I didn't even share my own reading. However, I did enough sharing on others' stuff that I think I did my fair share anyways :) Anyhow, I think everything was really good for me to hear. Recently (in the past couple of weeks), I think I've let stuff in my life crowd out God's voice. So today, I think it was really close to passing me by, and I just stilled myself long enough.. a few seconds... to hear God trying to tell me something. Then of course, I was all ears and I think God was able to speak into my heart and mind, give me some peace and a bit to think on. Because with all that is going on, and with people constantly causing me to look forward, I am getting stressed out about what I need to be doing this summer and next year. Of course, I will be going to college, and I know what I'll be studying and all that. Those things I think I've always kind of known, so they aren't big looming panic-attack-instigators. I have different things that set me off. But, like that amazing verse, (and I love the way the NLT puts it), I am supposed to be seeking the satisfaction of God. I serve Jesus Christ, and he loves me passionately. God has a plan for my life, a plan to prosper me, give me a hope and a future. And those aren't just plans for the long run, a sketch. Those are intricate plans that involve this summer and this next year. I have to put myself in the position to trust. When people asked for healing, it was never a question of whether Jesus was willing, but rather if the person had the faith. (Matthew 8:2-3) By constantly being in the Word, reading what God is leading me towards, I will have certainty. Okay, this is long. I will write more later. I am going to be busy this weekend... I graduate... but I'll be back soon!

Graduation

2007-05-16T21:24:00.000-05:00

Okay... so today was officially my last day in high school. I don't think it has hit yet. I just feel like I got out for summer earlier than some other people. I can't believe I'll never go back!! It's awful! But of course, I am so ready to be done with that stage of life. I mean, come next fall I'll be feeling a little like "now is the time to go back to FMHS.. where I knew what to expect each and every day".. but I'll be going somewhere totally new where everything will be unexpected!!ahh! I did choose IWU though, so I guess I'm pretty ready to see somethin' new and exciting. Well, I'm not sure that you could define the middle of Indiana as exciting, any more than here, but hey... it's different! :) Well, I found out today that not only am I reading Scripture during my school's Baccalaureate Service, but I also am praying and closing out the whole thing! Yikes! Not sure how that's gonna go. It's Sunday evening so- 1) pray for me, 2) pray for all of us students to pull it all off, 3) come! It's at First Baptist in case you live here abouts. Well, my grandparents arrived up from Sebring today for my graduation next weekend, so I have a full full house. (That's not a typo..it's just more than full)

*Thank you God for bringing me through the past 13 years of school. And for being there during all the changes that came with high school. I love you and praise you for your amazing plans for each of our lives! Thanks for planting me here... Help me to serve you wherever I wander from here. In Jesus name I pray- AMEN*

Mentor

2007-05-13T20:26:00.000-05:00

Ok.. so I've done mentoring before. Like in middle school some of us cool Beta Clubbers walked over to the elementary school once a week to hang out/help a little kid. I got "stuck" with two little Hispanic brothers who weren't entirely fluent and were entirely shy. One was a 5th grader, the other in 3rd. (I must say, I was upset. I wanted a cute kindergartener!) BUT, I ended up loving them and having lots of laughs. And actually, I had requested a kid with limited English because it seems with my "encouraging" mother our family is magnetically attracted to such people. Of course I do love it!

And then, because I love kids so much, I have always hung out with little kids in my neighborhood. Three boys who used to live behind us came over all the time to play with me. Once, (when all the females were out of the house), my dad came upstairs to find one of the boys wandering around our house looking for me! Crazy, eh? I must have really impressed them- running around in all kinds of weather shooting our tree-branch guns; learning to play their video games; taking them on long walks all over the neighborhood, carrying them on my back. They had a rough home life and I miss them so so much now that they've moved. I liked playing mom and they meant a lot to me. (Now on from the mushy part)...

So, tonight I got a call from a good friend who used to live next door (hmm. is there a pattern here?) She's the one who went to the zoo with me during spring break. Anyhow, this girl has called me a lot lately to talk, ask for advice, and to ask for prayer. I love being there for her! But it's hard to know that she is looking for answers from me, especially when they are "religion" related. She is a Christian, but I feel she needs a lot of reminders in certain parts of her life. And then in other ways, she is so ahead of me! One thing that we talk about each time, without fail, is guys. It's so funny! So ironic! Me, with no boyfriend, is trying to give her advice. She really wants a guy, and most of the time I've been ok with my single status. I think it's been good for both of us though. I have really evaluted (and re-evaluated) what I want in my boyfriends... and she I hope has done the same. Tonight, she called to talk and I asked her if she could call back in 2 minutes. In the meantime I asked my mom if I could drive over to her house just to talk for a couple of minutes. When I called her, my friend was estatic! We always used to talk while on long long walks through our neighborhood. So, I zoomed over to her house, and ended up staying like 45 minutes. But it was definitely worth it. I want her to know how important she is to me, because she needs to know she is even more important to God. I want her to know I'll always drop everything to go talk to her, because God has already dropped everything and is waiting to talk.

Please pray that this friend would make wise decisions, and that I would be completely open to the Holy Spirit's leading in what to say to her. Thanks so much and hope y'all had an awesome Mother's Day!

photos

2007-05-07T22:48:00.001-05:00

I thought I should add something from the past couple of months and roadtrips/activities... but I added a "real" post below this one

Spring Break harbor

Ok, so there was a guy half to the group.. but I don't have a picture handy..

Beach retreat..I didn't take the photo, although I'd love to claim it!

Captivating and Hosea

2007-05-07T22:48:00.000-05:00

Alright, so the book Captivating has got to be in the top five of all my friends-from-church's favorite book lists. I finally got a copy from my sister who borrowed it from another friend.. and I've been reading it. It is by John and Stasi Elderedge, in case you wanted to know. Anyhow.. it has been interesting reading at work, in between phone calls. Sometimes I've had long stretches of time to read, and then other times I've gotten through one chapter in like two hours! (And that's the phones btw, not the complexity of the book.) So yup, so far so good. It has some amazing mind-blowing points, and then some others that I just think 'hmm.. I'm not sure I totally agree/get what that's saying'. BUT- it prompted me to read Hosea 2... AmAzing!

Here's God talking about a woman.. his people.. who are now us, the church. But specifically, it can be read as a statement of women in general. Captivating declares that God in relation to women is like a lover... as in Song of Solomon type of lover. Weird... But anyways, here is a take on God my Lover who is passionately pursuing me. And you.

vs 5b. "She said 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my food and my water, my wool and my linen, my oil and my drink.'
vs 6. Therefore I will block her path with thornbushes; I will wall her in so that she cannot find her way.
vs 7. She will chase after her lovers but not catch them; she will look for them but not find them. Then she will say, 'I will go back to my husband as at first, for then I was better off than now.' (insert- like the prodigal son for girls!)
vs 8. She has not acknowledged that I was the one who gave her the grain, the new wine and oil, who lavished on her gold and silver...
vs 9-12. (paraphrase) Therefore I will take everything away and expose her.
vs 13. I will punish her for the days she ... went after her lovers, but me she forgot," declares the Lord.
vs 14. "Therefore I am now going to allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her.
vs 16. In that day", declares the Lord, "you will call me 'my husband'; you will no longer call me 'my master'.
vs 19-20. (different translation from the rest) I will make you my wife forever, showing you righteousness and justice, unfailing love and compassion. I will be faithful to you and make you mine, and you will finally know me as the Lord."

Wow! Look at what God is working on in my life right now... Isn't the love of God extravagant? His friendship intimate?

POW beach retreat.. (that would be People of Worship)

2007-05-01T16:06:00.000-05:00

Better Is One Day

Matt Redman
Psalm 84

How lovely is Your dwelling place
O Lord Almighty
For my soul longs and even faints for You
For here my heart is satisfied
Within Your presence
I sing beneath the shadow of Your wings

Better is one day in Your courts
Better is one day in Your house
Better is one day in Your courts
Than thousands elsewhere

One thing I ask and I would seek
To see Your beauty
To find You in the place Your glory dwells

My heart and flesh cry out
For You, the living God
Your spirit's water to my soul
I've tasted and I've seen
Come once again to me
I will draw near to You
I will draw near to You

nothin much

2007-04-22T13:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, well I don't really have anything to write right now. Well... I do but I would have to go look up the passage that I wanted to write about and honestly I am so dead tired (and as usual lazy) that I don't want to go do that. Last night was our prom.. it was a lot of fun! And now I'm all tuckered out (: Oh well... I guess I'll sleep a lot tonight. Next weekend is the youth group beach retreat.. and then the next weekend is a friend's wedding, and then I have three weekends at the beginning of May that I think are free so far.. and then I have graduation!! Crazy!! It is all going so fast... Well, not like any of you care so much so I'll just stop now. Hopefully I will get back on here and add something interesting or important one of these days.. enjoy the end of school everyone!

Jesus Christ Is Risen!

2007-04-08T19:16:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter, humanity! All the world was saved today 2000 years ago! I hope you all had an amazing day with lots of celebration of God's gifts to us, especially the ultimate Gift. Speaking of God's gifts... (don't you love my intro and transition!)... yesterday we went to the zoo and saw tons of God's neat creations, which I find to be my favorite of God's gifts. There were animals and plants from all over and it was super fun. And going with my sister and our hilarious friend made it even better! Here are some pictures so that you can see how our trip was....

On the way... we did really well. That is.. until the highway turned into 30 mph in the middle of Columbia and we all thought "we should have already caught another highway by this time". So we rolled down the window at a stoplight and asked a guy walking by. Well... he must not have been impressed by three pretty girls in a zoo-bound old car because when we asked if we were on 76 (which was a legitimate assumption seeing that there were signs saying such all along the road) he laughed.. in our faces... and said no we were on Bull Street. (Only you have to put a really red neck accent on Bull). Well, needless to say I was miffed. Even more so when we followed his vague directions and found out he sent us the wrong direction! The rest of the day we kept making fun of Bull Street (and we of course imitated that accent!) When we finally found the zoo sign- we cheered!

Finally, we arrived. Smiles all around! The flamingos are behind us.. but you can't see in this picture. They were so wildly pink though- I had to include a picture!

I'm holding the elephant! haha.. tricky, eh?

It's a snake! But it looks like a leaf! Oh no... I'll never look at ferns the same way again!! ;)

Queen of the Land (in Esther's words...) Everyone was saying she had come out like that to pose for all the amateur photographers. I disagree... she was just trying to catch as many rays as possible seeing that it was absolutely freezing. I mean, lions weren't meant to live in our kind of weather. Which brings me to another point... the gorillas.

Now, gorillas are some of my favorite animals. Mighty Joe Young, Born to be Wild, Tarzan... all great movies! But these animals were anything but majestic. In fact, I thought of these movies simply because they all show how gorillas don't belong in captivity. Maybe there's a reason there aren't movies about gorillas in the zoo. I guess it's all a matter of perspective. I don't know.. I guess a lot of animals don't belong in zoos. But I still like going there... hmmm

Fish lips in the fish tunnel!

Trinie feeding the goat.. we fed it sooo much before I could get a shot of it's tongue! And then here's a be-a-u-tiful elephant. Gorgeous day too (except for the bitter wind which blew a whiff of a huge pile of elephant dung up to us! lol) Finally, a koala. By far the cutest thing we saw!

It got deleted!

2007-04-06T21:50:00.001-05:00

Ok, I had a really great post that was a long time coming (I meant to post it last Sunday) and I left it up on my computer when I went to go get dinner, and then when I came back into my room a couple of hours later... my computer had crashed! I'm not sure what happened, but it went to sleep (which is perfectly normal) but then when I turned it back on the screen wouldn't come on. And I have a laptop so it's not like the screen turns on separately. I was quite frankly, quite mad. So I shut the laptop and went back downstairs to watch a re-run of HOUSE (great tv show!) and when I came back, my computer turned back on again, but wouldn't let me pick up where I left off. I had to completely restart it! AHHH!!! So I guess it will be Sunday again before I finally post my deep thoughts... oh well :)

Guess what? I'm going to the zoo tomorrow! Yay! Can't wait to be a little kid again...

poem

2007-04-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

Here's another amazing poem by Gerard Kelly:

Stop the Traffic

I am a person,
not a potato
to be picked and packaged
and sent to market
to be sliced and diced,
chopped up and ketchupped
on the other side of the world.

I am human
and I am not for sale.

I am a living conscience,
not a cargo.
I travel passenger,
not freight.
I am not cattle,
not contraband,
not a catalogued commodity.
I’m not the bottom line
for those who trade in tragedy
and profit from perversity.
I am not a can
to be recycled.

I am human
and I am not for sale.

I am a thinking individual,
not a rare exotic bird.
I am your sister,
not an inmate for your zoo.
I am not merchandise,
not meat,
not a meal ticket.
I was mothered,
not manufactured,
begotten,
not created.

I am human
and I am not for sale.

Its time to end this trade
in human tragedy,
to terminate this travesty
of a global economy.
Let the red lights
of your cities
be put to better use
to stop the traffic.
Write it in lights
across your seared conscience:

I am human
and I am not for sale

1 Corinthians

2007-03-31T20:56:00.000-05:00

I talked to my Grandpa this afternoon and he asked if I posted on here every day. Well.... I wish. I do get on my email every day to check mail and such, but don't always post a message here. Now that I know someone cares (: I will try a little harder. Anyways, right now I am reading in 1 Corinthians because I wanted to see what God has to say about "church issues". I have recently run up against problems in churches that I believe hinders God's work and it is a bit frustrating. And mind-boggling. Why in the world would we let this happen?! So that is my thought. Here are some verses to start off my brain-storming:

Chapter 1

vs 10 I beg you brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you agree with each other and not be split into groups. I beg that you be completely joined together by having the same kind of thinking and the same purpose.

vs 25 Even the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
vs 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
vs 28 He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thins is important.

Chapter 2

vs 10B The Spirit searches out all things, even the deep secrets of God.

vs 16 [The Scripture says] "Who has known the mind of the Lord? Who has been able to teach him?" But we have the mind of Christ.

Chapter 3

vs 6 _____ planted the seed, and _____ watered it. But God is the one who made it grow.
vs 7 So the one who plants is not important, and the one who water is not important. Only God, who makes things grow, is important.

vs 10-24(paraphrase) Using the gifts God gave me, I laid a foundation. Others are bruilding on that foundation, but all people should be careful how they build on it. The foundation is Jesus Christ, and people can build gold, silver, jewels, wood, grass, or straw onto it. Their work will be clearly seen though because the Day of Judgement will appear and the fire will test everyone's work. If the building is still standing, the builder will get a reward.
vs 15 But if the building is burned up, the builder will suffer loss. The builder will be saved, but it will be as one who escaped from a fire.

Okay.. that's all for tonight. Think about that last verse, and the implications there. Does it mean that preachers who lead people astray but were supposedly saved long before then are going to have their "wood, grass, and straw" revealed, but they will narrowly escape further judgement? Not sure what God is saying here... I may be quite mixed up...

Prayer Request

2007-03-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

Ok, I have a family prayer request that I don't really want to broadcast here to the world... but I would really really appreciate your prayers. Thanks!
(Also, continued prayer for my dad's ankle/foot would be amazing..thank you)

goodsearch.com

2007-03-26T17:42:00.000-05:00

I just put a little logo thing on the side of my blog (look right..) and I wanted to clarify that you must type in your favorite organization, charity, etc when you search to make sure your search is sending money where you want it to go. The website will explain anything you want to know about how it works. Yes, I have read all that stuff. (:

p.s. You don't have to retype your organization everytime. Just the first time.. (and make sure you put SIM!)

short and sweet

2007-03-26T16:41:00.000-05:00

I need to practice writing shorter posts... so this is my start.

Injustice

2007-03-26T15:11:00.000-05:00

Okay, so Sunday I went with the Wilsons to CityChurch. We were going to see how they did their kids' program because we'll be doing the same thing for the Justice Project Kids Krew. I think that will be starting up two Thursdays from now, but we seem to have hit a road bump. Man, I am amazed at what people will let get in the way of progress! Just in general, but especially in churches where us Christians think we need to straighten everything out perfectly our way before we can get ahead with what God has assigned us. But anyways, this is all for another day. Basically, I was saying all this to say... we went to another church first for Sunday School. It's funny, but I can't remember the name of the church. Oh well. We had an awesome class though.. The topic for the morning was injustice... (hey! I just realized how I went in to learn about the Justice Project, and I ended up finding out what God thinks of injustice! neato!)... so yes, the S.S. teacher gave us a handout with a passage on it, in a few different versions. The passage was 1 Peter 2:11-25, and I will put some of it in here so you can follow along... (I did my own mix&match with the versions below).

Beloved...Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution.... For it is God's will, that you, by doing good, should silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God....A man does something valuable when he endures pain, as in the sight of God, though he knows he is suffering unjustly. After all, it is no credit to you if you sin and are beaten for it, and endure. But when you do good and suffer, if you endure, it brings favor with God. For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in His steps.... He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

The S.S. teacher made it clear at the very beginning of the class that the injustice he was teaching about that morning was not a result of you being a Christian and Satan going after the Christ in you. He was just talking about plain ol' unfairness that started back with Eve and the apple when the whole world got "screwed up" (as he put it).

So at the time, I was thinking that as much as I might like to wallow in self-pity, there really isn't all that much injustice in my life. Sure, I could come up with a few examples, but it's not like the world is against me or anything. I still really liked the "message" though, and stored it away because I knew that eventually, some day, I would feel like that passage was written just for me.
Today at school, I was shocked (can you believe it? these things still have the power to amaze me) when I found example after example of injustice in my classes. Now, not like the class itself or the teacher were unfair, but the material we were studying just kept coming up with how unfair life is, and how people react to it!! Pretty much, the deep stuff was from English. That's why I love English so much... (: So anyways, we recently read Shakespeare's Hamlet and then we read Stoppard's play Rosencranz and Guildenstern Are Dead. (The latter is a mini-play written about two minor characters in Hamlet.) We just finished up the last act of Ros and Guil today, and we were discussing the events of the play and the attitudes of the characters. It was written in the 60's I think, and is really just a philosophical mess of existentialism. However, we set out to decide that Ros and Guil are treated totally unfairly in the play, and it is not even remotely their fault. Of course, their are always things you can do to improve your situation, however slightly, but they hadn't started anything. We concluded that when faced with a situation like this, an obvious way to respond is: the whole world is unfair and it doesn't matter what I do, so I will just stop doing, and then cease to exist. This is how Ros and Guil go... but they also had their moments when they followed option #2: This world is so unfair, I'm going to rage against it in total confusion and resentment! At this point, I couldn't help but think back to Sunday, when we talked about how, when faced with the inevitable injustice in our lives, we ought to endure, knowing this honors God. Plus, God will judge everyone and get "revenge" for us. And He is always fair!

Okay, and finally, in French we have been watching this movie Manon de Source, (which is the sequel to Jean de Florette) and it ended on a very depressing note today. We learned that everything awful that happened throughout both movies (which includes the deaths of 3 of the 4 major characters) resulted from one letter decades before that got lost in the mail. How dreary! How unfair!!! The saddest thing is, many of the characters would have fared so much better, been able to withstand the crushing oppression of an unfair life, and carried on with what was dealt to them if only they had had Jesus Christ in their lives! There is always hope... I'm so glad I know that. I'm so glad I know that I have a Savior who lives, and a God who has my life mapped out. All things work together for good, for those that love God!

Sorry this post is so long, I was just super excited to see that injustice was popping up everywhere today!! (: How ironic that sounds....

Start Your Day Out Right

2007-03-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

You know that poem by Gerard Kelly that I posted awhile back? "This God"? Well, I love going back and reading it. And I just decided that I'm going to print it out and put it somewhere I can see it every single day. It is so inspiring, comforting, amazing, incomprehensible! What a love God has for us... for me! I wanna encourage you to find something that means the same to you... and look at it every single morning.

Daddy

2007-03-22T20:28:00.000-05:00

Okay... so sometimes I can be a real child about stuff. Of course, I still don't think I'm wrong... I mean, I guess I do now... but I sure didn't at the time! So anyways, this evening I blew up because Katrine made me chocolate chip cookie bars instead of chocolate chip cookies. And I bet I lost you back on the part where I said "I blew up because... Katrine made me..." something. Well, just so I don't end up looking like a total boor let me explain that we'd made a deal and I took her somewhere in exchange for cookies. And I was really really looking forward to those promised cookies, which were promised yesterday but didn't show up then as a result of a flour famine in the guzi house. So yup, I was quite upset about this. I yelled and reasoned and generally made a real scene when Katrine dropped the unspeakable. "You want to be a missionary and you care about helping other people, but you can't do anything nice without expecting something in return!" Actually, the 2nd half might have been different. I may be getting everything mixed up, but I was really stuck on the first half.

Just now, I talked to Katrine and discovered that she put in the bars just in time so that they would come out and be sitting on the counter when I walked in from work. wow...

But, astonishing as it is, the above story is not what I wanted to write about tonight. Which you may have gathered from the title of my post. The story will come in handy though. Because basically, I was talking to my dad (and was very upset... do you see a trend?) and I was telling him (about at the end when I was about to leave) that I did not want him to talk about my grandpa dying because my grandpa is my second favorite person. My dad had been saying that he wanted my grandparents to stay with us for a couple weeks when they come up from Sebring for my graduation. He mentioned that it may be my grandpa's last time up and yada yada, depressing thoughts, etc. (He later told me that when you get older, it is just a fact of life and nothing to be shocked or scared by...) So that's when I announced that my favorite people were (in this order) my sister, my grandpa, and then my parents. I think it is interesting to note that I had still not really made up with Katrine at this point. Still, she's my favorite person. Which naturally prompted my dad to ask why. I (naturally) launched into an explanation of "Katrine is one of my best friends. She is a part of me, another me. She knows everything about me... She knows what I like and hate about all my friends. She knows what makes noises where in my old car, and what noises they make. She knows everything about me." And then when he claimed to know me too, I began my iterrogation of "What are my three favorite colors?" (He said blue, purple, and green. Only off by one... I like brown, not blue.) "Where is my favorite place ever? No, I mean in the whole world?" (He guessed Switzerland, because that's his favorite place. But I told him it was Peru.. Escharti to be exact.) "And what is my favorite part of the day? And what is my favorite subject?" I was on a roll. And then my dad said randomly something about "There you are! That is it! See, what does God know about you? And you about Him?" I said that he knew everything about me... He's God. My dad nodded, but clarified that prayer is the way God knows directly from you. I said something along the lines of... "Well I do talk to God and tell him this stuff (especially things like what I fear about my future and what excites me about it).. but as far as God goes, it's not like he has a favorite color." Then, my dear old dad blew me away...

I bet if you asked God, his favorite time of day would be those moments when you set aside the worries and the cares of this world just to talk to Him. I bet his favorite smells and colors are the same as yours. He gave you sight so you could love color. He created those aromas and painted those colors for you. He delights in your joy. For every person, their favorite things are His as well.

Well, that is not a perfect quote. Only I so wish it was because it was one hundred times better coming straight from my dad. It still blows me away to think about what my dad said, but I have to admit my version just doesn't do justice to the way God sent the words out of my Daddy's mouth. Man alive (: It was crazy!

*Thanks God... that's about all I can say. Thanks, and I'm sorry I don't make your favorite part of the day come each and every day.*

BTW, if you are not on my list of favorite people... don't fret. It does continue... these are simply the people I have spent the most time in my life with. And obviously I've spent pretty much all of my life with these three...

College Visit

2007-03-18T17:02:00.001-05:00

Today I am in Marion... seeing IWU of course. Saturday I left at like 4:30 in the morning and my mom and I drove all the way here straight through. And duh, my dad and sister were with us but neither of them could drive. So anyways, I got here last night, and pretty much sat around and watched tv and did not too much. But that was okay since I was dead beat by that time. This morning Katrine and I headed over to College Church and it was pretty good. It was really hot and smelly and soooo crowded, but the message was so amazing I'm gonna see if I can get a copy. However, I was so bummed to realize when I got there that I had left my Bible in my bookbag in my parent's car and so I couldn't take any notes. I'll have to gather my thoughts later and post all that I learned then. So then this afternoon I ate in the cafeteria and then got a "personal tour" (: by our host. And I got to scale the climbing wall a few times!! Whew! I love climbing but never get to do it... maybe if I come here I'll be able to more often. Now, I'm just writing some emails to my teachers and friends to get stuff in order for the days I'll be out. I am gonna see some more stuff tomorrow. Have a good Sunday!

doggone it!

2007-03-14T20:40:00.001-05:00

Okay, tonight after I got back from POW I found that my baby (doggy) had been left tied up in my backyard all night. Now, it's not like he doesn't have plenty of room to roam, but I would think by 8:30 he'd like to be safe in his doggy house (which my Gramps and I built! and my dad put a little old fashioned light thing on the side by the door... so cute.) So anyways, I grab a treat from the kitchen and take him down the walk to his pen (which is around the side of my house way in the back). So, he made it all the way there and then right before he went in the gate he turned and took off. I hate it when he does that!!! Of course, he wouldn't come when I called. He's probably going to be there when I go check on him in about half and hour, but still... I hate when he goes for walks by himself! Well, I was pretty mad and so I went back around the house (on the lighted side..which is the long way) and strolled down my driveway to see if I could find him. I couldn't. I was rolling my eyes or throwing my head back in frustration or something when I noticed the stars. There were so many out tonight! And such a clear sky, on such a warm night! (It was still about 80 degrees at this time of night... spring/summer is here!) I found Orion's belt, with the sword.. the only constellation I can pick out. My grandpa taught me that one a long time ago. While standing with my head tilted all the way back, I heard rustling of leaves from all around me, and because I have this absolute, childish fear of the dark, I immediately thought "this is not good.." I mean, anyone could have sneaked right up to me while I was so totally absorbed in the beauty of the heavens. However, I overcame my fear, told myself I live in Shrimpy Suburbia, and stayed where I was. Then suddenly, I had the weirdest feeling. I wanted to reach my arms up and rise up into the air, to lose myself in the immensity of the sky. I wanted to be there among the stars, blanketed in the soft darkness. For a moment, the dark wasn't all that frightening. God could be in the dark... in the beauty of a dark sky, where the stars hang like the impossible mysteries of greatness. I hope there'll be a lot of starry nights this summer... And you know, I even forgot about finding Chasko (my dog). But in case you see him trotting by your house, here is a photo of my baby!

wow...

2007-03-14T20:40:00.000-05:00

This God

This God,
Who watches worlds,
Sees my heart.
This careful calculator,
Counting countless millions,
Counts me in.
This artist,
Whose canvas outstretches
Eternity at both ends;
Whose palette out-colours planets,
Paints my portrait.
This lover,
Who dreams in universes,
Dreams of me.
This creator,
Whose breadth of vision spans time
And spawns a cosmos;
Whose woven tapestry of purpose,
More compound than chaos,
Eclipsing complexity,
Rolls out like a highway through history;
Whose heartbeat deafens supernovas:
This father
Kisses me.
This playwright,
Playing
With the deaths and entrances of stars;
Scripting
The end from the beginning;
Knowing
The purpose of the play:
Watches
My feeble audition,
And writes
Me
In.

-Gerard Kelly

French Class

2007-03-12T17:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, after that super long post.. I realized I forgot something!! I was supposed to explain my francais. Basically, our French teacher disappeared on us for weeks at a time and I was getting really used to have study hall instead of french so all the kids started to complain that we weren't doing any learning (can you believe that?! what crazy kids!!) so the school put us in on the other french teacher's planning block. So now, we are learning alright, but it was like hurling us into a almost frozen lake. We have tests almost every day to "catch up" and we are learning a million new things in a way different setting than we were used to with the other teacher. I have actually had to start working at it! Not that I was a lazy and poor student before, but it used to all just come naturally to me. I mean, with the other teacher, I had an 101 average. I mean, c'mon. Now, I am realizing what it is like to have to fail a test (which in this class is below a 80... she makes us retake tests that are below 80's). And Katrine and Annette are in my class.... we practice French at the supper table quite often now. My parents love getting us to speak French, but it is slow going because when we get into debates French makes us so slow!! We want to rush ahead with our English... okay now this is too long. I'll make an abrupt stop here. A bientôt!

disappointing

2007-03-12T17:07:00.000-05:00

wow. i disappoint myself all the time! this time, like usual, i slacked off on my Bible reading plan for like a week. this is such a pattern. i will do really well and discipline myself for awhile, and yes the rewards are sooo amazing!! but then i just "get busy" and there goes my good habit out la fenêtre! (gotta practice that french..more on that later) anyways, so yes i start to just get depressed (not clinically- figure of speech here) every time i think "oh i need to go do my reading" because 1. i have so much to catch up on 2. i feel so bad about not having done it and 3. i don't feel like doing it... i feel so distanced from God. of course, we don't base our "religion" on feelings. it's all about faith, when you don't have anything else to go on. and i know that! but the other day after school whitney (who i carpool with.. yay for saving gas!) was talking on the phone with this lady who comes to our Thurs. Morning Accountability group (TMA) where we are doing this reading plan... and anyways i was like "hey tell ms. rebecca i need to talk to her sometime" so of course whitney is like "here she is!" and passes me the phone. from the back seat. so i am trying to turn out of the parking lot, wave to the nice traffic-directing-old-man, turn around and grab the phone, and protest to all that "i didn't mean i needed to talk right now!" oh yeah- i forgot to say i was also trying to watch for the huge red neck truck in front of me. and i suppose i forgot to tell you that because i forgot to watch it... and i nearly ran into it. instead, i opted for running off the road. almost. but we did end up in a very weird horizontal-across-the-road sort of position. and then ms. rebecca imparted some words of wisdom. no, not "watch where you're going and don't do ten other things while driving". she said "don't become so wrapped up in what you should have done (we are back on Bible reading now) that it interferes with what you should be doing today". now that was great! and i've thought a lot about it. unfortunately, i have not really put it all into practice... (that was last friday or so) but i think i will start in again tonight. i am supposed to meet ms. rebecca early before POW tomorrow because she is my accountability partner... so i want to be able to tell her i got things straightened out. and maybe some day i will get to the point where i will care more about getting everything in order for God, instead of for other people. but for now.. that's what an accountability partner is for! thanks for reading my ramblings, and remember.. if you are worried about the same things as me and feel disappointed in yourself and discouraged..

don't become so wrapped up in what you should have done that it interferes with what you should be doing today

AIDS-affected children and communities

2007-03-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

I get these updates via email from World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, and AIM (a missions agency) and anyways about two months ago, World Vision sent an email asking me to send (quote from more recent email) "an important message to Congress and the White House, to ask them to keep their promise to fund international programs serving those impacted by AIDS and malaria, as they had originally promised."

Today I got another email from them stating "You are among more than 10,000 World Vision advocates who took time to petition Congress and the White House. Due to your efforts, we helped secure this funding and an additional increase of $149 million for fighting malaria!" How exciting!! I made a little tiny difference. And even if it was the smallest drop in the biggest bucket, it felt good to get emails and letters back from my Congressmen thanking me for my opinion, interest, whatever. I want all of you to get involved too! Global poverty is an important issue to me, and here's one last quote..."World Vision, along with the ONE Campaign, will continue to encourage government leaders to commit more funding to fight global AIDS and poverty. Please continue advocating with us. For more information about our on-going commitment to securing funding for orphans of AIDS please visit seekjustice.org

Songs!

2007-03-05T19:03:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah! I thought of something anyone could really help me out with... alright that sounded kind of weird. But anyways, some family friends of ours are missionaries in Strasbourg, France. They were on their way to Cote d'Ivoire but b/c of rebel fighting were not allowed to go. So anyways, they stayed in France to keep working on the French (the dad and boys, the mom is French herself) and anyways they have their own ministry going there until they can head down to Africa. So anyways, the dad is in town here this week for my church's Missions Conference and such and he spoke in my Sunday School. He asked the SS Class to write down names of modern Christian songs that "meant something" or "spoke to" us. Later he explained that over in France they're kinda out of touch and he wanted to buy some good CD's for his two boys. They are about high school age I believe... probably freshman and junior. So I was thinking, I would burn a couple of CD's myself to send to them. I visited them a couple summers ago in Strasbourg and we used to be good friends when they lived here (back when we were wee ones...lol) I was thinking maybe whoever read this could add some thoughts on songs/artists. That would be amazing! It would help me get together a wide range of stuff. So yup- comment please and thank you!!

not much to say (or at least that's what i thought at first)

2007-03-03T22:59:00.000-05:00

Ok, I had some interesting thought I wanted to add here. But of course I forgot it. But here's something anyways- Recently I have been thinking to myself "wow, I am getting so much more mature" (don't laugh... keep reading) Like for instance, when I am driving I can get sooo annoyed because I am a self-proclaimed impatient girl. Not proud of it, but it is true. And anyways, lately I have been doing so much better about just thinking "I'm not in a big rush", "They just pulled out onto the road, they can't speed up that fast.. my poor old car takes off kinda slow too sometimes", and "I don't need to take off so quickly. It hurts Old Blue's engine". (And of course, I still let everyone out in front of me- but that's nothing new. That just is something strange that makes me smile.) But anyways! Today, I thought that ridiculously funny thought about being more mature, and then I thought- "No way! This is totally God giving me patience. It is hard to become more like Christ, and I can't do it myself. God living in me is helping me out!" So that's my thought. Oh! And I remember the other thing- lately I have been struggling with 'bad words' popping up randomly in my sentences. Not outloud (I don't think I've ever said anything like that outloud) but in my thoughts. It is so annoying! I don't consciously do it! I just hear it all over all the time and I am feeling pretty blue about it all... pray that I'll make my thoughts pure- because what is in your heart/mind comes out of your mouth eventually! Thanks

You Never Let Go

2007-03-02T07:31:00.000-05:00

ok...more song lyrics. This time from POW. And again, it is so great when you can hear it too! Anyways, I really really liked this song and it meant so much to me because I have thought about what it will be like going to college way far away from friends and family, and I never really thought of God as a friend that would be going with me, but now I am reminded he will never let me go.

You Never Let Go
Artist: Matt Redman
Album: Beautiful News

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on this earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You

(Chorus 2x's)

POW

2007-02-28T21:54:00.000-05:00

Tonight at youth group.. it was amazing! We got there a little late because Whitney, Katrine, and I were trying to break into Whitney's boyfriend's car to stick a cake in there. Yes, I said a cake... it was a waaay belated V-day gift. So anyways, yup POW (people of worship) was great even though they'd already started. Basically it was a lot of worship and prayer time with communion thrown in too. Walter talked a few minutes (inbetween songs and such) about the topic from last week- the three friends in the fiery furnace. We got in small groups to pray about standing firm for God, and then there was lots of individual time too. I guess I can't really go into everything. And some stuff not just anyone would understand, you'd have to know me.... But I really think God spoke to me, comforted and challenged me, all tonight! Like I said, it was amazing...

2.23.07

2007-02-26T23:46:00.000-05:00

Mark 4: 21-32

vs 26-29 Parable of the Growing Seed

Man scatters seed, he sleeps and rises and the seed sprouts and grows. He doesn't know how. The soil produces a crop- first the blade, then the head, then the grain. But as soon as the crop is ready, he sends for the sickle because the harvest has come!

Many missionaries get discouraged when they don't see the "grain" right away... or even after years. But a lot of times it is still growing under the surface, and no one knows how it happens, but one day it all comes together. God makes something happen in someone's life.
This verse also reminded me of the verse saying the "fields are white unto the harvest" and the "workers are few". God is calling us to answer Him and go harvest His fields! Isn't that exciting?! Maybe I'm idealistic about the difficulty of this "farm work", but hey- I serve a great God.

vs 30-32 Parable of the Mustard Seed

Missionaries from my church are all picked by church attenders/members to be prayed for every day for a year. Of course, not everyone remembers to pray for them everyday... but that's the idea anyways. So, I signed up to pray for this older couple in the Philipines. One Sunday years ago, the man gave me a gift that I have long since misplaced, but will never forget. It was a mustard seed, just stuck in between two pieces of clear tape. He told me about how, with the faith of a mustard seed, we can move mountains. And in this passage, it is talking about how the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, starting small but ending up bigger than all the other trees. It is even a refuge for birds/animals.
Although Christians may be a small percentage of the world's population today, someday Christ will rule the Earth and we with Him. We'll have had the ultimate victory and the kingdom of God will be like the final product of that massive mustard seed tree. And then- we'll move on to the awe-inspiring heavens...
Also, sometimes a Christian community (again, thinking missions...) might start out miniscule, but it will grow. Eventually, it will may even be bigger than everything that was there before it, and it is a refuge for others to seek out.

IWU

2007-02-25T23:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a very kind blogger I have a great picture of Indiana Wesleyan. It's the prayer chapel.. it's small but private- I've been in there and it's so beautiful in so many ways....