Livin Above Life

Catchin' Up

2006-09-05T20:48:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally have some pictures...ready to go, so now I will attempt to "catch up" on my blogging:)

Dave came a few days early before school started. We had alot of fun! One day, we went down to Chicago with this group of people.

Dave surprised me and took me to see Wicked for my birthday!! It was so so so cool! We had a blast in Chicago!

I also took a trip down to good, ol South Carolina to drop off Annie at BJ. Little Annie, all grown up :( But it was good to get her all settled and ready to start college--even if it is at BJ;) My Mom and I continued on our road trip through Tennessee!!! I love TN! I will post the pics of our road trip when I get them downloaded, but it was a blast!

Will Galkin preached our opening meetings at MBBC. It was amazing! God's hand was really at work in our student body! Other than that, I have just been getting used to the class schedule and working out a job. I did finally get a job through the YMCA. I am going to be teaching at this after-school program for elementary students. It should be a lot of fun and good experience! I start tomorrow! Wahoo!! I went back to my extension church on Sunday. It was so good to be back!

Well, I think that gets me mostly caught up (generally, at least). Plus, I finally got some pics...and we all know that everyone lives for the pics anyways:) Off to homework!

A Not-So-Brilliant Return to the Blog World!!

2006-08-27T21:16:00.000-05:00

Ok, I admit it...I have been dreading returning to this world of "blog-dom" once again. Yes, I know-it's horrible. But I...Ok, fine I have no good excuses except for the usual, "I've been busy!" So that's all I've got for now, but I will let you know if I think of something more interesting :)
Anyways, as most of you know, I was at camp all summer up at Northland. I was home for a little while and then Dave came to visit. Wahoo! Well, the past 4 days I have been out of town as well. I took a trip down to the blessed South to drop off my sister at BJ. All of these things were extremely eventful. I hardly know where to begin. As soon as I get some pictures on my computer, I will start catching up--or try to. I know you are all very glad to see me up again (ha, ok, i am completely kidding on that one, except for Christine who is about to strangle me all the way from PA for my pathetic blog;) So now that I am back on schedule, I'll get back into my blogging world. IT's good to be back, fellow bloggers!

I am still alive...contrary to popular belief

2006-07-05T19:15:00.000-05:00

Well...the past few weeks have been crazy busy! We had two weeks of teen camp and two weeks of family camp. Hopefully sometime this week I will be able to get some pictures up from the past month. I didn't even really realize that it's been a month--hmm, in fact, most of you probably don't even check my blog anymore:( lol Ok, well it's been great up here and I'll try to fill you in week by week as I get some time. (hopefully)

Faithful in My Faithlessness

2006-06-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

This last week, I have been in staff training up at Northland Camp. I really was looking forward to coming to camp (since like last september:) But seriously, I knew coming into this past week that I had a lot of areas in which God needed to work in my life. I could hardly wait to get under the dynamic preaching of God's Word--Not that at my school or church the preaching isn't good. It's great! But there is just something different about camp preaching. If you have any questions, just listen to Brother Steve Pettit or Will Galkin for 10 days or sessions! Then I think you would understand.
Anyways, all this to say-God has been showing me a lot lately. It's sort of hard to describe. I guess it sorta feels like God, as the surgeon, has opened me up and every weakness and sin pattern has been revealed. The mirror of God's Word is beginning to show me my dirty, rotten pride and selfish will. After like 45 sessions...things begin to come clear.
At first, I was readily accepting God's conviction on my heart. However, it sorta seemed like every message, God had something new to teach me. By the end of the first week, I felt completely overwhelmed with my inabilities and weaknesses. I could describe each area in which I fall short, but to spare you the details, I will just give you a brief overview of what God taught me and is still teaching me. I couldn't help but feel discouraged and helpless with my state...but you know, I am just that--helpless.
During one of the messages, it was said, "Even when I am faithless, God is still faithful." After all the direct preaching and "Complete Spiritual" (hang on!), I was feeling pretty faithless. I mean, I was thankful for God's working, yet at the same time, it seemed impossible to change everything to be Christ-like. Even though there seems like so much further to go in my process of sanctification, God has given promises of hope. My pride keeps me depending on myself to change--Humility can only keep me dependent on God to change me. Here I remember my position in Christ: As a believer, I am transformed into Christ's image. I no longer have to sin-it doesn't have to have power over me.
2 Peter 1 explains our position in Christ. This week in my devotions, I have been meditating on this passage and it is rich! It's like it all clicked! God has given us everything that pertains to life and godliness. Everything! Everything that is needed for change and sanctification can be found in His Word. The process is never easy, but I would never have it any other way. And though it kinda hurts when my pride is so openly revealed in my heart, I look forward to how God will work in me and change me.
I know this post is a little different, and it might not quite make sense, but it is exactly what God has been teaching me lately, in a nutshell:) Please pray for us as camp starts this coming Monday with Family Camp.

2006-06-02T14:41:00.000-05:00

well....i'm at camp....maybe sometime i'll have time to write. percussion tour was sweet-got some crazy wicked stories to tell;) catch ya all later

No Cut Day?!

2006-05-11T20:52:00.000-05:00

This morning Davis declared today "No Cut Day." This wasn't the usual "cut." You see, our group is slightly sarcastic...slightly. And we have this tendency to tease--alot:) But all in good humor;) So today, Davis (our daddy) told us that we should try not to "cut down" at all today. In fact, if we did--we had to pay the consequences, literally. haha We decided that the "cutter" would have to pay 25 cents to the "fun" fund of the group. (This fund may be used for a variety of things--which I will explain later. But usually, it's set aside for our group to do something fun each week) Ok, so our conversations pretty much were hilarious today! I am pretty sure that every statement ended with, "I have something really funny to say, but I'm not gonna say it!" Of course, there were the occasional-"Is it worth 25 cents....definitely!"
All in all, we learned good lessons-about building up your brother (mmhmm). Although I'm pretty sure tomorrow is "cut day." However, I would like to go on record that Lauren, Daniel, and I all made it through the day without paying any fees. Alright, well...more later on the rest of our trip:) Hope you are all having fun being out of school!! (well, most of you are at least)

Oh to have my camera connector thingy...

2006-05-11T20:43:00.000-05:00

I really wish I had the cord for my camera so I could download all of my sweet pics from tour so far (Ha, ok, I don't really know what it's called). But I have been having a blast so far! I will try to tell you some things that have happened, but it's hard to explain without pics:)
Pretty much, my day consists of waking up kinda early (sometimes running) and going to a church. We quickly pack up our percussion equip. (which takes like 45 minutes) Then we travel to our first school for the day. Usually then we play for chapel--which is fun! haha Although sometimes we overlook minor details...like chelsie's stuffed animal elephant. Somehow it got left on top of our chimes today. ha, it was pretty funny when we all noticed it up there during the chimes intro. No one seemed to mind too much though;) Ok, then we play some more music, watch the promo video, and talk to the kids/teens. Once we are finished we pack up all the equip. and get on the road. We usually have a few hours of either traveling/free time. Then at night we have another church concert. Each night we find ourselves staying with new people. And believe me, this is usually pretty interesting...but it is my favorite part of tour! So this is what I am doing all day--for the next few weeks. I'll try to fill you in on more a little later:)

On your mark, get set...

2006-05-05T23:35:00.000-05:00

GO!! Well, tonight's the calm before the storm...Early tomorrow morning I will be taking off for Michigan. For the next three weeks I will be touring for the school. I'm not really sure what to expect, but I'm sure it will be fun! I am not positive when I will be able to get on here and write some more, but I'll see what I can do:) Hopefully I can get some pictures up when I get back from tour. The crazy thing is, I will be getting back at the end of this month. Then I'll have three days at home before I head to camp!!! YAH CAMP!! Ok, I admit, I'm pretty excited about camp! (no comments, slim) But anyways, yup, I'll pretty much be running from tomorrow morning at 6:15 until August 12:) I know it will be sweet--but I just thought I'd give a little heads up, just in case I'm not on here much. (plus, you know how those people can get when you don't post in a while--they might remove you from their links or something wretched like that!) haha jk Alright, well have a great summer everyone! Hopefully I'll be on here occasionally--and keep in touch and let me know what God's doin with ya this summer!

A different kind of busy...

2006-05-02T21:41:00.000-05:00

Done with exams! Done with it all! What will I do with myself?! HA! Somehow it doesn't seem too difficult. Between getting ready for graduation, practice, work, hanging with friends and family, getting ready for tour (and trying to get ready for camp before tour)--all this keeps me busy! I kinda thought that as soon as I was done with exams my schedule would instantly be clear...But it's sooo ok. I mean, I definitely prefer this kind of "busy" to studying for tests:) Well, I'm waiting for some inspiration for an actual post, ha, so until then, you're stuck with these-short, meaningless thoughts that come to my head. Oh yah, and the pic...that's Annie and I when we were little--apparently it was a little bit too early in the morning:) And yah for pajamas with slippers on them!! Those were the best! Ok, enough of this---Have a good day! Travel safely everyone...and if you're still at school--have fun in summer school...and if you're down at bj--ha! Have fun taking exams...maybe you should transfer to mbbc next semester:)

one down...five to go

2006-04-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I just finished my first exam-and I have that feeling...you know the one. Where you feel like you just spent the last (however long) empyting all of the knowledge contained in your head onto a paper. Hmm....and now you feel like there's nothing left. Of course, that's only one exam! And now it's time to start studying for the three you have for tomorrow! HA, well, it's all for a good cause I guess:)

i'm done with classes

2006-04-26T21:12:00.000-05:00

yay!

Is there light at the end of this tunnel?

2006-04-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

Have you ever felt like you can't see the light(summer) at the end of the tunnel(school)? Like you're lookin, you know it's got to be somewhere (yah, May 2!!)...but you're just not seeing it (still a whole week)! So you continue on in darkness (aka endless projects)--knowing that if you just keep going, you'll be out of the tunnel and basking in the sun (summer!)

Disclaimer: Do not feel that I assume you to be unintelligent because I just explained my whole allegorical 'light at the end of the tunnel.' I'm just guessing you can completely relate and do not want to think in a complex manner as you are also thoroughly drained. haha, If this is not the case--God bless you but you must not be in college! Continue reading, and I'm sure you will understand my temporary (hopefully) insanity.

I am but one short week away from the end of the tiresome burden of school. Ok, seriously, I was looking forward to it before...but now! It just has to come! I realized this late Monday night when I took a trip to the store to pick up stuff for a project. (For the record, some of my projects for my el ed major are a little....um...well, hopefully I will use them later) So Monday night I found myself sewing bean bags. Yes, that's right! It was for this class that I'm taking, which is pretty much a pe class for little kids. After discovering that we did not have a sewing machine in our house, I was enlightened to the joyous fact that I would have the priviledge of hand-sewing bean bags. (I am sure that you are just as excited as I was) So at about 10:23 I began my trek to the grocery store to get some beans. Beans! (to fill my bean bags of course!) A few hourse later, I finished that project only to begin another....and the night goes on....the next day started early. I had to leave at 6:30 in the morning--to begin yet another day filled with fun! Somehow, amidst my projects the night before I failed to remember that I had a Foundation of Education 2 test. Oops! Fortunately, we had a seven point curve (apparently half the class forgot about the test too) After classes were over, I had practice and then we had our Chambers concert. (which my dad brought my chambers' dress when he came for my sister's game, thankfully) hmm, well, the concert went well and we had an end-of-the-year Chambers bash--which was fun! Late that night, after I got home and worked on a few more projects, I crashed! What a day!
A few bright thoughts that kept me sorta going...today's the last day of classes! and I have less than a week left! Only a week left of work! My dad might get Jon and I a truck next year! Less than a month til camp!
Well, it's about that time...so hang in there guys--I'm sure I just described a day in your life too, ha, but the end is in sight!

God's steadfast love

2006-04-21T12:39:00.000-05:00

Today I was reading Psalm 136 (ESV!!) and if you've read it before, you know that it's repetitive--in a good way though. This isn't really gonna be a deep exposition or anything...but it just was amazing to read! This is what it says,

1Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

4to him who alone does great wonders,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
5to him who by understanding made the heavens,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
6to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

10to him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
11and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
12with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
13to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
14and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
15but overthrew[a] Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
16to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;

17to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
18and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
19Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
20and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
21and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
22a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

23It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

26Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

I don't know, I just think it's sweet that the same God who did all that is my God!! Like, that's pretty cool! And he's here intervening in my life and working through his steadfast love!

Me? Before the Throne of God Above

2006-04-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

It used to be that one could only gain an audience with the king by being summoned. If he came before the king without being summoned, he was risking his life. It was completely up to the king to decide if he chose to see someone. After all, the king was busy and had much to do...right And if you did get to come, your words were limited. You could only discuss that which the king chose to discuss. You had to come on his terms at his time with his desired words. If you failed to comply to these "rules", you were entitled to the penalty of the king's choosing.

Of course we don't have kings today in our country, but we do have the King Above. Fortunately, to gain an audience with this King is not nearly as difficult. In fact, any time, any place...he will hear us. We do not have to fear that He will turn us away. Rather, he accepts us as we are welcomed, ushered into his presence. But to think again--this is not simply a king of some small country...his power extends beyond the universe!! He is holy and perfectly just. He is forgiving and completely loving. He is all powerful! This is the King to which we have complete access!! And not only that, but Christ acts as our intercessor! How can we not be completely humbled every time we pray? How can we not be completely in awe every time we come in to his very presence?!?

Last summer at camp, we sang this song a couple times a week. You've probably heard it before, it's really good! It's called, Before the Throne of God. I have had it stuck in my head alot lately, hence, this post. But here are the words:

Before the throne of God above,
I have a strong and perfect plea,
A great High Priest whose name is "Love,"
Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart; (Is. 49:15-16)
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there,
Who made an end to all my sin.

I can't believe it! Like I can't believe that we can actually come before God! And he listens, and intercedes, and answers our prayers...wow! How can I dare to come before God filled with pride demanding my rights? Or how can I pray for him to "bless my meal" without stopping to think--this is THE GOD of the universe! And he will hear my prayer. What a privilege to come in to his presence!

Sweet picture!

2006-03-29T16:55:00.000-06:00

This morning it was super foggy on the way to school. Jon and I were driving in together and we decided to take some sweet pics with my cell phone. Isn't this picture awesome!?!? We thought so...

Oh yah, and we also decided that we wanted to get a new truck. Since it'll probably just be Jon and I home with my parents next year, we figured we would try to talk my dad into trading in our purplish-blue camry for a sweet pickup truck!! That woul dbe sooo cool:)

CAMP FRIENDS!!! WAHOO!

2006-03-26T22:04:00.000-06:00

Yup, last week I also got to go see a bunch of my friends from camp down at bj. On Thursday, we had a camp party and I got to see a bunch of people. Dave Crabb had us all over to his house. Here are a few of us at the bonfire.

There are other people in this world who get carried away with cheers:) lol Our bonfire was sweet, mixed with rain and umbrellas:) We sang some camp songs, caught up on life, and of course, cheered!

Here are some of the guys. Rich, Ben, Dave, and Jon... fun times:)

Here is Annie and I. Thanks to her, I have all of these pictures:)

A few more of us by the fire. It really was soooo much fun to get to see everyone again! Only a little bit longer til we're all up there again at camp--well, most of us...It was tons of fun to catch up with everyone, but I definitely look forward to the summer! There's just something about camp friends. They seem to have gone through a lot with you-both crazy fun times and spiritually challenging times. I'll miss seeing all of you for the next two months, but I'll be prayin for ya!

Spring Break With Erika:)

2006-03-26T21:53:00.000-06:00

I got to see my good friend erika taylor over spring break:) I stayed with her most of the week in South Carolina. We had a blast! It was sweet to be able to spend some time with her-even if the week was crazy busy!!

We got to tour downtown Greenville! It was pretty fun! This is Sam Guzman, bravin the falls of Greenville:) It's pretty much the sweetest pic ever!

This is the group of us downtown one day:)

OSM--best place to work ever!

2006-03-14T21:39:00.000-06:00

I introduce you to my co-workers, well, my bosses actually. They keep things interesting during the day when I'm workin in the OSM (office of student ministries). This is Mr. Hawes-he's hilarious...He was trying to light his nasty patriotic candle. Actually, it was kinda a cool candle, it smelled good at least. It just looks a little if-fy. And it smoked alot cuz the wick was too long--haha so he trimmed the wick.

This is Jon Wass. He's some kinda pyro-maniac or something. Ok, and I know you pretend to think I'm the worst OSM worker ever....but I don't believe you! Actually, Jon's pretty cool, but he conveniently had a bunch of boxes of matches in his desk...hmmmmm And I know you pretend to hate music, Jon, but we both know that Finding Neverland is your favorite!

Well, between lighting candles, listening to music, cutting stickers, finding wicked tickets, breaking cd players, or yah...working-the OSM is a pretty sweet place to work! My other co-workers are pretty sweet too--Alyssa Owens, Katie Schmoekel, and Dan Howe...but that will just have to wait until another time....

Purveyor Idol?

2006-03-08T22:07:00.000-06:00

That's right?! It's American Idol--Chambers' Style. Well, for those of you who have no idea what a Chambers' purveyor is, allow me to enlighten you....

If you've ever been on tour before, you know that everywhere you go--people feed you, lots and lots! Well, each day our host family packs us a sack lunch. You know how it is with sack lunches-there's always stuff in there that you do not want--sometimes you're just in the mood for fruit or conversely junk food. It all depends on the mood. Well, just about that time, the purveyors make their rounds. They take their box/bag and collect all of the unwanted food. Next, they proceed to purvey the food. They pretty much auction off the food to whoever wants it the most. Sometimes you have to do something for it--yah, it's usually pretty entertaining.

Well, this year Clint and Riis were our purveyors. They did a pretty good job, but alas! Clint got sick and had to go home half way through tour. This called for our own version of american idol. Yup, Clint and Riis whipped out Purveyor Idol. haha They randomly picked people to come to the front of the bus to "purvey"...lol By popular demand we narrowed it down and somehow Jackie and Kent got the job...hmmm, interesting, pretty entertaining--even through Kent hit me in the head twice with an apple...

Chambers Tour...this may take a while:)

2006-03-08T21:03:00.000-06:00

Well, Chambers tour began with the van ride--yup the first day I was on the van-which of course is the best place to be on the first day!! anyways, so yah as you can see we had a sweet combination of people. I think we all were severely lacking in sleep-or something-but you know, that always makes for a fun ride:) You might be wondering why Geoff is holding a beautifully colored "hello kitty" picture (I colored it! wahoo!!) Well, it's sorta a long story, but it definitely made chelsie's esophogus hurt, haha, right...So maybe we did go a little ghetto with our "v" but it was a blast! The van never was quite the same the rest of the week. Ok, well that's all for this post-sorry it may be confusing to some of you...

At last, we meet again...or something

2006-02-24T12:15:00.000-06:00

Yes, tis true, I have once again been blessed with its presence. For months I have searched--at least since October--but all of my searching seemed in vain...until today that is. I didn't know where else to turn, but nevermind now, all my searching is done. I have found my chambers' dress. Yes, black skirt and my beautiful blue "shell" as we so endearingly like to call it. So how did this great travesty fall upon me...I know you're just dying to ask me that-so I will tell you.

Once upon a merry school day at Maranatha Baptist Bible College-the announcements were made that we would be taking Chambers Choir pictures. Wahoo!! Right, of course, that was my immediate response too! Finally the day came...but I didn't know it would be the last time that I would see my dress in 5 months. We went over to the library and took our choir picture. I didn't keep my dress on the rest of the day--because, well, I just didn't want to ruin it with the everday school wear and tear...lol, ok, fine, and maybe it's not the most comfortable dress ever. Anyways, I forgot to take it home with me that night. And the next morning, alas, it was not there! A few weeks later, when I went to lost and found to see if they had, they regretfully informed me that someone else had already picked it up. AHH! Who would take my dress? I didn't really know who else to ask--it has been 5 months of searching-ok, so maybe I just forgot about it until now-but now we are going on tour. I was just borrowing Susie Ferris' dress, and if you know Susie, well, you know she's a lot shorter than me...so yah, that wasn't working out too well, but it did suffice for chapel and our first Sunday out. So...anyways, I found out that the Fine Arts dept had a Chambers dress, but it had someone else's name on it. However, when I went up to see if it was mine, the initials were on there next to the old owner's. (we bought it from someone else) So...tomorrow we leave on choir tour-me and my black skirt and blue shell, hehe, and the other 45 members:)
Ok, so maybe it wasn't that dramatic of a story, but that's ok...it did provide me with some entertainment. For those of you who don't know me, lol, no worries, I'm not actually in love with my dress. In fact, I'm not even fond of it. Nonetheless, it does fit me:) and it's not 3 inches too short.
Here's a picture of my choir--we're in the library...don't ask me why a choir is in the library..hmmm. OOoo, and if you look really close, I'm in the fourth row up, right next to Dr. Ledge-lol, he was pretty happy about being in the middle of all of the girls, hehe. But yah, please pray for us this next week as we travel and minister in the great state of Michigan.

Only two more days...

2006-02-23T14:31:00.000-06:00

This is what I feel like doing right now...ahhhh...Unfortunately, it's still Thursday and I have lots to do. First, I decided to take a break to write to my faithfuls..haha riiight But on the bright side, in two days (saturday morning bright and early) I am leaving on choir tour! WAHOO!! No school for a week..and no work! Wow, this is going to be great. I'm pretty sure I have not taken more than a day off of work for like, well, since last summer. Plus we're going to Michigan, (ok, so maybe that's not really exciting at all), but it will be fun cuz Chambers is awesome!! I'll be gone until the next Sunday night. So just today and tomorrow left filled with school and work, and then it's all good from there on out.

For those who were wondering, this pic is me and shasta afer a soccer game last season. We were coming through the Chicago area, you know where they have all those skywalks. So we got our food, but the tables really didn't look to comfy (or rather the chairs at the tables), so we decided to settle into these nice massage chairs and enjoy our subway:) Good times! Plus we got a good laugh out of all the random people that walked by--it's a fun game. If we're ever bored, I'll teach you how to play it:) Ok, Well have a good day! I have to get back to work! I've got a project to hand in before 5!!!

Grading on a Curve

2006-02-22T16:25:00.000-06:00

I know, I know....when a teacher curves a grade-they're not really teaching us anything about 'real life'. I mean, you'll never get a break like that in real life, after all...or something. lol BUT I am rrreallly rrreally glad that Dr. Jackson curves his tests usually. Yah...let's just say that today I am thankful for eleven point curves!! Wahoo!!! My grade isn't wasted!

Out of Gas? At the gas station?!?!

2006-02-21T14:44:00.000-06:00

So quick story...the other day, I was driving in from Watertown, and I looked down at my gas meter (?) when I noticed that I was pert near empty. My younger sister had to take the car to work that night, so I (being the loving elder sister that I am) decided to fill up the car for her. So I pulled in to the Kwik Trip on the west side of Oconomowoc. Usually I am not very observant, but I did notice that there were plastic bags on all of the gas pumps-like Walmart bags over the actual handles. Yah, a little weird I thought, but maybe it's just cuz it's cold? uh, maybe? So I then proceeded to take off the bag, and put the pump into my car--to get some gas:) Well, for some reason, it wasn't working...like not even a drop of gas was coming out...wierd! After a few minutes I decided to go inside to ask for help--or something. So I stepped in from the frigid cold and waited patiently in line until the I could talk to the clerk. Ok, so I guess maybe I just had the confused "What's going on?" look, because she soon addressed me.
She said, "Are you trying to get gas or something?"
hmmmmm, what I wanted to say, "Uh, yah, this is a gas station. DOy!"
What I actually said, "Yes?" (it was a question)
Her mean reply, "Well, we are obviously out of gas-Can't you tell by the bags over the pumps?"
hmmmm...what I wanted to say, "Well, how am I supposed to guess that a gas station is out of gas?!?! MEan lady!"
What I actually said was, um nothing, "OK" and I walked out.

Needless to say, I then traversed to the other side of town, where you can find the south side Kwik Trip--and yes, they did have gas. and yes, they were thoroughly amused with my story. lol OK, I told this one guy that was working there. And as soon as I mentioned the other Kwik Trip, he got all like bitterly hostile. He was all, "Yah they fired me! grrrr!!!!" lol, yah, made me laugh:)
Ok, so moral of the story--If you ever own a gas station, don't run out of gas!?! Oh yah, and am I just oblivious through this all? Or like, is a cheesy plastic Walmart bag the universal 'we're out of gas' sign?

Living Above Life--Explained

2006-02-08T16:22:00.000-06:00

I guess that statement could be finished-Living Above Life's Circumstances. I have this statement up all over-on my blog, my mirror in my room, my phone...How often do we let our circumstances dictate our attitude/actions/life? God has been teaching me this over this past semester. I kept getting so bogged down by things that were happening. It seemed like every time I turned around, something wasn't going right. My mom had been diagnosed with cancer--not too serious (supposedly). Someone who's pretty close to me is struggling so much spiritually, and I felt helpless to do anything. Then there was the age old-school bill problem. Family problems, ahhh, it seemed to go on and on--every time I focused on my problems at least it did.

I felt like Peter, focusing on the waves crashing around me-slowly sinking; when all that I needed to do was look up and focus on Christ. I mean, I could be 'walking on water', but instead I felt like I was drowning.Then God began to show me the joy of focusing on him and not on my circumstances. He is the God who is all I need. God is ____________. You fill in the blank! For me, God is the great Physician, God is the unconditional Forgiver, God owns the cattle on a thousand hills, God is sovereign. He is my all--whatever I need, God IS.

God is good. God is showing me the futility of worrying about my circumstances; hence, living above life. Ok, so sure, I feel like there's stuff overwhelming me now, and true, these circumstances may change. But either way, God is still sovereign. And it is true that tomorrow will bring new circumstances. If I let my circumstances control me, I will NEVER get victory. They will always be there. I will never have complete joy living under the circumstances. So don't get me wrong, I'm still far from the goal, but I'm so grateful for God teaching me this little by little. I mean, it's nice to go through a horrible day, but still at the end be able to praise God for something HE's shown me from his Word or some way he's blessed me. Some days I fail, some days I let God uphold me--and oh how He does! So in short, don't let life's circumstances control you-Live Above Life's Circumstances in Christ!

Childlike faith-that's so hard to understand

2006-02-06T23:07:00.000-06:00

At 8:20 this morning,I sat in Bible Doctrine 2. Once again,I found myself easily distracted by things around me-attempting to stay awake after the long weekend. Mr. Komis then announced our new chapter-Soteriology. My initial thoughts-"Hmmmm, I wonder if I will learn anything new. I mean, I have been going to church since I've been born. I could tell someone else how to be saved when I was like 3..." The lecture continues...He opened with this definition of salvation:

"The eternal operation of God in which He rescues sinners from the penatly, power, and presence of sin. God places them in a position of permanent fellowship with Himself as adopted sons and daughters."

Then it hit me-Why is it that salvation is not always as exciting to me as it should be? The more I thought about it-the more I realized how commonplace I have allowed salvation to become. I mean, why don't I get excited every time I hear the word 'salvation'? The thought process began to turn my tiredness from class to excitement and awe at God's great plan! But then again, the more I thought about it, the harder it was for me to comprehend it all!

Out of complete love for us dreadful, unfaithful sinners, God rescued us! Why would he do that? It was all because of his great love! He rescued us from sin--and all that it entails. The penalty of sin-eternal separation from God in hell. The power of sin over us. The overwhelming presence of sin in our lives(as unbelievers). He rescued us by His great sacrifice-His Son. He rescued us for his glory. It was all completely his doing! All that we had to do was accept it! Believe and pray to accept the great gift! This many do as children-he makes it that simple. That is all it takes!! I can't believe it! I can't understand how he could love me so much! But I am so glad--How can I but praise him? May I never lose the awe of His great love!

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That he should give his only son
To make this wretch his treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turned his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen one
Bring many sons to glory

It was my sin that held him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no power, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and Resurrection

How deep the Father's love for us!

The Greatest of These...Part 1

2006-02-02T14:55:00.000-06:00

On 1 Corinthians 13~Loving Others

Loving others is not always so easy-but obviously extremely critical to our Christian walk-to our walk with others-to our walk with God. The past few days, I've been working my way through 1 Corinthians 13. I love this chapter! (ha, no pun intended) But seriously, it seems like every time I read it, there's something more to learn. We've been taught to 'love our neighbor' since we've been kids, but when does the idea completely sink in? Actually applying this love-maybe it's just another step in the process...Although I have this feeling that it's gonna be one of those things that I constantly struggle with-you know? It's not like there's just this formula-and boom! We'll love everyone around us! Of course, maybe that's why our process of sanctification is progressive-because it's just that-a process. So on to the Word (I've kinda been taking it verse by verse):

1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
? Even if I sound wise here among men or if I speak as gracefully and pleasantly as an angel--if I don't have love it's nothing. Without love, i'm like a trumpet blasting or symbols crashing. It may make some noise, but all in all--it's no good.

2And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
? Even if I have great discernment and if I can understand life's great mysteries--if I have great knowledge and wisdom...Even if i have faith (all). In spite of having all of these, without love, I am NOTHING!

3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
? I could give everything I have to those in poverty. I could even give my body as a sacrifice (ultimate sacrifice? apparently not, He's looking for something more). Yet once again, without love--it's all no good-it won't get me anywhere.

We're told over and over again this truth. We can do great things, have knowledge, sacrifice, or seem like we've got it all together, but when it's all said and done-we have nothing without love...So, what is this love he speaks of? Well, that will just have to come in part 2. Of course, if you really can't wait, check 1 Cor 13, I'm sure Paul explains it much better anyways:)

the theme of this month: i'll give you one guess

2006-01-31T16:13:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know the theme for the month in february is always love...so I won't let you down. And although February 14th is set aside to specially celebrate love-or something-I prefer to celebrate my half birthday:) Ironically enough, God has been challenging me and teaching me so much about love lately. So no, i'm not gonna give you the top ten dating tips, or anything else dumb like that (as if i had any clue) lol Nope, it's all gonna be about loving God and loving others...So stay tuned.

A Waffle Recipe

2006-01-27T20:48:00.000-06:00

OK...so a few days ago, I ate lunch/breakfast with Julie. Well, during the course of our meal, we decided to treat ourselves to some buttered toast with cinnamon on it. Well, it's really good! So you should try it! But today, I was feeling inspired in my cooking...hehe so i whipped out the frozen eggos and popped them in the toaster. Then, on went the butter and cinnamon! Oh yah, and what's waffles without syrup? Now this is REALLY good! so you should really try it next time you're in the dining hall...yah, cuz I know you'll like it-unless you're one of those wierd people that don't like waffles! Breakfast is served (or lunch or dinner, if you're like me, and love breakfast foods for any meal:)

I gotta say---you may feel like you completely just wasted 30 seconds reading this post--but it's ok, cuz i'm thinking i just wasted 2 minutes typing it...but i know you'll thank me some day-when you're hungry:)

The Exquisite Art of Watertown

2006-01-25T12:36:00.000-06:00

Tis true...the last few days, I have been taking pictures of watertown (for an undislosed reason, which may be revealed later). But yah, I've been taking random pictures and finding things that are 'descriptive' of watertown. I was searching on the internet through watertown's many astounding photographers. Lo and behold, I found this piece of artwork--and I kid you not, this photographer was named as one of the greatest of watertown. hmmmmmmmm...you know, normally I would be confused by such an absurd claim, but in this case--well, come now, this is watertown we're talking about. hehe. k, well, maybe later I'll put up some more of my findings--until then, please enjoy this fine art, of our very own--watertown, wisconsin.

(oh, and if you have any 'favorite dumb things' in watertown that I should capture in my documentary (of sorts), let me know. What's your favorite thing in watertown?)

Simple truths--that speak volumes

2006-01-23T22:51:00.000-06:00

28Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

God's Word never ceases to amaze me! And of course, beyond the Word, is the Insurpassable Author. I'm so glad that God doesn't just leave us to figure this life out for ourselves. Nope he left the handbook. And it's not just any handbook--this one's got it all! I mean, sure there's the principles and guidelines (just like any other handbook, but it doesn't stop there. He put in examples, words to rebuke, words to love, words to comfort. (and that's just skimming the surface!)

Doesn't it seem like sometimes, when things get tough--a little too tough, the Handbook's all we've got? Like, when noone else knows what to say, or even that there's something to say...It's sad, how sometimes we'll try to go to other things/people for that comfort-but really, the True Source is found in but One. Yup, that's when that Handbook tends to get a little worn.

(OK, so to not be so very ambiguous as to the terms on which this is written: It's been kinda a long week. If you've talked to me much, I'm sure you know. If not, I'm sure you can relate. Also, someone close to me is going through some stuff. You know, the person you've prayed for so much, just waiting to see God change them...and then praying some more figuring that 'you know God can work in hearts but it's just not God's timing yet'. Well, this among other things makes for a long week.)
But joy does come in the morning-even when you're still praying the prayers that seem unanswered-it's just then His Words of Truth shine through. He knows just what to give us, and give us, and give us-exacly what we need! He gives us grace. He gives us himself. He calls:

'Come to me, when you're weary and can't figure it all out--I'll give you rest'
And it's not like he just says these things to say them. I mean, they're rock solid! It's truth! It's tangible! It's there! Come to Him-and He'll give you rest!

'Now, come over here under my yoke--it's not so hard. Together (me with you) it's really kinda light--nothing we can't handle together. Plus, while you're here close to me, you can talk to me and learn from me. I'll teach you what you need to know. I'll take you where you need to go. Come on over, we can do it. You won't find pride here or any harsh words--nope. Only love and perfect peace.'

Wow! I mean, can it possibly get any better than that?!?! And he calls us in...
So as I was talking to my mom tonight (yay, she made it safe from pa) The question is posed, 'How can his yoke be lighter and easier when it's the weight of the world?' Silence...'It's his infinite power! And you know--that power, he gives it to us too! That's how it seems so easy- because He's carrying it with us. His great strength makes the yoke seem insignificantly small. We hardly have to do anything-only trust him.' (i am sooo thankful for moms with wisdom, asking all the right questions to get you thinking...and then giving all the right answers) But back to His Promise Hmmmm....how sweet it is. His promises are great. His love so pure. His grace endless.

So you know, maybe I won't be able to carry this yoke-but then again, maybe I wasn't quite meant to do it alone. Then I guess that even though it seems a little bleak and unsure-He's still calling me to his yoke. So why not go there-close to my Savior's side. After all, He does promise rest-and think of all the things we could learn!

I couldn't find my mugshot, but....

2006-01-21T22:30:00.000-06:00

Last week I got stopped by a police officer as a prime suspect of a bank robbery. I tried to find my mug shot on the net, but they must not have it up yet...lol, all I could find was this lego guy:) Ok, so maybe they didn't bring me in and question me--or take my pic. BUT I did get pulled over for 'robbing a bank.'
As many of you know, I clean banks for Kuhlman's Cleaning. Well, last week I was on my way out...when a cop pulled up behind me just after I got into my car. He followed me a little bit, and seconds later--yup, you guessed it, the lights were up. Those patriotic brights were flashin behind me...so i was obliged to pull over. tehehe. I was a little confused when he pulled me over, because there was no way I was speeding already. I just got in the car!! He was shining his flashlight right in my mirror as he took his time getting out of his car-as if he were just waiting, yea, daring me to run. lol
When he finally came to my window. He explained how it seemed very suspicious for me to be creeping around a bank this late at night--and going through the garbage. lol I could not hold back the smile (ok, maybe even laugh) I then proceeded to explain to him that I was cleaning the bank--which I do every night. (I thought about telling him he caught me redhanded trying to rob the garbage dumpster--but I decided it was not in my best interest. But seriously, if you were robbing a bank, would you stick around to check the trash--just in case there was something better in there than what they were keeping in the safe?) So after he checked my liscence and had me sit there for a while..he let me go. whew! For a while I thought he was gonna bring me in for questioning;)
So no----you don't actually know a real live bank robber. BUT you do know a suspected bank robber. lol craziness!!

(I don't know why these pics came up in my search--but I decided to go with the lego guys tonight)

If Christine and Travis become Amish after moving to PA...

2006-01-18T22:40:00.000-06:00

The carriage awaits--to sweep them off their feet to their new farm. And on this farm they have a: million kids of course!!! (yikes!) of course they'll also have some cows are horses and an outhouse--do they even have electricity out there? Well, hopefully, if they become Amish, that is the carriage that will await them....Not like those sorta Amish who drive these....

Striclty Amish, hey? hmmmmm But, that's nonsense! I'm sure they would not be like that! NEver! They'd be the good kind....
So, I guess there would be a few pros to this whole deal...
Their kids could have cool names like Jedediah, Jacob, and Ezekiel
I hear they can party like its 1699!!
Christine could learn to churn lots of butter--and make sweet quilts
Travis could make wicked awesome furniture--as long as he doesn't end up like this:...
So I don't actually think Landsdale Seminary transforms people into Amish--exaclty, but you never know...that crazy state of Pennsylvania. Who knows what will happen!?! Nope, but they could grow up to be old and cute livin the simple life...I can just imagine

Awe! Won't they be so cute?

(Warning:Don't move to PA, or this could happen to you!)

tomorrow...

2006-01-18T22:09:00.000-06:00

So this is what I feel like doing right now. Yesterday, Christine and Travis got back from Colorado--and tomorrow, dun dun dun comes moving day. They are leaving at like 6 in the morning and heading out to pennsylvania. You know, only like a day away!! The boxes are all gone. Our basement (the path to my room) is no longer piled high with wedding gifts. And yes, even Christine and Travis are not here. sigh---Man, this stinks!
Pretty much everyone is growing up...Annie's going to bj next fall. ha, so that just leaves me and johnny boy left here at home. Ah the joys! I am sure we will have fun though, and as long as I finish school and move somewhere cool before Jonathan is gone--I'll be alright I think:)
Well, I know I haven't written anything in a while--and this isn't really all that interesting to you all...haha hmmm..i'm still waiting for inspiration.

oh yah, and as long as Christine and Travis don't become Amish while they're out there in PA, I think we'll be doin ok. hehe:) (you know, since everyone i know from PA is amish..haha, picturing slim an amish man...)

btw, that kid in the pic, i don't know who he is. but his curly hair sure is cute!

365 days--and counting

2006-01-11T15:43:00.000-06:00

One day--to represent Christ, to make a difference, to grow. we've got 24 hours each day...so what are we going to do?

When you break it all down, what do we really do with our time. Well...
45 minutes random waking up and getting ready
28 minutes driving to school
5-6 hours in classes
1 hour of work at school
25 minutes for lunch
28 minutes driving home from school
4 more hours of work
oh yah...and like 20 minutes on my dumb blog:)

All of that is about half my day--so what about the other half? Granted about 5-6 hours for sleep. AS for the rest of my time, sure, it may be waiting for my bro, in between classes, cleaning my room....but really? What is couting--what has value? That leaves about 4-6 hours of just time...how much of that is spent with God? How much of it is spent representing Christ?

Christians-"little Christs"-Again, this is what we call ourselves. Even by others we are known as Christians. So what picture are we giving them of Christ? Is our speech edifying? Our actions Christ-honoring? Our thoughts pleasing? How are we portraying Christ to others? So if we've got 24 hours a day--7 days a week--365 days this year--What are we gonna do in our time to represent Christ in 2006? Will he be lifted up or put to shame?

*Ok, confession...I've been thinking about this and challenged with it since New Year's (Hence the '365 days') And I know we're down to um, 354 now, but that makes the challenge all the more relevent.

i know i should post...but

2006-01-10T22:55:00.000-06:00

but i just can't bring myself to think enough to write something. i know, my sister just got married last weekend, i started school, i've been trying to do stuff with all my friends before gonig back to schook, my good friends from south carolina came up to visit, and yah...well...give me a few days. until then, here's a pic:)

my little cuz

2006-01-08T21:58:00.000-06:00

Joshua is my little cousin-he just moved to arizona last semester. The next post has an audio clip of him telling stories...so when you listen to it-imagine him telling you the story:)

2006-01-08T14:13:00.000-06:00

The Mission Continues

2006-01-04T14:14:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday was Pastor John and Jamie's commissioning service at Brookside. The service really went well! So many of PJ's and Jamie's families were there. PJ and all his bros got to sing-and they sound awesome for those of you who have never heard them. It is a little hard to say goodbye to those who have impacted you so greatly, yet at the same time-exciting. I have written before about the Zimmers on here, so I won't get going again-lol But I am seriously soooo thankful that God placed them in my life when I needed them the most. They influenced me more than they will ever know--and God knew I needed it! So while it is sad to see them go-unsure as to what lies ahead, I am so excited to see them go to the mission field. Ever since they left on deputation, I have been praying for their support. God has answered the prayers of many, and the Zimmers are now on their way to missions. Monday morning, I took them to the airport. They are flying into Colorado for language acquisition training for the next few weeks. Then on the 23, they will arrive in Palau, Micronesia. (which i know exactly where that is now thanks to my geography test:) A few of us were there at the airport to pray with them before they left. This pic is the last I'll see of them for a while-but even in this, their influence continues. A man of God-willing to go wherever God leads-even when it's leaving ALL. A woman of God-letting God mold her heart into what He desires. I'm so thankful that someone told me about salvation-now they go to tell others. The commission remains-and it is still great! Go! And tell others! As for missing seeing them, well, PJ always says, "That's what heaven's for!" But until then-Go!

Around the World in Two Days

2006-01-04T10:54:00.000-06:00

And that is kickin fast! Well, at least that's what it feels like. I am still trying to study for that geo test. I have been looking at maps of the world the past 24 hours like crazy! I decided it's time for a brunch break:) I have actually learned a few things amazingly enough. It's kind of a weird feeling though- learning school stuff on break...weird! But hey, it puts on a little more pressure knowing that this is a $750 test. (the cost of taking the test+ the actual cost of taking the class) so I suppose it will all be worth it in the end.
I don't think I would actually want to go around the world in two days--but it would be cool to travel around the world! Hey, at least now, I'd know where I'm going!:) Have a good last week of break!

new year's eve, the day before

2006-01-02T12:39:00.000-06:00

well, you know that since new years was on a sunday, i couldn't really stay up all night saturday. so friday was the day! friday afternoon was so much fun! i got together with a bunch of my friends from highschool, and we played snow soccer!! by the time we all had puddles of cold water in our cleats, we decided to go to mccarnan's house. so we went over there for movies and ddr!! ok, for those of you who haven't ever played ddr before, you are missing out! ya gotta try it sometime! lol, so yah that was entertaining, then around midnight annie and jenn lopez stopped by! so we picked up a movie on the way home. around 1:30 we finally got around to actually watching the movie. everyone in the movie spoke in scottish accents though, so it was kinda hard to understand...lol, well somehow we managed to stay up the whole night. but around 5 am, we were starving! so jenn, annie, and i decided to make breakfast. we made waffles! yum! with bacon in them:) haha, then we picnicked in the family room and started another movie. haha, which i did not last through to see the end. so finally, around 7, we fell asleep. so yah! we pulled our all nighter the night before new years eve! (of course, then i just slept the next 8 hours!) all in all, it was pretty fun! here's a pic of us at like 5 in the morning with our waffle feast!:)

A Series of Unfortunate Events

2005-12-29T11:44:00.000-06:00

I am listening to this soundtrack right now and it is wicked awesome! And now...for my series of unfortunate events:
I have this geography clep test that I'm taking next week sometime.
I went to the library, yes the library, to study yesterday.
I studied for like an hour and a half before my fellow Oconomowoc citizens distracted me from my diligent studies.
So I decided to browse the music selection, which is sorta slim, at my local library.
And I found Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, which is sweet.
I tried to study for another hour...to little avail.
I came home to study. HA, riiight
I still need to study more for my test-sad!

I dont' know why, but I think I'm just in this mode, where it's like impossible to study! Oh well, ya gotta do what ya gotta do, right? It's etiher that or pay $700-to take the class. Well, that about all i could muster up this morning. So, until next time!

a survey...can you tell i can't think of anything to write about?

2005-12-27T20:52:00.000-06:00

Yes, i can not think of anything to write about...but i came across this. haha, i'm sure it was probably funnier for me to fill out than for you to read. but have fun anyways! and give me a few days-i need to wait for some inspiration for my next post.
List 20 People You Know (Set 1-for girls)

Made By : Surveys_Quizzes_4u

Girls

1. Erika T

2. Helaine

3. Heidi

4. Julie

5. Aimee S

6. Shasta

7. Amy R

8. Hannah

9. Annie

10. Christine

Guys

11. Bryan

12. Ben W

13. Swifty

14. Ben F

15. Justin

16. Slim

17. Dave

18. Cam

19. Jon

20. Dan

Questions -
1. Does # 5 love anyone? Aimee. Well, besides her family and me? Although…
2. What kind of hair does # 17 have? Cam. Sweet! blonde
3. How did you become friends/enemies with # 2? Helaine. Northland Camp BYG!!!
4. Is # 13 smarter than # 1? Sorry swifty, erika’s pretty smart
5. Describe # 4 in one word. Julie. sweet
6. How long have you been friends/enemies with # 10? Christine. Well, pretty much all my life…and trust me, I’m sure we’ve been both friends and enemies…but I love her, my sis
7. Are # 6 and # 15 friends? Shasta and Justin. Not exactly, although they probably know each other
8. What is # 3's favorite music? Heidi. Haha, where to begin? After karaoke the other night…let’s go with the signature ‘homeschool girl’
9. Can # 11 run faster than # 19? Bryan than jon? probably not…those yogurts are pretty fast
10. Would # 6 go out with # 16? Shasta and Slim? Hehe, that would be funny, but I don’t think so…she’s sorta dating someone anyways
11. How about # 8 and # 18? Hannah and dave. Hmm…now there’s an idea. Jk guys..don’t kill me, cuz you both will probably read this
12. Tell me one thing # 9 is good at. Annie. Making ‘gnome’ home videos haha
13. Tell me a random fact about # 20. Dan! he’s wicked awesome at carpentry!
14. Do you think # 5 is gullible? Why or Why not. Aimee? No, not really…but every once in a while.
15. How about # 12? Ben w, nope, not him either, but I could name a few who are….
16. Is # 14 loud? Ben f. not usually. But I’m sure he can be
17. How about # 1? Erika, That’s why I love her, sometimes she is and sometimes she’s not
18. Is # 18 taller than # 15? Dave than Justin. Haha, I don’t know it’s pretty close…but I think dave takes it by like 6 inches
19. What is # 7's middle name? amy Nicole..i know that cuz we used to try to call her that when there were a million and one amy’s
20. Would # 3 and # 13 go out? Swifty and heidi, probably not
21. Does # 2 like shopping? Helaine. Well…I supposed sometimes
22. Is # 4 shy or outspoken? Jules, well kinda shy, but tons of fun!!
24. How about # 8? Hannah, well she can be either, but usually shy
25. Is # 9 rich? How do you know? Annie, ha, she better not be-cuz then my dad’s seriously holding out on me!
26. Tell me something random about # 10 and # 17. Christine likes nasty swiss cheese. Cam likes to run around in gorilla costumes! Hehe, but they have never met.
27. If the school/house/etc was on fire, who would you save first? # 11 or # 20? Ahh! This is a horrible question! Bryan or dan? Well, I think I’d just put on my speedy kmart shoes and save them both.
28. Why is # 12 on your list? Ben w, well, we’ve been through it all...from high school to college, and he’s been there most of the way..lol jk
29. Are # 14 and # 19 good friends? Ben f and jonny boy, well, they know each other…I think jon likes ben-I don’t know about ben though.
30. Is # 16 shorter/same/or taller height than you? Slim. taller

it's here

2005-12-25T16:12:00.000-06:00

this is my, 'i'm so excited, it's finally christmas!' face....

christmas sing along!! everyone!

2005-12-25T00:10:00.000-06:00

i wish you a merry christmas! i wish you a merry christmas! i wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year!

i would stay up and actually write something worthwhile, but i heard from my 5 yr old 2nd cousin that santa doesn't come unless we're sleeping...so i'm going to sleep cuz it's already 12:10...even though for some odd reason, my whole family is still awake, wrapping presents, and listening to christmas music (what can i say, we're a busy family?) well!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS to all my faithful readers (haha, riight) and also to any other random person who is bored enough to read my blog.

chronicles of narnia movie review...by emiley

2005-12-23T21:45:00.000-06:00

So i just got back from watching the chronicles of narnia. my dad and i made it a night-dinner and a movie, i mean, it doesn't get any better than that! i read all the books when i was younger and it was so weird to see all the stuff that i imagined when i was reading these as a kid-now seeing them as a movie! and i gotta say, the movie was sweet!! the music sounds really cool too--i haven't actually listened to the soundtrack, but from watching the movie, it sounds awesome!

oh yah, and not to mention cs lewis is pretty much a literary genius! the whole plan of salvation is woven throughout the whole movie! of course, it's all allegorical, but it was so clear! i was like, oh man, and most of these people have no clue that he's even hinting at something bigger...

well, when it was all said and done- i really liked it! (although my dad said the talking animals didn't do much for him)-so i guess it's just a matter of perspective. but i highly recommend the movie! bravo! 5 stars! what are you waiting for--go see it!

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho

2005-12-22T22:43:00.000-06:00

It's off to work I go...(Go ahead, you know the rest--and you know you wanna whistle it) lol OK...Well, as most of you know- I clean this bank with Shasta. But since Shasta isn't here, I clean by myself. So every night, I have a few hours to clean all by myself. Ok, and if you know me at all, you know that it drives me crazy!! There's no one to talk to all night! AHHH!! So every night, I pull up to the bank, and see it looming before me--like a great albatross, it hangs about my neck (Yeah, Ancient Mariner).

I don't know if I have ever written any stories on here about the 'haunted bank.' But think about it-me, alone in a bank....a bank!! Is there anything more inviting for a bank robber? Cuz I have to turn off all the alarms while I'm working in there. And it's not like they're gonna be scared off by me!?! Well, without getting into many details--I have been scared many times by various 'things' and people in the bank. If you ever want to hear some stories, just ask me...

Well, tonight was a different story, let me tell you. Ok, so I was in the basement closet, getting all the cleaning supplies out and all the sudden I heard this screech. So I poked my head out of the closet, just in time to see this lady bookin it down the hall. haha, I was laughing so hard! Then when I was about to leave, I was coming upstairs in the elevator. All of the sudden I heard these voices. (These voices I heard, and no, I wasn't going crazy-there were people upstairs waiting for the elevator). Well, when the door opened all three of them like jumped to the ceiling--hehehe It was so funny! So now, for all the times I've been scared out of my pants (yes pants, not skirts) Finally, I have scared someone at this bank! And not just one person, four people!!! Yay! (Note: If you think I'm crazy right now because I thoroughly enjoyed scaring all these people, then you obviously have not heard the psycho-bank stories. So please stop by to rid yourself of these crazy thoughts)

Maybe some time I will grace this blog with some pictures of me working. Although they would not be very exciting, just me...at the bank....'haunted bank' haha We'll see

(Random note: Ok, Two words that are really cool-peradventure and perchance. Aren't they sweet? Perchance you shall see them in an upcoming post. I know you shall await with anticipation.)
(another random note: I don't know why, but for some reason when I use those words I also have to use other smart, old English type of words like-shall, await...weird!)
(Ok, I'm stopping now partially because I'm rambling and this could get incriminating....partially because I am going to continue my Star Wars Movie-thon with Episode I) Farewell!

oh baby!

2005-12-21T17:46:00.000-06:00

ok, so is it true? that every time you see someone yawn, it makes you yawn too? why is that? that's so weird! anyways, today it was my priviledge to watch my little niece, zoey! she's just about two months old. um, it was pretty fun, but she definitely kept me busy. lol ok, and cool trick-zoey is mesmerized whenever star wars comes on...it was hilarious! she would be crying, but then the second i turned on star wars, she stopped and stared...haha, i wonder if it has anything to do with her dad's obsession with star wars--lol, maybe well, i hope you're all havin a great break! and enjoy this cute pic of my niece zoe ione neuenschwander!! oh yah, and just sit back, yawn, relax, yawn, and enjoy the break! (so tell me, did this post make you yawn?)

the time is drawing to a close

2005-12-20T13:45:00.000-06:00

ahhh!! how sad! christine is packing up everything she owns:( her room is filled with boxes! sadsadsadsad

this is christine and i in the good old days-aren't we so cute? lol i don't know why i'm not smiling, but christine sure seems to be enjoying herself:) the reason i came across this is because i am working on her wedding gift. it's gonna be sweet-but i can't say just in case she get's on here in the next two weeks. it's crazy how things change and we all grow up. in less than two weeks christine is getting married and moving to pennsylvania! (i dont know why they would want to live there...lol jk) travis is going to landsdale seminary and then after that they are on deputation headed for the mission field.
although it's sad, i am reminded yet again of our reason of life here on earth. we are here to serve him and glorify him in all we do! christ did command his disciples to leave all and to serve him. why can we expect any different? ya know, and we look at that as if it's sad, when really...with the right perspective-it's amazing. we leave it to go to follow Christ!! to follow Christ...all the rest, family, friends, everything-well, that's just extra! so i am thankful for the family that God has blessed me with, in spite of all of our shortcomings. i am thankful for christine, my sweet sister and for travis-my bro to be!!! (now get to me two weeks from now and i might be a mess, lol, but we do have a higher calling)

the truman show...life under the miscroscope*

2005-12-16T23:18:00.000-06:00

the truman show--this movie was on the other night-so for the first time in probably 6 years or so, i watched it. (one time, when i was visiting my cousins in colorado, we went to this mountain resort by pagosa springs. while we were there, i'm pretty sure we watched that movie like 5 times, which explains again why i haven't seen it in 6 years) anyways, for those of you who haven't seen it, basically this guy's entire life has been broadcasted on tv, for the whole world to see, without him knowing it. everyone in his life has been acting. everyone's just following the script. it's only real to him. but all of it, good and bad, the whole world has been watching.

so, it got me thinking. if my life was broadcasted for everyone to watch, would i still live it the same? if people heard every word i said, saw every action i did, watched it all--what would change? you know, it's like those preachers who always tried to scare us by saying-'when it's all said and done, God's a gonna pull down the big screen and everyone's gonna see every mistake you ever made! so you'd better change and you'd better do right, son!' then when we got a little older, we found out that our life really will not be up for everyone to see. and somehow we found comfort in that...somehow it made things much better when we found out that everyone wouldn't see every little mistake. but it seems we often fail to remember that although our life is not playing for everyone to view--it is still viewed by One. that's right-every action, every word, even the thoughts...why is it that we value the opinions of all those people, afraid to even imagine what we would do if everyone saw it all--but yet comforted by the thought that only God will see what we've done. why do we try to hide our 'dirty self' from all the world around us, but be content that God sees it all? only God-ha, is that even possible to say? how do we let all those other people matter so much? i mean who are we kidding? what are we living for anyways?

so what if we really lived in the reality that every part of our life is seen--at least it's all seen by God? then how would we change? hmmm...but wait...we do know that--so how have we changed?

ok, so i'm pretty sure that the makers of the truman show didn't mean to convict me about living in reality of God's omniscience-but hey, it did. hmmm...and i thought i was just sitting down to watch a movie.
WARNING: God can take anything to challenge us-to make us more like him. even the simple, mudane, seemingly relaxing things of life.
So, let's take the challenge-after all, isn't that what it's all about? to change to be more like him? what do you think?

little kids make me laugh

2005-12-16T23:06:00.000-06:00

well....my mom watches these two little girls-we've been babysitting them for like 3 years. their names are brittany and kelsie, ages 5 and 8. so the story continues...yesterday there was lots of snow! we have like a foot now i think! but anyways, so as i watched the snow come down, i had this sudden urge to build a snowman. so lest my neighbors think their 20 yr old neighbor is going crazy, i waited until brittany and kelsie came home from school, and the three of us built a snowman. which, that was hilarious in and of itself. and of course, what does every good snowman use for eyes and buttons? coal of course!! so when i brought out 5 coals from our grilling equip, brittany looked at me amazed.
'is that really coal, like real coal?' she asked.
when i replied with a 'yes', her look of amazement continued.
'and it's your dad's?!' she asked.
'yup, he uses it to grill chicken and stuff.'
'well, where did he get it from?' she continued, 'did santa give it to him?'
to this i could only laugh
'well, was he really that bad that santa brought him coal?' she exclaimed.
haha, it was hilarious! so without breaking her dad's means of keeping her obedient, i didn't tell her that you didn't really get just coal when you were bad. lol, i just told her that you could get it from the store too. haha, it was soo funny though! i love little kids, you never know what they are going to say! that's why i'm gonna teach kids, because they will always keep things interesting!

walkin in a winter wonderland...

2005-12-16T13:27:00.000-06:00

ok, so the bliss of christmas break continues...yesterday was just one of those 'sit back and relax' kinda days. well, sorta. i woke up and went running/walking for like an hour! but it was so fun! it was snowing the whole time too. (i'm still at the point where i like snow-which is good, give me a month at least) ok, so then i was running the usual way, which is like down by all the mansions down by one of the lakes a few minutes from my house. well, towards the end is like this path that goes through the woods. only, obviously the path is not shoveled, but i went for it anyways. and i gotta say, running through snow is tons of fun! anyways, then i just did a bunch of random stuff throughout the day-including takling to tim and cam for like 2 hours....haha, you can definitely tell we're not in school anymore! oh yah, and julie and helaine showed up for a little while too. as for the whole instant messenger thing-i've kinda been outta that loop since junior high, haha, but i decided to sign back up and low and behold! people are on there! how fun! well, then i worked til like 1:30 in the morning...fun, riiight. so even though it sounds like i'm doing nothing all day-at least i'm working at night:) k, well, enough of the running commentary of my day. i'm going to go christmas shopping! i haven't even started yet! so, off i go. and i promise the next post wont' be quite so boring. i'll try to put something with actual purpose in it...well, enjoy your christmas break!! oh yah, and check my new quote to the right----->

ok, i officially love Christmas break!

2005-12-15T10:58:00.000-06:00

nope, i haven't done anything really fun yet. i haven't gone sledding or christmas shopping, or drank hot chocolate or eggnog (gross!)--nope, none of those yet. but christmas break is officially awesome because i got like the first full night's sleep in like, hmm, 4 months!!! (you know, i had that short time between camp and preseason to sleep) yup, that's about all. i guess all those other things will just have to wait-as for now, i'm' just thoroughly enjoying my full night's sleep:)

free at last, free at last!

2005-12-14T14:12:00.000-06:00

thank God almighty i am free at last!! it's all over! i just finished my last exam! i am officially on christmas break!! (and i'm in the library waiting for my sister to finish practice, hmmm, what's wrong with this picture?) well, regardless, it is christmas break!! i'm torn though, i have that feeling that i just want to jump up and down and run in the blizzard outside and tell everyone merrry christmas-but at the same time, after like 2-3 hours of sleep last night, i'm ready to crash! so i think i'll just go home, crash, and then, sad, go to work. i also realized, i'm sorta a junior now-sweet! lol, so the question is, next semester, do i go to jr class chapel, or sophomore (you know, the one i'm actually supposed to plan as an officer) lol k, so i guess i'm just a jr in name, nothing more. so anyways, here i sit in the library with my good friend jen, ya the one that i never get to see-she's pretty cool. lol, she was actually supposed to be my roommate this year, but i ran out of money, so i had to stay at home-but in spite of that, we're still friends and jenn's still awesome! well, that's all for now. i'm gonna just keep rejoicing that it's all over with! have a great christmas break guys! and keep up and let me know how it's all going!

check it

2005-12-13T17:56:00.000-06:00

k, so im adding on to my blog--it's still in the works, but hopefully things will be changing a bit...i get tired of things always being the same. so ya, i'm adding the part-if you'll look to the right-it's the quote of the day (or few days) so check it out and you can just comment if you want on just the day's post.

and all i can do is laugh...

2005-12-13T11:36:00.000-06:00

ok, so last night, i get off of work and began the endless endeavor of studying for exams. well, about 11 o'clock, my little bro decided to invade my study room(the family room) and transform it into his sleeping quarters(trust me, if you've ever fallen asleep on our leather couch, you'd understand) lol k, so while i'm trying to study, jonathan is going on and on- you know, the whole, "why do mom and dad make me go to bed so early? i'm not even tired!!" lol ya, so that of course distracted me a little from my studying. well, somehow we got on the topic of school when my dear little brother asked me if i ever passed notes in high school...lol, um, ok, jon, who didn't pass notes? i was wishing that i could just say, no, dear brother, of course not, this is your wonderful elder sister-continue my studying, and not give him any ideas. lol, but nope--this conversation went on for like 45 minutes talking about all the things that we did in hs, "strategies" of passing notes, stupid things you did and somehow got away with, games you played during class to keep things interesting, and weird teacher's habits, study hall tricks...lol, all of this conversation ended with the classic--'jonathan, just because i did it though, doesn't mean you should do it.' lol (yah, i'm pretty sure that won't go too far with him though) well, needless to say, by the end of all of this, jonathan was even more awake--oops! so i kept telling him about all the random stuff at school. i must say, it was some quality bonding time. lol k, so then, he decided he wanted to check out my blog. so when he finally got on here, he went like comment happy! haha but i must say, he has left the funniest comments by far! (you gotta check them out if you're lookin for a laugh) haha and you should just hear his creepy foreign accent. lol well, according to my bro, i need to pick up on my "shizzel dizzel comp lingo" (your guess is as good as mine) but i'll give it a shot- peace out my brothas and sistas. take luck on your finals (slim, providence for ya) and have fun chillin at your cribs over x-mas break! (haha, how's that jonny boy?)

hilariously funny day on extension

2005-12-11T23:16:00.000-06:00

ok, so today was like the funniest day ever!!! can it get any funnier? i submit that it can not!! ok, but it is just going to have to wait for some other time....so coming soon: my hilariously funny day on extension-don't worry i'm sure i'll be bored with studying soon and give in and just write, but until then-happy trails!

i should be studying but....

2005-12-10T23:17:00.000-06:00

hmmm, it seems like i've been starting out alot like that today. but hey, when you're done with exams by wednesday and then you're on to christmas break--it's just too hard to think of studying now. anyways, today was not so good at the beginning, but it turned out to be pretty sweet. see, today i was supposed to have this meeting-but it all ended up not working out and no one could come really. which is sad, cuz i was supposed to be up at northland visiting my friends for a hockey game and b-ball games!!! but cuz of this meeting i couldn't go-sad...but it's ok, it ended up being fun in the end cuz a few friends came by and we went sledding! yay, my little bro found this sweet new sledding hill-k, i know it sounds weird, but once again go back to your childhood memories when there was no homework and no jobs to pay endless schoolbills- those were the days, those were the days of master sledding! so yup, it was fun! (even though it's really sad i didn't get to see helaine and aimee at northland) k, well, i was gonna go study--but i think there's a rootbeer float party goin on in my kitchen-so i best be gettin goin happy studying guys!!

the joys of being 5'5"

2005-12-07T12:55:00.000-06:00

ok, i should have known--i am not tall enough to put the lights back up and tape them to the ceiling-so sadness, tragedy of tragedies, horror of all horrors--the christmas lights will just have to wait for someone taller to come fix them...haha, well, maybe i could stand on my desk....maybe not, ok, sad, i'm pretty sure i would still be too short. ok...lest you think that i am not happy to be short-do not be deceived! i will just have to expound on that more in the future posts..trust me, by the time you get to the end of reading that post-you will WISH you were short!!!!! needless to say....the lights are still on my desk-i'm going to lunch..

almost there!!!!!!!!

2005-12-07T12:26:00.000-06:00

ok, only 2 tests, 300 pages, 2 observations, 28 hours of work (KCS/OSM), 1 class officers' meeting, one stinkin cold, $600 (equal to the amount needed for my exam slip), one last day on extension:(, oh yah, and 7 exams---but, after all of that, i am surely finished!!!! ha, now that i actually wrote it all out, it seems like alot more than i thought. oh well, one week from now i'll be done!!! wahoo!! well, as is the case with probably all of you in college-you've been super busy. so sorry to those who have e-mailed me and have gotten no response in like the past 2 weeks--give me a few more days and i'll get all caught up! well, pretty much, there is not much need to fill you in as to what i've been doing lately-as i am sure it is exactly what you, poor soul, have been doing! k, so i'm at work now...what to listen to--hmmm, well, i better just stick to the music without words-so i don't go singing along with it. haha, my cold has left my voice, um, alittle ______ (i don't know, i can't think of the word, but you can fill in the blank for your own excitement and pleasure) but yup, if it's even possible, my cold brings down my voice even lower...haha, oh yah, and i can't hear like anything anyone says to me-i kinda feel like i'm just in my own little world-but it's ok, then i can study at least, right;) ? ANYWAYs, i dont know why i write that...oh yah, except the cool, fun thing for this week is: ST. NICKS!!!! yay! the other day we got our stockings (as opposed to you crazy people who open stockings on christmas and not actually on st nick's , weird!) --now i know--i'm in college, but hey, who doesn't like free candy and muffins, and other sweet gifts bestowed upon you by your loving parents? oh yah, and besides that, another cool thing: my boss is pretty much the coolest guy ever! he took us all out for dinner and gave us gift certificates--now that is pretty awesome, i must say. hmmm...actually now that i think about it, tons of stuff has happened this past week---but it will just have to wait for another time, for alas!!! the christmas lights have just come crashing down from our ceiling in the OSM, and they fell right on my desk...so, as for me, well i'm off to fix christmas lights-and for you, well, happy last week of school!!

loving God with ALL

2005-12-02T07:29:00.000-06:00

a concept we all too often talk about--but what are we actually doing about it? yesterday, during our power group (kinda like a bible study) we were talking about loving God with ALL your mind, with ALL your will, and with ALL your heart. well, of course we know that is what we are supposed to do-but that's just it, how much further does it go than just knowing it? (for those of you who were at northland last summer, this is kind of a rehash--but i sure needed it again!)

so loving God with all our mind-what does that mean? well, it means knowing about God, having a deep understand of who God is, and meditating on it. but it's not enough to just know, right? that would be so empty!

ok, so then we're supposed to love with all our will. ? with our will we make the choice to obey, to pursue, to serve. this is the part of us that does what's right because we know it's right and we know we're supposed to. but that's not enough either-we can't just always do things because we're supposed to do them. if we had that mindset, there would be no joy or satisfaction in our Christian walk.

so that brings us to loving God with all our heart. now this is what most of us actually think of when we think of loving God. this is the fun part! this is our affections, our love, enjoying God and hoping in him. now that sounds good, but on it's own, even that is not enough. it won't drive us forever and keep us going when it gets tough.

how does it all work then? how can we love God with all that is in us? it's when we love him with our mind, and will, and heart. because all three together compose our very being. but it's a struggle-what if my heart's not always behind it? that's where my will comes in-choosing to do what's right and pursuing it. and what if i don't choose to do it? i know(mind) what i should be doing. but what if my focus or knowledge is skewed and i can't understand clearly the whole picture? that's where my heart comes in-when i do what's right because i love God-because i love God. so see how it's not enough just to depend on my knowledge-or my will-or my affections? it's got to be all three together-it's got to! otherwise, i will fall and i won't be able to do it. it's through Christ's enablement that i love God with ALL that is in me. after all, isn't that our whole purpose?

wahoo!!!!!!

2005-11-30T14:05:00.000-06:00

i don't actually know if that's a real word, but i sure do use it alot! k, anyways, i have super exciting news! yesterday, i got my contract for northland!!!!!!!! yay!!!! i'm so excited! for those of you who don't know, i worked at northland camp last summer, and i loved it! i didn't really think i would be able to go back again, but so far it seems like i might be able to. pretty much, if it was up to me, i would LOVE to work at camp for the rest of my life--but we'll see. someone told me today that i don't write enough about camp on here, so i may just have to tell a few stories here and there. k, well, that's all for now. oh yah, one last thing, if you are thinking about working at northland, and still don't know whether to send in your contract or not, send it!!! you will love it! ok...enough of that, now i really need to go do my homework!

comments are up and running

2005-11-30T14:03:00.000-06:00

ok, so i guess since i put this new format on my blog, it wouldn't actually post the comments that people were leaving, somethign about comment moderation, but i checked it out, and amazingly enough, since i'm pretty much computer illiterate, i figured it out! wahoo! yup, so i can now read your comments--i mean, i guess i always could, i just didn't know how to the past few days...

back to the grind

2005-11-28T07:29:00.000-06:00

well, i'm back at school-with only a few weeks left to go in the semester. those next few weeks will be filled with tests, papers, projects, exams, and hundreds of pages of reading...but it will all be done soon. and then, Christmas break wahoo!! last weekend was tons of fun! helaine came down from northland, as you may know, and we had ablast! i heard from some of my campers, which is always sweet! we made this video with all our pics from camp, and that proved to be pretty entertaining. lol, i don't even really know what we did that was so much fun-but it's always sweet to see good friends. i'm hoping to be able to go up for the b-ball games at northland, but until then, i guess i'll just hold on tight, and hope that i get through the rest of this semester. but like rachel challenged me, if i make it through the end of this semester, it will be a testimony of God's goodness and grace. it's been so crazy, only God's goodness brings us through! and for that i am grateful.

giving thanks....always

2005-11-26T11:47:00.000-06:00

this past thanksgiving weekend two guys from my school were in a car accident. one guy didn't make it, the other is in critical condition. but wait, isn't it thanksgiving weekend? so how come while i'm at home eating turkey and pie with my family, another family is grieving the loss of their loved one? sometimes, it just doesn't seem fair. over this past year, 6 almost 7 people pass away. over and over again we ask 'why?' why do some people only get a few short years on this earth? this past summer, we studied the theme 'seeking things above' at camp. really, our goal in life is to seek things above, to live for eternity, to keep focused up-so that in the end, when we finally make it to heaven, it will be worth it all. the Bible talks about our life being a vapor-it doesn't say,if you live to be 20 or if you live to be 100. either way, our life is but a vapor. so then, how can we make a difference if we only get 20 years here or if we get 100? each day at a time, each minute, each breath, each word, each thought-everything! our goal here on earth is to honor and glorify God, so when we finally make it to heaven, we can hear, 'well done, my good and faithful servant.' can you even imagine hearing our Saviour say, "well done...my servant" hmm. so how does this all tie in? well, who knows how long we have in this vapor of a life-so make it count (after all, you are his servant right, so are you faithful or unfaithful) and as for those precious lives whom God has chosen to take home--well, can you even believe it? they are in the presence of our Savior even as you read this. they are face to face...i wonder what he said to them....i wonder what he'll say to me.

2005-11-22T21:38:00.000-06:00

i can't think of anything to write, so this is all i've got for now...

all i need

2005-11-21T16:33:00.000-06:00

alright, today was one rough day. i had a few tests and lots of projects in the works. then throw on top of that christine's bridal shower planning, family health problems/circumstances, and a few other key people that confuse me...oh yah, and one of those tests i actually forgot about-completely, yup completely. ahh, not good. so yup, pretty much it was a rough one, and then at the end of the day, my last class is choir. i'm not always that excited to go to it, because it always seems like there's so much else i could be doing and we are working on a few hard songs that i just can't seem to get. so, i continue the day with my discouraged, definitely not "trusting God to bring me through" attitude. but still, God knew exaclty what i needed. he knew even though i complained. he knew even though i let it all overwhelm me. so, yup, i went in to choir and today, we didn't sing any hard songs, we sang all the sweet songs, all my favorite ones. and it seemed like in every song God had something for me. ya know, so often we go through singing these songs without a second thought, but when you need it, man it hits you hard. we sang about God's goodness, about his control over our circumstances, about his love, about his protection--God really is good! i can't believe that even when i have the worst attitude, God still loves me and gives me what i need to make it through-even when i don't ask for that strength. and on top of that, it didn't stop there...nope, i went to check my e-mail and there waiting for me was such an encouraging e-mail from a good friend...again, God is good. i'm sooo glad that God cares! so now, well, i'm headed home soon, to face it all again, to do some more homework, go to work, and hopefully get some sleep. BUT i do know that my God is good and he will give grace and strength to help in time of need. so i thought about just telling all the boring details of my day, but i figured this would be much much better, why bore you with my details, when i could encourage you with my God? so, hey, for those of you havin a rough day too, just remember: it's ok, God is still good, so let's just praise him through it.

yay for hating butter!

2005-11-20T18:30:00.000-06:00

ok, as some of you may know, my childhood was a little out of the ordinary. so, you know how most kids steal cookies from the cookie jar? well, not this one (ok i admit i liked cookies too) but nope i was the kid with the butter fettish. haha, i can remember looking around, making sure the coast was clear, and then climbing up on to the cupboards, finding the butter, and getting out a nasty handful. yuck, sick, disgusting i know! i hate butter soooo much now! i don't even really like to look at it...lol, ok, so i know this is completely stupid to write on here, but i write all this because today i made a brilliant breakthrough. i found out that someone else had this childhood weirdness. yup yup jon messenger, aka slim, ate butter as a child. so i am not alone, haha, someone else understands, even if it is the weirdest thing ever.

my extension church

2005-11-20T18:22:00.000-06:00

today, at my extension church we had a thanksgiving feast! i love my extension church, it's pretty small, but it kinda reminds me of the church i grew up at, when it was small at least. but everyone is sooo nice! then, the teens did like the evening service, and that was pretty sweet. brought back some good memories:) but anyways, now we're at the horneck's house and the whole youth group is here and we are playing mafia! the sweetest game ever! it was like the official game of my youth group when i was in high school. anyways, so, yup, here i am, it's fun, so i'm gonna go now...well, except for they killed me first this round of mafia cuz last round i took them all out one by one...i think they were bitter. haha, so i thought i would you my spare time to check my mail..

don't feel left out ben

2005-11-19T22:36:00.000-06:00

ben, here's to you. haha,
don't feel bad,
don't be sad,
this post is for you,
so don't be blue (plus red is better anyways, that doesn't rhyme so it's not actually part of the poem)
anyways, i hope you feel better now, especially since no one else will probably like this post.haha

this one's for you helaine

2005-11-19T19:32:00.000-06:00

yay! i just got talking to helaine! and then she was telling me that she was reading my blog again...and pretty much, i never write on it, so i felt guilty, so here i go helaine! i even wrote one about our hair salon conversation..hehehe well, pretty much i love talking to people that i haven't gotten to talk to in a while-especially when they make me laugh so hard! only four more days and helaine comes to my house! wahoo!!

what to write..what to write

2005-11-18T18:32:00.000-06:00

ahh, i'm getting really bad at keeping up with this whole blog thing:) well, this is gonna kinda be a sweet weekend! there's not really a whole lot going on besides working tomorrow a few hours. ohyah, and of course homework. haha, well i was talking to someone todayand she was saying that my blog is so up and down, like one minute she's laughing at my stupid randomness, and the next minute it's like some serious post. so sorry, i wish i could separate them somehow so it wouldn't be so hard to follow..haha well, yesterday was a sweet day! i got to see so many people! and i finally got to start our power group! yay! i'm really excited about that--it'll be good to refresh on a lot of what i learned this summer and it'll be like an accountability group, so it should be good for us all, especially since i don't get to see them much otherwise. other than that...only 5 more days til i get to see helaine! wahoo!!!! well, hopefully, this weekend i'll be able to catch up with some of you. drop me a line if ya got a chance, i'd love to hear from you guys! happy weekend guys!

zonked!

2005-11-11T12:43:00.000-06:00

haha, that reminds me of our game in children's group from camp. fun times. well, currently i am hard at work in the osm(office of student ministries)...ok, so maybe in reality there is absolutely nothing to do, noone in here, and i'm bored...actually, i am kinda enjoying my lack of work in here. i'm just zonked from this week. but yay! it's almost the weekend!! reason #3406 that i'm glad it's the weekend=cuz i will get some sleep! yay!! oh yah, and i start my extension church this weekend, which i'm pretty excited about. until now, i've been going to calvary, watertown with my family. but, it's a little big for me, and there's not much for me to do there on sundays (cuz i have to stinkin work on wednesdays) so sunday i get to actually start a real extension church! wahoo!! oh yah, and tonight we are going out for dinner with the neuenschwanders (haha, yup that's spelled right, that's my sisters married name) well, brian's (my bro in law, for those who don't know) parents and brother are in town, so we're all going out with them. haha, funny thing. you think neuenschwander is a rough name, my new niece's name is zoe ione neuenschwander...poor kid, i can almost guarantee that her name won't be baby's first words. :) haha, she probably won't even be able to say it til she's like 10, but it is pretty unique, i gotta give them props for that. alright, well, anyways, don't know how i got there...but, yup, i think i'm going to go try to find some work or something to do. although i know it will be to no avail, cuz there's nothing in here to do now. but that's ok, i'll just enjoy my state of "relaxed zonkness".

i finally give in..from biblical interpretation to construction paper

2005-11-10T18:29:00.000-06:00

sad. well, i finally changed my major. i changed from biblical studies to elementary ed/early childhood. hmmm. there is one good thing though. instead of being the only girl in departmental chapel, there are only like two guys in el ed department chapel. which i guess it depends on how you look at it, but i like el ed chapel better. anyways, so about this time last semester i was working hard at homiletics(bib interp)papers, but now i find myself cutting out construction papers and making classroom newsletters. weird! i must say, although this is a lot easier, i liked bib studies so much better. sad!! but at least now i can get a job, and little kids are awesome. maybe i'll just go to grad school or something for bible or counseling..who knows? well, another part of changing my major is adding an extra semester on to my schooling. which means, i can't graduate until the next year. you might ask, how does one who is pretty much a junior now, not graduate for another 6 semesters...hmm, ya. well, one semester i'm student teaching, one semester is extra because of getting certified licensure as a teacher, and one semester i'll be doing nothing(well, probably working) just waiting to graduate. oh well, life goes on...eventually. lol but at least now i can slow down in credits each semester. instead of trying to finish early,like i was planning, i will just take fewer credits and maybe enjoy more free time...or something. ok, the end, nothing really exciting, but at least i gave in and finally wrote. hehe

to bear the name of Christ

2005-11-06T23:17:00.000-06:00

yay! i just got done talking to one of my very best friends, erika taylor!!! (i will get to my title in a minute...) but ya know those friends who you have soo much fun with, but at the same time, you can have the deepest conversations..those are the good ones..well, that's erika, for those of you who don't know her, she lives in south carolina, kinda close to boje. anyways, i was sad to hear that she won't be able to work at camp next summer, but we did have some good catchin up..she's one of those people that you've done like the stupidest craziest things with, but somehow they still associate with you. well, that's what we were talking about. association. it's like this. ok, you know how sometimes your little brother just drives you crazy or does something really stupid, and you just think, how in the world is he part of my family? how can he be a yogerst? (hold back the comments;) but, seriously, that's how we can be too. i mean, we are called Christians--we bear the very name of Christ, the name of our precious Saviour. the name that saves, the name that "is". Christian..that's what we're called. it amazes me how often i can be like the little brother, who does something stupid and humiliating. however, unlike me (who tries not to associate with the brother) Christ does associate with us. in fact, he continues to allow us to bear his precious name. so, how exaclty is it that Christ does this? that i cannot answer, but i do know this: that truth calls me to a greater responsibility. as a Christian-bearing His name-i have a great responsibility. it's not something one can simply "put on" or that can be acted out. it has got to be real, it has got to be genuine, it has got to be my way of life. instead, if i'm actually going to live up to my name, then my actions, my thoughts, my desires, they all have to be Christ-like. just like at the end of the day, my little brother will still be a yogerst (i really and truly do love my little bro, hehe, i'm just using you for sake of illustration, right jon?) but just like he will still be a yogerst, i will still be a Christian. and in the world that we live in today, both saved and unsaved people, they need to see a difference. how will they remember a Christian-the one who's supposed to be reflecting Christ? what kind of name am i giving Christ with my actions today?

star wars...i never knew

2005-11-03T22:48:00.000-06:00

my little bro and dad are watching the star wars movie here. i have never seen a whole star wars movie before, i think a longtime ago i watched part of one though. but i have heard of some ofthe characters before. and i can't believe it, but some evil black robed guy just smashed yoda into the wall. ahh! ahh, and anakin is so evil! noooo! how did this all happen? i just guess i gotta keep up on these things better...wait, yoda's good, he just smashed the other guy now. ok, enough of this. im out! l8r

soul-quenching satisfaction

2005-11-02T21:45:00.000-06:00

recently, we received our letters from northland, the ones we wrote to ourselves at the end of the summer. we were supposed to write about all that God had been teaching us and what we'd learned. well, it was good to get it, definitely a challenge though. in it, i asked myself a few questions, which i think will be a constant challenge if i could just live in light of them. the question today that i'd like to park on is this:
"Is God really enough to satisfy me?"
Now, obviously we all know the textbook answer. but that's just it, how much further does that knowledge go? we learn it, and we have been learning it for as long as i can remember. but really, when do we let that sink into our mind, our heart, our life...God is enough. he's all we need. plain and simple. think of it like this, in our relationships here on earth, there are always times when we will be let down by someone around us, no matter how much they love us. the more we get to know people, it is easier to see (their strengths, yes) but also their weaknesses and shortcomings. but God, the more we get to know Him, we can't help but love him. i mean, he's perfect. the more we know him, the more we will be satisfied with him. so, when i find myself feeling dissatisfied, there is only one solution--it is because i am not spending enough time with my heavenly Father. because if i was, there is not a chance that i could be dissatisfied! Now i'm not saying i won't be discouraged at times, but i really can be totally satisfied in him alone! ps 63:3 "because your love is better than life, my lips will praise you."
so question #2: "What do i love more than God?"
again, if i am not satisfied with God, it is because i really am not spending time with my God, allowing him to work and show me who he really is. but if i'm not doing that, it's because i love something else more. it's sad how easily i can love the simple, temporal things of this earth when i could love an unchanging, amazing God (who already unconditionaly loves me!!) to sum it all up, anything can become an idol of my heart. BUT when i love God first, everything else just kinda falls into place. it sounds simple, you'd think after twenty years i'd be able to figure it out. but hey, if we didn't have more to grow, we wouldn't see our need for dependence on God. so it's ok, i mean, we fall, BUT God is forgiving, just, loving, all-knowing..and on and on it goes. so, we just need to see where we fall, and realize our need for our Savior, in EVERY area of life. and he simply picks us up, and we're back on our way. so the question i pose today, is God really my satisfaction, alone, no strings attached?

2005-11-02T17:00:00.000-06:00

1. What is your full name? Emiley Joy Yogerst
2. When's your birthday? August 14, 1985
3. What color pants are you wearing? jeans, haha, i'm at home
4. What are you listening to right now? hmm, let me put something in...okay, now i'm listening to two weeks notice
5. What was the last thing you ate? some oreos and a glass of milk
6. Do you wish on stars? not usually, but sounds like it could be fun; i heard it doesn't matter who you are, but all your dreams come true;)
7. If you were a crayon, what color would you be? grass green!!! or maybe wheeler red(sorry, summer flashback)
8. How is the weather right now? outside: it's sooo nice today! inside: well, room temperature
9. Last person you spoke to on the phone? hmm, let me check, i don't know
10. Do you like the person who sent this to you? yes, she is rather funny:)
11. Coffee or hot chocolate? hot chocolate!! with whipped cream, sprinkles, and a minty things sticking out it looks sweet. i hate coffee with a passion! (cept i like how it smells, but i can'tstand how it tastes!)
12. Favorite sport? soccer, gymnastics, football, basketball
13. Hair color? blondish, light brown with highlights
14. Siblings? jenn, sorta brian, christine, sorta travis, annie, and jon
15. Favorite month? hmmmm, probably july, cuz it's warm and i love the fouth of july!
16. Favorite food? good kinds
17. What was the last movie you saw? batman begins
18. Favorite day of the year? i don't know, somewhere in the middle of the summer!
19. What do you do to vent anger? hmm, kick a ball really hard, play my guitar, go alone somewhere cool, like down by the lake under the rr tracks, it's sweet
20. What was your favorite toy as a child? this garden cart that we welded a scooter to, it was wicked awesome!
21. Summer or winter? Summer, summer summer... i only like winter at christmas time and for like the first snow, after that i woudl be fine with summer all year round
22. Hugs or kisses? i hate stupid questions
23. Chocolate or vanilla? usually chocolate, but depends on my mood
24. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? well, yes
25. Who is most likely to respond? k, well, noone cuz i'm not really sending it out
26. Who is least likely to respond? your mom
27. When was the last time you cried? i don't know, probably in the last month sometime, almost today
28. What's under your bed? let me think...a few tupperware boxy things with random childhood and high school memories in them
29. Who is the friend you have had the longest? aimee!!
30. What did you do last night? worked, nothing exciting, unless i tell you the haunted bank story of course;)
31. What are you afraid of? scary men in dark tunnels, lol, right shasta?
32. Plain, buttered or salted popcorn? most definitely buttered.
33. Favorite car? i don't know...a cool one
34. Favorite flower? calla lily!! they are sooo pretty!
35. Number of keys on your key ring? well, four usually, but annie stole two, and actually one ofthem, i don't even know what itisfor...or how itgot there. hmm, that's kinda weird.
36. How many years at your current job? not long, at either kcs or osm
37. Favorite day of the week? friday or saturday
38. What did you do on your last birthday? i don't remember, obviously nothingtoo earth-shaking
39. How many states have you lived in? one....this grand old state.BUT i am moving somewhere sweet when i graduate...either down south, or out west, or somewhere with mountains, or...just not wisconsin or michigan or minnesota, or any other cold dumbish state
40. How many cities have you lived in? milwaukee and OCONOMOWOC

leaves...why do we rake them?

2005-11-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

ok, is there anyone else out there that likes leaves on the ground, instead of raking them all up right away? there's something about them that just screams fall!!! yay! when i was little, i know my parents just always thought it was just a scam i thought up to try to get out of raking the yard, which maybe it was initially, but not anymore. now i still do actually like the leaves better where you can see them. but don't you like to see leaves actually onthe ground in the fall? instead of all raked up in bags? random...i know, but we were just talking about that in the office, cuz apparently we have a plethora of leaf-rakers here at school..or something but hey, there has to be someone else out there that likes it too...right?

brrr, it's really cold in my house

2005-11-01T23:48:00.000-06:00

brrr, it's really cold in my house. i'm pretty much freezing as i sit here and type away on my half broken keyboard...hahaha right jonathan? well, today was not too terribly interesting..i went to school, took a few quizzes, lunch, meeting, work, homework, freezing in my very own home...yup, so im trying to study for gen psych right now. but it's just not working. so i am giving up, checking my mail, and going to sleep. there's just somethign about it, you know, when you do all your "easy" homework, and then save the studying for stupid gen psych tests til the end...yah, somehow those tests never end up going too well. hmmm. anyways, i am also looking up tickets for the musical wicked, in chicago. i think it's running from like november til like april. sweet! i want to go. i heard that it's supposed to be really good. now i just have to find someone to drag along with me so i don't get bored on the way down to chicago..haha, ok, maybe just cuz it's more fun with other people than by yourself. the other day, this preacher was talking about how he would love to livein a cabin inthe middle of thewoods, where no one was around. my sister leaned over to tellme she would love it, but that i would pretty much die if i lived there alone. i would be bored outof my mind. ok, i just remembered that now that socceris over, i am supposed to try to do better on my grades..hehe, so i am going to go study for gen psych..and this is just another reason why i should not postmy thoughts on here--cuz the randomness of my thoughts at midnight is justnot fit for you to read...ok, maybe i'm not random justat midnight. but nevertheless, (i like that word, it sounds smart, especiallywith a british accent..and yes, that means i'm tlaking aloud as i type this, it's a weird habit i have..) anyways, nevertheless, i dont' remember what else i was going to say, so im' going to go study and then SLEEP!! yay!

scariest day ever

2005-10-31T15:39:00.000-06:00

ok, i'd just like to start off with this--i know your mind can play cruel tricks on you, and i'm sure that is exactly what this is...but you never know. so, yup, there we were, shasta and i cleaning away at the old bank last night. well, we decided to clean the drive though bank first. which, for those of you who don't know, is scary beyond all belief. haha, ok, well, at least at night. there is this little tunnel that goes underground to get to the drive through bank. so last night shasta said she heard and saw the door to the tunnel open and close. she then proceeded to scream at the top of her lungs, which of course, made me scream at the top of my lungs--even though i had no idea what she was screaming about, that just scared me. ahhhh, it was so scary. cuz then we had to go back into the big bank and clean for like another 2 hours....needless to say, we cleaned side by side last night. haha, and believe it or not, we did not get attacked by some crazed, psycho, tunnel-dwelling, bank robber. cough, cough, not this time at least;) so yah, that was my yesterday at work...fun stuff i know, lol, the funny thing about these posts are that some of you i know will laugh your heads off, picturing me and shasta, and some of you , on the other hand, will not even crack a smile. but that's ok. it really was pretty funny...now

batman strikes again!!

2005-10-30T12:47:00.000-06:00

ok, so maybe it's not really batman, but she looks just like him...hehe, we had fun trying on halloween costumes at target. i thought about pulling the whole, "i cannot reveal the secret identity of the masked creature"..ok, but i know you'll laugh a whole lot harder knowing it's shasta!! well, my camera died before we could try on anymore, so the rest of the pictures are on my phone, hehe, but yah, that was pretty fun...although i did hear walmart has a much wider selection.....hmm. well, if you're ever bored this fall season, check out the sweetest costumes at your nearby retailer:)

dressing in style...or something

2005-10-30T12:43:00.000-06:00

haha, target is always a good place for quality fun. me, bryan, and shasta stopped in friday night. and this is what we found to do. here, shasta and bryan sport this fall's finest styles...hmmm, ya, i'm not really sure that people actually wear this stuff. but it does make for a good photo op, and a laugh:)

good old jones

2005-10-30T12:33:00.000-06:00

yeah for jones soda!! well, on friday, we didn't have any classes because of dome day. thursday night, a bunch of us got together and we watched batman begins, which is a pretty sweet movie i must say. then shasta and i had to work, but thankfully we talked annie and janelle into sharing the joy of work with us...hehe, so they helped us. when we got home, they were watching the village...hmm, yah, that one was kinda dumb, but it does have a sweet soundtrack!! k, so friday we had practice at like 7:30. it was so cold! but it looked so cool out there, there wasl ike frost on the grass, brrr, but it was fun:) then we picked up bryan. shasta, bryan, and i just kinda chilled the rest of the day. doing lots of random things. haha, from grocery shopping, raking, trying on halloween costumes at target (my favorite part:) oh yah, and of course we settled down to enjoy a nice round of good old jones soda. cheers!

a man after God's own heart

2005-10-27T11:56:00.000-05:00

so, we had missions conference this week and it was soooo good! besides all the missionaries presenting their ministries, this guy was preaching all week. he was a missionary to japan, but now he's come back and i think he works on a missions board. but anyways, his preaching this week was amazing! while all the preaching was a huge challenge, his life is even more of a challenge. let me explain, this guy has been through his entire life, and he's been serving God. he's served in so many different ministry capacities, including the missions field. and still, after all that--he is still going strong! ok, hear me out. what do you picture when you picture someone who is passionate about God? (age, actions, etc) i usually picture someone in their late 20's-40's. someone like my youth pastor. but, this man is a living example of how good God really is. i mean, he's been serving God his entire life, and his passion seems to only have grown. he didn't get older and kinda wear down and lose his passion. nope, it grew. and today, it's so clear that he has tasted and seen how good God really is. he has lived a full life and loves God more now than ever. you know, some have this view of ministry--the view that it's hard and a huge sacrifice.....but this was definitely not his view. we can be so excited for the opportunity to serve God. look at his faithful servant, who he has blessed. well, i'm just thankful for this man, who truly is one after God's own heart.

this weekend, and next summer

2005-10-27T11:43:00.000-05:00

yay! we don't have classes tomorrow!! yeah for dr. jaspers and his presidential holiday! we have a playoff game, so we can't really leave town, but it'll be sooo nice to have a break! nothing big planned, we have practice friday morning at like 7, craziness, but that's ok, cuz then we'll have nothing the rest of the day. me, shasta, and bryan will probably do something fun that requires no money or energy..hehe then saturday we have breakfast at coach's house and our playoff game against lakeland, which is like 2 hours away i think. as for next summer, big jump i know, but for you who keep asking, i'm still not exactly sure what i'll be doing...camp team tryouts were yesterday, and they didn't seem too promising, which is ok, cuz i don't even know what i would want to do. i mean, sure it would be nice for my next semester to be paid for, but at the same time, i want to go back to northland. and i've also been thinking about possibly going to ironwood, maybe...and now after missions conference, i really want to go on a missions trip. so...well, as for next summer i have no idea what i will be doing. i know that doesn't answer anyone's questions..hehe, but as far as this weekend. no classes!!! just soccer and fun! (oh yah, and i may have to throw some homework and work in there too)

a little more fire

2005-10-25T21:44:00.000-05:00

yay!! today was a sweet day! NO tests, no quizzes, no practice, no work!yay! i actually got to get caught up a little today on some homework and projects. but that's not the best part (lest you think i'm going crazy) nope! we have missions conference this week! and my youth pastor is here!!! well, my youth pastor when i was growing up. his name's john zimmer, and he is going to be a missionary to paulau, it's a little island in micronesia. anyways, it was sooo good to see them all today! and i found out that they just got 100% of their support! so they will be leaving at the beginning of january. how sweet is that?!? i'm really gonna miss them, but i am sooo excited that they are well on their way! but wow! i am really thankful for godly youth pastors and their wives. pastor john was my youth pastor from 6th grade all the way til i graduated. i have met very few people who match his passion and "realness" and that is why he influenced us soo much! i mean, think back to your junior high days. it's just the time when you're trying to figure everything out for your own. you're trying to figure out who your friends will be, what you believe and why, and where you're going to head in life (as far as following God or just going your own way). you know you can see right through anyone who's not real. you question everything, and you want reasons why. you're looking for an example, not someone who will just tell you what you should do, but someone who's actually living what you should do. you want to follow someone who's real! well, that's pj for ya! and jamie. that is exactly why one person can make such a difference in others' lives. i'm so thankful for that influence! well, for any of you that are planning on working with youth, remember what it was like to be there. just be real! i mean, even today, in our school, that's what causes most of the problems. it's because people pretend to be something they're not. it's when we call ourselves christians, but barely have a walk. it's when we pretend to have it all together, but really we're falling apart (spiritually). is it worth it? is it worth it to have people think you're one thing, when you're completely another? i don't think so. in fact, God told us he hates it! so if you're gonna go that route, then why even call yourself a christian? a christian, a little Christ, do you want people to know Christ as half-hearted, lukewarm, and apathetic? it's a challenge at any level to read that passage. God commands us not to be lukewarm. be either hot or cold, He says, just don't be lukewarm. so where do we let it creep in? when do we let that heat escape, the cold water in, and the water grow warm? in a million different ways--by not staying focused, by not being in the Word, by letting down our guard...but mostly, by not loving God with ALL that is in us. i mean, i know it's not easy, it seems like every day i fail. but would God command us to do it if it was impossible? so, let's just shake things up a bit, hey? let's heat it up one by one, so that we're not lukewarm. so that we can influence others, so that our walk matches our talk so that we can just be real.

i'm so glad that God is good, especially on these very long days...

2005-10-24T15:31:00.000-05:00

so, yup, today was a long one, actually i'm only half done:) but God is good. it's days like these, (actually any day, but especially these days) when the Bible falls open almost instinctively to psalm 139. this is my favorite psalm!! well, the verses for today from here are verses 17-18. "how precious also are thy thoughts unto me, o God!! how great is the sum of them! if i should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when i awake, i am still with thee." i mean, really, can it get any better than that?!?! it still amazes me that i'm not just a number down here on the earth...nope, not with my God. he thinks about me, and has it all planned out. i can't even claim those words (the thoughts are more in number than the sand) about my closest friend...and yet, the God of all the universe can say that to me, his little child...well, i'm off to practice now, but i hope that those verses encouraged you as much as they did me. have a great day! and get some good time in the Word! l8r

the classics are always the best!

2005-10-23T21:24:00.000-05:00

the classics always rock! today was a little, uh, stressful, so me annie and jon went down to my room, lit some candles, and put sleeping beauty into my computer. it's so funny, cuz i seriously probably haven't seen that movie since i was like 7, and that evil maleficent (scary lady with the horns)--i never liked her, she always scared me. but yah, it's a good one anyways. it was pretty funny though, the different things that annie or i would remember. see, i 'm the kinda person that watches a movie, and if i make it through without falling asleep, the chances are very slim that i will even be able to tell you the main character's name at the end. but then there's annie, she even remembered that the font of the credits was the same as the classic. (we were watching the new edition) now as for this fairy tale, merryweather, the blue fairy, is by far the coolest. even though she always ruins everything and gets everyone in trouble. she's got some spunk at least. well, anyways, at the conclusion of the movie i realized i could never be a fairy, cuz i can't rhyme like they do...ok, there may be a few other things holding me back from "fairy hood" but all in all, it was a pretty sweet movie. so, when you're havin a rough day, go back to the classics! (unless you're in the dorms, then don't be naughty and watch movies, hehe)

why in the world do we pay people to scare us?

2005-10-23T14:39:00.000-05:00

k, so last night i went to this haunted forest with a bunch of friends from school. it was so awesome! although it is kinda funny that we pay people to let us into their woods so they can scare us...anyways, it's in this little town called tichigan....not really sure where that is, but i think somewhere towards the waukesha direction. see aimee, you're not so sick, i guess i enjoy alittle terror every now and then too;) anywho, i just got back from work, so i think now i'm gonna try to get some stuff done before i go back to church, maybe i'll try to call a few people that i haven't seen in a while, alright, well i'm out. l8r

more quality bonding time

2005-10-19T18:08:00.000-05:00

yup, jon and i were at it again. i don't know why, but noone else wanted to come home with us today. for some odd reason, most peopel in this world do not eat cereal for more than breakfast. weird people! but me and jon love our cereal! hehe so it was funny, cuz we were talking about ceareal (among other things, don't worry) on our way home today. and then we got home and bam! my mom just went grocery shopping, so jonathan was excited to tell me that there was tons of cereal. so we sat down to our cereal feast. but jon and i have this tradition, see, we always try to make eachother spit out your milk/cereal from laughing so hard--which is another reason we don't eat breakfast together. so today, like any other, we were at it again. needless to say, we ended up with lots of milk/cereal .....yah, and it took us like 20minutes to finish. hehe, actually, jon never really did finish come to think of it. then my dad was fortunate enough to walk in on our feast, however, he did not wish to partake. pity! (imagine that with a british accent helaine!) anyways, if you're ever bored, you should come join us for a good old bowl of cereal.

quality time with the little bro

2005-10-19T07:38:00.000-05:00

yah, so every morning all four of us drive in to school, yup, me, annie, christine and jonathan. in a few days we'll be adding susie ferris to the mix of our joyous camry ride, but for now it's just us yogerst kids. well, in a usual morning, this is what happens:
who knows how early? : christine wakes up
a little later: annie wakes up
a little later: em and jon wake up
occasionally you will run into someone else at the breakfast table, where a sleepy nod works for good morning. everything else is pretty slow until the last few minutes where christine is usually in the car, waiting ever so patiently for her fellow siblings, while everyone else is running around frantically in the house. ok, maybe not frantically...so then, after much ado, we proceed to the car ride. well, anyways, past the car ride. on m/w/f christine has first hour class, so we all come in early. ha, that's when the fun starts, with me annie and jon left in the car. it's usually pretty interesting. anyways, this morning it was just me and jonathan. well, he was telling me about all the things that annoy him in the world. first off, i was asking him why he doesn't ever gel his hair, and he informed me that gel is only for special occasions. plus, he explained, it's impossible to get out. he told me that even after scrubbing away with shampoo, it doesn't come out. now my little brother is a perfectionist about some of these things, so he told me there was no way he could possibly leave those flakes of gel in his hair,so he vaccuumes them out. ha, he also explained to me his abhorrance(not sure how to spell that) for long hair. and with four older sisters, that is pretty much inevitable. hehe, you'll have to have him explain it to you sometime. well, all in all, it was a fun morning. now i'm sitting in the computer lab with my little bro, while he plays hours of fun at mofunzone.com joy! alright, well, i'm off for now, but for the record, even though my little brother can be pretty annoying, he can also provide plenty of entertainment (currently, he is pretending to be an old man, and he's turtle jumping?) hmm, ya, i don't know either. but if you don't know him, you should talk to him some time, cuz after you get past the annoying part, he's pretty funny.

ode to silverbow

2005-10-18T22:11:00.000-05:00

silverbow is comin, comin down the path,
this ain't no sunday stroll, and this ain't no bubble bath
ok...just kidding, i won't go through the whole thing. ha, for those of you who have no idea what that was, uh just come ask me some time, i'll show ya the whole thing, and maybe if you're lucky enough i'll even do the actions. anyways.. silverbow was really the sweetest cabin ever!!! and ryan berg was the sweetest bro counselor! ok, yah, i know, here i go with camp again. BUT i have a good reason, i heard from like a million people from camp today! and like 5 of my campers e-mailed me too! yay! it was all random, and out of the blue, but it just made my day. once again though, i am amazed at God's life-changing power! he can take anyone, ANYONE, and change their life. it's even more amazing when you watch it happen right before your very eyes. this summer, two of my campers that came together one week got saved, and their lives changed so much! they just e-mailed me today, and told me what God is doing in their lives today!! today, God is still at work! i don't know about you, but i think that is wicked awesome!!!! they told me about how they gave up drinking and smoking and now they are going to church, reading their bibles, and makin some good new friends. that is amazing! only a powerful God can do that work! what a God we serve!! .....well, i know this wasn't exactly an "ode"...cuz technically, idon't really know how to write one, and it doesn't have much to do with silverbow, cuz i got a little sidetracked, but, that's ok. maybe some other time;)

friends from camp!!

2005-10-18T17:43:00.000-05:00

fun stuff! on saturday, we had a party with a bunch of the people who worked at camp this summer from maranatha. it was so much fun!! we played this sweet game, (one!!! five!!!) and then we had a blast calling all sorts of friends from the summer. and to top it all off, northland came on monday! yay! so we got to see trev, deedee, bethann, steve, and liz! yay! i'm still tryin to figure out whether or not i will go back next summer, but i really would love to! there really is nothin like it! yah, northland camp!

hard at work..or something

2005-10-17T12:37:00.000-05:00

so, here i am, working hard in the osm, ok, well, actually, there's no work for me to do, and there is no one else even in here....so, yup, i'm left with nothing of the work sort to do (unfortunate, i know;) well, on a good note, NORTHLAND IS HERE!!! yay, if you are reading this right now, you should take this as a sign from God to go talk to them. lol, ok, i'm just kidding, sorta...no, but seriously, if you are considering a summer ministry, pray about northland. it is amazing!! i know that God leads people different places, but if that is where God leads you, i can guarantee that you wouldn't regret it. it's tough, but it is sooo worth it! sometime i will write about it..but ok, i'm done with my commercial. lol well, i'm going to study for my gen psych test, cuz it's next hour, and i sorta forgot about it. oops!

2005-10-14T22:16:00.000-05:00

proud uncle jon and his new little niece

2005-10-14T22:13:00.000-05:00

baby zoey

2005-10-14T22:12:00.000-05:00

brian and his new little baby girl!

2005-10-14T22:10:00.000-05:00

baby zoey!!! my new niece!

2005-10-14T22:08:00.000-05:00

mel, em, hannah, and lisa