Tomorrow night around the globe people will be counting down the change from 2007 to 2008. As we have all seen on television 2007 has been an interesting year. Celebs had falls from grace, lots of criminal activity, and a few shiny moments in the news. All the news stations are counting down the most influential, notrious, interesting, etc. events of 2007. I thought that I would take the time to personally do this.
My best moment of 2007: the first night I spent in my new townhouse. It marked the beginning of the next step of my life and was quite exciting!
My worst moment of 2007: saying a final good-bye to a wonderful friend that died suddenly.
My most interesting moment of 2007: Brett Farve surpassing Dan Marino's record. What a thrill!
My most memorable moment of 2007: saying good-bye to family and friends in Sheridan as I prepared to move to VA. Hard, exciting, scary, wonderful, sad, happy, so many emotions in such a short period of time.
Least expected moment of 2007: the people I met out here. I have such a wonderful, interesting group of friends out here. I didn't expect to meet such wonderful, but all very different people out here. Interesting that we all get along. LBTS people are great! Oh yes and meeting Brian...
So there you have it. My moments of 2007. So much has happened, as it does every year. With all that happened this year, I can't wait to continue the journey in 2008!!! May ya'all reflect on your year, and anticipate the good and bad times of 2008. The good times rock, but the bad are where we can really shine. Dealing with adversity with grace is such a wonderful character trait, one that I am trying to improve. We all face adversity in one form of another, we might as well do our best to reflect Christ while facing it.
I hope to spend time with as many of ya'all as possible in 2008.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas and Happy Boxing Day!
"For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord" (St. Luke 2).
I don't know how I'd ever be able to navigate this life if it wasn't for the babe in the manger those many years ago. Babies are cute, wonderful, and grow into adults, many of which are wonderful, and a few cute. Jesus was not one of those. He grew into an adult that was the Savior of the world. A man that knew the full extent of being a human. A God that loved His creation so much that He came down, so that we could be up with Him one day.
It is typical to spend the time between now and New Year's pondering the year that is ending and looking forward to the year that is about to begin. As I look back I see a roller coaster. A few totally amazing things happened this year, and a few totally devastating things as well. You know what else I see? I see God. I see His hand guiding my steps. I see Him taking me in His arms and telling me that He is in control, and He loves me. That I will be able to wake up the next day. Throughout the events of the year I see God.
How do people navigate this life without God? I know some do a very awful job at it, and yet others seem to be living satisfying lives without God. They seem content, no debt, lots of friends, a family they love, a fulfilling career, a nice home, hobbies, etc. These are the people I pray for the most. The people that on the outside don't seem to need God.
It is easy to pray for people on the street, getting divorced, alcoholics, in debt, in the hospital, injured, troubled, the train wrecks on tv. We know that those people need the Lord, it is quite evident. It is the people that do not know they need the Lord, and that other people see are doing just fine. These are some people I hurt for the most. Who is going to share Christ with them? Just because a person is traveling on a flat road does not mean that they don't need help. All people need help. All people need Christ. ALL fall short of the glory of God.
This year has not been easy, but it has been a year, 365 days full of opportunities to grow stronger and more mature in Christ, and to share my Savior with others. 365 days where I can tell my friends and family that I love them.
All in all, I am one very blessed individual. I live the most precious country in the world, I have a nice home with heat/ac, electricity, cable, internet, nice furnishing, a wonderful cat, friends, family, a great seminary where I am growing in my knowledge and walk with Christ. I have a car that runs economically, and many wonderful books and knicknacks. I am mostly healthy (a migraine here and there, a few other problems, but overall mostly healthy), I am well fed, and very blessed. Life is mostly good. It is such a blessing to live in America. It would take me hours to say why, so I won't (for now)!
"May the road rise to meet you..."
May you see God in the sunshine,
And the work of the Lord in the rain.
May a friend always be by your side,
And wisdom and prayer be your two guides.
May the one, true God be the One you call "Lord".
That is all that it takes to be able to be blessed. Just remember this "Life on earth may be expensive, but it does include free trips around the sun." (don't remember who said that).
Merry Christmas 2007 and Happy Boxing Day!!!
I don't know how I'd ever be able to navigate this life if it wasn't for the babe in the manger those many years ago. Babies are cute, wonderful, and grow into adults, many of which are wonderful, and a few cute. Jesus was not one of those. He grew into an adult that was the Savior of the world. A man that knew the full extent of being a human. A God that loved His creation so much that He came down, so that we could be up with Him one day.
It is typical to spend the time between now and New Year's pondering the year that is ending and looking forward to the year that is about to begin. As I look back I see a roller coaster. A few totally amazing things happened this year, and a few totally devastating things as well. You know what else I see? I see God. I see His hand guiding my steps. I see Him taking me in His arms and telling me that He is in control, and He loves me. That I will be able to wake up the next day. Throughout the events of the year I see God.
How do people navigate this life without God? I know some do a very awful job at it, and yet others seem to be living satisfying lives without God. They seem content, no debt, lots of friends, a family they love, a fulfilling career, a nice home, hobbies, etc. These are the people I pray for the most. The people that on the outside don't seem to need God.
It is easy to pray for people on the street, getting divorced, alcoholics, in debt, in the hospital, injured, troubled, the train wrecks on tv. We know that those people need the Lord, it is quite evident. It is the people that do not know they need the Lord, and that other people see are doing just fine. These are some people I hurt for the most. Who is going to share Christ with them? Just because a person is traveling on a flat road does not mean that they don't need help. All people need help. All people need Christ. ALL fall short of the glory of God.
This year has not been easy, but it has been a year, 365 days full of opportunities to grow stronger and more mature in Christ, and to share my Savior with others. 365 days where I can tell my friends and family that I love them.
All in all, I am one very blessed individual. I live the most precious country in the world, I have a nice home with heat/ac, electricity, cable, internet, nice furnishing, a wonderful cat, friends, family, a great seminary where I am growing in my knowledge and walk with Christ. I have a car that runs economically, and many wonderful books and knicknacks. I am mostly healthy (a migraine here and there, a few other problems, but overall mostly healthy), I am well fed, and very blessed. Life is mostly good. It is such a blessing to live in America. It would take me hours to say why, so I won't (for now)!
"May the road rise to meet you..."
May you see God in the sunshine,
And the work of the Lord in the rain.
May a friend always be by your side,
And wisdom and prayer be your two guides.
May the one, true God be the One you call "Lord".
That is all that it takes to be able to be blessed. Just remember this "Life on earth may be expensive, but it does include free trips around the sun." (don't remember who said that).
Merry Christmas 2007 and Happy Boxing Day!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Things to Do Over Christmas
Dear All,
Hey there! In 7 days it will be Christmas. Many of us are on vacation during this time, visiting friends and family, celebrating the birth and life of our Savior. I figure that just in case you don't have each hour planned you might want some ideas of things to do. So I have compiled a list of things to do.
1) go to www.godtube.com and listen to Ergun Caner give his testimony. It is about 24 mins long, but well worth the time. Mr. Caner is the president of my seminary. He is a former Muslim. Next semester I am taking a class from him. I think you will feel blessed after listening to this testimony.
2) Try to sing familiar Christmas carols backward...it is a great way to burn calories and work out your abs, cuz you will end up laughing!
3) Read the Christmas account from Luke in KJV, NIV and the Message and discuss the differences in language used.
4) Read my blog (which you are doing, so you can cross this off the list)!
5) Call up a friend you haven't talked to in ages and catch up on each other's lives.
6) Build a snowman, if you don't have snow outside use playdough, and hey then you can a make a yellow snowman that isn't gross!
7) Make a video for youtube or godtube that shares your testimony.
8) Make a list of questions you have about God/Christ/the Bible/Christianity (we all have them, even mature Christians, for none of us completely understand God, we can't, but we can search and ask God to reveal Himself and answer our questions). In lieu of making New Year's Resolutions, use the year to find answers to your questions. So much healthier for the soul than trying to lose 18 pounds or give up junk food, or whatever resolutions we make a break with the new year.
9) Watch an animated movie and relive the joy of a child. Don't critique it, just sit, watch and enjoy it.
10) Tell the people around you that you love them. Let your friends know that they are important to you. One thing I have learned in a dramatic and tragic way this year is that we never know how long we have on this earth. We should use our time to share Jesus with as many people as possible, and let our friends and family know that we love them.
Most importantly enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and take time to relax and rejuvenate for the coming year.
Hey there! In 7 days it will be Christmas. Many of us are on vacation during this time, visiting friends and family, celebrating the birth and life of our Savior. I figure that just in case you don't have each hour planned you might want some ideas of things to do. So I have compiled a list of things to do.
1) go to www.godtube.com and listen to Ergun Caner give his testimony. It is about 24 mins long, but well worth the time. Mr. Caner is the president of my seminary. He is a former Muslim. Next semester I am taking a class from him. I think you will feel blessed after listening to this testimony.
2) Try to sing familiar Christmas carols backward...it is a great way to burn calories and work out your abs, cuz you will end up laughing!
3) Read the Christmas account from Luke in KJV, NIV and the Message and discuss the differences in language used.
4) Read my blog (which you are doing, so you can cross this off the list)!
5) Call up a friend you haven't talked to in ages and catch up on each other's lives.
6) Build a snowman, if you don't have snow outside use playdough, and hey then you can a make a yellow snowman that isn't gross!
7) Make a video for youtube or godtube that shares your testimony.
8) Make a list of questions you have about God/Christ/the Bible/Christianity (we all have them, even mature Christians, for none of us completely understand God, we can't, but we can search and ask God to reveal Himself and answer our questions). In lieu of making New Year's Resolutions, use the year to find answers to your questions. So much healthier for the soul than trying to lose 18 pounds or give up junk food, or whatever resolutions we make a break with the new year.
9) Watch an animated movie and relive the joy of a child. Don't critique it, just sit, watch and enjoy it.
10) Tell the people around you that you love them. Let your friends know that they are important to you. One thing I have learned in a dramatic and tragic way this year is that we never know how long we have on this earth. We should use our time to share Jesus with as many people as possible, and let our friends and family know that we love them.
Most importantly enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and take time to relax and rejuvenate for the coming year.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Are You Ready...?
It is now mid December, and the Packers have clinched a playoff position, and the NFC North division! Life is pretty good in football land. My team has only lost twice this season. That is a great thing. Brett Farve is Sports Illustrated's "Sportsman of the Year". He is very talented, and willing to play through adversity. The team may not have much of a running game, but what they do has been working fairly well this season. So I ask you, are you ready for the Packers to take the post-season? I sure am!
Here is the thing, we lost to the Bears at home (embarrassing) and to the Cowboys in Dallas. Losing to the Cowboys I could normally deal with, but did you see the game? I seriously want to know how much money the refs were paid by Dallas! The play calling was beyond horrendous. Now, I'm not totally blaming the results on the zebras, but they went out of their way to help Dallas.
So, if we can't even beat the Bears at home, how are we supposed to survive when we meet Dallas in the championship game, to see which NFC team goes to the Superbowl?
First of all, we need honest refs. Second, we need to band together as a team and not only bring our "A" game, but our "A+++" game. We need to play better than we have in any of our games this season. Favre can't throw any interceptions, and the defense needs to shut down TO and keep Dallas from converting on 3rd downs.
If we can do that, we have a good chance of pulling out a victory and making it to the Superbowl. Then, we face our toughest competition in a VERY long time, the New England Patriots. I have little doubt that the Pats will represent the AFC. They are 13-0 after all. Yes, it only takes in 1 defeat in the post-season to be finished, but I think the Pats are going all the way. So how in the world are the Packers going to beat the Patriots, when we lost to the Cowboys in the regular season?
That is going to take a mighty act of being a unified team. The boys have to give it all they have, and then some. The Patriots have proven to be a formidable foe, but a foe with holes in its armor. Yes, they are undefeated, but it has been very iffy a few times. They can be beaten. The Packers could very well be the team to do that. The defense cannot allow the Patriots to make it to Red Zone. The defense needs to sack the QB, and keep him scrambling. They need to shut down the run. The offense needs to be on the same page. Brett can't throw interceptions, and the WR's need to be open. The run game has to improve. If all this happens, then the critical defeat for the Patriots will come in Arizona (I think that is where the Superbowl is this season) against the Packers.
So, I ask you again, are you ready for the GREEN BAY PACKERS to WIN the SUPERBOWL???
Here is the thing, we lost to the Bears at home (embarrassing) and to the Cowboys in Dallas. Losing to the Cowboys I could normally deal with, but did you see the game? I seriously want to know how much money the refs were paid by Dallas! The play calling was beyond horrendous. Now, I'm not totally blaming the results on the zebras, but they went out of their way to help Dallas.
So, if we can't even beat the Bears at home, how are we supposed to survive when we meet Dallas in the championship game, to see which NFC team goes to the Superbowl?
First of all, we need honest refs. Second, we need to band together as a team and not only bring our "A" game, but our "A+++" game. We need to play better than we have in any of our games this season. Favre can't throw any interceptions, and the defense needs to shut down TO and keep Dallas from converting on 3rd downs.
If we can do that, we have a good chance of pulling out a victory and making it to the Superbowl. Then, we face our toughest competition in a VERY long time, the New England Patriots. I have little doubt that the Pats will represent the AFC. They are 13-0 after all. Yes, it only takes in 1 defeat in the post-season to be finished, but I think the Pats are going all the way. So how in the world are the Packers going to beat the Patriots, when we lost to the Cowboys in the regular season?
That is going to take a mighty act of being a unified team. The boys have to give it all they have, and then some. The Patriots have proven to be a formidable foe, but a foe with holes in its armor. Yes, they are undefeated, but it has been very iffy a few times. They can be beaten. The Packers could very well be the team to do that. The defense cannot allow the Patriots to make it to Red Zone. The defense needs to sack the QB, and keep him scrambling. They need to shut down the run. The offense needs to be on the same page. Brett can't throw interceptions, and the WR's need to be open. The run game has to improve. If all this happens, then the critical defeat for the Patriots will come in Arizona (I think that is where the Superbowl is this season) against the Packers.
So, I ask you again, are you ready for the GREEN BAY PACKERS to WIN the SUPERBOWL???
Christ Came!!!
Celebrating Christ, means we celebrate life. Christ came that all may have life, and have an abundant and full life. Christ came, so that mankind would no longer have to sacrifice animals to atone for their sins. Christ came to show us what Heaven is like. Christ came to show us how to live our lives. Chris came for a plethora of reasons. During December, Christian around the globe celebrate the fact that Christ came. Christ came down from Heaven. Christ came for each and everyone of us. Our lives can be fuller, happier, filled with joy and peace, all because Christ came.
Not only did Christ come, but Christ died. To celebrate the birth of Christ, we also have to celebrate and remember the death and resurrection of Christ. For Christ did not come to just live here for a few years and go home. Christ was on a mission. The mission was the salvation of souls. Salvation was accomplished through His death on the cross, and His resurrection. Christ came, and Christ accomplished His goals. Mission Accomplished! Christ wins, death loses, Satan is vanquished. Glorious. Christ came, and Christ won the battle.
Merry Christmas, and may the full glory of the season, all the meanings of Christmas be on your thoughts as we prepare to celebrate the miraculous birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Amazing love, God came down in the form of a babe. He was born, celebrated, lived, died, and lives again! Immanuel, God was with us then, in that manger, and He is with us now, in our hearts, guiding our lives and loving us. Loving us, fallen, broken, sinful, unworthy mankind. God came to us, because He loves us. Amazing love. We have SO much to celebrate this Christmas! I love this time of year.
Not only did Christ come, but Christ died. To celebrate the birth of Christ, we also have to celebrate and remember the death and resurrection of Christ. For Christ did not come to just live here for a few years and go home. Christ was on a mission. The mission was the salvation of souls. Salvation was accomplished through His death on the cross, and His resurrection. Christ came, and Christ accomplished His goals. Mission Accomplished! Christ wins, death loses, Satan is vanquished. Glorious. Christ came, and Christ won the battle.
Merry Christmas, and may the full glory of the season, all the meanings of Christmas be on your thoughts as we prepare to celebrate the miraculous birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Amazing love, God came down in the form of a babe. He was born, celebrated, lived, died, and lives again! Immanuel, God was with us then, in that manger, and He is with us now, in our hearts, guiding our lives and loving us. Loving us, fallen, broken, sinful, unworthy mankind. God came to us, because He loves us. Amazing love. We have SO much to celebrate this Christmas! I love this time of year.
The End
PTL! I can say "the end" to my first semester at seminary. For the most part I am enjoying seminary. I'm learning a heck of a lot of stuff, and I'm friends with some wonderful people (an eclectic group I must admit), and I'm growing in my relationship with Christ. Yet, this has been a tough semester, and my grades reflect that. Next semester should be much better. All in all, this semester is over and now I can focus on Christmas. I get to go down to NC and see all my family there, and then fly home to Sheridan for a bit to see my friends and family there. I love Christmas, because it is a time to see people that I love, and don't get to see any other time, most years. Christmas is also awesome because it is the time when we all can celebrate the birth of Christ and the love of God for each of us.
I don't have much else to say right now (I know, ya'all are shocked). "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny, than a half penny will do, and if you haven't got a half-penny, than God bless you!" (from a tapestry I have).
I don't have much else to say right now (I know, ya'all are shocked). "Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, please put a penny in the old man's hat. If you haven't got a penny, than a half penny will do, and if you haven't got a half-penny, than God bless you!" (from a tapestry I have).
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
I Think I Can, I Think I Can...
Right now it is only 9:45pm on Tuesday evening (the 11th of December, this 2007th year of our Lord) and I am studying for my final final of my first semester in seminary. I now remember why I was so excited to graduate from high school and college. I love school, because I love to learn. I absolutely detest finals! They are so stressful. Especially when the grade you receive on a final can affect if you will pass the class or not. Finals are part of the evil of this world. I'm totally convinced of this fact.
In 9 hrs and 13 mins (give or take a minute or two) I will be down in "the maze" taking my Old Testament exam. I have been studying my little heart out, so I'm praying that the Lord rewards that, and when I see the exam I remember what I need to remember and clearly show the professor that I know what I'm talking about, and that my grade will reflect all this study time. If not I'm going to scream, and people in Australia will be able to hear me!
I know that I know the material, so I shouldn't be worried, but I am, because I like to do well in school, and I don't feel like I have done well this semester. Yes, I know that personally it has been a tough one. I just hate that I let it get to me and affect my performance in class. I like to excell at what I attempt.
Even though I didn't excell this semester, I do know (deep down) that I did my best, all things considered, so I have rest in the knowledge that God isn't worried about the letter grade, just that I did my best. Then, in January I start afresh with new professors, a blank slate on the grade book, new classes, and 4 new chances to do my best.
I am stressed about the final, because it is a final (so serious sounding), but I think I can do it. I'm like the "Little Engine that Could". I have a big hill to climb, I'm weighted down by the knowledge of hundreds of years of OT history, but I have the strength, and I have God on my side, so I think I can do this!
Check in later to see how I did!
PS. I like this picture, it is calming, and reminds me that in the grand scheme of God, how I do on 1 little exam is not going to affect His love for me, or my love for Him, and His creation. Mountains are awesome, I can't wait to see "My" BigHorns again (Dec. 23)!!! OK...OK...back to studying!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Still in Sheridan...
So I was decorating my house for Christmas earlier this week and I was setting up and in my Christmas closet when I realized, I don't have my tub of Christmas tree ornaments. My whole life I have been saving all my special ornaments and using them to decorate my tree, and this year I can't I left that tub in Sheridan in my parents' garage! That is over 2000 miles away. Aww.
So now I have to come up with a cheap, but still nice way to decorate my artificial tree. I think I have come up with a solution. I am going to use candy canes (then after Christmas I can eat them, decorations and food all in 1), lights and then a few Christmas balls that I can find for little money. I think that it will turn it well. I am setting up my tree this weekend, so stay posted for a picture of the result!
So now I have to come up with a cheap, but still nice way to decorate my artificial tree. I think I have come up with a solution. I am going to use candy canes (then after Christmas I can eat them, decorations and food all in 1), lights and then a few Christmas balls that I can find for little money. I think that it will turn it well. I am setting up my tree this weekend, so stay posted for a picture of the result!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Back Home
Today is my first full day back at home, and I find myself sick. That's right I said it. Sore throat so I can't swallow, headache, tired, not so much fun. At least I'm at home, and I didn't have class today, so I could sit at home and work on my homework while I'm not feeling good. Hopefully I will wake up tomorrow feeling wonderful.
Aside from all that nonsense I am very glad to be home. I have enjoyed spending time with my cat. And getting my house back in order, and sitting in my wonderful library and working on my school work. I love my library, it is so cozy and comfortable.
It has been a gloomy day today, and looks to be gloomy for a few more days. Kind of matches my mood. Yet, I have been thinking about my trip, and all the fun I had. I am still not sure what the highlight was. I think maybe it was the Met and seeing the Egypt exhibit. That is something I've wanted to do for a long time. Or, maybe it was Mary Poppins. Broadway is so much fun. I'm not sure, but those are two things that were a lot of fun.
New York can be a great place...to visit! Next time I get up there I want to see Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty. I definitely want to go back, but not for awhile. I need to recover from being surrounded by all those people, there are so many buildings and people that it gets claustrophobic.
I pray that ya'all have a great last few days of November. Hard to believe that 2007 is drawing to a close. Wow! Christmas is really upon us!!! That is so cool and yet hard to believe at the same time. Happy Monday.
Aside from all that nonsense I am very glad to be home. I have enjoyed spending time with my cat. And getting my house back in order, and sitting in my wonderful library and working on my school work. I love my library, it is so cozy and comfortable.
It has been a gloomy day today, and looks to be gloomy for a few more days. Kind of matches my mood. Yet, I have been thinking about my trip, and all the fun I had. I am still not sure what the highlight was. I think maybe it was the Met and seeing the Egypt exhibit. That is something I've wanted to do for a long time. Or, maybe it was Mary Poppins. Broadway is so much fun. I'm not sure, but those are two things that were a lot of fun.
New York can be a great place...to visit! Next time I get up there I want to see Ground Zero and the Statue of Liberty. I definitely want to go back, but not for awhile. I need to recover from being surrounded by all those people, there are so many buildings and people that it gets claustrophobic.
I pray that ya'all have a great last few days of November. Hard to believe that 2007 is drawing to a close. Wow! Christmas is really upon us!!! That is so cool and yet hard to believe at the same time. Happy Monday.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
New York City-Day 4
Good morning! I leave for Penn Station in a couple of hours. This is my last morning in the Big Apple. Yesterday was a really fun day, as the ones before it were. As I've told Bethany and my parents: New York is a great city, a great place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live here. I love cities, and being surrounded by people, but this is TOO many people! I have had a blast this week though.
Saturday consisted of traveling on the bus and then the train to go to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. At the museum we went into an apartment all done up to look like it did when immigrants lived there. There was a 13 year old girl dressed up and acting the part of Victoria Confino (a young girl from the early 1900's). We could touch anything and ask her anything about her life. It was interesting. Then, we went a room they had set up with a big dinning room table and our group discussed issues surrounding immigration then and now. In our group were 2 young parents with a 2 year old girl. They were Mormons with a lot of disposable income and were rather abrasive and snooty and not very nice people. There was also a family from DC, some NY'ers and us. A very interesting mix of people. The museum experience was great.
After we finished at the museum we headed back to the Bronx and to Bethany's house. Once here, we grouted our picture boxes we had made at the art shop and rested a bit. Then, we got all gussied up and left for Broadway and Mary Poppins! We rode the train down to Broadway. For dinner we ate at McDonald's on Broadway, and I wish I had taken a picture, it was a very classy McDonald's. There were movie screens and Christmas music, and let me just say, it was quite a nice, upscale atmosphere.
From McDonald's it was a short walk (practically next door) to the Amsterdam Theatre and Mary Poppins! Our seats were in the balcony, third from the back on the left side. We had a thin pole to look around, but that didn't really bother me. Before it started, we visited and read the Playbill, and I shot a quick picture of the stage. Then, the lights dimmed and the show began!
Oh my, the things they can do with the sets and making things appear and disappear out of seemingly thin air. Mary Poppins did fly (attached to a thin cable) and all the actors and actresses did a wonderful job. The music, the lighting, the effects, it was all spectacular. I got a souvenir cup, and of course my ticket. The show ended and we dealt with the theatre traffic and made it to our bus station. The bus driver let us off, practically right in front of the door to Bethany's apartment.
Day Four, was a great day. A lot of transit time. That is one of the things I have noticed about life in a huge city. You have to factor in a lot of transit time to get from place to place. Makes me happy for my 12 minute commute to Liberty from my house.
So, today I leave. It has been fun, but I am ready to get back and be around my cat and my stuff again. Next time I come up I want to go to Ground Zero, Lady Liberty and few other things, we didn't get to this trip. With that said, it has been a great trip, and aside from getting to hang out with Bethany, I'm not sure yet what the highlight is. There was so much packed into a short time span. I will have to think about it for awhile.
Have a blessed week, and take time to explore your home and see it through a tourist's eye, it might surprise you just how interesting your home can be, big or small.
Saturday consisted of traveling on the bus and then the train to go to the Lower East Side Tenement Museum. At the museum we went into an apartment all done up to look like it did when immigrants lived there. There was a 13 year old girl dressed up and acting the part of Victoria Confino (a young girl from the early 1900's). We could touch anything and ask her anything about her life. It was interesting. Then, we went a room they had set up with a big dinning room table and our group discussed issues surrounding immigration then and now. In our group were 2 young parents with a 2 year old girl. They were Mormons with a lot of disposable income and were rather abrasive and snooty and not very nice people. There was also a family from DC, some NY'ers and us. A very interesting mix of people. The museum experience was great.
After we finished at the museum we headed back to the Bronx and to Bethany's house. Once here, we grouted our picture boxes we had made at the art shop and rested a bit. Then, we got all gussied up and left for Broadway and Mary Poppins! We rode the train down to Broadway. For dinner we ate at McDonald's on Broadway, and I wish I had taken a picture, it was a very classy McDonald's. There were movie screens and Christmas music, and let me just say, it was quite a nice, upscale atmosphere.
From McDonald's it was a short walk (practically next door) to the Amsterdam Theatre and Mary Poppins! Our seats were in the balcony, third from the back on the left side. We had a thin pole to look around, but that didn't really bother me. Before it started, we visited and read the Playbill, and I shot a quick picture of the stage. Then, the lights dimmed and the show began!
Oh my, the things they can do with the sets and making things appear and disappear out of seemingly thin air. Mary Poppins did fly (attached to a thin cable) and all the actors and actresses did a wonderful job. The music, the lighting, the effects, it was all spectacular. I got a souvenir cup, and of course my ticket. The show ended and we dealt with the theatre traffic and made it to our bus station. The bus driver let us off, practically right in front of the door to Bethany's apartment.
Day Four, was a great day. A lot of transit time. That is one of the things I have noticed about life in a huge city. You have to factor in a lot of transit time to get from place to place. Makes me happy for my 12 minute commute to Liberty from my house.
So, today I leave. It has been fun, but I am ready to get back and be around my cat and my stuff again. Next time I come up I want to go to Ground Zero, Lady Liberty and few other things, we didn't get to this trip. With that said, it has been a great trip, and aside from getting to hang out with Bethany, I'm not sure yet what the highlight is. There was so much packed into a short time span. I will have to think about it for awhile.
Have a blessed week, and take time to explore your home and see it through a tourist's eye, it might surprise you just how interesting your home can be, big or small.
Friday, November 23, 2007
New York City-Days 2 & 3
Day 2:
Thanksgiving day is the day of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and just like in years past I watched the parade. Being in NYC where the parade is held was quite nice. After the parade a glorious thing happened, I watched the Packers kick some Lion bootie!!! It was an exciting game (just ignore the first quarter stats). Turkey sandwiches for dinner, so we had some tradition. Bethany and I played Life and Monopoly. I was the Life champion, and she defeated me in Monopoly, so I'd say overall it was great. A nice Thanksgiving Day. It was really warm too, the 3rd warmest Thanksgivings on record for the city.
Day 3:
Black Friday began for me quite early, but NOT because I was in line, eagerly awaiting the doors to open so I could save money. Oh no, nothing like that. I woke around 4:40am to a fire truck screaming right by the building. The lights were flashing and the siren was at full decibels and I woke and probably jumped a foot in the air, off the bed. It scared the heck out of me, I thought our building was on fire, but don't worry, it wasn't. It took a LONG while for me to get calmed down and back to sleep. After the fire truck, the train going by every 5 mins (or so it seemed) did not bother me that much.
Bethany and I kind of got a late start to the day, but then we went to this little craft store and spent 4 hours making mosaic picture holders. They were fun, and we sat by some really interesting NY'ers. I will try to get a pix of my art up for y'all.
After craft time we wandered around in the brisk and windy 40 degree(without wind chill, it was quite brisk) weather. I got a pix of the Hudson River and then we turned around and wandered up to Central Park (a different section from my day 1 visit) and ate a very late lunch and took lots of pictures.
It was then time to embrace the Black Friday crowds. I was able to get some neat pictures of Macy's and the Empire State Building. We visited a few stores, no real high end stores, except for Victoria's (luv that place!). We went to Old Navy, Vic's, and K-Mart. By then, we had both had enough of the crowds on the street. Interesting dealing with all those people and trying to cross the street and not get trampled. An adventure in and of itself. Man, these shoppers are mad crazy!
We headed down to Penn Station and grabbed a snack and hopped on the train to head home, where the ride was not much fun, because we were cramped, a guy next us stank to high heaven, the girl on the other side was crowding us, and the train was dirty. But, that was just the ride home! Coming down town, I saw a guy do something that should never be done in public! Oh, the things you see!!! Welcome to the NYC subway experience I guess.
Edison (Bethany's husband) made us dinner (chicken and rice and mashed potatoes-so our big T-Day meal was a day late...). Now, I am getting ready for bed. Tomorrow looks to be another enjoyable day, my last full day. I leave on Sunday afternoon.
I pray y'all had a blessed Thanksgiving, and are now in the mood for the advent season.
Thanksgiving day is the day of the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and just like in years past I watched the parade. Being in NYC where the parade is held was quite nice. After the parade a glorious thing happened, I watched the Packers kick some Lion bootie!!! It was an exciting game (just ignore the first quarter stats). Turkey sandwiches for dinner, so we had some tradition. Bethany and I played Life and Monopoly. I was the Life champion, and she defeated me in Monopoly, so I'd say overall it was great. A nice Thanksgiving Day. It was really warm too, the 3rd warmest Thanksgivings on record for the city.
Day 3:
Black Friday began for me quite early, but NOT because I was in line, eagerly awaiting the doors to open so I could save money. Oh no, nothing like that. I woke around 4:40am to a fire truck screaming right by the building. The lights were flashing and the siren was at full decibels and I woke and probably jumped a foot in the air, off the bed. It scared the heck out of me, I thought our building was on fire, but don't worry, it wasn't. It took a LONG while for me to get calmed down and back to sleep. After the fire truck, the train going by every 5 mins (or so it seemed) did not bother me that much.
Bethany and I kind of got a late start to the day, but then we went to this little craft store and spent 4 hours making mosaic picture holders. They were fun, and we sat by some really interesting NY'ers. I will try to get a pix of my art up for y'all.
After craft time we wandered around in the brisk and windy 40 degree(without wind chill, it was quite brisk) weather. I got a pix of the Hudson River and then we turned around and wandered up to Central Park (a different section from my day 1 visit) and ate a very late lunch and took lots of pictures.
It was then time to embrace the Black Friday crowds. I was able to get some neat pictures of Macy's and the Empire State Building. We visited a few stores, no real high end stores, except for Victoria's (luv that place!). We went to Old Navy, Vic's, and K-Mart. By then, we had both had enough of the crowds on the street. Interesting dealing with all those people and trying to cross the street and not get trampled. An adventure in and of itself. Man, these shoppers are mad crazy!
We headed down to Penn Station and grabbed a snack and hopped on the train to head home, where the ride was not much fun, because we were cramped, a guy next us stank to high heaven, the girl on the other side was crowding us, and the train was dirty. But, that was just the ride home! Coming down town, I saw a guy do something that should never be done in public! Oh, the things you see!!! Welcome to the NYC subway experience I guess.
Edison (Bethany's husband) made us dinner (chicken and rice and mashed potatoes-so our big T-Day meal was a day late...). Now, I am getting ready for bed. Tomorrow looks to be another enjoyable day, my last full day. I leave on Sunday afternoon.
I pray y'all had a blessed Thanksgiving, and are now in the mood for the advent season.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
New York City-Day 1
The day began early. I woke up to the sound of the train(the tracks are like right here), so I was up when my friend left for work, and then I dozed off again for about 45 mins. Later that morning I took the subway from the Bronx to Manhattan and I spent a few hours at the MET.
I've wanted to go to the MET for as long as I can remember, and it did not disappoint. The ancient Egypt stuff was amazing. I loved it. I will put up pictures soon. I just have to decide which ones & figure out how to post multiple photos. After the MET I wandered to Central Park, which was gorgeous this time of year. Perfect weather to be outside, just cool enough that it felt good to be out and about.
After the park I just wandered and stopped in stores that looked like fun, Tiffany's, Disney Store, Barnes and Noble on 5th, American Girl, Build a Bear, and some of the high end stores. It was so much fun to just be there among the people of New York.
Probably the highlight of my wanderings was St. Pat's Cathedral. It was as beautiful as people say. I spent about 15 minutes there, praying in one of the pews. Wow! The stained glass windows, and just all the history that building contains. It was very reverent. People in there were quite respectful.
I ended the majority of my wanderings 42 blocks after I started at the NY Public Library. Another great place. You have go up a few flights of stairs to reach the books, but it was worth it, and I found a bench to rest on. I was there for about 45 minutes just resting my feet and eyes.
I waited to meet my friend at a small Starbucks on 5th. I sat down, and next me a lady whom I guessing is from Brooklyn (she had the accent, it was great) sat down, and just started pouring her life to me, saying she thought I looked like a good counselor! It was interesting. I tried to give her some good advice, and listen.
Then, I met Bethany and we went to...Chipotle for dinner!!! Then we wandered down to Bryant Park (it was dark by this time) and watched the ice-skaters for a few minutes, and took some picutres. We proceeded to wander to Times Square and visited Toys R Us and the M&Ms store, as well as a grocery store to get some potatoes. The crowds on 5th were not too bad, but Times Square-wall to wall a mass of humanity; insanity! We eventually made it back to the subway and headed to the Bronx, my feet appreciated the long rest and delay on the subway. We purchased a few other things at a bodega in her neighborhood, and came home.
All that, and in one day too! It was a busy day, full of walking around and up and down stairs. But a great day, even though my feet hurt by the end, and I was in my best walking shoes too. I recommend Central Park if you come this way. And, don't miss St. Pat's and the Met, and...but I could go on, and I must end this for now. I promise to get pictures up soon if I can figure out this technology!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
I've wanted to go to the MET for as long as I can remember, and it did not disappoint. The ancient Egypt stuff was amazing. I loved it. I will put up pictures soon. I just have to decide which ones & figure out how to post multiple photos. After the MET I wandered to Central Park, which was gorgeous this time of year. Perfect weather to be outside, just cool enough that it felt good to be out and about.
After the park I just wandered and stopped in stores that looked like fun, Tiffany's, Disney Store, Barnes and Noble on 5th, American Girl, Build a Bear, and some of the high end stores. It was so much fun to just be there among the people of New York.
Probably the highlight of my wanderings was St. Pat's Cathedral. It was as beautiful as people say. I spent about 15 minutes there, praying in one of the pews. Wow! The stained glass windows, and just all the history that building contains. It was very reverent. People in there were quite respectful.
I ended the majority of my wanderings 42 blocks after I started at the NY Public Library. Another great place. You have go up a few flights of stairs to reach the books, but it was worth it, and I found a bench to rest on. I was there for about 45 minutes just resting my feet and eyes.
I waited to meet my friend at a small Starbucks on 5th. I sat down, and next me a lady whom I guessing is from Brooklyn (she had the accent, it was great) sat down, and just started pouring her life to me, saying she thought I looked like a good counselor! It was interesting. I tried to give her some good advice, and listen.
Then, I met Bethany and we went to...Chipotle for dinner!!! Then we wandered down to Bryant Park (it was dark by this time) and watched the ice-skaters for a few minutes, and took some picutres. We proceeded to wander to Times Square and visited Toys R Us and the M&Ms store, as well as a grocery store to get some potatoes. The crowds on 5th were not too bad, but Times Square-wall to wall a mass of humanity; insanity! We eventually made it back to the subway and headed to the Bronx, my feet appreciated the long rest and delay on the subway. We purchased a few other things at a bodega in her neighborhood, and came home.
All that, and in one day too! It was a busy day, full of walking around and up and down stairs. But a great day, even though my feet hurt by the end, and I was in my best walking shoes too. I recommend Central Park if you come this way. And, don't miss St. Pat's and the Met, and...but I could go on, and I must end this for now. I promise to get pictures up soon if I can figure out this technology!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Haikus
Time Passes
Time passes on earth
Bad things happen to us all
We must deal with them.
I Cry
I cry and I cry
Heaven seems to be silent
Where art Thou, O God?
I Remember
You may see me laugh
I remember my old joy
my zest for this life.
The Son Shines
The Son shines brightly
I raise my head to His warmth
I will praise Him now.
Be Thou
Be Thou my vision
Guide me through my life today
Lead me where You will
Time passes on earth
Bad things happen to us all
We must deal with them.
I Cry
I cry and I cry
Heaven seems to be silent
Where art Thou, O God?
I Remember
You may see me laugh
I remember my old joy
my zest for this life.
The Son Shines
The Son shines brightly
I raise my head to His warmth
I will praise Him now.
Be Thou
Be Thou my vision
Guide me through my life today
Lead me where You will
Friday, November 16, 2007
All I Want for Christmas...
I do not consider myself a greedy person. In fact there is only 1 thing I really want for Christmas this year. Notice the use of the word thing. I want to see my family, and play in the snow, hug everyone I love, go to the Christmas Eve service at FBC of Sheridan. But, yes I do want 1 thing. I want a punching bag. I have been wanting a punching bag for awhile now, I want one of those punching bags that has its own stand. I have the perfect place for it too! So now ya'all know.
Why might I want a punching bag you ask? Well they are great for relieving stress, a good aerobic workout, and great fun. Plus, I could use the kickboxing dvd I have. I enjoy punching bags. I don't know why, but I do.
I did mention that I want snow for Christmas, and I'm glad and very thankful to be able to fly to Sheridan for Christmas. I can't wait to see my hometown again for a few days. It has been such an interesting semester, that some Sheridan time will be great.
All this is in the future. Right now, it is Friday night, and I am just using up some relaxing time, then I'm going to go to bed, so I can get up and spend the day at the school library (should be quiet with everyone else on Thanksgiving break) working on my OT paper. I plan to have complete before I head to the big city.
I am looking forward to DC and NYC. It looks to be a great week, full of fun and friends. I have so much to be thankful this semester. As awful as some stuff has been, there has been so much more good.
More to come later. I will post pictures of NYC when I get there! Oh boy...!
Why might I want a punching bag you ask? Well they are great for relieving stress, a good aerobic workout, and great fun. Plus, I could use the kickboxing dvd I have. I enjoy punching bags. I don't know why, but I do.
I did mention that I want snow for Christmas, and I'm glad and very thankful to be able to fly to Sheridan for Christmas. I can't wait to see my hometown again for a few days. It has been such an interesting semester, that some Sheridan time will be great.
All this is in the future. Right now, it is Friday night, and I am just using up some relaxing time, then I'm going to go to bed, so I can get up and spend the day at the school library (should be quiet with everyone else on Thanksgiving break) working on my OT paper. I plan to have complete before I head to the big city.
I am looking forward to DC and NYC. It looks to be a great week, full of fun and friends. I have so much to be thankful this semester. As awful as some stuff has been, there has been so much more good.
More to come later. I will post pictures of NYC when I get there! Oh boy...!
Monday, October 29, 2007
7 weeks
There are 5 weeks of class, one vacation week and finals week, and my first semester of seminary will be history. I can NOT believe how quickly the semester has gone. Wow. By Friday my calendar will be reading November. I'm not sure I can handle all this. On one hand I am excited, because in November I am going up to NYC to spend some time with one of my best friends, and if I have learned anything this semester I have learned that I want to spend as much time as possible with my friends. Then, in December I fly home for Christmas and get to see a bunch of family and friends (and hopefully lots of snow), so I have a lot to look forward to. Yet, I realize how quickly time goes, so I want to enjoy each day and not spend it just waiting for something more exciting to come along.
The Packers and Broncos are about to start playing, so I need to focus on my boys winning on the road (that would be the Packers)! Have a blessed day, more to come later.
The Packers and Broncos are about to start playing, so I need to focus on my boys winning on the road (that would be the Packers)! Have a blessed day, more to come later.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Laugh Out Loud
1) Can you cry underwater?
2) How important does a person have to be before they are considered assianated in lieu of just murdered?
3) Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. but it's only a " penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
4) Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
5) Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
6) What disease did cured ham have anyway?
7) How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
8) Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
9) If a deaf person goes to trial, is it still considered a hearing?
10) Why are you IN a movie, but ON tv?
11) Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
12) Why is BRA singular, but Panties plural?
13) Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.
14) If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
15) Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
16) If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
17) Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
18) If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
19) Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
20) Why did you just try singing both songs?
21) Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
2) How important does a person have to be before they are considered assianated in lieu of just murdered?
3) Why do you have to "put your two cents in".. but it's only a " penny for your thoughts"? Where's that extra penny going to?
4) Once you're in heaven, do you get stuck wearing the clothes you were buried in for eternity?
5) Why does a round pizza come in a square box?
6) What disease did cured ham have anyway?
7) How is it that we put man on the moon before we figured out it would be a good idea to put wheels on luggage?
8) Why is it that people say they "slept like a baby" when babies wake up like every two hours?
9) If a deaf person goes to trial, is it still considered a hearing?
10) Why are you IN a movie, but ON tv?
11) Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?
12) Why is BRA singular, but Panties plural?
13) Why do doctors leave the room while you change? They're going to see you naked anyway.
14) If Jimmy cracks corn and no one cares, why is there a stupid song about him?
15) Can a hearse carrying a corpse drive in the carpool lane ?
16) If the professor on Gilligan's Island can make a radio out of a coconut, why can't he fix a hole in a boat?
17) Why does Goofy stand erect while Pluto remains on all fours? They're both dogs!
18) If electricity comes from electrons, does morality come from morons?
19) Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?
20) Why did you just try singing both songs?
21) Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?
Monday, October 22, 2007
Moving On
Its been awhile now, and I am moving on with life. Saying good-bye sucks major, but we do it and we move on with life. There are times throughout life that we think back on the people that we love that have gone before us, but hopefully those thoughts are happy memories.
Over the weekend a friend and I went down to NC to chill with my cousin and some of her friends. It was a lot of fun. We didn't do everything I had planned, but I really enjoyed the weekend, and what we ended up doing was a lot of fun, and relaxing. It was great to let loose and relax and just enjoy being around people that I love. There is nothing more therapeutic than being surrounded by people you care about, and having fun. I got my nails done. Such a girlish thing to do, not something I normally do either. They look great, if I do say so myself, not like my hands, better! I could get used to this, being a girl thing. Kinda nice to get all pretty once in awhile.
This morning I registered for Spring semester. I will be taking 4 classes, but the way the schedule works out I will be in class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only, and I'm taking classes that should be interesting. The best part is...NO ( I repeat, NO, nein, none, etc) Greek. I could do a little dance! In fact, I did! Be glad u weren't here!
Have a blessed week.
Over the weekend a friend and I went down to NC to chill with my cousin and some of her friends. It was a lot of fun. We didn't do everything I had planned, but I really enjoyed the weekend, and what we ended up doing was a lot of fun, and relaxing. It was great to let loose and relax and just enjoy being around people that I love. There is nothing more therapeutic than being surrounded by people you care about, and having fun. I got my nails done. Such a girlish thing to do, not something I normally do either. They look great, if I do say so myself, not like my hands, better! I could get used to this, being a girl thing. Kinda nice to get all pretty once in awhile.
This morning I registered for Spring semester. I will be taking 4 classes, but the way the schedule works out I will be in class on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only, and I'm taking classes that should be interesting. The best part is...NO ( I repeat, NO, nein, none, etc) Greek. I could do a little dance! In fact, I did! Be glad u weren't here!
Have a blessed week.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Growing
I grew up on the old hymns. I just love them. There is so much gospel truth and comfort in the words of the hymns. The stories behind the hymns are also inspiring. So, with all that has gone on in the past week I have really been trying to focus on the words of some of my favorite hymns. Yet, God was speaking to me this week.
As wonderful as the hymns are, and as important as I think it is to know them, they are no substitute for the Bible. In lieu of turning to the hymns for comfort I need to be turning to Scripture. The words of the Psalms, the Gospels, Pauline epistles, I need to be focusing more on the Bible, and less on my favorite songs. For the songs are not inspired by God in the same way the Bible is.
In my endeavor to focus more on the Bible, I have been reading the Psalms, and have come across a few that I'd read before, but never really thought too deeply about. For example, Psalm 27 is a great psalm. Especially in the Message. Verses 13 and 14 really got to me.
"I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart, Don't quit. I'll say it again: stay with God."
No matter what the situation, or dark the night, God is good. Even in the bleakest situation we can see God's goodness somehow. I've really been trying to focus on finding 5 good things to praise God for each day over the past week. Today, I am focusing on the weather. It is so nice here, I can sit outside to study or think. God has provided me with what I need to survive:food, shelter, clothes. He has given me some great friends out here, and the Packers won on Sunday! So much goodness. Yeah, it sucks that I had to say good-bye to a friend, and that a young boy in my hometown died. We all know that times like this are awful, but even in the midst of all my saddness, I'm going to stay with God this time. If it worked for David, than I figure it will work for me.
"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks and the sound of his voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
I'd stay in the garden with Him, though the night around me be falling, but He bids me go, through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other, has ever known." ( In the Garden, I don't know who wrote it, ask my Mom, she'll know!).
As wonderful as the hymns are, and as important as I think it is to know them, they are no substitute for the Bible. In lieu of turning to the hymns for comfort I need to be turning to Scripture. The words of the Psalms, the Gospels, Pauline epistles, I need to be focusing more on the Bible, and less on my favorite songs. For the songs are not inspired by God in the same way the Bible is.
In my endeavor to focus more on the Bible, I have been reading the Psalms, and have come across a few that I'd read before, but never really thought too deeply about. For example, Psalm 27 is a great psalm. Especially in the Message. Verses 13 and 14 really got to me.
"I'm sure now I'll see God's goodness in the exuberant earth. Stay with God! Take heart, Don't quit. I'll say it again: stay with God."
No matter what the situation, or dark the night, God is good. Even in the bleakest situation we can see God's goodness somehow. I've really been trying to focus on finding 5 good things to praise God for each day over the past week. Today, I am focusing on the weather. It is so nice here, I can sit outside to study or think. God has provided me with what I need to survive:food, shelter, clothes. He has given me some great friends out here, and the Packers won on Sunday! So much goodness. Yeah, it sucks that I had to say good-bye to a friend, and that a young boy in my hometown died. We all know that times like this are awful, but even in the midst of all my saddness, I'm going to stay with God this time. If it worked for David, than I figure it will work for me.
"I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses. And the voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, None other has ever known.
He speaks and the sound of his voice, is so sweet the birds hush their singing, and the melody that He gave to me within my heart is ringing.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.
I'd stay in the garden with Him, though the night around me be falling, but He bids me go, through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling.
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own, and the joy we share as we tarry there, none other, has ever known." ( In the Garden, I don't know who wrote it, ask my Mom, she'll know!).
Friday, October 12, 2007
"Hey God" by Lonestar
Hey, God, I don't believe I ever thanked youFor the time my brother got sickWasn't sure he'd make itThen he finally pulled through
And, hey, God, I wanna thank you for my familyThey're healthy and they're beautifulWe were gonna stop at twoNow there's number
You have your ways, you have your planSometimes mysterious and hard to understandI am humbled by your grace and everything you doHey, God, hey, God, I just wanna thank you
Hey God, take good care of my nephewHe was only nineteenThey say he didn't feel a thingNow he's there with you
And, hey, God, you know what it's like to loseSomeone who you truly love when you gave your son to usYou must have cried then too
You have your ways, you have your planSometimes mysterious and hard to understandI am humbled by your grace and everything you doHey, God, hey, God, I just wanna thank you
Sometimes I forget to stop and bow my headAnd remember that I have been blessed
Oh, you have your ways, you have your planSometimes mysterious and hard to understandI am humbled by your grace and everything you doHey, God, hey, God, I just wanna thank you
Thank you
And, hey, God, I wanna thank you for my familyThey're healthy and they're beautifulWe were gonna stop at twoNow there's number
You have your ways, you have your planSometimes mysterious and hard to understandI am humbled by your grace and everything you doHey, God, hey, God, I just wanna thank you
Hey God, take good care of my nephewHe was only nineteenThey say he didn't feel a thingNow he's there with you
And, hey, God, you know what it's like to loseSomeone who you truly love when you gave your son to usYou must have cried then too
You have your ways, you have your planSometimes mysterious and hard to understandI am humbled by your grace and everything you doHey, God, hey, God, I just wanna thank you
Sometimes I forget to stop and bow my headAnd remember that I have been blessed
Oh, you have your ways, you have your planSometimes mysterious and hard to understandI am humbled by your grace and everything you doHey, God, hey, God, I just wanna thank you
Thank you
An Expensive Life
Life on this planet is expensive. Never is that more apparent than in the midst of personal tragedy. When we say good-bye to a dear friend or dear friends. Even if we know that we will see them again in Heaven, it is so hard to say good-bye. To keep going. The hardest is to be a survivor sometimes.
I know what she went through before she died. The fear, the pain, the humiliation, but mostly the fear. To die in a horrible way is just so tragic, and to do so young. One minute you are alive, and the next minute you are gone. Life is so precious and fragile.
Trying to cope, even as a Christian is hard. Just because we have Christ, doesn't keep us from going through the stages of grief. Sometimes I'm fine, I can be around people and no one would know what is going on. I'm good at putting on a different mask, got a lot of practice during my freshman and sophomore years of college. Yet, inside my heart is broken. I am in the abyss of fear, memories, and grief.
Why did I survive freshman year, and she didn't last week? I try not to ask the why's too often, because I feel it can be arrogant, in other words, why not me? Am I so special that I shouldn't have to go through life's crap? The answer of course is "no". I'm a sinner in need of grace. More grace than many people I know.
Yet, grief, saying good-bye sucks. Big time sucks. I still love Christ, and I know He loves me. I have to keep reminding myself that, because at times like this it is hard to see and feel His love. Times like this when I feel like yelling at God, these are times when I should be running to Him, and I am. The more I am tempted to yell at God, the more I need to run to Him. I read the Psalms, and Job. Poor Job. He went through so much, and still loved God. What a role model.
So, to cope I just take it one hour at a time. I have plans, but right now I'm focusing on each hour. Can I make it to 11pm? With God's love yes I can. At the end, I will be able to minister to others who have to deal with grief. I wish I didn't have to go through it, but I know that God is going to use this. He has promised to turn what Satan means for evil into good. In the end good will triumph over evil. Jesus will kick Satan's ass, and we will reign with Christ in a new heaven and earth. That is how I cope with this pain of life. I focus on each hour, and the promises of Christ.
I remember that I am not alone. I have the wonderfulest friends and family, and mostly I have Christ. I yearn to have my friend back, to give her one last hug, to make one more memory with her, but I know that God is with me, and her chapter is over, but mine isn't and I must focus on Him and continue to do His will.
This life is expensive. We pay for our sins with our lives. We pay for being human in tears. Yet, for Christians the end is Heaven. Forever with Christ. As expensive and painful as this life can be, the next one is going to infinately awesome. Pain and tears will be gone, and replaced by all the glory and majesty that we can only imagine. Sorry if I rambled a bit tonight, my thoughts don't make much sense in my head, so they probably don't on page either. But, I'm doing my best.
"I can only imagine..."
I know what she went through before she died. The fear, the pain, the humiliation, but mostly the fear. To die in a horrible way is just so tragic, and to do so young. One minute you are alive, and the next minute you are gone. Life is so precious and fragile.
Trying to cope, even as a Christian is hard. Just because we have Christ, doesn't keep us from going through the stages of grief. Sometimes I'm fine, I can be around people and no one would know what is going on. I'm good at putting on a different mask, got a lot of practice during my freshman and sophomore years of college. Yet, inside my heart is broken. I am in the abyss of fear, memories, and grief.
Why did I survive freshman year, and she didn't last week? I try not to ask the why's too often, because I feel it can be arrogant, in other words, why not me? Am I so special that I shouldn't have to go through life's crap? The answer of course is "no". I'm a sinner in need of grace. More grace than many people I know.
Yet, grief, saying good-bye sucks. Big time sucks. I still love Christ, and I know He loves me. I have to keep reminding myself that, because at times like this it is hard to see and feel His love. Times like this when I feel like yelling at God, these are times when I should be running to Him, and I am. The more I am tempted to yell at God, the more I need to run to Him. I read the Psalms, and Job. Poor Job. He went through so much, and still loved God. What a role model.
So, to cope I just take it one hour at a time. I have plans, but right now I'm focusing on each hour. Can I make it to 11pm? With God's love yes I can. At the end, I will be able to minister to others who have to deal with grief. I wish I didn't have to go through it, but I know that God is going to use this. He has promised to turn what Satan means for evil into good. In the end good will triumph over evil. Jesus will kick Satan's ass, and we will reign with Christ in a new heaven and earth. That is how I cope with this pain of life. I focus on each hour, and the promises of Christ.
I remember that I am not alone. I have the wonderfulest friends and family, and mostly I have Christ. I yearn to have my friend back, to give her one last hug, to make one more memory with her, but I know that God is with me, and her chapter is over, but mine isn't and I must focus on Him and continue to do His will.
This life is expensive. We pay for our sins with our lives. We pay for being human in tears. Yet, for Christians the end is Heaven. Forever with Christ. As expensive and painful as this life can be, the next one is going to infinately awesome. Pain and tears will be gone, and replaced by all the glory and majesty that we can only imagine. Sorry if I rambled a bit tonight, my thoughts don't make much sense in my head, so they probably don't on page either. But, I'm doing my best.
"I can only imagine..."
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Saying Goodbye
To you, my friend I bid farewell.
We are too young to have to say,
This final a goodbye, adieu, hasta.
Too young to have you buried,
a headstone, the only place to see you.
To you, my friend I remember it all.
The laughter, tears, fears, and cheers.
I remember being side by side with you.
We had great times, and not so great ones.
Through it all we were not you and me, but us.
To you my friend, I will always know loyalty.
If I needed anything, you were there with it.
If I needed a smile, you were there smiling bright.
If I needed fashion advice, who else would I ask?
If I needed a hug, you gave me two or three, or four.
To you, my friend I say a tear filled adieu.
I hate to see you go, and through tragedy.
We are too young for all the evil we have seen.
We lifted each other up and comforted each other.
To you, my dearest friend I must say it...Goodbye.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Here Comes the Bride...
Now don't be afraid, I'm not announcing my engagement, an elopement or anything of the sort. My cousin is getting married this weekend, and I am privilaged to be able to attend the ceremony. I am really looking forward to it, she is going to make a beautiful bride, and she and her soon to be husband seem to be a great couple.
I will admit something here and now...I am a girl! This means that for as long as I can remember I've been planning my perfect wedding. It is fun to think abou that day, what it will look like and all that jazz. I'm nowhere near ready to get married. I'd be perfectly satisfied to remain unmarried all of seminary, but if God does bless me with a wedding of my own in the next few years, here is what I want for my wedding.
Bridesmaids: Kris, Bethany, Hannah and Chanel
Ring bearer: Carl Pastor in charge: Jon W.
Persons to pray at beginning and end: Kim & Noelle Pianist: Aunt Lisa
Duet: Rockin Years (sung by Kris and ???) and House Hold of Faith (sung by Tammi and Dusty T.)
Photography: Tim Doolin
My Dress: I plan to wear Grandma Betty's wedding dress
Colors: well I wanted purple and silver but Kris stole those (u best be glad I'm not making u flower girl chica) so now I'm thinking Navy blue and silver, or kelly green and silver
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming (St. Peter's)
Reception: nothing fancy in the reception hall at the church with cake, punch and maybe some finger food
Time: 2 pm (my hubby and I will be gone by 5!!!!-ya'all can stay as long as u want)
Decorations: simple: some tool and maybe a few flowers, nothing too fancy, heck I'd be fine serving people their cake on paper towels!
Honeymoon Location: nothing too expensive, maybe a cabin in the mountains, or a hotel in DC (I know, not typical, but hey, neither am I, I want to go somewhere that I enjoy) or maybe if we get real fancy some ski lodge. All I want is a comfy bed with beautiful scenery and a jacuzzi tub (heck that's what I want in a house).
Ok, I think that covers the major stuff. The other details my wedding planner (Kris) can deal with. Oh, the husband you ask. Well that will be easy, I don't know maybe the prince of Antarctica or something. I haven't gotten that far yet, and I'm not in a hurry, this is just a fancy, a fun thing for a girl to think about when she can't sleep! Now that I've shared and gotten this out of my brain and onto electronic paper I might be able to sleep. My brain really needs an on/off switch! I'm off to go meet with the Sandman. Have a blessed day.
I will admit something here and now...I am a girl! This means that for as long as I can remember I've been planning my perfect wedding. It is fun to think abou that day, what it will look like and all that jazz. I'm nowhere near ready to get married. I'd be perfectly satisfied to remain unmarried all of seminary, but if God does bless me with a wedding of my own in the next few years, here is what I want for my wedding.
Bridesmaids: Kris, Bethany, Hannah and Chanel
Ring bearer: Carl Pastor in charge: Jon W.
Persons to pray at beginning and end: Kim & Noelle Pianist: Aunt Lisa
Duet: Rockin Years (sung by Kris and ???) and House Hold of Faith (sung by Tammi and Dusty T.)
Photography: Tim Doolin
My Dress: I plan to wear Grandma Betty's wedding dress
Colors: well I wanted purple and silver but Kris stole those (u best be glad I'm not making u flower girl chica) so now I'm thinking Navy blue and silver, or kelly green and silver
Location: Sheridan, Wyoming (St. Peter's)
Reception: nothing fancy in the reception hall at the church with cake, punch and maybe some finger food
Time: 2 pm (my hubby and I will be gone by 5!!!!-ya'all can stay as long as u want)
Decorations: simple: some tool and maybe a few flowers, nothing too fancy, heck I'd be fine serving people their cake on paper towels!
Honeymoon Location: nothing too expensive, maybe a cabin in the mountains, or a hotel in DC (I know, not typical, but hey, neither am I, I want to go somewhere that I enjoy) or maybe if we get real fancy some ski lodge. All I want is a comfy bed with beautiful scenery and a jacuzzi tub (heck that's what I want in a house).
Ok, I think that covers the major stuff. The other details my wedding planner (Kris) can deal with. Oh, the husband you ask. Well that will be easy, I don't know maybe the prince of Antarctica or something. I haven't gotten that far yet, and I'm not in a hurry, this is just a fancy, a fun thing for a girl to think about when she can't sleep! Now that I've shared and gotten this out of my brain and onto electronic paper I might be able to sleep. My brain really needs an on/off switch! I'm off to go meet with the Sandman. Have a blessed day.
Monday, September 24, 2007
This Week's Verse
If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father.
He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when you ask for it.
Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought.
James 1:5-6 (The Message)
Sunday, September 23, 2007
I love my Green Bay Packers!
3-0, 3-0, 3-0!!! For the first time in years and years the Packers are 3-0!!!!!! This is so very, totally iced! It is ultra mag!!! My Packers are off to a great start! I could go on and on and on about how Brett Farve is setting records this season (winningest QB ever, most consecutive starts as a QB-new record each game, most TD passes, etc.) but I won't! We will suffice it to say that this season is proof that the Packers are a team to be reckoned with. Brett Farve has thrown TD passes to all sorts of his team mates this season, showing that we may be a young team, but we can play the game at the highest level.Our defense is a wall with very few holes-maybe the government should talk to the Packers about how to keep unwanted people out of the country, cuz we don't let too many of our opponents by us!!! 3-0 a great start and a promise of a great season! Defense or Offense we are winning games and getting the job done! The G-Force is in the house! A great way to say "Happy 50th Birthday Lambeau Field"!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Micah 6:8
But He's already made it plain how to live, what to do, what God is looking for in men and women. It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don't take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.
From the Message
From the Message
Post 2 on 9/11/07
Good morning!
This will be short, because I am in Old Testament right now, and it is one of my favorite classes. Dr. Yates is great. If you can, take a class from him someday. I am learning so much in this class. So why am I using my valuable class time to write??? Good question, I just have so much to say, that I want to say it right away!
First of all. Pray for our nation and leaders, not just today as we remember 9/11/01, but everyday. Pray that our nation elects God's choice in 2008. Also pray for each other. We all have crazy lives and need prayer each day. Even if we don't know what is going on in each other's lives, God does and He honors the prayer of the faithful. Finally, pray for your friends and neighbors, that there will be revival and a great harvest soon.
To end, just have a great day. Remember that one day I was so busy that I didn't take time to pray. The day was hectic, my car wouldn't start, classes were terrible, I got sick, and went to bed feeling drained. So much went wrong that day. The next was so busy that I just knew that I had to start it with prayer! (not my thoughts, but I agree) The busier we are the more in need of prayer we are. Take time to pray, it will be the best part of your day.
-Jessie lee-
This will be short, because I am in Old Testament right now, and it is one of my favorite classes. Dr. Yates is great. If you can, take a class from him someday. I am learning so much in this class. So why am I using my valuable class time to write??? Good question, I just have so much to say, that I want to say it right away!
First of all. Pray for our nation and leaders, not just today as we remember 9/11/01, but everyday. Pray that our nation elects God's choice in 2008. Also pray for each other. We all have crazy lives and need prayer each day. Even if we don't know what is going on in each other's lives, God does and He honors the prayer of the faithful. Finally, pray for your friends and neighbors, that there will be revival and a great harvest soon.
To end, just have a great day. Remember that one day I was so busy that I didn't take time to pray. The day was hectic, my car wouldn't start, classes were terrible, I got sick, and went to bed feeling drained. So much went wrong that day. The next was so busy that I just knew that I had to start it with prayer! (not my thoughts, but I agree) The busier we are the more in need of prayer we are. Take time to pray, it will be the best part of your day.
-Jessie lee-
Welcome!
Dear Readers,
Hello and Good morning! It is Tuesday September 11, 2007. My thoughts and prayers today are for all those who lost friends, coworkers, or family on the tragic day 6 years ago. I also pray that somehow our nation uses the signs of the times to come to know and depend on Christ. He is the only one that is able to bring healing and peace.
For those of you that just happened upon this blog, let me introduce myself. I am a young woman (24) attending Liberty Theological Seminary, in my first semester. I am pursuing my Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling.
Upon graduation (in about 3 years) I want to be a counselor working with military women and families, especially women/children that have been abused. God brought healing to me when I went through my hell, and I want to show other people the joy and peace, and true healing that only comes through Jesus Christ. He promised to give us peace, and He follows through.
A main focus of this blog will be for rape and abuse victims and survivors. When we go through hell on earth we need an outlet, a safe place to turn, a place that will give us answers and show that we are not alone. Hopefully this blog will provide that.
I also want to use this blog to show that not only are you not alone in your journey from abuse victim to abuse survivor, but you can thrive again. It may not seem like it, but you can live joyfully after rape.
Hello and Good morning! It is Tuesday September 11, 2007. My thoughts and prayers today are for all those who lost friends, coworkers, or family on the tragic day 6 years ago. I also pray that somehow our nation uses the signs of the times to come to know and depend on Christ. He is the only one that is able to bring healing and peace.
For those of you that just happened upon this blog, let me introduce myself. I am a young woman (24) attending Liberty Theological Seminary, in my first semester. I am pursuing my Master's of Divinity in Pastoral Counseling.
Upon graduation (in about 3 years) I want to be a counselor working with military women and families, especially women/children that have been abused. God brought healing to me when I went through my hell, and I want to show other people the joy and peace, and true healing that only comes through Jesus Christ. He promised to give us peace, and He follows through.
A main focus of this blog will be for rape and abuse victims and survivors. When we go through hell on earth we need an outlet, a safe place to turn, a place that will give us answers and show that we are not alone. Hopefully this blog will provide that.
I also want to use this blog to show that not only are you not alone in your journey from abuse victim to abuse survivor, but you can thrive again. It may not seem like it, but you can live joyfully after rape.
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