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Well, ATF was excellent! God really did speak. Thanks to everyone who prayed about that. The whole theme of the weekend was running to the battle. Only 4% of our nation's teenagers profess to be Christians. As much as 33% of the world's population has never heard Christ. Another 33% has heard Christ, but has denied Him. The world is in desperate need for some help. I think too often people either profess to love Christ and do nothing about it or act in a completely opposite manner. It inspired me to do several things: pray more often, start a prayer/service group of teenagers, and set aside so many things in life as side issues. I always seem to look at things such as school or a career as the goals in life. I forget that those are side issues. God is the main issue. He left me here to be a light to others.

Once again, however, I am really struggling with direction. I don't know what he wants me to do. I am crying out to Him to lead me. Prayer would be greatly appreciated. I want to do exactly what he wants for me.

*Edit later*
I was looking up some programs like the Teen Honor Academy and 24/7 Worldwide. I feel like they are excellent programs, but I can do things along the same lines in the place I am at now. I have a desire to go on missions as much as possible, but I do not think that long term missions is in the picture for right now. I think I may be the type of person who works as much as they need to sustain myself (and also a family possibly) and then devote the rest to missions and other things God may want. I am so excited for what the future may hold. It seem like this is a time in life where everything is so open. On the one hand, that is a major blessing. On the other hand, it is very scary. I am often afraid of making the right decision. But I really don't think that God is like that-if I am concerned with following Him, I think He will bless that. I want him to do great things with me!

ATF

Well, I am off to ATF in a matter of minutes. I am very excited. I always get something out of this conference-especially the worship. Very good! It is crazy though, because this will probably be my last year. Wow! I would like to staff at one though. Anyway, if you guys would, you could pray that God will speak to us and direct us. I want to be open to whatever opportunities he may put in my life this weekend. Have a great one!

Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"
And Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears."

Genesis

Genesis 2:6-7-"but a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

I often have a tendency to just skip right over verses, because I have heard them so much. I started reading Genesis again recently, and I am struck by how amazing creation must have been. I have a tendency to just skim right over it, because I have heard it so much. In reality, it is amazing to think about the beauty of such a thing. It is incomprehensible.

Does anyone know of any good devotional books? I am looking for one. Thanks!

Life is Good

Excellent day! I found out in humanities that I do not have to go to class on Thursday. But I have to get to school at around 9:45ish anyway. Still, at least it isn't 8:30. Then I hung out with a friend for a while. We looked at all the art again. (The campus hosts an art show each semester.) Funny that the one we liked won first place. We just have good taste I guess...

Then math. Oh, I went home and got lunch first. I was starving and bored. Not a good combination! Not too exciting, except for the fact that I didn't get any homework. Excellent!

Then art, where I got my first graduation present. It was very sweet. Part of it included a book on how to paint animals. I am so going to use it soon. Looking through it made me want to have a farm even more. :) Chickens, horses, dogs, cats, and maybe a milk cow.

Then I ran some errands. I had to go to the bank, Wally World (where I got a neato shirt. Sadly, I can't wear it out. :) It is a spaghetti strap which I don't like to wear around peoples. Therefore it is for pjs. What a waste of a cool shirt...)I also went to the movie store, the doctor's office, and last of all the library. I picked up some books including "Brave New World", "Les Miserables", and "The Picture of Dorian Gray". I already started the first. It reminds me of "1984" which, by the way, is a fantastic book. Anyway, it was weird, because as I was walking out, I met someone unexpected walking in. That was funny. :) It's a small town I guess!

Then my newspaper meeting where I got my next assignments. Not too hard at all. I will start tommorrow because I have no work and homework won't start piling up until Tuesday.

My weird mood: Have you ever wanted something really bad? But you can't have it? That's me. I know I can't have it, but I want it all now and right away. However, I also have the idea that once I get it, the excitement will fade away. That scares me...

Sorry if this was totally random. But, wait, I'm not here to impress, am I?

*Edit later*
Isn't it funny how fast a mood can change? Right now, I'm mad. I feel left out. Because certain people are having a hard time or are going through a crisis, they get all the attention. Because I am not being dumb or not having any surfacely (Not a word I know) problems, I get left in the background. Oh, I can survive. Life seems to be going well for me, so they will leave me to my own. Isn't that awful? I feel so mean saying that, but you know, that is what writing is. Honesty in its pure, ugly form. So forgive this section. In fact, you can skip it alltogether if you wish to think I am not mean.

How I Will Die

You scored as Natural Causes. Your death will be by natural causes, though not by any diseaese, because that is another option on this test. You will probably just silently pass away in the night from old age, and people you love won't realize until the next morning, when you are all purple and cold and icky. So be happy, you won't be murdered. Natural Causes 93% Posion 73% Bomb 67% Disappear 67% Gunshot 60% Drowning 60% Stabbed 60% Suffocated 60% Suicide 47% Eaten 47% Disease 33% Accident 33% Cut Throat 0% How Will You Die?? created with QuizFarm.com

Hooray! I would love to die this way. At least I know Cutthroat Mafia isn't going to kill me anytime soon...

And check this out. I used to love Sesame Street, and watching this made me extremely happy. :)

Guess what!!??

Okay, I think I shared with you guys after spring break a little bit about the Denver missions trip. I can't remember though if I told you about the really cool thing God told me. We went to a park ministry type thing on Saturday and I was basically able to hang out with 1st and 2nd graders the whole afternoon. We flew kites, blew bubbles, had hula hooping contests, and all kinds of great stuff. I really felt like I finally opened up my heart to whatever God might have for me as far as a career goes. I felt like teaching might be an option-which is really weird, because I have never had a desire to do much along those lines. Anyway, I kept that open, but I felt like it was more of God wanting me to keep my heart open. So, I have been trying to do that. Yet, I still get in the rut of just me wanting to feel safe in whatever I know. So, I have kept in the direction of veterinary medicine. However, at church this morning, we were reading in Matthew 17 I believe. We talked about children and how they have so much faith and are open to so much. That led into being open to what God has for us and trusting Him. So, for the first time I am actually taking action in this direction. I am changing my major to elementary education. I can't quite believe that I am doing it. It is a little scary on one hand, but then again I am really excited for what God may have for me. I would really appreciate prayer in staying strong in whatever God may have for me!

Canon and Deutero-canonical

Thanks so much to TBQelite and his quiz coach! I got some information on the Canon and Deutero-canonical. I also think I may try the books suggested.

To begin with, most experts agree upon the 66 books that are included in the Protestant Bible. 27 New, and 39 old. Early church fathers wanted to “gather up” the (New Testament) writings that accomplished several things among which certain criterion was adopted (or set down) to determine those letters which were accepted and those of questionable integrity. This is called Canonization. Further the “Canon” or measuring rod/stick guidelines were agreed upon by a governing Church Council. Some of these criteria were: Does the text compliment the Old Testament? Is the source (i.e. the author) known in the Christian community? Does the text agree within it’s own interior—meaning no heresy is taught? Is the work inspired by the Holy Spirit?

Now Deutero-canonical books (second canon) were those deemed by some as not up to the standard of ‘inspired,’ but yet worthy of collecting for their historical or pedagogical value. Examples of this are those included/collected in the Catholic Bible. Some of these writings cover that Inter-Testamental period between Malichi and Matthew—perhaps more appropriately viewed as the 434(?) years between the last OT Prophet and the FIRST NT prophet John the Baptist. (See the prayer of Daniel in chapter 11 and the answer provided by the angel.)

What I would classify as heretical works would be those that fit in neither of the above categories for canon; but their source comes rather from groups like the ascetics or syncretistic (mixing) sects; that of mixing several then extant religious traditions—perhaps mixed with Greek or other influences. Their chief quality is they have questionable origin and seem to have NO parallel basis in the OT. Examples include: Extra-canonical books, or Pseudo-pigrapha—meaning ‘false writings,’ or the Gospel of St. Thomas. I may be wrong, but I think it was common practice for an early author who was unknown to add a prominent Christian’s name (such as Paul, Barnabas, or Apollos) to the letter to make it seem more impressive—to give its import weight.

Perhaps the writer of Hebrews isn’t named because it was a woman (some believe Priscilla) or someone who was not well known. Or, they were so well known to the readers (Peter or Barnabas or Apollos) that they didn’t need to be named in the body of the text—and so it is lost to us Modern readers. Also, as you, know the likelihood of Pauline authorship is slim since this writer writes so differently from what we know of Pauline style say from Romans or Corinthians…

Even if I and other Protestants are wrong concerning the ‘second canon’ books you can rest in great assurance that the Holy Spirit has protected God’s Word down through the centuries. His Word will stand up under any scrutiny.

Sorry this is so brief in overview. Two book length discussions of Canon are available. One from F.F. Bruce is available from IVP: “The Canon of Scripture” let me know if you are interested. The second book is by Wegner from Baker publishing: “Journey From Texts to Translation.” I will inquire about the church councils and get back to you.

In answer to Faith's question, grouting is the stuff you put between pieces of tile, so there isn't a gap. Not too exciting. :) Speaking of grouting, it went well. Seven hours straight. Funness! :)

I found out last week that my sister tried to plan a surprise party for me last weekend. So sweet! I have always wanted a surprise party. Sadly, it was Easter weekend, so everyone was busy. Now we are going to do it on my b-day-May 5th. Yay! I am so excited. It is funny, because I will be doing stuff like spoons, ghost in the graveyard, and a scavenger hunt. You would think I might have grown out of that....

Early Morning

So, I am getting up at 5:30 tommorrow to leave for work at 6:00. I will be grouting all day. Joy! :) Since I don't feel like getting up any earlier than I have to in order to blog, I am doing it now. I am at a loss on what to blog about however.

It was a fantastic weekend! I played spoons Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday night was the best though. In the park playing it ultimate style. :)

Now I am working on my graduation announcements. So close! One thing down, millions more to go.

Hola! It's been a great week. I am amazed at how fast time has gone by the past few weeks and even months. On one hand, I am so ready for graduation and my birthday, but then again, I am honestly afraid about all the changes. I started going to a new youth group recently and I have made some new friends. None of which are seniors...Therefore, I will leave, and everyone will still be in highschool world. Which I suppose I wish I could stay in for just one more year. Seriously. But then I remember I need to focus on God's will. He is obviously teaching me things, and I need to be open to changes in life. That is what life is all about, right? It changes and you just need to go with it. I guess I would be a sad, sorry, immature person if I was stuck in highschool forever. And I guess I will be able to keep those same friends. Just not hanging out at youth group. Sorry for rambling. That was all a thought out loud type of thing.

Questions??? Can anyone give some information, thoughts, insight, statistics, quotes, etc. on any of this.

*Edit-After Rabenstrange's comment*
I am disgusted at my own lack of knowledge on the subject. I would like to read up on it a bit.

To clarify: there are multiple manuscripts of books of the New Testament. And it is kept out because they believe it was not inspired, evidenced by the fact that it is not in all manuscripts?

Lillith-first wife of Adam. Has anyone ever heard of this? I don't believe it, but someone mentioned it the other day.

Judas-Why did he do what he did? Some believe he was possessed, some think he was never a Christian. Did he just make BIG mistake? Did he go to heaven? Did he have free will in all of that?

Apocryphal books/Matthew 18:11 I believe it is. Why do certain mystery people think these books/verses were not inspired?

So, any thoughts, let me know!

Debated Manliness

I was shocked when I came onto my blog yesterday and there were 19 comments. My first thought, "Wow! I've never had that many comments." My thought as soon as I looked at the comments: "Oh, it's just Rabenstrange and TBQelite debating the claimed percentages of each other's manliness". Ha ha! I really got a laugh out of that one. Too bad these people don't live closer. You two would be fun to hang out with. I think....:)

According to the quiz I am only 70% manly. But then playing around with it I found that the test ranks swearing, jealosy and inflexibility as manly.

Sexist bigots! *laugh*
Anonymous | 04.10.06 - 2:20 pm | #



Whoops, that last was me.
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:21 pm | #



Trying to claim that that post was yours and reap the social benefits?

Have you know shame, Rabenstrange?
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:22 pm | #



You punk! It was mine, I swear it.
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:22 pm | #



Do not swear by anything. Not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" "no" or you will be condemned.

Therefore... since you are condemned that means you are lying! SInce we all know that condemned people lie.
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:24 pm | #



TBQelite, you might note that I didn't swear by ANYTHING. I just swore.

*insert* Sorry for swearing on your blog Danika. */insert*

Besides there is no way that you could rank 70% manly you little pansy!
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:25 pm | #



According to your own words you too are one of the sexist bigots!

And that's a sore issue. Rei keeps holding me back.
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:26 pm | #



I might be chauvanist but at least I'm not a metrosexual with 20% manliless and a tendency to claim that which he did not post!
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:29 pm | #



lol....
I used to journal all the time. Recently I went back and read one of them, it was strange reading about the minor things that I used to care so much about.
emily | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:30 pm | #



I didn't claim to post it you jerk!

And I don't understand where you're getting your 20% from... see my blog.
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:31 pm | #



That was shameless self promotion you pig!
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:31 pm | #



Hypocrite!
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:32 pm | #



And now you impinge my honor! I shall smite you!
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:33 pm | #



Your mother was a hamster and your father smells of elder berries!

To the pain!
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:33 pm | #



I unclog my nose in your direction, son of a window dresser. So, you think you could outclever me with your silly, knees-bent, running-about, advancing behavior? You cheesy-leather, second-hand, electric donkey bottom biters.
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:36 pm | #



I don't want to talk to you no more, you empty headed animal food trough wiper!
TBQelite | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:36 pm | #



Oooohhh, had enough, eh?

Chicken, chicken....

I'm invincible!!!
Rabenstrange | Homepage | 04.10.06 - 2:39 pm | #

Notebooks and Quizzes

You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish

You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be.

How Boyish or Girlish Are You?

Well, this is certainly interesting. I guess it is sort of true...I don't like typically girly stuff, but I do some girl stuff. I don't wear makeup. I really don't like shopping unless I have a total purpose in mind. I tend to be quiet. I like lots of typically "guy" stuff-fishing, jeeping, backpacking, hiking. :)

You Should Get a MD (Doctor of Medicine)

You're both compassionate and brilliant - a rare combination. You were born to be a doctor.

What Advanced Degree Should You Get?

Okay, so another. Yup, I would love to be a doctor. But of veterinary medicine. I do not know if it is God's will. Honestly at this point, I think it isn't, but I just keep following Him daily, and maybe it would come up someday.


notebooks


I have decided that I officially have an addiction: writing. I write everything. Observations, blogging, myspace, e-mails, papers, newspaper stories, quotes, notes, and also in a journal at the end of every day. I think it organizes my thoughts. I get so much going around in my head. Maybe because I am quiet, I don't really tell a lot of people about it, so I like to get it out on paper. It helps me focus my thoughts and sometimes even rationalize my thoughts. I can't sleep at night if I don't write in my journal. It is really weird! I actually got out my "special box". Yeah, I have a "special box". It has letters, notebooks, my old paper dolls, my old notebooks, birthday cards, and all kinds of fun stuff. Anyway, I counted all the notebooks I have filled in my life. I have filled 11 notebooks and halfway filled 4. It is really weird to go back and read the things that I wrote when I was thirteen. I have-thank God!-majorly changed.

I hope I haven't been writing a bunch of silly, shallow stuff lately. I have just been pretty busy, and so I don't have time to be serious. That's a turn of events....

Anyway, life has been interesting to say the least lately. I've been making some new friends and getting closer to friends I already had which has been good. It has, however, brought up some interesting situations which are really new to me. I am not quite sure how to deal with them. I have really been trying as much as I can to go to God when I am unsure or uncertain. That has really been a cool thing. He has shown me a lot in this area and also other areas that I have been struggling with. I am a senior, and it seems like I know less of what I am going to do with my life than I did in 9th grade. It is pretty crazy. But what I have really found is that in that uncertainty God is the closest. If we knew all the answers, then we would have no reason to ask Him about things or turn to Him for comfort. And so even though this whole thing has been hard, it has actually been really neat. Here are some verses that I have enjoyed:

Philippians 4:19-And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Philipppians 4:13-I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Colossians 1:8-That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in ever good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy

Colossians 1:29-To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily. (This is one of my favorites.)

Simon

Once again, I must be short and to the point. I have to leave for school in a few minutes. Whoa, I just realized that I had a dream about Casa Bonita last night. Okay....Anyway, this is me playing my guitar. Bonnie named him for me the other day. Simon shall be his name. :) Ha ha! I have been playing for a few years, but it has been so on and off, and I have never had lessons, so I am really not that good. At some point, I think it would be awesome to take lessons and learn some tabs and finger picking. I can never play any of the sweet songs I find tabs for. I only know chords, so that really limits me.

Skirt

sk

I was at a bit of a loss as to what to post, so I thought I would do a pic! This is my skirt outfit. The only time I have ever worn a skirt in...two years is with jeans. I wore one two years ago, because I went to a leadership camp, and we were forced to wear one for pictures. I put it on, took the pics, and immediately took it off! I don't know why I don't like skirts...I just think most of them are too girly. I know, it's dorky.