Monday/Tuesday

Hola once again! I am back on to share my life with random people. What an odd concept!

Life is so weird lately. I don't know if it is the whole 18 thing or what, but it suddenly seems much more complicated and requiring much thought. I enjoy it a lot, it just seems quite hard to get used to. Everything turns into this emotional decision. Why can't I have the logical yes or no answers anymore? It is certainly interesting. Flavors life a bit.

Well, I stayed up until 11:30 last night and got up at 6:00 this morning. I keep doing that. But my new philosophy is to enjoy life. I'll die tired. When I get to heaven, it won't matter anymore. :) We were watching X-Men which was fun. I loved it when Laura started cracking up when Logan crashed out of the front window. What a great sense of humor! :)

Sorry, Josh and Sarah, but you have officially become the two trampoline stooges. You were hilarious! I am so glad I met you two. You guys are a blast! :)

Race

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others I myself should become disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27

This is the verse I am memorizing. That was one of the things I realized recently. I just really slacked off memorizing God's word-well, basically after I stopped doing AWANA-which was a long time ago. Anyway, I am striving to memorize more of His word. This one really sticks out to me, because I feel like God has been speaking to me just about life in general.

I honestly feel very confused right now. I just do not know what to do. Everyone else seems so directed. Teaching English in other countries, starting missions work in another country...Compared to that, I feel like I am not doing much. But then again I also want to be sure that I am not discrediting something just because I do not feel like I am doing anything. God is the one to work through me. However, I think that sometimes that feeling of discontent is there for a reason. So, I guess right now I am analyzing life and trying to figure out if I am in a place that God wants me in.

Whatever it is I do, I want to be certain that I am not running with uncertainty or beating the air when I fight. I want to be certain where I am going in the race of life and make a difference when I fight for Christ. God, show me how to do that!

Harry Potter #2

Clarification: I agree that each person needs to make their own individual decision. I think this is where legalism comes in. I do not feel right-unless it is a very obvious area in God's word-saying that if I am led by God to do something, that must be where God is leading everyone else. It would seem that this is possibly the biggest reason that unbelievers do not like Christians. Just a thought!

C. Admittedly, I may be mistaken on basing a lot of this on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R Tolkien's works. I simply cannot accept the fact that if they are morally fine and acceptable, then Rowling's are morally reprehensible and should not be read. However, it is certainly possible that there is more information out there that I have not been presented with and I could be wrong. Anyway, here is a quote from Jerram Barr's piece:
"Third, there is a misunderstanding in the response to the magic in the books. As many aware the same criticisms have been made of C.S. Lewis's and J. R. Tolkein's books, even though both of these authors were commited Christians. It is said that because magic is a part of the Narnia books, they may have the effect of interesting children in the reality of the Occult. The same charge is brought against Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. However none of these books are encouraging Occult practice. The magic is simply a part of the imaginative worlds that Lewis, Tolkien, and Rowling have created. In such an imaginary worlds people can become invisible; animals talk; mythical creatures like unicorns and centaurs exist; and rings and spells work wonders. Watch a little child playing, and you will observe many such magical things. But this does not equal an interest in the occult."
Very true! There is prolific use of magic in Lord of the Rings. I'm not saying that just because something is used for good it is fine. The end does not justify the means. However, I do think that in the context it is used-a fictional piece of literature in which theoretically, a person would not be tempted to involved in such practices in the real world.


D. So, one may ask why the books should be read if one decides they have objectionable content. That is up to each individual, but I do see two good reasons for it. First is Matthew 5:13-the verse which talks about salt and light. I think in order for Christians to be salt to the world, we need to be informed about the things of the world, including books, movies, and music. (I must clarify that if one is tempted by certain elements of these things such as sexual promiscuity, language, or violence, it would probably be a good idea to let another Christian that is not tempted in that area to cover that aspect.) Two, I think that no matter where we look in the world, God's truth and beauty are evident. I believe this is true even in areas that have been riddled with sin-basically everything. There are some examples that come to mind. Although things in nature-such as how certain carnivores eat-are effected by sin, God's beauty can still be seen in it. I think this principle can also apply to the area of aesthetic arts. In books, movies, and music, although the artist or writer may not have intended to glorify God or show God's craftsmanship, it can be seen. A non-Christian playing guitar can glorify God in that he or she is using a gift God has created in that person.


"Some 450 years ago John Calvin encouraged people to read books by the ancient writers from Greece and Rome. He wrote instructions for the teachers in the school system he designed in Geneva, Switzerland, asking that they have the students read the great classics of Greece and Rome that were pagan and non-Christian. And he asked that they not criticize them, but rather encourage the students to celebrate what is good in them, and to learn from the truth that they could find in them. Calvin said on another occasion that it is a blasphemy against the Holy Spirit to deny that pagan writers like Plato wrote many things that are true and helpful. We must be prepared to act similarly in our day when it comes to the Harry Potter series or any other product of our culture."


In conclusion, I think each individual person needs to make an informed decision about the gray areas in life. I believe it is important for a person to know what they think in order to give a reason for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15). There are so many crazy things swirling around in our world that we need to know what we believe. I hope that no one would go solely off the passing comments of a person, but truly reach a conclusion for themselves.

Also, feel free to share any objections you may have. Let me know what you think!

More: In response to Pam in Colorado, I have a tendency to think that with our actions we show the world that we are Christ followers. With so many out there that are very judgemental and legalistic, I get the impression that many non-Christians have a bitter taste in their mouth. Is it possible that maybe issues like this could open up lines of conversation about Christ? Any thoughts?

Harry Potter #1

Obviously the issue of the Harry Potter books is an issue that has surfaced multiple times over the years-generally each time a new book is released. Prior to being an adult :), my parents made the decision that I would not read these books. Now that I am an adult, I have the responsibility to research issues such as these through different authors and the Bible and make a decision of my own. So, if you have heard the "Harry Potter debate" twenty times too many, ignore this post. However, if you have not made a decision concerning this issue, I would encourage you to check out these two links:

1) Harry Potter and Lavender Brigade-Douglas W. Phillips

2) http://randomcomtemplations.blogspot.com/ <----Scroll down one or two posts and you will get Jerram Barr's articles

To begin, I first read Mr. Phillips' article and found it very interesting. I pulled out several points from it. Some I agreed with, and some I did not agree with.

A. My biggest hang up comes from how the Harry Potter differs from the Chronicles of Narnia and Lord of the Rings books. Throughout all the points that Mr. Phillips makes, each one could apply to the latter two. No matter how hard I try or what people say, I cannot bring myself to bring those two to the same "moral" level as Harry Potter. This is what Douglas Phillips alludes to, and I just cannot accept it. His major point is that if sorcery is being used, it is a negative thing. Therefore, such characters as Merlin from the "Sword in the Stone", Glinda the Good Witch of Oz, and possibly Gandalf *gasp* from the Lord of the Rings series are not good things. They use sorcery and magic, and therefore are against God's word. Bear in mind the verse that talks about killing those who employ the powers of magic in the Bible.

B.
"'Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.' (Matthew 5:27-28)

The same principle that applies to pornographic literature applies to witchcraft-glorifying literature. Men do not have the right to enter fantasy worlds in which they delight in their hearts in acts of adultery. Nor do they have the right to enter fantasy worlds in which they delight in immoral acts of witchcraft."

Okay, interesting point. However, I have an objection. It would seem that pornography is different from reading about witchcraft and wizardry in that the first-in general-would inevitably cause a human to have wrong and impure (adulterous) thoughts. However, it does not seem that a person reading the Harry Potter books would automatically feel like going out and joining a sorcery and divination club.

I will write more next time I post.

Fruit!

Thanks a ton for the article, Rabenstrange! I will read it right away. If anyone is interested, here is the link.

My sister and I had people over last night to hang out. Fun stuff! We also had many interesting conversations. Whales and cross-pollination of fruit were two of the more intersting ones. I don't think I will ever forget that...:)

I finished another notebook last night! This is crazy, because I started it April 8th, and I already filled it up. That would have to be a record for me.

Oh, my gosh, I just ate a kiwi! No eating tomatoes....Except for Lacy that is....Okay, I'll quit now. But that was fun. Have a great Sunday!

Books!!

I'm loving it! No, not MacDonald's. :) Summer! It has been great to get my summer plans underway. I have been having a blast with my free time. I have read a ton, worked on some art stuff, messed around with my guitar, and read some more. I never have so much free time. It is great! And not to mention hanging out with friends. Usually I have homework hanging over my head, so it doesn't really work out.

I recently finished reading "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley. Honestly, I thought it really stunk. His writing was extremely disjointed and he did not develop characters well at all. For me, a book must have good characters. That is what makes a good piece of literature. Just an opinion though...So, I wouldn't really reccommend it. Read "1984" instead. Or "Animal Farm". Oh, I loved that book! :)

Okay, so I am wondering about "Harry Potter". What does everyone think of them? So often I hear bad stuff about them-they are from the Devil! :) People say there are real witchcraft symbols in them. The same people say they are way different than "Chronicles of Narnia" because in the Harry Potter books evil triumphs over good. Is that true? Do the Harry Potter books really have actual symbols of witchcraft in them? If anyone has examples, it would be mucho appreciato! :) Thanks for input!

Cell phone...

Ah! I am such an idiot sometimes! Argh! It is so stupid, but pray that my cell phone turns on tommorrow. I made a mistake...*Sigh*

Last night was fun. Pops concert at the highschool and then Josh and Sarah and I went to get ice cream. Yum! It is how I stay alive-ice cream. Okay, not quite, but close. Anyway, then we drove around, trying to scare ourselves. Graveyard, creepy dark road, the park at night. Fun, fun! I love doing stuff like that.

Sorry, but I won't write much. I have stuff on my mind-like cell phones... AH!!

Graduation, Apology, and Excellence

Here is me putting on my gown. If I look like I am concentrating, it is because I am. :) I was kinda nervous at that point. One of my last highschool pics. :)



At this point, I am officially an adult college student. No more highschoool!!!! Whoa...That is really weird. :) I was so happy though.



Before I graduated. You know how difficult those tassels are? They like to slide into eyeballs or into ears. I am so glad I got one though. I have always wanted to have one to put on my rearview mirror. :)




Don't think, however, that all posts now will be mature. I am still myself! I may not be a highschooler any more, but I am still a kid. Shhh...:)

Darn! I messed up again. I hate that how I get all fired up about doing something-a good thing, and I just fall out of it. God was faithful to remind me of what I was supposed to be doing however. God is so good! It is amazing how he is able to use a person like me. A miracle! I feel really bad though, because I got mad yesterday, and I let it out. I don't know if you two (You guys know who you are-Oh, a message!! Oh, wait, I just sent it to myself.) will read this, but sorry about right when you guys walked up. I was mad, and maybe I should not have said anything. Thanks for being my friend still! :)

Whoa! This is amazing. I was looking for verses on excellence, because God has really been talking to me about striving for excellence in all I do. Even little things such as that can show Christ to others. A great verse I found is Romans 2:18-19.

"and know His will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, having the form of knowledge and truth in the law."

Very Quick

Quick note! Grandparents are here for just a few more days, so I can't spend too much time on the internet. I did what I needed to do. Thanks for all the encouragement. :)

Graduation is tommorrow! Wish me luck, I am a little nervous. I can't believe it is really happening!

Sorry, but I have to split. Chao!

Guts

Okay, so I have had several comments about my encryptic posts lately. I figured it may be because I want to say something, but I am scared to. On one hand, I feel like I do not say enough. On the other side, I am afraid of saying too much. Knowing myself, however, I am sure that I generally lean to the side of not saying enough. So, I will say it. To the person I need to say it to. :) Someday I'll let you all know, but I do not think now is a good time. It depends on what is said in reply to what I say. :)

Ouch! I stayed up late again last night. But I slept in-until like 10:15 this time. I think Sarah is going to be proud of me. :) I am the one that always gets up at 6:45 regardless of when I went to sleep the night before. That can be a negative thing...

Everything

Emily: "Grandma is getting chi-chas".

Grandma: "No, I'm getting chimichangas".

Emily and I: Crack up big time.

Everyone else: Look at Emily and I really weird.

Hey, you know what is fun. Lighting marshmallows on fire. Yup, that was cool. You should try it if you are ever bored.

Sorry about my beating around the bush. Sometimes I think I should have a blog where I could write whatever I want. Writing is so good for me! I get stuff out of my head. But around here, I know people and I have to be careful. :)

Sarah: Yeah, I mentioned it to him, but I don't think he got it. He was like "What?".

Me: Hmm, maybe I'll just have to outright say it.

Sarah: Yeah, that might be necessary.

Gosh, darn, the Sharpie didn't work. You had to notice the lights on and the door open and the fact that we never went back upstairs. That could have been classic...

Hola, all! The weekend was fantastic. Two parties. Weirdness. I am not usually like that.

Regular day of work today. Not too much to share. Underlayment, waterproofing, buffing, vacumning, making cuts. All that good stuff.

I love being happy! :) I don't know if I have ever been this happy. Life just seems so good. I've become really odd. I sing, I dance, I wake up early because I'm happy. What to even say? Don't you hate that feeling? You really want to say something. You think it. You write it. But you just can't say it! Should you say it? Hmmm...

Go ahead and laugh at my beating around the bush. It is kinda fun. :) Bubbles!!!!!

Birthday

Thanks for all the birthday comments, you guys! You are awesome! Everyone was very sweet-offline and online. I have the coolest friends! :)

My party was a blast! We had a bigger and better scavenger hunt. My team came up with a vacumn which was pretty sweet. However, the team that came up with a tent trailer-seriously-won. Oh, and the TV was pretty hilarious! I could hardly believe it!

We also played Sardines. Who knew so many people could fit into my laundry room...or the shower. Bwa ha ha! Definantly something I won't forget!

I wish I could post some pics, but I don't know if the friends would like it.

It had a great ending too. "Big black boots and long brown hair. She's so sweet...". Josh and Sarah, you guys are the bomb! :)

Hi there,

I am hi-jacking Danika's blog today to let you know that today is her 18th birthday! Please leave her lots of birthday wishes to welcome her into adulthood!

Thanks,

Danika's mommy

Goodbye highschool!

Okay, so I am officially out of highschool. I just got back from my last day of classes. All gone...I honestly feel like crying. I think about all the fun times I had, and I am sad they are gone. So many of my friends are leaving or are already gone. It is crazy! I know life has to move on. Good things will still happen, it is just really crazy!


me

Here is me in my dirtbike phase. My best friend was a girl named Ashley. Her bros were major dirtbike riders. Needless to say, I got into it. But don't be fooled. In the pic, the kickstand is still up. :)


me5

Ah! They dragged me into it. Forced me. Carissa and Mikaeala that is. :) Yeah, guys. You forced me to wear a dress. But I forgive you. I appreciate it now.


me4

I won! Pretty Pretty Princess is my speciality. :) That night was fun. Princess night at Daisys. Haha! Sorry, Katie, I didn't know if you would want a pic on the internet.


me3

This is me in my awkward phase. Majorly awkward. Brace face and no sense of fashion.


party

My 16th birthday. Wow! Was that really almost two years ago? Twas a blast! Scavenger hunt, food relay including baby food and soda, and lots of presents for my car. :) I had just gotten my license. Big day!

PS-I am looking to do some missions work. It may not work out this summer, but I would love to get in contact with maybe a family that is doing some work, and spend some time helping them out. If anyone knows of any missionaries-especially Africa, let me know!!

So close...

I am so close to being eighteen. Less than 1.5 days. Wow! Time goes by way too fast! Ah, I sound old.

I can't believe it though. I lost my wallet, thus my ID. That means I will not be able to go to something dumb-like buy cigarettes I won't smoke or buy a lotto ticket just to get carded. I had to go to the DMV earlier, and got a temp. I don't think it will count as picture ID...Gosh darn! Any ideas of fun stuff I could do?

Ooh! I am a registered voter. Since I went to the DMV, and you can register within 30 days of your 18th birthday, I did it! I am officially a registered Republican. I wanted to go independant, but that has its drawbacks as far as the primaries go. :)

Final, Africa

I had a math final today. It was completely on confidence intervals. It was a lot easier than I thought it would be. I finished it in less than one class period, and Mr. M gave us two. That scares me. Should it have been that easy? Hmmm...I hate waiting for grades. One positive aspect of homeschooling is the fact that I can do a test and grade it right away. Oh, and online classes are like that too. Instant gratification. :)

Okay, so I think I may go on a week long mission trip to Mexico. It is not as long as I would have liked or the exact location, but I really think God may have put it in my path as far as price goes. It is 687. That may seem like a lot, but when it is compared with the 5000 dollar trip to South Africa I wanted to go on, it's nothing! I would like to try for next summer. Or maybe when I graduate. I would just love to go and help out with the kids that have been affected by AIDS and HIV.

Oh, and I also decided I want to adopt kids! I want to adopt kids from Africa. Once again, kids that have been affected by AIDS or HIV. There are so many orphans over there. I would absolutely love to provide a better life for them. Wouldn't that be amazing? Plus, African kids are the cutest kids ever! :)

Senselessness and Negative Sensibility

Dude, what is it with these creepy dreams I keep having? I think they are ruining any pieces of confidance I have. That was so weird! Why does my mind do that to me?

Anyway, don't you hate it when you have to ask someone one of those questions that you don't really want to ask, but you know you have to. You are afraid it may be a question they don't like. What if it isn't really a question, but a question disguised as a "You really need to do this".

I have to brush my teeth before I leave for school. Just to let you all know. Ew! I learned a gross fact this weekend. You should brush your teeth before you eat breakfast, because at night tons of bacteria and bugs and all that loveliness enters you mouth and actually goes to the bathroom in it. That is why your breath stinks. And unless you want to eat bug doo-doo, you should brush them prior to eating. Isn't that gross? I think I will never forget that.

Okay, so I know this is a crazy post, but oh well. It was slightly fun.

Thanks for encouragment, guys! And I REALLY appreciate the prayers. That is something God has been showing me-the power of prayer. I realize how little I talk to him, so I am setting my watch every hour to beep. When it goes off, I try and talk to him. I just get so caught up in my day that I totally space out. What a sad thing to space out on! "The prayer of a righteous man avails much".

Well, only 3 days and I am out of school-out of highschool forever. ("Highschool could be an enemy of the rest of society")Never to go back. Ever. Well, technically, I was never in highschool. :) And only 4 days and I will never be a kid again. In charge of my own life. Make my own decisions. Bwa ha ha! Okay, so I was kind of kidding about that. I guess I am really looking forward to what God is going to do in my life.

Prayer request: I am trying to decide if I should go on a missions trip. I was thinking about going to Romania a few months ago with Teen Mania. But I decided I wanted something more serious, so I tried to get in on some more small stuff. But none of them worked out. So, I am back to trying to decide if I should go with Teen Mania. Anyway, if you could pray that I will get an answer about that.

Have a fantastic Monday!