Monday, December 25, 2006

Kenya!!!

*Edit* Praise God! I already have a $500.00 pledge!! *End Edit*

Well, here is the letter I am sending out to raise money...If any of you have any ideas on raising money or ways to help....Any money floating around. Ha ha, like anyone has that. Anyway, if anyone has raised money for missions and has ideas, let me know!


To Friends and Family:

Several years ago, God really gave me a heart for orphans through James 1:27. It says, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction . . .” I felt a desire to show God’s love to kids that have not had the blessing of a family to love them. Because kids are so open to people, ready to love and be loved, I think orphans are the perfect opportunity to show the love of Jesus. Additionally, God has impressed the orphaned children of Africa on my heart. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is rampant in regions of Africa, and adults are not the only ones affected. Innocent children are also severely hurt.

Recently, God has presented an opportunity for me to visit Kenya to do hands-on work in Encouragement Children’s Home through an organization called A Ministry of Encouragement. I will be leaving the 7th of June, taking an overnight flight to London, and then departing to Nairobi, Kenya. From there, I will fly or be driven to Kisumu in the Western Province of Kenya. I will have the opportunity to work with kids closely for two whole weeks before returning the 23rd of June. If you are interested in learning more, please go to www.kenyaorphans.org.

To pay for this trip, I need to come up with $2,700. This will include flight tickets, ground transportation, lodging, and in country meals. Additionally, I will also need money for immunizations, a visa, and so forth. I am asking that you would consider supporting me financially. Any contribution you can give would make a huge difference to me and the orphans at Encouragement Children’s Home.

Additionally, while I am gone and during the fund raising period, prayer would be appreciated! Second Chronicles 7:14 says “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. As Christians, we have a great gift. We can talk to God and seek His face, asking for healing. Africa is a place that desperately needs the love and healing of Jesus. I am asking that you will pray that the other groups that go down throughout the summer will be able to make a difference and be a light for Him. Additionally, prayer that I will raise the money that is required for this trip is needed.

If you would like to support me financially or let me know that you will be praying for me, here are several ways I can be reached–by address, e-mail, or phone.

Edit: I will just give e-mail address online.
twinkiesaregross@yahoo.com

2 Samuel 22:31-“This God—his way is perfect;
the word of the Lord proves true;
he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him”.

God bless,
Danika

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Saturday, December 23, 2006

Grades and Joshua

Aubry and I when we went sledding at the cabin Tuesday. She was a little uncooperative here. As usual....
















So, I finally got my grades for the semester. I got A's in Chemistry lab, Zoology, Zoology lab, Physics lab, and Career Planning. In Chemistry lecture, I got a B. Admittedly, I was disappointed; however, considering the reputation concerning hardness of the class, I am relieved. My Mom keeps saying she is glad I finally got a B at some point in school. Now I have no pressure and stress to be a "straight-A student". Well, maybe not.... :)

If you are a faithful reader (If not, go find someone else to bother...Okay, just kidding! My sarcastic nature strikes again!), then you will remember the extreme difficult I was having with physics at the beginning of the semester. The combination of never having taken physics and never having taken trigonometry in high-school (Curses upon whoever put the idea in my head that an abundance of biology classes would be my best bet. If you are in high-school and want to be a science major, do not listen! Take math and chemistry classes. You will make life much easier for yourself in the long run.) made for an interesting situation. Translated: I had no idea what the heck was going on. I was at the end my rope a few weeks in. There was no way I could do this in my own strength. I was lost. So, at the end of my rope, I went to God. Should I drop the class or what? Change my major? Do the class, get an F, and take it again until I got a good grade? Well, His ideas were different than mine. He gave me a lot of stuff in Joshua 3. Verse 5 says "And Joshua said to the people, 'Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.' This was the night before a quiz. I had no clue about the homework, and I was basically destined to get an F. However, I felt like God was telling me, He would do an amazing thing. So, I tried to stop freaking out and got some sleep, having no clue about Newton's Second Law or Equations of Kinematics. Well, sure enough, I took the quiz and ended up getting a 90%. Talk about God keeping a promise. But it didn't stop there.
This chapter also says in verse 10: "God is among you, and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites". Yeah, I know there is no such thing as Girgashites anymore, but God was comparing my physics battles to these big, bad "ites". Anyway, God was going to get me through the battles and defeat big, bad physics. :)
Now this is the best part. Verse 17 says "Then the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the Jordan; and all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan". God was promising me that I would get through this one. He would get me through the semester and He would hold the flood back until I was safe-at the end of the semester. Talk about a metaphor. And He did get me across. More evidence in my life to Him being the I AM.
After all that, I have come to the conclusion that I actually do enjoy physics. Just goes to show that the things that are difficult are the best challenges.

Now the next task is to be trusting Him about Missouri. He keeps confirming, and I keep doubting. Speaking of which, I sent out a letter to the dean of admissions on Wednesday or Thursday, stating my financial status which is not reflected on my FAFSA. I asked her to reconsider my place on the waiting list. Any prayers you could pray would be really appreciated. I am ready for Missouri. Bring it on, baby! :)
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Thursday, December 21, 2006

Excellence

I realize this is a long article, but I thought it would be a good thing to share as it was convicting to me. I realize I have slacked off a bit on my blogging principles. Rather than using my blog to edify and encourage, I often use it as a source of venting. Granted, as a human I will always struggle and I need to be honest with others about those struggles; however, I think I need to be more careful that I am pointing to the answer to all of my struggles-Jesus. This is something I sadly often don't do.
In addition, I believe I have slipped into some, um, shoddy blogging. Rather than pursuing excellence in writing, I am jotting down some random thoughts or confusing news and pressing post. Even if it means posting a little less, I plan on taking more time on my posts. In other words, I might try some proofreading. :)
I guess one might call this a New Year's resolution. Wow, I believe this may be my first.

Blogging to Worship God
by Bob Kauflin

Why blog?

That's the question I asked myself back in November of 2005, when I began a weblog called Worship Matters, devoted to issues of music and worship. After leading worship for 30 years, I figured I'd made enough mistakes to keep me going for a couple hundred columns.

At that time, Technorati.com said there were 10 million other blogs in existence. I wasn't sure the world needed one more.

That was then. Technorati.com now claims to search over 50 million blogs. On top of that, the Washington Post recently reported that MySpace.com hosts over 100 million blogs. I have no doubt the number of blogs is going to continue to grow.

Why are blogs so incredibly popular? I can think of a few reasons. Sites like MySpace, TypePad, WordPress and Blogger have made starting a blog easy. And blogs are a great way to keep in touch with family and friends. My daughter and daughter-in-law live near us, but I still read their blogs that include personal reflections and pictures of the grandkids (always a plus).

I read a number of blogs daily. Al Mohler (albertmohler.com) gives me quick insightful and biblical commentary on the news. Justin Taylor (theologica.blogspot.com) provides helpful links to sites dealing with "Theology, Philosophy, Politics, and Culture." Some blogs make me laugh (purgatorio1.com), others help me think through issues biblically (challies.com).

More than anything, blogs have enabled us to communicate what's in our hearts and minds to anyone in the world who wants to listen. And you can do all of this sitting at home in front of your computer.

If you're reading this, there's a good possibility that you read blogs, comment on blogs, or write one of your own. If you never go near blogs, I wouldn't be too concerned. But for the rest of us, here are some things to keep in mind as we inhabit the blogosphere.

For Those Who Blog or Want To

Christians might blog on a variety of topics and for a number of reasons, but they share one common goal:

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Cor. 10:31)

If God wants us to eat and drink for his glory, He certainly wants us to blog for the same reason. That means God has something to say about our content, attitude, and motive in blogging.

It's not hard to find blogs that are filled with foul language, pornographic material, and useless information. But as Christians, we're commanded to think about things that are true, honorable, just, pure, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Phil. 4:8). That includes quite a bit. What it doesn't include is saying whatever I feel like saying, rehearsing how lousy I feel, wallowing in self-pity, or stirring up unnecessary controversy. God says we'll be held accountable for every word we speak — and blog.

If you're going to write a blog, write about something that matters. Unless you don't expect anyone to read what you're saying, ask yourself if what you're writing will serve your readers in any way. It might be funny or serious, your own reflections or thoughts from others. Your blog might simply point to resources, books, or music that has encouraged you. But the content should in some meaningful way bring glory to God.

Here are a few subjects that should be absent from our blogs:

Lies. Sitting in front of the keyboard, it's amazing how easily we type things that we aren't completely sure about, that we never would want to be held accountable to, or that are slightly modified to make us sound more persuasive. As those who follow the One Who is the Truth, we should avoid any kind of falsehood, exaggeration, or unsubstantiated claim.

Gossip. One of the most common blogging temptations is to spread information about people we've never spoken to directly. This isn't the same as referencing public knowledge for the sake of illustration, which can build discernment. But too often, we gossip simply to exalt our own ego. "Why was Katherine hanging out with Michael?" "How can my boss be so insensitive?" "I'd never say what Drew said." "What a loser."

Intimate details. I stumbled across some blogs a while back that read like uncensored diaries, full of crude language, sinful desires, and sexual disclosures. What holds true for our speech, holds true for our blogs:

"But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (Eph. 5:3-4)

Another factor to consider in blogging is links. While it may look impressive or cool to have a long list of "Blogs I Read," keep in mind that you're recommending the content of those blogs. Unless you trust the source implicitly, you should only recommend blogs that follow the same standards you do.

God is also concerned about our attitude when we blog.

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Eph. 4:29)

I read a newspaper article not too long ago about a woman who wakes up every morning and begins her day by blogging her anger against conservatives. While most of us wouldn't go that far, I wonder how often we use blogs to sin in a way that doesn't seem quite so sinful. "Corrupting talk" includes biting sarcasm, arrogant condescension, and harsh anger. We might rename them wit, experience, and justified venting.

It never seems very sinful when we're writing from our heart, striking a few keys and, pushing "post." No one's there to give us feedback and we're just happy we said what we wanted to say. That's why Christian bloggers need a generous dose of humility. The nature of blogging implies that I think I have something worth saying. That's misleading. The ability to post my thoughts on the Internet is no guarantee that I have any idea what I'm talking about.

Recently Tim Challies live-blogged the WorshipGod06 Conference we hosted. One commenter took issue with some of the things that reportedly took place at the conference and launched into an attack on me, Sovereign Grace Ministries, and charismatics in general. I'm happy to say that after a number of folks came to our defense, the original commenter saw his sin and wrote this:

"Please forgive this over-zealous brother who spoke too soon, and without thinking through all of this first ... and please pray that God would grant me wisdom and discernment in all things, so that I might not hurt another brother or sister with the kind of comments I posted earlier."

That was a turnaround that is rarely seen in the world of blogging and a clear demonstration of humility. But it's even better to consider our hearts before we open our mouths, remembering Solomon's counsel in Proverbs: "Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him" (Prov. 29:20).

Finally, we need to examine our motives for blogging. Sometimes my motives are godly, sometimes not. Often they're mixed.

When I started Worship Matters I was painfully aware of a desire to impress people. I had difficulty getting started and confessed in my second blog entry:

"Undoubtedly, pride has held me back. I don't simply want to write a blog on worship. I want to write THE blog on worship (it helps that there aren't very many out there to begin with). In my worst moments I'm hoping worshipmatters.com will be quoted, blogrolled, referenced, acclaimed, recognized, and well, worshiped. The fear that that WON'T happen, and that my blog will die after two weeks due to lack of interest, gives me pause.

"Ironic, isn't it? One of my motives for writing a blog on worshipping God seems to be gaining glory for myself. Come to think of it, one of my motives for almost everything I do seems to be gaining glory for myself."

Fortunately, God gives grace to overcome our sin. But if we don't acknowledge it, we'll never be able to repent from it. Here are some possible signs that I'm blogging for my own glory:

  • I start a blog because all my friends have one
  • I enjoy seeing my name in print, especially on someone else's blog
  • I'm crushed by criticism
  • I'm flippant in criticizing others
  • I check my visitor counter every hour
  • My emotional state is related to the number of people who visit my site

I'm sure you can think of others. God's words to us in James are relevant to blogging:

"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic." (James 3:13-15)

The two motives we are called to fight here are bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. Bitter jealousy is grieving that I don't have what someone else has — a cooler site design, more links, more comments, more visitors. It's when I only want God to be glorified through ME, and don't naturally rejoice when he chooses to use someone else.

Selfish ambition is similar to bitter jealousy, only more blatant. I want to be approved, applauded, admired. I want people to say kind things about me, whether or not I actually deserve it. I fear any kind of correction or feedback because it appears as though I've said or done something wrong. At root, selfish ambition is challenging God for the right to be worshiped. Sadly, it can motivate what we write.

God tells us that these sins are "earthly, unspiritual, and demonic." I have to admit, I typically don't think of my desire to be noticed in such radical, harsh terms. But then, I never see my sin like God does. As one Puritan said, "You see more defilement in my duties than I ever saw in any of my sins."

God's solution is simple, but impossible apart from the work of the Savior in our hearts. Be humble. Be wise. Be "pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere" (James 3:17). That kind of blogging will bear fruit for eternity for the glory of Jesus Christ.

On Reading Blogs

When I first discovered blogs, I was amazed how much time people spent reading them. I still am. Yet, I've too often sat down to read a blog and been shocked to look up at the clock and see that two hours has passed.

For all that's good about blogs, there are some down sides. The majority of blogs promote transient, light, emotional, and unreflective communication. Unlike great authors, no blogger I know spends years figuring out what they're going to say on their blog. For the most part, blogs focus on what's new, fashionable, or controversial. They can encourage quick and mindless responses that only feed our tendency to value temporal, passing things.

Of course, blogs can be beneficial if we use them wisely, understanding that they're only one slice of the way God intends for us to relate to the world. And a small slice, at that.

Before I read a blog, it's always good to ask a few questions.

  • Is there a better way I should be spending my time?
  • Have I set a limit on how long I'm going to do this?
  • Do I plan to guard my heart as I read?
  • How much time do I spend each day reading blogs?

My 17-year-old daughter started a blog where she posts pictures she's taken. She sent out an e-mail to let people know about it, and a portion of it said:

"If you ever have any free time and you're wondering, "What in the world am I going to do now?" don't go to my blog. Have extended devotions, or read some good book on our Savior, or serve your family. And once you've done that, come and visit my blog."

That's great counsel.

The blogosphere is a mixed blessing. Used wisely we can benefit from the lives, insights, and creativity of others. Used without discernment, it can be a temptation and distraction for anyone who wants to please God.

Whether you read, write or ignore blogs, I pray that God gives you grace to do it all for the glory of our Savior.

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Wednesday, December 20, 2006

The Etc.

As Jill said: "Sometimes it would be 1 o'clock in the afternoon before anyone even said a word to each other. I loved it! It gave me a chance to focus on my work, but mostly, there was no pressure to be "chatty.""
Yup, I failed to mention that perk. There is never that constant pressure that is present with girls to always say something. I'm not boring and weird if I have nothing to say. :)

The quote to go along with the current disillusionment: "Perhaps every cluster of people has a short period of grace, in between intial shyness and prejudice on one hand and eventual repugnance and betrayal on the other".

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Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Tile Girl

What a privileged person am I. I have a business license, and I basically contract work out from my Dad. Since it is tile setting, I rarely am around any girls during the day. I am the only female tile setter I have come across in the four years I have been doing this type of work. It is an interesting experience. And it can be frustrating. :) Like when that polite guy insists on opening the door for you with a wet saw in his hand and all you have is a bucket of grout. Dash politeness at a time like that and be practical! But thanks...
Or there is the stucco dudes who always cease talking when I walk by and whisper in Spanish. Blast it all, I need to brush up on my Espanol. But there are of course some funny things about the job too.
It never ceases to amuse me watching a group of guys trying to get a job done. Who needs the radio when they're around to make fun of. Well, in my head primarily since I am the loner. Just kidding, I'm not quite that mean. I doubt many girls get that type of insight, huh? :) Now I must say I still do not get guys, but I may finally understand the...trends. So, here are several of my observations. If anyone disagrees, correct me if I am wrong!

-Talk about competition. We carry bags of Thinset. I carry one, the next guy carries two. The third guy asks how many the second guy carried and adds one more to the mix. Nearly blowing out his back in the process, but, hey, he picked it up, right? :)
-Never a serious moment. Nonstop bantering and joking. How they get things done I have no clue.
-There is no such thing as a true conversation. It is either one sentence ridicules or jokes or merely grunts and noises. There is an interesting appeal to making noises with the tools. Like blowing into the vacumn hoses and making who knows what kind of noise.
-Lots of throwing. Whether it is rocks at the outhouse while someone is in it-a guy that is, I never get such harrassment-or a margin trowel across the room, it never ceases.

So, yes, it is a fascinating job to have. I walk in with two or three guys to have lunch on a work day once in a while. I'm the only girl with carpenter pants, work boots, and a bandanna on. Some think it is odd, but, hey, no guy has ever beat me grouting. :)

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Saturday, December 16, 2006

In Awesome Wonder

So I thought I would show you guys my favorite place in all of Colorado-well, all of Colorado that I have seen so far. I came to this conclusion a few weeks ago when I had to go rescue my Dad from a job site, because his work truck was stuck in the mud. Anyway, this is about an hour away from my house. I have to drive up into the mountains near Westcliffe. The best part is that you can't see these mountains right away. You drive for a really long time surrounded by rock faces so huge that no sky but that right above you can be seen. After what seems like a million curves that are not for those who get carsick, you climb a really big hill. It is so steep that you can't see what will be on the other side. All of a sudden, you get to the top and see it. A huge range of mountains. You realize that you are basically imprisoned on all sides by mountains. Everywhere I look, there they are.




I want to climb these mountains. I want to go to the top and see what is on the other side. That was the best part of climbing my first 14er. What in the world is on the other side!




I have lived in Colorado for ten years now. Basically all I've known is looking as far as I can see and seeing no horizon. I see mountains. The sun "sets", but really it just goes behing the mountains. I know it will still be around for quite some time, so I can't see it. Because of this, I am amazed when I go to places that are flat. Kansas scares me. Seeing for miles and miles and miles is an odd feeling to a person who rarely sees that far. I feel like it is too easy to get lost in those endless plains. Going to the beach in California last summer was an amazing experience. I actually saw the sun set over the ocean. It was a flat horizon. What a concept that was! I will never forget that night. Once again, pictures could never show how amazing it was.


The widest wide angle lens cannot show you the entire mountain range. It just isn't possible. Now I am looking for a day with perfect clouds to go up again. Then I'll have a reason to capture more sky. You have to put foreground in this picture. In order to get as much of the range as possible, the picture has to be set far out. If there was not foreground, the picture would be 7/8th sky!
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Friday, December 15, 2006

Bunny Re-enactment

Check it out! :)

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Thursday, December 14, 2006

Random Words

I am writing what first comes to mind at the three words that the last person doing this tag came up with. I will then come up with three new words and tag someone.

Purple For some reason, I think of one of my friend's pillowcase and comforter. Don't ask me why. It is this bright purple thing with flower all over it. Who knows why that came to mind. That reminds me of that party she had where I dressed up like a guy. I was told I make a cute guy. Ahem, but that was NOT A COMPLIMENT!! :)
Folk Um, I think of hillbillies. Like Ozark hillbillies. Ooh, I want to go to Missouri! I could be a resident of the Ozarks. Maybe I will become a hillbilly. :)
Pinecone My sister and brothers made these turkeys for Thanksgiving out of pinecones. Then they gave one to my friend Saroj when he came for Thanksgiving dinner. Ha, that was funny. That also leads me to think about that day my Mom said one of my friends from school was coming for dinner. The friend of my Mom got this funny look and did that whole "Ah, I see" thing. It should have been clarified that this guy coming for dinner was a FRIEND!! :) Ha ha, I was amused.

In conclusion, I find that my mind works in a very train of thought type of manner. I go from one thing to the next in a matter of seconds. In my mind at least. :)

Okay, I tag Erin.
My words are:
~Sweatshirt
~Spork
~Periodic Table

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Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Ha ha! plus a little serious

Colorado Barbies ~
Mattel recently announced the release of Limited Edition Barbie Dolls for the Colorado Market:

Highlands Ranch Barbie
This princess Barbie is only sold at Park Meadows Mall. She comes with an assortment of Kate Spade Handbags, a Lexus SUV, a long-haired foreign dog named Honey and a cookie cutter house. Available with or without tummy tuck and face lift. Workaholic Ken sold only in conjunction with "augmented" version.

Englewood Barbie
This modern day homemaker Barbie is available with Ford Windstar Minivan and matching gym outfit. She gets lost easily and has no full time occupation or secondary education. Traffic jamming cell phone sold separately.

Colfax Barbie
This recently paroled Barbie comes with a 9mm handgun, a Ray Lewis knife, a Chevy with dark tinted windows and a Meth Lab Kit. This model is only available after dark and can only be paid for in cash. Preferably small, untraceable bills. Unless you are a cop, then we don't know what you are talking about.

Cherry Creek Barbie
This yuppie Barbie comes with your choice of BMW convertible or Hummer H2. Included are her own Starbucks cup, credit card and country club membership. Also available for this set are Shallow Ken and Private School Skipper. You won't be able to afford any of them.

Commerce City Barbie
This pale model comes dressed in her own Wrangler jeans two sizes too small, a NASCAR shirt and tweety bird tattoo on her shoulder. She has a six pack of Coors light and a Hank Williams , Jr. CD set. She can spit over 5 feet and kick mullet-haired Ken's butt when she's drunk. Purchase her pickup truck separately and get a confederate flag bumper sticker absolutely free.

Aspen Barbie
This collagen injected, rhino plastic Barbie wears a leopard print ski outfit and drinks cosmopolitans while entertaining friends at the lodge. Percocet prescription available.

Thornton Barbie
This tobacco chewing, brassy haired Barbie has a pair of her own high-heeled sandals with one broken heel from the time she chased Beer-Gutted Ken out of Commerce City Barbie's house. Her ensemble includes low rise acid washed jeans, fake finger nails, and a see through halter top. Also available with a mobile home.

Boulder Barbie
This doll is made of actual tofu. She has long straight brown hair, archless feet, hairy armpits, no makeup and Birkenstocks with white socks. She prefers that you call her " Willow ." She does not want or need a Ken doll, but you if purchase two Boulder Barbies and the optional Subaru wagon, you get a rainbow flag sticker for free.

Aurora Barbie
This Barbie now comes with a stroller and infant doll. Optional accessories include a GED and bus pass. Gangsta Ken and his '79 Caddy were available, but are now very difficult to find since the addition of the infant.

Arvada Barbie
She is on welfare, has five children from five different fathers, none of which can be found.

Greeley Barbie
This Spanish Speaking only Barbie comes with a 1984 Toyota with expired temporary plates and three baby Barbies in the back seat, but no car seats. The optional Ken doll comes with a Meat Packers uniform and is missing three fingers on his left hand. Green Cards are not available for Barbie or Ken.

Trinidad Barbie/Ken
This versatile doll can be easily converted from Barbie to Ken by simply adding or subtracting the multiple "snap-on" parts.

In returning and rest you shall be saved;In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

Therefore the L
ord will wait, that He may be gracious to you;
And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you.
For the Lord is a God of justice;
Blessed are all those who wait for Him.

For the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem;
You shall weep no more.
He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry;
When He hears it, He will answer you.
And though the Lord gives you
The bread of adversity and the water of affliction,
Yet your teachers will not be moved into a corner anymore,
But your eyes shall see your teachers.
Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying,
"This is the way, walk in it,"
Whenever you turn to the right hand
Or whenever you turn to the left.

Okay, God, I'm waiting. Resting in You...

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Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Self Esteem is for Thomas the Tank Engine

As a wise man once said *bwa ha ha* "Self esteem is for Thomas the tank engine". Okay, so it's pretty sad, but I was quite amused by it.

So, right now I am at school hopelessly bored. But it is finals week you say. I say yes I realized that and I thought finals week would be crazy but due to the fact that there is nothing to do but study for three tests over and over that I basically know the info for and days in which the reviews/tests are so spread apart that I have to sit around attempting to entertain myself...YEAH RIGHT! Yeah, so I'm in an odd mood. Life is very full of oddness as seems to be the tradition since, oh I don't know, April of this last year.

So, I found out one of my Africa orphanage options is out. I have another I applied to and a whole new option that came up just recently, so we will see where that goes. Once again, God is just keeping me totally relying on Him. It looks like nothing is working out, but only through those types of situations can I see his faithfulness. It is like Gideon. If he had the amount of men he had to start with, he may not have seen how God worked and came through. I am praying-and would appreciate your prayers-that he will show his faithfulness to me. I am so ready!

In other news, although I have several close friends and family members telling me they really think CofO is an option God is putting in my path, I am applying to Adams State college for the fall of 2007. I am still talking to God daily-or every minute it seems like-about going to CofO, but I am opening up other options too. School gets out up there the same time it does here I believe. I am hoping I get a call over break.

You Are Bert

Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them!



You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you



You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil



How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others


Yeah, my sister and I always said I was Bert and she was Ernie. :)

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Sunday, December 10, 2006

Weird!

Talk about weird. I have not yet seen the movie "The Nativity Story", but so far four people have said I look like the girl who plays Mary: Keisha Castle-Hughes. One was a neighbor who was talking about the movie and suddenly exclaimed that I look like her. Another was a guy who's kids I babysit. Then some other friends who were around agreed. Thought that was amusing. They should have picked me. I could have made millions....Darn! ;) Posted by Picasa

The ABC's

A - Available/Single?
Single. Wow, how funny that I am old enough to say "I'm single". :) But God's my guy. :)
B - Best Friend?
My sister, my Mom, my Dad, Kasey, Audra, Josh, and Sarah.
C- Cake or Pie?
Can I pick ice cream. :)
D - Drink Of Choice?
Um, water, OJ, and egg nog.
E - Essential Item You Use Everyday?
Pencil. Life isn't life without words.
F - Favorite Color?
Currently it is a dark, bright green color.
G - Gummy Bears or Worms?
Bears are funner to eat. You can bite two in half, stick opposites together and have a mutant bear.
H - Hometown?
Uh, born in Fountain Valley, CA, but I totally do not remember it.
I - Indulgence?
Ice cream most definantly. Along with with Gilmore Girls...Perfect combo.
J - January or February?
Um, probably January. Half of it is absent of school. :)
K - Kids
I sponsor a kid. Her name is Margeret.
L - Life Is Incomplete Without?
Well, I started a list and realized that the answer is Jesus. That's it.
M - Marriage Date?
Non existent. :)
N- Number Of Siblings?
2 of each: Emily, Micah, Josiah, and Aubry
O - Oranges or Apples?
Apples. Oranges have too much of that icky white stuff.
P - Phobias/Fears?
failure and doing nothing
Q - Favorite Quote?
Einsteins are the best!
R - Reason to Smile?
Jesus' faithfulness
S - Season?
Winter right now. I love snow!
T – I Tag
Sookie and Erin
U - Unknown Fact about Me?
i like to speak in different voices and accents
V - Vegetable you don't like?
Peppers and onions
W - Worst Habit?
Not being in His rest
X - X-rays You've Had?
Um, none. I've done x-rays to dogs and cats though. What an adventure
Y - Your Favorite Food?
Chinese or Italian
Z - Zodiac Sign?
I have no clue as usual

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Saturday, December 09, 2006

Trust

Psalm 22:4-5
In you our fathers put their trust;
they trusted and you delivered them.

They cried to you and were saved;
in you they trusted and were not disappointed.


Psalm 22:19
So that your trust may be in the LORD,

I teach you today, even you.

Psalm 37:5-7
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:

He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.


Psalm 16:20

Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers,
and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD.


Basically, my life is all about trusting God right now. Finding my rest in Him despite the circumstances. Come to think of it, life since turning 18 has been like that. Yet me in idiotic human state :) has just not realized it until lately. I thought I was "going through a hard time" and I just had to keep persevering. True, yet the main thing was trusting Him. The thought of how much harder I made things on myself makes me cringe. This six months have been crazy. I had some really hard stuff go on with...well, with everything. With my Mom, with my Dad, with my sister, with friends, with someone who wanted to be more than a friend, with school, with school, and with school. The point is to give it all to Him! All of it. My fears, my dreams, desires, hopes, failures, and successes. Absolutely everything.

I've really been struggling with being content with the prospect of College of the Ozarks constantly dangling in front of my nose. It's like putting a bowl of ice cream in front of me while I'm trying to do homework. It does not work. I can't concentrate! :) The point is to be content where I am at now. Trust that God really does has a plan. I can't see it right now, but He's got it in His hands.

When you're lonely
And it feels like the whole world is falling on you
You just reach out, you just cry out to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
~Third Day "Cry Out to Jesus"

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Friday, December 08, 2006

Princess falls for some camo britches and a southern boy drawl

Princess falls for some camoflage britches and southern boy drawl

ONE MORE WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I can hardly believe. I am almost sad to see it go. :) Seriously. My first semester of university behind me. Whoa....

Talk about God teaching me a lot. It's like cramming for a test. The past few days. Whoa! I go from learning about extreme faith to being content in whatever situation I am in. I want so much to give it up to God, but my stupid sinful man is pulling so tight. I want to kill that part of me. SHUT UP! Go away! God, give me strength to give it ALL to you. I want to surrender it all no matter what might happen. I may not end up in Missouri, or Africa, I may not end up having the job I want, and on and on. Despite all that, I want to be content as long as I have you. Nothing can seperate me from the love of God. Sometimes I feel like principalities and powers and height and depth would be easier than my fear of doing NOTHING.

Hmm, peppermint blizzard from DQ. You should try that one out.

You know what I just realized today? The chemistry building at school is so big and ominous. More than any other building. Did they do that on purpose....


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Wednesday, December 06, 2006

To Make a Short Story Long

To Make a Short Story Long

N
ow faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Prayer would be mucho appreciato right now. God is telling me some stuff, and I want to have faith in his promises. I want to be like Mary and not Zachariah when he talks to me. I want to hear it, and say "Okay, I'm ready" not "Wait, how is this going to work out?".

One more day....Give me the faith of a mustard seed.

In Other News...

I have concluded that life would no longer be interesting if the weirdness of people was not present. Today somebody asked if I was taking Physics II next semester. They wanted to take it too so they could sit by me and cheat. I still can't decide if that should be a compliment or not.

Then I have a zoology lab practicum today where some guy decides to help me out by whispering the answers of muscles *coccygeo-illiacus* that aren't even right. Shut up! I don't want to hear that. Besides, it is ilifibularis. Duh! :) No, I'm just kidding in the latter part of that paragraph. Still, it bugged me. I didn't ask you to cheat.

Then I am friends with two people who are currently going through a, um, crisis situation. One of the friends pulled me aside yesterday and said the other friend had contacted campus police and the sheriff's office accusing this person of harassment. I had just talked to her a few days before trying to convince her that he certainly did not like her. Hmm, I think I need to work on my persuasion skills. Now there is a possibility that I will testify about their conduct with each other in the mediation meeting later this week.

Ah! I thought all the drama ended in highschool. Right? Hello? Um....


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Tuesday, December 05, 2006

Running...Again Plus Some Life

It's coming...I can feel it in my bones. :) Only 10 days, 2 hours, and 10 minutes. Yeah, I actually have a countdown on my cell phone for the last day of school. I will be done on Friday at 10:30. Whoopee! More prayer would be appreciated. I am still trying to pull off that 3.5 gpa! I think I am there in all my classes, but with two more tests in every one, I am worried. However, I was at a bible study on Sunday night, and we talked about our response to situations, and I realized I am not very good in that aspect of life. I work hard, don't get the result I want, and freak out. I can't control life, but I can control my response to life. Must remember that one...

For all you runners out there:
You might be a runner if ...
you need a magnifying glass to see your name in the newspaper. ...
people say, "you run three miles...at once?" ...
you go to a golf course to run. ...
you combine phrases like "10 mile run" and "easy run" in the same breath. ...
you enjoy running hills. ...
youre running in your dreams.
. ...you don't know what an "off-season" means.
your calves are bigger than your biceps. ...
you wake up in the morning and find that youre already running.
your sport is other sports' punishment.
your heart rate is below 50 and you are not dying.
ibuprofen is your recreational drug of choice.
your feet look like you've spent 10 years in a Vietnamese p.o.w. camp.
you don't laugh every time you hear fartlek. (Actually I do love this word and it makes me laugh)
you are from the US and you think in terms of meters not feet or yards.
all your white shirts have mud spots up the back of them.
while everyone is sleeping you are up running, and while everyone is awake you are sleeping. (The story of my life :))
you have 5% body fat yet you dont live in Somalia.
you feel one second is a lot of time. you understand the speed limit signs in Canada.
your school notebooks are covered with split times.
you almost wish that a pickpocket would grab your wallet so that you could chase him down. (Dude, that would be sweet!)
a "ladder" has nothing to do with home maintenance.
"quarters" are not a monetary unit. you have a hard time turning to the right
your pin number for your ATM is a personal record. ...
finishers ribbons are definitely not keepers.
you actually recognize soccer as a sport. (Yeah, baby!)
you can easily recognize the difference between Gatorade and Powerade. ...
when a non-runner asks you if you "jog" you have to fight the urge to punch them in the face. your email address contains something to do with running.
the "dont walk" sign means "run"
you don't think adding onto a run for two minutes is a ridiculous idea.
you think people who wear those water packs/belts are pussies.
you haven't made it to the toilet or the woods fast enough more than once.
port-a-johns are a luxury.
it is no longer possible to sprain your ankles. they can't anymore...
you set your alarm for 6 am on the weekend. Pretty much
you'll run 18 miles but must find the perfect spot at the grocery store to park because you hate to walk. Haha, too true.
you plan your meals around your workouts. Basically, yeah.
when you run on trails and trip over a stump, you get your watch stopped before you hit the ground.
you stay up 4 hrs past your normal bedtime to watch 4 minutes of tv.
your morning shower is about an hour after you wake up. ...
you have a spike wrench on your keychain. ...
you've ever walked around with your hands in your pockets just so you could feel your quads flex with each stride. ...
you learn the most about your teammates during practices where not one word is spoken.
you laugh when someone tells you 800m is long distance.
you hate walking up steps. I don't anymore. :)
the internal question: spikes or flats?
made fun of the ROTC people dying on their morning jog at 6 am.
you've scoffed at military people trying to impress you with the times they had to get up to run. you have heard of Coos Bay, Oregon. ...
can recognize a teammate by the sound of their breathing.
...you have contests to see who has the most blisters on their feet. ...
you write directions to your house in metric and your friends aren't confused. ...
you could watch a whole marathon and not get bored. ...
you've ever relieved yourself in an empty water bottle in the back of an athletic van. ...Um, no.
your idea of "quality time" is a cool-down jog together. ...
when you run on a treadmill there's always an empty one to either side of you despite the line of guys waiting to use one.
you laugh when a math problem involves running times that are not fast.
you have a watch tan line.
you have figured out a ways to sleep comfortably on a bus even with a large gym bag by your side.
when running by a police radar, you sprint to see how fast your mph is.
. you do calf raises while brushing your teeth.
when you drive you think about your speed in minutes/mile.
you mumble expletives when someone is walking faster than you.
you look for reflections off windows so you can analyze your stride.
you practice drafting in every day life, driving and walking.
you run to cross country practice.
you include running analogies in your papers.
you have asked the question sowhat are your pr's? more than once.
you consider a 15 mile run a good cure for a hangover
You know that the best cure for constipation is mile 3 of 15
Your fridge contains two types of drinks: Beer and Gatorade (Well, not really. :))
...you plan a "vacation" to Boston in the middle of April. (I want to so bad, but maybe after I graduate :))

Running...Again Plus Some Life

It's coming...I can feel it in my bones. :) Only 10 days, 2 hours, and 10 minutes. Yeah, I actually have a countdown on my cell phone for the last day of school. I will be done on Friday at 10:30. Whoopee! More prayer would be appreciated. I am still trying to pull off that 3.5 gpa! I think I am there in all my classes, but with two more tests in every one, I am worried. However, I was at a bible study on Sunday night, and we talked about our response to situations, and I realized I am not very good in that aspect of life. I work hard, don't get the result I want, and freak out. I can't control life, but I can control my response to life. Must remember that one...

For all you runners out there:
You might be a runner if ...
you need a magnifying glass to see your name in the newspaper. ...
people say, "you run three miles...at once?" ...
you go to a golf course to run. ...
you combine phrases like "10 mile run" and "easy run" in the same breath. ...
you enjoy running hills. ...
youre running in your dreams.
. ...you don't know what an "off-season" means.
your calves are bigger than your biceps. ...
you wake up in the morning and find that youre already running.
your sport is other sports' punishment.
your heart rate is below 50 and you are not dying.
ibuprofen is your recreational drug of choice.
your feet look like you've spent 10 years in a Vietnamese p.o.w. camp.
you don't laugh every time you hear fartlek. (Actually I do love this word and it makes me laugh)
you are from the US and you think in terms of meters not feet or yards.
all your white shirts have mud spots up the back of them.
while everyone is sleeping you are up running, and while everyone is awake you are sleeping. (The story of my life :))
you have 5% body fat yet you dont live in Somalia.
you feel one second is a lot of time. you understand the speed limit signs in Canada.
your school notebooks are covered with split times.
you almost wish that a pickpocket would grab your wallet so that you could chase him down. (Dude, that would be sweet!)
a "ladder" has nothing to do with home maintenance.
"quarters" are not a monetary unit. you have a hard time turning to the right
your pin number for your ATM is a personal record. ...
finishers ribbons are definitely not keepers.
you actually recognize soccer as a sport. (Yeah, baby!)
you can easily recognize the difference between Gatorade and Powerade. ...
when a non-runner asks you if you "jog" you have to fight the urge to punch them in the face. your email address contains something to do with running.
the "dont walk" sign means "run"
you don't think adding onto a run for two minutes is a ridiculous idea.
you think people who wear those water packs/belts are pussies.
you haven't made it to the toilet or the woods fast enough more than once.
port-a-johns are a luxury.
it is no longer possible to sprain your ankles. they can't anymore...
you set your alarm for 6 am on the weekend. Pretty much
you'll run 18 miles but must find the perfect spot at the grocery store to park because you hate to walk. Haha, too true.
you plan your meals around your workouts. Basically, yeah.
when you run on trails and trip over a stump, you get your watch stopped before you hit the ground.
you stay up 4 hrs past your normal bedtime to watch 4 minutes of tv.
your morning shower is about an hour after you wake up. ...
you have a spike wrench on your keychain. ...
you've ever walked around with your hands in your pockets just so you could feel your quads flex with each stride. ...
you learn the most about your teammates during practices where not one word is spoken.
you laugh when someone tells you 800m is long distance.
you hate walking up steps. I don't anymore. :)
the internal question: spikes or flats?
made fun of the ROTC people dying on their morning jog at 6 am.
you've scoffed at military people trying to impress you with the times they had to get up to run. you have heard of Coos Bay, Oregon. ...
can recognize a teammate by the sound of their breathing.
...you have contests to see who has the most blisters on their feet. ...
you write directions to your house in metric and your friends aren't confused. ...
you could watch a whole marathon and not get bored. ...
you've ever relieved yourself in an empty water bottle in the back of an athletic van. ...Um, no.
your idea of "quality time" is a cool-down jog together. ...
when you run on a treadmill there's always an empty one to either side of you despite the line of guys waiting to use one.
you laugh when a math problem involves running times that are not fast.
you have a watch tan line.
you have figured out a ways to sleep comfortably on a bus even with a large gym bag by your side.
when running by a police radar, you sprint to see how fast your mph is.
. you do calf raises while brushing your teeth.
when you drive you think about your speed in minutes/mile.
you mumble expletives when someone is walking faster than you.
you look for reflections off windows so you can analyze your stride.
you practice drafting in every day life, driving and walking.
you run to cross country practice.
you include running analogies in your papers.
you have asked the question sowhat are your pr's? more than once.
you consider a 15 mile run a good cure for a hangover
You know that the best cure for constipation is mile 3 of 15
Your fridge contains two types of drinks: Beer and Gatorade (Well, not really. :))
...you plan a "vacation" to Boston in the middle of April. (I want to so bad, but maybe after I graduate :))

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Sunday, December 03, 2006

Half Marathon

Okay, so this is the third time I have attempted this post. I was attempting pictures, but no such luck. Curses upon Blogger Beta. I hate it! I foresee the demise of pictures on my blog.

Anyway, here we go for the third time on this particular post.

So, I finished my half marathon yesterday. The months of running like a chicken with my head cut off-except I have my head-has been rewarded by my finally finishing. It was not as hard as I thought it would be. I am pretty sore today, but that is because I neglected the whole stretching part of running. He he he! I ran it in 2 hours and 20 minutes which was about an average of an 11 minute mile. I was pulling off 10 minute miles for the first six miles or so, but then it started to go downhill from there. In other words, I believe I started to get a little tired. My goal for next year-yes I plan on going back and anyone who lives in Colorado should go-is to go for a ten minute mile the whole way through.

I got third place-I was trying to post pics of medals-which was my first ever placing for a run. That was quite exciting! It was neat to have all the hard work pay off. The coolest part was running farther than I have ever run before. Once I passed the 11 mile, I knew the rest would be farther than I had ever gone before. It was a great feeling! Now all I have to do is run 13.2 miles to get the same feeling. :)

The weather was crazy. Twenty-four degrees with ice and snowing the whole time. A few people fell flat on their backs on the ice. It would have been amusing if they weren't on their backs groaning. Bummer!

You could also be praying for my Dad. He tried to run it, but his knees basically gave out. Since he has been doing tile for twenty years, his knees aren't the best. I passed him walking at the 10.5 mile area. I was really worried about him, because I one of the main traits I got from my Dad was not quitting even if the world is coming to an end. His not running meant something was pretty bad. So, I waited about half an hour for him. He walked to the finish line-yes, he finished! :) I was so worried about him that I started crying. He is on the couch today supposed to be resting, but prayer would be appreciated as he does have work coming up this week. Thanks!

one.word.answers.
no.explanations.

1. Yourself: original
2. Your boyfriend/girlfriend (spouse): non-existant
3. Your hair: brown
4. Your mother: friend
5. Your Father: hug
6. Your Favorite Item: pencil
7. Your dream last night: drunk
8. Your Favorite drink: water
9. Your Dream Car: CJ-5
10. The room you are in: den
11. Your Ex: non-existant
12. Your fear: failure
13. What you want to be in 10 years? happy
14. Who you hung out with last night? sister
15. What You’re Not? trusting
16. Muffins: sugary
17. One of Your Wish List Items: sweatshirt
18. Time: 10:58
19. The Last Thing You Did: homework
20. What You Are Wearing: comfy
21. Your Favorite Weather: snowy!
22. Your Favorite Book: numerous
23. The Last Thing You Ate: oatmeal
24. Your Life: opportunities
25. Your Mood: over-studied
26. Your best friend: few
27. What are you thinking about right now? CofO
28. Your car: off-road
29. What are you doing at the moment? typing
30. Your summer: good+bad
31. Your relationship status: non-existant
32. What is on your TV? static
33. What is the weather like? snowy!
34. When is the last time you laughed? unknown

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