HEY!!!! Just wanted to update after ages and ages of not posting. This is the first time I've had access to the Internet in 4 months! I didn't know I could live that long without my email but you know it is not hard once you get used to living without it. My life is so full of teaching that I rarely have time to think about my online world. God is an awesome God and I will post some experiences I've had since coming to the Philippines. I've experiences every emotion from sheer fear to pure joy. I've nearly died on the ocean, I've experienced weeks of earth quakes, but feeling the hugs of my kids in my village and knowing God has brought me here makes it all worth it. To see your student turn in a paper containing the words, "I want to be a teacher just like you" really does something to your heart. My heart is with my kids and I'm so happy to tell you that God is alive and real and that your prayers keep me going when the going gets hard, when I get sick and discouraged. And yes, missionaries get discouraged sometimes, it goes with the work..this is not a glamorous job, it can be very, very hard but God's grace is truly sufficient!! Thank you for all your prayers!!! I can truly feel the prayers from home.
I will post some pictures of my life here in the Philippines soon.
Merry Christmas!!!!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, August 28, 2008
On a lighter note...
I was taking in all the sights and sounds. This was my first time going to the market to buy my own produce and using the Philippine Peso/Piso (not sure how to spell it:) was a new experience! I went with my Philippina roommate that lives here at the main mission house. She was looking for vegetables to cook for lunch and I was looking for produce to take with me to my village. Yes, I'm finally going to be heading out to my village and teaching!!!! Pray for me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After Sunday I will not be online for quite sometime so if you would like to write to me just send me an email and I will be happy to give you my address. :)
My adventures in the Philippines have only begun! My first hurdle was making sure I made all of my flights here. I had 4 planes to take to make it here and I had never flown alone in my whole life! Wow, but God brought me through. I was so discouraged and tired during that trip. I had planned on spending some time online to communicate with all of you during lay overs. Well, my computer had other plans. I had put my lap top in my backpack and those of you that fly with your lap top know the hassle at security to not only get your own shoes off but then to get the lap top out as well. Ugh.. Well, needless to say it didn't work the whole entire time. Once I got passed L.A. I couldn't even touch base with home. I had brought along my cell phone to keep in touch with my Mom to let her know I was ok but once I was out of the country I was on my own.
God was right by my side the whole entire time and He gave me pleasant people to travel with. Plus He was my constant body guard and guide. It's scary in today's world being a young woman and traveling across the world, alone. Yet, I've never been alone and I thank the Lord for His continual companionship.
The second hurdle was homesickness. Oh, was I ever homesick...I'm still homesick but the prayers of you all back home have lifted my spirits and my family has been a constant source of encouragement, love, and support. I love you guys!!!
The third hurdle has been my health. My lymph nodes are almost back to normal now Praise the Lord and I'm still dealing with a little lingering low grade fever but God is good and I know your prayers to the Father in my behalf have been heard!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
I've also had some hair raising experiences like the day I move my luggage around in my room and out popped a HUGE spider!!!!! I'M DEAD SERIOUS, HE WAS HUGE!!!!!!! AHHHHH!!!! I HATE SPIDERS!!!!!! Then one day I was unplugging something and shocked myself good! lol Both experiences gave my heart a good workout!!!!
Oh, and how do I answer the question, are you single for the 1 hundredth time? I don't want to lie and how I wish I could say, no, Im married and have 10 children or no, I have a boyfriend and he's going to beat you up if you even come near me!!!! lol :) They think American girls are very beautiful....sigh....On my way home from the market my motor bike/taxi driver and his friend tried the same question on me but I got away with not answering "the" question. lol ;)
Keep me in your prayers as I leave Sunday morning to head out to my village. I've never taught school before but I know God is faithful who has called me to do this work in the Philippines!!! I would love to hear from any of you while I'm out in the bush!!! This may be my last post on here for awhile but when I'm able to be online more later on I'll try to update with stories of the latest and greatest happenings in my life!! ;)
My adventures in the Philippines have only begun! My first hurdle was making sure I made all of my flights here. I had 4 planes to take to make it here and I had never flown alone in my whole life! Wow, but God brought me through. I was so discouraged and tired during that trip. I had planned on spending some time online to communicate with all of you during lay overs. Well, my computer had other plans. I had put my lap top in my backpack and those of you that fly with your lap top know the hassle at security to not only get your own shoes off but then to get the lap top out as well. Ugh.. Well, needless to say it didn't work the whole entire time. Once I got passed L.A. I couldn't even touch base with home. I had brought along my cell phone to keep in touch with my Mom to let her know I was ok but once I was out of the country I was on my own.
God was right by my side the whole entire time and He gave me pleasant people to travel with. Plus He was my constant body guard and guide. It's scary in today's world being a young woman and traveling across the world, alone. Yet, I've never been alone and I thank the Lord for His continual companionship.
The second hurdle was homesickness. Oh, was I ever homesick...I'm still homesick but the prayers of you all back home have lifted my spirits and my family has been a constant source of encouragement, love, and support. I love you guys!!!
The third hurdle has been my health. My lymph nodes are almost back to normal now Praise the Lord and I'm still dealing with a little lingering low grade fever but God is good and I know your prayers to the Father in my behalf have been heard!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!
I've also had some hair raising experiences like the day I move my luggage around in my room and out popped a HUGE spider!!!!! I'M DEAD SERIOUS, HE WAS HUGE!!!!!!! AHHHHH!!!! I HATE SPIDERS!!!!!! Then one day I was unplugging something and shocked myself good! lol Both experiences gave my heart a good workout!!!!
Oh, and how do I answer the question, are you single for the 1 hundredth time? I don't want to lie and how I wish I could say, no, Im married and have 10 children or no, I have a boyfriend and he's going to beat you up if you even come near me!!!! lol :) They think American girls are very beautiful....sigh....On my way home from the market my motor bike/taxi driver and his friend tried the same question on me but I got away with not answering "the" question. lol ;)
Keep me in your prayers as I leave Sunday morning to head out to my village. I've never taught school before but I know God is faithful who has called me to do this work in the Philippines!!! I would love to hear from any of you while I'm out in the bush!!! This may be my last post on here for awhile but when I'm able to be online more later on I'll try to update with stories of the latest and greatest happenings in my life!! ;)
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Reality...
The window was open wide letting in the fresh Philippine air, dirt stained the once white floor, but what caught my eye the most was his little brown body that lay on the hard bamboo bed. Other men were in the same room sitting on the same kind of bamboo beds. One had TB, another man had a heart problem, and still the other two men were sick as well. Most of them were sitting on their beds and as I looked into the eyes of one I could see he was very sick.
Whimpering noises came from the little brown body from time to time though his eyes were closed shut. Hooked up to oxygen made it easier for the baby, who was not even three years old, to breath. His little chest would heave and his breathed very fast. He was a chubby baby but worms and malnutrition most likely attributed to his chubby appearance. This baby was in the hospital.
The stark reality of the situation hit me as I saw his burned body. The side of his stomach was burned as well as his little arm and hand. Where his baby brown flesh should have been was only red and exposed. It had so happened that he was not attended to fast enough after he burned himself trying to get some rice. His mother and father were not in the house when the incidence happened, only siblings.
There he lay on what I wouldn't even consider a decent hospital bed, his father close by his side. The older man had worked hard all of his life trying to support the his family. People start out so young here having children and they have very large families. It's not uncommon for families to have 7-10 children. Consequently those children don't get cared for properly as in this case.
Today I went back to the hospital to have a lab test done as I haven't been feeling too well. I went back to the room where the little baby had been. It was empty except for one man who was getting ready to go home. The baby had died. In the U.S. a baby with the burns this baby had would not have died due to 911, clean hospitals, and good doctors. Here, it is another story. The reality was too much and as I went back out to the truck I started to cry. He didn't need to die......Reality is that the need is so great here. The need for education, the need for better medical facilities (and this hospital is new if you can believe that one), the need for someone to show them a better way. That better way can only be found in Christ Jesus. All of my feelings of homesickness, loneliness, stress, can not even be compared to the suffering of these people. The need is great and to be honest this need is reality. What I see every day is reality. In the U.S. we may have it hard but please let me be honest, we have it so good. Most of the world is hurting, is starving, and has hardly anything. Most of the world doesn't get enough clean water, enough nutrition to keep their hair from getting a reddish tint to it from a lack of protein, or enough care. Most of the world doesn't know what real love is, peace, happiness, and pure joy. How can I be selfish and hide my Jesus from a world that needs me to be His hands, His feet, His eyes. His heart must hurt as He looks down and sees the need and the condition of our hearts. His heart must ache as no one answers the call to give up lives of ease to work for the good of their fellow men.
My eyes are being continually opened to the reality of life, the reality that Jesus needs me to be His hands and feet and that He will take care of me in the process. Will you let Jesus be His hands and feet through you?
Whimpering noises came from the little brown body from time to time though his eyes were closed shut. Hooked up to oxygen made it easier for the baby, who was not even three years old, to breath. His little chest would heave and his breathed very fast. He was a chubby baby but worms and malnutrition most likely attributed to his chubby appearance. This baby was in the hospital.
The stark reality of the situation hit me as I saw his burned body. The side of his stomach was burned as well as his little arm and hand. Where his baby brown flesh should have been was only red and exposed. It had so happened that he was not attended to fast enough after he burned himself trying to get some rice. His mother and father were not in the house when the incidence happened, only siblings.
There he lay on what I wouldn't even consider a decent hospital bed, his father close by his side. The older man had worked hard all of his life trying to support the his family. People start out so young here having children and they have very large families. It's not uncommon for families to have 7-10 children. Consequently those children don't get cared for properly as in this case.
Today I went back to the hospital to have a lab test done as I haven't been feeling too well. I went back to the room where the little baby had been. It was empty except for one man who was getting ready to go home. The baby had died. In the U.S. a baby with the burns this baby had would not have died due to 911, clean hospitals, and good doctors. Here, it is another story. The reality was too much and as I went back out to the truck I started to cry. He didn't need to die......Reality is that the need is so great here. The need for education, the need for better medical facilities (and this hospital is new if you can believe that one), the need for someone to show them a better way. That better way can only be found in Christ Jesus. All of my feelings of homesickness, loneliness, stress, can not even be compared to the suffering of these people. The need is great and to be honest this need is reality. What I see every day is reality. In the U.S. we may have it hard but please let me be honest, we have it so good. Most of the world is hurting, is starving, and has hardly anything. Most of the world doesn't get enough clean water, enough nutrition to keep their hair from getting a reddish tint to it from a lack of protein, or enough care. Most of the world doesn't know what real love is, peace, happiness, and pure joy. How can I be selfish and hide my Jesus from a world that needs me to be His hands, His feet, His eyes. His heart must hurt as He looks down and sees the need and the condition of our hearts. His heart must ache as no one answers the call to give up lives of ease to work for the good of their fellow men.
My eyes are being continually opened to the reality of life, the reality that Jesus needs me to be His hands and feet and that He will take care of me in the process. Will you let Jesus be His hands and feet through you?
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Random pics from my first week in the Philippines..
Welcome to the Philippines!!!
I love the beauty of the sky..
The beautiful countryside...
Cute little girl..
I think I know who the boss is!!!
Two little cuties at school..
Yours truely, extremely worn out in Manilla the day after my arrival. Saturday, August 23, 2008
I'm still alive!
Hey Everyone!
Sorry I haven't written on here very much. :( I haven't had good connections with the internet but it is good right now so I though I would post a little bit of news that I am still alive and in the Philippines now! I'm very hot right now as I sit here typing away! I will be heading out to one of the villages sometime soon. The ministry still is not sure which village they will place me in but until then I have access to some degree to the internet and am staying at the main mission house. Once I get out to the villages I won't have internet access so if you would like to keep in touch with me just send me an email and I will give you my address here in the Philippins. I will try to post some pictures in the near future.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I've been in the Philippines less than a week and am feeling homesick, and my lymph nodes under my underarms are swollen. Thank you!!!!
Sorry I haven't written on here very much. :( I haven't had good connections with the internet but it is good right now so I though I would post a little bit of news that I am still alive and in the Philippines now! I'm very hot right now as I sit here typing away! I will be heading out to one of the villages sometime soon. The ministry still is not sure which village they will place me in but until then I have access to some degree to the internet and am staying at the main mission house. Once I get out to the villages I won't have internet access so if you would like to keep in touch with me just send me an email and I will give you my address here in the Philippins. I will try to post some pictures in the near future.
Please continue to keep me in your prayers as I've been in the Philippines less than a week and am feeling homesick, and my lymph nodes under my underarms are swollen. Thank you!!!!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Thought for today...
"The cause of God demands men who can see quickly and act
instantaneously at the right time and with power." Evangelism, p. 480
instantaneously at the right time and with power." Evangelism, p. 480
Sunday, August 10, 2008
More fun pics from ASI!
Tampa Convention Center where ASI was held this past weekend!
My missionary hero & inspiration for mission service, Uncle David Gates
My new friend, Keith, who is a missionary to the Congo. His family is such an inspiration to me as I prepare to go to the Philippines.
3ABN is the best tv network around! Danny Shelton is a great guy!
My friend, Susan, and I!!! I hadn't seen Susan for 4 years! We are old friends from Wildwood! :)
My brothers and Daddy at the exibits.
My Dad at the Country Life Booth that we were invited to come down and help with.
Me and my Papa :)
Laymen Ministries Booth, Daddy, Jeff Reich, Myself, and Cristy Reich. I'm so blessed to be going as a student missionary with their organization!Saturday, August 09, 2008
ASI is Over :(
Ben's first flight ever!!! 
On the plane
My plane!
Yummy breakfast....I had to get up at 3:20am so this proved to be a LONG day!
My Mom and I sharing my headphones, feeling kinda restless and sick of being in the air. It's been 4 years since I've flown so as we neared landing I started feeling kinda sick and really scared. Landings are the HARDEST thing in the world for me..
At the beginning of the flight, I love take offs and this was the first time that I got to fly with my whole family!!!!!!!!
Wow, what an incredible ASI experience I have had this past few days! I can't believe it all is finally over. I am so grateful for this spiritual experience before I head out to the Philippines though. I heard the most inspiring sermon by our leader, Elder Paulson, reminding us that we are NEVER ALONE, that God is always there. I need that so much as I get ready in the next few days for this new experience awaiting me in the Philippines. God is so awesome and as I sit here out on my veranda at the hotel I can see how God is involved in every aspect of my life. I'm learning complete dependence on Him as I step out in faith.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Greetings from ASI!
Hey Everyone!
I'm having such a WONDERFUL time here at ASI! I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with my lap top so that is why I haven't been online lately. The meetings have been very good and the booths are really nice as well! CL has their booth here and in just a few minutes I need to run upstairs and get busy helping out with that. Will post some pics sometime in the near future! :)
I'm having such a WONDERFUL time here at ASI! I haven't had a whole lot of time to play with my lap top so that is why I haven't been online lately. The meetings have been very good and the booths are really nice as well! CL has their booth here and in just a few minutes I need to run upstairs and get busy helping out with that. Will post some pics sometime in the near future! :)
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Last day at work...
Well, today is my last day of work....I write this from a different desk this time. Rebecca has done a wonderful job of replacing me and now I've just stepped back and have just been a coach! It was so sweet, they made an announcement over the loud speaker for everyone to come to the lunch room today and they prayed over me and gave me a gift & a card! It was really sweet! I will treasure the card!
Wow, in just 15 minutes my life gets closer to the Philippines....
Wow, in just 15 minutes my life gets closer to the Philippines....
Update on my arm...
Please keep my arm in your prayers, I got my Hepatitis shots Friday and it looks like I have either an infection or a reaction to the shot. Where the shot was given is all red, hot, and swollen. I went back to the doctor and had them look at it and he was surprised and wasn't sure exactly what it was but put me on some meds. My mom has been putting charcoal poultices on my arm and I've been taking the meds so please pray! The Philippines is not a good place to get infections as the climate is tropical and it is hard and takes longer for things like that to heal. I know that God has awesome things in store for me in the Philippines and that the devil is trying his hardest to mess things up so please pray for my protection and healing for my arm.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Shots, Shots, and more shots...
I went Friday to the clinic nearby and got 3 shots! I'm never happy when I have to go get poked but this time I was more than glad to. I hadn't been able to find a certain paper that had my shot history on it and since I've lived out of state before the clinic couldn't find my history either. So, the other night I was going though all of my old important college papers and I had prayed that I could find the right paper and Praise the Lord I found it! I was so relieved! In fact, I had, had the right paper all along but didn't realize it! I was so relieved!
So, after work on Friday, I found myself waiting at the clinic. Finally, after what seemed like endless ages and after I had looked all of the magazines next to me I was called in. I was given 2 shots in one arm and 1 shot in the other. I got hepatitis a & b shots and the tetanus(sp?) shot as well.
I had read the paper they gave me about all the dangerous side effects that could happen to me but I just prayed over my shots and Praise the Lord I didn't experience anything but some swelling. Unfortunately, the pain and swelling are not very comfortable though......
Friday afternoon after my shot Mary and I went clothes shopping for my trip. By the end of the day my arms hurt. When I finally crawled into bed that night I had a ice pack on one arm and I laid on my back. I always sleep on my side but that night things were just a little bit different. My arms were a little swollen but they hurt nonetheless.
Today is Monday and my left arm where both shots were given are more red, swollen, and hot than Friday. I'm going to go back to the clinic today and just make sure it's okay....... My advice for the day....3 shots is 3 too many!!!!!!!!
So, after work on Friday, I found myself waiting at the clinic. Finally, after what seemed like endless ages and after I had looked all of the magazines next to me I was called in. I was given 2 shots in one arm and 1 shot in the other. I got hepatitis a & b shots and the tetanus(sp?) shot as well.
I had read the paper they gave me about all the dangerous side effects that could happen to me but I just prayed over my shots and Praise the Lord I didn't experience anything but some swelling. Unfortunately, the pain and swelling are not very comfortable though......
Friday afternoon after my shot Mary and I went clothes shopping for my trip. By the end of the day my arms hurt. When I finally crawled into bed that night I had a ice pack on one arm and I laid on my back. I always sleep on my side but that night things were just a little bit different. My arms were a little swollen but they hurt nonetheless.
Today is Monday and my left arm where both shots were given are more red, swollen, and hot than Friday. I'm going to go back to the clinic today and just make sure it's okay....... My advice for the day....3 shots is 3 too many!!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
LIfe is Awesome!!
I leave the 17th of August for the Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't checked to see if I've mentioned this date before or not, if I'm being redundant I'm sure Brandon will let me know!!! lol, thanks brandon :) *blush*
Me oh my, I've seen the itinerary and man, is it ever going to be a LONG trip!! I'm so happy and excited though and can't believe that yes, I am actually doing this! The ministry bought my ticket in faith as I have around $1,000 out of the $2,500 and the $1,000 doesn't quite cover my ticket. So, please continue to pray that the Lord will continue to send financial support for my trip. Thank you!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't checked to see if I've mentioned this date before or not, if I'm being redundant I'm sure Brandon will let me know!!! lol, thanks brandon :) *blush*
Me oh my, I've seen the itinerary and man, is it ever going to be a LONG trip!! I'm so happy and excited though and can't believe that yes, I am actually doing this! The ministry bought my ticket in faith as I have around $1,000 out of the $2,500 and the $1,000 doesn't quite cover my ticket. So, please continue to pray that the Lord will continue to send financial support for my trip. Thank you!!!!!!!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
I'm moving out...
Well, it's not really as bad as the title sounds! I'm moving out, yet not really moving out! My last day of work is August 5 and I will be training Rebecca to take my place here at my desk so I decided to take all my personal decorations down in my office. I want to be able to let her make this are hers. When I was being trained the lady that trained me did the same thing. Before I came she took all of her personal things out of the office so that I could make the space mine. I've been at this desk for 2 years now and it may sound funny or strange but I almost have this feeling of sadness of taking my belongings out but you know I'm moving on with my goals and dreams and while I feel sad, I feel happy as well! I am just taking a leave of absence here at CL but when I come back I won't likely be in the office.
So, farewell, maybe forever to my desk, life keeps moving and I'm on the greatest adventure in life, serving God and when you serve Him you have everything you need!
So, farewell, maybe forever to my desk, life keeps moving and I'm on the greatest adventure in life, serving God and when you serve Him you have everything you need!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Blessings...
In the midst of my busy life it's so easy to overlook the blessings that so bluntly stare me in the face! I've had several blessings so far that have happened to me since I've told people that I'm going to the Philippines. It is so neat, I've had people come up to me and tell me since they know I'm going with Laymen Ministries that they watched it on 3abn because of that reason!
One guy from our warehouse here wants me to take his best rain coat so I'll stay nice and dry and his wife really wants to send crayons and supplies like that for the kids. Anyone who has or currently works for a ministry knows that you don't get rich there and that people generally don't have much extra cash sitting around their house! It so amazing though because the people here where I work have generously opened up their hearts and their check books to this mission experience. Just this morning I opened up my desk drawer and in it was a $20 bill with a little note on it for my mission trip!!
It's so refreshing to see people come alive when they are able to get involved with supporting a missionary or a student missionary. It no longer becomes an experience for the person going overseas but it becomes a mission experience for everyone. We are the body of Christ and without the hands it can't touch, without the feet it can't walk, without the heart it cannot give. So, I've come to a beautiful conclusion that this mission experience is not mine alone but for the whole body of Christ to share in. If I can be an inspiration to just one person through this whole mission experience it will be well worth it. I don't want to have lived my life in vain only pleasing myself but sharing the gospel of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us a commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Amen
One guy from our warehouse here wants me to take his best rain coat so I'll stay nice and dry and his wife really wants to send crayons and supplies like that for the kids. Anyone who has or currently works for a ministry knows that you don't get rich there and that people generally don't have much extra cash sitting around their house! It so amazing though because the people here where I work have generously opened up their hearts and their check books to this mission experience. Just this morning I opened up my desk drawer and in it was a $20 bill with a little note on it for my mission trip!!
It's so refreshing to see people come alive when they are able to get involved with supporting a missionary or a student missionary. It no longer becomes an experience for the person going overseas but it becomes a mission experience for everyone. We are the body of Christ and without the hands it can't touch, without the feet it can't walk, without the heart it cannot give. So, I've come to a beautiful conclusion that this mission experience is not mine alone but for the whole body of Christ to share in. If I can be an inspiration to just one person through this whole mission experience it will be well worth it. I don't want to have lived my life in vain only pleasing myself but sharing the gospel of the kingdom of Jesus Christ. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us a commission, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Amen
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
It's getting closer....
My last day of work is August 5!! I still don't have an exact leave date yet but the day after my last day here at work, I fly out with the ministry to ASI so technically I'm not done with work until I get back from ASI. I'm getting nervous and excited and I was thinking last night that God has so many things that I know He is going to teach me through this whole missionary experience. Being single and not knowing anyone over there I know that I am going to learn complete dependence on God and I'm so thankful for this opportunity to do that. I know that I will only grow from going.
Another thing I can't wait for is to experience prayer meeting and church in the Philippines! I love worshiping overseas with the believers and that is one of the things I am really looking forward to! (besides eating mangoes!!!!!)
Please keep me in your prayers as I move forward in faith!
Another thing I can't wait for is to experience prayer meeting and church in the Philippines! I love worshiping overseas with the believers and that is one of the things I am really looking forward to! (besides eating mangoes!!!!!)
Please keep me in your prayers as I move forward in faith!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
What to take, what not to take...
Well, I've been talking with the ministry and getting ideas of what to take and what not to take. My list of what to take may look something like this: ;)
*Bible & Journal
*My hydrotherapy notebook that I've compiled from my time at Wildwood
*Song book
*Bug spray
*Band aides (the ones there don't stick very good, I've been told)
*Bandanna
*Hat
*Around 10 changes of clothes
*Rain jacket
*Charcoal/Also something to put on cuts and bug bites..I've been told NOT to itch my bug bites!! Cuts infect very easily in tropical climates.
*Some shampoo & conditioner (they sell it but it comes in little bottles)
*I know you can buy soap there but Dove sensitive skin is my MOST FAVORITE kind in the whole wide world so there is going to be some in my suit case!!!!
*A few seasonings I can't get there like Country Life mock chicken seasoning, my favorite saucy ranch seasoning and a few cans of veggie hot dogs!!!
I'll be eating TONS of rice there and last night I was on the phone with the ministry and they were telling me which items I can buy there before I head out to my village and which items I might want to bring like some powdered soy milk, chicken seasoning, etc.
I'm sure this list will get longer the closer I get to packing my suitcase, wow, I can't believe this is actually happening!!! My lifelong dream is coming true!!! WOW!
One thing I won't have to pack.......RICE!!!!! lol
*Bible & Journal
*My hydrotherapy notebook that I've compiled from my time at Wildwood
*Song book
*Bug spray
*Band aides (the ones there don't stick very good, I've been told)
*Bandanna
*Hat
*Around 10 changes of clothes
*Rain jacket
*Charcoal/Also something to put on cuts and bug bites..I've been told NOT to itch my bug bites!! Cuts infect very easily in tropical climates.
*Some shampoo & conditioner (they sell it but it comes in little bottles)
*I know you can buy soap there but Dove sensitive skin is my MOST FAVORITE kind in the whole wide world so there is going to be some in my suit case!!!!
*A few seasonings I can't get there like Country Life mock chicken seasoning, my favorite saucy ranch seasoning and a few cans of veggie hot dogs!!!
I'll be eating TONS of rice there and last night I was on the phone with the ministry and they were telling me which items I can buy there before I head out to my village and which items I might want to bring like some powdered soy milk, chicken seasoning, etc.
I'm sure this list will get longer the closer I get to packing my suitcase, wow, I can't believe this is actually happening!!! My lifelong dream is coming true!!! WOW!
One thing I won't have to pack.......RICE!!!!! lol
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A few pics from my summer....
Me and my Papa on Father's Day...
We took the top of my tracker and went to the beach awhile back, it was A LOT of fun!!!!
My crazy brothers in the back of my tracker.... Shane is cute when he quits making faces, honestly!!!!
Bebby :)
Ben at the Father's Day Banquet where we were waiter and waitresses...
Our team :)
The food was out of this world...yes, we ate after we finished serving everyone!!!!
Cheers!
The beach is my favorite place in the whole world!
The blue sky..ah.... 
Oh yeah, more food from the banquet....Yummy!!
Lemon pie and mangoes, who could ask for more?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
So long status quo.....
Inspiring song, Brave, by Nicole Nordeman that says what's in my heart. With God nothing is impossible!!!
~Brave~
The gate is wide
The road is paved to moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
It's safe and sound and
Until now it's where I've been
Cuz it's been fear
That ties me down to everything
But it's been love, Your love
That cuts the strings
So long, status quo
I think I've just let go
You make me wanna be brave
The way it always was
It's no longer good enough
You make me wanna be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
To say Your name
Just Your name, and I'm ready to go
Even ready to fall
Why did I take this fowl compromise
Why did I try to keep it all inside
I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
And every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if You believe in me That changes everything
~Brave~
The gate is wide
The road is paved to moderation
The crowd is kind and quick to pull you in
Welcome to the middle ground
It's safe and sound and
Until now it's where I've been
Cuz it's been fear
That ties me down to everything
But it's been love, Your love
That cuts the strings
So long, status quo
I think I've just let go
You make me wanna be brave
The way it always was
It's no longer good enough
You make me wanna be brave
Brave, brave
I am small
And I speak when I'm spoken to
But I am willing to risk it all
To say Your name
Just Your name, and I'm ready to go
Even ready to fall
Why did I take this fowl compromise
Why did I try to keep it all inside
I've never known a fire that didn't begin with a flame
And every storm will start with just a drop of rain
But if You believe in me That changes everything
Monday, July 07, 2008
A Rich Reward....
A rich reward will be given to the true workers, who put all thereis of them into the work. There is no greater bliss on this side of heaventhan in winning souls to Christ. Joy fills the heart as the workers realizethat this great miracle could never have been wrought by human agencies, butonly through the One who loves souls ready to perish. The divine presence isclose beside every true worker, making souls penitent. Thus the Christianbrotherhood is formed. The worker and those worked for are touched with thelove of Christ. Heart touches heart, and the blending of soul with soul islike the heavenly [dialog] between ministering angels. Evangelism, p. 333
Saturday, July 05, 2008
New Update ;)
Well, I know this may seem insignificant to some, but I did something that I wasn't sure I wanted to do but I knew, nevertheless, that I had to do it....I cut my hair....yeah.....I cut my hair...I've been growing it out now for a few years and it had gotten pretty long. As my Mom was chopping it off last night I wanted to cry but I knew that unless I want to have a lice community in my hair it would need to come off. Lice is a very common occurance there as well as heat, and since I won't have electricity, it will just be easier to keep shorter hair. It' doesn't look too bad, not that my Mom didn't do a good job, it's just I'm still trying to adjust to short hair again....It's going to be okay it's just things are setting in like, yes I will be leaving soon.....Pray for me!!!!!
Thursday, July 03, 2008
I'M GOING TO THE PHILIPPINES!!!!
Hey Everyone!!!
I'm really excited and nervous but I've decided, with much prayer and a final decision from Laymen Ministries that yes, I am going to be going over the the Philippines as a student missionary to teach school in the jungle! I'm going to be posting updates as they come here on my blog so please stay tuned!
I contacted Laymen Ministries after they already started the school season there in June but I didn't know that. When I contacted them they were very interested in me because they needed only one more teacher to go over. Well, after going through my references they decided that yes, indeed they wanted me to go over,and even though the school year has begun, to help with the rest of the school year! I do, however, need to raise $2,500 to cover my ticket and a small stipend while I am there. I'm going to include my fundraising letter in this post. I will be leaving soon, I don't have an exact date as of yet but I trust everything will work out for God's will and glory. Please keep me in your prayers as I step out in this new adventure in my life and please consider supporting me in this new phase of my life as I seek to reach out to the children in the Philippines. Missions has always been something very important to me and now I finally have the opportunity to go as a student missionary. Praise God!
Hello to all,
I hope this letter finds each of you resting in the knowledge of God's incredible gift. God has been leading my life in amazing ways this past year. Some time ago, I made the decision to take a year out of school and serve as a student missionary. Through a series of events this last semester, God opened up the door for me go work in the Philippines with an organization known as Laymen Ministries teaching school with a very remote Iraya Katutubo tribe in the Northwestern tip of the island of Occidental Mindoro. Laymen Ministries is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has mission projects worldwide.
The native Iraya tribe of Mindoro has historically been a nomadic, hunter/gatherer people living in small family groups in the jungle. Their lives were simple and their possessions few because the forest supplied everything they needed. Being shy and historically totally uneducated, the Katutubo were easy prey for the "majority population", who used their shyness, superstitions and lack of education to exploit them as well as destroy the land that gives them their livelihood.
Laymen Ministries started working among these people in 1996. The project with the Iraya Katutubo tribe in the Northwestern tip of the island has had three areas of emphasis: education, health and community development and evangelism. Conditions in the Katutubo villages are terrible. Disease, malnutrition, illiteracy, ignorance, exploitation, illegal logging and fishing are devastating both the lives and livelihoods of the Katutubos. The ministry’s goal is to bring freedom in Christ through education. There are currently 4 elementary schools and a high school, organized as Katutubo Excel Schools (KES), working toward this goal.
It is very exciting to watch as God unfolds my life in His perfect timing. As preparations for the Philippines unfold, I have been reminded again and again of the verse in Proverbs: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” At times, it is tempting to feel overwhelmed with all of the details involved and the responsibilities that wait for me in the Philippines, but I am peaceful with the assurance that God has led us thus far and will be faithful to the end. As part of our preparation for the coming year of student missions, Laymen Ministries has asked each of us to raise a total of $2500. This money will be used to pay for our tickets as well as supply us with a modest stipend throughout our stay. If you would like to help me financially, I would be very grateful. Even more important than your financial support, however, is your prayers. Please pray that we can be used effectively to further His work in the Philippines this coming year. Please address donations to the following address, specifying that this be for (Jessica Salmon) Student Missionary project:
Laymen Ministries
414 Zapada Rd
St. Maries, ID 83861
I'm really excited and nervous but I've decided, with much prayer and a final decision from Laymen Ministries that yes, I am going to be going over the the Philippines as a student missionary to teach school in the jungle! I'm going to be posting updates as they come here on my blog so please stay tuned!
I contacted Laymen Ministries after they already started the school season there in June but I didn't know that. When I contacted them they were very interested in me because they needed only one more teacher to go over. Well, after going through my references they decided that yes, indeed they wanted me to go over,and even though the school year has begun, to help with the rest of the school year! I do, however, need to raise $2,500 to cover my ticket and a small stipend while I am there. I'm going to include my fundraising letter in this post. I will be leaving soon, I don't have an exact date as of yet but I trust everything will work out for God's will and glory. Please keep me in your prayers as I step out in this new adventure in my life and please consider supporting me in this new phase of my life as I seek to reach out to the children in the Philippines. Missions has always been something very important to me and now I finally have the opportunity to go as a student missionary. Praise God!
Hello to all,
I hope this letter finds each of you resting in the knowledge of God's incredible gift. God has been leading my life in amazing ways this past year. Some time ago, I made the decision to take a year out of school and serve as a student missionary. Through a series of events this last semester, God opened up the door for me go work in the Philippines with an organization known as Laymen Ministries teaching school with a very remote Iraya Katutubo tribe in the Northwestern tip of the island of Occidental Mindoro. Laymen Ministries is a supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and has mission projects worldwide.
The native Iraya tribe of Mindoro has historically been a nomadic, hunter/gatherer people living in small family groups in the jungle. Their lives were simple and their possessions few because the forest supplied everything they needed. Being shy and historically totally uneducated, the Katutubo were easy prey for the "majority population", who used their shyness, superstitions and lack of education to exploit them as well as destroy the land that gives them their livelihood.
Laymen Ministries started working among these people in 1996. The project with the Iraya Katutubo tribe in the Northwestern tip of the island has had three areas of emphasis: education, health and community development and evangelism. Conditions in the Katutubo villages are terrible. Disease, malnutrition, illiteracy, ignorance, exploitation, illegal logging and fishing are devastating both the lives and livelihoods of the Katutubos. The ministry’s goal is to bring freedom in Christ through education. There are currently 4 elementary schools and a high school, organized as Katutubo Excel Schools (KES), working toward this goal.
It is very exciting to watch as God unfolds my life in His perfect timing. As preparations for the Philippines unfold, I have been reminded again and again of the verse in Proverbs: “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” At times, it is tempting to feel overwhelmed with all of the details involved and the responsibilities that wait for me in the Philippines, but I am peaceful with the assurance that God has led us thus far and will be faithful to the end. As part of our preparation for the coming year of student missions, Laymen Ministries has asked each of us to raise a total of $2500. This money will be used to pay for our tickets as well as supply us with a modest stipend throughout our stay. If you would like to help me financially, I would be very grateful. Even more important than your financial support, however, is your prayers. Please pray that we can be used effectively to further His work in the Philippines this coming year. Please address donations to the following address, specifying that this be for (Jessica Salmon) Student Missionary project:
Laymen Ministries
414 Zapada Rd
St. Maries, ID 83861
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Letter from God to Woman
I don't know who wrote this but it's beautifully amazing! Enjoy!
When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.
But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate.I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.
From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life.I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you.... I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.
Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.
Support man as the rib cage supports the body.You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.
You are my perfect angel.....You are my beautiful little girl.You will or have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.
Your eyes......don't change them. Your lips-how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands, so gentle to touch.I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep.I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me.
Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are an extension of me.
Man represents my image, woman my emotions.Together, you represent the totality of God
When I created the heavens and the earth, I spoke them into being.When I created man, I formed him and breathed life into his nostrils.
But you, woman, I fashioned after I breathed the breath of life into man because your nostrils are too delicate.I allowed a deep sleep to come over him so I could patiently and perfectly fashion you. Man was put to sleep so that he could not interfere with the creativity.
From one bone, I fashioned you. I chose the bone that protects man's life.I chose the rib, which protects his heart and lungs and supports him, as you are meant to do. Around this one bone, I shaped you.... I modeled you. I created you perfectly and beautifully.
Your characteristics are as the rib, strong yet delicate and fragile. You provide protection for the most delicate organ in man, his heart. His heart is the center of his being; his lungs hold the breath of life. The rib cage will allow itself to be broken before it will allow damage to the heart.
Support man as the rib cage supports the body.You were not taken from his feet, to be under him, nor were you taken from his head, to be above him. You were taken from his side, to stand beside him and be held close to his side.
You are my perfect angel.....You are my beautiful little girl.You will or have grown to be a splendid woman of excellence, and my eyes fill when I see the virtues in your heart.
Your eyes......don't change them. Your lips-how lovely when they part in prayer. Your nose, so perfect in form. Your hands, so gentle to touch.I've caressed your face in your deepest sleep.I've held your heart close to mine. Of all that lives and breathes, you are most like me.
Adam walked with me in the cool of the day, yet he was lonely. He could not see me or touch me. He could only feel me. So everything I wanted Adam to share and experience with me, I fashioned in you; my holiness, my strength, my purity, my love, my protection and support. You are special because you are an extension of me.
Man represents my image, woman my emotions.Together, you represent the totality of God
Monday, June 30, 2008
Just for me...
It is not a conclusive evidence that a man is a Christian because he manifests spiritual ecstasy under extraordinary circumstances. Holiness is not rapture: it is an entire surrender of the will to God; it is living by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God; it is doing the will of our heavenly Father; it is trusting God in trial, in darkness as well as in the light; it is walking by faith and not by sight; it is relying on God with unquestioning confidence, and resting in His love. {AA 51.2}
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
The Secret of Eternal Youth!
I believe I have finally found the secret of eternal youth!! It comes at a most appropriate time in my life since I'm finding myself only getting older and the older I get the more maintenance I find I require, ugh....
Back to the secret though....I enjoyed a most wonderful birthday the week before last and was showered with love from my family. One particular card stands out in my mind that I received from my brother. On the front of the card it was stated "I've found the secret to eternal youth!"
Inside the card in bold letters it said "LIE!!!" Wow, lie, huh?! The present that accompanied the card was two brown bottles of brunette enhancing shampoo and conditioner!! I wonder if my brother was trying to tell me in a kind way that "Your getting old and you need to do something about it?!?!?!?!"
In all actuality, I would venture to guess that most everyone of us has dreamed or will dream of finding the secret of eternal youth. To be honest who of us wants to get old anyway? No amount of make-up can hide the wrinkles, no amount of hair dye can make you look 17, no amount of chin lifts, liposuction, hair transplants, hair removal cream, age defying skin lotion can make you young again. Sure, these products can help but it can't stop time and it can't stop the aging process. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but I know that we all know, or for some of us, we are finding out that youth doesn't last forever.
To me, it seems that finding the secret of eternal youth is found in laying up treasure, my treasure, in heaven. I know that laying up treasure in heaven generally refers to earthly goods but it could also apply to the simple fact that where my heart is, is where I'm going to put the most energy, time, money, and effort. Instead of worrying,fretting, and waisting money in searching for the key to eternal youth I should focus on using every moment for furthering God's kingdom. It will pay off in rich rewards in heaven. Heaven is the key to unlocking the secret of eternal youth and when we further God's kingdom in laying down our lives in total surrender to Him and letting Him use us wherever He sees is best we are actually setting out on the best adventure to finding eternal youth.
Back to the secret though....I enjoyed a most wonderful birthday the week before last and was showered with love from my family. One particular card stands out in my mind that I received from my brother. On the front of the card it was stated "I've found the secret to eternal youth!"
Inside the card in bold letters it said "LIE!!!" Wow, lie, huh?! The present that accompanied the card was two brown bottles of brunette enhancing shampoo and conditioner!! I wonder if my brother was trying to tell me in a kind way that "Your getting old and you need to do something about it?!?!?!?!"
In all actuality, I would venture to guess that most everyone of us has dreamed or will dream of finding the secret of eternal youth. To be honest who of us wants to get old anyway? No amount of make-up can hide the wrinkles, no amount of hair dye can make you look 17, no amount of chin lifts, liposuction, hair transplants, hair removal cream, age defying skin lotion can make you young again. Sure, these products can help but it can't stop time and it can't stop the aging process. I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but I know that we all know, or for some of us, we are finding out that youth doesn't last forever.
To me, it seems that finding the secret of eternal youth is found in laying up treasure, my treasure, in heaven. I know that laying up treasure in heaven generally refers to earthly goods but it could also apply to the simple fact that where my heart is, is where I'm going to put the most energy, time, money, and effort. Instead of worrying,fretting, and waisting money in searching for the key to eternal youth I should focus on using every moment for furthering God's kingdom. It will pay off in rich rewards in heaven. Heaven is the key to unlocking the secret of eternal youth and when we further God's kingdom in laying down our lives in total surrender to Him and letting Him use us wherever He sees is best we are actually setting out on the best adventure to finding eternal youth.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Safe in My Arms...
I can't believe how busy my life has become since becoming an adult. It wasn't an overnight transformation of going from my comfortable home school schedule to a fast pace college, and working world lifestyle. Rather, it was a subtle change, and the change was like that of a little caterpillar wrapped up in his ca coon. He doesn't turn into a butterfly overnight yet slowly but surely, minute by minute things are changing even though he and those looking on can see no outward change. What must it be like to go from crawling on your tummy to one day waking up and realizing that you have wings?
It's a slow process, a transformation, a miracle and yet that is the way it is in life. We all started out as tiny little babies, turning into cute little toddlers, and somehow in the midst of all of this turning into adults. The process is slow, it doesn't happen overnight and the mindset changes. Even though I've only been an adult for just a few years in comparison to those older than myself my mind sometimes longs for the simple days of childhood. Those days when I had no worries about pell grants for college, working full-time, paying cell phone and insurance bills, wondering what it is that I'm becoming in life, wondering who I am turning into?
Those carefree days of dreaming what it would be like when I was finally all grown up, what I would do with my life, what I would actually be when I grew up, who I would marry, the house I would someday live in.....Those sweet memories of simple child like trust in my parents, a sweet love for humanity, a pure faith in God. Slowly though, the memories fade and I find myself in the middle of all those, once thought of, childhood dreams and if I could turn back the hands of time of time I believe I would go back, at least for a little while. I would go back to the peace and security I would feel at bedtime when I would close my eyes and my dad would gently stroke my head with his hand, the joy of playing outside in the summer all day long, the sweetness of my mom's hugs and kisses, the pure delight of following my dad around the yard at dusk to look for crawdad holes....the list could go on and on. All of these are just memories now forever locked in my memory. As I near the end of another year of life and look forward to the next I look forward with great anticipation of full filling more of my goals and dreams yet as I look forward my heart aches at what I've left behind. The joys of becoming a woman mixed with the pain of leaving my childhood forever behind and the older I get the more I see how true that is. Yet the beauty of being a christian is that while I may not be a child anymore I can lean on my Heavenly Father in the same way that I leaned on my earthly parents as a child. The peace and joy I felt as a little girl doesn't have to leave because Jesus will always keep me safe in His arms.
There is a song by Plumb entitled "Safe In My Arms" that is written from the perspective of a mother to her child and I can't help but realize that this is the same way God feels towards us....
(In My Arms-Plumb)
Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your curly cues
Your contagious smile
And as i watch you start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight
Knowing clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Story books are full of fairy tales
Of kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
You'll someday see the truth from lies
When the clouds will rage and
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Castles, they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
But you are never all alone
'cause I will always
Always love you
When the clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
In my arms
It's a slow process, a transformation, a miracle and yet that is the way it is in life. We all started out as tiny little babies, turning into cute little toddlers, and somehow in the midst of all of this turning into adults. The process is slow, it doesn't happen overnight and the mindset changes. Even though I've only been an adult for just a few years in comparison to those older than myself my mind sometimes longs for the simple days of childhood. Those days when I had no worries about pell grants for college, working full-time, paying cell phone and insurance bills, wondering what it is that I'm becoming in life, wondering who I am turning into?
Those carefree days of dreaming what it would be like when I was finally all grown up, what I would do with my life, what I would actually be when I grew up, who I would marry, the house I would someday live in.....Those sweet memories of simple child like trust in my parents, a sweet love for humanity, a pure faith in God. Slowly though, the memories fade and I find myself in the middle of all those, once thought of, childhood dreams and if I could turn back the hands of time of time I believe I would go back, at least for a little while. I would go back to the peace and security I would feel at bedtime when I would close my eyes and my dad would gently stroke my head with his hand, the joy of playing outside in the summer all day long, the sweetness of my mom's hugs and kisses, the pure delight of following my dad around the yard at dusk to look for crawdad holes....the list could go on and on. All of these are just memories now forever locked in my memory. As I near the end of another year of life and look forward to the next I look forward with great anticipation of full filling more of my goals and dreams yet as I look forward my heart aches at what I've left behind. The joys of becoming a woman mixed with the pain of leaving my childhood forever behind and the older I get the more I see how true that is. Yet the beauty of being a christian is that while I may not be a child anymore I can lean on my Heavenly Father in the same way that I leaned on my earthly parents as a child. The peace and joy I felt as a little girl doesn't have to leave because Jesus will always keep me safe in His arms.
There is a song by Plumb entitled "Safe In My Arms" that is written from the perspective of a mother to her child and I can't help but realize that this is the same way God feels towards us....
(In My Arms-Plumb)
Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your curly cues
Your contagious smile
And as i watch you start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight
Knowing clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Story books are full of fairy tales
Of kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
You'll someday see the truth from lies
When the clouds will rage and
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Castles, they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
But you are never all alone
'cause I will always
Always love you
When the clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
In my arms
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Uh oh..
Well, I guess it shows just how little I've been to my own blog lately.....Posting 2 quotes in a row....ugh...well....Thanks Brandon for pointing that out....(blush) Wow....Where have I been????
Monday, May 12, 2008
Thought for your day..
Here is a beautiful thought for your day...I'm unsure of the author but the quote is profound.
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."
Friday, May 02, 2008
No more class!!
Aaahhh....I'm through with classes for this semester!! I'm SOO happy! No more papers to write, tests to take, no more driving home in the middle of blowing snow storms late at night....I can enjoy a few months free from studying my brains out! It's a great feeling to know,though, that I am closer to becoming a nurse, even if it is only one semester closer! :)
God is SOO good!
God is SOO good!
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Another blessing...
I can't help myself, I just have to do it! Shane and Rebecca had professional pics taken a couple of weeks back and I just can't get over what a beautiful couple they are! I know, I know, this is coming from their sentimental sister but I am so proud of them and I love them very much!!!!!
They are both very awesome people and they make the best couple in the world. I love you guys!!!!
Friday, April 18, 2008
Blessings
Blessings in my life:
- The pretty flowering plant I was given this week that has a home on my desk. In fact it's one of my favorite colors, salmon!!
- The warm weather that we have been having, it's nice to sit at my desk with the window open and feel the breeze....ah!!!! Love it!
- Family, so often I take them for granted....I mean, who in the world is going to listen to you rant and rave late into the night like your Mom?!?! Believe me, we talk a lot and it seems to go late into the night!
- For meeting new friends and for the friends that I already have. You each are a blessing straight from God to bless my life!
- For the opportunity to better my relationship with God and with my friends this weekend at the Youth Rally I'm going to. It's going to be a ton of fun, you all don't know what your missing out on!!!
- For someone in the office that volunteered to make me up a map for how to get to my hotel tonight for the Youth Rally.
- The daffodils blooming outside the porch at my house.
- For my girlfriends who are riding up with me to meet my brothers and Rebecca this afternoon. They are like 2 sisters to me.. luv you Mandie and Meagan!!!
Blessings come in all shapes and sizes and it's usually in the smallest blessings that we find the most happiness and joy. Life is made up of the small things. Don't take for granted the small blessings in your life today!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Just for fun...
Okay, this may seem a little weird but I'm doing it just for fun. In my profile it asks the question to tell the children about the story of the bald frog who wore a wig. Well, since my version of the story is too long to put in my profile I decided to post it. lol ;)
Once upon a time there lived a frog in a little tiny mud puddle.This frog was mean and old and ugly and didn't like other froggies so he chose to live in a mud puddle all by himself instead of in the swamp with all the other frogs.The mud puddle was so small, in fact, that even though the froggy thought no one could see him sticking out of the puddle you could actually see the top of his head! One day, some other little froggies were hopping by the mud puddle to the big swamp when when the mean old froggy heard them giggling and laughing and poking fun. "What are they laughing at?", mused the mean old frog? As they got closer he could hear them talking, giggling, and poking fun at HIM! At him?! Yes, at him! That is when he discovered that he really wasn't hiding because the top of his head was sticking out of the water! "Oh no, what am I going to do?", thought the mean old frog. He though, and though, and though until his head hurt from thinking so much! "That's it!", he said, "I'll wear a wig and no one will ever see me!" And so the mean old frog decided to wear a wig in the tiny mud puddle in hopes that no other froggies would be able to see him and he lived happily ever after in the tiny mud hole. ~The End
Once upon a time there lived a frog in a little tiny mud puddle.This frog was mean and old and ugly and didn't like other froggies so he chose to live in a mud puddle all by himself instead of in the swamp with all the other frogs.The mud puddle was so small, in fact, that even though the froggy thought no one could see him sticking out of the puddle you could actually see the top of his head! One day, some other little froggies were hopping by the mud puddle to the big swamp when when the mean old froggy heard them giggling and laughing and poking fun. "What are they laughing at?", mused the mean old frog? As they got closer he could hear them talking, giggling, and poking fun at HIM! At him?! Yes, at him! That is when he discovered that he really wasn't hiding because the top of his head was sticking out of the water! "Oh no, what am I going to do?", thought the mean old frog. He though, and though, and though until his head hurt from thinking so much! "That's it!", he said, "I'll wear a wig and no one will ever see me!" And so the mean old frog decided to wear a wig in the tiny mud puddle in hopes that no other froggies would be able to see him and he lived happily ever after in the tiny mud hole. ~The End
The price keeps going up..
If gas prices keep going up I think I'll have to get some sled dogs and quit going to the gas station...I'm so sick of paying high prices at the pump!!!!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Deindividualization
Deindividualization, is a huge word with a pretty simple meaning.
The definition: "In groups or crowds, the loss of awareness of one's own individuality."
That's a pretty powerful word and a pretty thought provoking definition. As a culture we like to pride ourselves in our own individuality. We don't like to follow any one person's way of doing anything. We are fine, all on our own. At least that is what we like to tell ourselves anyway. To actually look in the mirror might tell a different story though. We love designer brands, we will even buy things like the "Jones'" have just to fit in with the "Jones'." We are all into not looking out of place, fitting in not sticking out unless it going to make us look good. Even Taco Bell tries to express our heart felt sentiment with their, "Think outside the bun" slogan.
It's when we take our eyes off of Christ and onto the circumstances, people, and things around us that we find ourselves so prone to deindevidualization. John 8:36 tells us that:
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." In Christ we are made free, free from sin and free from the pressures of deindividualization. Our identity should be found in Jesus Christ, not in fitting in a crowd or keeping up with the "Jones'". Even Jesus found His identity in the Father. In John 14:11 He says, "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." Also, in John 15:5 He says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." In Philippians 4:13 we are given the promise, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." What a promise! It's in finding my identity in Christ that I can do all things, that I find my fulllest fullfillment and happiness. It's not in deindividualization.
The definition: "In groups or crowds, the loss of awareness of one's own individuality."
That's a pretty powerful word and a pretty thought provoking definition. As a culture we like to pride ourselves in our own individuality. We don't like to follow any one person's way of doing anything. We are fine, all on our own. At least that is what we like to tell ourselves anyway. To actually look in the mirror might tell a different story though. We love designer brands, we will even buy things like the "Jones'" have just to fit in with the "Jones'." We are all into not looking out of place, fitting in not sticking out unless it going to make us look good. Even Taco Bell tries to express our heart felt sentiment with their, "Think outside the bun" slogan.
It's when we take our eyes off of Christ and onto the circumstances, people, and things around us that we find ourselves so prone to deindevidualization. John 8:36 tells us that:
"If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." In Christ we are made free, free from sin and free from the pressures of deindividualization. Our identity should be found in Jesus Christ, not in fitting in a crowd or keeping up with the "Jones'". Even Jesus found His identity in the Father. In John 14:11 He says, "Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake." Also, in John 15:5 He says, "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." In Philippians 4:13 we are given the promise, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." What a promise! It's in finding my identity in Christ that I can do all things, that I find my fulllest fullfillment and happiness. It's not in deindividualization.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Awesome Song Lyrics....
For the First Time (Mark Harris)
I was waiting for a push, waiting for a sign
Waiting for the perfect moment to arrive
Steady as a clock, caught between the line
Living for myself until I realized
There's too much life
You've given me
To let it slip away
Chorus: I'm ready to live, ready to breathe
Ready to take in everything
I'm ready to love, ready to shine
Ready to live this life of mine
I'm ready to jump, ready to fly for the first time
I want to take a dive, I want to take a chance
I want to make the most of every day I have
I want to be alive, I want to be a man
Cause being wild at heart is really who I am
You've put these dreams inside of me
So what can hold them back
Chorus:
I can feel it
Being pushed by Bigger Hands
You have saved me
You have made me who I am
Chorus:
I was waiting for a push, waiting for a sign
Waiting for the perfect moment to arrive
Steady as a clock, caught between the line
Living for myself until I realized
There's too much life
You've given me
To let it slip away
Chorus: I'm ready to live, ready to breathe
Ready to take in everything
I'm ready to love, ready to shine
Ready to live this life of mine
I'm ready to jump, ready to fly for the first time
I want to take a dive, I want to take a chance
I want to make the most of every day I have
I want to be alive, I want to be a man
Cause being wild at heart is really who I am
You've put these dreams inside of me
So what can hold them back
Chorus:
I can feel it
Being pushed by Bigger Hands
You have saved me
You have made me who I am
Chorus:
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
End of the semester dash...
I can't believe it, I really can't. I seems as if I just started college and now the end of the semester is in view. April 28 is my last class in English and I forgot which day was my last day in Psych. but it is somewhere close to that. It is nearing the end but I'm far from kicking back and putting my feet up yet! I have several more papers due and a few more tests and papers due in Psych. It seems that the end of the semester is more demanding than the beginning or even the mid term.
It's an interesting parallel, the end of my semester and Christ's second coming. Christ's coming is soon, unlike knowing which day is my last day in class, I don't know when my last day on Earth will be or when His second coming will be but the way things look, it can't be too far off. Things are hard now and will only continue to get harder before Christ comes. It's no time to kick back and relax before my finals or before the second coming, there's work to do! Both events are something to look forward to with joyous anticipation though! Joyous because the end of this semester means that I'm one step closer to my goal of becoming a nurse and joyous because the sooner Christ comes the sooner pain and sorrow, heartache and woe will be gone from the Earth and humanity.
Thought question, do I live like I believe Jesus is coming soon? Do I say it but secretly hope that it won't happen for a long time? Am I living as if today could be my last day on Earth?
The end of the semester is right around the corner and Jesus' coming is as well...are you living in anticipation?
It's an interesting parallel, the end of my semester and Christ's second coming. Christ's coming is soon, unlike knowing which day is my last day in class, I don't know when my last day on Earth will be or when His second coming will be but the way things look, it can't be too far off. Things are hard now and will only continue to get harder before Christ comes. It's no time to kick back and relax before my finals or before the second coming, there's work to do! Both events are something to look forward to with joyous anticipation though! Joyous because the end of this semester means that I'm one step closer to my goal of becoming a nurse and joyous because the sooner Christ comes the sooner pain and sorrow, heartache and woe will be gone from the Earth and humanity.
Thought question, do I live like I believe Jesus is coming soon? Do I say it but secretly hope that it won't happen for a long time? Am I living as if today could be my last day on Earth?
The end of the semester is right around the corner and Jesus' coming is as well...are you living in anticipation?
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Into My Wild
Monday our teacher put a movie on in English class called "Into the Wild" based on a true story of a guy named Christofer Mccandless who left everything after graduating college. I wasn't thrilled to watch the movie for class and honestly I was pretty leery to watch it since I am very selective with what I watch anyway but with that experience over and wanting to cry since it had a really sad ending with Chris dying my teacher wanted us to write a paper of what our "Into the Wild" experience would be like. Since my dream is for foreign mission work I decided to write about my experience future tense after graduating nursing school about what it might look like. I titled it: "Into My Wild."
“Into My Wild”
The words still ringing in my ears, the certificate of nursing in my hands, trading graduation cap and gown for a back pack, bandana, and flip flops I sort through my check list, checking it rechecking it. Everything is laid out on my bed as I check each item off. My nursing gear, charcoal and medicines, head lamp, first aid kit, germ-x, definitely can’t forget the germ-x. The list goes on. Only the most necessary items, the most practical clothes, mud boots, rain gear, insect repellant, mosquito net, oh yeah, passport.
Forget the curling iron, blow dryer, high heels, and clear nail polish to make my nails look perfect, those things just won’t be necessary where I’m going. In fact, they are only trimmings and trappings binding me to a culture where vanity is God. Besides, there won’t be electricity anyways and even though I love looking nice it won’t matter where I’m headed. Other things are more important.
I look at the calendar, tomorrow, the day I leave. As I finish stuffing the last necessary items into my luggage that will fit I reach for my Bible, can’t forget my Bible. I’ll put that in my back pack. Excitement has given way to some restless nervousness as everything is starting to set in. I take a deep breath, Okay God, I’m ready!
“Into My Wild”
The words still ringing in my ears, the certificate of nursing in my hands, trading graduation cap and gown for a back pack, bandana, and flip flops I sort through my check list, checking it rechecking it. Everything is laid out on my bed as I check each item off. My nursing gear, charcoal and medicines, head lamp, first aid kit, germ-x, definitely can’t forget the germ-x. The list goes on. Only the most necessary items, the most practical clothes, mud boots, rain gear, insect repellant, mosquito net, oh yeah, passport.
Forget the curling iron, blow dryer, high heels, and clear nail polish to make my nails look perfect, those things just won’t be necessary where I’m going. In fact, they are only trimmings and trappings binding me to a culture where vanity is God. Besides, there won’t be electricity anyways and even though I love looking nice it won’t matter where I’m headed. Other things are more important.
I look at the calendar, tomorrow, the day I leave. As I finish stuffing the last necessary items into my luggage that will fit I reach for my Bible, can’t forget my Bible. I’ll put that in my back pack. Excitement has given way to some restless nervousness as everything is starting to set in. I take a deep breath, Okay God, I’m ready!
Monday, March 31, 2008
I'm in love!
Rebecca and I decided to go to the beach Sabbath and take pictures of the waves, birds, pier, and just hang out. It was a lot of fun and we both brought our cameras. The sun was shining and we had a great time. The problem was though that I fell in love when I went to the beach. I didn't know I was going to fall in love when I left the house though that is the problem. I have been thinking about a certain something for awhile now.....well, here it is.... My brothers are very good at photography and so is Rebecca, you should see some of the videos and pics they make and take, it's amazing! I have been floundering along behind them and for the first time on Sabbath Rebecca let me use her camera!! She wanted me to try it but I wasn't sure so she finally persuaded me to try it and wow..... I'm so in love! Seems like being in love and being broke go hand in hand though......Maybe I'll have enough after putting tires on the tracker with the income tax money to start a new savings account for a new camera..Wow, a camera with a lens makes the world of difference. For now, you all will just have to suffer with the camera I have.....sigh........
Lake Michigan is my favorite place to be!
The waves are starting to break apart... (that means it's spring time here in the North Pole!!!!)
No more snow on the shore!
The faint line of land looking stuff by the pier is actually frozen waves that haven't melted.
This leaf caught my attention as it laid so beautifully under the water. It was so cool looking!
Lake Michigan is my favorite place to be!Here are some pics from the wedding I attended recently for one of my brother's best buddies.
Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles!
The happy Mr. & Mrs. John Pike!
Is it almost over?
Receptions are way too long!
Pics of my slide off into the ditch are coming....
Monday, March 24, 2008
My crazy weekend....
It all began like this:
Thursday...the first day of spring....the sun was shining gloriously, the birds were singing, everything looked perfect to herald in a new season. It was perfect then it happened...
Friday...the second day of spring we got to celebrate it with a snow storm! It snowed, and snowed, and kept snowing. I had been planning on going to get my oil changed and Mary was going to go with me to go clothes shopping while we waited for the oil change. After work I stopped by her house to pick her up and as we were driving it was so bad out, we wondered if we were crazy to be out the way the snow was coming down. To top it off everything was slippery, we had already passed an accident, where a truck had slid off the road into someones sheep pen. We didn't want to turn around so we kept driving. We had a great time catching up on the latest and greatest happenings in our lives since we don't get to hang out much since she got married and I started college while I was doing some white knuckle driving, shopping while we waiting for the oil change, getting a phone call from my house to be out at my own risk since it was so bad out. Needless to say the oil got changed and the only clothes we found at Walmart was a shirt for Mary, and we both agreed our chances at Salvation Army were higher for actually finding something we wanted (and could afford). So as bad as the weather was we decided to go there for a little while. Well, the sign out on the road advertised a 99 cent sale for all clothes and we were so excited!!! We went in and we shopped and shopped and shopped and got more phone calls from home telling us it was really bad out to get home, but everything was 99 cents and we couldn't get out of there (have you ever tried to try on a cart full of clothes before, it takes awhile!!???)!!!!! After quite awhile, I don't quite remember how long that was....Mary was the first to the check out and I followed not to far behind my cart heaped with clothes. What a relief to actually have found something!!! So we started on our trip back home and it was so snowy and scary....then it happened....a young guy in a car behind us kept flashing his lights on at us...weird..I was on the phone with my brother telling him what was going on and I was telling Mary as well. This kept on and I didn't know what to do! Mary thought maybe we had a flat so I decided to pull over at a gas station to see if we did have a flat and to see what he wanted. (Disclaimer: I would have never have pulled over if I would have been by myself or if I was out in a deserted area.) So I pulled in and sure enough he pulls in as well and I was like, okay.....and who should it be but my brother!!! He had gone to pick up a new car and ended up behind us and decided to play a fast one on me!!!! That was a relief that it wasn't some weirdo trying to get a date with me and that I didn't have a flat tire...
On the way home: It kept snowing and snowing and we were creeping along in 4 wheel drive trying to stay on the road. At one point a car in front of me was stopped and as I was trying to stop for it I started sliding all over. I had a car coming, the car in front of me, and Shane behind me so that wouldn't have made for a pretty sight. Thank the Lord I got it under control! Angels are great life savers!!! I'm sure mine was at work! Shane called me and said I had scared him.... not good! Well, we all made it home safe and sound and I wish I could have taken pictures to put on here to show how bad it was.....(oh, btw, Shane had gone in the ditch as well earlier that day on the freeway and Thank the Lord he got out!)
Sabbath: the third day of spring. The roads eventually got plowed and all was well...went to church, had a nice dinner with my family and Rebecca. We hung out in the living room practicing and getting ready to lead some praise music at vespers/gym night, that evening. Finally it was time to go and we all piled in to my tracker and set off. We got started a little late and I kept finding myself speeding. The roads had almost totally cleared since it had been nice and sunny but there were patches of icy, slush and man that stuff is wicked...and well...we were going down a hill, hit a patch of that stuff and I started going all over the road. It was scary. I was trying my best to counter steer but my skills are not the best in regards to that and we were not doing good. There was a really steep ditch down on the left side of the road with trees and a creek at the very bottom and sure enough we head down into the deep ditch....It was so scary...God was so incredibly good though because we stopped just before we hit the trees on my side of the truck. I know I must have scared the life out of the guy behind me to see us all over the road and then go off into that deep ditch. He stopped to see if we needed help and we were all okay Thank God! Neither of us had a tow rope but we called my Dad and he came and pulled us out. My tracker is okay, we are all okay... I was shaking for sure but we are all alive and as soon as Rebecca emails me the pics I will post some of them so you can all see what it looked like......We made it somewhat late to vespers but had a good time Praising God in song and then we had a great evening of volleyball...(I LOVE volleyball!!!!)...everything ended well.. Praise God!!!
Sunday: the fouth day of spring...I slept in..
Thursday...the first day of spring....the sun was shining gloriously, the birds were singing, everything looked perfect to herald in a new season. It was perfect then it happened...
Friday...the second day of spring we got to celebrate it with a snow storm! It snowed, and snowed, and kept snowing. I had been planning on going to get my oil changed and Mary was going to go with me to go clothes shopping while we waited for the oil change. After work I stopped by her house to pick her up and as we were driving it was so bad out, we wondered if we were crazy to be out the way the snow was coming down. To top it off everything was slippery, we had already passed an accident, where a truck had slid off the road into someones sheep pen. We didn't want to turn around so we kept driving. We had a great time catching up on the latest and greatest happenings in our lives since we don't get to hang out much since she got married and I started college while I was doing some white knuckle driving, shopping while we waiting for the oil change, getting a phone call from my house to be out at my own risk since it was so bad out. Needless to say the oil got changed and the only clothes we found at Walmart was a shirt for Mary, and we both agreed our chances at Salvation Army were higher for actually finding something we wanted (and could afford). So as bad as the weather was we decided to go there for a little while. Well, the sign out on the road advertised a 99 cent sale for all clothes and we were so excited!!! We went in and we shopped and shopped and shopped and got more phone calls from home telling us it was really bad out to get home, but everything was 99 cents and we couldn't get out of there (have you ever tried to try on a cart full of clothes before, it takes awhile!!???)!!!!! After quite awhile, I don't quite remember how long that was....Mary was the first to the check out and I followed not to far behind my cart heaped with clothes. What a relief to actually have found something!!! So we started on our trip back home and it was so snowy and scary....then it happened....a young guy in a car behind us kept flashing his lights on at us...weird..I was on the phone with my brother telling him what was going on and I was telling Mary as well. This kept on and I didn't know what to do! Mary thought maybe we had a flat so I decided to pull over at a gas station to see if we did have a flat and to see what he wanted. (Disclaimer: I would have never have pulled over if I would have been by myself or if I was out in a deserted area.) So I pulled in and sure enough he pulls in as well and I was like, okay.....and who should it be but my brother!!! He had gone to pick up a new car and ended up behind us and decided to play a fast one on me!!!! That was a relief that it wasn't some weirdo trying to get a date with me and that I didn't have a flat tire...
On the way home: It kept snowing and snowing and we were creeping along in 4 wheel drive trying to stay on the road. At one point a car in front of me was stopped and as I was trying to stop for it I started sliding all over. I had a car coming, the car in front of me, and Shane behind me so that wouldn't have made for a pretty sight. Thank the Lord I got it under control! Angels are great life savers!!! I'm sure mine was at work! Shane called me and said I had scared him.... not good! Well, we all made it home safe and sound and I wish I could have taken pictures to put on here to show how bad it was.....(oh, btw, Shane had gone in the ditch as well earlier that day on the freeway and Thank the Lord he got out!)
Sabbath: the third day of spring. The roads eventually got plowed and all was well...went to church, had a nice dinner with my family and Rebecca. We hung out in the living room practicing and getting ready to lead some praise music at vespers/gym night, that evening. Finally it was time to go and we all piled in to my tracker and set off. We got started a little late and I kept finding myself speeding. The roads had almost totally cleared since it had been nice and sunny but there were patches of icy, slush and man that stuff is wicked...and well...we were going down a hill, hit a patch of that stuff and I started going all over the road. It was scary. I was trying my best to counter steer but my skills are not the best in regards to that and we were not doing good. There was a really steep ditch down on the left side of the road with trees and a creek at the very bottom and sure enough we head down into the deep ditch....It was so scary...God was so incredibly good though because we stopped just before we hit the trees on my side of the truck. I know I must have scared the life out of the guy behind me to see us all over the road and then go off into that deep ditch. He stopped to see if we needed help and we were all okay Thank God! Neither of us had a tow rope but we called my Dad and he came and pulled us out. My tracker is okay, we are all okay... I was shaking for sure but we are all alive and as soon as Rebecca emails me the pics I will post some of them so you can all see what it looked like......We made it somewhat late to vespers but had a good time Praising God in song and then we had a great evening of volleyball...(I LOVE volleyball!!!!)...everything ended well.. Praise God!!!
Sunday: the fouth day of spring...I slept in..
Monday, March 17, 2008
My poor piggy bank.....
This is what my piggy bank is going to look like after I have to fill my gas tank up one more time at the rate gas prices are headed.......( FYI: The gas company has no pity on poor college students.)
