"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord, 'Plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." ~Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)
In the past I've loved this verse, but up until today I never fully believed it. I always thought, "Oh that's cool! God knows what He's doing!" However, today I realized that not only do I need to think that, I need to believe it.
I can come up with all the plans, and dreams, and goals, and desires, that I want but unless they are what God wants for me, and in the proper time frame then all those things won't come to pass. I'm not saying that it's wrong to plan, and dream, and set goals for ourselves - that's actually a very good thing to do, that way we stay active and have a desire to do something. What I think this verse is actually saying is that God has something for each of us that goes beyond our wildest dream, and our farthest goal. Just because something doesn't go EXACTLY like we had wanted doesn't mean that everything in life is wrong, it just means that God is doing some readjusting, and refining and when He is done we will look back and say, "WOW!"
That's the amazing thing about the hope that we have in Christ, He is in control, and He has a plan for each one of us.
Molding a Masterpiece
Master Potter, why do You labor all day,
Giving such effort to rough, worthless pieces of clay?
Why such feeling in Your hands?
Why such care in every touch?
Why all the struggle?
Your creation is nothing but dust.
I'm molding a masterpiece,
A work of great beauty.
I'm molding a masterpiece;
My labor's not done.
A trophy, a treasure
Of worth beyond measure
I'm molding a masterpiece,
A masterpiece of love.
~Ron Hamilton
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Wait
Desperately, helplessly, longingly, I cried;
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, He replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait."
"Wait? You say, wait?" my indignant reply,
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why.
Is your hand shortened? Or have You not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming Your Word.
"My future, and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and You tell me wait?
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"And Lord, You have promised that if we believe,
We need but ask and we shall receive;
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry;
I'm weary of asking - I need a reply!"
Then, quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So I'm waiting, for what?"
He seemed then to kneel and His eyes met with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, darken the sun,
Raise the dead, cause the mountains to run.
"All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be;
You would have what you want; but you wouldn't know Me.
You would not know the depth of My love for each saint,
You would not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You would not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You would not learn to trust, just by knowing I'm there.
You would not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence was all you could see.
"You would never experience that fullness of love,
As the peace of My Sprit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give and I save for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart;
"The glow of My comfort late in the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask,
Of an infinite God that makes what you have last.
"And you never would know should your pain quickly flee
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dreams for that loved one o'er night could come true.
But the loss, if you lost what I'm doing in you.
"So be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all...is still...wait."
~Russell Kelfer
Quietly, patiently, lovingly, He replied.
I pled and I wept for a clue to my fate,
And the Master so gently said, "Child, you must wait."
"Wait? You say, wait?" my indignant reply,
"Lord, I need answers, I need to know why.
Is your hand shortened? Or have You not heard?
By faith I have asked, and I'm claiming Your Word.
"My future, and all to which I can relate
Hangs in the balance, and You tell me wait?
I'm needing a 'yes,' a go-ahead sign,
Or even a 'no' to which I can resign.
"And Lord, You have promised that if we believe,
We need but ask and we shall receive;
And Lord I've been asking, and this is my cry;
I'm weary of asking - I need a reply!"
Then, quietly, softly, I learned of my fate,
As my Master replied once again, "You must wait."
So I slumped in my chair, defeated and taut,
And grumbled to God, "So I'm waiting, for what?"
He seemed then to kneel and His eyes met with mine,
And He tenderly said, "I could give you a sign.
I could shake the heavens, darken the sun,
Raise the dead, cause the mountains to run.
"All you seek I could give, and pleased you would be;
You would have what you want; but you wouldn't know Me.
You would not know the depth of My love for each saint,
You would not know the power that I give to the faint.
"You would not learn to see through clouds of despair;
You would not learn to trust, just by knowing I'm there.
You would not know the joy of resting in Me
When darkness and silence was all you could see.
"You would never experience that fullness of love,
As the peace of My Sprit descends like a dove.
You would know that I give and I save for a start,
But you'd not know the depth of the beat of My heart;
"The glow of My comfort late in the night,
The faith that I give when you walk without sight,
The depth that's beyond getting just what you ask,
Of an infinite God that makes what you have last.
"And you never would know should your pain quickly flee
What it means that 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
Yes, your dreams for that loved one o'er night could come true.
But the loss, if you lost what I'm doing in you.
"So be silent, my child, and in time you will see
That the greatest of gifts is to get to know Me.
And though oft' may My answers seem terribly late,
My most precious answer of all...is still...wait."
~Russell Kelfer
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Carried Me
So I'm sitting here, thinking that I really need to write something but at the moment the words aren't coming. I know what I want to write, but the thoughts aren't processing very well, so I'm going to attempt putting my thoughts to words, but I don't know how it's going to end up.
These past several days have been the hardest that I've ever lived. There were times that I didn't even want to live; I would have much rather curled up and died. There were times that like David I cried, "Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1). I honestly felt like God had left me. At times I wondered if God even existed! Thankfully God placed a few people in my life who wouldn't let me give up. They encouraged me, argued with me, cried with me, loved me, but most importantly they prayed for me.
I can't say that I'm back to normal, because I'm not, and it will probably be a long time before I'm back to my usual self. Right now I know that the best thing for me is to stay as busy as possible, and the most important thing is to make sure that I focus on what God has for me. Again, along with David I'm saying, "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved." (Psalm 62:1-2).
Carried Me
Jesus you have carried me
When I could not stand
Jesus you have carried me
It's all been part of your plan
Jesus you have carried me
It's your footprints in the sand
Jesus you have carried me
It was always in your hands
~Jeremy Camp
These past several days have been the hardest that I've ever lived. There were times that I didn't even want to live; I would have much rather curled up and died. There were times that like David I cried, "Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? Why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? (Psalm 10:1). I honestly felt like God had left me. At times I wondered if God even existed! Thankfully God placed a few people in my life who wouldn't let me give up. They encouraged me, argued with me, cried with me, loved me, but most importantly they prayed for me.
I can't say that I'm back to normal, because I'm not, and it will probably be a long time before I'm back to my usual self. Right now I know that the best thing for me is to stay as busy as possible, and the most important thing is to make sure that I focus on what God has for me. Again, along with David I'm saying, "Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved." (Psalm 62:1-2).
Carried Me
Jesus you have carried me
When I could not stand
Jesus you have carried me
It's all been part of your plan
Jesus you have carried me
It's your footprints in the sand
Jesus you have carried me
It was always in your hands
~Jeremy Camp
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Words I Would Say
Three in the morning,
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day.
And I'm still awake,
So I picked up a pen and a page,
And I started writing,
Just what I'd say,
If we were face to face,
I'd tell you just what you mean to me,
I'd tell you these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
Last time we spoke,
You said you were hurting,
And I felt your pain in my heart,
I want to tell you,
That I keep on praying,
Love will find you where you are,
I know cause I've already been there,
So please hear these simple truths,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
These are the words I would say,
From one simple life to another,
I will say,
Come find peace in the Father,
Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day.
~Sidewalk Prophets
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Picking Up the Pieces
I never ever dreamed that I would be writing a post anything like this one. I really don't know how else to put it besides this way: Jason and I broke up! I know, that probably shocked most of you as it did everyone else. I'm really not going to go into the details but just know that's it's over and I'm in the process of picking up where I left off, and trying to go on. Right now I honestly don't know how in the world that is going to happen. Please pray for both of us as we move on with our lives.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
HE'S BACK
Well as I'm sure you can tell by the title, Jason is back home in Ohio now!!! YAY!! He flew into Cleveland around 7:30 PM!!! I'm soooo excited and almost literally bouncing off the walls!!! He will be here in less than 4 days!!!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
One Week
Today is one week until Jason and I FINALLY meet. I can't even begin to explain all of the emotions that are flooding me right now. We've been waiting for soooo long. I can't even write anything more right now because I'm so overwhelmed. Please pray for us as we meet and then spend more time together before and after Christmas.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
That's What Faith Can Do
Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think it’s more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don’t you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
It doesn’t matter what you’ve heard
Impossible is not a word
It’s just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody’s scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It’ll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing
I’ve seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn’t ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I’ve seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That’s what faith can do
~Kutlass
Friday, November 27, 2009
Lessons From Deployment
When Jason was first deployed I really struggled with the Navy pretty much taking all of his time. I was looking back in my journal the other day, and near the beginning of his deployment I saw some entries where I was pretty mad at the Navy. I'll be honest, I had some pretty bad attitudes about it, which I'm NOT proud about at all! As I kept reading I saw how I began to slowly realize that if I wanted Jason, then I'd have to learn to deal with the Navy, and that the best thing for me to do was to walk closer with God and to focus on others instead of myself. Mainly I had to learn to cherish even more the time that I did have with him, and make the most of it. Did that always take away the ache of missing him? no! But it DID make our time together more precious and times apart less stressful.
Pretty much up until we say our "I do's" our relationship will be this way, because even once he comes back to the states we will both still be in school, and schedules will still vary.
On my own, I would probably throw in the towel and say, "Forget it! I can't do this!" But with God's help I know that what I'm doing is right, and in the end it will be worth it all.
Pretty much up until we say our "I do's" our relationship will be this way, because even once he comes back to the states we will both still be in school, and schedules will still vary.
On my own, I would probably throw in the towel and say, "Forget it! I can't do this!" But with God's help I know that what I'm doing is right, and in the end it will be worth it all.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Thankful Reflections
Looking back over this past year I was honestly shocked at all that has gone on this year. This has been the craziest year of my life. I've had the most horrible hurts and pains, physically, mentally, and spiritually. But yet, at the same time I've been blessed beyond my wildest dreams.
As Thanksgiving draws closer, I have really begun to look at my blessings, if I were to "Count them one by one" I'd be writing all day long. So, I'm going to try to focus on big things, and hopefully I won't overwhelm you, although I'm slightly overwhelmed myself!
One huge blessing was my family coming to visit me in NY for Thanksgiving last year. That was a HUGE and amazing blessing, and an amazing surprise. Only God knows just how much I needed my family at that time.
By Christmas break, I was REALLY, REALLY sick, which resulted in a not so fun Christmas break. However I learned so much through that sickness. God taught me some VERY important lessons. As funny as it might sound, I am thankful for the pain and hurt, because through it all, God drew me closer to Him.
To add to that blessing, I'm so thankful that the doctors were able to figure out what was wrong with me, just in time, and I was able to have surgery before my break was over, so I didn't have to miss any school.
My second semester of school brought some very important friends into my life. The McMahons, and Phillips' became like my second family and without them I don't think that I could have survived through my last semester in New York.
Oh, a crazy blessing about New York, and a thing I'm very thankful for, COFFEE! Before college I thought coffee was of the devil, NOW HOWEVER…mmm….it's great stuff! :) I love Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks is pretty good as well.
Coming back from NY I was once again sick, actually, I had been sick since Spring break. I was trying to see a blessing in that, and it was kinda hard. So I thought, and thought, and the blessing I could find was that through all the doctor visits, I got a good dose of Dunkin Donuts, cuz there is a DD about 3 miles from the doctors office! I know…that was crazy!
In June my family went to Antigo, WI for my best friends mom's memorial service. It was really hard and sad, but at the same time it was wonderful to see how Mrs. Pieri's quiet, loving personality was able to bless so many people. It was also nice to see Bro. Pieri, and Faith, and Joseph and spend quite a bit of time with them.
On June 16 my parents celebrated their 20th anniversary! I have to say that I'm VERY thankful for that because without them getting married, well, needless to say I wouldn't be here right now. I was able to throw a surprise party for my parents! Well, dad knew about it (that's because I clued him in on the whole thing), but somehow I managed to pull it off on mom, which was my main goal! It was AWESOME! :)
Also, not intentionally, on June 16 God brought the biggest blessing into my life. Many of you already know this, but I'll put it in here anyways. I sent an email to a Navy sailor who is stationed in Japan, who a friend of mine had been telling me about for quite awhile…actually, bugging me about! ;) Finally because I was tired of her bugging me, I gave in and sent Jason Hunsicker an email…hoping that I would never hear anything back, and also hoping that it would get Amanda off my back. Welllll….neither one of those things happened. Jason did send me an email back and I responded and the rest is history. Now after thousands of emails back and forth, and countless hours spent on the phone we have developed a relationship that goes beyond my wildest imaginations. Wow! I could go on and on…but lest I bore you with the wonderful details of my life, I will move on! :)
Other blessings this summer included seeing my friend LeAnne, whom I hadn't seen since 8th grade, the Pieri's coming to IN for a weekend, Samuel getting to go to flight camp, and then going on a missions trip to Canada.
Then in August I began college at Shawnee Baptist College in New Albany, IN. This is my first year here, but I'm still a Sophomore, which reminds me of another blessing…all my credits from International transferred without any problems. So far this semester has been jammed packed with school and work and trying to cram a few extra things in every once in a while.
The Saturday before Labor Day my former roommate got married in TN and I was able to go to her wedding and also was able to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a long time.
In September my Grandma Drazich visited my family for a few weeks, and one weekend they came down here to visit. It was nice to see my family, and I hadn't seen my grandma since my high school graduation!
October brought some bitter sweet news, Jason isn't going to be able to take me to the Christmas banquet in December, but he is still coming home, just a week later than originally planned. It did work out though that we will end up getting to spend more time together than if he had been able to come home the week earlier.
November also brought a WONDERFUL blessing, my brother got saved! That was the best news that I had heard in a long time!
I guess to sum it all up, this year has been the most amazing year of my life, and I'm sooo thankful to God for all that He has done for me!
As Thanksgiving draws closer, I have really begun to look at my blessings, if I were to "Count them one by one" I'd be writing all day long. So, I'm going to try to focus on big things, and hopefully I won't overwhelm you, although I'm slightly overwhelmed myself!
One huge blessing was my family coming to visit me in NY for Thanksgiving last year. That was a HUGE and amazing blessing, and an amazing surprise. Only God knows just how much I needed my family at that time.
By Christmas break, I was REALLY, REALLY sick, which resulted in a not so fun Christmas break. However I learned so much through that sickness. God taught me some VERY important lessons. As funny as it might sound, I am thankful for the pain and hurt, because through it all, God drew me closer to Him.
To add to that blessing, I'm so thankful that the doctors were able to figure out what was wrong with me, just in time, and I was able to have surgery before my break was over, so I didn't have to miss any school.
My second semester of school brought some very important friends into my life. The McMahons, and Phillips' became like my second family and without them I don't think that I could have survived through my last semester in New York.
Oh, a crazy blessing about New York, and a thing I'm very thankful for, COFFEE! Before college I thought coffee was of the devil, NOW HOWEVER…mmm….it's great stuff! :) I love Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks is pretty good as well.
Coming back from NY I was once again sick, actually, I had been sick since Spring break. I was trying to see a blessing in that, and it was kinda hard. So I thought, and thought, and the blessing I could find was that through all the doctor visits, I got a good dose of Dunkin Donuts, cuz there is a DD about 3 miles from the doctors office! I know…that was crazy!
In June my family went to Antigo, WI for my best friends mom's memorial service. It was really hard and sad, but at the same time it was wonderful to see how Mrs. Pieri's quiet, loving personality was able to bless so many people. It was also nice to see Bro. Pieri, and Faith, and Joseph and spend quite a bit of time with them.
On June 16 my parents celebrated their 20th anniversary! I have to say that I'm VERY thankful for that because without them getting married, well, needless to say I wouldn't be here right now. I was able to throw a surprise party for my parents! Well, dad knew about it (that's because I clued him in on the whole thing), but somehow I managed to pull it off on mom, which was my main goal! It was AWESOME! :)
Also, not intentionally, on June 16 God brought the biggest blessing into my life. Many of you already know this, but I'll put it in here anyways. I sent an email to a Navy sailor who is stationed in Japan, who a friend of mine had been telling me about for quite awhile…actually, bugging me about! ;) Finally because I was tired of her bugging me, I gave in and sent Jason Hunsicker an email…hoping that I would never hear anything back, and also hoping that it would get Amanda off my back. Welllll….neither one of those things happened. Jason did send me an email back and I responded and the rest is history. Now after thousands of emails back and forth, and countless hours spent on the phone we have developed a relationship that goes beyond my wildest imaginations. Wow! I could go on and on…but lest I bore you with the wonderful details of my life, I will move on! :)
Other blessings this summer included seeing my friend LeAnne, whom I hadn't seen since 8th grade, the Pieri's coming to IN for a weekend, Samuel getting to go to flight camp, and then going on a missions trip to Canada.
Then in August I began college at Shawnee Baptist College in New Albany, IN. This is my first year here, but I'm still a Sophomore, which reminds me of another blessing…all my credits from International transferred without any problems. So far this semester has been jammed packed with school and work and trying to cram a few extra things in every once in a while.
The Saturday before Labor Day my former roommate got married in TN and I was able to go to her wedding and also was able to see some friends that I hadn't seen in a long time.
In September my Grandma Drazich visited my family for a few weeks, and one weekend they came down here to visit. It was nice to see my family, and I hadn't seen my grandma since my high school graduation!
October brought some bitter sweet news, Jason isn't going to be able to take me to the Christmas banquet in December, but he is still coming home, just a week later than originally planned. It did work out though that we will end up getting to spend more time together than if he had been able to come home the week earlier.
November also brought a WONDERFUL blessing, my brother got saved! That was the best news that I had heard in a long time!
I guess to sum it all up, this year has been the most amazing year of my life, and I'm sooo thankful to God for all that He has done for me!
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
LHC
I had to write this paper for my science class, and I know that Jason wanted to read it, so I just decided to post it for anyone who is interested.
The Large Hadron Collider
The Large Hadron Collider, also known as the LHC, built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (also known as CERN), is a 27 kilometer ring that runs 175 meters underneath the French and Switzerland border. It is the world’s largest and highest energy particle accelerator, and was built for the purpose of finding out what happened right before and right after the Big Bang. Using Physics, the end goal is to figure out what caused the Big Bang and what the universe was like before, during, and after it; and trying to find out if the Higgs boson is real, or if it is simply a myth. In addition to these, the LHC will also attempt to discover other “new physics,” and try to find missing forms of matter that were supposedly created during the Big Bang.
Scientists, trying to discover how the world was created, are attempting to recreate the Big Bang and figure out the missing parts of the Standard Model, which is how they prove the Big Bang. They are also making attempts to find the Higgs Boson, a hypothesized particle that is necessary for the Standard Model to work, but has as of yet to be found anywhere, or seen acting in the universe, or some other particle that will fill in the gaps and make the Standard Model correct. Some of the key questions that physicists are hoping to answer through the LHC are, “Is the Higgs Mechanism for generating elementary particle masses in the Standard Model indeed realized in nature?” “Are electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force and the weaker nuclear force just different manifestations of a single unified force, as predicted by various Grand Unification Theories?” “What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy?” “Are there extra dimensions, as predicted by various models inspired by string theory, and can we detect them?” “Are there additional sources of quark flaw or violation beyond those already predicted within the Standard Model?”[1] Professor Stephen Hawkings (University of Cambridge) said, “Whatever the LHC finds, or fails to find, the results will tell us a lot about the structure of the universe.”[2]
Operation began on September 10, 2008 when the first proton beams went completely around the main ring of the Large Hadron Collider. However, only a few days later on September 19, 2008 when two of the superconducting magnets faulted resulting in millions of dollars in damages, and halted the LHC for over a year. In all, 53 magnets were damaged during the incident. The plan was to once again begin operation sometime mid-November 2009, but that has been pushed out to sometime in December 2009, with the hopes that the LHC will be up and running by Christmas 2009.
Many scientists and other people are concerned that the Large Hadron Collider will be the end of the world. There are many “doomsday” theories predicting black holes on the earth. A black hole is a spot that has such a large pull of gravity that everything falls in, but nothing can come out. Another fear is of strangelets, which have been hypothesized to be made from quark. Quark is also a hypothesized elementary particle which is vital to the Standard Model. In 2003 and again in 2008 the European Organization for Nuclear Research mandated a study safety analysis to be done, and both of them reported that the Large Hadron Collider was safe, and would not cause any permanent negative damage to the earth. These reports were backed by the Executive Committee of the Division of Particles and Fields of American Physical Society, as well as a peer-review by the Journal of Physics G.[3] There have been several major news media outlets including The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Sydney Morning Herald, Time, CNN, and MSNBC that have protested in some way the possible threat to the earth caused by the Large Hadron Collider. In September 2008 Romania’s Conservative Party protested the Large Hadron Collider before the European Commission mission to Bucharest.
Hawking radiation could help to relieve some of the fears of black holes. It is a thermal radiation predicted to be emitted by black holes due to quantum effect.[4] The type of black holes that the Large Hadron Collider could produce is a type that loses matter faster than they gain it because of the Hawking effect. If the LHC can produce black holes, they would disappear almost as fast as they were created, removing almost all of the problems that they could create on the earth.
The design of the Large Hadron Collider is very complicated. The LHC has 1,232 dipole magnets which are used to keep the protons going around in a circle. It also had 392 quadruple magnets which keep the beams focused. Another 1,600 superconducting magnets are used to keep the temperature at -271°C, colder than outer space! The total weight of the magnets is over 27 metric tons (approximately 59,525 pounds)!
The proton beams are put into two bunches and rotated around the circle at set intervals so that the interaction between the proton bunches happens at set times that are no more than 25 nanoseconds apart. [5] The proton beams are accelerated during their rotation through the LHC to as high as 14 TeV, that is approximately 99.9999991% of the speed of light and takes less than 90 nanoseconds for a proton beam to travel once around the main ring. This equals about 11,000 times around the ring per second![6] The data that the Large Hadron Collider produces is astounding! Every year the LHC puts out 15 petabytes of information. To put that in perspective, if someone were to take all the words that are spoken each year by everyone in the world it would only equal approximately 2 to 3 petabytes! According to The Thai Indian article “The Large Hadron Collider” the LHC will at the most reach half of its potential by 2011,[7] which means that the LHC has the ability to produce even more information than it already has produced.
There are four main experiments that are planned for the Large Hadron Collider. The first one is ATLANTIS which is attempting to figure out from where everything came, and more specifically, where mass comes from. ATLANTIS is also trying to find “new physics” to help find the origin of the universe. CMS, the second experiment, is looking for the Higgs boson, and is also trying to figure out what dark matter is, and what it does. ALICE is attempting to find the liquid form of matter, also called quark, or gluon plasma, that supposedly existed right after the Big Bang, but disappeared at some unknown point in time and has never been seen by scientists. The final experiment called LHCb simply is trying to find where the anti-matter disappeared, and why it disappeared. ATLAS and CMS will look for super symmetric particles to test likely hypothesis for the makeup of dark matter.[8]
The world is desperately trying to come up with answers for how the universe began. They don’t want to have to admit that there is a God that they will have to answer to, so instead they turn to science and spend millions of dollars just so that they don’t have to be accountable for their sin. “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” – Ephesians 4:18. As Christians we know that God created the world. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” –Genesis 1:1 “To whom them will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.” - Isaiah 40:25-26. The world needs to see that without God they will not be able to find any permanent answers. As Christians it is our responsibility to tell them of Christ and his salvation. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he [Jesus] unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:36-38
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] www.wikipedia.org/largehadroncollider/purpose
[2] www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2710348/Stephen-Hawking-Large-Hadron-Collider-vital...
[3] www.wikipedia.org/LHCsafety/introduction
[4] www.wikipedia.org/LHCsafety/safety_arguments
[5] www.wikipedia.org/Larg_Hadron_Collider/design
[6] www.wikipedia.org/Large_Hadron_Collider/design
[7] www.thaindian.com/newspaper/largehadroncollider
[8] www.cern.com/LHC/why_LHC
The Large Hadron Collider, also known as the LHC, built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (also known as CERN), is a 27 kilometer ring that runs 175 meters underneath the French and Switzerland border. It is the world’s largest and highest energy particle accelerator, and was built for the purpose of finding out what happened right before and right after the Big Bang. Using Physics, the end goal is to figure out what caused the Big Bang and what the universe was like before, during, and after it; and trying to find out if the Higgs boson is real, or if it is simply a myth. In addition to these, the LHC will also attempt to discover other “new physics,” and try to find missing forms of matter that were supposedly created during the Big Bang.
Scientists, trying to discover how the world was created, are attempting to recreate the Big Bang and figure out the missing parts of the Standard Model, which is how they prove the Big Bang. They are also making attempts to find the Higgs Boson, a hypothesized particle that is necessary for the Standard Model to work, but has as of yet to be found anywhere, or seen acting in the universe, or some other particle that will fill in the gaps and make the Standard Model correct. Some of the key questions that physicists are hoping to answer through the LHC are, “Is the Higgs Mechanism for generating elementary particle masses in the Standard Model indeed realized in nature?” “Are electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force and the weaker nuclear force just different manifestations of a single unified force, as predicted by various Grand Unification Theories?” “What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy?” “Are there extra dimensions, as predicted by various models inspired by string theory, and can we detect them?” “Are there additional sources of quark flaw or violation beyond those already predicted within the Standard Model?”[1] Professor Stephen Hawkings (University of Cambridge) said, “Whatever the LHC finds, or fails to find, the results will tell us a lot about the structure of the universe.”[2]
Operation began on September 10, 2008 when the first proton beams went completely around the main ring of the Large Hadron Collider. However, only a few days later on September 19, 2008 when two of the superconducting magnets faulted resulting in millions of dollars in damages, and halted the LHC for over a year. In all, 53 magnets were damaged during the incident. The plan was to once again begin operation sometime mid-November 2009, but that has been pushed out to sometime in December 2009, with the hopes that the LHC will be up and running by Christmas 2009.
Many scientists and other people are concerned that the Large Hadron Collider will be the end of the world. There are many “doomsday” theories predicting black holes on the earth. A black hole is a spot that has such a large pull of gravity that everything falls in, but nothing can come out. Another fear is of strangelets, which have been hypothesized to be made from quark. Quark is also a hypothesized elementary particle which is vital to the Standard Model. In 2003 and again in 2008 the European Organization for Nuclear Research mandated a study safety analysis to be done, and both of them reported that the Large Hadron Collider was safe, and would not cause any permanent negative damage to the earth. These reports were backed by the Executive Committee of the Division of Particles and Fields of American Physical Society, as well as a peer-review by the Journal of Physics G.[3] There have been several major news media outlets including The Times, The Guardian, The Independent, The Sydney Morning Herald, Time, CNN, and MSNBC that have protested in some way the possible threat to the earth caused by the Large Hadron Collider. In September 2008 Romania’s Conservative Party protested the Large Hadron Collider before the European Commission mission to Bucharest.
Hawking radiation could help to relieve some of the fears of black holes. It is a thermal radiation predicted to be emitted by black holes due to quantum effect.[4] The type of black holes that the Large Hadron Collider could produce is a type that loses matter faster than they gain it because of the Hawking effect. If the LHC can produce black holes, they would disappear almost as fast as they were created, removing almost all of the problems that they could create on the earth.
The design of the Large Hadron Collider is very complicated. The LHC has 1,232 dipole magnets which are used to keep the protons going around in a circle. It also had 392 quadruple magnets which keep the beams focused. Another 1,600 superconducting magnets are used to keep the temperature at -271°C, colder than outer space! The total weight of the magnets is over 27 metric tons (approximately 59,525 pounds)!
The proton beams are put into two bunches and rotated around the circle at set intervals so that the interaction between the proton bunches happens at set times that are no more than 25 nanoseconds apart. [5] The proton beams are accelerated during their rotation through the LHC to as high as 14 TeV, that is approximately 99.9999991% of the speed of light and takes less than 90 nanoseconds for a proton beam to travel once around the main ring. This equals about 11,000 times around the ring per second![6] The data that the Large Hadron Collider produces is astounding! Every year the LHC puts out 15 petabytes of information. To put that in perspective, if someone were to take all the words that are spoken each year by everyone in the world it would only equal approximately 2 to 3 petabytes! According to The Thai Indian article “The Large Hadron Collider” the LHC will at the most reach half of its potential by 2011,[7] which means that the LHC has the ability to produce even more information than it already has produced.
There are four main experiments that are planned for the Large Hadron Collider. The first one is ATLANTIS which is attempting to figure out from where everything came, and more specifically, where mass comes from. ATLANTIS is also trying to find “new physics” to help find the origin of the universe. CMS, the second experiment, is looking for the Higgs boson, and is also trying to figure out what dark matter is, and what it does. ALICE is attempting to find the liquid form of matter, also called quark, or gluon plasma, that supposedly existed right after the Big Bang, but disappeared at some unknown point in time and has never been seen by scientists. The final experiment called LHCb simply is trying to find where the anti-matter disappeared, and why it disappeared. ATLAS and CMS will look for super symmetric particles to test likely hypothesis for the makeup of dark matter.[8]
The world is desperately trying to come up with answers for how the universe began. They don’t want to have to admit that there is a God that they will have to answer to, so instead they turn to science and spend millions of dollars just so that they don’t have to be accountable for their sin. “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart.” – Ephesians 4:18. As Christians we know that God created the world. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” –Genesis 1:1 “To whom them will ye liken me, or shall I be equal? saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.” - Isaiah 40:25-26. The world needs to see that without God they will not be able to find any permanent answers. As Christians it is our responsibility to tell them of Christ and his salvation. “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he [Jesus] unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:36-38
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[1] www.wikipedia.org/largehadroncollider/purpose
[2] www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2710348/Stephen-Hawking-Large-Hadron-Collider-vital...
[3] www.wikipedia.org/LHCsafety/introduction
[4] www.wikipedia.org/LHCsafety/safety_arguments
[5] www.wikipedia.org/Larg_Hadron_Collider/design
[6] www.wikipedia.org/Large_Hadron_Collider/design
[7] www.thaindian.com/newspaper/largehadroncollider
[8] www.cern.com/LHC/why_LHC
Monday, November 16, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
My Life
I just realized that I haven't written a post about the happenings in my life in a LONG time! So I decided to do so now. I know that most of you already know everything, but maybe not everyone, or everything.
This semester is beginning to wind down, THANKFULLY! We have less than a week in a half before Thanksgiving break, and following break we have about one in a half weeks of school, including finals before we are completely done!! YAY!
Classes have been going well. I'm still struggling with the science class, but my grades are getting better in that, which is good. Please keep praying.
My internship at the Christian school has been interesting to say the least. Mrs. Whitaker, the original teacher resigned, and so for a long time all that the class had was substitute teachers. It was kinda interesting. Now they have a new teacher, Miss Snider, and she's VERY hard to intern for. She has me teaching a 4th grade history lesson, and a 3rd grade science lesson every week. I really like teaching, but it's a lot of work to add to the work that I already have to do!
I enjoy my job for the most part, although I'm not getting nearly enough hours. Only about 8 hours a week, and that's not nearly enough to get me through. I had started to look for another job, but I decided to wait until next semester, because I'm not sure if any other job will let me take Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks off and I REALLY need those breaks!
Of course the most important thing right now is Jason! ;) He has been deployed for quite awhile, but thankfully his deployment ends THIS WEEK!!! I'm SOOOOOO excited! It seems like he's been deployed FOREVER! On top of that in 23 days (I think) he's flying back to the US, and in 27 days we will FINALLY get to meet!!! I CAN'T WAIT! He is coming down here to Shawnee December 12 and 13 to spend the weekend. School gets out either the 16th or 17th and Jason is coming to my house on the 17th through the 22nd, and then we are going to his house the 22nd through the 27th when he has to go back to Japan. I'm sure it will be an AMAZING time!
Anyway, that's a brief summary of my life right now...sorry it's been so long since I last updated all of you and I will try to do it more often in the future.
This semester is beginning to wind down, THANKFULLY! We have less than a week in a half before Thanksgiving break, and following break we have about one in a half weeks of school, including finals before we are completely done!! YAY!
Classes have been going well. I'm still struggling with the science class, but my grades are getting better in that, which is good. Please keep praying.
My internship at the Christian school has been interesting to say the least. Mrs. Whitaker, the original teacher resigned, and so for a long time all that the class had was substitute teachers. It was kinda interesting. Now they have a new teacher, Miss Snider, and she's VERY hard to intern for. She has me teaching a 4th grade history lesson, and a 3rd grade science lesson every week. I really like teaching, but it's a lot of work to add to the work that I already have to do!
I enjoy my job for the most part, although I'm not getting nearly enough hours. Only about 8 hours a week, and that's not nearly enough to get me through. I had started to look for another job, but I decided to wait until next semester, because I'm not sure if any other job will let me take Thanksgiving and Christmas breaks off and I REALLY need those breaks!
Of course the most important thing right now is Jason! ;) He has been deployed for quite awhile, but thankfully his deployment ends THIS WEEK!!! I'm SOOOOOO excited! It seems like he's been deployed FOREVER! On top of that in 23 days (I think) he's flying back to the US, and in 27 days we will FINALLY get to meet!!! I CAN'T WAIT! He is coming down here to Shawnee December 12 and 13 to spend the weekend. School gets out either the 16th or 17th and Jason is coming to my house on the 17th through the 22nd, and then we are going to his house the 22nd through the 27th when he has to go back to Japan. I'm sure it will be an AMAZING time!
Anyway, that's a brief summary of my life right now...sorry it's been so long since I last updated all of you and I will try to do it more often in the future.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Honesty Tag
I was just awarded the Honest Scrap award from Rosebud!
The Rules:
I need to...
1. Say thanks and link to the person who gave you the award.
2. Share ten "honest" things about myself (in some of these cases, I have discovered that the word "honest" is synonymous with "embarrassing").
2. Share ten "honest" things about myself (in some of these cases, I have discovered that the word "honest" is synonymous with "embarrassing").
3. Award this to seven people who's blog design/content I admire or who have encouraged me, and inform them of their win and of the rules of this award.
Now I will list my ten honesties: ;)
1. I really want to go to Japan
2.I really like to curl up with a book and a cup of coffee and a big blanket on a cold winter day and read for hours.
3. I play the piano and cello, and took violin lessons for a couple of years when I was in junior high
4. I want to learn to play precussion some day.
5. I have to set 3 alarms every morning, or else I do not wake up!
6. I really hate mornings, but ever since I began college, I've learned that mornings are the ONLY quiet time in the dorms, so now I get up early, just to have some peace and quiet.
7. I want to be a teacher when I grow up! :)
8. I REALLY like chocolate, coffee, and ice cream!
9. People who are nosy and create a TON of drama drive me UP THE WALL!!!
10. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL DECEMBER 12TH!!!
I award the "Honest Scrap" award to:
Jason just because... :)
Elizabeth J. because her blog is always so full of Godly, uplifting little tid-bits that are a great encouragement t0 me.
Bethany A. cuz I don't think Rosebud tagged her earlier! :)
Kylo because I know that he will probably roll his eyes and say, "meh, whatever!" and eventually, he MIGHT do it!! :P
And other than that, I really don't have any one else to tag...
I know it says to award seven people, but I don't necessarily have seven to choose. :P Hope you enjoyed!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
In my life I have been blessed to know many men and women who were/are in the military, people who served their country, loved their country, and wanted the best for their country. I could list soooo many, but I want to focus on five men, 3 of whom were in the military, and 2 who are currently in the military right now.
I'll start with my grandpa, Michael Drazich. I really don't know much about his military service, except that he was in the Army in WWII. He never talked about it much and whenever the topic did come up he rarely said anything. All I know is that he was in Europe fighting during that time.
The second man that I'm thinking of is my daddy, Paul Drazich. He was in the Coast Guard in the 1980s. He loves to tell stories of the things he did, and my favorite thing as a little girl was to crawl up on his lap and have him tell me stories of his time on the ships. I could probably tell all of his stories as good as can tell them! He was stationed on the Great Lakes, as well as the Atlantic Ocean, and on Governor's Island in NYC teaching electronics.
The last of the 3 men who were in the military is my friend and hero, Aaron Williams. Aaron was a Marine, and the best of the best. Of any one person I know, Aaron was the most patriotic person in the world. He was also one of the kindest, gentlest, most loving, caring, generous person I've ever known. Aaron had NO enemies, and that's saying a lot for a person, everyone loved and cared deeply for the rough and tough Marine, with a BIG heart. Soon before he was to be deployed for Iraq, Aaron was diagnosed with brain cancer, at the age of 30. All the plans and dreams that he had came crashing down around him with a diagnosis of 6 months to live. However, instead of allowing the circumstances to get him down and ruin his life, Aaron chose to fight, and fight he did, for 3 years! But finally, after touching thousands of lives, God decided that it was time to call Aaron home to Him, and on June 22, 2007.
Next comes my dear friend Ray Pfahl. He is in the Army, and pretty close to being a big brother, without actually being one! Ray is 22 and has been in both Afghanistan and Iraq. He just got back from Iraq in August. Please pray for him, because he is not saved, and as he sees more and more pain and sorrow only gets harder and harder toward God. He is still one of my good friends, and I think I'm probably the only Christian that he allows to get close to him.
Lastly, and the most recent to come into my life is Jason Hunsicker, who is in the Navy. I know that I could go on and on and on about him… :) Anyway, well he has been in the Navy since August 2007, and is stationed in Yokosuka Japan on the USS Blue Ridge, which is the flagship for the 7th fleet. Currently he is deployed somewhere in the Pacific.
I just wanted to say thank you too all of the men and women who are or have been in the military and to their families as well.
***Aaron Williams***
***Daddy (on the left)***
***Jason***
***Jason***
Monday, November 9, 2009
Freedom Isn't Free!
This song was sung by the choir on Sunday night, and in getting ready for Veterans Day on Wednesday, I thought it would be very fitting to post now. I am preparing a Veterans Day post, or else I would have waited until then to post this:
We've known the gift of freedom
From sea to shining sea.
The Stars and Stripes,
Our banner still stands for liberty.
But the freedom that we know
Was bought by blood
that flowed on the battlefield,
By soldiers, brave and strong!
That's why freedom, freedom isn't free!
It costs the lives of those who die,
To make our nation free;
And each sacrifice became the price
To buy my liberty,
Because freedom, freedom isn't free!
The winds of war keep blowing
As nations rise and fall.
New soldiers in the army
Still answer freedoms call.
And they say their sad good-byes
To those they leave behind,
Separation is the price that they must pay.
That's why freedom, freedom isn't free!
It costs the lives of those who dies
To make our nation free;
And each sacrifice became the price
To buy my liberty,
Because freedom, freedom isn't free!
For every generation,
For every living soul,
The blood of Christ was gven to
Make each sinner whole.
Jesus suffered on the cross
With His own blood He paid sin's cost
That each soul might have
The chance to be redeemed.
That's why freedom, freedom isn't free!
It costs the lives of those who dies
To make our nation free;
And each sacrifice became the price
To buy my liberty,
Because freedom, freedom isn't free!
by Brett Bedwell
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Homemaking Tips
Part of the requirements for my Christian Womanhood class was to come up with 50 homemaking tips. We were allowed to use outside sources as well, as use ideas of our own or that we had learned from our mom's or others. So I thought I'd share them with all of you!
1. To clean off the oven window, make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub onto the window and let sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe clean with a paper towel and clear water.
2. Silver that has dulled can be shined up again by rubbing a potato dipped in baking soda. Or when you boil potatoes, save the water to soak your silver in. (http://www.jelleyjar.com/life/homemaking.html)
3. Add 3 teaspoons of Epsom salts to wash water to prevent colored fabrics from fading and to help keep the colors from running.
4. Once a month flush some yogurt into your septic system to prevent buildup.
5. If your glasses are cloudy, fill them with water and a few drops of ammonia. Let them soak for an hour then rinse them thoroughly with hot water.
6. Make lists. When you have a lot of things to do and remember you're bound to forget something. Make lists and attach them to the fridge or to a cork board, anywhere that you'll be likely to notice them.
7. Do dishes while cooking – it makes the clean up process so much easier and it’s more efficient
8. Use Windex and a tooth brush to clean wrist watch bands
9. Don’t go grocery shopping while you’re hungry
10. Always make a shopping list – this keeps you from making extra unnecessary trips to the store to get things you forgot and it also helps to keep from making impulse purchases
11. Use coupons.
12. Compare store circulars.
13. Garages sales are great ways to get rid of unwanted junk and to make some extra money.
14. Keep an extra loaf of bread in the freezer just in case you run out when you’re least expecting it.
15. Shop at scratch and dent stores – the food or other items are usually fine, and they are priced a LOT cheaper than if they are bought at a retail store.
16. Make leftovers into other things
17. Use pine bark chips for mulch for flower beds
18. Use vinegar as a weed killer.
19. Rub shaving cream into the bathroom mirror and keep rubbing until the mirror is shiny – this will keep the mirror from fogging.
20. Shop at Goodwill’s, Salvation Army’s, and other thrift stores.
21. Use Windex to get stains out of the carpet
22. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds on carpet that has an odor right before going to bed, in the morning vacuum it up and the smell should be gone – don’t try on light colored carpet!
23. Put a paper towel in the sink and peel potatoes over that, when done simply pick up the paper towel and throw it away, this saves in bending over the trash can and hurting your back.
24. Keep an emergency kit handy at all times to prevent stress when you have a mishap.
25. Put oil on the bottom of ice cube trays to keep them from sticking to each other.
26. For a good night of sleep drink milk with honey right before bed – both milk and honey are good laxatives.
27. To get rid of ants sprinkle baby powder where the ants are coming from – baby powder has talcum in it which is a natural any repellent
28. Mix together some baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice until the mixture reaches a pasty consistency. Rub this paste vigorously on the surface of the coin.If the dirt is stubborn and still stuck on the coin, get half a cup of vinegar and pour it in an aluminum-lined bowl. Soak the coin in the vinegar overnight. The next day, repeat the process of rubbing the paste on the coin. This time, it would be much easier to remove the dirt as it had already been softened when the coin was soaked in vinegar.
29. To get the scaley stuff out of a kettle mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Heat up the mixture and let it boil for a few minutes. Pour the mixture inside the kettle and let it stand overnight. The following day, pour out the mixture and rinse the kettle thoroughly.
30. Take a piece of banana skin and use it to clean your teeth in a circular motion. Do this everyday and within two weeks you should see a clear improvement in the color of your teeth.
31. Keep club soda on hand to clean up spills on carpet and clothing. Club soda will remove red wine, coffee, tea, pop (yes even red pop!) Kool-Aid™ and many other spills you can think of. Lift any solids carefully off carpet or clothes and then pour on the club soda, blotting with a white rag until all the color from the spill is removed. Blot carpet easily by folding a rag and standing on it, turning the rag as it absorbs moisture and discoloration from the spill. The carbonation in the club soda brings the offending spill to the surface so you can blot it up
32. Heat white vinegar until it is hot, but not too hot to pour into a spray bottle and work with. Spray it on the shower and tub heavily. Wait 10-15 minutes and then moisten a scrubbing-type sponge with more of the vinegar and scrub down the shower, using additional heated vinegar as necessary. Rinse well and dry.
33. If you don’t have a cleaning closet, here’s an idea: hang an over-the-door shoe bag with clear plastic pockets behind your garage or laundry-room door, and use it for storing cleaning supplies.
34. Use felt pads on wood floors under heavy furniture to protect floors from dents and gouges, and when moving heavy furniture, lift - don't slide - the piece to avoid scratching the wood.
35. Dust cloth lampshades with a lint roller.
36. To clean a microwave bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave, the steam will help loosen dried on particles making them easily wiped away.
37. Use baking soda to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. It scrubs and eliminates odors without damaging surfaces.
38. Washing dishes can be a great time to have a parent interview with a child you need to reconnect with. The job may not go more quickly, but you'll be accomplishing a lot more than clean dishes
39. Every three months (once a season), pour a mix of ¼ cup ammonia and 1 quart boiling water — per drain — into your bathroom and kitchen drains to dissolve grease and loosen clumps before they become a problem. This mixture doesn’t work on drains that are already clogged — it’s only intended to prevent clogged drains.
40. If you have a tough time removing pet smells from your living room furniture, place dryer sheets inside an envelope and tuck them under the cushions. When you and your guests sit down, the air from the cushions mixes with the smell of the dryer sheet.
41. After cleaning your bathroom tiles, apply a coat of car wax — it will help water and stains run off so you’ll have to clean them less often.
42. If you’re out of silver cleaner and need to touch up a tarnished spot quickly, rub it with toothpaste. It will shine.
43. To absorb odors from your kitchen trash, leave a couple of used fabric softener sheets in the bottom of the kitchen trash can.
44. To clean your tea kettle fill it with a cup each of apple cider vinegar and water and boil for five minutes. Repeat if necessary.
45. To make a small room look larger the use mirrors is very effective, possibly ceiling to floor on a wall, or framed mirrors hung in important places and with groupings.
46. Mushrooms should be wiped off with a damp cloth and not washed under the faucet since they are like sponges and will absorb the water.
47. To prevent sticking, brush or spray a light coating of oil on grid.
48. To substitute honey for sugar in recipes, start by substituting
up to half of the sugar called for. With a little experimentation,
honey can replace all the sugar in some recipes.
49. Do not use dried herbs in the same quantity as fresh. In most cases, use 1/3 the amount in dried as is called for fresh.
50. Cool leftovers as quickly as possible. Reheat to 165® F before serving again.
http://www.jelleyjar.com/life/homemaking.html
http://www.the-hip-homemaker.com/
http://www.homemakerstips.com/
http://www.mommymakeitbetter.com/
http://www.housekeepingchannel.com
http://housekeeping.about.com/
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/22028936/
http://www.decoratorsecrets.com/
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/tips.htm
1. To clean off the oven window, make a paste of baking soda and water. Rub onto the window and let sit for about 15 minutes. Wipe clean with a paper towel and clear water.
2. Silver that has dulled can be shined up again by rubbing a potato dipped in baking soda. Or when you boil potatoes, save the water to soak your silver in. (http://www.jelleyjar.com/life/homemaking.html)
3. Add 3 teaspoons of Epsom salts to wash water to prevent colored fabrics from fading and to help keep the colors from running.
4. Once a month flush some yogurt into your septic system to prevent buildup.
5. If your glasses are cloudy, fill them with water and a few drops of ammonia. Let them soak for an hour then rinse them thoroughly with hot water.
6. Make lists. When you have a lot of things to do and remember you're bound to forget something. Make lists and attach them to the fridge or to a cork board, anywhere that you'll be likely to notice them.
7. Do dishes while cooking – it makes the clean up process so much easier and it’s more efficient
8. Use Windex and a tooth brush to clean wrist watch bands
9. Don’t go grocery shopping while you’re hungry
10. Always make a shopping list – this keeps you from making extra unnecessary trips to the store to get things you forgot and it also helps to keep from making impulse purchases
11. Use coupons.
12. Compare store circulars.
13. Garages sales are great ways to get rid of unwanted junk and to make some extra money.
14. Keep an extra loaf of bread in the freezer just in case you run out when you’re least expecting it.
15. Shop at scratch and dent stores – the food or other items are usually fine, and they are priced a LOT cheaper than if they are bought at a retail store.
16. Make leftovers into other things
17. Use pine bark chips for mulch for flower beds
18. Use vinegar as a weed killer.
19. Rub shaving cream into the bathroom mirror and keep rubbing until the mirror is shiny – this will keep the mirror from fogging.
20. Shop at Goodwill’s, Salvation Army’s, and other thrift stores.
21. Use Windex to get stains out of the carpet
22. Sprinkle fresh coffee grounds on carpet that has an odor right before going to bed, in the morning vacuum it up and the smell should be gone – don’t try on light colored carpet!
23. Put a paper towel in the sink and peel potatoes over that, when done simply pick up the paper towel and throw it away, this saves in bending over the trash can and hurting your back.
24. Keep an emergency kit handy at all times to prevent stress when you have a mishap.
25. Put oil on the bottom of ice cube trays to keep them from sticking to each other.
26. For a good night of sleep drink milk with honey right before bed – both milk and honey are good laxatives.
27. To get rid of ants sprinkle baby powder where the ants are coming from – baby powder has talcum in it which is a natural any repellent
28. Mix together some baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice until the mixture reaches a pasty consistency. Rub this paste vigorously on the surface of the coin.If the dirt is stubborn and still stuck on the coin, get half a cup of vinegar and pour it in an aluminum-lined bowl. Soak the coin in the vinegar overnight. The next day, repeat the process of rubbing the paste on the coin. This time, it would be much easier to remove the dirt as it had already been softened when the coin was soaked in vinegar.
29. To get the scaley stuff out of a kettle mix equal parts of water and vinegar. Heat up the mixture and let it boil for a few minutes. Pour the mixture inside the kettle and let it stand overnight. The following day, pour out the mixture and rinse the kettle thoroughly.
30. Take a piece of banana skin and use it to clean your teeth in a circular motion. Do this everyday and within two weeks you should see a clear improvement in the color of your teeth.
31. Keep club soda on hand to clean up spills on carpet and clothing. Club soda will remove red wine, coffee, tea, pop (yes even red pop!) Kool-Aid™ and many other spills you can think of. Lift any solids carefully off carpet or clothes and then pour on the club soda, blotting with a white rag until all the color from the spill is removed. Blot carpet easily by folding a rag and standing on it, turning the rag as it absorbs moisture and discoloration from the spill. The carbonation in the club soda brings the offending spill to the surface so you can blot it up
32. Heat white vinegar until it is hot, but not too hot to pour into a spray bottle and work with. Spray it on the shower and tub heavily. Wait 10-15 minutes and then moisten a scrubbing-type sponge with more of the vinegar and scrub down the shower, using additional heated vinegar as necessary. Rinse well and dry.
33. If you don’t have a cleaning closet, here’s an idea: hang an over-the-door shoe bag with clear plastic pockets behind your garage or laundry-room door, and use it for storing cleaning supplies.
34. Use felt pads on wood floors under heavy furniture to protect floors from dents and gouges, and when moving heavy furniture, lift - don't slide - the piece to avoid scratching the wood.
35. Dust cloth lampshades with a lint roller.
36. To clean a microwave bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave, the steam will help loosen dried on particles making them easily wiped away.
37. Use baking soda to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. It scrubs and eliminates odors without damaging surfaces.
38. Washing dishes can be a great time to have a parent interview with a child you need to reconnect with. The job may not go more quickly, but you'll be accomplishing a lot more than clean dishes
39. Every three months (once a season), pour a mix of ¼ cup ammonia and 1 quart boiling water — per drain — into your bathroom and kitchen drains to dissolve grease and loosen clumps before they become a problem. This mixture doesn’t work on drains that are already clogged — it’s only intended to prevent clogged drains.
40. If you have a tough time removing pet smells from your living room furniture, place dryer sheets inside an envelope and tuck them under the cushions. When you and your guests sit down, the air from the cushions mixes with the smell of the dryer sheet.
41. After cleaning your bathroom tiles, apply a coat of car wax — it will help water and stains run off so you’ll have to clean them less often.
42. If you’re out of silver cleaner and need to touch up a tarnished spot quickly, rub it with toothpaste. It will shine.
43. To absorb odors from your kitchen trash, leave a couple of used fabric softener sheets in the bottom of the kitchen trash can.
44. To clean your tea kettle fill it with a cup each of apple cider vinegar and water and boil for five minutes. Repeat if necessary.
45. To make a small room look larger the use mirrors is very effective, possibly ceiling to floor on a wall, or framed mirrors hung in important places and with groupings.
46. Mushrooms should be wiped off with a damp cloth and not washed under the faucet since they are like sponges and will absorb the water.
47. To prevent sticking, brush or spray a light coating of oil on grid.
48. To substitute honey for sugar in recipes, start by substituting
up to half of the sugar called for. With a little experimentation,
honey can replace all the sugar in some recipes.
49. Do not use dried herbs in the same quantity as fresh. In most cases, use 1/3 the amount in dried as is called for fresh.
50. Cool leftovers as quickly as possible. Reheat to 165® F before serving again.
http://www.jelleyjar.com/life/homemaking.html
http://www.the-hip-homemaker.com/
http://www.homemakerstips.com/
http://www.mommymakeitbetter.com/
http://www.housekeepingchannel.com
http://housekeeping.about.com/
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/22028936/
http://www.decoratorsecrets.com/
http://www.reluctantgourmet.com/tips.htm
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
For Those that Love Him
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. ~II Cor. 2: 9
Recently I read this verse in my devotions and I began to really think about it. Sometimes when I start looking at my circumstances I wonder what in the world God is doing. I want to say, "Uh hello God, ummm…I'm down here, and life's kinda hard, and I don't know what You are doing! Would You mind letting me in on the secret?" But then I have to realize that God can see everything that is going on and not only that HE is orchestrating everything in my life and in the end I will be able to look back and see that everything that I went through worked out for my good and God's plans are so much better than mine. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~Jeremiah 29:11
I hope this thought encouraged you as much as it did me. Life is rough, but God has plans for each of us that go beyond our wildest dreams if we stay focused on Him and love Him. Keep your chin up, and continue to trust the Lord.
Recently I read this verse in my devotions and I began to really think about it. Sometimes when I start looking at my circumstances I wonder what in the world God is doing. I want to say, "Uh hello God, ummm…I'm down here, and life's kinda hard, and I don't know what You are doing! Would You mind letting me in on the secret?" But then I have to realize that God can see everything that is going on and not only that HE is orchestrating everything in my life and in the end I will be able to look back and see that everything that I went through worked out for my good and God's plans are so much better than mine. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." ~Jeremiah 29:11
I hope this thought encouraged you as much as it did me. Life is rough, but God has plans for each of us that go beyond our wildest dreams if we stay focused on Him and love Him. Keep your chin up, and continue to trust the Lord.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
In the Valley
When I'm low in spirit, I cry, "Lord, lift me up,
I want to go higher with Thee!"
But nothing grows high on a mountain,
So He picked out a valley for me.
And He leads me beside still waters
Somewhere in the valley below.
And He draws me aside to be tested and tried,
But in the valley, He restoreth my soul.
It's dark as a dungeon, and the sun seldom shines,
And I question, "Lord, why must this be?"
Then He tells me there's strength in my sorrow,
And there's victory in trials for me!
Then He leads me beside still waters
Somewhere in the valley below.
And He draws me aside to be tested and tried,
But in the valley, He restoreth my soul.
I want to go higher with Thee!"
But nothing grows high on a mountain,
So He picked out a valley for me.
And He leads me beside still waters
Somewhere in the valley below.
And He draws me aside to be tested and tried,
But in the valley, He restoreth my soul.
It's dark as a dungeon, and the sun seldom shines,
And I question, "Lord, why must this be?"
Then He tells me there's strength in my sorrow,
And there's victory in trials for me!
Then He leads me beside still waters
Somewhere in the valley below.
And He draws me aside to be tested and tried,
But in the valley, He restoreth my soul.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Can You Hang On?
"Everyone experiences tough times; it is a measure of your determination and dedication how you deal with them and how you can come through them." ~Lakshmi Mittal
Sometimes life can bring some pretty unexpected blows, and when that happens often I find myself gasping for breath and hurting very badly. I simply want to quit. But I can't. I have to push myself to go on. I have to smile despite of the tears, and no matter the pain I must laugh. The point is, I have to hang on, and I can't get my eyes off the finish line.
I've been thinking about a post like this for quite a while, because recently I have personally been struggling with an overwhelming desire to quit. I'm tired, worn out, and I FEEL like I need a break. In reality, when I'm struggling with the desire to give up, it is because I have stopped looking to God and instead focused on me. What I have to ask myself is, how much determination and dedication do I have to overcome my problems? My answer is to get alone with God. I have to pour my problems out to Him and then He gives me the peace and strength to go on.
In my weakness He is strong,
In my need He leads me on,
When I come to the end of all I am,
Then I place my trust in Him
And then His grace begins to flow.
Sometimes life can bring some pretty unexpected blows, and when that happens often I find myself gasping for breath and hurting very badly. I simply want to quit. But I can't. I have to push myself to go on. I have to smile despite of the tears, and no matter the pain I must laugh. The point is, I have to hang on, and I can't get my eyes off the finish line.
I've been thinking about a post like this for quite a while, because recently I have personally been struggling with an overwhelming desire to quit. I'm tired, worn out, and I FEEL like I need a break. In reality, when I'm struggling with the desire to give up, it is because I have stopped looking to God and instead focused on me. What I have to ask myself is, how much determination and dedication do I have to overcome my problems? My answer is to get alone with God. I have to pour my problems out to Him and then He gives me the peace and strength to go on.
In my weakness He is strong,
In my need He leads me on,
When I come to the end of all I am,
Then I place my trust in Him
And then His grace begins to flow.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Why seek counsel?
There are times in my life that I really don’t know what to do. Sometimes it is simply with a decision that needs to be made, and other times it’s because life has dealt me an unexpected blow and I don’t know where to turn. It is then that I need to seek outside counsel.
A huge reason for getting counsel is because often other people can see things that are going on that I cannot see. They have an outside perspective on the issues that I’m having and they can help me deal with my problems. Another reason for seeking Biblical counseling is that the counselor will take me back to the Bible to see what God has to say about my struggles. They will also pray with and for me that God would show me what to do.
Seeking counsel is so important because it helps you to focus on what God wants you to do. It is also important to help me make a careful and thought out decision, rather than a decision based on emotions and the heat of the moment. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” –I Corinthians 10:13
A huge reason for getting counsel is because often other people can see things that are going on that I cannot see. They have an outside perspective on the issues that I’m having and they can help me deal with my problems. Another reason for seeking Biblical counseling is that the counselor will take me back to the Bible to see what God has to say about my struggles. They will also pray with and for me that God would show me what to do.
Seeking counsel is so important because it helps you to focus on what God wants you to do. It is also important to help me make a careful and thought out decision, rather than a decision based on emotions and the heat of the moment. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” –I Corinthians 10:13
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Answers
At long last the answer has come:
JASON'S LEAVE WAS APPROVED!!!! :)
He is going to be getting home on December 8th and leaving on the 27th. We will get to spend 11 or 12 days together and that is EXCITING! :)
I can't even begin to describe how happy I am…WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO HHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
JASON'S LEAVE WAS APPROVED!!!! :)
He is going to be getting home on December 8th and leaving on the 27th. We will get to spend 11 or 12 days together and that is EXCITING! :)
I can't even begin to describe how happy I am…WWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO HHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Waiting on Change
Today at work a song was playing on the radio that was called, "Waiting On the World to Change." It was talking about how it's too hard to rise above the problems in the world, so they were just going to sit back and wait for the world to change for them. I made the comment to my manager that that was pretty sad to think about, and he agreed with me.
Well, that song made me start thinking about the way that many Christians, and sadly myself included often act and think. We think that we can just sit back and wait for our world to change. We don't do anything about the mess that it is. Oh yes, one could say that there is too much damage already done and there is nothing that any one person can do to change it. First of all, no one is so insignificant in this world as to not be able to influence SOMEONE somewhere and at least change that one person, and if many people are willing to influence that SOMEONE in their life, then there will be many SOMEONES in this world who are changed and slowly the world will begin to change.
Maybe you are thinking, "I'm too afraid to try to change someone. I'm not a leader, and I'm not outgoing enough to do something like that!" Ok, fine, so you're afraid, no offense people, but you have to get over that fear. If all you are willing to do is sit back and just wait for change what is it going to cost you, and future generations to come?
I automatically think about what happen in Nazi Germany while "Europe slept," or the events that have gone on and are still going on in many Muslim and Communist countries all over the world while the rest of the world closes its eyes. Our world and even more specifically our country is not getting any better, it is only getting worse and worse, are you going to wait for someone else to start changing, or are you going to be the one to take up the challenge and start changing the world for good? You life and the lives and future of your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren depend on YOU!
Well, that song made me start thinking about the way that many Christians, and sadly myself included often act and think. We think that we can just sit back and wait for our world to change. We don't do anything about the mess that it is. Oh yes, one could say that there is too much damage already done and there is nothing that any one person can do to change it. First of all, no one is so insignificant in this world as to not be able to influence SOMEONE somewhere and at least change that one person, and if many people are willing to influence that SOMEONE in their life, then there will be many SOMEONES in this world who are changed and slowly the world will begin to change.
Maybe you are thinking, "I'm too afraid to try to change someone. I'm not a leader, and I'm not outgoing enough to do something like that!" Ok, fine, so you're afraid, no offense people, but you have to get over that fear. If all you are willing to do is sit back and just wait for change what is it going to cost you, and future generations to come?
I automatically think about what happen in Nazi Germany while "Europe slept," or the events that have gone on and are still going on in many Muslim and Communist countries all over the world while the rest of the world closes its eyes. Our world and even more specifically our country is not getting any better, it is only getting worse and worse, are you going to wait for someone else to start changing, or are you going to be the one to take up the challenge and start changing the world for good? You life and the lives and future of your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren depend on YOU!
Friday, September 25, 2009
"Homemaking"
When posed with the question about my philosophy of homemaking, I really had to stop and think about it, and to be quite honest, I’m still not totally sure if I know exactly what I think about this topic. However, I am going to attempt to do my best to put my thoughts into words. I’ve heard many people claim that a woman’s place is in the home, some believe that a woman is to do nothing but be at home, cooking, cleaning and taking care of her children. Others believe that it is okay for a woman to work outside the home before children come into the family, but after children come then she should stay at home with them. Still others think that it is all right for a woman to work outside the home during all stages of life and children. So the question remains, which is choice is the right one? Is there a standard in the Bible that tells us one way or another, or is it just a matter of preference on the part of each couple?
My mom was what could technically be called a “stay-at-home-mom,” but at the same time she volunteered at a full-time level as my church’s secretary. We would leave my home for the office around nine o’clock every morning and not get home until two-thirty, or three o’clock in the afternoon. Even though my mom was not at home during the day, she still homeschooled me from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, and she is still homeschooling my brother! I must admit that there were times that I hated being homeschooled, and sharing that time with ministry work, but now as I look back, I see that I was able to learn many valuable lessons through seeing Mom work in ministry every day, and also I learned a lot of valuable office skills at an early age. I learned that it is possible to balance a ministry and a home life at the same time.
I know other women who stay at home all the time to raise their children. Many of them believe firmly that women are “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home…” (Titus 2:5). They believe that it is the man’s responsibility to go out and work and it is for the woman to be at home raising and training their children. But on the other hand there are families who have children and both the mom and dad work. I could not find any verses in the Bible that say that it is a sin for a woman to work outside the home, in fact there is evidence that it is okay for a woman to work in the Bible, “She maketh fine linen and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” (Proverbs 31:24).
In conclusion, I firmly believe that the matter of homemaking is up to each and every couple to decide for themselves. Their family should be considered, and what works best for everyone. If the woman is working simply so that they can live “beyond their means” then I believe that is a wrong motivation, especially if it is at the expense of her children. I believe that the children should come first in this decision. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
My mom was what could technically be called a “stay-at-home-mom,” but at the same time she volunteered at a full-time level as my church’s secretary. We would leave my home for the office around nine o’clock every morning and not get home until two-thirty, or three o’clock in the afternoon. Even though my mom was not at home during the day, she still homeschooled me from kindergarten through the twelfth grade, and she is still homeschooling my brother! I must admit that there were times that I hated being homeschooled, and sharing that time with ministry work, but now as I look back, I see that I was able to learn many valuable lessons through seeing Mom work in ministry every day, and also I learned a lot of valuable office skills at an early age. I learned that it is possible to balance a ministry and a home life at the same time.
I know other women who stay at home all the time to raise their children. Many of them believe firmly that women are “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home…” (Titus 2:5). They believe that it is the man’s responsibility to go out and work and it is for the woman to be at home raising and training their children. But on the other hand there are families who have children and both the mom and dad work. I could not find any verses in the Bible that say that it is a sin for a woman to work outside the home, in fact there is evidence that it is okay for a woman to work in the Bible, “She maketh fine linen and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.” (Proverbs 31:24).
In conclusion, I firmly believe that the matter of homemaking is up to each and every couple to decide for themselves. Their family should be considered, and what works best for everyone. If the woman is working simply so that they can live “beyond their means” then I believe that is a wrong motivation, especially if it is at the expense of her children. I believe that the children should come first in this decision. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6).
Monday, September 21, 2009
Thorns and Roses
"Some people complain because the roses have thorns. Other give thanks because the thorns have roses." ~Unknown
I recently read this quote and it really made me stop and think about my reactions to life, or the thorns and roses in my life. What you make in life depends on your attitude. Often it is so much easier to see the thorns and forget that God gave us roses along the way.
For me, right now my thorns in life happen to mainly be centered around my relationship with Jason. The fact that he's thousands of miles away, and right now he is underway and moving even further away with every minute. On top of that there are more difficulties with long distance relationships than most people realize, especially emotionally it can be very draining.
Sometimes I start to think on nothing but the negative, and I start to get really down. Honestly, it's hard to see the positive at times. But when I allow myself to think on nothing but the impossibilities of everything then I take my eyes off of Christ and instead I turn them onto me, and that is never a good place to be. I'll admit, I spend much time on my knees, crying out to God because I have no where else to turn, and no one else upon whom I can throw all of my struggles. When I finish praying I try to think of the positives, or the "roses." When I think about that I realize that there are so many more roses than thorns. A few of those roses are the fact that God has given me a wonderful Christian man, who wants to serve God with all of his heart. Another major rose is that as of right now my family very much approves of Jason, and his family likes me too! Also, just by looking back on everything I can see how much God has worked in everything, and how He has continually guided us.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that maybe life is hard and rough, and those thorns might try to prick you, but if you take a moment to consider all the roses that God has and is giving, then everything will look brighter!
I recently read this quote and it really made me stop and think about my reactions to life, or the thorns and roses in my life. What you make in life depends on your attitude. Often it is so much easier to see the thorns and forget that God gave us roses along the way.
For me, right now my thorns in life happen to mainly be centered around my relationship with Jason. The fact that he's thousands of miles away, and right now he is underway and moving even further away with every minute. On top of that there are more difficulties with long distance relationships than most people realize, especially emotionally it can be very draining.
Sometimes I start to think on nothing but the negative, and I start to get really down. Honestly, it's hard to see the positive at times. But when I allow myself to think on nothing but the impossibilities of everything then I take my eyes off of Christ and instead I turn them onto me, and that is never a good place to be. I'll admit, I spend much time on my knees, crying out to God because I have no where else to turn, and no one else upon whom I can throw all of my struggles. When I finish praying I try to think of the positives, or the "roses." When I think about that I realize that there are so many more roses than thorns. A few of those roses are the fact that God has given me a wonderful Christian man, who wants to serve God with all of his heart. Another major rose is that as of right now my family very much approves of Jason, and his family likes me too! Also, just by looking back on everything I can see how much God has worked in everything, and how He has continually guided us.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that maybe life is hard and rough, and those thorns might try to prick you, but if you take a moment to consider all the roses that God has and is giving, then everything will look brighter!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Prayer
Psalm 55:17
Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
One of the main things that God has really been working on my heart about lately is the matter of Prayer. In the past few months I've had a lot of unexpected things come into my life. Not necessarily bad changes, actually the main change has been Jason, which is a VERY good change. However, these few months have shown me just how badly I need to rely more and more on God. I've had a lot of struggles with various things in our relationship and at times I wish there was someone to whom I could talk to that would understand, but really, I don't know anyone that knows what it's like for me. I was getting pretty down down about it, and I even sent mom several emails about it. She tried her best to help me, but even she doesn't totally understand.
Earlier this week I was on the verge of despair, needing to get everything off my chest, but I had no one to turn to. Finally, I realized that I could tell Jesus, and so I did. For almost an hour one day I spent time just telling Him everything that was on my heart and mind. All the things that I could tell no one I knew I could tell Him. I shed many tears, but when I was done it was like a burden had been lifted off my chest - I felt so much more free. It didn't take long before the devil crept back in and doubts and fears once again began to consume me, but I had learned my lesson, and "Just a little talk with Jesus made it all right" again.
Someone once said, "The distance between an problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor." That's some of the best advice I've ever heard.
Just Pray
I was discouraged when no answer cameSee, I’d prayed for years, and I still saw no change I was ready to give up on my wish coming true But when I prayed that last time, His power broke through.
And prayer is just as big as God isPrayer is just as strong as God is strong Prayer can reach as far as God can reach Don’t ever give up, just pray, just pray Don’t ever give up, just pray.
We have been given a means to the throne Of the One whose potential is yet to be known There is no limit as to what God can do So just keep on praying, He’s listening to you.
~Rodney Griffin
Evening, and morning, and at noon will I pray and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
One of the main things that God has really been working on my heart about lately is the matter of Prayer. In the past few months I've had a lot of unexpected things come into my life. Not necessarily bad changes, actually the main change has been Jason, which is a VERY good change. However, these few months have shown me just how badly I need to rely more and more on God. I've had a lot of struggles with various things in our relationship and at times I wish there was someone to whom I could talk to that would understand, but really, I don't know anyone that knows what it's like for me. I was getting pretty down down about it, and I even sent mom several emails about it. She tried her best to help me, but even she doesn't totally understand.
Earlier this week I was on the verge of despair, needing to get everything off my chest, but I had no one to turn to. Finally, I realized that I could tell Jesus, and so I did. For almost an hour one day I spent time just telling Him everything that was on my heart and mind. All the things that I could tell no one I knew I could tell Him. I shed many tears, but when I was done it was like a burden had been lifted off my chest - I felt so much more free. It didn't take long before the devil crept back in and doubts and fears once again began to consume me, but I had learned my lesson, and "Just a little talk with Jesus made it all right" again.
Someone once said, "The distance between an problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor." That's some of the best advice I've ever heard.
Just Pray
I was discouraged when no answer cameSee, I’d prayed for years, and I still saw no change I was ready to give up on my wish coming true But when I prayed that last time, His power broke through.
And prayer is just as big as God isPrayer is just as strong as God is strong Prayer can reach as far as God can reach Don’t ever give up, just pray, just pray Don’t ever give up, just pray.
We have been given a means to the throne Of the One whose potential is yet to be known There is no limit as to what God can do So just keep on praying, He’s listening to you.
~Rodney Griffin
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Intern
Today was my first day interning in the 3rd and 4th grades at the Northside Christian School! One of the requirements of education majors here at Shawnee is that for 5 semesters we have to intern in the Christian school, we are put in different classes every semester, so even though I'm a Secondary Education major I get to be in the elementary school as well at times.
Today I got to the class and the kids were at recess so I went outside to where they were at. I no sooner got out there and introduced myself to the teacher, Mrs. Whitaker, when one of the little girls, Olivia, comes up crying. She had just gotten her ears pierced on Saturday, and she had bumped it and her earring fell out!! Poor thing! Mrs. Whitaker asked me to take her to the office and have them clean it out. I just wanted to hug her! So anyways, the ears was cleaned out and the earring put back in. We got back out to the play ground just in time for the kids to like up to go back inside. On our way back in a little red-headed, adorable boy named Ezra dropped his books. He was taking FOREVER picking them up, so Mrs. Whitaker had me stay with him while she went inside with the others. We got inside and I filed some papers, graded some papers, and ran some copies, by the time I was done with that it was time for me to go. ...sigh... I really wanted to stay forever and ever! :) During this semester I have to do some review games, do a bulletin board, and teach part of a class! I'm soooooo excited!!!! It's sooooo much fun! :)
This did confirm that I won't be a good elementary teacher, I'd be waaaay too soft on the kiddos! :) But it did help me to know that I do want to be a teacher and that I could be in a class room forever and ever and ever and ever....
Today I got to the class and the kids were at recess so I went outside to where they were at. I no sooner got out there and introduced myself to the teacher, Mrs. Whitaker, when one of the little girls, Olivia, comes up crying. She had just gotten her ears pierced on Saturday, and she had bumped it and her earring fell out!! Poor thing! Mrs. Whitaker asked me to take her to the office and have them clean it out. I just wanted to hug her! So anyways, the ears was cleaned out and the earring put back in. We got back out to the play ground just in time for the kids to like up to go back inside. On our way back in a little red-headed, adorable boy named Ezra dropped his books. He was taking FOREVER picking them up, so Mrs. Whitaker had me stay with him while she went inside with the others. We got inside and I filed some papers, graded some papers, and ran some copies, by the time I was done with that it was time for me to go. ...sigh... I really wanted to stay forever and ever! :) During this semester I have to do some review games, do a bulletin board, and teach part of a class! I'm soooooo excited!!!! It's sooooo much fun! :)
This did confirm that I won't be a good elementary teacher, I'd be waaaay too soft on the kiddos! :) But it did help me to know that I do want to be a teacher and that I could be in a class room forever and ever and ever and ever....
Monday, August 31, 2009
College Life Again
Once again, I'm SOOOO sorry for the length of time that it has taken me to write this post. Things have been really crazy and on top of that, due to internet blockers I can no longer access my blog from my computer! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! So, I emailed this post to Jason, and he is posting it for me. I will probably do this quite often, as I have plenty to write, but no way of posting! :(
So life has been pretty busy, I got to Shawnee on Saturday, August 22 and immediately started job hunting, actually, I had already applied at several places online. I still have not been able to find a job, so please pray that God will provide one for me soon.
Monday was new student testing and registration. I only had to take one test, and really I didn't have to take that one, I just felt like it. It was a music test, to test out of theory, and I passed really easily. No problems there at all. I am only taking 19 credit hours, which compared to the 21 that I wanted to take is really nothing at all! I'm taking Intro to Education, US History I, Computer Applications, Science Overview (which meets twice a week for 2 hours at a time!), Counseling Youth, and Christian Womanhood. I am also doing an internship in the 3rd and 4th grade at the Christian school for a total of 100 minutes a week, that counts as 1 credit. Pretty much I'll be busy but loving it! :)
We also did several activities, including going to the KY State Fair, Bowling, Roller Skating (which I had NEVER done in my life) and a park to play soft ball and then we went for ice cream...YUM! :)
Thursday and Friday we did outreach. Both days there were 3 separate outreaches into a total of 6 projects in and around Louisville! I LOVED IT! What we did was a Bible club for the children, and even some adults came. On Thursday we had about 64 or so kids. 20 some got saved and 12 were allowed by their parents to come back to the church and get baptized! That was AMAZING! The outreach on Friday was in a mainly Muslim project. We had around 200 kids, and 34 or 35 got saved! We weren't able to take any of them back to the church for baptism because of a lack of transportation. I personally talked to 5 girls about Salvation, but they were really hard to reach because of the fact that they are Muslim and "don't believe in Jesus." Both days I was very saddened by the environment that these children are being raised in. Honestly, I wanted so badly to help all of them have a better life...I didn't want to leave!
This weekend was what was called "Super Summer Sunday" but actually, it was split up into Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday many of the bus routes were run and they had church services and then an outdoor carnival. It was a lot of fun! I worked the carnival on Saturday. On Sunday Dr. Sheldon Smith who is the director of the Sword of the Lord was the main speaker. I know that a combined count of the services Sunday morning in both New Albany and Louisville, and the nursing home services was over 2,000! Praise the Lord! Also Sunday night I played my cello in the church orchestra! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!
So life has been pretty busy, I got to Shawnee on Saturday, August 22 and immediately started job hunting, actually, I had already applied at several places online. I still have not been able to find a job, so please pray that God will provide one for me soon.
Monday was new student testing and registration. I only had to take one test, and really I didn't have to take that one, I just felt like it. It was a music test, to test out of theory, and I passed really easily. No problems there at all. I am only taking 19 credit hours, which compared to the 21 that I wanted to take is really nothing at all! I'm taking Intro to Education, US History I, Computer Applications, Science Overview (which meets twice a week for 2 hours at a time!), Counseling Youth, and Christian Womanhood. I am also doing an internship in the 3rd and 4th grade at the Christian school for a total of 100 minutes a week, that counts as 1 credit. Pretty much I'll be busy but loving it! :)
We also did several activities, including going to the KY State Fair, Bowling, Roller Skating (which I had NEVER done in my life) and a park to play soft ball and then we went for ice cream...YUM! :)
Thursday and Friday we did outreach. Both days there were 3 separate outreaches into a total of 6 projects in and around Louisville! I LOVED IT! What we did was a Bible club for the children, and even some adults came. On Thursday we had about 64 or so kids. 20 some got saved and 12 were allowed by their parents to come back to the church and get baptized! That was AMAZING! The outreach on Friday was in a mainly Muslim project. We had around 200 kids, and 34 or 35 got saved! We weren't able to take any of them back to the church for baptism because of a lack of transportation. I personally talked to 5 girls about Salvation, but they were really hard to reach because of the fact that they are Muslim and "don't believe in Jesus." Both days I was very saddened by the environment that these children are being raised in. Honestly, I wanted so badly to help all of them have a better life...I didn't want to leave!
This weekend was what was called "Super Summer Sunday" but actually, it was split up into Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday many of the bus routes were run and they had church services and then an outdoor carnival. It was a lot of fun! I worked the carnival on Saturday. On Sunday Dr. Sheldon Smith who is the director of the Sword of the Lord was the main speaker. I know that a combined count of the services Sunday morning in both New Albany and Louisville, and the nursing home services was over 2,000! Praise the Lord! Also Sunday night I played my cello in the church orchestra! THAT WAS AWESOME!!!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
At College
I'm so sorry for the lack of posts lately, I am at college, but I don't have internet access on campus yet, I'm hoping that happens by the end of the week, at which time I will post more....
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Last Day in the Jail
Have you ever loved doing something so much that it breaks your heart to leave it behind?
I love the jail ministry, and I loved the opportunity that I had this summer to go in every Sunday. I loved the people in jail, and I loved the people in the jail ministry. Oh yes, we had our ups and downs, it wasn't perfect, but it was a place that I could go and love and be loved. It was a place where I could go and minister to people who were hungry for the Word and I felt needed.
Over the process of the summer, there were many times that going to jail on Sunday morning was the highlight of my week. If I was having problems with something or it just seemed like nothing was going right, I could go to jail, put those things in the back of my mind and it was there that I focused on others.
So today was my last day with those people. We started as usual in "F block" the lock down block, where the guys are locked in their cells for 23 out of 24 hours a day. These guys are either the maximum security, or the guys that got in trouble in jail. Peggy and I played kinda a prelude of "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus, I am Resting, Resting," me on the cello and Peggy on the keyboard. Then we sang a song and Rick preached from Luke 15 about the Prodigal Son. Not only did he talk about the prodigal, but also about the older brother who was a self righteous holier than thou, and how really in the end it was the prodigal son who got saved, and as far as we know the older brother never got saved! He talked about how it is so important to make sure that what we are doing is for God and not for show!
The next service was in the chapel and it was the men. Again Peggy and I played a prelude. We had baptisms this morning. Three guys got baptized and one rededicated his life. John really spent time going over baptism and how it isn't what gets you saved, etc. One of the men who got baptized was absolutely glowing with the filling of the Holy Spirit! The look on his face was amazing, I don't think I will ever forget that look of the presence of God! His story is really neat too. He has had a horrible life, I'm not really sure all that has been involved, but he had been living a wicked life. He ended up in our county jail, and his wife is in a county jail north of here. God started working in his heart here, and unknown to him, God was also working in his wife's heart! Both are now saved, and once they get out of jail they are planning on living their lives for the Lord! That is so exciting! On their way out, most of the guys told me good-bye and a few even hugged me!
There were a lot of ladies that came to the service! Again the whole prelude thing, and then John asked that I tell the ladies why I was leaving and where I was going, etc., so I did. Then Rick preached, in both F Block and the ladies service he had Peggy and I read the Scripture, that was really neat. I'm gonna miss the ladies a lot!
After the services are over those of us who go into the jail always talk it over, talk about the things that went well, what could have been improved, etc. and then we pray. During this time Rick brought up the fact that he had enjoyed having me come in and then he informed me that I'm the only one who goes in that is under 50!! That made me feel REALLY young!
I'm gonna miss the jail so much while I'm at college, and I can't wait to go back again!
I love the jail ministry, and I loved the opportunity that I had this summer to go in every Sunday. I loved the people in jail, and I loved the people in the jail ministry. Oh yes, we had our ups and downs, it wasn't perfect, but it was a place that I could go and love and be loved. It was a place where I could go and minister to people who were hungry for the Word and I felt needed.
Over the process of the summer, there were many times that going to jail on Sunday morning was the highlight of my week. If I was having problems with something or it just seemed like nothing was going right, I could go to jail, put those things in the back of my mind and it was there that I focused on others.
So today was my last day with those people. We started as usual in "F block" the lock down block, where the guys are locked in their cells for 23 out of 24 hours a day. These guys are either the maximum security, or the guys that got in trouble in jail. Peggy and I played kinda a prelude of "Amazing Grace" and "Jesus, I am Resting, Resting," me on the cello and Peggy on the keyboard. Then we sang a song and Rick preached from Luke 15 about the Prodigal Son. Not only did he talk about the prodigal, but also about the older brother who was a self righteous holier than thou, and how really in the end it was the prodigal son who got saved, and as far as we know the older brother never got saved! He talked about how it is so important to make sure that what we are doing is for God and not for show!
The next service was in the chapel and it was the men. Again Peggy and I played a prelude. We had baptisms this morning. Three guys got baptized and one rededicated his life. John really spent time going over baptism and how it isn't what gets you saved, etc. One of the men who got baptized was absolutely glowing with the filling of the Holy Spirit! The look on his face was amazing, I don't think I will ever forget that look of the presence of God! His story is really neat too. He has had a horrible life, I'm not really sure all that has been involved, but he had been living a wicked life. He ended up in our county jail, and his wife is in a county jail north of here. God started working in his heart here, and unknown to him, God was also working in his wife's heart! Both are now saved, and once they get out of jail they are planning on living their lives for the Lord! That is so exciting! On their way out, most of the guys told me good-bye and a few even hugged me!
There were a lot of ladies that came to the service! Again the whole prelude thing, and then John asked that I tell the ladies why I was leaving and where I was going, etc., so I did. Then Rick preached, in both F Block and the ladies service he had Peggy and I read the Scripture, that was really neat. I'm gonna miss the ladies a lot!
After the services are over those of us who go into the jail always talk it over, talk about the things that went well, what could have been improved, etc. and then we pray. During this time Rick brought up the fact that he had enjoyed having me come in and then he informed me that I'm the only one who goes in that is under 50!! That made me feel REALLY young!
I'm gonna miss the jail so much while I'm at college, and I can't wait to go back again!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
My Wonderful Week By Myself!
This past week my family deserted me for parts unknown. Well, actually they deserted me for Wisconsin! So I spent 8 wonderful days ALL BY MYSELF! :) Let me tell you, it was a very nice experience. :)
Sunday morning I spent as usual in the jail. It was kinda interesting cuz Peggy was gone and I didn't know that before hand, so there was no keyboard, or anything to accompany the music, and naturally, since Peggy wasn't there, I was put in charge of the music. That was interesting. On top of that John put me on the spot and had me sing a solo, OCAPELLA!!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! When he first told me to do it, I just stared at him like he was a fish out of water, then I said, in a very scared/shocked voice, "Are you serious??!!" He said, "Yeah, you can do it!" I was like, "Uh, ok...." So I did it! UGH! Everyone said it was really nice, whatever! Sunday night was the "premier" of "Israel 101," the big graphic design project that I was working on this summer. I hadn't seen the finished project up until then, and I thought it was really nice! Dave Ditton, who was the guy who took my graphic work and put it all together on the DVD, and I were trying to figure out how many hours combined just the 2 of us put into it, and we figured it was over 200 hours! That's not including everyone else! Talk about craziness! All of that for a presentation that is just over an hour long! It was a lot of work, but well worth it, and I know that through the hours upon hours that i put into it, that I was able to learn a lot about Israel.
Monday and Tuesday were spent going through all of the stuff that I brought back from college last year and figuring out what I wanted to take with me to Shawnee this year, and what I didn't, and what needed to just be thrown away, etc. I can tell you this much, I know that I'm not taking nearly as much stuff with me this year as I took last year! I well remember how packed the minivan was when I went to NY!! LOL! Fond memories...
On Wednesday I had a show, and sold a Rainbow!! I was THRILLED!! :)
Thursday I drove an hour to go to a show and didn't sell a Rainbow...sigh...Oh well, it was a nice day, so it was a nice drive....
Friday I finished up my first scrapbook, it's not very good, but I enjoyed doing it, and I think that I will continue working on those skills! :) I like doing it cuz I can be scrap booking and watching a movie, or talking on the phone, or doing a million other things! I hate just doing one thing at a time, my mind moves too fast I guess...I don't know, maybe I'm just crazy! :) Oh yeah, I got to talk to Jason on Friday night, which of course was WONDERFUL! :)
Saturday I cleaned up the house and then my family got home about 9 at night! I got a box in the mail from Jason as well, and that totally made my day!
It was really nice to have those few days to myself. I got some extra Bible reading done, and lots of time to pray! I was more than ready to have my family come home because during the week a really good friend of mine's mom died, and I had gone to the viewing and stuff by myself, and some other things had happened, and I just needed a really big hug!
Sunday morning I spent as usual in the jail. It was kinda interesting cuz Peggy was gone and I didn't know that before hand, so there was no keyboard, or anything to accompany the music, and naturally, since Peggy wasn't there, I was put in charge of the music. That was interesting. On top of that John put me on the spot and had me sing a solo, OCAPELLA!!!!! AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!! When he first told me to do it, I just stared at him like he was a fish out of water, then I said, in a very scared/shocked voice, "Are you serious??!!" He said, "Yeah, you can do it!" I was like, "Uh, ok...." So I did it! UGH! Everyone said it was really nice, whatever! Sunday night was the "premier" of "Israel 101," the big graphic design project that I was working on this summer. I hadn't seen the finished project up until then, and I thought it was really nice! Dave Ditton, who was the guy who took my graphic work and put it all together on the DVD, and I were trying to figure out how many hours combined just the 2 of us put into it, and we figured it was over 200 hours! That's not including everyone else! Talk about craziness! All of that for a presentation that is just over an hour long! It was a lot of work, but well worth it, and I know that through the hours upon hours that i put into it, that I was able to learn a lot about Israel.
Monday and Tuesday were spent going through all of the stuff that I brought back from college last year and figuring out what I wanted to take with me to Shawnee this year, and what I didn't, and what needed to just be thrown away, etc. I can tell you this much, I know that I'm not taking nearly as much stuff with me this year as I took last year! I well remember how packed the minivan was when I went to NY!! LOL! Fond memories...
On Wednesday I had a show, and sold a Rainbow!! I was THRILLED!! :)
Thursday I drove an hour to go to a show and didn't sell a Rainbow...sigh...Oh well, it was a nice day, so it was a nice drive....
Friday I finished up my first scrapbook, it's not very good, but I enjoyed doing it, and I think that I will continue working on those skills! :) I like doing it cuz I can be scrap booking and watching a movie, or talking on the phone, or doing a million other things! I hate just doing one thing at a time, my mind moves too fast I guess...I don't know, maybe I'm just crazy! :) Oh yeah, I got to talk to Jason on Friday night, which of course was WONDERFUL! :)
Saturday I cleaned up the house and then my family got home about 9 at night! I got a box in the mail from Jason as well, and that totally made my day!
It was really nice to have those few days to myself. I got some extra Bible reading done, and lots of time to pray! I was more than ready to have my family come home because during the week a really good friend of mine's mom died, and I had gone to the viewing and stuff by myself, and some other things had happened, and I just needed a really big hug!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Absolute Surrender
Well, I've been having a hard time writing this blog, because I haven't been exactly sure how to write it, so I'm just going to write it as it is.
Sometime around the end of April or beginning of May a friend of mine, known as "Rosebud" started telling me about this guy that she thought would be a great match for me. I was like, "Whatever!" Well, she was quite persistent about it, and finally on June 16 I gave in and typed him and email, hoping that would get her off my back. I never expected anything back from Jason. However, that was not meant to be. The next day I got an email back and I replied and thus was the beginning of a very good friendship.
Jason is in the Navy and currently stationed in Japan. At one point he told me that he had really been struggling with loneliness. Being a Christian in the Navy isn't very easy and to add to that the fact that he is thousands of miles from home doesn't make it any easier. Finally he had surrendered his loneliness to the Lord, and accepted the fact that God was trying to teach him a lesson. Soon after that took place he received the first email from me!!
As our friendship continued I began to develop some feelings beyond friendship for Jason. However, I didn't think that the feelings were returned. I was really struggling with this, because I knew that God wanted me to give my feelings to Him, but I was afraid to do that. One Sunday in jail Peggy and I sang "I Surrender All." We sang the first verse and then 2 verses that Peggy had written, they are as follows:
All my plans and destinations,
All the stuff I think I need,
All the hurts I've done to others,
Take them Jesus, take them please.
All my time and all my money,
All my rights I fight to keep,
All my health and friends and loved ones,
Take them Jesus, take them please.
As we were singing the last verse, especially the last 2 lines I broke down and began to cry. Many people assumed it was because of some of the health issues that I've had and am having. Little did anyone realize that I was really struggling with giving up Jason. The following day I spent a lot of time in the car working and getting a new cello bow, etc. During those hours in the car I battled with God BIG time, I spent hours talking to Him, giving all sorts of reasons why I couldn't give him up. Finally I gave up and surrendered all that I was desiring to God. The amazing thing, a week later Jason sent my parents and email asking if it was ok for us to continue our relationship. They said "Yes!"
It's amazing how God has continued to work. My parents have been getting to know Jason, and I have talked to his family. So far everyone who is involved is very happy. Jason is coming home on leave in December and will be spending some time here in Warsaw.
I am asking for your prayers as we continue this relationship, that we will listen and obey our authority and that we will continue to keep our eyes on God.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
A Tag Unlike Any Other!
Well, I ran across this on Elizabeth's blog and thought it was really good!
~What two qualities do you want most in your future husband (besides being a Christian)? I think that he should be very caring and a gentleman.
~Character you see as a model for your future husband? Well, I don't honestly know. Maybe Prince Charming...lol!
~Where do you want your wedding? In a church, I just don't know which church yet.
~What are your views on courtship? I think that Courting is something very special, because it saves your heart for your future husband.
~What are your views on your first kiss? On my wedding day!
~Do you have or want a purity ring/locket? I do have a purity ring that I was given when I was 13 by my daddy.
~Do you have or want a hope chest? Actually, I have 2! Well, one my parents bought me when I was an early teen, and the other was given to me several years ago...no, they aren't both full! :)
~Will you wear a veil at your wedding? OH YES!
~What kind of wedding dress do you want? Modest, flowing, with a chapel length or longer train.
~What kind of flowers do you want in your bouquet? Pink tulips
~What do you want to name one of your daughters? Elisa Grace
~What do you want to name one of your sons? Alexander Brandon
~Do you believe in the 'knight-in-shining-armor' view of courtship?? I'm not exactly certain what this question means
~What music do you want to play at your wedding? Oh dear, there are so many songs! One of my favorites is "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" maybe as a recessional...
~Are you a hopeless romantic? Yes! ...sigh...
~What two qualities do you want most in your future husband (besides being a Christian)? I think that he should be very caring and a gentleman.
~Character you see as a model for your future husband? Well, I don't honestly know. Maybe Prince Charming...lol!
~Where do you want your wedding? In a church, I just don't know which church yet.
~What are your views on courtship? I think that Courting is something very special, because it saves your heart for your future husband.
~What are your views on your first kiss? On my wedding day!
~Do you have or want a purity ring/locket? I do have a purity ring that I was given when I was 13 by my daddy.
~Do you have or want a hope chest? Actually, I have 2! Well, one my parents bought me when I was an early teen, and the other was given to me several years ago...no, they aren't both full! :)
~Will you wear a veil at your wedding? OH YES!
~What kind of wedding dress do you want? Modest, flowing, with a chapel length or longer train.
~What kind of flowers do you want in your bouquet? Pink tulips
~What do you want to name one of your daughters? Elisa Grace
~What do you want to name one of your sons? Alexander Brandon
~Do you believe in the 'knight-in-shining-armor' view of courtship?? I'm not exactly certain what this question means
~What music do you want to play at your wedding? Oh dear, there are so many songs! One of my favorites is "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" maybe as a recessional...
~Are you a hopeless romantic? Yes! ...sigh...
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Tag!
The Rules
1. Copy the questions and then answer them (post it on your blog remember).
2. Tag 4 people and let them know you have tagged them.
3. Let the person [who tagged you] know that you have done a post for the tag.
What are your nicknames? Hannah Banana, Missy Lissy, Sis, Crashette, Miss Banana, Sis, Hannah J Banana (don't ask me where the J came from...God only knows!)
What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD? I have NO idea!
What is your favorite scent? Baking cookies, fresh cut grass, a freshly bathed baby
If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on? Well, I'd pay my school bill, buy a car, probably buy a house, and stick the rest of it in the bank!
What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to? Italy
Do you trust easily? Well, it really depends. A lot of times I can tell when a person is not trust worthy, but when I think that someone is trustworthy, then yes, I do trust them easily
Do you generally think before your act, or act before you think? Act before I think, but every once in a while I actually think before I act! It's amazing!!
Is there anything that had made you unhappy these days? Yes.
What is your favorite fruit? Do I have to answer that??!! I LOVE fruit...I think watermelon is the best though!
What websites do you visit daily?Facebook, Gmail, Comcast, Google, Yahoo
What have you been seriously addicted to lately? My computer, especially around 10:30 at night!
What's the last song that got stuck in you head? Either "1,000 Miles" or "Holding Hands"
What is your favorite thing to wear? Umm....I like my white skirt with blue flowers and a white shirt...'
Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy? It's ok...I have to be in the right mood...I like Snap, Crackle, and Pop though!
What items couldn't you be without during the day? Phone, Computer, Coffee pot....
What should you be doing right now? Getting ready for jail meeting!
I now tag Treble Trouble at Musical Moments in the Life of Katie, Morgan M. at Go Girl Power, Bro. Milk at COHWY119, and Jason Hunsicker at My Life, My Passions, My God...
1. Copy the questions and then answer them (post it on your blog remember).
2. Tag 4 people and let them know you have tagged them.
3. Let the person [who tagged you] know that you have done a post for the tag.
What are your nicknames? Hannah Banana, Missy Lissy, Sis, Crashette, Miss Banana, Sis, Hannah J Banana (don't ask me where the J came from...God only knows!)
What was the first movie you bought in VHS or DVD? I have NO idea!
What is your favorite scent? Baking cookies, fresh cut grass, a freshly bathed baby
If you had one million dollars to spend only on yourself, what would you spend it on? Well, I'd pay my school bill, buy a car, probably buy a house, and stick the rest of it in the bank!
What is one place you've visited, can't forget and want to go back to? Italy
Do you trust easily? Well, it really depends. A lot of times I can tell when a person is not trust worthy, but when I think that someone is trustworthy, then yes, I do trust them easily
Do you generally think before your act, or act before you think? Act before I think, but every once in a while I actually think before I act! It's amazing!!
Is there anything that had made you unhappy these days? Yes.
What is your favorite fruit? Do I have to answer that??!! I LOVE fruit...I think watermelon is the best though!
What websites do you visit daily?Facebook, Gmail, Comcast, Google, Yahoo
What have you been seriously addicted to lately? My computer, especially around 10:30 at night!
What's the last song that got stuck in you head? Either "1,000 Miles" or "Holding Hands"
What is your favorite thing to wear? Umm....I like my white skirt with blue flowers and a white shirt...'
Do you think Rice Krispies are yummy? It's ok...I have to be in the right mood...I like Snap, Crackle, and Pop though!
What items couldn't you be without during the day? Phone, Computer, Coffee pot....
What should you be doing right now? Getting ready for jail meeting!
I now tag Treble Trouble at Musical Moments in the Life of Katie, Morgan M. at Go Girl Power, Bro. Milk at COHWY119, and Jason Hunsicker at My Life, My Passions, My God...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Michigan Trip
My friend LeAnne, who I haven't seen since 8th grade, is visiting friends in Michigan this week and I was given the opportunity to go see her. I left Sunday afternoon and stopped in Angola, IN and went to Faith Baptist Church for the Sunday night service. I went to school last year with 2 kids from that church. Unfortunately Matt was sick, but Brandi was there and we sat next to each other and then went out for ice cream afterwards!! :) YUM! I continued on to Michigan and got to the Campbell's home around 10:00. Mr. Campbell had gone to pick LeAnne up from the airport, and they weren't home yet, so Mrs. C and I were able chat a little bit! :) Around 10:30 LeAnne and Mr. C got home and we began catching up on our lives. Finally about 12:30 we went to bed!! On Monday I woke up kinda early, about 8, I know, it really wasn't that early, but for vacation, it's early! I got up and read my devotions and did my regular morning stuff and then went downstairs and ate breakfast. After breakfast Mr. C went somewhere, I don't know where, and the 3 girls watch "A Hazard of Hearts," lets just say that it was an incredibly dumb movie, along the lines of Jane Austen! UGH! I'm not a Jane Austen lover, quite the opposite actually. While we were watching the movie a chipmunk came up to the sliding door and started to beg for Mrs. C to give him food! It was sooooo cute! Mrs. C was supposed to have a therapy session at 2:00 but for some reason her therapist called and rescheduled it for Tuesday. So, instead of therapy she decided to take LeAnne and I shopping...UGH! I HATE shopping! Anyways, she took us to Kohl's and made us shop for clothes for school. We spent 2 hours finding clothes, trying on clothes, and by the time we were done I was wiped out! We got back around 7 or 7:30 and threw our supper in the oven. Then I grabbed a book and read for about an hour until it was time to eat. Over supper we talked and goofed off. Mr. C was once again gone, he was playing golf with some buddies of his....I personally think he was just escaping from all the females that had invaded his home! :) Around 9:30 Mr. C came home, he did win the game of golf!! I guess that's good...I've never really been into golf! We watched a movie about Jacob and Joseph, which I found rather humorous because of the way that the story was protraide. It was kinda corny. I guess I fell asleep during the movie and slept for like 45 minutes....that's what shopping does to me! :) We went to bed about 12:30 and I didn't wake up until 10! It was WONDERFUL! Mrs. C had her therapy at 1:00, so Mr. C took her to that. While they were gone LeAnne and I went to Wal-Mart cuz I needed to get allergy medicine cuz my allergies started acting up, BIG time! Then we came home and went outside and took a gazillion pictures of the BEAUTIFUL flower gardens that the Campbell's have. I took almost 250 pictures before my camera card was full...I could have taken a million more! I was hoping to leave at 5. We were supposed to eat at 4, but umm, that didn't happen! We didn't eat until 5 and I didn't get outta there until almost 6! lol! We had a good meal, and then it was times for good-byes...that's always a sad thing! I finally got on the road...YAY! I stopped about 30 miles down the highway at a Dunkin Donuts and got a latte! :) That was GOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!! I went through a little bit of bad weather, but for the most part the weather wasn't too bad! :) I got home about 9:30! YAY! Overall it was a good trip and I enjoyed having a few days off to do absolutely NOTHING!! :)
*****Mr. and Mrs. C, LeAnne, and Me*****
*****Me and LeAnne*****
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****Flowers*****
*****LeAnne*****
*****Mr. and Mrs. C, LeAnne, and Me*****
*****Me and LeAnne*****
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