before the thunder rolled tonight...

Mom's camera is pretty much amazing.

in the dark.

the sound of a train whistle in the dark is very lonely.

on a happier note......oh wait, maybe not.

The 'happier note' referring to the three adorable kittens born on my birthday in our barn.





The 'maybe not' referring to the death of one of the four kittens born a week after my birthday in our barn.

"I Asked the Lord"

sometimes it hurts real bad that she's not here.

she sees love where anyone else would see weeds...Lord search my heart, create in me something clean; dandelions, You see flowers in these weeds.

A blur of yellow spreads out for miles before you. One sees an ugly field of weeds. Weed upon weed upon weed. The other sees a vast array of beautiful flowers. What do you see?

What does God see? Weeds or flowers in your life? If He sees weeds, He can change them into flowers you know. Just go talk to Him. Confess to Him. Pour it out before Him. Ask Him to change those ugly weeds into beautiful flowers.

A glorious array of yellow!

Title attributed to "Dandelions" by FIF.

wrench.

Just when you think you have everything all planned out perfectly.



God changes things.

Reminds you that He's in control, not you.
And His plan is always the best.

even in control of the small things: like camp.

tired?

three weeks to exam.

another LW done.

lots of driving.

burned to a crisp.

warm weather finally.

hanging out with people.


wisdom teeth? ugh.

may 22

amy and monica have officially been out of the country for one month now. is that even possible? i feel like that month has crawled by. but amy? she feels that it has flown by, and doesn't want only two months to be left.

"carol-lee, you're so cool!"

I made a discovery: I don't know how to take compliments.

Yes, I turn red. But I also never know what to say, or deny what someone is complimenting me on, or say something really stupid.

It would probably be beneficial to just say thank you, or leave my reply to the blush on my face.


I don't really like compliments, actually. I mean, I do like them, and I don't let them go to my head, because that's just a really stupid thing to do. But compliments are something I find really awkward to take.

simple poetry

oh what peace we often forfeit
oh what needless pain we bear
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer

in love...

...with my Savior.


Selah singing hymns, reading Psalms, playing praise songs, walking in God's newly budding creation.
Thinking on love. What it means to love. Love people.
Love GOD.
What God's demonstration of love means. In life. For eternity.

Talking to someone across the ocean and hearing the power of God, the crazy things that happen, the learning process of trust and joy in everything.
Considering all the people in my life.


Feeling BLESSED beyond all I could ever think, ever imagine, ever could think to ask for. Why me??? Why Lord? Such irresistible love!

Now to Him who is able to do
immeasurably more
than all we ask
or imagine,
according to His power
that is at work
within us.
Ephesians 3:20

the most excellent way.

why is it that it is so hard? to love people as you should? to be selfless and sincere?


Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:9-11

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Romans 12:16


Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a

one, two, three, or four? which type are you? a combo? me too!

I was reading a book on teaching today. There were a few chapters on character types. I always find these kind of things really interesting...and usually kind of embarrassing once I discover what my 'type' is. In this case, I'm a mix of two...possibly three. What are you???

Type Casting
from
That's a Good Question
by Marienne Uszler

Follow-ers. Some people are literal and factual. They respond to order and are willing to obey rules, but they also expect others to do the same and are uncomfortable, perhaps resentful, if this isn't the case. They try to do what's expected, but they always want to know exactly what's expected, and they're seldom interested to go beyond any stated perimeters. They're usually dependable, and feel they should be rewarded for this. They want to know what and where the boundaries are.


Do-ers. Other people are interested in facts and activities as long as they find them attractive or useful. For them, it's more important to be active than to follow procedures. They like to plunge right in, without preparation or guidance, trusting their instincts. Their interests can be short-lived, and they hope from one activity to another with no care as to whether the activity is completed or successful, often abandoning the activity if they meet any snags.


Think-ers. Then there are the people who, though they can quickly grasp facts and store them for future use, always want to know what's behind the facts, why they're true. They're sometimes willing to follow rules, but often feel that they can jump ahead and second-guess what the outcome should be. They love working alone, thinking through things at their own speed, making their own plans. They enjoy research and can be very persistent tracking down details that seem important to them.


Feel-ers. For some people, feeling are far more important than facts. They follow rules largely because they know that will please others. They wish to like, and be liked. They enjoy working in groups because this offers human interactions and sometimes gives them a chance to help others (which they love to do). Because they live close to their own emotions, they can't function well if they feel that anything is "wrong", or if they or someone else may be "hurting".

on a different note

gmail is the best.


what would i do without gmail and its incredible organization?

the one i miss.

Weirded out.

So when I synced my zen to my computer the first time, it synced all of the playlists from my media player, as well as all the music. One of the playlists was Amy's playlist. I listened to it last night...and started missing her. She had some good, sad songs on it.

Then I get up this morning and check my email and my blog, and find one of Amy's favorite verses on my blog, Zephaniah 3:17.


I love you Amy. And I don't know if you're starting to miss home yet, but I'm starting to miss you.

your shadow walks faster than you

So I think it's pretty sad that I don't have anything to say. Very sad. There must be something!

What have I been doing with my time this week? The time I used to spend pouring over history facts and writing harmony questions? Well...let me tell you. This week has been quite random, different, relaxing, lazy, enjoyable, and strange. If one word could describe it, I think weird would be close to appropriate. Out of the ordinary, that's for sure.

This week, about 2 hours of tuesday, wednesday and friday are/will be spent watching my piano teacher, and a friend of hers, teach. If I get nothing else out of this excersise, I am being inspired. I will be satisfied with that. Being inspired to be a better teacher. To stretch myself and get out of the box in teaching.
But I am not only being inspired. I'm learning tricks too. Teaching tricks. But if you want to know those tricks, you'll have to either take piano lessons from me or have your kids take piano lessons from me in the future. Tehe.

I've also been biking with my brothers everyday...except yesterday 'cause it rained:( Yes, biking. I figure, I have to get back into shape, before I go to work again and they kill me the first day! I'm pretty sure that would happen, because I've been "sitting around" all winter, either at my desk, at a piano, in a church pew, in a car, or on the couch. That's a lot of sitting. So, bring on the sun and get me on that bike!!

Hmm...what else. Oh! I made two random, surprise visits. One was made to Nadine. That was fun...she was kind of speechless when she opened the door. 'Twas a rare sight. 'What are you doing here?'...and Dan and Chris laughing because they already knew I was coming. Love you Nadine! The other visit was made to Anton...who else? Well, it was only half a surprise, cause we kind of talked about me coming on Tuesday night, but we didn't really confirm it. I called his mom and then I was there before he got home from work. Yup. I've decided that I should do surprise visits more often. They're a lot of fun!! Try it sometime.

I also started reading C.S.Lewis's Screwtape Letters. All I can say about that is 'wow.' They're a must-read. How did Lewis come up with this stuff? Is it truly how demon's work? They sure are crafty, and I definitely don't ever want to let them twist my thoughts in such ways. (haha...did you know that C.S.Lewis used the phrase "ish"??)

The best thing, where it is possible, is to keep the patient (we are reffered to as 'patients'!) from the serious intention of praying altogether...if this fails, you must fall back on a subtler misdirection of his intention...The simplest is to turn their gaze away from Him towards themselves. Keep them watching their own minds and trying to produce feelings there by the action of their own wills...But even if He defeats your first attempt at misdirection, we have a subtler weapon. The humans do not start from that direct perception of Him which we, unhappily, cannot avoid...If you examine the object to which he is attending, you will find that it is a composite object containing many quite ridiculous ingredients. There will be images derived from pictures of the Enemy (God.) as He appeared during the discreditable episode known as the Incarnation...I have known cases where what the patient called his "God" was actually located - up and to the left at the corner of the bedroom ceiling, or inside his own head, or in a crucifix on the wall. But whatever the nature of the composite object, you must keep him praying to it. - page 195-96

But anyway, read the whole book for yourself sometime. Add it to your summer reading list.

Other random things: I called Amy, laid on the trampoline and tried to burn, read my Bible on the trampoline even though it was a little chilly, drove Kim to drivers-ed, got a Birthday card in the mail from Steve and Amy (and baby!), listened/listening to lots of Jack Johnson and Coldplay.


I hope that satisfies my blog for a while. Because I've run out of things to say again.

la de dah

Could it be possible? Has it actually happened?


I have nothing to post.
Thus, the lack of posts in the past few days.

dear friends and family

thank you for your support and encouragement and interest in the exam prep and writing the exams. God bless you all for blessing me through you.

love carol-lee

dear brittni

thank you for the past two sundays. of hanging out and talking and laughing and being tired and sharing. i love you.

love carol-lee

huzzah!

did 'em both.

freedom!!!...ish. two more in June......but no more history..or harmony!!



yesh! (the 'h' was intentional:P)




i actually didn't mind the harmony....but, it was time-consuming.

little joys

oh look...you're so proud of me!!!

:)
haha

- - - - - - - - -

today i saw a small clump of tulips growing on the side of the road right in the middle of nowhere. made me happy.

you have heard it said...

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7



Rejoice? Even in exams? Yes. Even in exams. Rejoice because I am with you.

Don't be anxious? Pray? Yes. My peace will guard your heart and mind. Just present your fears and stress and worries to Me. I'll take care of everything.



In three days two of four exams are done!

news!

For an update from Amy and Monica, check out their blog. They finally posted again!

with thanksgiving I'll be a living sanctuary for You.

The last five days have flown by. They consisted of AOC, hanging out with some friends on Sunday, and my 20th birthday. I learned some things. Things I needed to be reminded of.





One of those things is that people are something to cherish. I'm not just talking about people that are your friends. By people I mean people that you are close with, people that you talk to a few times a year, people you've only heard of, people you've never talked to, people you notice that may need a friend, people you have poured your heart out to, people you share struggles with, people who encourage you, people you do Bible study with, people who show God's love in their character and smile.

I came in contact with so many people this weekend. In different ways, for different reasons. Accompanying a choir. Helping lead alto sectionals. Singing in a choir. Doing auditions. Co-leading a Bible study group. Leader devotions. Playing piano and singing background vocals at Coffee House. Hanging around. Dancing. Playing games. Eating. Having a sore wrist. Visiting the same church. Celebrating my birthday. Being friends. Sharing struggles. Walking. Laughing.

All the people that I talked to, sat with, sang with, led with, laughed with, walked with, shared with, were encouraging to me in different ways. God just really showed me how beautiful people are. And how unique and special each person is. And I shared two things with them all that unified us. God and/or music.






- - -

Yesterday was probably one of my favorite birthdays ever. I was treated like a queen. I received more phone calls than I ever have on a birthday. Amy Williamson, my sister Amy, Nadine and Chris, Grandma. I received some very special emails from Brittni, Kathleen and Jacinda. I received a nice card from the Lodder family (and I found a video on my camera from them too:P). My family gave me some sweet gifts, my mom made me an amazing dinner, my sister made me a delicious cake, my grandparents came over to visit. And my boyfriend started working a day late just so he could come and visit me, plus he gave me a really sweet gift:)

But in all that, once again I was reminded just how special people are. Especially friends. Sisters and brothers in Christ. And also how much God loves me. And encourages me and teaches me through all these people. He loves me. And guides me. And takes care of me.

- - -

Oh, the depths of the riches of
the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable are His judgments,
and His paths beyond tracing out!
Who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has been His counselor?
Who has ever given to God,
that God should repay him?
For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever!
Amen.
- Romans 11:33-36

time, it's changing me

On Monday, I will turn 20. My 21st year of life. Learning and growing. Falling and being picked up again. Loving and hurting. Praising and neglecting. Learning and cherishing.

Many things have happened to me in 20 years. I can't even begin to think about it all. Even the last five years have brought drastic changes. Challenges. What will the next 20 years bring?

the fruit of the Spirit is

love
joy
peace
patience
kindness
goodness
faithfulness
gentleness
self-control

against such there is no law
- galatians 5:22-23

Lord, I don't know where all this is going.

We finally had a Living Worship practice again last night. It was a nice one. I didn't realize how much I missed it until I walked in the door and Tyler gave me a huge hug before I could even put my violin case down...and stepped on the foot in the process:) Hugs from Cassy and Brittni. Doing devotions together again. Talking about ways to improve musically, socially, and the integration of those two things. Learning our 'theme' song. Playing music. Singing praises. Realizing once again why we do what we do. "You're the reason why". Laughing at each other. Practicing humility. Being encouraged by this group of friends.

Hearing Justine xylo again. Hearing Cassy and Sarah harmonizing beautifully together. Watching Tyler and Anton having a blast together. Liking Ryan's creativity. Loving Candice's beautiful character. Appreciating Kevin's desire for us to always grow in "musical excellence". Holding the ever-growing Jakob.


We gather here, to worship You. Draw near to us, as we draw near to You. May the songs we bring, may the words we sing, be true.

it's a week today.

and i finally called her.


it was good.

something is happening to my brain

i keep forgetting things.


like that i had to go out this morning.
or that i had to teach this afternoon.

my memory is going out the door.
this has never happened to me before.

whatever will i do?

juggernaut - crushing force: a force that is relentlessly destructive, crushing, and insensitive

Juggernaut, Juggernaut

This seems too big for me

hulking monstrosity

too late to get out now

And like the speed of sound

this thing has brought me down

I don’t remember how

I want to be free

but Juggernaut is killing me

Freedom like a song

The weak shall be made strong

I may sink before I swim

but I’m not giving in to you

Juggernaut, Juggernaut

Beneath machinery

specter of treachery

and I’ve lost everything

And I am getting out

the shadow of my doubt

is suffocating

my own worst enemy

this Juggernaut is killing me

From machines that I have made

I’ve become the slave

but I’ve been carried along

freedom like a song

Freedom lifts me like a song

when the weak shall be made strong...

these exams are pushing me down. i don't remember how. a crushing force.

but i will not let it get me down. freedom like a song. Christ Jesus. in my weakness i can be strong.


in Christ Jesus I can have courage. strength. freedom. joy. peace.

Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your glory all the day. Psalm 71:8

You open Your hand
And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 145:16

It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of deer,
And sets me on my high places.
Psalm 18:32-33

But it is good for me to draw near to God;
I have put my trust in the Lord God,
That I may declare all Your works.
Psalm 73:28

Anne of Green Gables

I never thought I'd wear a dress like this ever again.

But...alas, my fate.




Now, if I can just master a dreamy, romantic character, I'll be all set!

sometimes the bravest thing of all is to hope.

so basically

brave saint saturn

says it all

i'm glad for a band like them




real songs, sad songs, heart songs, tearful songs, hopeful songs, songs to sing at the top of your lungs, everyday songs, amazing songs

just close your eyes 'til daylight comes

here's a tip:


if you struggle with emotions, go to bed. sleep.



it works everytime.:)



- - -

Mom talked to Monica on the phone (Amy was in the shower). They are there safely, at Manuel's house in Lilongwe. They go to Nkomah, their home for the next three months, tomorrow. Huge smile!!

i believe the sun also rises, dries our tears, bringing the blue skies of day...driving the darkness away, so far away.

at least that's what i want to believe.

my dreams are haunted by her face.

she's gone.

emotions run too high.



The Lord your God is with you. Zeph 3:17


I am with you. I will strengthen you. Is 41:10

malawi...here she comes.

too many goodbyes. many tears.

she leaves tonight. i'll miss her.

ha-yu-yuh!

and it begins to unfold slowly...


;)

sweat and soap...

...two things included in washing a car.

the soap to wash the car.
the sweat as a result of washing the car vigorously.



i like washing vehicles...most of the time.

:)

not so picture perfect.

Sitting here in my room with all three windows wide open. Hearing the birds, the waterfall outside my window. Feeling the wonderful warmth invade my room. Seeing the bright sun. Hearing an airplane go by. Wind chimes. And every so often a construction vehicle.

Studying like mad, writing practice exams, getting stressed. Needing a massage.

Looking at the two suitcases on the floor of my room slowly filling up and counting - only 4 more days?

Reading Romans 8:31-39 and feeling loved and cared for - by my Savior.


Yes. It is spring time. God is faithful. He will see me through it all. He is blessing me. Even in the little things.



- - - - -

Please comment to the previous post!!

godly advise is the request

I little while ago, someone asked me this question. I would like to open it up to the rest of you to help me in giving advise.

If a friend were to ask you advice, and on your response, rip you apart for 'intruding' on their business, saying that they had never asked you for advice (though you can recall the precise words they said to you, asking for it), what would you do? I'm stuck in a situation like this, and unsure as of how to handle such reaction to what I thought was help...

Thank you in advance. It is much appreciated!

muscular damage

Did I fail to mention that?

Oh dear. Well, let me do so now. I am having a hard time walking today...hobbling around is the best I can do. Too much inactivity, then a burst of two hours of hard-core dancing, and then too much inactivity is not so good for me. My muscles are screaming at me!

sore feet and dancing shoes

We went to a folk dance last night...I decided to go at the very last minute.

It was worth it, despite the blisters I now have. And the sore feet. Despite the fact that my face was so red it turned purple from being so warm.

Live music. Bagpipes!
Dancing with friends.
Thanks for being my partner Andrea:) Ya'll were great!

I like the way that bagpipes drone.

And they are so bright and cool looking:)

Cowboy boots look fun to dance in when it comes time to stomp. But they look sore. And are apparently hard to walk in if you're not used to it.

abandoned.

abandoned house abandoned barn.

who were they? what happened? how old is it?



come walking with me there sometime.

I tried to upload pictures, but it isn't working.

huzzah...?

really stupid question:

what is that supposed to mean anyway? (especially you Muis people!!)

this verse is key...

in all things pertaining to people. Because there is sin in the world, and God commands us to do this.


look at the elements:

prayer
forgiveness
confession
healing
others
you
and behind it all is GOD


Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
-James 5:16a


I wonder why we sometimes forget that?


Relationships/friendships with people, no matter who they are, are so complex. And God designed it that way.




I've been realizing that in SO many of mine lately. And God cares for you in each one of them...just not necessarily in the way you want.

but the LORD is in His holy temple. let all the earth keep silence before Him.
- Habakkuk 2:20

to the youth in my church.

I am a member...a leader!...of an amazing youth group. Truly.


Sometimes I'm blind to that though. But when you think about all the amazing people in ours, and you hear about other youth groups...



I am sooo blessed!

my favorite things

I like it when you get into bed at night and you hear rain on the window. Just a soft patter...and then you hear a slight rumble in the distance.

It makes me feel happy and cozy inside.

a bit of nonsense.

I like chocolate chips.
I like cookie dough.
I like chocolate chip cookie dough.

I like it before it's baked.
I like them when it just comes out of the oven.


I like them even when they're a week old.



Baking chocolate chips cookies is just a pleasure!

20

happy 20th Cassy!

i think i'm getting a burn.

I've just been sitting in the sun with my pants rolled up and my eyes all squinty, studying. It's wonderful.

I'm feeling a little toasty...yay!

le lac

a lake with ice on it that is slowly melting away from a long winter is so beautiful.

joshua 1:9...again

Have I not commanded you?

Be STRONG and COURAGEOUS.

Do not be terrified;

do not be discouraged,

for

the Lord your God WILL

be WITH YOU

wherever

you go.

this was spoken to Joshua when took over Moses' position and had to take the promised land.

pretty amazing verse!

from nadine.

Ephesians 6 - the spiritual armor

for your information.

I'm just really enjoying Coldplay right now.


I still think it's funny that I like them, because way-back-when, I was really annoyed with the fact that everyone loved them so much. And now look at me, listening to them all the time. Crazy girl.


I also like Jars of Clay's Good Monsters Cd. A lot.

*happy sigh*

spring is finally here.

which means driving with the windows open again!!!!!

hebrews 12 verse 2

Fix your eyes on Jesus.





um, yeah.

arg.

I want an NIV Bible.




not need. just want.

so I don't have to use Biblegateway.com for one anymore:)

Psalm 27 niv

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil men advance against me
to devour my flesh,
when my enemies and my foes attack me,
they will stumble and fall.

3 Though an army besiege me,
my heart will not fear;
though war break out against me,
even then will I be confident.

4 One thing I ask of the LORD,
this is what I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD
and to seek him in his temple.

5 For in the day of trouble
he will keep me safe in his dwelling;
he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle
and set me high upon a rock.

6 Then my head will be exalted
above the enemies who surround me;
at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD;
be merciful to me and answer me.

8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!"
Your face, LORD, I will seek.

9 Do not hide your face from me,
do not turn your servant away in anger;
you have been my helper.
Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.

11 Teach me your way, O LORD;
lead me in a straight path
because of my oppressors.

12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

13 I am still confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.

14 Wait for the LORD;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the LORD.

SMACK!

up and down like a yo-yo.

up.

down.

up again.


only thing that is stable is God. He never changes, no matter how much I do. Which is a very good thing indeed.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrew 13:8

explanation...

of previous post.


Aaron has arthritis in his legs. On Sunday, he could not even walk because his legs hurt so bad. We had to carry him everywhere. Plus, he has a mono-type virus that is making him always sick (it's not mono though). So, he's sick all the time. And his legs hurt.



Someone that young should not have to suffer like an old man.


Old men have arthritis, not little boys that like to run and jump and play.

doesn't seem like love.

someone that young

should not have to suffer like

an old man

girls night.

a night of

chocolate food talking sharing laughing walking skipping building friendships pictures downtown burlington lights stars adventuring on the pier massages being encouraged having fun


thank you girls: justine, kira, brittni, amy, mieke, cassy, nadine, julia, sarah, candice

<3

my salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

psalm 62:7

So true. Where would I be without God? In depression, I'm pretty sure.

Instead, I can soar on eagle's wings. He gives me things that I never expected. Things I need.

Conversations.

Friends.

Communion of the saints.

His Word.

and the list goes on and on...

. . . .


There is way too much truth in the fact that if life wasn't hard, if life happened without struggle or trial, we wouldn't see the beauty in life.
Beauty is hard to see sometimes when you're struggling. But if you didn't struggle and wrestle with things everyday, I don't think you'd see beauty. Ever. It wouldn't be important to you. You would be blind to it.

We still want to be reminded

that the pain is worth the thunder.

Jars of Clay

And when we are reminded of that, we see beauty. Beauty in God. In His love. Mercy. Grace. Compassion. Care. Faithfulness.

I don't pretend to know a lot about beauty, but this is one of many aspects of beauty that I think is true.

As hard as it is to say this sometimes, when we don't even know if we believe it, others remind us through God's Word to us, our hearts and souls can still say...

God is good ALL the time!

not needed right now.

being sick for two days or more causes extra stress (no studying)

crazier than I thought.

So in trying to digest it all, I realized that this weekend was crazier than I thought. So many things happened that I'd forgotten about half of it already!

• dessert and information evening for Amy and Monica's Malawi trip. At which I learned a pile of stuff concerning what they'll be doing while they're there. Also where I led singing with Kim, Anton and Ryan
• Had a short and good talk with a friend
  
• Nadine slept over on Thursday night, which caused the no-sleep business to start...and some interesting conversations to spring forth
  
• ROOTS conference where we did a LW evening-ish
• Drove home and back to Rockwood an extra time because I failed to remember to bring my violin for LW...and had a talk with another friend during the drive
  
• Hung out with LW people and friends on Friday night
• Nadine, Justine and Mieke slept over on Friday night, which caused many hours of sleep to be stolen by many hours of talking and laughing
• Worked on Saturday morning and came home to my family insisting that I sleep before going to back to the conference...while my brothers and sisters and Anton created our costumes for the Royal Dinner: nights in 'shining armor' - aka 'news paper'
• Met new people and talked to old ones
  
• Got to know people better
• Met some of Anton's friends
• Used a whole tank of gas
• Participated in the Lord's Supper, which was a refreshing experience
  
• Played in the Lodder's church with Justine and Anton...woot!
• Hung out with the extended Lodder family
• Didn't get enough sleep
• Was encouraged by numerous amazing Bible passages

No wonder I'm so tired.

Easter Weekend/ROOTS Conference

My body is achy. My body is tired.

My brain can't digest all the stuff that happened this weekend.


But I know it was uplifting.

fake.

You know what I realized today? That there are things...lots of things...I wouldn't know about people if there were no such thing as blogs.

That's sad.


Is blogger making our lives more difficult and fake, or is it helping us?

I can't decide.

pride versus humility

Pride tells me that I am the center of my life and that I can make it on my own, that I don't need to confess my sin to God because I don't have much to confess.

Humility tells me that God is the center of my life and that I have mountains of sin that I need to confess to Him, and by doing so I will be able to grow in my faith and be blessed by God.

1 Peter 5:5-7

Blessing from God will not come if we don't humble ourselves and realize that we need to confess our sin before God. If we don't realize that, we have a form of pride taking over our hearts. And then we will not grow in faith. We will shrink in it.

trust.

Romans 15:13

The NKJV says:

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The NIV says:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

: notice these differences :

- believing and trust
- abound and overflow


I once said that believing leads to the act of trusting. Well, according to translators of the Bible, these words mean the same thing.

If you abound in something, say love or joy, it will overflow out of you because you are so filled with it.


And it is by trusting (or believing) that we are able to abound in (or overflow) with hope in God. For everything. In everything. Always.


TRUST. hmm...

Your love, Your mercy, Your light unending!

Here I am humbled by Your majesty

Covered by Your grace so free

Here I am knowing I'm a sinful man

Covered by the blood of the Lamb

- - -

Now I've found the greatest Love of all is mine

Since you laid down Your life

The greatest sacrifice

- - -

Majesty, majesty

Your grace has found me just as I am

Empty handed but alive in Your hands

Majesty, majesty

Forever I am changed by Your love

In the presence of You majesty

- - -

Here I am humbled by the love that You give

Forgiven so that I might forgive

Here I stand knowing that I'm Your desire

Sanctified by glory and fire

- - -

Now I've found the greatest Love of all is mine

Since You laid down Your life

The greatest sacrifice

- - -

Majesty, majesty

Your grace has found me just as I am

Empty handed by alive in Your hands

Majesty, majesty

Forever I am changed by Your love

In the presence of Your majesty

NO PARKING!!!!!

So, I've been trying to think of analogy from the Christian life for this sign for a long time, but I haven't had any brilliant thoughts on it yet. I don't know why I have a facination with this sign...weirdness is the only explanation I offer:) Do you have any analogies to share for this lovely sign?

Great is YOUR faithfulness. Lam. 3

Walking with God is truly awesome.

So why can't it always be clear? Why is the journey sometimes really fuzzy and confusing and tiring? And if God is so awesome and walking with Him such a wonder, why is it sometimes not full of joy, when you know it should be? Why are things so hard to learn and take so long to thump their way into our brains?

Maybe one of the things that makes the Christian pilgrimage so incredible, even when we get discouraged and want to give up, is the fact that there is always so much more to learn. So much more to know. And God just keeps telling us that we don't know everything yet.

Mystery upon mystery slowly unfolding before our eyes. Year upon years of blinders being slowly pulled away until one day we will see clearly and fully.

The majesty of our God.

I say with Paul from Romans 11:33,

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom

and knowledge of God!

How unsearchable are His judgements

and His ways past finding out!

woah. Habakkuk 2:20 in song form!

God Himself is with us,

Let us now adore Him,

And with awe appear before Him.

God is in His temple,

All within keep silence,

Prostrate lie with deepest reverence.

Him alone, God we own,

Him our God and Savior,

Praise His name forever.

if the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep.

It's crazy how things can pop up out of no-where, when you're least expecting it.

I once read this:

sometimes that's just how hard rain comes down.

I'd say that is pretty accurate sometimes. But I still stand by my previous post, that pray is always worth it. Prayer gives you peace, and the will to move on. To move on in His strength and power.

battle on the inside.

praying is hard work, but it's worth it.

everytime.

habakkuk 2:20

I have no idea why, but I keep having
this verse go through my head at
random times throughout the day.
It's been happening for a few days now.

It would be nice to find out.

And the weird part is that the pastor

quoted it at the opening of the

worship service last night in church.

But the Lord is in His holy temple.

Let all the earth keep silence before Him.

and it still hasn't stopped since it started ten hours ago.

and it's not just coming lazily down. It's coming down with...definate purpose.

. . . . .

some beautiful color before a world of white overcomes us.

Um, where do I put it?

It's up to my waist and the snow banks are caving in on me!

frolicking in the yard:P

a world of white around the corner.

There is something about snow that makes me feel...happy and [insert appropriate word that describes what I can't here].



God, keep the Kentucky group safe as they drive in this storm tonight. Keep them in Your arms.

take a few deep breaths.

take in that fresh air!

I smell spring around the corner. And I am SO looking forward to it. I love snow, but I'm ready for spring warmth and sunshine.

I just went for walk and I realized how out of shape I am. Sitting at my desk all day is bad news. For the body, not the brain:)

What is man that You are mindful of him?

And the son of man that You visit him?

Psalm 8:4

oh the glory that the Lord has made.

me.

a hollow tree. duh:P
a woodpecker!! pretty much made me happy.

hair cut.

I lost about 6 inches of hair today.


It's going to take a while to get used to it. But apparently it needed it because the ends were really dry and wispy, so.....what can you do.




In other news, I had to stay at Cassy's overnight because of the snow/ice/rain/wind storm last night. That was weird. And only because it was too dangerous to drive in such weather with a broken windshield wiper. Thanks for the bed Cassy...second time this week:) I love you.

i like the verse of the day >

Joshua 1:9

Have I not commanded you?

be STRONG and

COURAGEOUS.

Do not be terrified;

do not be discouraged,

for

the Lord your God

WILL

be WITH YOU

wherever

you go.

some observations on friendships:

• friendships are a blessing from God
• you can't have a friendship that works if it's not two-sided (Thanks for pointing that out to me Jacinda.)
• being a true friend takes hard work
• honesty is one key to a good friendship
• friendships are meant to encourage
• being a friend means being there no matter what
• friends share what is on their heart, hurts and joys
• just like there is a winter season, there is a winter in friendships (but spring is around the corner)

stop thinking about yourself!

sometimes you have to realize that even if you don't need someone's friendship anymore, they might still need yours. a lot.

...put others interests before your own....philippians 2

James 5:16a

Confess

your trespasses

to one another,

and
pray

for one another,


that you may be

healed.