Random things that have absolutely nothing to do with each other

Just finished learning about my next math lesson, I have to say it, DIVE is awesome. It makes understanding math easy, well, as long as I'm paying attention to the lesson. *sheepish look*

Sooooo loooooong until LOST. UGH. I don't think I can take it, Barbarosa said it starts in October. Why must they make us wait after they did that last episode. All I'm saying is, it better be good.

One last thing, we got an email about Aneliese yesterday, here is part of it.

After experiencing miraculous things the past 9 days, Aneliese arrived home last evening with much peace and gratefulness to be there. Home, sweet home. She is getting along marvelously and has a lot of JOY!

An answer to prayer, thank the Lord.

Diesel vs. box

Diesel had some fun with a box today and he got his bath yesterday. Because he likes to crawl in our car engines, so he gets REALLY greasy. Hopefully he will stop going in the engines, it's a really bad habit that has a possibility of death.

AH!

Note: This post should be read by you (aka the reader) with a breathless type of in your head reading voice. BECAUSE I WAS SO FREAKED OUT!!!

So Mom and I went swimming in the lake today/tonight-ish. We took a different route because most of the lake was not in the sunlight. Anyway, so I was thinking about the time when Kristy was a little girl and she was at the lake and found a dead body (this was probably not the best thing to be thinking about while swimming in deep-ish water...)and then I felt a hard thing brush my right side!!!! I screamed SO loud. It creeps me out just thinking about, as in I'm getting the hibbly-jibbly's right now. I think it might have been a tree, because the lake has gotten really low, maybe it was a sunken boat.

So I was swimming, in a lake, in deep water, a hard thing brushed my side, I screamed and then I started laughing all the while swimming really hard to get to land before the wood thing ate me.... *laughs* Mom was saying stuff like, "Oh it was probably just a trout that wanted to nibble at your feet..." She kept saying stuff like that and one time I splashed her, which is kind of a big deal because she hates to get her head wet. =D

I had the horrible thought that some nasty little boys had released a shark thing in the lake, but then I told myself that sharks live in salt water, not fresh water.

By the way, I hate the movie Jaws. Hate. Hate. Hate it.

Needless to say I was happy to get out of the water. It's funny to think how our minds play horrible little tricks on us.

*mutters something about a creepy wooden shark thing that tried to eat me*

A few odds and ends

Today I was listening to the radio and I heard Redemption song by Bob Marley and I thought of Kristy. I'll give 1000 brownie points to the person who can figure out why. Heh... Kristy will probably be the only one to figure this out. Since I told her today.

This week has been weird, kind of depressing. I found out that I have 3 cavities... Joy. I also have to have my wisdom teeth out soon. Beauty. I can stand the teeth business, the real blows came when I found out about Annelise. That was sad. Then I ran into one of my best friends at Target and I found out that her Grandma is dying. That was hard. Seeing one of my best friends in that much pain and I also know Grandmama. So this week has been weird.

God gave me the words I needed to hear from Him. Out of the encouraging texts I've found is one that really sticks out. Psalm 18. I'll post some of the verses that stuck out to me.

1 I love you, O LORD, my strength.

2 The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

3 I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

God listens to my cry and He answers me, maybe not in the way that I wanted Him to but He answers it.

16 He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
he drew me out of deep waters.

17 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.

18 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.

19 He brought me out into a spacious place;
he rescued me because he delighted in me.

When things got depressing this week God brought me into a "spacious place," I had one of the best prayer times I've had in a while, well maybe ever. It was awesome. When it seemed like things were just getting worse and worse, I couldn't really see out of the "deep water" I was in. God took me out of my confusion.

28 You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.

"God turns my darkness into light." That's just what He did for me, that is what He does for me.

29 With your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.

30 As for God, his way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in him.

31 For who is God besides the LORD ?
And who is the Rock except our God?

32 It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.

I think those verses speak for themselves, God is the only one who can make my failings into something useful.

My favorite verse (in the King James version) is this, "The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted." verse 46

May God be exalted in my life, in this trying week and always.

Update on Annalise

Mom just got a call from Mrs. S. They amputated Annalise's leg from below the knee, that was her 4th surgery. They are praying that no more tissue will die, they have to do another surgery tomorrow and take off more of her leg because the tissue is dying. Mrs. S. said that Annalise's spirits are pretty good. Which is amazing, I don't know how I would react if I were in her place. It sounds like she is trusting God and that she is at peace. I think I'll write her a card, I probably won't get to see her for a while.

Oh man, this is hard core. Please continue to pray for her that her and all of us who are affected by this would feel God's peace and His strength, also that no more tissue would die.

"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 your minds in Christ Jesus."
-Philipians 4:6-7

I feel sick

I just found out that the 12 year old girl that got run over by a boat is a girl that I know.

Here's the story.

I feel like crying... Her leg is being amputated, but at least she is still alive. She was always so happy. Please pray for her. It's really hard core and it is SO LAME.

But God has chosen this path for her to take I hope she clings to Him through this. It's the only way that she can make it through this without falling into despair.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

"declares the Lord," He is not giving a half promise there.

He cares for you

Ha, OK. So that is Bella, she has been singing that a lot today. Kristy and I decided that it needed to be an audio post, just because Bella was singing it in a really funny way (later in the night I ended up having a laugh attack because Bella was trying to get Kristy to do it correctly... Which was so funny, so funny in fact that I managed to spit out some water before it went out my nose, that is a painful thing). Kristy had forgotten her pin # so we used my account. While she and Bella were doing that I looked for my cell phone. I always keep it in the side pocket of my lego purse and it was not there. I had taken it out to make sure it was on silent at youth group today and I didn't remember seeing it after that. So yeah. A lost cell phone = me freaking out. Another thing was that my cell phone was on silent. Great... But Bella's "Cast your burdens on Jesus, that He cares for you" was very good timing. I searched my purse a couple times and decided that I should just go to sleep and call the church tomorrow, when I looked down and saw my cell phone in my Mom's shoe. Oh my word. I don't depend on it for my life but my Dad wouldn't be pleased if I lost it and I'll need it when I go out driving by myself.

Yup, God is good and He shows it to me in some of the smallest ways, but it makes a big impact.

Ah, to reminisce

I'm so glad to be done with all of my rebellious ankle's junk.

Here are some memories: My surgery day, I had a tiny bruise from the IV for a while after that.

Ah, yes. The day I broke my ankle, I drug myself up the stairs and was greeted by Boomer.

The C's visit! That was about 5 days after my surgery, I was wimpy that week. Their visit made me so happy, Mary and Caroline crack me up.... So yes, it's nice to look back on those days and to be done with them. I was looking at some pictures of my foot, it was very swollen. Now my foot doesn't get swollen at all, basically. Still, I would not trade that experience, God taught me a lot during that time.

God loves us THIS much!

Did any of you ever read that book that has those two rabbits, I think a father and a son explaining how much they love each other? My sister Ruth gave that book to me when I was little, I'm not sure were it is now.

I've been thinking about some stuff lately. Stuff like my insecurities, my failings and how God loves me despite of all of those failings.

My family changed churches over 2 years ago, my old church was our family. Leaving them was a hard thing to do, but not as hard for me as leaving the youth group was. I knew it was coming, my Dad wasn't pleased with the youth group. It just hit me so hard.

God gave me a supporter, an encourager to help me. One thing that he said was that he hoped that I "could be an instrumental instrument for the one who loves you soo much to kick you out of your comfort world."

That change of church and youth group was the best thing for me, I wasn't happy about it at the time. But God loved me enough to prod me out of that comfortable world I lived in to move me to this new place that has blessed me so much. God's planning is amazing, but that's not really the point, He loved me enough to see the big picture, He saw what would do me the greatest good.

God's love has many facets, it is so full... So full of love, self-less love, patient love and the list would go on to say things I haven't learned about His love yet.

God loves us how we are, we don't have to be a "cookie cutter Christian" I'm still discovering what that means for me, but I know that I am a child of God and He loves me a whole bunch, even if I'm just like Little Nutbrown Hare, unable to jump very high.

Funny

Oh man, I saw this movie yesterday, (it's an old one) I laughed and vowed that someday I would say this to someone.

"Your physical appearance is not displeasing. The whites of your eyes are very clear and you have very nice corneas."

Hahahaaa!!! I tell you, when I get married that is what I'll say to him at random points in the day.

Fun day

Today Mom and I went to the mall. We were in Nordstrom and I see some kids coming up the elevator, the guy in their group is staring at me. I wasn't too disturbed about this but then I saw Amber and Lauren, after that it was pretty much I blur. I know we screamed and I was rushed upon by the guy, Amber and Lauren. I was like, "Oh, it's just some weird Covenant guy." But after talking to each other I figured out that it was Trevor. *laugh* Trevor and I have known each other for basically forever. No, he doesn't go to Covenant. Anyway, it made me happy to get a group hug and it was good to see Lauren, Amber and Trevor. They left co-op last year and I haven't seen them much.

Good times. I saw a couple other people that I knew, one from my old church and another girl that used to go to co-op.

Diesel says

"Ah, this Caroline person is very comfy.... I *yawn* think..." At this point Diesel's head fell backward. Hilarious.


Last picture.
"I KNEAD YOU!!!"

(pictured: Diesel and Madeline)

Drama

Homeschool co-op starts on September 11th. I have a few thoughts about the next school year.

• Firstly, will I love/survive chemistry?
• Secondly, will there be major drama?
  

I'm going to be in teen leadership and there will be some drama queens/kings in there. There is one person in particular that I have trouble with, mostly because this person ignores me and acts like this person owns the whole school. I've grown up with this person and I think I've accidentally hurt this person, so that could be why I've been snubbed. But back to my main concern, how will I act in teen leadership around this person? I have a feeling that I might just ignore that person, but that's not right.

My Mom and I talked about it and she told me a story that a lady missionary told. This missionary said that her daughters were made fun of at their school, so she taught them to pray arrow prayers. Like Nehemiah prayed. So my Mom suggested that I do that when I'm having trouble loving (or even acknowledging) this person that I should pray and ask God to give me love and to help me show it. My Mom said I should wear this person down with love, maybe then I can break through the barriers that have been set up and be friends with this person.

It would be so easy to just ignore the people that hurt us, but that is not what God did. I need to love this person where this person is, not where I want to love but where I need to love, just like Christ loved me.

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:8

A sentence

"Protect your right to arm bears."

Some people have parrots on their shoulders

This person on the other hand has a cat on her shoulder, and boy does she look tired (VBS early mornings have taken their toll). Isn't he cute!?!?!

Say Hello to...

MY NEW CAT!

Can you think of any good names? Please give me your suggestions, whoever you might be. I'm thinking Samson because, well, there actually is no reason.

I'll try and get more pictures of later because blogger is being a meany head.

Oh and by the way, that is Barbarosa (my brother John) holding the kitty.

I'm tired

Last night's youth group was small, because there was another church baseball game. But I think we had about 11, maybe. We had 2 Japanese exchange students, Okto and Kaiko. Okto being the guy and Kaiko being the girl. I hung out with Kaiko, she preferred being called "K." She was SO funny, I think she'll be going to another town in 2 weeks. Altogether they are in the states for a year, but they move every 4 weeks. K is about a foot shorter than me, so yes Kristy I actually look like an Amazon woman when I hang out with her. I saw her this morning but she was with the other exchange students and I was lining up my VBS group, so I didn't say hi.


On to VBS.... Today was tiring, but good. I'm really glad I got the helpers I did in my group. Both of them are about 12 and 13, I think. But they listened to me, which is nice cause some guys who are younger than me don't respect me when I ask them to do something at Awana. But these guys were really helpful and nice to me and the kids. I was kind of surprised by how much one of them had emotionally matured since last year, he actually seems unusually mature for his age. I had 17 kids today, whew. But they are all pretty easy, some of them are trouble makers so I have to watch them more than others. 4 more days of this, should be good, hopefully I won't lose any small children. 2 boys walked off to the bathroom, which was across a field from where we were, without telling me or the guy leaders in my group. I sent Joseph to get them, when they came back they said that they had told the game leader. *shakes head* The game leader is not their leader. She will not get blamed something happens to them. I DO NOT want to lose any small children.

Oh man, Andy (one of the leaders) was in my Awana group last year and Joseph asked me if I was the leader of our group and Andy said, "Can't you tell?" Yeaaah, I kind of get into leader mode. *laughs*

I love working with kids and talking to them.

A thought for the day

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
- John 3:16

VBS starts tomorrow, I've been praying about it for weeks. I think I'll walk down to my neighbors house and invite their kids to VBS, since they most likely won't bite my head off for offering free baby-sitting. I'm leading a group and I've also been praying about that, not only do I have to lead the kids I also have to direct the leaders that are under me. I just hope I can bring these kids to Christ and not be a hindrance to anyone in anyway.

God's love is amazing. He never gives up. He took her messed up life and He gave her a new one. That's what He has done for me. That is what He wants (so badly!) to do for you.

"So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."” Acts 16:31

It's that simple. Now I'm going to go tell people about VBS, then I think Mom and I will go swimming. I do love it so.

Pop Tarts

Go create and dance-dance. It entertained me.

They are so cute too! Plus they have got some sweeeet dance moves.

Oh and I'm listening to punk/ rock/ folk rock right now. *sings* This brings to mind an interesting story.... Oh, you wanted me to tell it, eh? TOO BAD! Just kidding.

So when I was in SE-quim I saw a sign that said something alike this, "Wanted: Drummer for Black Death Metal with Folk Influences band..." It was entertaining and I wish I had a picture of it.

"There is a star in the sky...."

We just went to a yard sale, more like a gigantic huge sale. I'm not too huge on going to yard sales, but I like them more than thrift stores. Basically I like going thrift store shopping if I find something good and I don't have to hang around the store too long.

Anyway, I think later today Mom and I will drive over to Mrs. R's house to get my Apologia Chem text book. I'm kind of concerned about this class, because I loved biology and I did really well in that class but chem has algebra.... And I don't really like that. Mrs. R is a really good teacher, she expects a lot, which is good. I think co-op starts around the 11th of September.

I think I'll start my algebra book around the 15th this month, I like to get a head start. Last year I took a math class at co-op, that kept me on schedule and I actually finished a math book. :shock:

But this is just all boring school stuff and none of you want to hear about school right now. I am excited to see Mary and Caroline every Monday, I do love seeing all my friends. But the homework for chem will be killer. Oh well.

Yesterday night it was one of those times when the light comes on and you see some of what God has been doing on your heart. I've been having some drama issues with some people and I just want it to be over, but God reminded me that there are seasons in life and that He has planned this. I was also reminded of how awesome it is to have parents and older siblings to advise you. I love seeing what God is doing and how He is shaping my life and heart for His glory. I know that sometimes I am a clumsy instrument but there is grace.

VBS starts on Monday, I'm leading a group of 5-7 year olds. This will be my first time of leading a group at VBS. But I'm assuming it will be like leading a group at Awana, which is basically what I did last year. I think I'll go to some of the neighbors who have kids and ask them if they want to go to VBS. I love leading groups of kids, I think my biggest issue is the other leaders that are under me. I hope I get people that care about the kids and not impressing their crush. That is dumb.

I want to get a thin Bible to carry around in my purse this week, and I want to get some new shoes and a coat. So yeah.
Anyway, this was a random post but these things run around in my head.

Pictures

The river, our campsite was really good and we were right on the river. Very pretty spot. Okay, so the text is being weird, I'm not sure how this post is going to turn out. Hair is awesome, especially that hair. Disregard that person on the right's hair, it's disturbing. ;) This is Rob. Enough said. This is the lake from whence the river flowed. Max fell and busted his dome on a rock, therefore the scratch. Chato trying her level best to escape from Bella's grasp.

Campin'

It was fun, but it's really nice to be clean again. When I get home I'll download my pictures and upload them here, maybe. But for now, go to this link and see how pretty it is.

For now, I'm off to go cut my nails because they are breaking like my heart breaks every time I see his beautiful face...

Wait a second. Sorry, that was kind of an inner joke, I'll tell you about it some time.

Laters!