A Prison without Walls.

Not long after my rescue
I let my failures get me down
My sin had robbed me of the joy I had in you
Then you saved me from that too

(chorus)
All I wanna do is talk about Your grace
I don't wanna go unless I go Your way
Get a little closer to You everyday
I'm gonna turn around and go Your way (X2)

What I thought of as my freedom
Was a prison without walls
I held on tightly to the shackles that I hate
But this wasn't freedom at all

(chorus)

I thought that I'd gone too far
Then I heard You call my name
Return to me child
I am eager to forgive
But leave behind the chains (X2)

(chorus)
-Go Your Way by the Supertones

I was listening to this on the way home from youth group tonight, and it made me
think of all the people that have fallen away.  My friends that think it's cool to
be a rebel, and they think that the way I'm living is repression.  It's not. 

"What I thought of as my freedom
Was a prison without walls
I held on tightly to the shackles that I hate
But this wasn't freedom at all


I thought that I'd gone too far
Then I heard You call my name
Return to me child
I am eager to forgive
But leave behind the chains"

God is always close, and He always wants us to come back.  He desires mercy, not
judgement!  I hope my friends come to realize that God gave us His laws to set us
free.  And if you know someone that is deceived, like my friends, keep praying! 
God has a way of working on people's hearts.

BEHOLD!

My brother has a blog! Go ahead and drop him a comment. He will be leaving for Japan on Thursday and will probably be gone for 6 weeks. His blog will be entertaining (believe me.... He has a good sense of humor) and it will cover his travels in Japan.

!!!!!

!!! OK my peeps, I tried on this dress at Macy's yesterday and I totally LOVED IT. Unfortunately it is many-much monies..... :'(

It was like it was made for me, and I felt like a princess or something...

I think I'll go to Macy's and try it on every once in a while....

Oh and if anyone is wondering, life is good for me. School is almost over and I'm looking for a job, so I can squirrel away monies so I can buy the dress. But what would I wear it to? I'm not sure....

Pirates

Well I saw it today, and um.... I think this pretty much sums it up.

So, to sum up the highlight of my day was going to Jordan's and Reece's Eagle Court. At one point I was laughing so hard that I doubled over and it took me about a minute to recover.... Jaho you probably know which part. lol.

Life

Today has gone decidedly better, and less painfully, than last year's today. I cannot believe it's been a year. How much God has shown me in that year! How much He has shown me through that trial.

Here are my thoughts about it from last year.

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. " James 1:2-4

If you are in a trial, trust that God knows best. He's doing this for your good.

"Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." James 1:12

Summer.

I have some random things to say today. I think I should number them. Here we go.

1. Pickles are cucumbers soaked in evil.
2. Pickles are the opposite of raisins. Think about it... Raisins are dehydrated and pickles are weird and hydrated???
3. Raisins, I think, are highly overlooked. They are nummy.
4. Figs are very sugary.
5. Apples and peanut butter is really yummy.
6. Pears and light laughing cow cheese are really yummy.
   
7. I have a sunburn.
8. Sunscreen smells like Summer.
   
9. I won't be taking any classes this summer!
10. That means I'll probably be going to camp!
11. I have the highest grade in my math class!
12. I made friends with a dog named Bear, he's nice.
13. I have a stalker! He was Mary's stalker last quarter and yesterday morning he was walking out and he said, "See ya, Elyse!" even though Mary was standing right there. He only acknowledged my existence. I told Mary that she wasn't allowed to dump her stalkers on me.
    
14. Amelia's birthday is a week from tomorrow and I have something special planned.
    
15. A week from today there is no school.
16. I only have 4 weeks of school and finals week left.
17. Next Monday I will be done with high school.
18. That is surreal, since I only started in 2005.
19. I enjoy driving myself to school.
20. There are Russians working on Mary's yard....
    
21. Gabe is in Norway with his mother.
    
22. I need to catch up on Heroes.
23. I have a lot of homework to do.
24. But I'm almost done....
25. I'm learning how to love unlovable people, because God is placing them in my life.
    
26. He's been reminding me that I'm not very love able all of the time.
27. And He's reminding me that while I was being unlovable He sent His only son to die for me, so that I could learn to love others like God has loved me.
28. Because Christians are supposed to be Ambassadors for Christ.
29. God is reminding me to treat others as if they were perfect in Christ. He's reminding me that I was in their shoes and that I can be ruder, prouder, and more obnoxious than they are.

2 Corinthians 5:11-21 (New International Version) [with emphasis added by me for those of you who glaze over when Scripture is presented. And by the way, read this passage, k? Do it for me!]

The Ministry of Reconciliation

11Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart. 13If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

16So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 18All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. 21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

And on that note, I leave you. I think I will go watch some Star Trek.

All my love, Elyse.

Happy One year Anniversary!

I can't believe it's been a year, time really does pass quickly. Last year at this time I was in an E.R., unable to walk. Now, I can stand on my own two feet (notice my sweeeeeet vans!).

Anyway, I shall have another thing to celebrate next week, the one year anniversary of the joining of my ankle and metal.

Dashboard jesus

Dashboard jesus
he sits with his head bobbing with the bumps
the american ideal of what faith looks like
a plastic figurine with light skin, silky hair and clean outstretched hands. (because you know, carpenters have very clean hands.)
you can pat his head for luck
"Help me to find free parking this morning..."
after the e-brake is pulled and you grab your things you pull him from the dash and put him into your dark, linty pocket.
Because you control him.
When you want something pull him out, pick the lint out of his hair and then ask him for presents
and when you get what you want just shove him back inside. Inside that dark pocket he can't see what you do. Which is good because you gave the bird to the cab that cut you off in traffic this morning.
Sometimes you don't get what you ask for. So when he doesn't come through you can just kick him across the street into the bushes
but you'll eventually rummage through the leaves to find him
because you'll need him to find you free parking tomorrow.
Do you have a dashboard jesus?
Sometimes I think I do
lower case jesus. a non-existent jesus. a made-up figurine. might as well be a rabbit's foot. severed animal feet and plastic, robe wearing, sandal sporting christs...both have as much power as cooked spaghetti.
Are you living your life under the rule of a Sovereign King? or is he just a toy?
I have been graciously convicted of how I sometimes don't view God with fear nor awe. He has been so kind and so patient to show me that I do not give Him the place He deserves.
'Jesus you are magnificent. and you are powerful. and you own me. I know there are times I let you down, but you have always reached down with your calloused, pierced hands to pick me up. You are my best friend, and you are my King. and your gentle touch always steers me back to the path that leads to you.'

-Sarah Morrison

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." The LORD said to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say." But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." (Exodus 4:10-13)

My way. Moses’ wanted it his way, he was too afraid of what might happen. He was afraid that he would stumble in his speech.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn men back to dust, saying, "Return to dust, O sons of men." For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning-- though in the morning it springs up new, by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. The length of our days is seventy years-- or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. Who knows the power of your anger? For your wrath is as great as the fear that is due you. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Relent, O LORD! How long will it be? Have compassion on your servants. Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble. May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children. May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us-- yes, establish the work of our hands.

Does that sound like the same man?

Psalm 90 A prayer of Moses the man of God.

So what happened? From this, “Not me, Lord! Pick someone else!” to that overwhelming sense of something huge. Something Moses’ realized along the way. When exactly did that happen?

Exodus 5:22 –6:2 Moses returned to the LORD and said, "O Lord, why have you brought trouble upon this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble upon this people, and you have not rescued your people at all."
6:1 Then the LORD said to Moses, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh: Because of my mighty hand he will let them go; because of my mighty hand he will drive them out of his country." God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD.

Maybe what happened was just Moses’ realization that the One with whom he was speaking was and is the LORD.

Romans 1: 20-25 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen.

Perhaps that’s what happened to Moses’. His eyes were opened. God, over time cleared the muck from his eyes. Well, God also made the Israelites wander in circles for 40 years in the desert. Sometimes it takes that long. Sometimes people never get it.

They continue to walk around in circles; with their “dashboard jesus’” in their pockets. Let’s not be like them.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

And in verse 34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

Cats and Dogs

Right now Diesel and Chato are having a stare off. Diesel is trying to be as still as possible and Chato is starting to wonder if she really saw a cat....

Diesel will lean over so he can see where Chato is walking. I think he's wondering if he can jump on her and kill her.

Ha! Chato just came downstairs and Diesel was trying to go over to the sliding glass door. I said, "Diesel come back!" Then Diesel ran back and jumped up on the desk. Now Chato is pacing the floor trying to smell out where the cat is, and Diesel is still watching her..... Waiting for his opportunity to make his move.

Ah, good times good times

Good pranks, good times. So, since I'm a college kid now and I hang out with college kids, does that mean we are mature? No way. Amelia and I got up early and stopped at Albertsons, we bought a balloon that looks something like this. Except more awesome, I should take a picture and post it. Anyway, Amelia and I tied him to Mary's side mirror. She called me and said something like, "I'm guessing that it was you who vandalized my car.... I hate you, but not really because it made me laugh. Call me back..." I didn't call her back, because I knew she would be just a tad hyper. Anyway she called me the next morning and was like, "Elyse.... Um. You didn't call me back and ummm." Anyway, I felt really bad but it was still funny. I told Amelia I should have told Mary that I saw her stalker over by her car with an obnoxious yellow balloon, but I didn't. ;)

Anyway, Mary then "Miked" my car. She named the balloon Mike. I went to her house and we talked for a bit. She has a disadvantage in our little Mike war because she lives like 5 minutes away from the campus, while Amelia and I live about half an hour away.

Mike has gone back and forth and then on um... Wednesday, when I got out of English I went to Mary's house. Caroline assisted me in helping me hide Mike. I hid him in Mary's shower.

The next day she said she opened the door and he pretty much rushed out at her. lol. I can just imagine her face. After Amelia and I hung out with Mary for a while we went out and Miked her car.

We'll see how it all turns out, but Amelia and I have something good planned for the end of the quarter. Mweheheh....

Haaaaaaaappy.....

Happy Birthday Dad!

*SCREAM*

So I was just sitting here... Doing nothing. And my dad came down to check the fire, then he says, "You have an ant on your back!"

"GET HIM OFFFFFFFF!!!!!!1"

So he did and then he killed it. Then he said, "Turn around and let me see if there are any more on you." So I did and then he says, "There are three more!!!!"

I screamed and tried to shake them off... Then he says, "Just kidding."


...

Why does the sun shine?

John saw Brian Regan on Thursday night. When he got home he told me the jokes. One of them was really funny. Brian Regan was saying how there's a baby monitor in his son's room. Brian and his wife were watching T.V. and he hears his son over the monitor, "Daddy, I have a joke for your career." So Brian ran upstairs and said, "What's the joke?" His son says, "Ok. Why don't dinosaurs talk?" "Well, I don't know...." "Because THEY'RE ALL DEAD!" Brian said he laughed for an hour. He talked about another time when he was watching the NCAA tournament and his daughter walks up to him, and sits really close to him on the couch. "Daddy, why don't you put something appropriate on for your daughter?"

lol.... Sounds like his children will follow in their father's comedic footsteps. Oh and for those of you who did not read my Brian Regan post and have no idea who he is, he is a comedian. Probably the funniest, EV-AR.

AND... I'm still working on homework. AND... I'm listening to an awesome mix on the compy. It has some of the most awesome albums on there.

I shall name my favorite records of all time in no particular order.

• Billy Talent II by Billy Talent
• Discovery by Daft Punk
• Eyes Open by Snow Patrol
• Plans by Death Cab for Cutie
• Post by Bjork
• Illuminate by David Crowder Band
• The Empire Strikes Back by Bad Religion
• The Ever Passing Moment by MxPx
  

Those are just off of the top of my head, but they are so well put together. I love listening to them. Some albums are like, "Meh, I like most of the album, but I don't like a couple of songs." No, these albums are all great and I love all of their songs.

The end.

137 Words about Brian and Cory

Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory.Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. Brian and Cory. The End.

heheh

I've met quite a few new people since the spring quarter started, one of them acts, SERIOUSLY, like this guy. No I'm not kidding. He talks to all girls like that, most of them respond to him like Anne Hathaway. Amelia and I just laugh. Hey, if you can't be entertained by the little things, eh?

I've been tagged!

1. How many candles on your last birthday cake?
Two. Seriously. OK, so that picture doesn't show, but I think I just had two.

2. How many siblings do you have?
Blood-wise? Three. I actually have four. I count Rob as my brother, I've known him since I was like three years old and he is basically my brother. So there. =P

3. How many first cousins do you have?
Ugh, I don't want to count. It would take forever. I'm thinking at least 15, probably more.

4. Name five smells you like.
Evergreen trees, a certain type of lotion that I like, but I can never say the name of it or where I bought it.... Umm... The smell of sweet babies and puppies. And.... Pink Grapefruit by Bath and Body works.

5. Name the four funniest people you know.
Kristy, Rob, John (when he feels like it), Mary and Caroline (I'm counting them as one).

6. How many different countries have you lived in?
Meh.... I'm lame, go ask my world traveling sister. I've only lived in one.

7. If you could change one thing about yourself what would it be?
Nothing. I'm pretty sure God picked out everything and put me together, so I'm not going to contradict Him! :)

8. Name the friend who has impacted you more than any other.

This is a toss up... Mary and Caroline and Allie. All three of them.

9. Have you ever volunteered your time anywhere?
Yuppers. Can you say AWANA child? I can.

10. Do you cry often?
Not really, only when my feelings have been hurt or when I'm really tired and irrational. But those times don't happen to often, so no, I don't cry often.

11. Something you are looking forward to?
Summer.

12. A friend you wish you could see again?
Seamus, but that would be kind of awkward since we were homies when we were wee. Um... Madeline? Yes, I wish I could see Madeline more.

13. How many people have you cooked a home-made meal for?
Two, that's when my Mom was in England and I had to cook for my brother and Dad. My Dad seems to think that he helped to cook, but I was like, "NUH UH!!! *head bobs and shakes*"

14. Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Hopefully with some sort of degree, maybe I'll be working in a hospital. I have no idea where I will be though.

14. Tag five people: Umm... I'm rebeling and skipping this one, sorry.

Easter

I got some new sunglasses, I'm pretty psyched. I tried them on Chato, I think she was pretty psyched too. =)

Happy Easter!

He is Risen!

What Diesel Killed: The Mole and Bird issue

The Hunter.

MOLEY! Baby mole, it was... about 3 inches long.

Then I saw the bird, I thought it was more pine needles. Under close inspection I found it to be a bird. Notice the exposed backbone.
I didn't get so bad as to show him eating them, thankfully he hasn't eaten them. He likes to play with them though. Cats are gross. Remember when he did this?

!!!!

So today was the start of the spring quarter, it was pretty good. I really miss my old English teacher, he had such a good sense of humor and he had an excellent teaching style. I'm not too sure about my new English teacher, but it was only the first day. Math class is tomorrow night soooo yeah.

None of my classes are on main campus, so it is VERY different. I know like.... 6 people in my English class. My friend Amelia is in the class, which is very fun. And a lady named Stephanie and my family has known her family for a long time. We went to the same church. There's this guy in my class and he's probably about 20 years old. He makes me laugh. He has long-ish blond hair and a lip piercing, oh and glasses. He is VERY arty. When he talks he speaks in a quiet voice and says stuff like, "I'm a musician." He was making me laugh. He informed us of his musicianship when the time was right, we were all talking about ourselves. But he made me laugh. Another guy was sharing something about himself and he said, "I weigh 350lbs...." We were all like, "Oh." I mean, thanks for being open but.... What am I going to do with that info, eh?

So to sum up, I like my classmates and I'm not too sure about my teacher.

Well, well well....

"NOT AS MEAN

NOT AS LEAN

STILL A MARINE!"

This truck was seen driving around Clallam County, I thought it was pretty funny.

Spring Break

Bella was pretty happy to see Mom and I.

Kristy can see this from her yard. It's so gorgeous. Bella and I were playing basketball and I looked up and stopped, the mountains were breath taking.

We took a walk to this cliff type thing. It was pretty great. I got some good pictures.

Max was pretty excited to see us too.

Heheh... She kept putting her hands over her mouth, all the while saying, "Come on, do it!" lol

Well, now it's over. But they are coming here on Tuesday, granted my spring break will be over. But it will only be the first week of classes. Soooo yeah. Oh and I got two -A in math and English and I got an A in HD. YAY!!!! Let's hope the next quarter turns out as well. Oh and I might just die if Adrian Brody plays Spock, I'd die a happy woman. OH man...

Spring Break

This so applies to my spring break. Um.... What? lol

lol

From Brian Regan Live: Stupid in School [1]

• "Brian, what's the i before e rule?"
  

"I before e... always."
"What are you, an idiot, Brian?"
"Apparently."
So she explains it.
"No, Brian. It's i before e except after c and when sounding like a as in neighbor and weigh, and on weekends and holidays and all throughout May, and you'll always be wrong no matter what you say!"
That's a hard rule. That's a- that's a rough rule.
Plurals were hard, too.
“Brian, how do you make a word a plural?”
“You put a ‘s’…put a ‘s’ at the end of it.”
“When?”
“On weekends and holidays.”
“No, Brian. Let me show you.” So she asked this kid who knew everything. Irwin. “Irwin, what’s the plural for ox?”
“Oxen. The farmer used his oxen.”
“Brian?”
(chuckling)“What?”
“Brian, what’s the plural for box?”
“Boxen. I bought 2 boxen of doughnuts.”
"No, Brian, no. Let's try another one. Irwin, what's the plural for goose?"
"Geese. I saw a flock of geese."
"Brian."
(half-crying) "Wha-at?"
"Brian, what's the plural for moose?"
"Moosen! I saw a flock of moosen! There were many of 'em. Many much moosen. Out in the woods- in the woodes- in the woodsen. The meese want the food. The food is to eatenesen. The meese want the food & the food is to eatenesen! The food is to eatenesen!"
"Brian! Brian. You're an imbecile."
"Imbecile-n."
"What are you speaking? German, Brian?"
"German. Jermain. Jermaine Jackson. Jackson Five. Tito!"

Oh man... Brian Regan is coming here in April and Juan is going to see him. Lucky duck. Brian Regan cracks me up. Here's a good video from him.

Pictures, yo!

Frankie and Emma.

Emma bosses Frankie around, she'll walk past him and hit him with her butt. She's the alpha dog. She is 6 months old and Frankie is 4 years old. (sorry, no pictures of Mory today!)
Here is my fearless, hunter cat-cowering beneath a quilt. Well, at least Chato won't be as scary for him. I think he thought Chato was here, because Frankie and Emma's barks sound like Chato's. But now he's figured out that there are two of them.
I know at least one person is laughing really hard at seeing me like this, it looks like I'm in a neck brace. Well Kristy, I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. Looks like I crumbs in my hair, I was eating a lemon bar (which ended up being a process of squooshing the lemony-stuff on my front teeth and swallowing. Looks like I got a little crazy... lol)

Happy 200th post!

This is officially the 200th post of Jehovah Jireh. "The Lord will provide"

Right now I have an ice pack on the right side of my face and two pieces of gauze in my mouth. I look almost as hot as this guy. lol ;) I'll have to post some pictures later. OH! And we have two Dachshunds running around the house, Frankie and Emma May. They are too cute. I'll post some pictures of them as well. OH! and Mory came over for a visit today, he was out in the yard with Katie (an old lab) so I took them back to my neighbor's house. Mory's so big!
She was like, "They [the dogs] were out?"

"Yesh."

"Did you have teeth work done today?"

"Yesh, aw of may wisshdom teef." *motions with hands* lol

Well, today has been interesting. I got my wisdom teeth out in the 10 o'clock hour. I was spitting up blood in the parking lot, which is an interesting experience. People make such a big deal about people getting their wisdom teeth out. It really isn't a big deal. You go into a room and they kind of bring the operating room to you. I was given Nitris, to keep me calm. Then the nurse sprayed my hand with a type of numbing agent and then she put the I.V. in. My hand's a little bruised, but eh... Anyway. Then my Doctor came in and said, "You are really calm for being at this stage of the operation." Then they talked for a little bit, I woke up and they were still talking. I had gauze in my mouth and I was really numb. I ended up crying when I was in the car with Mom. I was trying to say, "STARBUCKS!" but it came out like, "Staaaabuuuuu!". I was laughing and crying. Oh man... I think it was just because I was kind of disoriented. Then we got home and I watched like a movie and a half. Then there was dinner, I ended up taking out my gazz to eat my mashed potatoes, not a good idea. Then as I was getting new gauze I almost passed out. lol. That happened to my friend Allen too, I just hope that I don't bleed as long as he did. he was still bleeding the day after his surgery.

Anyway, today has been pretty low-key. Having my wisdom teeth taken out really wasn't that bad, I'm looking fore ward to eating solid food! :)

Oh and I called Kristy, as I was waiting for Mom to come out of the store, just because I knew that would be entertaining. Like when I told her I broke my ankle.... =P But anyway, we were laughing at how I sounded. I can talk a little better now, which is good. I'm feeling fine. So thanks for your prayers! Please continue them as I heal.

Oh and I have another prayer request. I babysat some kids a while back and their Mom is pregnant. Anyway, she got pneumonia, then she got a lung infection. Long story short, she has to stay in the hospital for the rest of her pregnancy, which will be another 4 and a half months. Please pray for her, her husband, and their children (including the baby).

I rejoice in God's planning and I know He has a plan for this family, they just really need prayer right now. I rejoice in God's plans for my life, he put my ankle surgery before this one! That made me realize how minor this is. I rejoice that He gave me a calm spirit.

So long! Farewell! ....

Goodbye impacted wisdom teeth #1, 2, 17, and 32.

Tomorrow I will be swollen and drugged, if you would, please pray for me. My surgery is at 10.

Now! I'm off to calm down to yoga! It's actually very relaxing, and I've gotten more flexible. Which is always a good thing.

In approximately 4 hours finals week will be over, and I for a while will be free..... !!!

Sooo yeah.

Guess what everybody? My favorite athlete is on Dancing with the Stars!

<3<3<3<3>

Maybe I should watch it and dream that he was actually dancing with me... *sniff*

lol... HEY 3 posts in three days! It's a March record!

Funny

Jacob and Nick came over this week to pick up a compy that we gave to them. So Jacob actually had to listen and pay attention to what my Dad was showing him about the compy. Nick on the other hand didn't have to listen, so we hung out. He is so funny! Nick is 10 and is Jacob's younger brother. We were talking about darts and electrical outlets, then Nick says, "Sometimes I stick paperclips into those, that hurts. One time my neighbor did that.... He's dead. *silence* *Nick snickers* Just kidding!" I was laughing really hard. Nick also told me about their animals and stuff that 10 year-olds like to talk about... It was pretty great.

Gives me chills...

On Sunday I found a verse to show a friend who was going through a similar situation that I've been through in witnessing to neighbors. Anyway, I ended up forgetting to show her.

I had no idea how much I would see that passage this week.

On Monday I was so worn out, that I was crying really easily. The stress and lack of sleep from the previous week hit me and it was pretty bad. I ended up going to my room, once I got home from school, and I cried for a long time. I had my Bible open to Isaiah and I was reading through some things I had marked, and then I came to chapter 40 (which had the verse I was going to show my friend). The tears kept coming as the Lord spoke to my heart. Monday's post pretty much sums up what I needed to hear. Then I took a nap. :) Oh and I feel better now, lol.

On Tuesday I brought my Bible (as usual) to school, but I brought it for another reason, we had to bring a piece of quality writing to English. I was debating between Psalm 107 and Isaiah 40. Isaiah won out in the end. Anyway, we got into our groups. There were two other people in my group and basically we had to write a short essay about quality writing. Our examples for the essay was our pieces of quality writing. I was able to testify that God's word is quality and show that His word has touched my life.

Wednesday was kind of blaaaagghggh... My HD class was weird. lol

Thursday we finished up the essay. A friend of mine came up to Kim and I during the break between our classes. We talked for a while, this guy was going through a really hard time. I will paste an excerpt from an email of mine to Jaho. The excerpt will have most of the details of my conversation with my friend.

So I asked him if he would read something, I handed him my Bible (it was open to Isaiah 40, you should go read it right now... It's awesome). After he read it he asked me why people blame other people, I told him about Adam and Eve. Adam, "My wife did it!" Eve, "It was the snake!!!" Blaming others has always been around. Then he asked why, I told him that people don't like to take responsibility for their actions. He wasn't too open, but I told him that he should rely on God. God supplies me with strength. I told him I couldn't do anything without God. He told me that I could, then I said, "Who made me? Who gives me strength?" Anyway, I told him that God is always near, he said something like, "Only if you think he is." I said, "No, He's always near. He loves you A LOT." Anyway, it was awesome to be able to plant seeds. I know God will work in his life and I'm glad God used me. He totally gave me strength and words to say. I can be timid, very afraid of offending people, but God spoke through me.

Anyway, so I sent that email to Jaho on um... Thursday night I think. Jaho posted this today.

Amazing how God intertwines our lives, eh?

"Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
And in Your book were all written
The days that were ordained for me,
When as yet there was not one of them. " Psalm 139:16

God knows my path. He hems me in. He guides me.

"LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
You understand my thought from afar.
You scrutinize my path and my lying down,
And are intimately acquainted with all my ways.
Even before there is a word on my tongue,
Behold, O LORD, You know it all.
You have enclosed me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high, I cannot attain to it. " Psalm 139:1-6

In fact just go read that whole Psalm, right now. Who knows who may see it and be encouraged... =)

So basically, the way God has been in my life for the past week (and my whole life for that matter) gives me that chills. His love for me is so huge. (oh and when in verse 3 "my lying down" God also knows when we need to take a break, as He did on Monday) =D

God is good all the time. All the time God is good.

11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.

from Isaiah chapter 40

God is good, He has never left me. Naps are also good, they help people who REALLY neeeeeeeeed them.

5 things

Um..... I tag Brian, because I think he's the only one who would actually do this. But if you want to, just name the 5 things that come to your mind when you read these words.

Celebrity:

1) Hugh Jackman

2) Johnny Depp

3) Brittany Spears (closely related to Brian, apparently... lol)

4) Anna Nicole Smith

5) Matt Redman

Happy:

1) Circumstantial

2) Spring

3) Flowers

4) Laughter

5) Friends

Amazing:

1) God's love, shown in Jesus Christ

2) Red Beard's beard.... lol

3) Snow Patrol

4) Mini Coopers

5) Nature

Political:

1) Strangely enough, driving by and seeing Jaho at an intersection campaigning

2) Jaho

3) Our Governor......

4) A candidate that lost from my district, he would have been awesome

5) Guilt

Food:

1) Pizza

2) Salads

3) Pintos and cheese

4) Guilt.....

5) POPCORN!!!!!!

=D

Aren't the flowers glorious?

"Bait" I feel like Diesel does when he carries Bait around, triumphant because he caught something. Except I'm not going to carry my research paper around with my teeth and rip it to shreads. Although ripping it apart does sound appealing, once I get my grade. (I should listen to Billy Talent while I rip it apart... lol)

I just finished my rough draft for my research paper, I'm not even going to do yoga tonight. It's too late. I've worked on my paper soooo much today and I had to stop in the middle for HD class. Oh well, it's written. I'm glad it's done, now I would just like to go to sleep.

A post

And now, back by popular demand... ELYSE!

Thank you, thank you....

Ok, so I'd just like to say, the flowers are blooming and the sun is shining and it's pretty warm outside..... Glorious I tell you.

Last night I was walking over to my Grandma's house to watch Heroes (!!! by the way) and the crickets and frogs were making LOTS OF NOISE. It was like a symphony, it was also glorious. Spring must be on the way. I love this season because we celebrate the Resurrection (what a glorious hope) soon.

I shall post pictures of flowers and one of Diesel with his bear "Bait" later.

The Christian 10 Commandments

1. Apart from me you can do nothing
2. Apart from me you can do nothing
3. Apart from me you can do nothing
4. Apart from me you can do nothing
5. Apart from me you can do nothing
6. Apart from me you can do nothing
7. Apart from me you can do nothing
8. Apart from me you can do nothing
9. Apart from me you can do nothing
10. Apart from me you can do nothing

In other words, no (fixed it) amount of legalism or tradition can save you or make you a "good Christian".

5"I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing." John 15

Only Christ abiding in us can save us, only the Holy Spirit's working in us will make us a "good Christian." We MUST abide in Him. We must be in the word, we must be praying always, we must continually be dying to self (our sinful desires).

In Bible study on Thursday we were talking about this passage, actually we were talking about traditions and how we all have them. For instance, a tradition of the churches I've gone to is being very reserved in Church. But really, if I wanted to raise my hand to praise God, He would accept that. Even if some people thought I was being too charismatic. All that I do should be to please God and not men. I need to always abide in Him and not abiding in what other people might think.

Traditions are not necessary to being a Christian, we obviously need to be following the Bible and what it says about orderly worship, sometimes the traditions that I am so used to can hinder my relationship with God. It's similar to legalism, I like to have things set out. I like to know my boundaries. But even if I stand with my hands upraised all of the time and my heart is not being lifted to God as well.... There is no value. Outward shows of praise mean nothing to God if our hearts aren't in it.

We need to abide in Him, not traditions. God wants our hearts, He wants us to abide in Him.

The Answers

If you have not taken the test, do not read this post. Proceed to the post below and take the test!

Just in case you were wondering what you got wrong here you go.

Numero uno: My FAVORITE CAR is the Mini Cooper.

Di: Cats are moody, unicorns are not. The end.

3: Disliking the metal in my leg would be like disliking my leg. I dislike the thing that caused the metal to be in my leg, a zip line.

Tetra: I inch in all dangerous situations. You will most likely never see me doing anything dangerous full speed.

Cinco: "issues" = problems. I don't have problems singing, quoting Star Trek thingies OR driving (you sarcastic people... MAYBE YOU JUST HAVEN'T RIDDEN WITH ME SINCE THE BEGINNING! I have improved... Moving on!) I have issues blobbing (jumping off a decky thing onto a large air filled rubber bladder. Out of the 5 or so times I tried I successfully blobbed once. I am a failure.

Hexa: Diesel is his name. Today he grabbed onto my arm and held onto it, while biting me. I had to shake him off. He's like a Piranha, I tell you.

Hepta: NACHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! "Stephen, I am concerned for your soul.... *BAM!*"

Seriously go to that last link.

Eight: I would like a Mini Cooper and a Scottie dog.

Nona: Although Christian Bale is amazing, James Stewart was the BIZ-OMB. Oh and for those of you who were trying to remind me of my younger, more immature days.... Orlando Bloom is not my favorite actor. *shudder*

Deca: Cap guns....

I feel so.... Xanga-ish

Create your own Friend Quiz here

Soo.... I was wondering. Would you like to join me in my quarters for some toast?

So, I've been doing yoga and oh my word, it's a really good workout. I kept slipping on the carpet though and Mom bought me a yoga mat. It works quite well and I'm pretty sore today, so it must be helping.

Can anyone guess what color it is?

Well, I think I only have like 4 more weeks of this quarter left and about 6 more years to go before I become an NP. (not to be confused with an MP, seriously)

I need to visit my sister because I haven't really laughed-so-hard-I-cried in a while, and I'm thinkin' it's about time. Or maybe I should chill with my homies Maryizzle and Caroizzle. Hmmm....

It's Official

I have now, officially, been driving for one year. Yes everyone, I got my permit on the 17th Of February in the year 2006.

And today, for the first time I drove all by myself.

BTW there is a sad lack of good unicorn pictures on the web. I might just have to put up the "mythaseal kreatoore" LOL.... I'll have to get the band or artists together again. :)

...

Happy Valumtimes Day!

Several reasons why you should beware of....

Something to remember

"Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me."

Isaiah 49:15-16

We are engraved in the palms of His hands. Our Saviour showed us this when they nailed his hands and feet to the cross. We are not forgotten, we are constantly on our Lord's mind!

"The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."

Zephaniah 3:17

When your week seems crazy (as in key to the razy) remember that God is with you. The word is near, yes it is in our hearts. He's never left us and He never will. Nothing can take us out of His hands.

And a side note, I helped with a service project last night where we went and fed the homeless in our area. Definitely eye opening and SO different from the well.... Nordstrom shopping, "No, this is actually my 3rd steamer for the day" people that live in my town. I'm reminded of how Jesus didn't hang out with the acceptable people most of the time. He was out working with the people that actually were willing to hear (more so than the "religious people").

God has not forgotten the homeless people that mostly everyone sees and goes, "You know, they are really all panhandlersand we should get them off the street" Then they drive away and they don't do a thing except to complain. I forget, as I eat my homemade yummy dinner, that there are two beautiful little girls that might go hungry because their Mom hasn't got a job or a house. I forget. Thank God He has never forgotten about me.

Because really, without Christ we are the homeless ones.

[a note, this was not intended to be a guilt tripping post.. So sorry. :) But there are things that we can do. I don't suggest handing money to guys on the street. Find out when you can go with your church, or another church. There are options.]

Where my homies at?

Let us again speak of such things as, why wasn't Dom shown in Lost? He should always be in each episode, he's awesome. Let us speak of why I wish Kate and Sawyer would get "kicked off the island." And why I think Claire should have a superpower.

In other words, where are my LOST homies at? Let us talk of such things.

Where are my Heroes homies at? Brian and Kristy? Anyone else? Let's talk about the BIG surprise when we found out about who Claire's real father is.

Let's have a nerd convention....

Snark?

A congratulatory post shall now commence. Once my dear sister posts it will be "Happy 500th post day!!!" (hint, hint....). ANNNND.... I am now a licensed driver. Such a happy post needs something more.... PICTURES OF MORY!!!!!!!!!!!! (these are for you Kristy!)

Chew on this!

I wrote this for my English class. The assignment was to write a persuasive essay, with 2 or three points supporting your thesis and having a counter argument which was thoroughly defeated. Anyway, offer suggestions if you want.... Just try not to make me cry! :)

What is homeschooling exactly? Homeschooling is basically parents teaching their children at home. There is a proven success rate for homeschoolers. Homeschoolers are overall more involved in their communities and in politics as noted in Dr. D Ray’s Homeschooling Grows Up study. There is much debate about homeschooling, some people believe that homeschooling does not provide enough educational or social opportunities. On the other side of the debate is the pro-homeschoolers, these people believe that homeschooling provides ample educational and social experiences. In fact, pro-homeschool people believe that homeschooling is better than public or private education and prepares their children to deal with others on an adult level. Homeschooling is an excellent way of teaching a child.

First, homeschooling is an excellent way of teaching responsibility to children. Successful homeschooling requires personal discipline and responsibility. This discipline is taught by the parents, first by telling their children that they have to do their work. After some time the child knows that in order to be done with school by a certain time of day that they need to apply themselves when working. I have learned to apply myself during the day to be done with school and have fun later in the day. I have also learned to be responsible for turning in my work on time and by doing that being diligent. This responsibility and diligence homeschooled children learn in their early years, taught by their parents, will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Homeschooling is excellent at teaching children diligence and responsibility.

Next, homeschooling is excellent at teaching children at their own pace, without labeling them as special needs. So many times a public school teacher will label a child only because the child does not learn in the way that the rest of the class learns. When a child is homeschooled their parents will be able to spend one-on-one time with the child and go at the best speed of learning for the child. For ADD affected children it is easier to learn at home without all of the distractions at a school. The parents also know their child better than a teacher would and are able to help their child in ways a public school teacher just wouldn’t have time to do. Homeschooling is excellent for teaching children at their own pace.

Homeschooling is excellent at teaching children how to interact with older people. In public or private school the majority of contact a child has, is with people their own age, this hinders their ability to interact with older people. There is no aspiration to learn more from people with more knowledge than them, with only peers there is no higher standard to wish to achieve. In my own life I have had higher standards to achieve, my siblings are all quite a bit older than me and I have learned a lot from them. Instead of just learning things from people my age I’ve heard new perspectives and learned about issues that are bigger than the usual 7 year old talks about. My vocabulary when I was young surprised my sister, who is an elementary school teacher, because not too many children my age knew big words and would actually use them correctly. Because I was homeschooled I was able to talk to adults on a higher level than my peers. Having a home education is excellent at teaching children how to intermingle with people of all ages.

Some people, however, believe that homeschooled children have trouble interacting socially with others because they don’t go to school. This is simply not true. Homeschoolers do not “live in a box” as some people think, since homeschoolers generally are able to be done with their homework quickly (due to the fact that since there aren’t 30 children in a classroom the school day goes quickly) and are able to participate in several activities. In the Homeschooling Achievement survey by Dr. Brian D Ray the mean number of activities homeschoolers participate in is 5.2. These activities include many things, sports, scouts, church, dance, music and the list goes on. There are groups for homeschooling families that involve sports or that offer classes to supplement the homeschooling process. Homeschooling is excellent at offering opportunities to learn and play due to having more time.

Homeschooling is an excellent way of teaching a child. Homeschooling teaches children responsibility, diligence and discipline. The traits (responsibility…) a child learns while a child is young will benefit that child for his or her whole life. Children are able to learn at their own pace when they are homeschooled. Children also learn how to interact with people of all ages because they learn at home, with their families (who happen to be different ages). Some people continue to believe that homeschoolers don’t get enough opportunities to learn, they are wrong. When homeschoolers go out into sports, or co-ops (supplemental classes are offered at these places) they get opportunities to learn. Homeschoolers are in no way limited because they do not go to public or private school.

Works Cited

“Homeschooling Grows Up” by Dr. Brian D Ray (http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/HomeschoolingGrowsUp.pdf)

“Homeschooling Achievement” by Dr. Brian D Ray

(http://www.hslda.org/docs/study/comp2001/HomeSchoolAchievement.pdf)