composition journal

Need to...

2009-09-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

stop eating these AMAZING sweet potatoes chips from trader joes!
get my electrical in my room fixed
do homework
finish decor stuff for sunday
wrap baby gift
clean my room
get my wisdom teeth taken out and cavity filled.

first day of school.

2009-09-08T11:48:00.001-07:00

It finally arrived! The first day of school! I've been waiting for it for the past 3 months...the summer was way too long!

And...I only had one class...haha. But! It was a GREAT class!

Fine Arts in Western Culture with Dr. Brian Larsen.

This class is perfect for me. It's an amazing opportunity to learn about art with a theological perspective, it just makes me more passionate about what I already love.

Amazing.

Here's my first day of school picture...it's a tradition!

Day 2

2009-08-26T12:13:00.001-07:00

I hate bad dreams, they put your whole day in a funk.

Last night I dreamt of my family killing people in the Vietnam war...horrible.

Tonight I had really weird dreams, lame.
And I woke up crying, extra lame.
That's never happened before, weird.

It didn't help that I forgot what day it was and freaked out when my phone started buzzing with Dan Lance on the other line...totally thought our meeting was today...I hate over sleeping so I freaked.

And then I would turn over and sleep some more in weird dreamland and then my phone would wake me up again and again with it's buzz buzz buzz.

Now I'm up. Sitting on the couch in my pjs...drinking coffee and trying to imagine today.

And now Damian Rice's Volcano came on shuffle...I miss my friend Sarah.

But the I am reminded that there is beautiful street art all over the world and then I am happy.

a blog a day keeps the doctor away

2009-08-26T00:10:00.000-07:00

Here we go. It's going to be tough but who said life was easy?

My challenge: A blog a day. (Okay...so I'm a little inspired by Julie & Julia).

No matter how large or small, it's bound for greatness.

Today: A Profound Thought by Hannah Rae Klose

"I wore a fedora today. It was a good day. I should wear a fedora everyday.

i want

2009-08-24T14:35:00.001-07:00

my blog to be cool but i don't have time.

Who wants stuff?

2009-08-06T13:11:00.000-07:00

Seriously...I'm looking for people who want some of my stuff...

clothes (sizes range from small to large), shoes (9-11), nic naks, books, jewelry, purses (and backpacks, messenger bags, lugguge), hats (Fedoras, beanies, newsboy), scarves (it won't be summer forever), decor stuff, bedding

Let me know if you need anything...somethings will be free some I will sell...I'll post pictures soon.

I just really need to get rid of stuff...too much, it's taking over my life.

uhhh.

2009-08-01T18:37:00.000-07:00

extraordinary love. almost done!

Farewell Theodore.

2009-07-07T21:25:00.001-07:00

So my Volvo has been dead for exactly a year today...haha. And there is no hope of Theodore ever making a comeback...but there is hope!

I found the volvo of my dreams and it's in my price range...Jesus please let them not sell it to anyone else before the end of the summer!

Theodore II
He's a beauty.

lifegroup conversations...

2009-07-02T09:05:00.000-07:00

crazy things are happening in and through my life group.

people are getting healed.
people are meeting God.
people are going to rehab after four years of herion abuse.
people are following God's plan and forsaking their own because they know it's better.
people are gaining courage to step out in faith.
people are following their dreams.

7 girls drinking coffee.
7 girls eating snacks.
7 girls laughing.
7 girls living life together.

questions? ask me. oh...i'll tell you.

Facts are Fun

2009-06-28T11:09:00.000-07:00

Fact: There is more to blog about during the school year. I really want school to start.

Fact: I have a painting displayed in the new Hilltop Yaks...pretty cool...even if it is hung by the bathroom.

Fact: I have like 3 other paintings that I need to do.

This was done 2 weeks ago at the Stirring...it has a pretty cool story.

Fact: I'm going to seattle in a little over 2 weeks.

Fact: I have a new trade, I make feather head pieces and I'm going to start selling them.

This was my first

Fact: Life is good.

to do:

2009-06-09T17:22:00.001-07:00

- buy canvas' for the stirring.
- buy canvas for simpson and do the painting for chapel. extraordinary love.
- hang out with kate.
- have bbq with my brother's future-in-laws.
- spend some time in the sun.
- work my life away at the eye doctor, remembering why i'm there and to love it.
- house sit with kristena for the edwardson's.
- find out why my face it breaking out.
- fix my volvo.
- go to oregon or idaho, where ever sarah is.
- go to santa cruz with jacob.
- have pie with the coverdales.
- save money.
- hang out with jacob as much as possible.
- talk to some people i haven't in a while.
- finish my book.

it's been almost a month...

2009-05-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

and I apologize, it's been a crazy one...so instead of a deep blog, I will just give everyone update.

End of April...I finished school, crazy...my first year of college is done and honestly I'm ready for Fall, I like school and I like the schedule of my life when I'm in school.

Beginning of May...
this guy...he's amazing and he's my boyfriend. I seriously can't believe that it's possible for me to be so happy...seriously. Jacob Wise, we've been sorta-friends for years but never really hung out outside of huge group things and in March we hung out on accident...and what do they say... "the rest is history?" Did I mention he's amazing.

Other things of May...When God Dreams...My life was crazy getting ready for this thing...clouds consumed my dreams, but it turned out pretty sweet and the conference was amazing!

May 11th...I started working again. Full time, back at the eye doctor. Cool stuff is happening, God is so amazing. I changed my outlook and attitude walking back into that place and He is making it so easy for me! I love working with patients and talking with strangers hearing about their lives.

May 13th...started my life group. I've never lead one before, and I really felt like this is what I had to do. "What's in your hand?" is all that comes to my mind. In my hands I'm surrounded my young girls and women that I know nothing about, and I'm called to speak into them? How's that going to work...so life group was the only option! and I've never been so excited about something. The girls in my group are AWESOME! I look forward to every Wednesday!

So that's my life...I promise I'll keep everyone more updated!

Love.

to the wildcats...

2009-04-24T13:58:00.000-07:00

(Photo by: Mr. Brent Van Auken)

Wesley Jensen and the Wildcats put on an amazing show last night. It was so much fun to be apart of...they even let me design their set...it's looks pretty sweet (I'm a little proud).

It was a wonderful evening full of musical genius', confetti, brooms, cardboard houses, yerbe mate tea and dancing in the street.

I couldn't ask for a better life.

i took a break from studying

2009-04-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

and this is what i found...

i almost cried. so great.

10 hours and i will be done. freedom from school for four months. hallelujah.

Truth!

2009-04-13T16:21:00.000-07:00

Praise the Lord oh my soul and let all within me praise His name. Praise the Lord oh my soul and let all within me praise His name.

Praise the Lord oh my soul and let all within me praise His name. Praise the Lord oh my soul and let all within me praise His name.

For I will not die I will live and I will tell of the works of the Lord and sing of His wonders. I will not die I will live. I will not die I will live. Because He's a great God.

I get to love you through whatever comes, what a privilige. I get to love you through whatever comes, oh how sweet it is! I get to love you through whatever comes, what a privilige. I get to love you through whatever comes, oh how sweet it is.

And nothing's going to take your praise out of my mouth as long as I shall live.
And nothing's going to take your praise out of my mouth as long as I shall live.

I will not die I will live. I will not die I will live and I will tell of the works of the lord, I will sing of his wonders!
I will not die I will live. I will not die I will live and I will tell of the works of the lord, I will sing of his wonders!

And nothing's going to take your praise out of my mouth as long as I shall live.
And nothing's going to take your praise out of my mouth as long as I shall live because He's a great God, you're a great God!

Word Vomit part 3

2009-04-08T10:06:00.001-07:00

So I'm sitting in my World Civilization class...we're having a debate about if capitalism can survive globalization...

I love when people bring Jesus into their ridiculous arguements...like capitalism is the best from of government...and in the 1000 year reign...bladdy bladdy blah!

"ARE YOU CALLING JESUS A CAPITALIST?!?!"

The homeless man, who didn't have a place to lay his head. The man who took one little boy's bread and fish and multiplied it and fed 500 people?!

And so often Christians think Capitalism is best and Socialism is from hell...I'm not taking either side, I think there are good parts in each...but if you look at what the original church looked like, the Acts Church... "All believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need."

Chew on that.

I had to laugh a little...

2009-04-02T09:47:00.000-07:00

to keep myself from punching someone in the neck...

I was in my Oral Comm class listening to speeches.

One kid spoke on the 2nd Amendment...haha oh joy...I knew where he was going.
He actually quoted scripture...he didn't say the verse address but I'm pretty sure he took it out of context from Luke 22...when Jesus says "...if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one." He followed this by "IT IS GOD's WILL FOR YOU TO BARE ARMS!"

HA! That's when I lost it, I couldn't look at him and take him seriously.

Doesn't Jesus also tell Peter "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword"?

Okay...word vomit complete. On to happier things.
Slumdog Millionaire comes out on DVD today, I'm going to buy it right after this class (yes...I'm in Sociology, it's not that interesting)!

Women's retreat tomorrow. I'm so excited...but I'm also bummed about missing out on the stuff going on back in Redding...I hate missing out on stuff. I think it comes from when I was a little kid. Every time I would spend the night at my grandma's, my mom and brother would do something really fun without me, and I would get so angry! haha...since then, even when I'm doing something fun like women's retreat or playing dress up and watching Nick as Nite (like at Grandma's) I don't want to miss anything.

Next weekend I'm going to Long Beach to spend time with my best friends Stephanie and Jesse, so pumped! And I really want my brother to drive up from San Diego and spend Easter with me...hopefully!

Can't wait!

2009-03-25T17:52:00.000-07:00

I don't think I've ever been more excited for a movie, ever! and the soundtrack sounds epic!

Heaven

2009-03-21T17:07:00.001-07:00

yep...there it is...pretty sweet if i don't say so myself.

Better than google...

2009-03-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

http://www.hoongle.com

it's exactly like Google, but for every search you do, they donate 20 grains of rice to malnourished children.

use it. save the world.

on another note...I have 3 more classes left and then it's SPRING BREAK!
My plans for the break...
Painting, painting, painting...(3 paintings, one mural at the Gafner home, and 8-10 10ft. houses for Wes' show at the Cascade)
San Francisco with my dear friend Lori, not plans just walking and looking at beautiful places and people.

So good.

my mind is full...

2009-03-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

I keep saying this. If you look at my real journal...it's how every page begins...

and even though life is crazy, it's so good at the same time. Although I know I'm in a storm, I know God is constant and ALWAYS good. Although I fear man, I know it's pointless. Although my mind is full, I know I can focus my thoughts and give it all to Him. I know this all to be true, but it doesn't make it any easier.

My mind is full. And the hardest part, it's stuff I can't talk about, because it all involves other people and me. It's not only my problem, I think if it was only my problem it would be a whole lot lighter of a load.

I need grace. I need to embrace the grace that has been offered to me.

Gahh!

But I want to make it clear, I am okay, I'm great. God is good and faithful and good!

and here's a cool artist i found... Lawrence Yang

the automachine

2009-03-17T23:01:00.001-07:00

just realized my link didn't work in yesterday's blog...

http://www.zanorg.com/prodperso/automachine.htm

awesome website...

2009-03-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

just stumbled upon this...and i'm laying down some mad beats.

THE AUTOMACHINE

the rain returned.

2009-03-15T11:19:00.000-07:00

and although i miss the sunshine, i know it shall return.

this is the calm after the storm. this week is going to be so less busy...haha...only one presentation.

then spring break (relaxation, riding my bike, building/painting some houses, going to SF for a day, and i'm sure hanging out with wonderful people)!

then it's 3 weeks till finals. weird. a 4 month summer.

i need to get ready for church and do some homework.

listening to: sunbears!

Tests

2009-03-12T10:10:00.000-07:00

I have had a test every single week since the beginning of February.

I just finished my last one 10 minutes ago and now I don't have one till April 4th! Whoop!

Spring Break: 8 days away!

Can't wait!!!
Above is some pretty sweet art I stumbledupon: Andre Petterson

I'm weak

2009-03-09T19:33:00.000-07:00

I gave up on lent. Well not really...I still plan on practicing it with my morning cup of coffee. The Lord has taught me/showed me so much these past few weeks. He has shared dreams, visions, and place people on my heart. I have been able to focus on him through prayer and crazy things are happening.

But stuff has been tough. I'm so busy...I have had a test every single week for the past month, Erase the Dark, and life in general; I am worn out. This morning I hit a low. I was running on 5 hours of sleep, sitting in my 8 o'clock old testament class. I had a little convo with God and told him I couldn't do this fast on my own, and it was becoming a distraction...after that I marched up to my mom's office and poured myself a cup of joe! I will not be purchasing beverages still, or even drink anything else but already paid for coffee and water...and I will also follow some other practices of Lent, but I just could not do it by myself!

Other than that...Erase the Dark was amazing and I'm so glad it's over...I feel like I can get back to life now. Although I'm crazy stressed and busy, I'm so happy with life right now and I can't imagine it getting any better!

Love.

Ash Wednesday...

2009-02-25T22:49:00.000-08:00

I have never paid attention to this holiday or season of lent ever in my life until this year...

The only reason I even thought about it was because I got an email from Blood:Water Mission, who are having a lent campaign of fasting every beverage except water and donating the money you would have spent of coffee, soda and so on...to their cause of building wells in Africa.

But as I prepared myself for sacrificing my beloved beverages, I realized how much my coffee drinks and tea are such a distraction for me. I can not start my day with out a cup of coffee, I don't ever miss it, I can't...but for some reason I have trouble starting my day with the Lord...getting in the Word and easing into my day prayerfully. So even though this season of lent will be difficult, I am so excited for all the God is going to do.

I also had the pleasure of participating in an Ash Wednesday service at All Saints Episcopal Church tonight. It was so amazing! Christian and I walked in having no idea what to expect, and it was so powerful! It was awesome to step into an environment that was not "normal feeling" but I felt so comfortable. The things the bishop had said seemed to relevant to what I am walking in right now, and also things that we talk about at the Stirring.

The practices were not something that seemed run by works and doing this or that and not knowing why, but really understanding and honor something so powerful that has been done for thousands of years. I really can't say anything but how amazing it was. Christian and I didn't even talk on the way back to campus, I think were both just process that amazingness we had just experienced! haha!

And I left the ash on my head, at first because I had no idea if you're supposed to keep in on for a certain amount of time or not, but then I found out that a few hours or however long you wanted was okay...so I left it (my hair covered it up mostly anyway). It's supposed to be a cross but my hair got in the way when he did it...ha.

blog.

2009-02-24T23:14:00.000-08:00

i want to write one...but there's not enough time in the day!

So good...

2009-02-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

(click on it for a bigger picture...)

I'm alive...I promise.

2009-02-18T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well...I haven't thrown up in 24 hours but all I have in my body is 4 saltine crackers (not an exaggeration) and a few electrolyte enhanced apple drinks.

It started around 7:30pm Monday night.
Didn't stop until 8am Tuesday...yepp 13 hours straight...hell.

I watched law and order SVU...no lie...from 2am till 8pm. RIDICULOUS.

I thought it was food poisoning because it was exactly like last time I had it, but I just read Shelby's blog and she said she had the flu, with all the same symptoms as me...All I know is that I feel like I am going to die, it's just a little less painful now.

Off to email the professors! I should be out and about tomorrow!

post valentines day blog...

2009-02-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

I think I might have had the best V day ever! The day started out with me making a "Saint V Day Love Mix" which I listened to all day and now I am going to pass it on to Mrs. Amy Coverdale because it has been far too long since we exchanged mixes. Every single song has the word love in the title...plus the song "I Want to Hold Your Hand" (only because it's such a great song, I'm especially fond of the Across The Universe version...so here's the play list....

start things off with...
1. I Want to Hold Your Hand - T.V. Carpio
2. All My Loving - Jim Sturgess
3. All You Need Is Love - Dana Fuchs & Jim Sturgess
4. If There's Love - Citizen Cope
5. Love is a Fast Song - Copeland
6. All is Full of Love - Deathcab
7. Better Than Love - Griffin House
8. Oh, It's Love - Hellogoodbye
8. How Sweet It Is (To be Loved By You) - James Taylor
9. My Love Goes Free - Jon Foreman
10. Lovely Tonight - Joshua Radin
11. I Wanna Be Your Lover - K.S. Rhoads
12. Love Is No Big Truth - Kings of Convienence
13. Love Is Something - MoZella
14. Inside of Love - Nada Surf
15. Your Love - The Outfield
16. Love is a Battlefield - Pat Benatar
17. Be Be Your Love - Rachel Yamagata
18. Love That Girl - Raphael Saadiq
19. (I Wanna) Call It Love - Sondre Lerche
20. Lover's Lie - Vedera
21. Love Doesn't Last To Long - The Weepies
Basically I just put love in the "search engine thing" and picked the good ones. ha!

Okay! On with the day! So I was very productive on my Saturday, even though it's my Sabbath, I have Monday off of school so I want to fully enjoy that day! So I went to Starbucks on Lake Blvd., got a London Fog in a for here cup and sat and did home work for 2 hours. (I finished all I have to do and today I'm even getting ahead and doing this whole weeks worth of work!)

I then grabbed some food and headed over to the Miller's house to hang out with the kids so Kristen and Randy could enjoy Valentines day with Meg and Jeremy! I seriously had so much fun. The kids pillow fought and I refereed. We watched Sponge Bob, we ate popcorn, we watched a little of Prince Caspian on my laptop, we played with Photobooth on my computer...it was a blast!

Then I headed back to campus, got things ready for the Stirring and the I am Jonah series...and then watched Juno with a group of amazing girls back in my dorm!

I honestly don't think I've ever had a better Valentines Day!

Unity: One Father. One Faith.

2009-02-08T23:55:00.000-08:00

Thought I'd share with you the painting that happened tonight...pretty cool. It's not done yet, I still want to put some finishing touches on it! The piece was definitely inspired by Nate's message, which was awesome by the way..totally a slap in the face but I needed it!

It's way past my bedtime. Goodnight!

country music is blasting...

2009-02-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

in my room...and I'm not the biggest fan, but my suite mates love it...and love to play is very loudly! Haha I think I'll live though.

So it's Friday and I could not be more excited! This week has been the epitome of insane.

(side note- I can't stand the country music anymore...headphones on!)

Okay...so yeah week has been crazy and basically have had no social life. I left campus for about 3 hours yesterday to help Meghan out and run some errands but other than that it has been STUDY STUDY quiz STUDY quiz STUDY quiz STUDY STUDY test STUDY STUDY STUDY test (for realz)!

This week has been so crazy that I think I already talked about this in my last blog...dang.

Well it's the weekend and I think I deserve it...I have no idea what I will be doing but it will be fun and restful. Hit me up if you want to kick it!

Sitting Down

2009-02-04T21:47:00.001-08:00

This is the first time I have sat down since 6:30 this morning...it's almost 10 o'clock.

and it's only Wednesday...still have an oral presentation, study sessions, working and 2 more huge exams to go.

I am forcing myself to have a TRUE sabbath on Saturday. No homework. No work. No nothing...

I am only sleeping, watching movies, riding my bike and maybe I shall do some painting!

G'night.

I can rest assured...because I belong to you.

2009-02-02T21:22:00.001-08:00

I have had this blog in me for a few days but I couldn't seem to write it out...until now.

God is doing so much in me lately. It's been tough...really tough, but I feel like I've gone through 2 years of growth in 4 days...and I'm learning so much about me, the people around me and my future. I actually forgot how old I was today...funny. I thought I was twenty...a small difference, but really...it's been that long of a week...

Along with the growth God is truly calling something out in me. I feel like this whole week, in midst of all the growth (I need a thesaurus...growth is getting old) God is calling out the child in me; the little girl. Through the heartache of this week, He has given me an uncontrollable joy. I have been holding a genuine smile on my face, a smile that I can feel, a feeling I forgot.

As Heather and I drove back from our day trip in Mt. Shasta City on Saturday, I watched the sky. I was completely dumbfounded by the huge periwinkle blue sky, I felt so small between the mountains, looking up at the heavens. I felt so small. I smiled as I watched the sky turn. I was fixated on one cloud that didn't seem to fit with the surrounding landscape. I thought, "Hey Jesus...that cloud isn't the prettiest color, it's mauve...I'm not the biggest fan of mauve."

As soon as we made our way into Redding, the sun continued to disappear and as it did the mauve cloud turned into the BRIGHTEST most beautiful hot pink with a purple lining! Again I felt so small, and I smiled amazed at how great our Father is. He loves me, his daughter, so much that He desires to change a mauve colored cloud into the most beautiful thing, for me, His small little daughter.

It was just a small reminder, that during all the craziness of life, He wants me to be happy...not only a small fake smile, but an overflowing joy that can only be found in a daughter as she is held in the arms of her Father.

I'd rather be sleeping...

2009-01-29T09:11:00.000-08:00

Oral communication...kill me.

Seriously I don't get it...so many words, theories and philosophies to define talking. Talking.

I don't even like talking! Why do I have to sit here?!

Maybe I need a class for "having a better attitude."
Shoot.

Mexican or Mexican't?

2009-01-27T16:42:00.000-08:00

Mexican Train Dominos is where it's at.

You get me around a big table with a group of great friends and I'm stuck for hours playing this game...

Seriously go to the store and pick it up...and invite me to your house to play.

Weekend away...

2009-01-22T22:14:00.000-08:00

I've hit a wall this week.

I'm incredibly tired. Tired of lots of things. Tired of ignorant people but through it God is teaching me grace. Tired of classes and homework but still trying to be a good student. Tired of friends yet loving them so much and wanting to be with them all the time.

I'm tired and I have no idea why.

So I'm going away for the weekend with Jenna and some other girls.
I'm incredibly excited to get away but also wanting to stay home in Redding.
I know I will have so much fun and I truly need some time away with some refreshing people who only will lift me up during this time of uncertainty.

I'm breaking some promises and commitments that I made for this weekend, but I hope people will understand. I have lots...loads...mucho thinking to do and part of me thinks this is why I'm a little apprehensive about running away to the woods of Jenna's home town. But I know it's what I need to do, to get away from distractions and seek God.

Prayers needed.

Today...

2009-01-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

I don't want to do anything...but the homework is piling up. I wish today could have bee a lazy day.

I had to force myself to wake up...
to go to old testament.
to go to World Civ (which I especially hate)
to go to Chapel.
to go to US History...

and now to do homework...is it the weekend yet?

Hello Mr. President...

2009-01-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

"The question isn't if the government is too small or too big, it is if the government works!"

Now let's get united.

Super Tuesday

2009-01-06T17:55:00.000-08:00

7:00 Wake up...hard to do after 5 hours of sleep.
8:00 Oral Communications...not so excited about that one.
9:30 Intro to Sociology...interesting class but a not so interesting professor.
11:00 Quick meeting with Emily about my job. Paperwork, Paperwork, Paperwork.
12:00 Lunch
2:00 Staff Meeting. Loved it...being apart of the team...sharing my ideas...love it.
4:00 Run to old office, catch up with the ladies and got my sunglasses adjusted.
5:00 Blockbuster, Jamba Juice, and pick up food for my mom.

5:59 Sitting here resting/reflecting on the day. This is going to be a crazy semester but I could not be more excited about it...Planning Erase the Dark, getting creative for the Stirring, my great friend Roseleen is now going to Simpson, and my roommate is engaged so that's fun...lots of other fun/ new things going on too!

Now I'm going to rest and catch up with my vampire friends...book 3. haha!

It's a new dawn, it's a new day

2009-01-01T08:50:00.000-08:00

and a happy new year.

This morning I woke up and I think it was some kinda "freaky Friday" but "freaky Thursday" deal going on. Last night was New Years Eve, it did not feel like it at all. I hung out with my best friend Steph at her house, watching The Duchess, eating ice cream and in bed before 2am. All the while my parents were at Matt and Kendall's, playing Rockband, having a good ol' time and were not even home until 3:30am...Now I'm home from Steph's house and they are still sleeping.

So weird.

On another note, being that it's the New Year I thought I'd welcome in 2009 with a blog, I know my blogs have become scarce and far in between, but I'm pretty sure you all have gotten used to it.

I've never been a goal oriented person. If I ever set goals I usually forget about them, so I never know if I achieve them or not. Mostly, I think this is because I don't look to far into the future; I live in right now. It's not that I don't have dreams, I have plenty of dreams...

I would love to travel Europe (Norway, Sweden, England, Holland, Russia and so on.
I would love to one day open a Fair Trade and local artisan store called Hannah's Kloset.
I would love to work in India, Thailand, or Uganda.

But I have no idea when I will do these things, and it doesn't really matter. I could easily say I want to do all these things within the next ten years, but really, how realistic is that? I'm not trying to be a downer for people who have goals, but for me, I just can't do it. Life happens and far too many times have a put all my...whats the saying...something in a basket...let's say I have put all my pine cones in one basket and something changed or God has lead me on another path. From this point in my life, I know what God has lead me through has molded me into the person I am and I am grateful for where He has brought me...but at all costs I am going to avoid the disappointment and depression that I have already gone through.

I think this is starting to sound depressing.

For those dreams I have, there is no doubt in my mind that I won't do them but it may be when I'm in my 50's or 60's and that is completely okay. Because life happens, in the next year I see myself finishing the semester with passing grades (there's a resolution), putting on an amazing Erase the Dark, having great times with friends and family and continuing my journey following Christ. So I guess I laid out some pretty good goals for me...but who knows after that? Not me.

Merry Christmas...

2008-12-25T00:23:00.000-08:00

I got the last thing I wanted...my purse stolen.

I mean...I'm used to losing things but I've never been robbed until today. Pretty ridiculous!

I was at the Cascade, after the Christmas Eve service. I was selling The Christmas Star DVD's for the Stirring. I had finished up and was just closing down, putting everything away, counting the money and so on...we had to give the Cascade 10% of our profits for them letting us selling them there, so I turned around to give the lady the money and she had left the lobby...
I had a feeling she had gone into the theater so I left everything there in the lobby.

I was gone seriously 20 seconds...there were people I knew in the lobby and I was almost positive the host had locked all the doors already. I walked back and my purse was gone...with my blackberry, license, all my keys and $80 cash.

I'm so thankful they only grabbed my purse and left the bank bag with all the stirring's money.
But it still sucks...definitely the anti Christmas miracle. haha.

It might sound cheesy...but I keep hearing in my head the song that goes "you give and take away...you give and take away. MY heart will choose to say, Lord, blessed be your name." I just hope who ever took my purse needed the cash more than me and enjoys my blackberry. And I'm not going to let this small tragedy ruin Jesus' birthday...Merry Christmas! love you all!

Update.

2008-12-22T15:41:00.000-08:00

Once again, I must apologize (to the 4 of you who actually read my blogs) for my horrible blogging habits. Even when I'm not in school life is just crazy. I don't understand how it happens...I haven't really been doing anything...just reading.

I finished finals...found out my grades, they were all pretty good except for Biblical Backgrounds D+ haha I guess I should have gone to class more and actually tried to study a little earlier in the semester. It's not my fault I had no idea how to study...thanks high school.

Started break...It's only been a little over a week and I'm ready for school to start. I miss everyone.

I did a little painting too! This is for my dad for Christmas...shh don't tell!

My birthday was last Tuesday the 16th. I love my birthday! I call it Hannahkuh because I truly is my favorite holiday. My day started out with Sarah and Jenna bringing me breakfast in bed! I was already out of bed but they made me get back in as they served me Manhattan Bagel and a Peppermint Mocha. Next I went to Carnegie's to meet Meghan for lunch! Wonderful! I love our lunch dates! Meghan gave me the best and maybe worst gift...she let me borrow Twilight...I'm hooked. I held out for so long, but my curiosity got the best of me...I started the book on Wednesday and I already finished book 2 (New Moon) this morning!
(I'm sorry Jenna and Sarah...I promise I won't talk about them when I'm with you!)

Thursday I went to Berkeley with some friends to continue the Hannahkuh festivities. We didn't do much, just walked around the city for a few hours. Ate amazing food (Cafe Intermezzo and Zachary's Pizza) and then headed home. Great day with great people!

The rest of my break has been filled with reading, taking coffee breaks and looking at Christmas lights. I can't believe it's only 3 days till Christmas. It doesn't feel like it at all. My brother can't come up and Stephanie, my best friend, won't be here till after the holiday. It will still be a great holiday!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! Love you all so much!!!!

Sorry for being a horrible blogger...

2008-12-13T00:36:00.000-08:00

But I made it through finals...and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to fail college so that's good!

Nothing really new or exciting had happened since I blogged last...

Oh wait! Tonight I was driving around Anderson with some friends (I know extremely exciting!) and we drove past the Gaiya or whatever hotel...the organic green one. And I kinda screamed in excitement because I always pass by the billboard but I didn't know it really existed. Well it does and they have swans in a pond! We walked around it.

I mean...how much more green can you get? Having a pond with 2 white swans and 2 black swans. I really think, even though they are birds (I really really really hate birds), they could be one of the most beautiful creatures. Amazing.

That's all. 3 weeks of vacation...what am I going to do with my life?

Party.

I'm sitting in front of a huge bay window....

2008-11-29T15:43:00.000-08:00

And life is good.
I think I found my new favorite starbucks. Perfect for homework doing, except for the fact that I'm blogging and not writing my paper but this moment was too magical to not document!

So I'm at the Eureka Way Starbucks, I usually never venture away from East Cypress, but I heard they have nice chairs here. I'm sitting in front of this beautiful bay window, I have my headphones in...Glen Hansard...life is good. I'm watching the cars pass through this busy intersection, I love watching people who don't know they're being watch (in a totally none creepy way). There is something about the candidness of someone who is all alone in their own world. I wonder about what the stranger in the red Toyota Corolla is thinking or where the man in the blue Chevy Silverado is going. It's amazing to me that in a relatively small town like Redding, there are thousands of people that I will never meet, and even the people that I see for a mere second as they pause at the red light, I will most likely never see them again.

And this gets me thinking about the people I see all the time...some strangers, some not.

My best friend moved to Huntington Beach a few months ago, I would occasionally run into her mom, but not very often. I started to miss Steph's family...now I see her mom Kara at least 2 times a week! I just ran into her here at this Starbs. I was instant messaging with Steph and few minutes ago and she brought up the fact that we're both addicted to coffee so that could explain why I run into her at every coffee shop. But really...it's like always a different one, not only starbucks but YAKS too.

There's this other lady. I have no idea what her name is or where I know her from, but I know I know her. I see this women EVERYWHERE. I have even seen her outside of Redding. She has long curly brown hair and she wears black plastic framed glasses. I don't see her all the time, but enough times to remember her. It's really weird.

I don't understand how in a town like Redding there can be thousands of people I will never encounter, but some I see all the time. Do we all live in circles? and some people have the same circles as you? We have the same likes- coffee, art, ice cream, live music...and some people have other circles- cars, big trucks, beer, and crappy music (haha I had to think of the Redneck things that I have nothing to do with)?

Is it this town?

But then I'm reminded of a time I was on the bus in San Francisco. I love this city, and I'm planning on going for a little birthday trip in a few weeks (Hannahkuh...it's an annual Jewish tradition.)

Back to my story...I was on a bus, heading back into the city from Hunter's Point. There was a man on the bus drawing amazing sketches of people on the bus and giving them to them...there was another man that I noticed. He had earbuds in, and I could hear Dashboard Confessional quietly playing. He had great style, dark, dreads...basically...he was beautiful haha. He got off the bus at the stop right before ours. I said goodbye in my head, knowing it's a big city and I would never see him again. I was in H&M later that afternoon doing a little shopping. I went into the dressing room and there he was folding clothes! Absolutely crazy!

Okay, so now, I'm absolutely confused and I don't even know what or why I'm blogging. You probably are too, if you're even still reading.

Circles...people in circles. It's crazy to me...

Another thing to be thankful for...

2008-11-27T15:06:00.001-08:00

Arrested Development marathon.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving Everyone....

What I'm thankful for...

2008-11-27T01:51:00.000-08:00

Everyone else was doing it...so I say, "Why not!?!"

1. Cold weather. I'm so glad it's finally getting here...I mean...it's about time, it's November. But I love wearing coats and scarves and fun beanies, sipping hot coffee or tea, running into cars and putting the heat on as fast as you can, and seeing your breath.

2. My family. They give me a new reason to love them more and more every day. My mom is a saint, she's is amazing in every way and can make me laugh like no other. She's my BFF. My dad is one of my favorite people on this planet. He has the biggest heart. We've had the most amazing conversations lately; I ask him a simple question and I get a 30 minute sermon, but I love it! We laugh, we cry, we drink espresso.

3. The Stirring. I really cannot even explain. I truly have found home. They are my family.

4. My friends. I have the most amazing people in my life right now. I dont know if I could be happier. And everyday I am meeting someone new or growing closer to someone.

5. Coldplay. It's true...I'm thankful for them. Just when I thought they couldn't get anymore amazing they release Prospekt's March. An amazing EP. It's only $5.99 on itunes. 8 songs (5 new ones + 3 remixed ones) and the Viva la Vida music video. Wonderful.

6. FooFoo Friday. Every Friday at 4:04 (four fo' four) me and Jenna meet at YAKS for happy hour and great conversation. Sometimes it's just us, sometimes great people join us. No matter the circumstances it is always great times.

I wanted to think of 10. I'm sure I could...but it's 2:16 am and I'm sick (I finally got over a cold, and then I woke up sick again today! sucks!) so yes...6 will have to do for now.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving, I know I will, 10 great friends plus my crazy 93 year old grandmother.

Pumpkin Cake!

2008-11-19T23:14:00.000-08:00

I made some of this deliciousness tonight! It's seriously SO simple...ONLY 2 INGREDIENTS!

A packet of store bought yellow cake mix and half a can of pumpkin mix. (No eggs, no oil, no nothing!)

Mix them together in the mixer for 2 minutes. Pre heat the oven for 350. Put the concoction in a 7x11 baking pan and bake for 28 minutes or until it's cooked all the way through...after it's cooled you can put any kind of icing on it! (I made my own icing with powdered sugar, vanilla, water, and some pumpkiny seasoning like nutmeg and cinnamon.)

Seriously...It's marvelous. I love pumpkin anything...

Next time I'm going to bake a Red Velvet Cake...Maybe for Christmas...Can't wait!

You like this hat?

2008-11-17T19:10:00.000-08:00

My mom made it! And she has like 80 more beanies and about 60 scarves AND she will be selling them at the CRAFT & FAIR TRADE BAZAAR at Simpson (in the gym) this SATURDAY the 22nd! There are also 7 Fair Trade organizations, that promote sustainable development in other countries...Free Set is one that gives jobs to ex prostitutes in Calcutta, India, so they don't have to work the streets. We also have some stuff from Daughters, the organization that Jenna worked with in Cambodia....

So yes... This Saturday the 22nd. Simpson, the gym.

Hope to see you there!!!!

So I did it.

2008-11-13T23:49:00.001-08:00

it's all gone. i havent decided if i like it or not. it'll need to grow on me.

i swear i will be a better blogger soon.

So...I need your opinion.

2008-11-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

Okay blog family...sorry for the not so serious blogs lately but my brain isn't able to process too much deep stuff, too much homework. haha.

So here's my problem...my hair. I've hit a fork in the road. I need to do something but I don't know if I want to keep growing it or if I want to chop it all off. So here are the possibilites.

Grow it out like I had it last year...

Or...Cut it really short like never before...
I know...ridiculously short. what to do, what to do?

I found a cool website...

2008-11-09T23:55:00.000-08:00

and i thought i would share...

pretty cool huh? www.photofunia.com

enjoy!

Dolce&Gabbana

2008-11-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

This is Dolce (the gnome) and Gabbana (the turtle).

I liberated them from garden cruelty Saturday night. He came to me dirty and covered in snails...I cleaned him up and gave him a clean home in my bathroom.

Now on to other things...tomorrow...it's the big day. I'm excited but more excited for Wednesday when it's all over...haha. I hope you vote...you get a free drink at starbucks if you do, if participating in determining the fate of your country isn't incentive enough. Ha!

word vomit # 2

2008-11-03T00:11:00.000-08:00

it's funny how every week i leave the stirring and i am immediately hit with something.

whether it happens when i'm at starbucks after or i'm home checking my facebook, i'm faced with some issue either having to do with what was discussed that evening or just the stirring in general.
it's not a bad thing, i actually think it's great.

tonight i got home and did my night ritual of checking blogspot, myspace, email and facebook. while i was on facebook, i noticed a friend had posted a note. curious, i clicked on it and started reading. with out saying the stirring, he basically bashed everything about us...along with saying we're surface and trendy on sunday nights...

i've been told i would face things like this, so i was okay with it; i expected it.

honestly, i do not care that sunday nights are surface, in fact, i'm glad they are. church is just a place of fellowhship. what the stirring does, where the growth and main learning comes from, happens during the week. the messages are surface, so we are forced to think, get into the word and talk with eachother...i do not want to be spoon fed jesus. i want to find him myself and with the people i live life with; intimately in my life group.

haha. there goes another case of word vomit.

ALMOST WINTER!

2008-10-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

IT's TIME! Time for switching the wardrobes!!!

I walked outside today and it was overcast and a little bit chilly...definitely not cold yet but it's supposed to rain tomorrow! I love the change in the season! And I feel like I have all new clothes because I brought out my winter scarves and jackets and put my summer dresses and shorts away!

I'M SO EXCITED!

LOVE

2008-10-27T23:51:00.000-07:00

this word has been rocking my lately. it's a simple word, 2 vowels & 2 consonants but together they form something so powerful.

for the past several weeks God has made love the center of my world. seriously, EVERY scripture i am lead to has the word love in it...every one...not an exaggeration.

i listen to John Mark McMillan's "How He Loves" like everyday, and every time i am within reach of my laptop i share with someone the YouTube video of when he shares about the song. he wrote it after his best friend Steven died. One morning Steven prayed that if him dying caused a youth movement among this generation he would be willing to give his life and that night he was killed in a car accident.
the next day John Mark McMillan wrote the song; believing that if God fulfilled the first part of the prophecy that he had to fulfill the second half. And I believe that this song has stirred up a movement among this generation...

we, knowing God's love for us, being know by our love.

I can't get the words "a generation known by love" out of my head. the love for each other and the love of the Father.

Last Night: Insane

2008-10-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

So last night Nathan talked about the sexy elephant. Awesome. Seriously, Nate has such an amazing way of speaking about the things that no one wants to talk about...shedding light on the things the Church has hidden.

After each service Derrick had a specific word for the women and men. To the women he said that the no longer do we need to live in shame, that we need to know that we are enough.

So let me back up a little bit...for the past few months I have had several people approach me and speak out that I have a heart for women. Nate has specifically told me that he sees me disciplining women and being a voice for them. I received it but didn't really do anything with it. Honestly, I've never had a heart or women..actually, I like and connect with very few of them (especially those my age).

But last night something changed...when there (sorta) was a time of ministry at the end of 3rd gathering I started shaking. Now this usually happens when I am supposed to pray for someone. My life verse kept coming to mind and I was kind of frustrated by this, I asked God why this was the only verse that ever came to mind when I was praying for women...and it was like he clearly answered me, "BECAUSE THESE ARE THE WORDS I HAVE TO SAY TO THE WOMEN OF YOUR GENERATION! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SPEAK IT OVER THEM!"

Ha...awesome.

"The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing."

Isaiah 51:3

It's Wednesday...

2008-10-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

and I started sketching again...

I honestly thought I had lost my capability to draw. I had started painting so much and only cared about that, I could barely remember how to hold a pencil! So I designed a dress and a peacoat of sorts...Now I just need to learn how to sew so I can make my creations come to life!!!

haha.

Fashion design has definitely been a good stress calmer...I'm finally feeling the college pressure.

My first huge paper. I know it won't be my last or the longest for that matter, this one's only 7-8 pages...but I'm definitely feeling the stress.

Globalized government...based on history if it is possible. Heavy stuff. Not the easiest to write about. I took me 3 days to write the first 3 pages...but now I'm working on the 6th page! ALMOST DONE!

Just got back from grabbing some food at my parent's (I missed dinner because I was hard at work on my paper) and caught the last view minutes of the Debate. Important stuff...definitely cemented who I'm voting for.

Now I'm off to the Freshman Mugging (aka bowling night)...not so excited about it.

Simple Living #2

2008-10-14T11:48:00.000-07:00

I haven't paid for a cup of coffee in 5 days! FIVE DAYS!

I've spent plenty of time in coffee shops too. For a matter of fact I'm sitting in YAKS right now and you know what? I brought my own coffee in! Ha! And yesterday I went to Starbucks...and brought my own coffee.

okay...so to some of you this may not seem like a huge deal but for me...it's incredible. I average about 3-4 cups of coffee a day...the first cup I usually get at my mom's office, the second YAKS, the third E. Cypress Starbs and the forth either from YAKS, E. Cypress or my coffee pot in my dorm room.
So I average about spending money on 2-3 cups of coffee daily.

Now I don't get any of those fancy drinks, I'm an Americano or Pikes Place drinker...so my drinks are normally under 2 dollars. Now it's math time...

$2 x's 2 = 4 (I'm brilliant...I know!)

4 x's 7 = $28

$28 dollars A WEEK!! on COFFEE! That is absolutely ridiculous!!! That's $112 dollars a month...do you know what I could do with an extra $112 dollars...so much.

So I think I'm off to a good start...I haven't paid for coffee in 5 days, I've drunken plenty of coffee. I've honestly gone to pay for Starbucks coffee and gotten it for free 4 times...and got a free coffee card too, that's pretty awesome. Someone told my it's the favor of Cafe con Christo.

It Starts With a Coffee Cup: SIMPLE LIVING PART 1

2008-10-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

It starts here...with this little cup.

I feel like the Lord has seriously been calling me to a life of simplicity, or more simple than I have been living. Lately, I've been realizing how much money I spend on a daily basis. I buy something new for my closet almost every week...I mean its not ridiculously expensive, most often it's something off the clearance rack at Target, but that's like ten bucks I don't have anymore. I spend money on coffee several times a day...I know I need to ween myself off the Starbucks IV but it is such apart of my life and culture that I don't think I can to quit all together...but I know what I can and will do! I am going to cut back and when I do go to my beloved E. Cypress Starbucks I will bring my to-go cup from home! It's so easy! And it's not about the ten cents I save, it's more about the hundreds of cardboard cups I go through on a monthly basis. My roommate was making fun of me the other day because I come home everyday with a little white cup with a mermaid on it...EVERYDAY!

I'm going to try to stop eating out so much too...I have an awesome opportunity for free meals at Simpson, I mean they are definitely not the most healthy or good tasting but free food is free food! And if I need some time away from Chartwells, I have the opportunity to go home to my parent's and eat!

I also, in the future, really want to learn how to make and modify my own clothes...this is a little extreme but I think it would be fun! and it would definitely help my budget! If I get tired of a certain shirt or dress...just change it up and make it something new!

There are exceptions for everything...I'm not going full on hippy here...I'm just going to start with Starbucks! But I definitely feel this is something I need to do. I checked my bank account yesterday and I have $26 left, and there is not paycheck coming to replenish that. I don't have a job anymore so I am forced to do something! But that's not even the reason for this lifestyle change! I feel like I've given into consumerism far too much in my short life and I need to stop...

keep my accountable please!

Church plant/the play by play of the day!

2008-10-12T01:03:00.000-07:00

8 hours...55 minutes...and counting.

WHAT?!?!

haha too bad I'm not allowed to go. Meghan said so. She is forcing me to sleep in and be well rested for the night gathering! haha!

So today was an interesting day...first I went around Redding with my friend Emily to all these different artist's studios! It was awesome! Totally inspired me a little bit.

Then I met some friends at the e. cyp starbs and we made some plans for the evening.

Went to Racha Noodle...got an order of yellow curry to go. Didn't tip them...and then found out that you're supposed to tip for to go orders...I didn't know that! Is it true? Because I totally felt incredibly guilty...still do. I'll never do it again.

Then to my friend Reilly's house. Ate my food. Watched Arrested Development...never seen it before, enjoyed it...want to watch the rest of the episodes.

Then back to e. cyp Starbs with my friend Sarah. Did a word search from the newspaper. Proceeded to doodle all over the newspaper. Free coffee...always nice.

Left Starbs...saw Bekah. Met them in the Safeway parking lot...headed over to the dorm for a dance party in my room. I found a strobe light online! Seriously amazing!!!

Now I'm at home. It's Columbus weekend...So I went home. I like waking up and having my dad greet me with a latte and making myself some toast.

Mmm. the sooner I go to bed the soon I get toast and a latte! GOODNIGHT!

Thank the Lord for Columbus

2008-10-10T13:31:00.000-07:00

So maybe he wasn't the nicest man, and some argue that he didn't even find the America's...whatever...he is the reason for this holiday and for that I give him props!

I woke up today at 12:30! I would have just been getting out of my last class of the day! So awesome. I needed the extra sleep too. I went up to Ashland, Oregon with my dad last night to see a play for my English class. The Comedy of Errors: Western Style...I don't think this was exactly what Shakespeare had in mind, but it was a funny play none-the-less.I just found this picture on the net but that's the play...just imagine it at night, raining and 34 degrees!

I seriously love Ashland though...I'm thinking day trip...anyone?

It's been 2 days...

2008-10-05T14:35:00.000-07:00

AND I STILL CAN'T TALK ABOUT IT!

seriously...Sigur Ros ruined my old life. I will never be the same.

People keep asking me about it and I can't put anything into words. Amy said it perfectly...it was like everyone was worshipping. The past 2 weeks God has been speaking to me about how He is not confined my religion (or religious music), and Friday night was like the finale of that lesson. All paths can lead to him. That's all I can say...and RAIN. wow.

My friend Dusten took these photos on his camera phone so I stole them...amazing.

Encounter Tonight...

2008-09-25T00:07:00.000-07:00

Oh my word. Tonight was AWESOME. I have to go to bed so I don't have enough time to complete a blog about everything that happened tonight...but I wanted to post a picture of what I did at Encounter! It's a two piece set...FREEDOM (well that's it's name so far. It takes a few days for God to finish speaking to me about my paintings and for me to then think of a name...)

Tomorrow = sleep, coffee, biblical backgrounds, sleep, coffee, world civ, coffee, LIFE GROUP, sleep.

CAN'T WAIT!

I spent 5 hours in YAKs today...

2008-09-22T23:45:00.000-07:00

Ridiculous! I had four papers to write...yes...numero quatro. All due tomorrow...and I only have 3 classes, I don't get it. Whatever though I am done!

And this is only one part of the craziness this week holds. I would seriously die with out my calender on my blackberry....

I'm having coffee with like 8 different people (hopefully not at YAKs...I need a change of scenery!)
School.
Meetings.
Homework.

&...WEDNESDAY. ENCOUNTER. be there!
A night of worship sort of thing here at Simpson. It's going to be amazing! I went shopping today with TJ and we both cannot wait to see how God's going to show up! God's hand is totally in this thing and it's all for his glory!

8pm at the Gym.

I'm painting too...there's another reason for everyone to be there!

It's really passed my bedtime....Goodnight!

I never thought this would happen...

2008-09-17T22:45:00.000-07:00

I've become a neat freak! Seriously, I've never been like this before. Anyone who has ever been in my room before can attest...you could never see the floor, 3 feet deep in clothes with a little path to my bed, always! Most days you could barely get the door open.

Now that I live sorta on my own...I can't leave the room with out making my bed and putting all my clothes away. Everything must be folded, hung up, drawers shut, shoes under bed and in neat rows in my closet. My desk is all in order...bathroom...order.

I went on a cleaning frenzy tonight too, scrubbed all my sneakers until my hands felt numb.

I thought maybe it would only last a few days, but I'm in the middle of week 3 and I don't think my clutter queen tendencies are coming back anytime soon. Not necessarily a bad thing but I might going insane with the piles of clothes made by my roommate...haha.

Mom...you'd be so proud.

So I'm kind of stuck on this topic...

2008-09-16T20:20:00.000-07:00

Pro-life. I can't stop thinking about these two words that are connected with a dash. What the heck? It's like everyday I'm reminded of it...

Here's what's on my brain...If someone is going to be Pro-Life, what about the death penalty and war? Where do you stand on that?

I'm pro life but I also stand on the democratic side. I may not agree with all things democratic but it is also part of a protest for me...that not all Christians have to be Republicans and not all Republicans are Christian.

But truly...how can you say you are for life but also be for death?

I understand, abortion is about the babies. No person wants a baby to die, but seriously they are humans, just like a 19 year old soldier or a civilian of any age that just happened to be raised in the wrong country at the wrong time...

or what about a 40 year old murderer...we are all sinners and who is to say that not everyone is deserving of grace?

Thoughts?

good...night.

2008-09-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Huge thank you to Team Coverdale for having me over for dinner tonight! Amy...the pot roast was delicious and the peach cobbler...best I've ever had.

That was really one of the only exciting things about today. Except I decided I want one of these...

It's an Akita. They're big and they're Japanese. So precious.

This was a random blog. Night all.

word vomit...

2008-09-10T23:17:00.000-07:00

yeah...that kind. Sometimes it just happens. I don't know what comes over me but it happens quite often. I just get a surge of passion and I spill out this huge ridiculous sermon of a sort.

Tonight for instance...I don't know what it was, maybe it was the Prayer Night and I was just filled with crazy passion but we were discussing politics at In N' Out. I have a love/hate relationship with talking about politics. I'm usually careful who I discuss them with. But some kid asked me a question...and from that point on I could just feel the words making their way up my throat....

We were discussing the candidates and who stands for what and if what they say they stand for is credible...some how abortion got brought up...and then it came, the word vomit.

In about 5 seconds I said "I'm pro life but I believe no politician is ever going to make abortion illegal, so instead of wasting our time waving picket signs or putting tape over our mouths...why don't we pray that God moves in the hearts of the doctors and women and manipulative families. I'm tired of hearing about Christians who hate anyone who is not pro-life yet do nothing about solving the problem. I'm tired of people standing outside of abortion clinics but are not willing to adopt children or take care of single moms or walk along side women through the other options or help with the grief and the pain they are feeling. I don't like hearing Christians hating candidates because they are pro choice, but not looking at other the other good 'Christ like' things they do stand for...starting at the bottom by caring first for the least, no war or violence, health care for children...and the list goes on. I'm tired of it."

Yep that was my vomit. I felt like it wasn't me talking. And instead of cleaning up my vomit, I sat there silent. Maybe I didn't necessarily like the way I spilled all that out there in front of some people I barely knew, but I meant every word of it.

I think it's important to vote. I don't agree with either candidate wholly. They're politicians, they're not perfect in anyway. But I have to choose for me and not base my decision on one issue but over all.

So I had word vomit and then it turned into some blog vomit. Haha....good thing there was no real vomit tonight.

Goodnight. I have biblical backgrounds in the morning...oh joy!

tonight = crazy

2008-09-07T23:22:00.000-07:00

So I just got back from the Stirring a little while ago and I'm wondering...was anyone thinking about fire code tonight? There were so many freaking people there! Crazy.

We had to pull down 60+ chairs.
We passed out one whole box of Myriad fliers.
About 500 life group fliers.
I saw like 30 people sign up for kid's ministry.
And we tore the whole place down in under 20 minutes.

CRAZY!

I'm so excited about this new series. I think it's the perfect way to start of this season, especially with all the new young people. Going through Acts is going to rock some lives. Most of these new students come from home churches that just follow American dream...and now they're going to see how the Church was intended to be like. So awesome.

It's bedtime now...this week is going to be insane.

Goodnight friends and I pray your week is amazing.

Feeling good.

2008-09-02T00:38:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling good about this whole school thing...tomorrow's my first day. I'm ready...Katie painted my fingernails...I am set.

I've had a lot of concerns and worries about this year, I've struggled with bonding with my roommates but I've come to peace with that. It will come, it just may take some time.

I was nervous that there wasn't going to be much growth in my life because of going to Simpson and not having that "first time away from home and on my own feeling" but I feel like so much has happened already and I've had so many hills to climb this weekend that I can't even dream about where I'll be in a few months or weeks. Cool stuff.

Tomorrow...world civ, friendship bracelets, and toga party. what could be better?

Goodnight.

Dorm Life...

2008-08-29T17:48:00.000-07:00

This is weird. Seriously. I'm a freshman at Simpson...who would have thought? Not I. So I'm sitting in my dorm room and it's definitely surreal. I'm not quite sure how I'm feeling. It's like, I'm new because I'm a freshman but I've been here at Simpson since I was 8 years old...so I'm way old. I don't know anyone but I feel like because I'm not so new, I don't have that in common with other freshman. I feel different. It's an odd feeling...

I'm gonna see if the roommates wanna go get food...

peace.

my mac book came TODAY!

2008-08-28T20:13:00.001-07:00

and I'm so excited! it's beautiful and amazing and i have no idea how to work it!
short blog, but i want to play!

All I have to say...

2008-08-28T08:31:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday morning and I am so freaking awake. I fell asleep last night at 7pm and woke up this morning at 7:30am. So amazing...

Today is my last day of work. It's so weird. This is my 3rd summer working 40 hours a week. and I would work everyday after school for 4 hours during the year. Shasta Professional Eye Care became my life for the better portion of high school and now I'm just done? Crazy. They're buying me pie and we're celebrating or not really celebrating. These women have become like my aunts. Every time we talk about my leaving one of them starts crying. I'll honestly miss them, a lot.

My Macbook is supposed to be here today! Finally!!!! The whole tracking thing is so confusing though, I thought it came yesterday and I was freaking out and down stairs talking to the front desk ladies at Simpson...a little ticked because I thought it had said it was delivered at sign for at 10:22 am and they had no clue where it was, when actually it was my iPod that was delivered on Monday. Haha. I felt like just a jerk. But I doubled checked the tracker right now and it says it should be delivered TODAY, the 28th!

My next blog will be via mac. Can't wait. I'll probably have one of the fabulous iPhoto self portraits too! ahhh!! I'm so excited.

No more FooFoo Fridays...

2008-08-22T07:20:00.000-07:00

What are FooFoo Fridays you ask? and why are they no more?

Every Friday at the Eye doctor we order coffee drinks, foo foo ones, like gross blended drinks. Sometimes the doc's even buy them for us...sweet deal. And since this is my last Friday at the office it is my last Foo Foo Friday ever. Sad thought. But I'm so ready to be done!!!

And now that it is the weekend I have a few goals that I have to accomplish...

- Clean my room, I thought about posting a picture of how disorganized my room is but it would probably make Anna Moseley go into cardiac arrest. Let my just say...it's like 3 feet high (not an exaggeration) with clothes and purses and shoes and blankets. No dirty just horribly messy.

- After cleaning my room, I need to do some seriously laundry.

- Organize all my clothes and decide what going over the the other dorm with me and what's staying with my parents.

- Paint, it's been to long and I'm feeling kind of inspired!

- Call my best friend, we haven't seriously talked in like a month.

So not too much that needs to be done, but enough that I may procrastinate and never end up doing...

Have a great weekend friends!!!

Lunchtime!

2008-08-19T12:25:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting at my new favorite lunch spot, Blendz...seriously amazing salads and smoothies! I'm on my lunch break, yep, back to work...my last full week! So crazy! I've decided that I'm not going to work this semester...school and church are my number one priorities and I need to devote all my time to them. So its nerve racking, I've had a job for 2 and half years and now I will be a poor college student!

Anyway...camped at the coast this weekend! It was awesome! I'm definitely glad to be home...its hard for me to be around 10 crazy people for 3 days straight with no time to myself. But it was fun and beautiful and I fell in love with Arcata and the Co-Op!

Here's some pics...

Tomorrow I Camp!

2008-08-14T22:11:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow me and 11 of my close friends are going to the big lagoon at Patrick's Point for a camping trip! It's going to be INSANE! It's been over a year since I camped and I have never been to Patrick's Point! I'm so amped!

I'm taking a break from packing, even though I'm not bringing much...I'm ruffing it....I hate packing. I never know what to bring and I always forget something!

It will be nice to get out of Redding and the crazy hot heat for a few days...especially after this long week. But I'm trying to stay positive!

Good things about this week...

-Sunday - the Stirring was awesome. I'm way excited about this new series.
- Monday - Had coffee with Tyler, great conversation. I think we sat in front of Starbucks for 2 hours...
-Tuesday - Devil Wears Prada and Norma Jean show in Chico, nuff said.
-Wednesday - Watched "Smart People" at Shelby Schwitter's. Good movie, enjoyed it tremendously. The perfect balance of humor and "thinkingness"...you know, one of those movies that makes you thing.
-Thursday - Bike ride at 8am this morning with Christian, Kendall and Cory. I parked my car at work, rode to sundial to meet them, rode the complete loop of the River Trail. Had some complications with my bike, like it's ridiculously heavy and so hard to ride and i accidentally went off a curb and a bungee cord got wrapped around my back tire. I was only 15 minutes late to work, which I was pretty proud of. Dusten is building my a road bike! I can't wait! It'll be so much nicer than my cruiser!!!

So that was my week so far, not too bad I guess.

I'll be back from camping on Sunday, just in time for set up!

PS. This is my best friend Stephanie. She turned 20 yesterday and I'm so bummed I couldn't be down in Huntington Beach to celebrate with her! She's awesome and I miss her like crazy!

Shalom!

everything in the world is as it should be...

2008-08-10T01:01:00.000-07:00

i had one of those moments today, actually a few...

i went down to chico with some friends, for no reason other than getting out of town. we didn't do anything spectacular. we rode our bikes across the whole town. through fountains, through busy streets, on sidewalks with no destination. marvelous. i bought a bike, a road bike, for 10 dollars at a garage sale. my cruiser is just too heavy, i love it, but it's not to practical for redding.

i drove home with my friend whitney and we talked and time just flew. we rolled into redding at around 6:30, grabbed some chipotle for heather smith and went to her house.

we sat and talked for a few hours and then we just started worshiping. whitney lead us with an unplugged electric and it was perfect. just the three of us. perfect.

i love days like this, no real agenda, just seeing how things turn out.

my apoligies...i'm a horrible blogger

2008-08-08T15:10:00.000-07:00

Life's so crazy right now, so it's not like I don't have anything to blog about...I just don't have to time or brain power to blog about it.

Since my last post I...

Have registered for housing/classes at Simpson. I finally get to experience Shaefer for myself! I'm only taking 13 units just to get my feet wet, to see if Simpson is really where I supposed to be.

I quit my job! I'm at the point where I'm relieved and ready for what's next but also freaking out because I have no idea what's next. Scary!

I decided I want to move to Nashville, sometime...I don't know when. But I am going to live there at some point in my life and I will have a sweet southern drawl and I'll come back to Redding with my cute folk singer songwriter husband (I swear he's there I just have to find him! HA!) And no one will even recognize me. But seriously, can't get Nashville off the mind...

That's basically it with a few other crazy things thrown in that I don't feel like blogging or thinking about...BUT I promise my next blog won't be in like a month!

Shalom.

"we can do no great things, just small things with great love."

2008-07-22T22:01:00.000-07:00

Just finished this book...

AWESOME!

Completely rocked my world. Where do I begin...

If you haven't read it, read it. What Shane Claiborne says will force you into authentic living...it starts with simply loving your neighbor. He challenges everything from loving the poor, social justice, violence and war, what it means to be a christian, the world of economics, patriotism, and the modern American church. He makes you think like crazy. It took me a while to finish this book, even though sometimes I could not put it down...I needed to process what I was reading and practice it.

I underlined, highlighted and wrote all over the margins, so much that I may need to buy my friend who lent it to me a new copy.

I wanted to insert a quote here, but I could not find just one...so just read it for yourself, you won't regret it. And I'm praying about leading a life group in the fall and go through this book, so if you're interested let me know or if you'd want to help me lead it...I'd love it!
Now I'm on to unChristian...just checked it out of the library (new favorite place). Can't wait to get started!

Another painting...

2008-07-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Here's another painting I finished a few weeks ago. I can't wait to give it to Lorene...it has a few different meanings but I hope God really speaks to her through it!

Thought you'd enjoy! Have a great week everyone!

Top 10 Reasons Why Life is Good!

2008-07-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

(This is the last painting I did for Kristina Hayes, just thought I'd share)

1. I have this crazy joy right now, that I can't really explain, it's just there.

2. I serve at the Stirring with an amazing group of people. I love every single person there and Sundays are my favorite day of the week because of them!

3. With all my car trouble, I've been driving my dad's station wagon...totally nerdy but I think I can rock it. AND I can fit my 3 speed cruiser in the back SO I am always ready for night time bicycling ride, because I work all day and it's the only free time I have and it's not freaking hot out.

4. My dad comes home on Thursday. I miss my padre so much. I'm so blessed to be incredibly close to my family and it's just not the same at home without him!

5. I got free ice cream at coldstone tonight. So awesome.

6. The Lord has been streching me like crazy and showing me more of His plan for my life. I've had this serge of inspiration and passion this week and I feel like I need to share it with anybody and everybody.

7. Crazy stuff is happening with my art. God is good and works in amazing, surprising ways...

8. I will finally have enough money to buy my Macbook in 2 weeks! I'm so amped.

9. Everything at my work is going really good. If you don't know, I've really struggled with my job that I've had for over 2 years. I'm ready for change, I just don't know when it will happen. But until a door is opened, God has seriously made things so much easier on me there...

and finally...

10. Patricks Point Patio Camping Trip is happening in exactly one month. Can't wait!

Day from...well let's just be honest...HELL

2008-07-10T23:48:00.000-07:00

You knows those days when you wake up, you have a huge zit right in the middle of your forehead and you just know it's not going to be a good day?
That was today.

9am...I got to work and it began...Dr's freaking out because he has no idea what he's doing...
"I'm sorry! I didn't know my job was to look like an idiot so you don't have to!"
Well...that's what I wish I could have said, but then I would have been jobless...

Worked 8 hours in total stress mode...

6pm...got off work and was driving home and thought to stop my Michael's craft store to pick up some supplies so I could finish the painting that is in my last blog...

6:30pm Get into car in Michael's/Cost Plus parking lot...turn key...car makes funny noise...doesn't start. I call my mom so she can come to my rescue. I hang up the phone and realize that I have her car key in my purse! Thank God she found a key to my dad's car that basically has no brakes, and arrived shortly there after.

7pm...Mom calls car club place for a tow truck..,

7:30pm...waiting
8pm...still waiting

8:30...Tow truck man arrives and jumps my battery...he tells us to go straight to Walmart to buy a new battery and to not turn off my car!

8:35pm...Sitting in my car at the Hilltop and Dana drive intersection...car dead...again! I immediately turn my flashers on but you can barely see them since my battery is dead.

8:40pm...Nice man named Jesse in a Nissan Marano pulls up next to me and offers to help in anyway. I get in his car and he takes me to Walmart so I can meet my mom and get a new battery.

8:45...Arrive at Walmart...run into the auto department and yell, "I have a 1988 Volvo sedan 240 DL and I need a battery!!!!" A nice man with a pony tail (which reminded me of my dad and how I wish he was here with me and not in the middle of Kansas on a bicycle!) Got the battery I needed, explained somethings to me and then I handed him 87 bucks and I was out the door to wait for my mom.

8:52pm...My mom and I realize we have no idea how to change a battery.

8:53pm...I start hyperventalating.

8:55pm...Mom calls her amazing boss Joe, who just happens to be at Chevy's and he and a guy come to help us out! My mom put the car in neutral and they rolled the car out of the middle of the intersection...while I am directing traffic because I am wearing bright yellow and red scrubs with ladybugs all over them and cars could not miss me!

8:56pm...Lady cop arrives saying they got a call reporting an abandoned Volvo in the middle of Hilltop. (HA!)

8:57pm...the amazing Emily and Brett Faulknor are waiting at the light and turn around to help us out!

Turns out I have no tools in my car so we had to Run to Big Lots to get a wrench!

9:00pm Brett, Joe, and David (I think that's his name) save the day and get the old battery out and the new one in...and I am on my way home!!!

Needless to say I was bawling my eyes out this whole time because I am hypoglycemic and I hadn't eating in 8 hours therefore I was not able to control my emotions well...and I have only had my license for 7 months so this was new and stressful!!!
10pm...go to starbucks...order venti iced americano...sit with friends and try to decompress

12am...Can't fall asleep because of the venti americano.

Good news...tomorrow is Friday!

New Painting...unfinished

2008-07-09T23:13:00.000-07:00

I had a painting session with my dear friend Shelby tonight and this was what happened! I love it! It's not finished yet but it's for my dear friend Lorene Holley!

My amazing mother bought me eight canvas' this week! It's buy one get one for a penny at Aaron Brother's right now...such a great deal! I wanna try painting everyday this week and see what happens...sometimes when I do this all my stuff starts to look the same...but whatev I need to get the creative juices flowing...

dreams..

2008-07-08T10:46:00.001-07:00

I've been having the weirdest dreams lately. Lastnight I fell asleep around 7pm (Yay for working 40 hour weeks!) and woke up at 6:30 am. I seriously had like 5 dreams and they were all things that I've been thinking about or things that have happened yesterday but totally twisted and randomized...word?

What the heck?! Maybe the chiropracter messed me up...haha.

Random blog...but I've been thinking about these dreams all morning.

It's official...I'm a Red Hawk!

2008-07-06T23:17:00.000-07:00

On Friday I got the call from my admissions counselor telling my I was excepted to Simpson University! Haha..I know big surprise, I didn't think I would ever be excepted (can you sense the sarcasticness?). And maybe to some of you the idea of me attending Simpson is a huge shock! Ever since age ten Simpson was on the very bottom of my list of higher education possibilities, but God had another plan for me...

Even though I know God has me staying in Redding and going Simpson for a reason it was still hard for me to be content with that, for reasons such as, visiting Point Loma University and having my close friends Mark and Rebecca Carter move down there)...

So frankly, this acceptance means a lot more to me because it is just another confirmation that this is where I'm supposed to be and that makes me freaking amped on what God has in store for me!

Pain in the Neck!

2008-06-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Who would go to Waterworks when you have a water slide like that?! and it doesn't cost a small fortune to go to...it's free because it's nature!!!!

That's my best friend Jesse sliding down one of the amazing Montgomery Creek Falls on Saturday! And a quarter mile up stream there is an amazing waterfall that is perfect for jumping off of! It was such an amazing weekend, full of fun with friends and enjoying God's creation...but my body is definitely paying for it (and it probably didn't help that I helped Matt Moseley move couches yesterday because Billy was on vacation...me replace crazy strong Billy Brown, WHAT THE HECK?)

I have the worst pain right underneath my neck that leaves me almost immobile! I feel like I can barely function. I've been poppin' Advil all day and it doesn't seem to be working...

Does anyone know of something that would help...I'm completely clueless when it comes to these sorta things?

on my way home.

2008-06-22T12:34:00.000-07:00

Isn't it funny how you always need a vacation from your vacation? Good thing I have another week off of work... I'm on my way home! We just made it through LA and I'm sitting in the passenger seat for the first time in 5 days. I drove everywhere! I don't have that much freeway experience (I mean come on, I live in Redding, the farthest I go on I5 is from Simpson to the Stirring once a week! Ha!) But seriously, I conquered rush hour LA traffic and downtown San Diego and all in between!

It's been a good week but I am so glad to be coming home! I very much love my routine and my own bed.

We arrived in San Diego county late wednesday evening and stayed at my brother's house. The next morning we travelled to Ocean Beach and met up with Mark and Rebecca Carter (one of my favorite couples! Seriously they are amazing and if you don't know them get in your car, bus, plane, train and get to Ocean Beach and hang out with them!!!) We spent the next 3 days with them and their two dogs, Sam and Eli, at their amazing condo that was ONE block from the beach! ONE BLOCK!!! We ate good food, drank coffee, shopped and hung out with the boys (sam and eli).

Last night we went to a Padre's game! It was a little stressful but definitely an adventure, and fun. We left the Carter's and headed back to Vista, to my brother's casa. We were running late for the train to the stadium so as soon as we pulled up to Aaron's house we were back on the road! We made it to the station 2 minutes late but the train was late so it worked out perfectly! We arrived at the Padre's game and met the Carters and had an amazing night. We lost but it was still fun, and there was an amazing fireworks show after! It was the perfect ending to a crazy day until we left the stadium and made our way back to the train station. We and a hundred plus people were waiting and there was no train! We tried to get a cab but the wanted to charge us more than $100 bucks to get us back to our car, and no way jose were we going to lay that down!

So we were stranded, but then I remembered that my friend Trevor was going to be coming through the city and maybe he could pick us up! I called him and he was aleady basically home but he turned around and came back to get us! He's amazing and if you don't know him, you don't need to drive, fly or float down to San Diego to meet him because he's moving back to Redding in the fall! But seriously! He's amazing and drove way out of his way to get us!

So we made it home and I crashed on my brothers bed, fell asleep with my street clothes on, I was that tired.

Now we're headed home and I'm so excited! It's been an awesome week but I miss the east cypress starbucks, and the stirring, and my best friends Stephane and Jesse are both home in Redding and this is just going to be an amazing last week of vacation!

Can't wait to see you all!

holiday in the sun...

2008-06-16T23:02:00.000-07:00

Not really, at least not yet...I am officially on vacation! Right this second I am laying in a hotel bed in vacaville, ca. This whole ordeal was hard for me to take...I like to get where I'm going in the least amount of time. But I am trying to remind myself that this whole week is vacation, not just when we end up in san diego.

It's about the journey, not the destination...right?

Tomorrow we will be in santa barbara, CANT WAIT! I've never been so I am so excited. I heard it's amazing and beautiful! And the shopping is prime!

Once we get to san diego we'll stay with my brother and the carter's in their new place! I cannot wait to hang out with them in their new home of Point Loma!

I believe saturday my brother and I are going to head down to mexico and hang out for the day. (I've never been!) But other than that I'll spend most days hanging out, drinking coffee and relaxin'.

I'll post pictures as soon as a get a real computer and I'm not blogging via blackberry!

My crazy Dad!

2008-06-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

My 52 or so year old father (I can never remember how old my parents are...haha) is riding his bike across the country! Yeah, you heard me...he is riding a touring bicycle from Florance, Oregon to Nashville, Tennessee. Him and 8 other students from Simpson University are stopping in schools and churchs all along the US raising awareness and money for well building in Africa. It's so amazing!!! So if you interested in checking in on them their blog is http://wheelsforwells.wordpress.com

i'm done...

2008-06-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

I am officially finished with high school forever! I just finished my economics final, and even though I'm a little pissed that I have a C+ and not a B and he won't even bother to read my amazing essay on the supply and demand side of economic theory, I'm just glad to be done!!!

I graduate on Thursday!!!! And I'm having a party on Friday at 7pm! It'll be in the thompson mangham lobby, my home and everyone from the stirring blog community is invited! Haha.

On that note...I cannot stop telling every person I come into contact with that I am so happy with the home I have found in the Stirring. The team I get to serve with is so amazing, I cannot even begin to explain! This new series Becoming Who We Are is going to be AWESOME. Can't wait for next week!

I'm a painting machine!

2008-05-28T10:03:00.000-07:00

In the past two days I have completed 5 new paintings! I don't know how, I guess I've been pretty inspired by those I love. I finished 2 for my brother which completes his set of four! 1 for my friend mark carter and one for his wife rebecca that I did last night.
I also finally finished the two for the Risto family. At Erase the Dark their two year old daughter Isabella ran straight up to my painting, Dance Upon Injustice, and jumped up and down pointing at it. The won it for her in the auction and ask me to paint two more for her bedroom.

It honestly has been really cool to have people interested in my art. It was always something I just did for myself, as worship. I love being able to paint for people, if the lord can speak into their lives through the colors and shapes I produce, let me be a vessal!

a day in chico

2008-05-24T17:56:00.000-07:00

It's been a long and hard week. My fish, Sufjan, died; I want to quit my job, I had a few awkward run-in's with some people, I fell long boarding and I have a giant gash on my arm, and I'm so close to graduating and it could not be coming any slower!!!

So I despretely needed to get out of town!

So now I'm driving home from a day spent in Chico, CA (well I'm not driving...that is just dangerous and not smart) here's how the day preceded...

-Leave at noon
-Got lost
-Arrive at 1ish.
-Ate lunch as Kona's (an amazing sandwich place!) Totally hit the spot!
-Walked around for a bit. In n out of stores.
-Went to the salvation army...got a old tin chocolate case for 4 dollars. And bekah got a jewelry box.
-Went to Gigi's shoe parlor. bought some new sandals.
-Pete's coffee...need I say more.
-Got lost (really lost) but with the combination of my inner gps and my phone's navigator we found our way to Trader Joe's.
-Bought my dad some jam, smart water, fruit leathers, pirates booty and some horrible sushi (I thought I was going to puke)
-Now we're on our way home...almost to Redding.

Good day.

New Bike

2008-05-19T19:15:00.001-07:00

This is my new bike...I bought it at a garage sale for $5, today I put $40 ( $30 for new tires/$10 for Dusten helping me out!), and into it and if I don't say so myself...it looks pretty dang nice.

I have wanted a bike for sometime now and I believe good things come to those who wait. After cleaning her up with some steel wole and windex, she is beautiful!

Call me if you want to ride!!!

Ready for change...

2008-05-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

I think my life needs so changes, to make it a little more exciting. I've been doing the same thing for 2 years. For an eighteen year old working the same job for that long is a pretty big deal.

So today I am applying at starbucks!

Please pray for me!

Boredom at it's finest!

2008-05-08T20:51:00.000-07:00

The most exciting part of my day was giving these poor drawings mustaches [for mustache May of course] and turning them into celebrities [Billy Ray Cyrus, K-Fed, Macy Gray, and the tortilla chip lady with all the fruit on her head!]

This was in Piano class. I'm horrible at piano and my teacher teaches us absolutely nothing! Today was a first, where she actually gave us an assignment. I'm supposed to play at a recital on May 31st, so if anyone is interested in seeing me embarrass myself it will be held at Barnes and Noble @ 3 pm.

today they come!

2008-05-06T01:00:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the poor pic quality...it was a quick shot with my camera phone.

If you are not in the know, I live at Simpson University. I've lived here since I was 8 years old. And every year, after graduation, the campus is rented out to different organizations for the summer.

Today the Salvation Army ladies arrive. It would be so pleasant if it was the nice Salvation Army officers that came to visit, or even the bell ringers but no, they pick up these crazy old women from the inner city and bring them to good ol' Redding for a week.

Don't get me wrong...this is an awesome ministry! And they have been coming every summer for the past 10 years so I should be used to it, but I'm not and I don't think I ever will.

They are loud and crabby. They all smoke 8 packs of cigarettes a day, so there are hundreds of signs all over campus that say "NO SMOKING." HA! But you still see them squating between cars in the parking lot.

Oh! These women are crazy. I'm sure there will be more stories as they arrive. But seriously I love seeing hiding in the parking lot puffing away!

Happy 5th of May

2008-05-04T23:39:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy in the place I am right now. I can't describe it in fancy words...so I will make a list!

- Every week it is confirmed that The Stirring is my home, and it has definitely become the catalyst for the rest of my week. I seriously love serving there. I am able to use my gifts that God gave me to help and carry weight but not get worn down.

- The Lord is restoring relationships in my life, that hopefully will become amazing friendships!

- He is confirming the call on my life for social justice. Giving me more dreams and heavying my heart.

- I have had the most amazing conversations this week too! I used to never be good at connecting with people. I would have considered myself a little awkward...but now I am able to connect with complete strangers and talk with them about their lives and hopefully speak into them. It's when I am in fellowship with people sitting at Starbucks or wherever that I feel most spiritually alive. There is something about conversing with people that increase the dreams of my heart.
I was driving to the lake with some girlfriends and some how we got on the subject of witchcraft in Mt. Shasta...and I got the idea of driving up there once and awhile and creating relationships with people there...and not just people who have chosen a dark life style but teens who don't have anything to do but party. Wouldn't that be amazing to create a bond with them? By just hanging out and being there. I believe God is starting something in coffee shops by us, as followers of christ, connecting with people over a cup of joe!

- And I graduate in exactly 1 month from today! (If by the time I'm finished with the blog it's Monday)

Life is good...God is good.
Happy Cinco de Mayo!

young woman dies of heart attack

2008-05-02T08:36:00.004-07:00

I go to a huge high school, well huge for the redding area. So on the way to school there is a gigantic line at all the stop signs! Today I took the short cut. As soon as I turned right there was a cop! And I didn't just make any legal right turn...I drove in the shoulder for 100 plus feet and I'm not exactly sure if I came to a complete stop.

So there was the cop...and then a truck turned right behind me...and then the cop turned and started following us! I spilled my coffee and was officially FREAKING out! I have yet to be pulled over and I have only gotten one ticket for parking with out a permit! So I'm quite paranoid. Anyway...the cop is following us. I turn left, still following us. At this point I am praying out loud like crazy! And then, from my rear view mirror I see the truck pull over and the cop pull behind him! Hallejuah!!!!!!

That was my first scare, I seriously thought I was going to have a heart attack!