Capto Veritam

The Foolish Things

2011-02-16T09:46:00.003-05:00

Very interesting passage. 1 Corinthians 1:27-31

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God
chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly
things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not —to
nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because
of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written:
“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Gifts of the Spirit

2011-01-15T13:14:00.003-05:00

Was reading in 1 Corinthians and found this. I thought I would share what I found.

1 Corinthians 12:4-11

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit;
and there are
varieties of service, but the same Lord;
and there are varieties of
activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
To
each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.8 For to one
is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the
utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit,
to another faith by the
same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit,
to another the
working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish
between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the
interpretation of tongues.
All these are empowered by one and the same
Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

The chapter goes on to talk about how we are all part of the body of Christ, which has many members with different purposes. I just found this really interesting.

a GOD moment

2011-01-08T02:00:00.011-05:00

So I really need to just share something with you guys. I know it's personal, but--wow--I really want to share it. Plus, I want to keep record of it so if I forget, I can look back on it.

Tonight is one of those times when God has spoken to me. I am usually hesitant to say that God spoke to me because I want to make sure it was God and not just me. So many people go around saying "God told me this" and "God told me that."

But this time, I'm not going to be hesitant--God spoke to me tonight. Yeah, there was a voice, but it wasn't God's. I know you must be completely confused now. Let me explain.

Today, I was introduced to a used bookstore (that I will, no doubt, be returning to soon). I decided to buy two CD's. One of them was Brandon Heath's Don't Get Comfortable. It's an older CD, but whatever.

So I put Don't Get Comfortable in my CD player, put my headphones in and started getting ready for bed tonight. I put the player on random and then kept pushing next until I got to a song I knew (didn't want to learn new songs tonight). It went to song #3 (actually called Don't Get Comfortable, one I wasn't familiar with) and then I pushed next and then a little bit later, it went back to #3. So I went to push next again but then I thought, well, maybe I should listen to this. And so I listened.

Another thing you should know, is that I have been having really intense battles recently, mentally, spiritually, etc. I have been battling doubts and so many conflicting thoughts about life and God and love and how it all goes together and applies to me. But I have also been getting great encouragement through fellow believers and books I have been reading. One book in particular is Dug Down Deep by Joshua Harris (go out, buy this book, and read it).

Anyways, so here are the lyrics to the song that God used to speak to me tonight.

BRANDON HEATH LYRICS – DON’T GET COMFORTABLE

Na na na na na na na na nanaaah
Na na na na na na na na nanaaah

Comfortable, don’t get comfortable.
I am gonna’ move this mountain
then I’m gonna move you in.

Yesterday, this is not yesterday.
You were standing on my shoulders; now you’re standing on the edge.
You’ve been looking for a sign all this time.

I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you’ve never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song

So afraid but you don’t have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I’ll remain
You’ve been looking for a sign all
this time.
If you seek you’ll find me every time.

So I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you’ve never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song

Na na na na na na na na nanaaah
Na na na na na na na na nanaaah

Can you feel the call of love?
Is it moving you to be a
child of God of love?
Is it reaching you?
It’s everywhere the call of
love.

I just want to show you what I mean
I just want to love like you’ve never seen
Do you want to live like you used to dream?
Then I’ve got a song for you

Coz I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you’ve never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song

Na na na na na na na na nanaah

You’ve got a new song

Na na na na na na na na nanaa

This song addressed several of the issues I've been having. It was miraculous how much it covered, really.

GOD IS SO GOOD

And, you know, just the fact that I've been battling so much and wanting to pursue God so much, it just...I just feel like this isn't just an accident. I'm going to make it through this and I'm going to be a stronger believer than I ever have been. I am going to do great things for God. (I don't say this to brag on myself, but to praise the God who is doing these things in me.) God is amazing and He can accomplish anything--even in me.

I'm going to print the lyrics out onto one or more of the binders I'll be using this semester so I don't forget this moment.

Yeah, God spoke to me tonight. This song was "the sign" that I've been hoping for--I just didn't think it would come in this form. The recent intensifying of my longing to want God and do His will is "the call of love" for me.

OH, GOD IS SO GOOD!

This Semester I...

2010-12-16T18:24:00.017-05:00

...made some new friends via classes and BCM!

...stood up for my beliefs but perhaps not as often as I should have.

...learned that (if I don't lock my knees) I can bend over and touch my toes (thank you, lovely actingI teacher)! This was a wonderful moment in my life!

...learned that I need to work harder in schoool, and not just float through. I want to be proud of myself without comparing myself to others.
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, or each one should carry their own load. -Galatians 6:4-5

...was reminded that I need to be more careful of the words that I use in my everyday life.

...realized that I need to [re?]correct my way of thinking in many areas (my testimony, my standing with God, guys/romance).

...saw that God is currently doing great things in me and all around me.

...realized that I tend to isolate myself spiritually and I don't need to. I'm surrounded by believers I can turn to for support, encouragement, and edification.

A lot of great things happened this semester. I will take these lessons and discoveries into the next semester and the rest of my life.

Love and Art

2010-11-18T08:49:00.006-05:00

Art is both private and public. It is what lies in our heart, but we pour it out and share it with others. Ought not the love Christians have for God do the same? Should it not only be in our hearts, but also pour out like water into the lives of others through our words and actions?

Just something to think about. I want this to be true for me, though I know that the majority of the time, I feel I am severely lacking in this area. Thankfully, God is still changing my heart, turning it toward Him little by little.

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I've noticed that I have 4 new followers. To them, I want to say a big, "Thank you!" It's always nice to know that someone out there is reading my posted thoughts. I hope God uses my blog to minister to you, edify you, and encourage you.

A Beautiful Testimony--I Beg You to Watch

2010-10-10T15:45:00.009-04:00

What a beautiful Christian woman! I want to be more like her.

For a long time, I have thought, there really is no one out there (besides Christ, of course) I can say I really want to be like that person--that is my hero. I have realized more and more how imperfect everyone is. But this woman, Gianna Jessen, whom I just watched in this one video, is my hero.

Yes, I'm sure she is imperfect. No, she had no control over the beginning of her life. But she DID have control over how she reacted to her origin. She made a choice to speak out about what happened to her. She is using this to further the cause of Christ. She possesses certain Christ-like qualities that I love: she is courageous (how many people do you know who could stand up in a government building and tell their story and talk about Jesus Christ?) and bold and hopeful and she is fighting for justice.

I want to fight for justice with my gifts. I want to use my gifts to be bold and courageous in my faith.

----

"...I didn't survive so I could make everyone comfortable. I survived so I could stir things up a bit. And I have a great time doing it." -Gianna Jessen

"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love." -1 Corinthians 16:13-14

"Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." -1 Corinthians 15:58

Thought-Provoking Verses from the Book of Romans

2010-09-26T09:02:00.004-04:00

[to Believers]
----

"What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning
so that grace may increase? By no means! We died
to sin; how can we live in it any longer?"
-Romans 6:1-2

"Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body
so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the
parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness,
but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who
have been brought from death to life; and offer the
parts of your body to Him as instruments of
righteousness. For sin shall not be your master,
because you are not under law, but under grace."
-Romans 6:12-14

Ephesians 5:3-7--> Interesting Passage

2010-09-25T14:32:00.002-04:00

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them.

Responsibilities as a Christian [a long blog post]

2010-09-16T10:59:00.032-04:00

(this is a picture taken with my camera or a friend's camera. I then did some lovely editting, using Picnik.com. The lyrics are from an old Newsboys song called "Hallelujah"[?])

So I have been doing a lot of pondering about what it means to be a Christian in the past year or two. I'm realizing that most of the people in America who call themselves "Christians" have no actions to back up that title. Why, in this supposedly "Christian" nation, do I feel like the outcast? There are so many people saying that they are Christians...and yet how are they showing this to be true?

"Actions speak louder than words" is definitely a statement that truly applies here. Going to church in and of itself means NOTHING. If you listen to God's Word, but don't apply it to your life, what good is it to you? James 1:22-25 says something similar:

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.
Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does
not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a
mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately
forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently
into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do
this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will
be blessed in what he does.

So many people in America say, "I'm a Christian," without thinking about what that means. If you're going to be a Christian, then BE a Christian. Without actions that reflect the meaning behind it, "Christian" is just another word. Read your Bible if you want to know what being a Christian actually means. I'm working on finding out what it means to be a Christian myself, and applying it to my entire life. In James 2:14-26 (please read the ENTIRE passage), it says:

What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?
Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and
daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and
well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the
same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith
without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—
and shudder. You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds
is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he
did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his
actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he
did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it
was credited to him as righteousness,"and he was called God's friend. You see
that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for
what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different
direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Being a true Christian involves doing things that aren't popular and NOT doing things that ARE popular. This involves waging war against the flesh. Here are some examples of things you should strive to do or not do as a Christian (warning: I am imperfect and though I know a lot of what I should/shouldn't do, I don't always do what I know I should do).

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you,
do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you.
If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners'
love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you,
what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. And if you lend to those
from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners'
lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good
to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your
reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind
to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
-Luke 6:30-36

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:
sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,
which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.
You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these:
anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.
-Colossians 3:5-8

No, being a true Christian is not always easy and it is not always the popular thing to do.

We can't be perfect here and now on earth, but as Christians, we should make outselves aware of what sin is and strive to avoid it. As Christians, we are not to live any longer to ourselves, but to God and to other people.

When you tell someone you are a "Christian," you may become the impression that comes to his mind when he thinks of a "Christian." You may embody what "Christian" means to that person.

Make a good impression so that you can be a bold witness for Christ, and not bring dishonor to His name. Please pray that I do the same.

WATCH THIS RIGHT NOW!!!

2010-08-28T10:50:00.002-04:00

Check out www.ustream.tv/restoringhonor and start watching the 8-28 restoring honor rally! It is streaming live!

Ephesians 5:15-20

2010-08-26T10:22:00.005-04:00

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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I find it interesting that we are told to know what the Lord's will is (v.17). I hear people praying "Lord, please...if it's Your will." But this verse makes it sound like we should be figuring out what His will is. I would like to do some more research about this.

Also, we are instructed to make "the most of every opportunity." I should start living by this, "...making the most of every opportunity."

There are so many interesting things in the Bible!

Some Wonderful C.S. Lewis Quotes from His Book, Mere Christianity

2010-08-19T23:03:00.005-04:00

"There are lots of things which your conscience might not call definitely wrong (specially things in your mind) but which you will see at once you cannot go on doing if you are seriously trying to be like Christ."

“If there were no help from Christ, there would be no help from other human beings. He works on us in all sorts of ways: not only through what we think our ‘religious life’. He works through Nature, through our own bodies, through books, sometimes through experiences which seem (at the time) anti-Christian.”

“People get from books the idea that if you have married the right person you may expect to go on ‘being in love’ for ever. As a result, when they find they are not, they think this proves they have made a mistake and are entitled to a change—not realizing that, when they have changed, the glamour will presently go out of the new love just as it went out of the old one.”

“When a man is getting better he understands more and more clearly the evil that is still left in him. When a man is getting worse he understands his own badness less and less.”

“If you are a nice person—if virtue comes easily to you—beware! Much is expected from those to whom much is given. If you mistake for your own merits what are really God’s gift to you through nature, and if you are contented with simply being nice, you are still a rebel: and all those gifts will only make your fall more terrible, your corruption more complicated, your bad example more disastrous.”

Interesting Quotes from Cecil B. DeMille

2010-08-11T00:46:00.006-04:00

(Mr. DeMille directed The 10 Commandments movie many, many years ago.)

Here are a few thought-provoking quotes...

"It is impossible for us to break the law. We can only break ourselves against the law."

"Man has made 32 million laws since the Commandments were handed down to Moses on Mount Sinai... but he has never improved on God's law."

Dr. Robert Gagnon: What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?

2010-08-05T13:46:00.002-04:00

Another thought-provoking video. Thoughts?

Dr. Robert Gagnon, What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality? S3E2 from Pure Passion on Vimeo.

The Sy Rogers Story

2010-08-05T12:00:00.000-04:00

Any thoughts?

The Sy Rogers Story, Freedom from Homosexuality and Transsexualism S1E4 from Pure Passion on Vimeo.

Lexicon's Bible Verses

2010-08-03T11:41:00.014-04:00

Here are a few Bible verses that make me think of my protagonist Lexicon.

1.) Proverbs 24:11-12 (NIV)

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

Here is the same passage from the Message

Rescue the perishing; don't hesitate to step in and help. If you say, "Hey, that's none of my business," will that get you off the hook?Someone is watching you closely, you know— Someone not impressed with weak excuses.

2.) Galatians 6:9-10

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

This Bible verse reminds me of the antagonist(s) in my story:

Proverbs 14:17

A quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated.

Anyways, I thought I'd share these verses.

A Catchy/Fun Song for You to Enjoy!

2010-07-23T18:38:00.001-04:00

2 things: pause the music player at the bottom of this page and sadly, for some reason the right part of the video is cut off a bit so you might just click on the video so you can see it on the Youtube page.

Catrina's Thought of the Day

2010-07-22T16:34:00.007-04:00

So a classmate of mine said that Rush Limbaugh "needs Jesus" because he is so "mean-spirited." I ignored my feelings of disagreement on her sentiment and moved on to the issue that I thought was more important. I said, "Nice people need Jesus, too." And she either replied that Mr. Limbaugh or mean people (can't remember which) really need Jesus. But I disagree with her on this as well--"nice" people and "mean" people need Jesus just as much. Nice people may actually be in more danger because they may think they are all right because they're "nice." C.S. Lewis first brought this to my attention in his book Mere Christianity and I agree with him.

P.S. Everyone in the world should read Mere Christianity!

Beware: Parts of This Video Are Not Child-Friendly

2010-07-14T01:29:00.003-04:00

"Adam Hood, a straight man who was formerly gay, holds a strong opinion regarding God’s Word on homosexuality. How do you think God feels about homosexuality? Watch and comment"

I'm Sorry...and Lexicon.

2010-07-13T16:20:00.016-04:00

I realize that I have been neglecting my blog! I'm sorry for those of you who have come to my blog only to find that there are no new posts. I'll try to be better!

Anyways, life is pleasant right now. I was in a play called The Visit recently, which was fun. I'm taking Composition II right now (yes, I'm taking a summer class). I'm getting together with friends that I couldn't hang out with during play rehearsals, etc. I'm also writing more of Lexicon

Yes, I'm still working on my Lexicon project, which has turned into a Saga. When I work on it (which has been off and on), it is always evolving. Just recently, I created a new character and decided to add another story to Book 2. I'm starting to feel like J.R.R. Tolkein because of how long this project is taking.

I have character "trees" (with pix of celebrities as representations of the characters' faces); beautiful sketches of characters and objects (curtesy of my wonderful friend, John); notecards for characters and the story; I have 3-ring binders; and now I have a ton of folders for the main characters. It's crazy!

I do have chunks of the story (in my mind it's one big story with 3 rather large chapters) finished, but it's easy to get discouraged because I sometimes feel like I haven't accomplished anything. The end of this project seems so far away.

Don't get me wrong--I LOVE my Lexicon story. But I do look forward to moving on to another project.

Thankfully, right now, though, I'm getting a lot accomplished on the Saga. Like I said, I have beautiful sketches to look to for inspiration; I have a new character (welcome to the family!); I have made a big decision about the structure of Book 2; and I have actually written several scenes recently. So I just need to keep pressing on. :)

It will get done.

A purpose, a cause

2010-07-13T15:27:00.002-04:00

I was looking through my blog posts and found this in my drafts. I was 16 when I wrote this. Any thoughts? I pretty much feel the same way now as I did then and am not sure I have made much progress.

----

I feel something awakening within me

A purpose

A cause

I want to change the world

Wake people up

Sound the alarm

People are hurting and the world is dying

Wake them up before it's too late

Too late to save the world

Wrists are slit and hearts are broken

Can't sit by and do nothing

Have to help

Can't do nothing

Have to help

Can no one else feel it?

Can no one else sense this urgency?

An urgency to fight that which is not flesh and blood?

Corruption and depression

Selfishness and lies

Can't act like everything's okay

Like it's all hunky-dory

We can have fun but how much is too much?

...

Let's just write a fun story

Sing a fun song

Fun can be fun but the world needs help

They're dying out there

Help them!

What am I saying?

I don't know

I'm sixteen

And a bit confused about this

How to help?

Sing a song?

Write a story?

Say "hello"?

I don't know

What to do?

What to say?

How to live?

Why

Cussing. Is it Something God Approves Of?

2010-01-27T23:47:00.027-05:00

A while back I became curious as to exactly WHY Christians aren't "supposed" to cuss. I wanted to make sure it wasn't some only partially Biblically-based thing. I looked it up once but didn't look into it deeper until I was prompted recently. I just don't cuss. It's not that I hate people who cuss or anything--I just wish they didn't do it. The sound of others cussing around me puts a bad taste in my mouth and that was pretty much good enough for me most of the time. But, as a Christian, it's good to figure out why most Christians believe something is right/wrong so you can see if it's just some tradition based off some verse that makes you want to ask, "WHY exactly did that make you think what you do?" (If something like that is merely a man-made tradition, no valid Biblical base whatsoever, what's the point in abiding by it?)

Actually, the verses below are very helpful and clear this cussing thing up for me, especially after looking the verses up on Strong's Concordance to clarify anything that seems vague.

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“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy* language from your lips.” –Colossians 3:8

*foul speaking, low and obscene speech (Strong’s Concordance)

I have to say I would like to look more into the first three things that verse talks about, specifically the part about not being angry. I mean it's impossible to NEVER be angry. I mean, even Jesus became righteously indignant (more than a littlel angry) in the Bible. Anyways, I'll have to look into that...
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"Let there be no filthiness* nor foolish talk nor crude joking**, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." -Ephesians 5:4

* (Strong's Concordance) obscenity, filthiness

**(Strong's Concordance)
in a bad sense
a) scurrility, ribaldry, low jesting
**(Merriam Webster) 2 a : scurrilous or abusive language b : an offensively rude or abusive remark
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Anyways, so those are a few verses I've found concerning cussing in the Bible. I hope that if there are any other Christians out there who were wondering the same thing I was that this has helped them.

A Question for YOU

2010-01-24T17:46:00.003-05:00

All I have for this post is a question.

Is it better to trust someone until they're proven untrustworthy

is it better to be skeptical of people until they prove they can be trusted?

I would really appreciate your feedback on this so PLEASE leave comments!

First Day

2010-01-13T22:50:00.011-05:00

Monday was a big step in my life--I started college. Yes, I am now a Freshman! I was able to find my classes early and was able to get to all of my classes on time. I was a little disappointed that no big fireworks displays went off when I stepped onto the campus; no trumpets blaring; no confetti; and no choirs sang, “Oh, Catrina, you have finally come!” Nope. I was just one of many students starting the spring semester of college.

My first class was Beginning Algebra with Mr. L. Mr. L. is an older grandpa kind of guy--nice and with a sense of humor that is difficult to detect at first. We didn’t do any actual work or learn anything--he just talked about the syllabus (he usually pronounces it “silly-buss”, which I find cute) and then met us (he took longer because he has a walker) down at the math lab. Then we were done.

My Comp1 class was 10 minutes after my Algebra class ended. I had to rush through a few buildings to get to it but I’m pretty sure I made it on time. The teacher for that class was a nice lady (Mrs. Sc.) and, it turns out, she’s a Christian. Because of an exercise she did in our class, I found out that there are several other Christians in that class. She also talked to us about our syllabus and gave us an assignment: to write an introduction letter with one ore more concepts(?) that she gave us in it.

I had an hour and a half between Comp1 and US History 1492-Civil War Era, which I used to call Mom and letter know that I had made it so far, and eat lunch. Then I was off to that class. Now, the teacher of that class, Mr. X. was pretty nice, too, but more eccentric than the first 2. He had some gray hair on the top of his head but it was extremely thin and he had a large, round nose. But the most interesting thing about him was his way of speaking, which I found comical at times. I loved how he said “e-mail” (EE-MAY-uhl) and “that”. So he was a nice teacher but it was a 3 hour long class so it wasn’t very exciting. Though I thought I’d had a good night’s sleep, I found myself fighting to stay awake. I saw some other students laughing quietly. Then I realized why--someone was snoring. I looked back and sure enough, there was a guy laying face down on the table, snoring. It wasn’t loud but we could all hear it--Mr. X seemed unfazed as he talked on and on. The history itself was interesting but I think Mr. X’s way of teaching was not very exciting. The good thing, though, he is not one of those anti-American teachers.

Introduction to Theatre is by far the funnest but also the most colorful class. There have been a few choice words said during the class by the teacher. But I get to sit on the floor! That is a wonderful experience after running around half the day (upstairs, downstairs, up mountains, down valleys, across oceans, etc.) and sitting in not-exactly-the-most-comfortable chairs. We even got up and did a little acting exercise. The people there were fun to hang around and we all got along well.

So at the end of the day, I was pretty tired and hungry. So I came home, ate, watched a little T.V., told my parents about my day, and went to bed.

So there you have it: Day 1 of my College Freshman year. It was a pretty good day.

First Post of 2010

2010-01-05T10:20:00.007-05:00

I don't really have any amazing things to say today. Just didn't want to let the first week of 2010 go by without posting. So here are a few misc. thoughts.

=====

I saw Avatar last Friday at the theater. It was visually amazing and you'd think that it just being visually amazing wouldn't count for much but it DID! It was so awe-inspiring just to sit there and watch the blue people running around and talking through the beautiful world. I was fascinated watching the blue people and all the creatures created for the Pandora eco-system. *sigh* It was just SO COOL!!!

On the downside, Avatar was (of course) riddled with propaganda. It reminded me of the Disney version of "Pocahantas" [correct spelling?]--evil men come to a place where "savages" live in search of an extremely expensive mineral, a native and the only non-evil man fall in love but there are obstacles for their love due to the differences their peoples have. Also, don't forget that the natives seem to worship everything around them or at least think they're all equal. And the evil military guy just seemed like a 2D character--pure macho-evilness!

So I definitely disagreed with the politics of the movie but Sam Worthington is adorable and it was visually appealing so...I'm conflicted.

=====

I guess this post is going to be about movies because I'm not going to list the movies I want to see.

-The Young Victoria--who knew that a movie could exist in which a husband and wife love each other dearly? Definitely something I want to witness so I can tell my children about. "Yes, Promise (possible name for my future daughter), there was once a movie in which a husband and wife loved each other very much and weren't having affairs!" This is groundbreaking stuff. ;)

-Surrogates--I love sci-fi!

-Daybreakers--I admit that it's yet another vampire movie but I still want to see it!

-The Lovely Bones--Looks very interesting--plus, Peter Jackson is doing it so I must watch it!

======

Happy New Year, Everyone!

3 Things

2009-12-11T01:32:00.000-05:00

God is real.

God is alive.

God loves you.

Some God-Breathed Scripture

2009-12-05T17:54:00.006-05:00

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." -2 Timothy 3:16-17

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"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9

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"When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created." -James 1:13-18
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Please comment with your thoughts. Do these verses give you anything to think about that you hadn't thought of before? I would love to hear.

Oh, Goody! More Eco-Friendliness.

2009-11-15T23:12:00.023-05:00

*rolls eyes*

So here is some breaking news on the eco-friendly front.

I was just going along, minding my own business and reading the newspaper funnies when I came accross this strip (10/18/09).

(Let me know if you couldn't read the strip.)

This is the part where I about had a conniption. The strip wasn't even chuckle-worthy. It was just pure propaganda.

So I was pretty fired up about that.

Today I was reading the funnies again and I found Hi and Lois section again (I know, what's wrong with me?).

Any kids who really think the way these kids do, think about being environmentally friendly because they are being doused in eco-friendly propaganda daily by the schools, T.V. shows, commercials, and movies they watch.

Anyways, I say, "GR!" Yes, "GR!" I say!

What's so Special About Sex? (Mature Content--use discretion)

2009-11-06T10:02:00.001-05:00

I am going to talk about something that is controversial.

S-E-X

Face it, everyone--sex is everywhere. It's on billboards, T.V. commercials, movies, T.V. shows, etc. Companies try to make you think that their products will make you sexier (from watches to lip gloss). Sex really does sell.

The process of romance used to be meeting, dating, engagement, and then marriage. Now, it's meeting, having sex and/or dating, and then maybe moving in, maybe getting engaged, and then maybe getting married (but sex is the part that is definitely going to happen). The process isn't so simple anymore but it's a lot more casual and commitment isn't that big of an issue.

"One night stands" aren't that unusual. Romantically-involved people often move in with each other in order to play house and see if marriage would work--without having to commit to a lifetime of being together (like a trial period). Then they may just stay living together forever without ever getting married (if they decide to stay together, that is). Even if you decide to get married, a LOT of people have gotten divorced so you may not even be expected to stay together after that.

Just have fun. Have sex with whoever you want whenever you want to! Who cares? It's not like it's a sin to have sex outside of marriage or anything. And it's definitely not like you'll be much more likely to get an STD (condoms are supposed to help with that, right?). As long as you don't get bogged down with a baby in the process (oh, who cares about that because that's what abortions are for!), you'll be fine.

I thought sex is supposed to be special. Isn't it supposed to be special? A wonderful gift of intimacy? Something a man and a woman can share?

Let's see what the Bible has to say about sex.

'Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.' -Genesis 2:22-24

Song of Solomon is devoted to the beauty of sexual relations within a marriage.

"Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers." -Song of Solomon 1:4

So the problem with sex is not sex in and of itself--it is a matter of timing. The Bible clearly states that fornication (sex between people who are not married to each other) is a sin.

"Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?" -1 Corinthians 6:18-19

"For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication..." -1 Thessalonians 4:3

And in Song of Solomon, it says three times: "Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires." (verses 2:7, 3:5, and 8:4)

So wait for true love! True love that waits for marriage.

Christmas Gift Ideas

2009-11-04T16:38:00.004-05:00

I have opened up a photography shop online (via Etsy.com) called Cat's Concepts . Please check it out and keep my shop in mind when Christmas shopping.

---

P.S.

I do plan to make another post soon so don't give up on me!

2009-10-15T20:20:00.012-04:00

I wrote this January 22nd, 2009

God never changes. People change like the wind changes direction.

The Israelites changed. When God wanted them to enter the Promised Land, they refused but then when He forbade them after their disobedience, they decided to go in, though they failed.

God never failed. Though you have prayed and God doesn't seem to have answered, God hasn't left you. At the beginning of the Bible (in Genesis), God promised that He would send a Savior to emancipate the world. The world waited thousands of years for Him but He came.

God never changes. He is "the same yesterday, today, and forever". People change a little everyday. They become more mature, they become bitter, they pick up mannerisms, ideas, and theologies from those around them. They change because of events that happen to them or around them--births, deaths, marriages, injuries, abuses, fights, natural disasters, job layoffs, and wars.

But God NEVER Changes

2009-09-20T01:46:00.003-04:00

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."

-Hebrews 10:23-24

Warning! Warning! The Sleeping Bear is Awake!

2009-08-12T08:23:00.002-04:00

I hope Arlen Specter isn't planning on getting reelected.

Please watch this encouraging town hall meeting and watch Senator Specter squirm.

The Precipice

2009-08-11T21:44:00.006-04:00

I wrote this November 20th, 2008.

I stand at the edge of a cliff, watching as a river flows through the valley below. The wings on my back flutter anxiously. It’s time for me to spread my wings and fly--but I can’t. My stomach churns as I gaze down the precipice. I take a step back from the ledge. What if I can’t do it? What if I were to try and, instead of gliding easily across to the hill on the other side, I fell into the watery depths? The more I analyze what I had meant to attempt, the more my fear and doubt grow. I can’t do this, I tell myself. I can’t. But what would I do if I didn’t try? What if I give up and never try to fly? Then I would never know if I could have done it. I would always wonder and wish I had had the courage. I can’t go back. I have to try.

I spread my wings and jump.

PLEASE watch

2009-08-07T16:01:00.001-04:00

I ask that you please watch the below video. Just a few minutes of your life.

It's Amazing What You Find in the Bible Even When You're Not Looking for It

2009-08-06T23:45:00.019-04:00

Found some especially delicious cheesecake tonight while actually looking up verses on drinking wine (was talking to a friend earlier on this topic). I hope that the below passage edifies you.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

-Ephesians 5:15-21 NIV

The first part of the passage especially speaks to me.

"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is."

There are several things to take out of this verse and I think in order to do them justice, I will lay them out individually.

-Be careful how you live

-Live wisely

-Make the most of every opportunity

-Understand what the Lord's will is.

So, these seem fairly simple things because they're said in short words and few words. But if you think about them, they are powerful things that convict me. I doubt that I have been making the most of every opportunity. On top of that, it says to "understand what the Lord's will is".

Now, that is an interesting command for Paul to give us (remember Paul wrote Ephesians). And when it states the opposite of understanding the Lord's will, it reads, "do not be foolish".

The reason this passage seems to jutt out at me from the page is that I may be about to make a few decisions that will affect my future. I am searching for God's will. I WANT to "understand what the Lord's will is". Unfortunately, Paul didn't leave any directions for how to do this.

Yes, I know we're supposed to pray and read the Bible to find out God's will for our life--and I am not demeaning those things. I just saw this verse and thought, "maybe this means something to me".

Well, maybe my finding this verse means that I already know God's will in this situation. I guess I should pray about it some more. :)

P.S. Please pray that I have wisdom and understanding and "understand what the Lord's will is".

Is God in Everything?

2009-08-03T23:46:00.019-04:00

Those who are of the New Age thinking talk about God being part of everything and everything being part of God. ]

So...are they right? Is God in us from the beginning of our existence? Is God in the trees? Is God in the sky? Is God in the stars? Is God in the rocks?

I believe He is--but not in the way those of the New Age movement think.

I believe God is in everything just as a painter is in his paintings or as a writer is in his stories or a sculptor is in his statues.

Have you ever watched the Lord of the Rings and the "special features" that are on the accompanying discs? They often talk about how something in J.R.R. Tolkien's life somehow found its way into the story or something he loved was in the story. J.R.R. Tolkien had a great love of trees and thus, the Ents came to be. In those ways, J.R.R. Tolkien was in the stories he wrote.

So one could say J.R.R. Tolkien was in the ents and the elves and the hobbits and in every other thing in his book(s).

See where I'm coming from here?

Another example would be my writing. Things that I see and love as well as things from my life experiences become part of the story that I am creating. The words that you say come from inside you and thus, you are in your words. A musician's dark disposition and his thoughts pour out on a page and thus, he is in the words he writes.

I could go on and on with more allegories but I think you understand so I'll stop.

God is in everything He creates because everything He makes comes from wherever His ideas come from. He is in everything because He creates what He love and loves what He creates.

----

Something to thank God for:

Your imagination.

Can you imagine not being able to imagine? What would the point be in writing stories? Sometimes the imagination is what makes time that would otherwise crawl unbearably by go much faster. The imagination makes life more enjoyable. It has allowed us to create things. Like our Father in Heaven, we enjoy creating things--stories, pictures, statues, houses, etc. Of course, our creations are nothing compared to His. Just as a young child's scratchings on a piece of paper are to a great painter's masterpiece, that is how our creations compare to God's. But we still have that desire to create things.

Well, I have gotten off-topic here...

Such a Sweet Video!

2009-08-03T14:27:00.004-04:00

Beware of mushiness. This video is so sweet! Enjoy!

A Time for Cheesecake

2009-07-31T21:34:00.006-04:00

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

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I think we can take away from this passage the realization that we need to use good judgment. There are times when we should do things and times when we shouldn't.

There really isn't a whole lot for me to say that this Bible verse hasn't already said.

I hope that you take something from this.

:(

2009-07-29T18:34:00.016-04:00

I am so sad.

I forgot something and now I feel horrible.

I hope you will all forgive me. If you feel the need to shake your head at me, you may do so--I deserve it.

I am ashamed.

Do you want to know what I forgot?

I forgot that July 6th was my blog's 4th birthday!

Yes, my friends, my blog is now 4 years old--she can walk, talk, and is on her way to changing the world.

They grow up so fast, don't they?

On a more serious note, please go to the right side of this page and scroll down until you come to the place where it says "blog archive". Then click on the date and scroll down to July 2005. Click again. Then you can take a look at my first blog posts!

Also, if you want my blog to feel better, please leave a "happy birthday" comment for her. It might help her feel better for me not wishing her a happy birthday on her birthday. (I'm trying to make it up to her.)

Happy Birthday, Blog!

Yes, I Have Begun the Countdown. ;)

2009-07-28T00:11:00.000-04:00

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>

Give

2009-07-27T13:22:00.015-04:00

"...Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

-Luke 6:38

The above Bible verse is one that is often quoted at my church when talking about tithes/offerings with your finances. The verse seems to be stating a law--like a physical law. You cannot give and give and give without others giving to you as well. This doesn't mean that you should only give in order to take advantage of this law but you can know that when you give, you certainly have no reason to worry about your needs being met.

I have been thinking recently, though, it does not just mean giving of your finances. I'm sure that it refers to any sort of giving. You can give of your time, your prayers, your belongings, etc. And it does not only mean giving to the church, though that is important.

So give, people! :)

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Here are a few slices of cheesecake for you (and me):

Psalm 37:4-8

Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD;
trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when men succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.

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Psalm 86:11

Teach me your way, O LORD,
and I will walk in your truth;
give me an undivided heart,
that I may fear your name.

Another Slice (of Cheesecake)

2009-07-25T10:41:00.006-04:00

Then you will call, and the LORD will answer;
you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.
"If you do away with the yoke of oppression,
with the pointing finger and malicious talk,

and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry
and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness,
and your night will become like the noonday.

The LORD will guide you always;
he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame.
You will be like a well-watered garden,
like a spring whose waters never fail.

Some Cheesecake for You

2009-07-21T12:03:00.015-04:00

Today, I read Matthew chapter 18. I got some really good and thought-provoking things out of it so I thought that I would share. Keep in mind, that this is Jesus talking.

verse 7

"Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to sin! Such things must come, but woe to the man through whom they come!"

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verses 15-17

"If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that 'every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.'If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

Very interesting passage. The things that gets me is the last part "...if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector." How is that??? I'm trying to think of how they treated those people back in the day this was said. From what I know, no one liked tax collectors because they often took too much. But I'm not sure how they treated them exactly. It obviously doesn't sound like it's a treatment anyone would want. Anyone have any knowledge on this topic?

It's important to note that we're supposed to go alone when we first go and show him his sin. That way, if he listens, you don't have to embarrass him in front of others. But sometimes you have to do something like that (as the passage says).

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Here is an encouraging verse

Verses 19 & 20

"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

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And here is a passage from Jeremiah 1:19. This is also very encouraging.

They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD.

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I hope that this post was edifying--any thoughts?

Some Bible Verses on Stress

2009-07-19T22:58:00.021-04:00

Do you ever have days where you feel like this?

I'm sure most of us, if not all of us, have felt this way before. It's not fun is it? There's those schoolwork assignments you need to turn in, places you need to be (and on TIME), things you need to mark off your "to do" list (NOW), bills to pay (NOW), and the list goes on. How can we do all these things without feeling overwhelmed?

I'm sure you've heard/seen me talk about how stressful this past school year was for me. My tendency to procrastinate was magnified and so was my tendency to stress over everything (not a good combination). I kept looking to Philippians 4:6-7 for comfort. Hopefully, now I will be able to deal with stress (and procrastination) better but I still need to work on it.

Below, are some Bible verses you should look to whenever you are stressing out.

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Cast your cares on the LORD

and He will sustain you;

He will never let the righteous fall.

Psalm 55:22

Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Those Staggering Toward Slaughter

2009-07-13T23:13:00.020-04:00

Proverbs 24:11-12

This Bible verse grips me. This means that we are held responsible for not helping someone when we see they are "staggering toward slaughter".

This verse reminds me of the book I've told you I'm writing--Lexicon. In the story there are people who are "staggering toward slaughter". They have inner issues that come out in the problems they have that are hurting themselves. Also in the story, are characters who can help these people. What remains to be seen is if they WILL help those "staggering toward slaughter" (I especially love the way that part of the verse sounds because it puts such a picture in your mind).

I feel very passionate when I read this Bible verse but also unsure. How active do I need to be in this? Yeah, I know that sounds like a wimpy thing to say and I'm sure it is. I guess it just sounds like an overwhelming task to help everyone you see suffering--there are so MANY of them! I see them all the time! How can I help them ALL? I know that I can do all things through Christ but it's still hard. Yes, I know this is pretty wimpy.

I already take people's emotional problems onto myself. It hurts me terribly when someone I know is in pain. I already try to help people when I see them in pain--I am NOT saying this to make myself sound super-awesome or anything. I'm just stating a fact.

But, so far, I have not been actively telling people about the hope they have in Jesus and it bothers me. I don't want to be held accountable for not saying something. There's also the idea of "showing instead of telling" when it comes to witnessing but it just doesn't seem as affective. I don't know...It's just that I haven't seen any results and I've been working at the restaurant for 9 months now. Am I being a light in the world that people can SEE? Or do they only see a faint glow that could be explained away by something else?

I guess I either need some encouragement or a swift kick in the pants.

What's funny is this post started out as one with several Bible verses in it. I think one is enough for today.

Your comments would be most appreciated.

Oh, Lexicon, Lexicon...

2009-07-13T16:34:00.018-04:00

It's been a long while since I last wrote on here. I'm sorry! I really am! I hope that people are actually paying attention to my blog, though--if you want me to post more, I'd appreciate your comments. I can't post pix because I can't copy/paste.

Anyways, I've been working on Lexicon more recently. I'm very excited--just like I am whenever I get on a roll in writing.

Just so you know--Damien IS a girl's name. It's French for "untamed". DamiAn is the guy's name, which actually means "tamed" (interesting the difference one letter can make). Usually, when I mention that I have a character whose name is Damien, someone goes, "Isn't that a guy's name?" No, my friend, it is NOT a guy's name (I must admit, I had forgotten that, though). Also, I've noticed girls having names usually associated with guys--Hayden Panettiere ("save the cheerleader, save the world"), Jordan, Riley, etc. (can't think of anymore off the top of my head).

So...I'm trying a new system to organize my Lexicon story misc. info and I'm VERY excited about it. :) Instead of typing up the storyline, printing it out, and editting it/reprinting it everytime I want to change it, I've made nindex cards to put the individual events on. That way if I want to change something, I may only have to get rid of/add/edit one card instead of it being a big thing. I'm also doing a card for each character. I'm keeping all of these index cards in a little box that I can easily fit into my purse and take with me wherever. This way, most of the important info is organized and in one spot. Another cool thing is that the little box has dividers in it so I can label them, making it even easier to find what I need.

I know that notecards are not usually very exciting but I'm excited! LOL

I have some Bible verses that I'll be posting soon so hopefully they'll be more exciting.

Anyways, please comment (doesn't matter what post) if you want me to keep posting!

the Catness

Growth Spurt

2009-06-03T09:32:00.026-04:00

This past year (especially from last October until now) has been an intense journey for me. My senior year was a trial-by-fire type ordeal. While at my job (which I started in October) I have learned about what it means to be a good employee. I have also learned from people I have met at my job how much the world needs saving and how Christians need to always be improving themselves so as to be a good representation of a good Christian. I read a book called "Mere Christianity", which has given me peace and hope about my relationship with Christ. I have been getting a lot more out of the Bible--who knew the Bible was so full of knowledge and such a gold mine?

Also, yesterday I finished reading "Do Hard Things" by Brett & Alex Harris. It has really challenged me in my daily life. No more "math just isn't my thing". No more mind-barriers--I need to change my mindset. No more "I can't". I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!

I am very optimistic about the future.

Blast From the Past

2009-01-17T00:53:00.002-05:00

Here's a video from a game night in February 2007--nearly 2 years ago. A lot has happened since then.

Christmas is Near and an Unexpected Blessing

2008-12-19T19:25:00.026-05:00

Are you all ready for Christmas? I am but I'm not--if you know what I mean. I'm excited about giving and getting presents and egg nog and all that but I haven't quite finished my Christmas-gift-making/getting. AHHH!!! Before December is over, I need to eat some egg nog ice cream from Braum's! Or else I may go completely mad!

Create your countdown widget and more at Blixy.com!

On another note, yesterdy, I went to Mardel's to use a giftcard I got for my birthday--thank you, you who got me that if you're reading this. I got several CD's, including "Wake Up! Wake Up!" by Everyday Sunday & "Southern Weather" by the Almost. They're awesome!

Something unexpected (thus the title of this post) happened at work today. (Before I get into that, I need to tell you that not only do I seat people but I also help bus tables. Some servers make a big deal about the fact that I actually do my job--that's exactly what they've said, too. Apparenly, not everyone helps like I do.) This one server--who shall remain nameless but still lovely--was so appreciative of me today that she gave me some money! It made me very happy.

CHRISTMAS??? ALREADY?????

2008-12-17T21:18:00.013-05:00

Holy toledo! I can't believe we have 8 days until Christmas!!!

I usually have time to have a fairly long countdown--I realized two days ago that I had 10 days until Christmas! Less than two weeks!!! I just can't believe it.

Dad says the reason that that this has happened is that I have other things that take up my life--like a JOB.

Speaking of my job, it's going pretty well--I get paid for one thing, which is pretty sweet. I feel like I know what the heck I'm doing. Also, everyone likes me because I'm very good at my job--awesome! Another thing--the cussing seems to have toned down. I'm hoping it's not because I've been working there so long that I don't really notice it anymore. I really think they're not cussing as much around me anymore. Maybe because they've noticed that I don't cuss.

So, yeah, the job's going pretty well. I believe God has granted me favor with these people.

I'm excited about Christmas--I really love to give and I really love to receive. I love the giddy secrecy surrounding gift-giving in my family. It's so fun! Hannah, Daddy, & me have secrets from mom. Hannah, Mommy, & me have secrets from dad. And Mommy, Daddy, & me have secrets from Hannah. As long as I don't mix them up, I'll be okay. :)

I don't know when I'll post again so I'd like to say that I hope you all get the things that you want for Christmas but that you gain twice that satisfaction out of GIVING.

To end this post, here's a comic strip from Baby Blues. Enjoy!

Hmm...What am I Thankful For?

2008-11-23T17:01:00.047-05:00

Alright, I know that Thanksgiving already happened but I'm posting this anyway. There's TONS of things out there to be thankful for but which ones should I post??? Well, here are some things--not in order of importance.

I'm thankful for...

1.) My parents for being so awesome and homeschooling me (and my sister) even though everyone thought they were crazy. They've imparted much of their wisdom to me and I hope to learn much more from them.

2.) My sister for being the best sister I've ever had! She is so helpful and I love having her around.

3.) For a God who is faithful and just and is unchanging, unlike us. He gave me life twice--once when he created me and again when I asked Him to be my Savior. He still works miracles and intervenes for us. He has given me all that I have so he gets an infinity-thank you!

4.) For autumn--the most beautiful, I think, season.

5.) For friends--from the ones I met soon after I was born even to the ones I've met just this year. They've all had an impact on me in different ways--teaching me things, passing on mannerisms and weirdisms, etc. to me.

6.) For trees! They're so beautiful and they help us breathe--which I think is really nice!

7.) The ability to be creative (writing, drawing, etc.). God is creative and I am glad that He created us to be creative, too.

8.) The ability God gave humanity to communicate and create writing through which they can communicate on paper. Books that we can enjoy, that enrich us, and/or books that teach us.

It might be lame but...

2008-11-17T23:05:00.004-05:00

I want to see this movie! It's called "Seventeen Again" and it stars Zac Efron from the High School Musical movies. Despite the fact that he's in those movies, I think he's pretty cute and in the trailer he definitely looks like a better actor. :) Maybe it's just me.

Plus, I love movies where they do stuff like this [a 37 year old goes back to being 17 or a mom and daughter switch bodies]. I know it might sound weird but I find myself pondering those movies.

Anyways, the movie might turn out to be lame but I'd like to see it anyway. Here's the trailer.

Heavy Sigh

2008-11-17T21:12:00.021-05:00

Well, I've had a busy life for a while now. Last week, though, was more busy than usual. On top of school and work, I was watching my cousin Hayley so I was driving back and forth. I was spending the night at her house.

Then in the morning, I'd take her to school at 8am. Then I'd go home and see my loverly mom & sis. Then at 9am or 10:30am I'd either go to work or school. Then after class/work, I'd go pick up Hayley from school. We'd go home and get food. Then I'd stay the night and start the cycle again [though throughout the week, there were some variations].

So what I'm trying to say is that I was REALLY busy. It's really nice to sleep in my own bed in my own house.

I'm SO looking forward to Thanksgiving break! YAY!!! I'll have the whole WEEK off! I smile just thinking about it. :) YAAAAYYYY!!!! Oh, it's such a wonderful thought!

Anyway, that's all for now. Hopefully, next time I'll have more to say.

Castle Personality test? You Decide.

2008-11-17T19:16:00.001-05:00

The Castle Personality Test

You are scared of new experiences. It's hard for you to break outside of your comfort zone.

You like to think that people are impressed by you. You know that you have a lot to offer.

You are a very romantic person. You can't help but see the world as it should be.

Right now, you feel like the whole world is open to you. You see lots of possibilities.

Overall, your life is very peaceful - if not a little solitary. Much of what goes on goes on in your head.

You are extremely optimistic about the future. You feel like things are always getting better.

The Castle Personality Test

I can't believe this is happening

2008-11-05T08:15:00.000-05:00

The Cute Monster Test

2008-10-29T17:12:00.000-05:00

What Your Cute Monster Says About You

You are a giving, open, loving person. You truly want the world to be a better place.

You appreciate what you have in life. You are very content.

Your inner demon is sensitivity. You are very sensitive, and your sensitivity can be a double edged sword.

People think you're cute because you're generous. You are easy to love - it's part of your charm.

The Cute Monster Test

"...Those who are drawn toward death"

2008-10-26T18:42:00.041-05:00

I think this is a most interesting and thought-provoking Bible verse. Please read it.

Deliver those who are drawn toward death,
And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.
If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”
Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?
He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?
And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?
Proverbs 24:11-12 (New King James Version)

Wow.

I was just flipping through the Bible last night when I found it and, at first, it makes me think of the Lexicon story I'm writing but it also makes me think about myself--not in a self-absorbed way, though, if that makes any sense.

I think, basically, what that verse is saying is that it's our responsibility to do what we can to help people. It's a real eye-opener, especially if you think about it in the context of witnessing. When God says to me, "Why didn't you witness to this person?", I can't lie and say "I didn't know they needed witnessing to" because he knows my heart inside and out. He knows that I saw the symptoms of someone without Christ.

Those who don't know Christ are being drawn closer and closer to Hell (yes, I just said the "H" word--it's a real place). How can I just stand by and watch without doing anything?

And yet...I do--or, at least, I feel like I do. I'm in a situation now where I deal with non-Christians on an almost daily basis because of my job. Shouldn't I use this as an opportunity to witness to people--to "hold back those stumbling to the slaughter"?

My parents are telling me basically that, at least at this point, I should just SHOW them Jesus, as opposed to TELLING them about Him. It works in writing most of the time, right?

I guess, I just feel like I'm not really doing anything.

I'm being told so many things and am seeing so many things at work that make me sad and put a bad taste in my mouth. Just watching and listening is terrible.

I think, though, by now that people are seeing a difference in me--if nothing else, I don't cuss. I wonder what they're saying about me? I was asked the other day if I had any children because I seemed like the "caring type". I'm not sure if that has anything to do with anything. Being seen as caring, though, doesn't hurt, though.

If someone came to me and actually asked about why I'm different or, if they knew why, about Christ. What would I say? What if I can't remember all the right Bible verses?

I don't know that you guys will be able to help but if you, my wonderful blog-viewers, have any thoughts, I'd love to "hear" them.

Should I Be Allowed to Vote?

2008-10-22T21:06:00.001-04:00

You Should Be Allowed to Vote

You got 12/15 questions correct.

Generally speaking, you're very well informed.

If you vote this election, you'll know exactly who (and what) you'll be voting for.

You're likely to have strong opinions, and you have the facts to back them up.

Should You Be Allowed to Vote?

My Most Wonderous 18th Birthday!

2008-10-21T20:03:00.041-04:00

Awesome things that happened during my birthday:

-My fellow Latin II students attempted to find the Latin version of "Happy Birthday" so they could sing it to me--unfortunately, the attempt failed. They tried, though.

-My Mom took me to open my first checking account.

-My most wonderful sister gave me some egg nog and Halloween peeps! (see some suppercalifragilisticexpialidocious peeps below!)

-My friend Allie came over & gave me a bag of Twix!

-My friend Patti came over & gave me a Sonic blast!

-I received e-cards, e-mails, & comments from friends & family with birthday wishes throughout the day! (& even today, the day after)

-My Dad gave me flowers!

-Relatives sent me presents!

-Mom got me Ben & Jerry's ice cream!

-My family got me a CD player/radio/tape player (with a remote)!

Over all, I just feel blessed!

Thanks, everyone!

Sleeping and other time-consuming hobbies

2008-10-19T13:56:00.006-04:00

I thought this was funny.

On another note, tomorrow is my birthday! I'm excited!

Tonight, since Hannah's going to be gone at her Bible quiz thing tomorrow night, we had my birthday meal tonight. Dad made pizza. (yummm) Then they surprised me with a birthday cookie and sang "Happy Birthday" to me. LOL

Tomorrow should be fun. :)

Interesting "Funny" & Thoughts on My Journal-Writing

2008-10-10T21:31:00.013-04:00

At this point [after reading the "funny" above] you should be thinking! Vote, people! VOTE!

On a somewhat related note: For many years when I write in my journal, even in my earlier diaries, I've kind of written as if the person who will read it one day is an archaeologist many years into the future when our civilization is gone. I know that sounds weird, doesn't it? But that's really how I've thought of it. I guess, I felt like I had to write to someone so I wrote to those people.

Birthday Anticipation

2008-10-07T09:11:00.018-04:00

Well, there's less than two weeks until my birthday! AHH!

I will be 18 years old--can you believe it? (I sure can't--and neither can my mom. LOL) I don't feel ready to be an adult!

Oh, well, I'm still excited! I love my birthday! [Okay, who doesn't?] Birtdays are so fun...

There are two bummers to my birthday, though:

1. My birthday happens during breast cancer awareness month (pink! pink everywhere! AHHH!!!). What kid says, "I want to have my birthday in October because it's breast cancer awareness month"? I mention this bummer pretty much every year, though.

2. This year, my birthday falls on the same day that I'm having my first chemistry exam. I know! IT'S JUST NOT RIGHT!!!

I'm still very excited about my birthday! YAY!

Birthdays are so fun--it's that one day a year that's YOURS. The day when people come up to you and say, "Happy Birthday!" or they find out it's your birthday and say, "Oh, really? Well, happy birthday!" When I had my 15th[?] birthday, it was on the same day as game night. It was so cool. They all sang happy birthday to me and I felt so special even though it's always (for some reason) embarrassing for people to sing happy birthday to you.

Okay, enough rambling for today.

Oh, what do you guys think of the new layout?

Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

Clone Puppies!

2008-10-05T21:49:00.006-04:00

I told Mariah that I would post the link I found about the woman who bought five puppies that were clones of her dead dog. So click here to see the video!

I think it's really creepy--what do you all think?

What State Should I Live In?

2008-09-29T13:33:00.002-04:00

This is neat! Nebraska is where my friend, Allie used to live!

You Should Live in Nebraska

If you don't want to live in Nebraska, you might also consider:

North Carolina

North Dakota

Utah

Connecticut

Idaho

What State Should You Live In?

It's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

2008-09-25T09:13:00.007-04:00

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

I am so excited! I can't believe it! It's wonderful! It's amazing! It's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

I got a job! It's at this restaurant by my house where they sell food like steaks, etc. (Their chicken-fried steak is really good, by the way.)

I'm going to be a hostess, at least, until I turn 18 next month. I was so excited about getting my first job and the way the lady told me I had the job was kind of weird--I think that's why I didn't think to ask how much I'd be making. Yeah, I know.

I was so excited--did I mention that? I got home and when dad got home, I told him the FABULOUS news! His response? "How much will you be making?" Uh--hmm...I don't know...Good question! Now I feel stupid. :P

But I still got a job! I couldn't believe it when she said that she was hiring me and I still can't believe it...It's so weird!

One small step for mankind...well, you know the rest. Just one step closer to adulthood. This is getting really weird...

And to top it all off, Survivor is premiering tonight and so is The Office! Okay, so that's not as big of a deal but it just adds to the wonderfulness!

*Does crazy happy dance that hopefully no one will ever see because it's so embarrassing*

So TOMORROW when I go in to sign papers and talk to the manager, I'll ask the questions I was supposed to ask today.

I HAVE A JOB, I HAVE A JOB, I HAVE A JOB!!!!

---

So, now I'm actually doing adultish thing! I got my driver's license, I sent in my voter registration this last week, AND now I have a JOB! It's...unbelievable!

Picture

2008-09-24T08:55:00.002-04:00

Okay, if the picture at the top of this page ["storyteller"] is huge, I'm sorry! It's not supposed to be that big. I'm trying to fix it, though.

"The Autumn Test"

2008-09-23T20:11:00.002-04:00

The first three paragraphs are correct about me but I'm not sure about the rest...

Your Autumn Test Results

You are a playful, spirited person. You have a limitless imagination and amazing creative talents.

When you're happiest, you are outgoing and expressive . You love celebrations, and you enjoy showing off a little.

You tend to be afraid of change. You are never ready for things to be different.

You find novelty to be the most comforting thing in the world. You love anything that's new or unusual.

Your ideal day is spontaneous and surprising. You like to play things by ear, and you always end up doing something interesting.

You tend to live in the moment. You enjoy whatever is going on, and you don't obsess over the past or future.

The Autumn Test

What Have I Been up To?

2008-09-22T13:39:00.032-04:00

Funny you should ask!

-I've been listening to Beethoven!--and, no, that's not usually the kind of music I listen to. I've decided to immerse myself in classical music because a character in Lexicon (a girl named Damien) likes classical music. I'm trying to find the kind of composers she'd listen to. Right now, I'm thinking it's not Beethoven. (I'm going to try Mozart next.) But I think Beethoven has some fine music--I especially this one concerto (just found out it's pronounced "kun-CHAIR-TOE" and not "kun-sert-O"). It's kind of quiet but then it's suddenly LOUD and HAPPY at different times during the song. You should have seen me listening to it today. I was jumping and dancing like a crazy person. You should also have seen the looks on my mom and sister's faces, even though they're used to my occasional craziness.

-I've been hounding a certain restaurant so they'll give me a job. I'll be going there again today after chemistry class.

-I've been reading the book the "Prophet" by Frank E. Peretti. I've read it before but my loverly sister got it from the library so I decided to read it again. I still love it!

-I registered to vote!
---------------------

Something I wanted to bring your attention to is the fact that today, September 22nd, is the first day of autumn! YAY!!! Autumn is my favorite season!

HAPPY AUTUMN!!!

I Want to be Different

2008-09-10T21:11:00.025-04:00

There are times when people try too hard to be different instead of just being themelves. Being different becomes their identity. They become different just for the sake of being different or weird. If you want to be different just so you can say you're different, you'll become like other "different" people and then you won't be different anymore. That or you'll just lose yourself to being different or special.

I'm not saying wanting to be different is bad. I think it's naturl as a human being to not want to be the same as everyone else. Just don't let that take over your life.

You are "fearfully & wonderfully made". You were born different and as you've grown up, thing have happened that make you unique. You don't have to try to be unique--you already are unique.

This is as much to me as it is to you.

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made... -Psalm 139:13-14

"Feeling Good" by Michael Buble

2008-08-27T20:47:00.005-04:00

I saw this video on youtube this morning and it is so awesome! It's called "Feeling Good" and was sung by Michael Buble. When you watch it here, think James Bond.

Most Wonderfulness!

2008-08-20T17:26:00.015-04:00

Today has been a great day--you want to know why? Because I wore my sneakers ["converse"] for the first time in months and...

I GOT MY DRIVER'S LICENSE!!!

Yes, I know, it's taken me a long time but now that I have it, I'm doing a happy dance! [Or, at least, I was earlier.]

So, the guy at the drivers license testing place goes with me out to the car and starts looking at the car. He has me turn on the turn signals, etc. Then he has me push on the brake. So I do. Then I hear him say, "Oh, no..."

I'm like, "oh, no" what???? I haven't even started driving yet!

He then tells me that the "third brake light" is out [the one in the window]. AHHHH!!! At this point, I thought I wouldn't be able to take the test but he said we could go to O'Reilly's and they'd be able to put the bulb in for us. He said we could come back and not have to take a number or anything.

So that's what we did.

Then I was finally able to take the test. I thought at a certain point that I'd probably failed but when we got done, the lady gave me the special paper!

I was SOOOO ecstatic! I went inside and showed the paper to my mom. She said, "I'm going to get up and try to look cool." Then when we got outside, she started dancing and we were both like, "AHHHHHH!!!!" LOL It was awesome.

Then we took the paper to the tag agency--didn't take hourse like it did last time to get the license card! It was FABULOUS!

And now I have my own driver's license!

YAY!!!

Naked Ladies & more...

2008-08-18T20:06:00.059-04:00

Here they are...

Oh! I meant the FLOWERS! You thought I meant another kind of naked lady, didn't you? *shakes head* Get your head out of the gutter!

Anyways (completely different topic), I've noticed a general lack of knowledge and a feeling of apathy (lack of interest or concern) among people my age when it comes to politics. I need you all to do me a favor. Below, I have posted several terms that are important to know. Even if you don't like politics [honestly, who does?], you need to be informed--especially as a Christian. Christian values are being ruthlessly attacked specifically when it comes to the topic of homosexuality. People have been persecuted for something as small as a bumper sticker. Now, we have "hate crimes" aka "thought crimes", instead of just crimes based on your actions.

Below, I have definitions that are mostly taken from other sources. They are words you should know.

Conservative--"Conservatism in the United States comprises a constellation of political ideologies including fiscal conservatism, free market or economic liberalism, social conservatism, and religious conservatism, as well as support for a strong military, small government, and states' rights." Conservatives also usually are pro-life and against homosexuality. Most Christians are and should be conservative.

Liberal--"A term that includes such meanings as open-mindedness, a desire to favor reforms and a tolerance toward non-traditionalist views." Liberals are usually pro-death and for homosexuality and other "lifestyles".

Communism "is a socioeconomic structure that promotes the establishment of an egalitarian, classless, stateless society based on common ownership of the means of production and property in general." Basically, communism, as I understand it, is when the government makes sure everything is equal--no one has more money or anything more than anyone else. Some of you might think this is a good thing but think about it. How would this give anyone the incentive to be better? So what, you work harder than everyone else--you want a raise? *chuckle* Oh, you're so funny! What is there then to aspire to?

Socialism--"[in Marxism-Leninism], is the intermediate system between capitalism and communism, when the government is in the process of changing the means of ownership from privatism, to collective ownership."

It's a nice thought that everyone could live in peace and harmony and no one would be poor but it's just not realistic. We live in a sinful world filled with sinful people. No one is perfect. If the government gets too big [and that's basically what a communist country is--a country with a huge, controlling government], who's to stop the people in charge from getting greedy with your money? [Well, it really wouldn't be your money anymore, would it?]

The people who make me the angriest are not the power-hungry, liberal communists--do you want to know who riles me up?

Our nation is the most free nation in the world. We are given the right to vote and to have input into our government. We can say we don't like our president and not be put in prison or, worse, put to death. Anyone can run for office! But most people just sit back like sloths, not paying any attention to "politics" because they hate politics--it's so boring!

They don't think politics affects them--like this isn't their country and the laws that are made don't have an impact on their life! On their freedom to say Jesus in public without it being used as a four-letter word! On their freedom to raise their children without being forced to teach them that homosexual sex is just as natural as heterosexual sex [and you don't think that's not already happening?]!

Those people who don't vote except, if they're lucky, if it's a big presidential election--maybe.

The people who make me the angriest are the apathetics, the sloths, those who JUST DON'T CARE.

Apathetics have always annoyed me--even when it was deciding who would be black or red in checkers. I couldn't stand it if my opponent didn't care!

But this is our COUNTRY I'm talking about here! Our HOME! We may not be OF this world but we are IN it, which means we have to live IN it for now. Just because it's a temporary home, doesn't mean we shouldn't try to take care of it. It's more difficult to share the Gospel if there's a threat on your life if you do it.

You could think of it like the parable of the talents in the Bible. The master gave his servants a certain amount of talents. When he came back, two of the servants had taken care of the talents and had multiplied the talents. But the third servant buried his talent. Think of the world as being your talent. When God comes back, do you want Him to see that you didn't take care of your temporary home?

How can you JUST NOT CARE? It's infuriating! I really can't explain how frustrated I am!

It just burns me up inside to think so many Christians don't CARE. This affects YOU.

You know, I'd like to think a ton of people will comment on this post with a passion but I don't think they will. I don't usually get a lot of comments on the serious, meaningful posts.

What Font Am I?

2008-08-17T23:30:00.000-04:00

You Are Times New Roman

You are formal and conservative. You're concerned with how you appear to others.

For you, maintaining a good reputation is important. You want people to trust you.

Elegant and classy, you always maintain your composure. You are never crass.

You are professional, competent, and upstanding. And it shows!

What Font Are You?

Terrible Sadness & Great Excitedness

2008-08-11T21:54:00.021-04:00

Well...I didn't get the job at the library--neither of them [there were 2 shelving positions available at the library]. So I'm REALLY BUMMED.

I mean, I really SHOULD have gotten one of those jobs. I'm not happy.

And if you think I'm upset, you should have seen my MOM when I told her--it was a good thing we used the new electronic checker-outer thing is all I have to say.

Anyways, now it's time to start looking at other places. The lady at the library said that she's going to keep my application at the top of the pile but I don't want to wait for another job to open up.

I REALLY thought I was going to get this job. I assume, though, that since I didn't get this job, God has something even better for me (or another shelver at the library will suddenly leave so I can have their job). I'm thinking about trying Chili's again (maybe their special little test will like me THIS time).

---------------

In other news...

Tomorrow is the first yearbook club meeting of the year! I'm very excited! I have a year of experience being the club leader and am more confident. We'll be doing more yearbook stuff than what we did last year--hopefully, actual discussions will be happening during the meetings.

I'm bringing my friend, Allie to the meeting (her mom should be coming to the mom's meeting, too). [She's finally moved out here but keep praying their house will sell!] I'm hoping her family will join the homeschool group--this would make me very happy!

Also, co-op will be starting next Monday. I'll be taking more co-op classes than I ever have. The most I've ever taken is 2 classes. This year I'm taking economics, Latin 2, chemistry, and book discussion. Plus, Mrs. K will be tutoring me in geometry in the co-op building. It's going to be crazy but hopefully fun, too!

Cloning

2008-08-09T21:41:00.028-04:00

I got a book from the library called "Flesh of My Flesh"--a collection of essays, etc.--about the ethics of cloning. (I'm sure you do that kind of thing all the time! LOL)

As I've been reading and thinking (mostly thinking) about cloning, I was reminded of the tower of Babel. (If you don't know it, read Genesis chapter 11.)

It reminded me of the ATTITUDE of the tower of Babel. In Genesis 11:4-8 in the NKJV of the Bible, it reads,

"And they said, 'Come, let us build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top is in the heavens; let us make a name for ourselves, lest we be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.'
......

So the Lord scattered them abroad from there over the face of all the earth, and they ceased building the city."

It's the attitude of "let us make a name for ourselves" that gets me. It wasn't the building of a tower in itself. It was our attitude and that we were united enough to do anything we wanted (even things we weren't supposed to) [Genesis 11:6].

Cloning isn't new--it's not just some element of science fiction. In 1996, Dolly was cloned and since then other animals have been cloned. Why? I think one of the biggest reasons is because we CAN or maybe just to show that we can--when we put our mind to it.

Apparently, Dolly isn't the only animal that has ever been cloned. I read here (an article on Wikipedia about Dolly) that horses and cattle [I think] have also been cloned.

I guess I'm surprised we've been allowed to clone at all, you know? I'm thinking, if there was another time for God to come down and confuse us, wouldn't it be because we tried to create animal or human life through unnatural means? Yes, I know this kind of thing can get pretty technical and I'm not sure where the line is that shouldn't be crossed (cloning cells, etc).

I know this isn't a fun/happy post but I would REALLY appreciate your comments on this subject!

Thanks!

Nail Polish Sadness & Job Interviews

2008-08-06T08:29:00.017-04:00

[Like many of the pictures I use in my blog--none of the pictures on this post are mine. I didn't take them or edit them,etc.]

Alright, so my homeschool group is having a high school swimming party that I'm VERY excited about. I wanted to paint my fingernails green because I thought that'd be fun and out of the ordinary. And I wanted to paint them green before the swimming party. So yesterday when we went to Sally's to get my hair spray stuff [to protect my hair from the hair straightener] I looked to see if they had any green nail polish.

They did have green nail polish but it wasn't the kind I wanted [I thought it was too bright]. Maybe I should have gotten it anyway. Then I looked around in Wal-Mart but the only green nail polish they had was really light, kind of almost gray.

So now I am very sad and will probably just wear red instead [haha that rhymes--I'm a genius!] to the swimming party. But I will get green nail polish SOMEhow! Oh, well. Maybe I can get some and wear it to teen game night...
:(

----------------------

Okay, so about the job interview...

A couple years ago I volunteered at the library and met Mrs. Marie who's pretty fabulous and kind of got to know the librarians a little better. I enjoyed volunteering and thought it might be cool to work there.

Well, now the opportunity has come and I'm taking it! There are two openings for Shelvers at my library and I applied for them. I was called for a screening interview, which I thought went very well [the woman kept saying, "Oh, good answer", which made me happy]. Then yesterday, I went in for the actual interview.

I really enjoyed it! LOL No, really, I did. It was fun. I wasn't very nervous because I already know these people and Mrs. Marie really likes me. I answered Ms. [I'm not sure if she's a Miss or Mrs.] Anne's questions, which were mostly easy. Then Mrs. Marie came in to ask me some *wink* questions. She came in and asked who the leader of Uzbekistan is. LOL I asked if we could do one more...American. Then we all three [Ms. Anne, Mrs. Marie, and I] got to talking and it was really cool. We talked about things at the library that I didn't think they needed to tell me unless they were going to hire me. Plus, Mrs. Marie said things like, "and we won't put you up at the desk immediately..." which makes it sound like I already HAVE the job.

I REALLY want to work there! I think it's a great work environment, I love the people, and I like books and alphabetizing stuff! And they said they like me and Mrs. Marie said I have a very easy-going personality and that's good. YES! So hire me!!! This job is SO mine.

Ms. Anne said she had four more people to interview and would know by early next week. PLEASE pray I get this job!

Ohh, the suspense is terrible! But I have faith that this job is MINE.

Happy Friendship Day!

2008-08-04T14:11:00.006-04:00

Well, Sunday was Friendship Day! YAY!

So, Happy Post-Friendship Day, everyone! I love my friends.

I want to tell you [my lovely friends] that you mean a LOT to me and can't imagine life without you! I love ya!

(I found the above graphics from graphics arcade.)

P.S.

Thank you, Sprite and Mrs. Christy for the comments! You get brownie points! Could some of you other people comment, too? It would make me happy and I might take down the sad picture on the right side of the page.

Pic

2008-07-30T21:46:00.001-04:00

Here's another picture I've fixed up with Picnik.

Ooh! A movie

2008-07-29T07:00:00.006-04:00

You've probably guessed what movie I'll be talking about today...PENELOPE!!! I've been wanting to see this movie for a long time and finally saw it this weekend.

It's about a rich girl [Penelope] who, due to a family curse, was born with a pig nose and pig ears. In order to break the curse she has to find love with "one of her own kind". When she's old enough, her mother hires a matchmaker and they start the impossible task of trying to wed her to a "blue-blood".

Men are brought into a room where Penelope talks to them through a one-way window or mirror or whatever it's called. All the men end up jumping out of windows when they finally meet her--that is until Max [played by the wonderful James McAvoy--as seen in the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Becoming Jane"]. Max seems to like her but refuses to marry her.

That night Penelope runs away [she's been kept hidden in her family's mansion since her mother decided to fake her death so the reporters would stop hounding the girl] to get out in the world. She goes to a bar where she gets PRETTY loopy and meets Annie [Reese Witherspoon].

(That's the only reason someone might not want to go see this movie--there are a couple scenes in bars, though nothing crazy is happening. Max is shown gambling repeatedly, though he does stop becase of Penelope--see we CAN change them! This movie is rated PG but I don't remember any bad words in it. It's probably one of the cleanest movies you'll find that isn't a cartoon.)

Anyways, it's a really sweet, fun movie. I liked it. James McAvoy, as always, is very dashing and you can't help but love him! Christina Ricci's character s very sweet and likable. The woman who plays Penelope's mom [Catherine O'Hara] is hilarious and would not be the mom I'd want if I had a pig nose. That leads me to another point--who knew a girl could look so cute with a pig nose?

I give this movie a big two thumbs up!

Cast:

Penelope...Christina Ricci [I've never seen her before.]

Max...James McAvoy ["the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", "Becoming Jane"--you may also have seen him in "Atonement" and "Wanted" with Angelina Jolie. I've seen neither of the last two movies mentioned above.]

Annie...Reese Witherspoon ["Walk the Line"]

Lemon...Peter Dinklage [you may have seen him in Prince Caspian as Trumpkin the dwarf]

Edward Humphrey Vanderman III...Simon Woods ["Pride & Prejudice" as Mr. Bingley--he even looks great WITHOUT the red hair!]

HOLY COW!

2008-07-28T21:58:00.003-04:00

Okay, you have GOT to watch this video! It's crazy!

A new step in the evolution of computers!

Also, read this about 10 Scientifically Inaccurate movies.

EXCITED!

2008-07-23T20:58:00.059-04:00

Warning: this post is a little long but hopefully, you can make it. You might like it.

I've been very excited about writing in the past couple of days--I'm on a roll! Though I haven't gotten back to writing the actual STORY, I am doing awesomely.

I think Lexicon is a God thing. I just feel like I NEED to do it. Do you ever feel like that? Like you just NEED to do something--not because someone's making you do it. You just know you need to do it.

Lexicon is definitely a different story from what I've usually written. I've been writing since I was 10 or 11 [do the math] and have mostly written fantasy (griffins, dragons, prophecies, etc.)--or sometimes sci-fi (cloning, robots, etc.). Lexicon (not the prequel) takes place on earth here and now. Though the main character (guess who--Lexicon!) is an extraterrestrial guy, the story has nothing to do with space ships or anything like that [though, he did bring a small, inconsequential piece of technology and a special plant from his home]. It's about US.

When I say "us", I mean teenagers--Christian and non--and their problems. Lexicon arrives and "rocks our world" so to speak. I feel that it's very important that this book gets written and, in time, made into a movie (though I want to be a big part of helping it become a movie--I don't want them doing too much tweaking to my baby!).

There are a few similarities to past works of mine--Lexicon has a "gift" (I think in all the stories I write, someone has a super-power/gift). Plus, he IS an alien so, yeah...

Well, I'm not sure how much I can tell you...I'm a little paranoid about posting my stuff on the internet.

When Lexicon touches things/people, he's given glimpses into its/their life. For instance, (in the very sci-fi short prequel) I had Lexicon pick up a Bible and he saw the tree where it came from growing and misc. people reading the book.

Did I mention that I'm excited? Sorry I'm not going to tell you anymore. Maybe when it gets published, you'll go buy it... :)

Well, okay, I'll tell you a little more. Here--I'll tell you what Lexicon looks like. He's tall [over 6 feet tall] and has bright red hair. His skin is white as a piece of paper and won't tan or burn because he photosynthesizes [though he does eat, too--photosynthesis is mostly a back-up mechanism]. So he soaks the sun in through his skin. (Hey, it's my story! I can make up a photosynthesizing alien if I want to! :P ) He has very good posture [he's the son of an emperor] and is very courteous.

Well, anyways, I hope I didn't bore you too much! I'm just so excited, I wanted to share some of what I was excited about.

Hello?

2008-07-23T20:52:00.000-04:00

Is anybody out there? Hello????

I'm very sad because no one has been commenting!

Would somebody comment me PLEASE??? I just need to feel LOVED! :(

Hmm...

2008-07-23T10:12:00.001-04:00

Create yours at BlingyBlob.com!

Missing Pages by Seventh Day Slumber

2008-07-21T20:14:00.010-04:00

I think at least the chorus of this song goes perfectly with a certain character in my Lexicon story [yes, I'm still working on that]. Her name is Damien and she's a cutter. Along with the lyrics of this song, I've included a couple pictures that make me think of Damien.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the outside all we see is clay that hides the perfect lie
But no one really knows the pain inside
I understand how much it hurts to be the one who’s never seen
Missing pages in a magazine

No one knows you anymore
You’re lost inside the walls you’ve built
No one knows you anymore
A prison deep within your soul
There is One who sees it all
He’ll give you life you’ve never dreamed
He can see the pain underneath your skin

It’s hard to see you fading
Nothing that I do can bring you back
I pray to God that you don’t fade away
Your addiction is a symptom of a lost and dying soul
Without Jesus there’s no hope at all

No one knows you anymore
You’re lost inside the walls you’ve built
No one knows you anymore
A prison deep within your soul
There is One who sees it all
He’ll give you life you’ve never dreamed
He can see the pain underneath your skin

There’s so much more this is not the end
It’s all in your hands don’t throw it away
A beautiful life with so much to give
The image of God underneath your skin

No one knows you anymore
You’re lost inside the walls you’ve built
No one knows you anymore
A prison deep within your soul
There is One who sees it all
He’ll give you life you’ve never dreamed
He can see the pain underneath your skin

Beauty of God underneath your skin
Beauty of God underneath your skin
Beauty of God underneath your skin

Do you ever feel like this?

2008-07-21T13:34:00.002-04:00

This is PRETTY funny.

Funny Videos

Home, Sweet Home!

2008-07-16T20:35:00.021-04:00

Well, it's good to be home!!! I had a great time at Allie's house. She was sad to see me go--and I was sad to leave.

But it's always nice to sleep in one's own bed. :)

We had a wonderful Lord of the Rings marathon. ;) We also went to Arbor Lodge--SUMMER home to the people who started Arbor Day. (Contrary to popular belief [or maybe just my belief], it was not started because of crazy environmentalists.) It was lots of fun!

I saw a different side of Allie this time, though. *shakes head* I just don't know if I can be friends with a girl who...dips her grilled cheese sandwiches in ketchup! :P LOL

Allie & I...

So Long for Now...

2008-07-06T01:37:00.011-04:00

Well, gang, I'm leaving town! I'm going to Nebraska to see my loverly friend, Allie! (see picture below--LOL) I'm leaving tomorrow [Sunday] and it looks like I'm going to be there for a week. I'm excited and am sure it shall be fun! I'll see you later!

fun pix!

2008-06-30T22:10:00.009-04:00

Well? What do you think? I'd LOVE some input here. Can you read all the words on the pictures? I got the quotes from misc. people. I took all these pictures myself and editted them using www.picnik.com .

More random things about me...

2008-06-27T20:28:00.041-04:00

11. When I was younger, I wanted to be an illustrator. (I drew stacks of pictures that told stories.) Even though my mom told me that writing was in the family and I'd probably want to be a writer one day, I didn't think so. Boy, was I wrong.

12. I'm very story-oriented. All the things I want to do or have ever wanted to do involve stories. [Writing, acting, singing.] (I love music videos that are a story.)

13. For the most part, I don't like tea. Or coffee, really. [Though, I do like frappuccinios.]

14. When I was little and was eating grapenuts with my mom, I turned to her and said, "Look, Mom." I then flicked a spoonful of grapenuts on the wall. My mom was so surprised that I did that [I just don't do things like that] that she started laughing even though she said, "Don't do that again." I smile when I think about it. I'm not exactly sure why I decided to do that. Hmm...

15. I tell my parents and my sister all the time that I love them.

16. I LOVE water!

--Excuse me while I go get a drink of water...

Okay, I'm back. --

17. I used to have a crush on Justin Timberlake from *NSYNC. But then he cut off his beautiful curls and started going out with Britney Spears. That's when I knew it was over between us. :(

18. I love Audrey Hepburn!

19. I've never been out of the country (no, not even to Mexico).

20. I don't particularly like fruit pies.

Video of dance to "Bleeding Love"

2008-06-26T18:03:00.009-04:00

=Wow. (Do I say "wow" too often?) We don't ever watch "So You Think You Can Dance" but last night we did. The video below is of the best dance of the night. It was so AWESOME!!!

Have I mentioned (I think I have in the past) how I yearn to do perform/write things that make people FEEL? This is one of those performances that I'd love to be a part of.

By the way, in the introduction, they said that the man is supposed to be a workaholic and the girl is his girlfriend or wife.

So definitely watch it! (It's about 2 min. long.)

Another Picnik pic

2008-06-24T10:18:00.001-04:00

I <3 PICNIK.COM!!!

2008-06-22T19:42:00.011-04:00

Picnik is an awesome website!!! I load up pictures and can do a ton of things to them! Now, I can make people like the pictures I take that are kind of random but neat-looking [to me anyway].

I took this picture the first time we went to NY and we went to the Statue of Liberty. I thought the quote would go better with a picture of the statue turned away. What do you think?
the quote says, "this moment contains all moments".

this is a picture of when I went to the fair last year with Kirsty and her family. I took this picture with her sister in the bottom left corner on purpose. I thought it would make a cool picture...and it did.

Phobias

2008-06-19T07:54:00.006-04:00

Fear. Everyone fears certain things--like if you're on the edge of a cliff, it's natural to be afraid to fall off--but there are too many people who go a little too far with the whole "fear" thing. I think I have too much fear but God will help me with that.

There are some fears that are just...really weird... For instance...

Caligynephobia--the fear of beautiful women.

Osmophobia--the fear of body odors. (while I agree that body odors are terrible, terrible things, I think having a "phobia" of them is pretty crazy)

Pentheraphobia--the fear of your mother-in-law

Gymnophobia or Nudophobia--the fear of nudity

You can find a list of phobias here.

I think people are just too wrapped up in their own fears. Fear can be like chains. You have to let go of your fears--or, if nothing else, at least don't let them take over your life.

My Mom thinks that when we reach out to help others our own fears will diminish. She feels that it is because we are so self absorbed that we only focus on these fears. It is hard to focus on some of these silly fears when we are helping a friend in need.

I think she's right. We're so caught up in ourselves that every feeling we have, we focus on it maybe so much that it gets blown out of proportion.

------

Fear not, for I am with you. -Isaiah 43:5

A Lovely Rant

2008-06-18T07:35:00.000-04:00

Okay, so Thursday I went to the grocery store with my mom while Hannah was in gymnastics. I wanted to get a new battery for my watch (I was tired of it always being 6:15) so my mom had me go up to the jewelry counter to ask how much it would be to get the new battery.

I hand the lady my watch and ask how much it will be. She then turns around and starts talking to the other ladies while she's tinkering with my watch. After a moment or so, I realize that she's probably fixing it instead of finding out the price. So I said, "So how much is it going to be?"

She turns around with the watch and says, "It's almost done. Oh. You wanted to know how much?"

YES! GRRR...

Well, she told me the price and it wasn't much so I figured mom wouldn't mind--it was too late anyway.

I assumed we'd be able to pay for the battery up front but then realized I was wrong. "Can I pay for it up front?"

She said something, which basically meant, "No."

I didn't have any money with me and Mom was somewhere in the amenities section so I said, "How about I leave this with you? I have to get some money from my mom."

She looked at me kind of strangely but said, "Okay."

So I rush over to my mom and told her what was going on. Instead of cash, she gave me her debit card to use.

So...I go back to the jewelry counter and give the lady the debit card. When she prints out the receipt, I sign for Mom.

The lady said, "Signing your mama's name..." with a nice smile on her face that made me want to punch her. I knew what she meant--even with that smile.

I said, "She's right over there."

It was really stupid that she even said anything about me using my mom's debit card to buy a $4 and some change watch battery! I mean, if I was going to use my mom's card to actually buy something without her knowing, do you think I'd buy a $4 item? Lady, I wouldn't be talking to you! I'd be in the electronics section! I mean, seriously! GR!

Besides, if the lady had just told me how much it was like I asked her to in the first place, I could have brought my mom back later and she could have paid herself!

GRRR!!!

Well, I'm glad I got that out of my system...

Some Random Things About Me

2008-06-17T10:34:00.002-04:00

I got this from my friend, Sprite. I'm not sure how many things I can come up with [not that you need to know anymore random things about me] but I'll have a go at it.

1.) I used to want to have shiny, black hair. I have since been told by a family friend/our hairdresser, though, that I wouldn't look so good with it so it's probably not in my future. :(

2.) In pretty much all of the stories that I write the main character(s) have a super power/gift/amazing ability.

3.) Like Sprite, I hate having a messy room but my room...isn't looking so good at this point.'

4.) I was told the truth about Santa Claus from the beginning but my parents would still take me to the mall to sit on Santa Claus' lap. (Just so you know, I don't feel deprived or anything. It was fun pretending.)

5.) I've lived in the same state all of my life.

6.) I don't want to put a limit on how many children I'm going to have. I figure when God thinks I have had all the children I'm supposed to have, I will just stop having children. I mean, why limit God? I know, this is definitely not a point-of-view held by many Christians, much less non-Christians. I may change my mind on this but this is my thought at this point.

7.) I've already begun thinking up names for my children (I'm sure I'm not the first girl to do that). Among the names I'm considering are: (for boys:) Linden, Noah, Rush, and Ransom and (for a girl:) Samara [Hebrew for "protected by God"].

8.) I love Japan's culture. I think it's really cool. The land is also very beautiful.

9.) I started writing fiction when I was 10 or 11 and have kept it up since.

10.) I get very into movies and T.V. shows. I make LOTS of faces (but when DON'T I make faces?). Patti and my mom think it's very entertaining to watch me. Often my Mom says I am more entertaining than what is on T.V. at the time.

Well, I made it to 10! That's it for today.

What Kind of Gift Giver Am I?

2008-06-13T18:30:00.000-04:00

You Are a Practical Gift Giver

Your gifts are useful, appropriate, and custom tailored to each person.

In your opinion, the best gifts are gifts that someone will actually use.

Your gifts may not be the most glamourous, but they are always appreciated.

What Kind of Gift Giver Are You?

What Color Girl Am I?

2008-06-10T20:04:00.001-04:00

I know some of these quizzes are kind of stupid but they're so fun!

You Are A Blue Girl

Relationships and feelings are the most important things to you.

You are empathetic and accepting - and good at avoiding conflict.

If someone close to you is in pain, it makes you hurt as well.

You try to heal the ones you love with your kind and open heart.

What Color Girl Are You?

Who I'd Like to Meet

2008-06-08T17:29:00.000-04:00

-Ronald Reagan--it's just not fair that I never got to see him while he was the president!

All great change in America begins at the dinner table. Ronald Reagan

Before I refuse to take your questions, I have an opening statement. Ronald Reagan

But there are advantages to being elected President. The day after I was elected, I had my high school grades classified Top Secret. Ronald Reagan

Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same. Ronald Reagan

Government's first duty is to protect the people, not run their lives. Ronald Reagan

I have wondered at times what the Ten Commandments would have looked like if Moses had run them through the US Congress. Ronald Reagan

-C.S. Lewis--I know there are so many things I could learn from him.

Can a mortal ask questions which God finds unanswerable? Quite easily, I should think. All nonsense questions are unanswerable. C. S. Lewis

Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important. C. S. Lewis

Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. C. S. Lewis

Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil. C. S. Lewis

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. C. S. Lewis

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C. S. Lewis

If the whole universe has no meaning, we should never have found out that it has no meaning: just as, if there were no light in the universe and therefore no creatures with eyes, we should never know it was dark. Dark would be without meaning. C. S. Lewis

If you look for truth, you may find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort you will not get either comfort or truth only soft soap and wishful thinking to begin, and in the end, despair. C. S. Lewis

It's so much easier to pray for a bore than to go and see one. C. S. Lewis

----------------------

So I've told you who I'd like to meet--who would YOU like to meet? [Specifically, someone famous but they can be dead or alive.]

The SAT--a legal form of torture

2008-06-07T15:39:00.018-04:00

*Sigh* So I took the SAT today. It was not fun.

*BEWARE: EXCESSIVE COMPLAINING AHEAD*

First, I had to get up when even the sun is still asleep [even though I'm out of school--it was bad enough when I was in school]. (Maybe we should catch on to what the sun is doing! Maybe it knows something--like that if you get up before it does that you'll be VERY TIRED!)

Then I had to go to the university where they were having the SAT and stand in line for a long time, waiting to get registered.

After that, I sat hunched over for practically 4 hours straight, trying to do the stupid test! GR! It also didn't help that I didn't know anyone I was taking the test with [though I did see Garrett & Carsyn while I was in line]. It was so sad. :(

But, FINALLY, it ended! And then...I did a happy dance [well, inside anyway]. I was SO happy to be out of there. I hope that I did well. My mother was so kind, she got me a chocolate shake from Sonic to celebrate the over-ness.

Unfortunately, the ACT is next Saturday...

Capto Veritam

The Foolish Things

Gifts of the Spirit

a GOD moment

This Semester I...

Love and Art

A Beautiful Testimony--I Beg You to Watch

Thought-Provoking Verses from the Book of Romans

Ephesians 5:3-7--> Interesting Passage

Responsibilities as a Christian [a long blog post]

WATCH THIS RIGHT NOW!!!

Ephesians 5:15-20

Some Wonderful C.S. Lewis Quotes from His Book, Mere Christianity

Interesting Quotes from Cecil B. DeMille

Dr. Robert Gagnon: What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?

The Sy Rogers Story

Lexicon's Bible Verses

A Catchy/Fun Song for You to Enjoy!

Catrina's Thought of the Day

Beware: Parts of This Video Are Not Child-Friendly

I'm Sorry...and Lexicon.

A purpose, a cause

Cussing. Is it Something God Approves Of?

A Question for YOU

First Day

First Post of 2010

3 Things

Some God-Breathed Scripture

Oh, Goody! More Eco-Friendliness.

What's so Special About Sex? (Mature Content--use discretion)

Christmas Gift Ideas

Warning! Warning! The Sleeping Bear is Awake!

The Precipice

PLEASE watch

It's Amazing What You Find in the Bible Even When You're Not Looking for It

Is God in Everything?

Such a Sweet Video!

A Time for Cheesecake

:(

Yes, I Have Begun the Countdown. ;)

Give

Another Slice (of Cheesecake)

Some Cheesecake for You

Some Bible Verses on Stress

Those Staggering Toward Slaughter

Oh, Lexicon, Lexicon...

Growth Spurt

Blast From the Past

Christmas is Near and an Unexpected Blessing

CHRISTMAS??? ALREADY?????

Hmm...What am I Thankful For?

It might be lame but...

*Heavy Sigh*

Castle Personality test? You Decide.

I can't believe this is happening

The Cute Monster Test

"...Those who are drawn toward death"

Should I Be Allowed to Vote?

My Most Wonderous 18th Birthday!

Sleeping and other time-consuming hobbies

Interesting "Funny" & Thoughts on My Journal-Writing

Birthday Anticipation

Clone Puppies!

What State Should I Live In?

It's supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Picture

"The Autumn Test"

What Have I Been up To?

I Want to be Different

"Feeling Good" by Michael Buble

Most Wonderfulness!

Naked Ladies & more...

What Font Am I?

Terrible Sadness & Great Excitedness

Cloning

Nail Polish Sadness & Job Interviews

Happy Friendship Day!

Pic

Ooh! A movie

HOLY COW!

Heavy Sigh