The End

Day 30: Goals for the next 30 days.

DAY 30!  Yay, it is finished.  I have to say that this was a lot of fun.

With the new year, come many high expectaions of doing better with what you may have not done so well in the past. The excitement of the new experiences that the year will hold. Everyone starts to make their proverbial new year's resolutions in hopes that this year, yes, this year will be changed. I too have certain things that I would like to see get done, though I am not a huge fan of new years resolution. Personally, I think that if you wan't to change something you should change it now. If you are willing to wait then you may not want it bad enough. Now, this is not to say that I good at following this principle. I, like many, put off for tomorrow what should be done today. So for now I will make a list for this blog, as a sort accountability for myself, somethings that I want to accomplish. Most of these are silly things, just a few ideas to tie up some loose ends.

• Read the The bible
• Genesis
• Exodus
• Leviticus
• Numbers
• Dueteronomy
• Joshua
• Judges
• Ruth
• 1 Samuel
• 2 Samuel
• 1 Kings
•  2 Kings
• 1 Chronicles
• 2 Chonicles
• Ezra
• Nehemiah
• Esther
• Job
• Psalm
• Proverbs
• Ecclesiastes
• Song of Solomon
• Isaiah
• Jeremiah
• Lamentations
• Ezekiel
• Daniel
• Hosea
• Joel
• Amos
• Obadiah
• Jonah
• Micah
• Nahum
• Habakkuk
• Zephariah
• Haggai
• Zechariah
• Malacahi
• Mathew
• Mark
• Luke
• John
• Acts
• Romans
• 1 Corinthians
• 2 Corinthians
• Finish reading the following books that have already been started:
• Love, Lucy
• It Happened in Italy
• A Lineage of Grace 
• Dancing Under the Red Star
• Little Women
• Revolution in World Missions
• Another Man's War
• Living Sacrifice
• Organize Jewelry box
• Clean Jewelry
• Finish crocheting two more blankets

P.S. This is more that 30 days worth of work

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"Saturday, in the park..."

Day 29:  If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real or fictitious from any time period, dead or alive) , which three people would you choose and why?

This was supposed to be don 2 days ago but God had different plans.  It was awesome though.
This is the second to last day.

I think that this is my favorite question thus far.   First I wasn't sure if the question meant having lunch with 3 people at the same time or if it was 3 seperate lunches.  There is not a whole lot of difference except you don't want to get three people together that would not have good conversation or clash with each other.  So I decided, this is my blog, so I will have lunch with three people together.

The first person would absolutley be God.  I think this is pretty obvoius.  I love Him, He loves me.  Why wouldn't I want to have lunch with him? 
The next would be Maya Angelou.  I think there is a lot that I could learn from her about teaching, God, and life in general.  Actually imagine Maya Angelou teaching me about God while God is there.  Maybe?
The third will be Elizabeth Bennet.  She is one of my favorite fictional charachters.  We would have the most in common and I think that we would be able to talk some great girl talk.






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compromising

Day 28:  What are some things that you won't compromise on?

• Doing what God wants me to do
• The bible is true
• God can overcome and forgive ANYTHING
• JIF peanut butter
• Puff's tissues

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"If you learn....Teach."

Day 27: Why have you chosen the career you are in?

"What I think it really means is: I'm a teacher. I am a teacher. I teach all the time, as you do and as all of you do—whether we know it or not, whether we take responsibility for it or not. I hold nothing back because I want to see that light go off. I like to see the children say, 'I never thought of that before.' And I think, 'I've got them!'" — Dr. Maya Angelou

There is something about teaching someone something that puts a fire inside of me.  Especially when you can visually see that moment on a persons face when they get something.  When they see something in a new light or realize something they thought what not necessarily true.  I chose kids because when they learn something, they want to share it with the whole world.  At camp, during the summer, it happens endlessly every week.  Kids come up to me and want to recite the summer's memory verse that they finally learned, or the nature fact that their cabin director thought them.  Learning is such a beautiful process that NEVER ends.  There is always something else to learn.



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"In my heart is where I'll keep you friend"

Day 26: Something that you miss.

I miss being a kid at my Grandmaw's house.  Me and my cousins would have so much fun there.  Haning out on the stairs, playing on the old swing set, swimming in the lake.  It was a house that I knew I belonged in.
I had so many great memories in that house. I do miss it.






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Fascination

Day 25: Someone who fascinates you and why.

I recently watched Maya Angelou on OWN's Master Class (really great show by the way) and it is really easy to see why people love her.  There is a certain peace about her that makes everyone around her stop and listen.  I was completely enthralled in everything that she had to say.

I also started reading her biography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.  I have to say her writing is so intriguing.  It is like she is sitting there telling you a story.  You can hear her voice in the words and imagine her inflection. There are so many talented authors in the world of words.  Though there are few, in my opinion that can capture you as Maya Angelou does. She does this not only in her books but in her speach.  She speaks with both grace and authority,  humility and courage, understanding and strength  If you have a chance to read it you should definitely take the time.

Maya Angelou fascinates me.

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"This I how we overcome"

Day 24: A problem you have had.


A problem that comes to mind right now is a problem with not finishing things that I start.
A craft project here or a book there. It all adds up to a pile of unfinished junk.

I have a whole list of books that I have started and not finished. Not because the books are not interesting, but because there are so many books that do look interesting that I can't help but start it. So I end up with a pile of books that I can't finish in any reasonable amount of time.
The same thing used to go for my crocheting. I would get about a quarter of the way through a blanket and then for some unknown reason it would just get forgotten about.
Little things like this have built up a fear of failure with bigger things. There are many things that I have avoided starting because I was afraid that I would not be able to finish them. A prime example is getting a teaching degree. I could have been done with this probably a couple years ago if I had gotten my butt in gear. Instead I sat on my hands and worried that i was not good enough and able to do the work that it took. There are still times that i beat myself up about all the time that I wasted.
Through it all, God has worked. Through my shortcomings he has come through and made something beautiful.
The truth is I am not good enough. I can't do the work. I never could, and will never be able to.
There is nothing that I can do without God. He gives me the wisdom, he gives me the drive, he gives me the grace and mercy to finish all that I start.
Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This is a promise that God has given everyone.  No matter who you are.  Draw your strength from God and you will be amazed at the things that you can do.

Are you attractive?

Day 23: What kind of person attracts you?

I think that we all have qualities that we are naturally drawn to in our friends and to the new people that we meet. 
The thing about these qualities are that they can be different in each person.  Plus even if a person has the same quality they it can manifest itself in different ways.  Qualities are judged from person to person.  Ultimately it is about the heart. 

Some of the qualities that I find myself naturally drawn to.....

to people that love life
people that go with the flow
people that I can laugh with because I do it so much
to people that love to dance
to people that love God
to sarcastic people
the underdog
people that don't mind a little bit of weird in their life
open-minded people
level-headed people



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"Let's go see the show!"

Day 22: Name 5 movies that you could watch over and over and not get tired of.

I decided that instead of putting the same movies that I always put for this question like The Little Mermaid and Tombstone I would put some movies down that are a little less known.  I like to expose people to new things.  I have also linked each movie with the trailer on youtube if you want to check it out.

Meet Me in St. Louis



The Desk Set
This movie is hilarious

The Maltese Falcon

Murder on the Orient Express
This movie has a load of amazing talent.  It is a classic murder mystery.

Places in the Heart
The title may not be the most original but the movie is really good.

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"What ya got cookin'?"

Day 21: Give picture of 5 famous men that you think are attractive.

Four is enough.







Dennis Quaid



Paul Newman



Gary Cooper



Robert Redford



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2 years

Day 20:  How have you changed in the past 2 years?

I go to Converse and I am actively pursuing a teaching degree!

I have matured a lot over the past two years.  I am on the road to being more humble and less selfish.  I have become more and more outgoing.  Most importantly,  I am starting to see fruit being produced in my life.  It is not just empty claims and ugly masks.  There is actual evidence of these changes.
I have become much more realistic about how my life will be, or maybe I should say that God has changed my perspective on how my life will be.  He has shined a light on something that I thought that I wanted and now realize why I don't.  I am working on my hypocrisies.  Major thought renovations have taken place. There has been so much spiritual warfare, but I will FEAR NOT because I know that God has already overcome everything that I am battling.

I have felt God's love like never before.  Like I never thought I would.  I can't wait to see what God still has for me.  This is only the beginning!



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Where were you?

Day 19: One of your favorite shows.
My absolute favorite show is American Experience (AE).  AE is a documentary show that is produced by PBS.  AE has awesome with documentaries of lesser known events in the history of America.  They document individuals and entire historical events. Their topics range from Native American history to teenage hobos during the Great Depression.  The stories and interviews are always poignant and interesting.
I hardly ever get to watch it because we don't get PBS at school.  Luckily most of  the episodes can be watched online.

Hurricane of '38



We Shall Remain



The Lobotomist



My Lai



U.S. Grant: Warrior



If you want to check out the show this is a list of the films....

American Experience - Film Archive

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Parents

Day 18:  Disrespecting your Parents

Well this does not apply to me at all *sees lightning strike*

Simply put there is no circumstance where you should disrespect your parents.  Not even a little bit.
5th commandment: "Honor your Father and Mother"
Now, have I always done that?  Regrettably, no.
I have not always treated my mother with the respect that she deserves.  God is working on that really hard right now actually.  He is chipping away a lot of bitterness and anger (both of which were not her fault) and showing me a whole new way to look at my beautiful mother.  I am so lucky to have such a loyal Mom.  She is one of those moms you who is a mom to everyone that meets her.

Don't disrespect the parents!


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Edgamacation!

Day 17: How important you think education is.

I think education is extremely important.  Knowledge is power.  It is so important to me that I am making a career out of education.  It is important to have a healthy thirst for learning.  The world around us is so vast and there are so many things that are worth learning about.  You shouldn't just get an education so you can get a good job or make a good paycheck.  You should get an education becuause it makes you a better human being.  It allows you to relate to the world around you. Learning is sucha beutiful thing.





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Doubt your doubts and believe your beliefs.

oooo halfway done.

Day 16:  Your beliefs.

This is a really broad question.  Of course the first thing that come to mind are my beliefs on faith but there are so many other things you can have beliefs for. So I am going name a few that come to mind.

• I believe that there is one God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Paul, Jesus, and myself.  He is loving, righteous, loyal, and just to everyone who chooses to believe in him and have a relationship.  He, in turn, makes those who follow him loving, righteous, loyal, and just.
• I believe that if you hunt, you must eat what you kill.  No just for funsies.
• I believe people waste too much.
• I believe there shouldn't be a law against abortion.  However, I don't believe in abortion
• I believe that Dennis Quaid has one of the best smiles in the world
• I believe if you want change you have to be the change
• I believe that complaining does no good and is annoying
• I believe in "do unto others has you want them to do to you."  If you treat people with kindness and respect that is what you will get in return. 
• I believe that everyone who is stressed out should take about 30 min and color.
• I believe that it is creepy that the ipod  seems to know what song mood you are in.  Thanks Mirko Hall
• I believe in tree hugging and leaf petting
• I believe that the show Bridalplasty is a terrible show and my spirit hurts every time I see it while passing channels.  If only these women knew how beautiful they really were.

Well, I think that is sufficient for right now....

Yay for snow day #2!






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High there!

Day 15: Your lows and highs of this year.

I have not had many lows this year. Overall it has been a very productive, good year.  Though there is one moment that comes to mind as a low moment.
Last semester I took Intro to Mental Disabilities.  I have had the professor, Dr. Malone, before and I like her.  All her exams are essay format.  Usually you have to choose a few questions out of a pool and write everything you know.  The second test in the class she gave us the option of a take home test.  Of course everyone in the class including myself pushed for the take home (who wouldn't?).  Little did we know that test would be the worst test ever.  I consider myself a pretty laidback person and I don't tend to worry much. Most things are what they are. This test was the exception. It rulled all my thoughts that week and was almost all I talked about.  The week before, when the test was scheduled, I had gone to my brothers wedding and had to take the test later.  She gave me a week to complete it, and I took every minute of that.  I just wasn't able to form the answers as I wanted them and the questions were very difficult.  You can usually expect a take-home to be more difficult, but I had never taken a test quite so intense.  In the end, I did quite a bit better than I thought I would.  I am glad that class is behind me.

The highs have ruled this year.  God as showed up in my life like never before.  I have felt Gods presence in every aspect of my life especially with my thoughts.  God has really started cutting my thoughts off at the root.  Right when a sinful or unholy thought comes into my head, for sure the holy spirit is right there to correct me.  Almost as if He is saying "Are you sure you want to think that?"  As a result I feel my thought are comng more and more in line with what God wants.   It has been a beautiful thing!


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Music

I missed a day boo, but in my defense I tried to write a blog.  My mom's computer was not cooperating.


Day 14: What do you think about mainstream music?

As I said a couple posts ago, I love music.   Though when it comes to mainstream, it depends on what genre you are speaking of.
When it comes to radio I mostly listen to the lite rock station such as Magic98.9 (I love the John Tesh show) or MY102.5.  They play the classics, songs that are so much fun to sing to. I don't really listen to mainstream radio. I feel like I listen to one good song and then I have to change it for the next 6 because they are all talking about the same thing.  To be honest sometimes I feel like a lot of mainstream music is as insult to my intelligence.  I do listen to country mainstream because I love the stories that come along with a country song. Thought even some country songs have to be tuned off. 
For that most part though, it is my iPod.  The simple reason is I can control it completely. I know exactly what I have on it and I love all of it.
So I guess an overall consensus on mainstream music is that I am not usually a fan.  However, I don't like generalize things too much.   I take it on a song by song basis.







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Memory

Day 13: Earliest Memory.

My earliest memories are those when we lived in Louisiana. I think the first place that I remember living is Lacombe.  I remember playing outside in the driveway and walking to the store behind our house.  This was also where I broke first bone.  I broke it falling off the the deep freezer at our house. I had a snoopy sling and I remember the wierd feeling of my skin when the cast came off.  It is also where I had the chicken pocks.  Good times.



Kristen chillin like a gangsta @ about 3 or 4 in Lacombe, La



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Run like a vagabond, carry the flame

Day 12:  A place that you would like to visit.

Um...is everywhere an answer?
I am a big fan of travel.  I love to do it no matter where it is.  I can be an hour down the road or a 12 hour plane trip, especially if it is somewhere I have never been.  I have to say though I am not big on places that are filled with tourists.  When I go somewhere I like to see the things that are off the beaten path.  Things that you might have to look a little harder to find.  There is just something about exploring a new place.  Not knowing what to expect and finding new things.  It makes you see things is a completely different way.  Even from State to state and especially country to country people and many ways of doing things.  It is amazing when you can open your self up to those things let it make you  better person.  That is why I love travel.

• Africa
• Russia
• Mexico (went there a couple years ago and I want to go back)
• Greece
• Scotland
• Poland
• Norway
• Chile
• Prague

I am really up for anything.






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Jan term and "livin' is easy"

Day 11: Bullet your whole day.

• Wake up about 8....30....ish
• Do some pleasure reading
• Go to lunch at 12ish
• Work on som article reviews
• Read some more
• Go to dinner
• Work from 6-9
• Whatch some TV
• Heckle Shelly and miss Rachel
• Write a blog
• Go to bed
• Dream

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Turn up the good stuff!

Day 10:  Name 10 of you favorite songs on your music player and say why you like them.

These are in no particular order...I love music...I could go on all day, so I will try to keep this short and sweet.

1. Chem 6A - Switchfoot

This song is one of my favorites of all time.  I have been a switchfoot fan for a long time even before they became cool.  Their first CD I think will always be my favorite.  There first 3 are the classics ans will never grow old.  I love their newer stuff too but the those will forever be on top

2. Carolina on my Mind - James Taylor

James Taylor.  He has one of the best voices in the world and I could listen to him all day.  Espcially this song.  it is so smooth and makes me really think about a place that I love.  I don't know where will be in the years to come but this song will always be ther to remind me of this place.

3. It Never Entered My Mind - Miles Davis

This song it just so smooth and lovely. I love jazz because it is just the music.  No voices, no editting, no enhancers. Just music.  You can here every instrument and know exactly what they are.

4. Amazed - Desperation Band

I love this song because it starts out with the line. "You dance over me.  While I am unaware.  You sing all around, but i never hear the sound."  I think that it is so powerful because it just makes you think of how God, even we aren't aware, is thinking of us and beckoning us to come closer.  Even we aren't "in the mood" and we are busy doing are own thing, he is forever working in our lives and wanting to make them more beautiful.  The chorus of this song says, "Lord, I'm Amazed by you. How you love me." Nobody loves us like he does with such passion and followthrough.  He is always there. Always.

5. 13 Letters - 116 clique

Best rap album of all time. 116 clique is all the best christian rap artist on the same cd rapping together.  I can't pick just one song.  The premise of the the cd is based on the 13 letters written by Paul.  It breaks them down and does it so well. if you have not heard it you shoud.

 6. Let it be me - Ray LaMontange

Ray LaMontange just has one of those voices that i can never get enough of.  I love this song in particular because I think that, in some parts, it speaks to the way that God feels about us. God wants to be out refuge and place of safety.  However he will never force us to do it, you have to make the choice to let him be the one that you run to. 

7. Rebirthing - Skillet

Skillet has always been one of my al time favorite for one one primary reason (other then the fact that they make awesome music).  Their message has never changed.  They proclaim the name of Jesus just as much now as they did on their first CD, probably more.  They are never afraid to speak life in their songs.

8. High of 75 - Relient K

Favorite part about this song is the remider that no matter how my flesh feels, I always have a reason to be joyous.  Relient K has a song for ever situation in life. 

9. Head Carolina, Tails California - Jo Dee Messina

This song has been a favorite ever since I was a kid.  It is one of those that you can just belt out.  It is always seemed so fantastical, just dropping everything and just going.

10. Who needs air - The Classic Crime

"When you've got what i've got...Who needs air"  This song is about just diving head first into everything that God is and everything that he has for you.  What's not to like?

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"This year...I'll give it to someone special"

Day 9: Discuss you first love and first kiss

Well to be honest there is not much to discuss.  I have never had either.   Both are something that I treasure and am not going to give away lightly. 

Proverbs 4:23 says this...

"Guard your heart more than anything else, because the source of your life flows from it."

This verse has always rang true in my heart.  It is one of my favorite verses and it shows the importance God places on our hearts.  They should not be taken out and given to just anyone.  They are to be treasured and kept safe.  Once you put your heart out, you have to be willing for that person to do with it what they want.  So it is only makes sense that your heart would only go to those that you know will treat it with care.  Those that God say to share yourself with.  This is not only applicable in romantic relationships but any relationship that you have.  Even in sharing the word of God with someone.  We have to seek God and listen to his promptings before we share things.

Love is such a beautiful thing, if it first comes from God.  He is the only source of real love, everlasting and unchanging.

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"You bring feeling my life. You're the inspiration"

Day 8: Name a few people that have inspired you the most.

#1 definitely has to be my Mom.  We have an excellent relationship and for that I am so grateful.  She is amazingly forgiving.  She has shown me what real grace and mercy is.  Even when I treat her like crap, which happens too often, she is still always willing to help me out and love me like nothing ever happened.  I love her and the strength that she has shown throughout my life even when I know it would have been easier for her to give up.  She is always willing to befriend anyone that needs it and she them the same love that God has given her.  Most importantly she has given me such a great foundation in Christ.  She taught me from the time I can remember that all you need is God and she not only tells me she shows it.  Thanks Mom.

#2 My Grandmaw  she is especially on my heart after spending the week with her and my family.  I love how my Grandmaw loves life.  It has only been in the last couople years that I have really started to think of my grandmother as a person and not just Grandmaw.  She has led a whole life before I was even born.  I so enjoy listening to her tell stories of the past and her favorite memories.  She has always been a live wire and even now with all the health problems that she is having she is still out there and living her life.  She still lives with joy.  She is so strong-willed.  She has such a giving heart and has never denied any of us something that we needed.  She is great.

#3 Is actually a 2fer.  Steve and Jen Collins my bosses at the summer camp that I work at and they have really helped me a lot.  They show and brand of leadership that it now always easy to find.  They seek God first in everything that they do and say.  They both are always learning and seeking for what God has for them next, both as leaders and as a couple.  I have learned so much about compassion and teaching from them both.  It is a honor to call them both boss and friends.

So theres a few ..... Happy New Year!

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LML

Day 7:   A moment you felt most satisfied with your life?

I would have to say right now.  I feel like I am finally on my way to what God has planned for me.  I have never felt so sure that what I was doing is the right.  I am really growing up.  I feel much more mature now than I was even a year ago. As far as school goes I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  I am finally doing something worthwhile with my life and coming closer to God with every day.  Life is good and I love it.


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