hodgey podgey

I can't believe that my first year at Converse in already more that half over! It is so mind boggling.

Got to hangout with Mom couple weekend and celebrated her birthday, it was really a great day. We went to Greenville to do some shopping and we stopped at Barnes & Nobles. While we were there I was waiting on Mom while she looked at the quilting magazines and i happened to look over in the B&N Cafe. There was a man and a woman there, that i assumed was a husband and wife. The woman was a teacher (I could tell because she had a grade book) and she was grading papers and her husband was helping her. They just sat there so content looking enjoying each others company. It was just such a sweet scene.

I have decided that instead of walking to Trinity on Sunday mornings. I am going to stay at the dorm and have a little service of my own. Trinity is a great church and I loved going there, but I just don't have the time or the means to be able to get to know the people in the church like I want to. That being said I think I will get more by just staying home. I did it for the first time this past Sunday and it wen really well. I did everything like I would normally do. P&W and then some prayer. Then I listened to one of Pastor Terry's sermons. It actually works out better then actually sitting in church because you can pause and replay and really get into the study. I know that i need to spend more on on one time with God especially on a daily basis. I am finding more and more how much I need Him. I need Him desperately. I have have slipped up more than I'd like to lately, yet I know that he is still standing there beckoning me to be with Him.

I know that I told everyone before I left that I might have the opportunity to go a study abroad while at Converse. Well.....There is a study abroad in the UK at beautiful Reading for 6 months. I would go next Jan. and come back in early June. I am really really wanting to go but there are a lot of factors that I have to get figured out. Chelsea, one of my hall mates, are going to try ans do it together. I am just praying that if I am meant to go that all will line up. I meant 6 months in Reading would be amazing.

I am in Reading/Language Arts this semester and I got my assignment for clinical 1 today :) I will be at Pine St. Elementary which in a couple miles down the road. I will be working with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade. I am super excited to have the chance to teach a kid how to read and write. Yet at the same time it is so very intimidating. Though i have a great professor that will be glad to help me in any way she can.

Overall thing are going to very well here. I am excited about things to come. Thank you for all you prayers! I love and miss you all so much.




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The Fujita Scale has now been extented to K-10 1/2.











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Take with you what lasts forever....

Wait, stay here and have a drink of time
Wait, before you split yourself in two
There's time for you

If you travel here, you will feel it all
The brightest and the darkest
If you travel here, listen to your heart
And take with you what lasts forever

Sleep, and dream the dream of when you fly
See through traveler's eyes who want to give
To live and give

If you travel here, you will feel it all
The brightest and the darkest
If you travel here, listen to your heart
And take with you what lasts forever
-- "Traveler's Song" -Future of Forestry




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True story....

Lady at the Drive-thru: "Welcome to Zaxby's. May I take your order?
Mom: "I just need two chicken plates, to go"





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That Noisy Air...

I know that I am not a lone in my struggle to listen to God, so I wanted to share this simple story.

I was taking mom to work this morning. It was cold so we had the heat on full blast. At the same time I was listening to a Cd (the new desperation band Cd, it's good by the way) and there are a few instrumental sections in some of the songs that just feel like "soaking" music.
So as I was driving back home, one of the instrumental parts came on. I was just listening to the song and then I decided to turn the air off since it was getting a little stuffy. So I turned it off and the second I did so it struck me how much more of the music I could hear. The instruments and beats were so much more defined with out the rushing air drowning it out.

It's so frustrating sometimes waiting for God to speak. Anyone that knows me knows that I have a hard time sitting still and waiting. I know that if I could just turn the 'Air' off (all the voices and thoughts going through my head) I could hear Him. Like I need to hear Him. Like I long to hear Him.

Just take this for what it's worth.





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Momma always taught me to share....

This is a narrative that I wrote for my English class this semester. I just really love it and wanted to share it.

(Some names have been changed to protect the innocent)

When I was in first grade my teacher was Mrs. King. She was the oldest teacher at St. Patrick’s Elementary school, and probably a few years short of ancient. She was a petite woman: with a hump back and gray hair. She would always sit in this blue plastic chair while she taught our class. I have to say I do not have a lot of vivid memories about Mrs. King; however, the one that I do have is one of the most memorable moments of my childhood. At the time I thought I would never get over it.
It was the first day of first of school, and there was a new boy in our class. “This is Wesley Doe, and he has just moved to Lake Providence from Washington,” announced Mrs. King to the class. He was the cutest boy that I had ever seen, and I knew from the moment that I saw him I was in love.
Wes had this very light, almost white, blonde hair. It was cut short with a cowlick in the front. He had eyes the color of the sky on a clear day, and when he smiled it was enough to make me melt into a big puddle of soupy goo. I sat in the front right corner of the class, and he sat two rows over all the way in the back next to the bathroom. It was hard to see him while sitting in class, but I would watch him out on the playground. He would run around and play ball with all the other boys, and he was always the fastest one. In class he was just as smart as he was fast. He got things very quickly. He always seemed to have the right answers.
The further into the school year that I went, the more I was sure of one thing. Wes Doe was the boy that I wanted to marry. One day the class had just come in from recess, and I had gotten up enough courage to ask. I got out a piece of paper from my blue folder, got out my pencil, and wrote my letter. It was short and sweet; written so carefully as if I was the only girl in history to have ever written a love note.
“Dear Wes will you marry me? Love Kristen.” Ended with two check boxes, one for no and one for yes. I folded up the note as neatly as I could with every corner lining up. Finishing it off with a “To: Wes” on the front of the note.
Now, I just had to figure how I was going to give it to him. I couldn’t just go up to him, give him the note, and demand an answer. These decisions take time and that just was not my style. Then the idea came to me. I would pretend that I needed to go to the bathroom, and on my way I would drop the note on his desk. “He would have plenty of time to answer while I ‘go to the bathroom’,” I thought to myself.
With that I made my way to the back where Wes sat, getting more nervous with every desk that I passed. I finally made it to Wes’ desk. He looked at me, and I looked at him. Then I quickly placed the note on his desk, and darted for the bathroom behind him.
Once in the bathroom all I could think about was that note and what Wes would say. My future happiness was on the line. I had stepped out on a limb, and I was hoping that the limb would not snap. I waited in the bathroom for an eternity. Then when I thought that I had given him enough time, I came out of the bathroom. As I was passing his desk again he handed the note back to me and I made my way back to my seat.
I don’t know when she saw me or how she saw me. All I know is that when I started my way back up the row, Mrs. King clamped her eyes on me. She watched me all the way up the aisle and before I even had a chance to read the note, she held out her hand for me to give her the note. I was tempted to open the note first, but I knew that I was already in trouble and I didn’t want to test my luck. I had no idea what Mrs. King was thinking as she told me to sit back down. She walked back to her chair at the front of the room and sat down. Next, to my horror she began to open the note.
Didn’t Mrs. King know this was a private note? This was a link between me and my one true love, and I didn’t even know what Wes’ answer had been. However, what happened next was the worst thing that she could have done. She read the note out loud, in front of the whole class. I couldn’t believe it. My heart began to beat out of my chest. I wanted to run out of the class, and never come back but I could not. I had to stay right there while she threw my heart open for everyone to see. As she read the note I remembered that his answer was still a mystery. Then with all my heart I started to pray that she would not read it out loud. If she only knew the punishment that I had already endured she would not have wanted to read anything else. Snap! The limb broke, and I came crashing down. He had checked no.
Looking back on it, I think that part of me at the time thought that if Mrs. King hadn’t read that note out loud it would have somehow changed Wes’ response to that letter. He could have said yes and a childhood romance might have blossomed. Who knows? I might have become Mrs. Wesley Doe. It could have happened. In any case it didn’t quite happen the way many seven-year-old girl’s dream when they find their first love. I still have to say I wasn’t scarred for life. I didn’t swear off boys. I don’t even hate Mrs. King. It was just one of those things that builds a girl’s life, gives them stories to tell and memories to write. Just like this.







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Clinical

            This is a copy of my report for my clinical.  I just though I would share my experience with everyone.  There is some teacher jargon but it captures the day pretty well I think.

My clinical was completed at Soar Academy.  It is a self-contained school specifically for student with disabilities with approximately 11 students.  The teacher I interviewed taught 5 children ages 4 through 8.  Her student’s disabilities were developmental delay, spinal bifida, Noonan’s syndrome and Autism.  Students come to Soar through an application process.  If there application is accepted then they begin at the school on a trial basis.  This is so that the teachers, parents, and student can see if the school will be a right fit for everyone.  When deciding what to put on an IEP the teachers observe the students and collaborate with the student’s parents.  When dealing with disciple problems it seems that the most common method is using time-outs.  Though they try to talk with a child first to teach them how not to do that behavior and understand why they can’t do it.

Parents at Soar Academy are very involved.  The teachers keep their parents involved though daily reports and they talk to the parents twice a day.  They also do so through IEP meetings, fundraisers, report cards, and conferences.  Their Administrator gives them total support in anything and everything that they do and even helps in the classrooms if needed.

The teacher that I spoke with said that the problems she saw with inclusion are that it is disruptive, more time consuming, and there is not enough attention for all the students in the classroom.  The good things about inclusion are that the disabled students get to see a model of how certain things should be done and it allows for friendships to develop.  She says that it makes the students with out disabilities more comfortable around the students with the disabilities. She says that the hardest part of the job is trying to make sure that each student gets an equal amount of time.  Plus being able to get everything else done in a day such as progress reports and take-home packets.   She said that the best thing about her job is when she sees the progress in her students after working with them for so long.  She also likes the staff and getting to know the parents. She also does not feel that her job is too demanding.

Overall Soar Academy seemed to be a very well organized school.  One example is that they have a room with the entire curriculum.  The curriculum in separated into units.  Each unit and all the teaching tools that go with it are put into one box.   The boxes are then shelved in order of the units to make it easier for the teachers to find each one. Teachers take the boxes in and out as needed.  There were two main classrooms one with five students, one with six students and were separated by age.  The older half was in one room and the younger have in another. There are two teachers in each classroom with one of the teacher as the lead.

Soar has many things to make life for the families of disabled student easier.  I found it cool that they have there own physical therapy room equipped, so that the students that need physical therapy can get it at school.  Then parents do not have to take their child to a separate facility afterschool for physical therapy.  There is also a playroom used therapeutically to create a calming space.  They have a ball pit and many big pillows all over the room with beanbag chairs.  They also have a cushioned harness that hangs in the middle of the room for students with autism.  A student is put in the harness when they are agitated. It restricts their movement and helps to soothe the student.  My favorite part of the playroom was a machine that they have that projects scenes on to the wall, such as a beach scene, while calming music is playing. 

Both the classrooms were very colorful.  There were multiple teaching aides on the walls such as the seasons and days of the week in every room.   I did not see very many assignments being worked on at the time that I came in.  The lesson that I did observe was on the Solar system.  This was a very neat lesson because they were able to use the Smart Board, which had a program on it that displayed the planets.  The planets appeared on the board as they would appear in space.  The students were able to go up to the board one at a time and choose a planet by touching the board.  Then information about each planet came up and the information was talked about.  Each of the students were asked to repeat the information that they had learned. By the end of the activity the students were able to tell the name of the planets and some of the characteristics of each one.  This was a very effective activity that the students really enjoyed.  The teachers used lots of repetition and were redundant in order to get the information into the student’s brains. 

After the Smart Board activity the students went back to their classrooms where they were given a worksheet on the planets where they were told to color each planet using a diagram.   Again the teaching technique was repetition. The assistant seemed to be responsible for the handing out worksheets for the students to work on.  The classroom size was small enough that when a student needed help they were able to just call for the teacher with out having to raise their hand.   The students asked for help quite easily and it was obvious that they were comfortable with their teachers.  The students really love their teachers and the teachers really love their students.  It was a very relaxed atmosphere. The teachers were constantly watching the students to make sure they were on task with the worksheets.  In the older class most of the children we interested in their assignment and were able to pay attention with out a lot of prompting. 

Most of the discipline problems came from the younger group.  When a discipline problem arose the teachers tried to talk to the student and make them understand what they were doing was wrong.  If that did not help then they would put the student into time-out until they calmed down.  They really tried to help the child see why the behavior was bad instead of just making it stop. 

One particular kid named Franklin that most likely had autism really caught me.  He was such a cute kid.  He was always looking around the room and looking for something to do.  There was two moments when, out of the blue, he would come running up to me and gave me a hug. I had not even seen him coming.  I played with him later in the afternoon.  He brought over some play dough for me to open and the teachers said that I needed to watch him or he would try to eat it. So we began to play with it and sure enough I could tell that he was just waiting for a moment that he could stick some in his mouth, and he finally found one.  So I put the play dough away even though he brought it back to me so that I could open it again.  I told him that I could not open it for him because he had done something he should not have done.  He didn’t say a word the whole time I was there but I think that I could tell he was very smart.  He seemed to know when he was doing wrongs things, just like all boys do, always looking for trouble.

One part of the day that stood out to me was when the kids had naptime.  It was like any naptime, the kids got out there mats and each of then had their blankets and pillows.  They had their own spot in the room that they chose and the teacher put on some calming music.  What I really noticed about this is that the teacher really had to utilize this time to get things done while the kids were sleeping. The teachers were able to eat lunch and do a bit of socializing with each other.  The teachers seemed to really enjoy each other company.  The teacher’s relationship with their executive director was a very casual one as well.  They were able to talk to each other as if they were friends, as I believe they were.  The teachers then had to work on getting together their lessons for the next day and assembling the take-home packets.  The take-home packets consisted of the work that student had done such as worksheets and coloring projects.  Then once a month they include a book that the child takes home and it too read with their parent for that month. The teacher that I interviewed said that one of her least favorite things about eh job was trying to find the time to get everything done.  This was proof that they really did have to use there time wisely and not waste any.

I really enjoyed my time at Soar Academy.  It was a little uncomfortable at first because I felt like I was invading their space.  However, the teachers were inviting and I eventually was able to talk to the kids and ask the teachers questions.  The only thing that I wish that I could have done is split up my time so that I could have gotten experience and two different days.  I really enjoyed being with the kids because you could tell that the environment they were in had allowed them to flourish.  I hope that when I finally become a teacher that I can find a place that is like this.  Where the needs of the students take precedent over anything and are able to have good relationships with the people that I work with.

And I am open to any teachers opinions too :)

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So I know have all my major things for the week out of the way.  I feel good about both the test that I took.  The Psych test went better than the last time even though there were some things that my mind completely blanked out on, wich is frustrating, but there were more this time that I was sure of what the answer is.  Human growth isn't so much a hard class it just has loads of information that you have to memorize.  Also the spanish test this morning I think went really well.  I am starting to think more "spanish-like" and that allows you to use common sense when constructing setences and such.  My biggest problem is memorizing vocab, which basically boils downto practice practice practice!

One conundrum I have found myself in is that anytime I am reading in or studying one subject, my brain wanders to another.  For example earlier I was doing my reading for English Comp I was simultaneously thinking about Spanish and the forms/meanings of ser, estár, and tener.  It's like my brian is multi-tasking because I am soaking in info from both subjects at the same time.  It's not really a problem that I can see yet, just very interesting.

Anywho, I guess I better get back to reading.  Dios bendice!


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 Oh, Jo. Jo, you have so many extraordinary gifts; how can you expect to lead an ordinary life? You’re ready to go out and – and find a good use for your talent. Tho’ I don’t know what I shall do without my Jo. Go, and embrace your liberty. And see what wonderful things come of it.
--Marmee



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down the Bethel Road...

I went to check my mail today and was excited to find a package from Mom in my box.  Only to find out that most of it was bills...haha.  It's all good anyway because it is bills that I actually want to pay such as my last car payment, yipee. So with the car gone and the last payment paid, I can finally forget about it.  Hallelujah!
There was one piece of mail however that I was very happy to get.  Among all the stacks of paper,  Mom had also mailed me the SMCC newsletter.  I have always enjoyed reading it but this time it seemed a little more special.  Having gone off to school so many things have changed.  I am surrounded with new and unfamiliar things with more adding almost everyday.  SMCC,  ever since my first year working, has become so dear to my heart both the camp and the people there, and every year that feeling increases. The newsletter seemed to bring in a certain piece of familiarity.
I found my self reading every single word on those pages, and hearing all the voices of the people that wrote them. For a moment I feel like I am back at camp with all the kids and the awesome staff.

I love my school and I am so exctited about where I am going, but it is still nice to see things from home.

Yea I really love that place.  It is so soaked in God that you can't help getting drenched.
Thanks Guys!




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chronicles of .:NEW ORLEANS:.

Many songs have been written about the great city of New Orleans.  Her residents are so proud of their city.  I have always wanted to see what makes New Orleans so unforgettable for so many people.  So when a chance to go on a service trip for fall break to New Orleans came up, I knew that I had to go. 
We left at 8 pm on Friday on a tour bus.  I know it was going to be a long trip.  We watched a couple movies that helped the time go buy.  But after that it was pretty slow goings.  It was pretty hard to get comfortable and i woke up about every 30min to an hour.  Since we were traveling at night i did not get to see any of the surrounding landscape. I pretty much could tell where we were though, all the SE states have different feeling to it.  So while I wasn't sleeping I had memories of when i was a kid.  Making the Drive from Louisiana to SC in the "Ugly Pumkin" and the back again, being a kid.  Just nostalgia.
We arrived in New Orleans at about 4:30 (quite a bit earlier than expected) and we waited till about 7:30 (we weren't expected till 8) for someone to get to the church.  We stayed at St. Bernard Church of Christ, and their facilities were greatly appreciated. After about 30 to 45 min to change in to our work clothes and freshen up we got back on the bus and headed over to the St. Bernard Project.  SBD is the organization that we worked with there and they really have some great people. When we arrived we were briefed on what we would be doing and exactly what the SBP does.  They also essentially told us that they need us to be their advertisement. There are people that don't know that things in New Orleans are not fixed.  There are even those in the city itself that don't know. 100% of the homes in St. Bernard parish were deemed uninhabitable and the project was established to help those that cannot afford to rebuild and also especially those that can't rebuild there own house (i.e. Elderly, single parents, full-time workers, relocated families, ect.) It also combats another one of the top reasons that people have not been able to get there lives back together and that is storm related mental illness.  They offer counseling services free of charge to whomever may need them. It is an awesome organization. They take groups and individuals so if you are looking for a great opportunity to serve this is it. 
After the briefing we headed to our work site where we met Dan and Nicole who were the site supervisors from the Americorps.  We were also fortunate enough to be able to work along side the homeowner, whose name was Anthony, super great guy.  For our group our assignment was...Drywall...oh yea.  Most of us had never done that before so it took some getting used to.  We were broken up into 3 groups, I was in #3.  We worked on the Den and the kitchen, cutting, rasping, drilling, and hanging drywall.  Not too much to talk about as far as the work hours go, we worked, that about all you can say.  I really loved working with my team and all the other girls.  Kudos to team #1 with that 2nd bedroom ceiling.  It gave them a time but they never gave up. Worked from 8:30 till about 4 I think, minus a lunch break.
After the work day ended we headed back to the church and everyone took showers and freshened up for dinner.  We weren't really sure where to go for supper so we just started walking.  We ended up asking a guy having a birthday party where they thought a good place would be.  WE ended up at Franky and Johnny's, from a the looks of it a very popular mom and pop place.  I had a shrimp po-boy, which was excellent. After that we were ready to crash so we walked back to the church and just that.
The next morning was Sunday, which was our free day, so we headed into the city.  There was just a liveliness about the city such a rich heritage.  There is music on every corner and the street performer were a lot of fun.  Our first stop was the Cafe Du Monde. The cafe is the only thing I still remember about New Orleans from when i went there when I was 4.  The beignets still taste the same, oh so good. After that we got our beignets we went and sat by the river and enjoyed them then we headed over to the french market.  It is a market a lot like the market in Asheville except New Orleans style :)  it was neat to talk to the vendors and see their stuff. Especially the handmade stuff, i love handmade.  One vendor in particuar, his name was Rico Salas.  He and his brother make these Notebooks with handmande paper and Rico paints these beautiful designs on them.  We talked with with him for a while about him and his bother and Mexico, where he was from, which I thought was pretty ironic. He was really cool to talk to.  After the french market we just walked around for a little while. WE stopped at a show that some guys were putting on. They were break dancers and pretty hilarious.  By the end of that show it was time for us to meet up with the rest of the group to go to the tour of the Garden District.  I am not a huge fan of tours i love learning the information.  The Garden District is a beautiful neighborhood, one of the more affluent ones with house owners such as John Goodman and also a house that used in the filming of Benjamin Button.  I loved the architecture in New Orleans all the house even the ones in the poorer neighborhoods were beautiful.  It reminded me of being in Mexico will all the bright colors.  After the tour we headed back to the french quarter for supper.  We went to Bourbon street, wich was interesting because by that time everyone had been drinking since 10 am that morning.  There was a Saints game that morninf againsts that NY Giants and the Saints won.  So needless to say there was plenty of celebrating.  WE ate supper at a place called Cafe Beignets.  IT was a great little place that had a live jazz band, a guy called steamboat willie, it was perfect.  After supper Brittany and I decided that we had had enough of the night version of Bourbon st. to get off and we walked around some of the other shops and boutiques.  Wandered around the French Quarter till it was time to go back to the church.  I am so glad that Brittany was with me, we really enjoyed ourselves.
The next day, Monday, we had another workday at the same house.  We put up more drywall ans was able finish most of out project that we had started.  Then by the time we left it was starting to really look like a house on the inside.  We were all glad that the homeowner, Anthony, was able to come and see us on his lunch break at work, since he works during the week.  Again that work day was great, getting to work with my fellow connie's on such a work while project.  I love my school.  
After we finished work we headed back to the church, showered, and grabbed a snack and were out on the road headed home about an hour and half later.   I said my Goodbyes to New Orleans and I would like to think the answered back with that magnificent sunset.  I don't think I have ever seen one quite those colors, truly breathtaking.   The ride back seemed pretty long, we stopped for supper, then kept going.  I was in and out the whole way, just really restless from being so tired but not being able to sleep.  We finally made it back at around 5:30 and it was freeeeeezing cold.  It was so good to get into bed and sleep.

The trip was such a great trip.  I can see now why so many people love New Orleans so much. Why so may songs are written about her and why so many people are proud to call it home.  It is amazing after all they have been through the people of the city still have hope that they will get everything back together and many of them still have there hope in God.  There is something about that you can't deny and something that is very contagious.


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a little time...

Sitting in Gee just finishing my lunch.  I have 2 hours of work then i am going to go pack for the looooong weekend :-D  I am absolutely positively excited.  We are driving all night so i am just praying that I will get some sleep.  I will probably take some melatonin so it will be a little easier.

Ok time for work :) 


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Another Man's War

This is such a good book.


 



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Naive Orleans

I want to start this one byt thanking everyone for all the prayers that you have sent my way, cause I am just corny like that. I know they are felt everyday.  God is truly working here :) and it is so freakin' exciting.

We had our first Powder Puff Football practice tonight which was tons o' fun, but that football for ya.  We host Upstate on Nov. 14th.  I'll post specifics later if anyone wants to come.  Should be a good game.

In other news.....

I'll be going to New Orleans on Friday over fall break and I am so excited.  I am going with a group of girls here for a service trip.  So I will definitely be posting the details on that when we get back.  Wee leave on Friday night on a bus, on which I am assuming we are driving all night, and then be in New Orleans till Monday night or Tuesday morning.  I have been telling people that I have never been to NO, but that is a lie.  I was talking to David the other day and he reminded me that I had been there, when i was about 4, and I have no idea why I thought I hadn't because I do remember a part of it.  I don't really remember what the city looks like I just remember the Cafe Du Monde and being there with Papaw. 
Personally I am hoping that Harry Connick Jr. is there to greet us with a song...haha.  Actually I have no idea what awaits me in New Orleans.  I do know we will be in the French quarter. Maybe we will have a meeting or something before we leave.  But there is something to be said from the mystery of not knowing anything.  Going into the great unknown.

 

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Just talkin'

I am a little bummed today.  Nothing serious just was wanting to go home this weekend and can't.  But to all those that I won't me seeing, FEAR NOT  I am making the most of this weekend and i am going to get all the things done that need to be done.  I am going to try and post stuff regularly so that I can keep you guys up on how things are going...plus it is a really great outlet.  We have been doing a lot of free writing in my English Comp. class and I really like it.  Basically you get out a sheet of paper and you just write and you are not allowed to stop.  If you can't think of anything to write, you write "I can't think of anything to write."  and you right down anything and everything that comes into your mind.  It is actually very therapeutic to me.  It is a great way to Journal.

Ok well I am going to get back to my essay!

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Thinks that she would be content to sit here at the circulation desk and do absolutely nothing for 2 hours :) haha

I Love Today. (and no that is not a sarcastic comment)

Just fall...

I can't believe that I have been here for two months. Sometimes I still feel like I have to pinch myself. God has blessed me so much with this school even through all the time i have taken things for granted in my life and threw his gifts around. He has STILL seen fit get me into a school where I can really flourish and become everything that He wants to be.

Things have gotten tough the past couple weeks. School work is picking up and midterms are here and i am really finding what my faith is made of. This week I had an epiphany. On thursday last week I felt so worried about all the school work that i had coming up. I started to feel inadequate and like I didn't have what it takes to be here to finish the job. I have worried all this week about a Midterm that I took today. There have been some aspects of the class that have been tough for me to deal with, and it was really just weighing me down. Then all of a sudden in the middle of the self-pity and worry, it hit me. One, the self-pity and worrying doesn't do any good. Two and, most importantly, God brought me here. He brought me here for a reason. He will not let me fail as long as I am doing my part and am trusting in Him. I was reminded of a line from one of my favorite movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows":

"I don't know grandpa, sometimes, I think God don't want me to have any [dogs]"
"That so? why?"
"Well, I've been askin' 'im fer dogs as long as I can remember, and nothings happened yet"
"Could be that you ain't doing your fair share."
"Well what do ya mean?"
"Well if God had a mind to he could get you dogs just as slick as cuttin' logs but, he'd be doing all the work. That wouldn't be good for your character"
"I don't want character, I want dogs"
"You want dogs bad enough billy you gonna get dogs but, if you want his help you gonna have to meet him halfway"
"Well that does that mean?"
"What does that mean?.....Well you think about it?"

Gosh i love that movie, make me want to watch it now.

Anyways....I have to do my fair share in getting what God wants for me. Part of that is having faith and not worrying and the drop of the hat. Another part is studying as much and as well as i can so that i have done everything i can and he will take care of the rest. Period. No if's and's or but's. If i am doing my part He WILL take care of it.

I love my God.

I love that he loves me so completely.

He takes and ordinary day and turns it into flowers of the months of May.

He is me obsession.

He is my escape.

There is nothing like Him.

The Sky has never been so blue.

This is home.

History

History is one of my favorite things to read and learn about. It is always interesting to think about how the world would be different if something had gone another way. Especially when those changes could have had a personal effect on my own life.

I was watching American Experience tonight and they are showing this series called "We Shall Remain." In a nut shell it is about the Native American and there struggle to hold on to the land. In the second episode shown tonight, there was a warrior named Tecumseh.

Tecumseh was the leader of the Shawnee tribe of Indians, that has a vision about a Indian confederacy that would encompass more than half of what we know as the United States. After the sale of 3 mil. acres of land to the American government, Tecumseh was able to rally together the leaders of several different tribes. He and the other leaders launched a campaign against the American armies, and fought for the land. When the war of 1812 started Tecumseh made an alliance with the British army to not only protect the British's Canadian interests but also help the Indians by keeping the Americans from taking any more of the land. I won't go into great detail, but the British fell through on there end of the bargain and bailed out on the Indians in the end. Though in the beginning of the campaign the Indians had real promise and it looked as though they would pull off there dreams.

It just makes me wonder what my life would look like if Tecumseh and the other leaders had succeeded. Being part Cherokee Indian that could have changed my life dramatically. This country would be very different from what is is today. I don't know those kind of thing just are so intriguing to me and my mind goes on wild tangents. I just imagine how things might have been different.

If you wanted to chech out the series:
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/weshallremain/the_films/episode_2_trailer

More thoughts on Organic...

I have heard a few accounts lately about organic food.

Studies show that Organic food might not be as safe as people first thought. They are saying that they are more likely to have harmful things like E. Coli and Salmonella.

But to me I think that I would rather have that and know that I am eating real food than something that is so pumped full of pesticides and hormones that you can't even tell what is real and what is not. That is just what I think about it.

**The veiws of diet.com are not necassarily the veiws of this blog**(IF you are looking at this through facebook you will need to view original post.)

aaaaaaaaa.......

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhh!

Because I said so.....

"There is no such thing as partial obedience. Only total obedience satisfies God...Just as partial obedience is an oxymoron, delayed obedience is also a contradiction in terms. To put off doing what God commands is a blatant affront to his sovereignty."
-- Blackaby ("Called to be a Leader")

That is what I say....

There's jobs up in the city I could probably drive a truck
Or I could move 300 miles from home but that would be giving up
Well you know that I ain't leaving if it's just my pride I save
I might be on the front porch or I might be in a hillside grave

This house and 90 acres, the only place I've left to stand
My roots are anchored solid, I ain't machinery I'm a man
I'll be here in the morning come pouring rain or sun

- "House and 90 Acres" Chris Knight

Just have to say...

Eleventh hour is a really good show.

"Mamma mia, here I go again"

First of all I would like to start out with how awesome God is. It is unbelievable to me sometimes the things that he does and the things that he transforms. He changes things and makes them to where you can't even tell what they were just by looking at it, yet you know exactly where it has been. Thank you Abba for you gracious and marvelous ways.

Today is gorgeous day. It is a wonderful temperature I have the doors open and the windows are up. There is a light breeze blowing and the sunshine is just pouring into the house.

So how about those elections, huh? Exciting stuff. I voted for McCain as most people I know did but he sadly did not win. I have heard so many people start to bad mouth Obama and it is rather troublesome. Obama was definitely not my first choice for president, but the fact of the matter is that he is our president-elect and will become our president. I still think that he desrves respect just like I would want people you didn't like McCain had he won the election. So many people seem to be making him out to be this evil person. I watch documentaries a good bit and I have a seen a few on Obama. From what I can see he is a good father, he is a good husband, and loves this country a great deal. Now I can't stand here and debate the issues with you and I am not a political mind, but I think that he wants the best for this country, even though we may not all agree with his version of "best". As followers of Christ the only thing that tearing down Obama will do is to further divide a nation that is already torn. The best things for us to do is to pray for Obama that God will guide him in the ways he should go and that he will allow god to guide him. God allowed Obama into the office for a reason and I for one can't wait to see what God will do next. God has not lost sight and knows what is going on.

OK now that I have that off my chest I can move on to the fun stuff...
It has been about 3 weeks since I turned in my application to Converse and I am still waiting for and answer. I want to be there so bad so I just keep praying and have styled my blog appropriately :)
Life is moving on. I was hanging out with Kara and Wayne yesterday and I really started to realize how my own and the lives of those around me are changing. We are all growing up some more. It feels and though we are make a merge into to the next stage. From young adult to Adult. God is requiring more from us and asking for even more commitment than ever before. I for one have fallen much deeper into the realization that He is all that I need, Truly. I don't need toys I don't need comfort I don't need food I don't need air. That realization in growing more and more everyday and I have truly begun to believe it.

The mascot for converse is the Valkyries. And for those that don't know, a Valkyrie is a female warrior, which I think is very appropriate. tehehe

Ok, so now I will leave you with a song, because it would not be a blog of mine with out it. The lyrics just really fit.

I've got my memories
Always inside of me
But I can't go back
Back to how it was

I believe now
I've come too far
No I can't go back
Back to how it was

Created for a place
I've never known

This is home
Now I'm finally where I belong
Where I belong
Yeah, this is home
I've been searching for a place of my own
Now I've found it
Maybe this is home
Yeah, this is home

Belief over misery
I've seen the enemy
And I won't go back
Back to how it was

And I got my heart set on what happens next
I got my eyes wide it's not over yet
We are miracles and we're not alone
Yeah

And now after all my searching
After all my questions, I'm gonna call it home
I got a brand new mindset
I can finally see
The sunset
I'm gonna call it home
Home

Now I know
Yeah, this is home

I've come too far
And I won't go back
Yeah, this is home

-This is Home by Switchfoot

Where was I?

There’s just two ways to lose yourself in this life
And neither way is safe
In my dreams I see visions of the future
But today we have today
And where will I find You?

In the economy of mercy
I am poor and begging man
In the currency of grace
Is where my songs begins
In the colors of Your goodness
In the scars that mark Your skin
In the currency of grace
Is where my song begins

These carbon shells
These fragile dusty frames
House canvases of souls
We are bruised and broken masterpieces
But we did not paint ourselves
And where will I find You?

Where was I when the world was made?
Where was I?

I’m lost without You here
Yes, I’m lost without You near me
I’m lost without You here
You knew my name when the world was made

-"Economy of Mercy" Switchfoot

Something Changed

Something changed inside me broke wide open all spilled out
Till I had no doubt that something changed

Never would have believed it till I felt it in my own heart
In the deepest part the healing came

And I cannot make it
And I cannot fake it
And I can't afford it
But it's mine

Something so amazing in a heart so dark and dim
When a wall falls down and the light comes in

And I cannot make it
And I cannot fake it
And I can't afford it
But it's mine

Victory is hence forth mine...

I found it, I found it, I found it!

It took me two years but I found it.

I finally found a website to buy the Leigh Henderson CD.

HAHA I AM VICTORIOUS!!

blarg

Why am i so good at ignoring things?

I am almost finished with this book I am reading then it well be on to the next one in the series...

I just love the books that you get so into that when you are not reading them you are still thinking about what is going on and what is going to happen next :-D

I know I am hopeless...haha

"Necessity is the Mother of Invention"
- Victor Hugo 1852

Oh Lordy...

I am so in a cooking mood...that always seems to happen when I clean my house and kitchen...it feels really good having a clean house. I love how the light flows in at this time of day. It always seems purer when the house is clean.

Like a child I'm gazing into wondrous grace...
Like a child I'm gazing into wondrous love

Who wants spaghetti?

....

I need more bookcases....

To Write Love On Her Arms...

They had a story tonight on the NBC Nightly news and wanted to share these Vids....

I am really really really thankful for the rain and its sounds.....I just wish my ceiling would stop leaking :(

RAWR

I'm not givin' up, givin' up, not givin' up now
I'm not givin' up, givin' up, not backing down

He's calling me...

In open fields of wild flowers
She breathes the air and flies away
(She thanks her Jesus for) the daisies and the roses
In no simple language
Someday she'll understand the meaning of it all

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat or a song on her lips
Someday she'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call her and she will come running
And fall in His arms, and the tears will fall down and she'll pray

I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You

Sitting silent, wearing Sunday best
The sermon echoes through the walls
(A great salvation through) it calls to the people
Who stare into nowhere, and can't feel the chains on their souls

He's more than the laughter or the stars in the heavens
As close as a heartbeat or a song on our lips
Someday we'll trust Him and learn how to see Him
Someday He'll call us and we will come running
And fall in His arms, and the tears will fall down and we'll pray

I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You

we want to pray

It seems too easy to call You Savior
Not close enough to call you God
(So as I sit and think of) words I can mention
To show my devotion


I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You (My Heart Beats for you)
I want to fall in love with You
I want to fall in love with You

--Jars of Clay "Love Song for a Savior"

Forever I'll worship You.....

Wake up, and Put on your Armor....
We rush to the Battle Scene....
Fire and Brimstone we will bring to the fight
and Souls will be lifted from here to the sky
and He will descend from the clouds
Like a thief in the night

These trials seem so long...
and the days i feel are killing...
but my hands will clench to yours
when it seems like i am falling
BECAUSE YOU WERE ALWAYS THERE

Welcome, welcome
is the first thing you do to me always
When I've been so far away
And you are the best thing
That has happened to me and
Forever I'll worship You

This is the end hear it comes
This is the end that we're in
Haven't you heard haven't you

The dead will rise

AWAKE THE BRIDE

And it's such a chore for me
Just to see the world is ending

But the news paper writes and
The television screams
That this is the end
So haven't you felt the love of Christ
Haven't you felt Jehovah's Love...

One day we'll see your face...

One day... Your welcome

Welcome, welcome
is the first thing you do to me always
When I've been so far away
And you are the best thing
That has happened to me and
Forever I'll worship You

This is the end hear is comes
Haven't you heard...............

-- "Heaven Knocking, Hell Rising"
by I am Terrified

Get Get Out There!

Pray for the Outreach tonight. Pray that God moves and touches lives. I am really excited about it tonight, it has been a while since the drama team has been on stage together and it feels really good.

"Throw up your Rawk fist!"
--TFK

BTW - - We need a good concert trip soon too...yea some really awesome band.

Bland Ball

I just think that the US team could have made that basketball game just a little more exciting. Congrats on the win though.

For the love of Dogs....

So, Satan stooped really low last night. He took a big weakness and shoved it in my face and i fell for it.
Last night was my first night back to youth and It was great being back with the "kids" and seeing how much the ministry has spiritually grown over the summer. Then these 2 stray dogs showed up outside and of course I felt like I had to come to their rescue. I gave them the treats that I always keep in my trunk and did a little vet work. I even started calling the Human society and the Animal Protection Alliance to try and get them a place to stay.
Then all of a sudden I realized something Satan had succeeded in completely taking my attention off where it should have been, with the youth, and put it on something completely irrelevant. It was hard to leave them outside but I felt that God was telling to put the dogs in his hands because my ministry is with the kids and they are more important.

I don't really know why i shared this i just felt like it was a great moment where i was able to recognize an "attack" while is was happening and I did something about it, instead of just giving into it.

So here to encouragement! If you see an attack in your life do something about it don't just goo along with it. God will bless you for it!

lalala

I know I have a voice....I just don't know what it sounds like.

Stupid Soup

There's no changing things that we regret
The best that we can hope for is one more chance
If the hands of time could just move in reverse
I wouldn't make the same mistake again with her

The reasons I'm alone I know by heart
But I don't want to spend forever in the dark
I swear next time I'll hang on for dear life
If love ever gives me another try
-- Josh Turner "Another Try"

ol' blue eyes

I love that time in the morning when you pick the sleepies out of your eyes, and your eyes just feel to awake and bright afterwards.

It's amazing stuff....

It's hard to stand on shifting sand
It's hard to shine in the shawdows of the night
You can't be free, if you don't reach for help
And you can't love if you don't love yourself
But there is hope when my faith runs out
Cause i'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground
So take this heart of mine, there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now

I am strong
All because of you
I stand in Awe
Of every mountain that you move
For i am changed
Yestereday is gone
I'm am safe
From this moment on

There's no fear when the night comes round
I'm in better hands now

It's like the sun is shining
When the rain is pouring down
It's like my soul is flying
Though my feet are on the ground
It's like the world is silent though I know it isn't true
It's the breath of Jesus is right here in this room
So take this heart of mine there's no doubt
I'm in better hands now
--Natalie Grant

"...in my Chevette, Yea."

Well I took my car in today to get the belts changed and ended up having to get my radiator flushed too. They also gave me a list of things that the car needs before too long. It going to end up costing quite a bit. Though honestly I am glad I am putting this money into the car instead of the truck. Like I always say, I loved that truck, but it was just too far gone for my budget. At least with the Camry I do see an end to all the repairs. I know that I know that I know that God gave me this car for a reason and it will not all be is vain. He knows where I am at and He knows what my needs are and he WILL provide. Just for those that are praying, I would like to get it all taken care of before this summer and then i won't have to worry about it at camp.

Oh and camp. ooh camp....I am actually...very excited about it. I have to admit that when Steve offered me the position I was hesitant I was asking for advice and hoping to get the answer I was looking for but that answer never came. Everybody said to take it. I kept "wondering" if i should take the job when the answer "Yes" kept ringing in my head. Though after I finally excepted I really thought about it, and this job is an answer to many of my prayers that I have been seeking God for. Every aspect of this job, aside from playing with kids, is out of my comfort zone. I am still scared about what this summer will bring but I am at peace with the fact I am going out there. I know that it is the right decision. So be prepared for I wont be the same when it is over. That to me is exciting.

"We're never going back to ok,
We're never going back to easy."
--The Afters

I am tenable

Can You hear me? Does anyone around me
Feel the way that I feel now?
Cause from the window where I sometimes cry
I just want to see Your face tonight
And I’m willing to lose everything I am

Cause I need You more than ever
I need Your help to find where I’ve been going wrong so far

Take me under Your wing tonight
Make me so perfect in Your eyes
Hold on cause it will be alright
You’re not alone

When You’re near me, I feel like I just found me
In the traces of the boy from yesterday
But in a world that is so black and white
I will take the steps to change my life
And I won’t be coming back to here again

I need Your loving hand to guide me
Through the maze of all the things inside me
Then I’ll know that I’m alright

Cause I need You more than ever
I need Your help to find where I’ll be going wrong so far

Take me under Your wing tonight
Make me so perfect in Your eyes
Hold on cause it will be alright
You’re not alone

Please help me get from worse to better
Before these tears soak through this lonely sweater
And let me know that I’m alright
I still have one strike of this match left
And I’m holding on to my last breath
And it’s getting a little dark around to see here

Take me under Your wing tonight
Make me so perfect in Your eyes
Hold on cause it will be alright
You’re not alone

Take me under Your wing tonight
Make me so perfect in Your eyes
Hold on it will be alright
You’re not alone

And You’ll be here forever, forever You’ll stay
And You promised to love me, You’ll love me always
You’ll love me for always, You’ll love me for always
Always
--Hawk Nelson

'cause a friend's a friend forever.....

See I have this best friend named Nicki....
I have to be honest there are sometimes that i wonder if we really are best friends.

Then God comes by and says "What are you thinkin'? Who else has put up with you for this long besides yo momma?"

I love you Nicki Miller.

dada

i want to write....i just don't know what to say...blugh

Quiz day

What Kristen Means

K is for Keen R is for Remarkable I is for Impressive S is for Silky T is for Tame E is for Exuberant N is for Normal

What Does Your Name Mean?

Your Native American Name Is...

Anevay Namid Your name means: Superior Star Dancer

What's Your Native American Name?

You Have A Type B+ Personality

You're a pro at going with the flow You love to kick back and take in everything life has to offer A total joy to be around, people crave your stability. While you're totally laid back, you can have bouts of hyperactivity. Get into a project you love, and you won't stop until it's done You're passionate - just selective about your passions

Do You Have a Type A Personality?

You Are a Good Friend Because You're Supportive

You are almost like a life coach for your best friends. You give them help when they need it... but you also know when to give them a push. People tend to rely on you for moral support and advice. You've probably always been mature for your age, so this is a role that's you're comfortable with. A friend like you is one of the rarest kinds. You are both a good mentor and companion. Your friends need you most when: They are confused or worried You really can't be friends with: Someone who only wants to complain Your friendship quote: "The only way to have a friend is to be one."

What Makes You a Good Friend?

You Are 64% Lady

Overall, you are a refined lady with excellent manners. But you also know when to relax and not get too serious about etiquette

Are You A Lady?

Your Movie Buff Quotient: 44%

You are well on your way to becoming a movie buff. You've seen many of the great films, and you have even probably developed an expertise in a few genres.

Are You a Movie Buff?

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about emotional connections and bonds. You are happiest being around those you love. You celebrate the holidays in a minimalist style. You are likely to only give one great present and decorate your house with a few special items. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be comforting and relaxing. You don't like the holiday rush... you just like the simple pleasure of the holidays. Your favorite holiday memories strongly evoke your senses. You are vividly aware of all the tastes, smells, and sounds of the holidays.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

Your Travel Personality Is: The Adventurer

For you, travel is how you learn about the world. And you like to learn the stuff that's not in guidebooks. You truly have wanderlust. When you're not traveling, you're dreaming about where you'll go next. And your travels are truly legendary - they leave you with stories you'll be telling for the rest of your life!

What's Your Travel Personality?

I love my best friend

Create Your Own GushyGram
Visit MushyGushy.com

Prairie days have gone away leaving us in disarray
Fancy cars and credit cards have taken the world
The world by large, Sad but true the only view of
the world is not so true, is not so true
Would you believe it if you saw it or would you take
it for what it is
When I see the sun I see a solar-centered symphony
rising on creation found by only one, It’s not hard to see
that we could be the ones to make the world believe
We are so far we need the world to cater to our every need
Generation to generation conversations about the right
Religion but desperate are we that we try to seek
everything but peace and restoration
We’ve got a purpose, it’s all around us but Hollywood
Has got their opinions
When I see the sun I see a solar-centered symphony
rising on creation found by only one, It’s not hard to see
that we could be the ones to make the world believe
we are so far we need the world to cater to our every need
So get up, get up, get up, get up and get out
(Out of the box give it up, you’ve got to give it up)
Get up, get up, get up, get up and get out
(Out of the box give it up, you’ve got to give it up)
When I see the sun I see a solar-centered symphony
Rising on...

Upside Down

Who's to say what's impossible?
Well, they forgot this world keeps spinnin'
And with each new day, I can feel a change in everything.
And as the surface breaks, reflections fade,
but in some ways they remain the same.
And as my mind begins to spread its wings,
there's no stopping curiosity.

I want to turn the whole thing upside down.
I'll find the things they say just can't be found.
I'll share this love I find with everyone.
We'll sing and dance to mother nature's songs.
I don't want this feeling to go away.

Who's to say I can't do everything?
Well, I can try.
And as I roll along I begin to find
Things aren't always just what they seem

I want to turn the whole thing upside down.
I'll find the things they say just can't be found.
I'll share this love I find with everyone.
We'll sing and dance to mother nature's songs.

This world keeps spinnin' and there's no time to waste
Well it all keeps spinnin', spinnin', 'round and 'round and

Upside down, who's to say what's impossible and can't be found?
I don't want this feeling to go away
Please don't go away
Please don't go away
Please don't go away
Is this how it's supposed to be?
Is this how it's supposed to be? 

The only way to Play...

You know the only thing more fun than playing capture the flag in a skirt?......
Playing Ultimate Frisbee in a skirt.

So I just, for some reason, on a spurt of the moment whim, went to Wal-mart, spent $21, and bought a bookshelf for my room that I most definitely do not have the money for.

Do you ever just get that feeling that you just need a change? Lighten things up a bit? Well this is what led to my spontaneous purchase. I was just ready to get my old desk out of my room. It just so dark and it's huge and bulky and I was just getting tired of it especially since I don't even use it as a desk. The only part I use is the shelves for my books, which is the reason I have not already put the desk away, since I would have nowhere to put my library. Then I had an epiphany! Get a Bookshelf to put the books on...so just like me I could not wait till the morning to go to Wal-mart to see what they had.

This will give me more space and give the illusion of a slightly bigger room, as well as make everything look more sunny. Plus as an added bonus now I have an excuse to get my computer out of my room since I don't like it in there anyways. I think that the shelves will look quite nice in my room.

See this is why I need a job because I have WAY to much time on my hand...lol


Well, I think I will retire now to my boudoir, for some much needed beauty rest.

"Although I knew"

Having to end friendships really really stinks.

"Dancin' in the moonlight"

The lunar Eclipse just as expected was beautiful. I had a perfect view right from my porch. Though I do have to say that this one wasn't quite as cool as the last one, it was none the less spectacular.
That added with a little Mad Red tea (with cinnamon I might add) and some graham crackers for breakfast. I have to say it was a pretty great morning. I think the only thing that would have made it even more perfect is a Chai tea latte from Starbucks. Yea that would have done it.

After the moon was completely eclipsed it disappeared, so i just spent the rest of the time taking pictures of myself! Imagine that! I will post those later. For now i think i will be heading back to bed still have a couple hours 'for my day starts!

Dah da dah

I made Sun Tea today...oh will that be sweetness to my lips this afternoon....It's still cooling off in the fridge. It'll me worth the wait.
Mom is making gumbo today. Well it a gumboesque concoction. Though it promises to be very tasty none the less. I started another book today...it's my third one since I have been home. It has been nice to be able to do almost nothing but read all day....most of the time. Though i have to say i am really ready to get back to a job.

"You are loved by God and have his full backing"

This is a word that God gave my friend Brendon and I just wanted to share it with everyone:

As a priest of God in Jesus Christ, I have the authority to speak blessing over people. Just as Isaac blessed his sons, so do I have the authority to bless sons and daughters of God in Jesus Christ.

There is life (and death) in the power of my tongue.
A soft answer will turn away wrath.
I may speak a word in due season and it will be good.
Blessings (and cursing) proceed out of my mouth.

I declare that you are a son/daughter of God in Jesus Christ. God knew you before you were born, before the world began, before the very foundation of the world. While you were being formed in your mothers’ womb, God saw and knew you.

You have been begotten by the Gospel. You are a new creature in Jesus Christ. Your sins are forgiven, your record erased and the old man is dead. You are born again of the Spirit and Water, you have the Word of God growing in your heart and you have the mind of Christ.

You are accepted in the beloved, part of a fully functioning body unified by His presence and the love shed abroad in your heart. You are looked over by a great cloud of witnesses, you are loved by God and you have His full backing. He will never leave you or forsake you, as you stand in battle, He will fight for you. He, Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today and forever, He will be with you until the end.

God has anointed you to do what He has called you do to do and be who He has called you to be. You are blessed with every spiritual blessing and have all things that pertain to life and godliness. You have unction from the Holy One and know all things. You ask, believing in your heart and you receive. As you hear and obey the Word of God, you are like a wise man who built his house on the rock, and when the storm came, and the wind blew the house stood strong. As you speak the truth in love, you will grow.

You have been given the ministry of reconciliation and are an able minister of the New Testament. Just like me, you are a King and Priest in the Kingdom of our God. You are a Priest in the order of Melchizidec, ministering in Peace, Righteousness and the power of an endless life.

Through your knowledge of Jesus Christ, you have eternal, everlasting and abundant life. You will not partake of the second death; you will not taste the victory of death or the sting of the grave. You will be raised up in the last days and enter into the glory of the Promise Land, the Heavenly City called Jerusalem, the Mother of us all.