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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Bull

Day 6: What is you Zodiac sign and do you think it fits your personality? I don't believe or read astrology stuff, but it is right in some ways.  I can be stubborn, that runs in my family. I would also like to think it is balaced out with the love and care.  I also am going to be a teacher.  So it is pretty accurate. I found this on the internet.... 

Cinco

Day 5: 30 interesting facts about you?

1. I was born in La
2. I love to cook
3. I love to bake
4. I am going to be a teacher
3. I am a Godmother of two
4. I have a big family that is spread all over the US, but I love when we get together.
5. I have a new sister-in-law
6. I have wide feet
7. One of them is bigger than the other
8. my mom is a writer...fabulous
9. I collect t-shirts
10. I collect cothes..haha
11. I have only broken one bone in my life
12.I love astronomy (not astrology for those that may get them confused)
13.  My prayer life is getting way better
14.  I am having hard time coming up with 30 things
15. My favorite verse is Ecc 11:7...look it up
16. I think it would be fun to start a bed and breakfast one day
17.  I crochet
18.  I find knitting a little harder
19. My favorite college team in Auburn
20.  My favorite pro team is the Saints
21.  There are 3 places i consider my hometown
22. I don't like the though of my Grandmaw not being here one day
23. I love jewelry i get that from my Gandmaw
24. I don't believe in abortion but I don't think there should be a law against it
25. I am not big on politics...i wish i understood them better
26. I don't like that you can't mention food without someone saying something about how good or bad it is for you
27. I have never been to a desert
28.  My godson David is playing beside me
29. I have 5 new family members this Christmas and have only met 2
30. The weather is beautiful in AL tonight.









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Losing my Religion?

I made it!

Day 4: What are your veiws on religion?
When it comes an interaction with God, it is all about relationship.  There are certain "rules and regulations" when you are following God that need to be obeyed.  Every church and denomination has different views.  However, I firmly believe that if you are truly seeking God and reading his word that he will show you everything that you need to know.  There is no need for all this fighting arguing about who it right about the nit-picky stuff.   I hope this does not sound condemning.  I also believe that the grace and mercy of God are the most important things that you can learn from God.  If you are in a relationship with Him than he will show you that and so much more.  Again, I say that it is about a relationship. You are the bride of Christ!  He Loves you!  The end :-D



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You're better than drugs

Day 3: What are your views on drugs and alcohol?

For the most part my views are fairly simple.
When it come to drugs there are no circumstances that you should do them.  Except for possibly medicinal but I don't really know enough about that to have an opinion.   It is terrible what they do to your body.  Even when it comes to prescriptions and over the counter medication I think that those things should be take only when needed.  Personally, I just don't like the idea of putting unnatural things in my body.
For alcohol, I don't see anything wrong with a drink now and then. I have one on occasion.  Though as the bible says, you should not get drunk.


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Make your cake and eat it too!

I am getting together with my family this week for New Years.  This year Grandmaw is having everyone make a dip or dessert to bring down.  I looked and a few things before I finally decided what to make.  Making cakes from scratch has never been a favorite of mine.  I always enjoyed baking cookies and pies, but cakes seem to be much more finicky.  Especially, ones like Italian Cream cakes.

It requires separating the egg, stiffening the egg whites, and alternating ingredients.  I guess it is because of all the extra things that a cake requires but, for me, it creates a sense of anxiety.  I feel tense throughout the whole process.  It takes time, thought, and patience. Still, through all the mixing, sifting and de-panning they always seem to turn out.  Though, unlike the cookies and pies, there is always a greater sense of accomplishment when you finish with a cake.  After a couple hours of holding your breath, and you swipe the last bit of icing on.  It is one of the best feelings in the world.

If you want to try making this cake here is the Recipe:

Italian Cream Cake

1 stick butter softened                         2 cups all purpose flour

1/2 c. shortening                                 1 tsp. baking soda

2 c. sugar                                            3/4 c. coconut

5 egg yolks                                         3/4 c. chopped pecans

5 egg whites stiffly beaten                   1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla

Icing

8 oz. Cream cheese, softened

1 stick butter, sogtened

1 tsp vanilla

1 box powdered sugar (I measured out 1 lb)

1/4 c. coconut

1/4 c. pecans, chopped

For cake:

Cream butter and shortening together. 

Add sugar and beat until fluffy

Add egg yolks one at a time. Beat well after each yolk.

Mix vanilla ans butter milk together and set aside.

Sift together flour and baking soda

Alternately add butter milk mixture and flour mixture.  Mix well.

Mix in coconut and pecans by hand.

Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites.

Bake in 3 greased and floured 9 in cake pans

Bake at 350 for 25-30 min.

For Icing: 

Cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth

Add sugar gradually until fluffy.

Add vanilla. Mix well.

Stir in coconut and pecans.

Ice cake and ENJOY!

As always the best part is eating the fruits of your labor!

 

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diez año

Day 2: Where would you like to be in 10 years?

Well, 10 years from now I will be 34.  That is a very interesting concept to think about...me? 34?

To be honest sometimes lately i don't know what I want to be doing a year from now, much less 10.  Even more honesty, I have no idea what God has for me in 10 years, other than a closer relationship with Him.  That is always in the plan, thank goodness.  There are things that I hope do be doing in ten years.  I hope to be married, maybe have a kid or two, teaching something somewhere, and still waiting on God.  All these things are contingent though. I am not counting on them, I just know the desires that are in my heart.  Like I said I don't know that God is planning in this book, but I do know that it will be something wonderful, and better then I could ever imagine.  Now that I am counting on.


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30 Day Challenge...

So I found this 30 Day challenge and basically it is 30 questions to ask in 30 days...
I am going to give it a whirl...I can't promise they will all be consecutive but I will do my best....

Day 1: You current relationship?  If single discuss How single life is.


Well this question could have several levels and answers...
My current (and forever future) relationship is with God. I could not survive in this life without Him.  That fact has become thoroughly clear as of late, more than ever.
However on a earthly level I am single as in I don't have a "significant" other, though I do have people in my life that are pretty significant.  Single life is for the most part pretty great  God is teaching me a lot about humility, patience, and grace, both for myself and others. Qualities that are certainly an absolute must in any relationship. I know that God has a great man out there for me and when the time is right God will introduce us.  I am excited about the prospect of marriage and starting a family.  Though for now I will be (or learn to be) content.

P.S.  I have really enjoyed my break from school.  Tomorrow Mom and I are going to Alabama to see family and ring in the New year with them.  I  love spending time with them.  All of them.

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Forget....

Today I was on my way into town and I was listening to some Christmas music.  It is one of my favorite kinds of music.  Then one song came on that I know everyone in familiar with, Mr. Grinch....

"You're a mean one Mr. Grinch
You really are a heel
You're as cuddly as a cactus
You're as charming as an eel
Mr. Grinch
You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel"

Now, I know, the Grinch is just a character from a cute kids story. Still, my mind started to wander and as I listened I thought to myself "That poor Mr. Grinch.  Can't live down any of his old habits because this song plays every year!"  In his story, the Grinch is a mean person that steals Christmas.  Most of us have heard the story a thousand times.  In the end, thanks to Cindy Lou Who, the Grinch see there error of his ways.   He realizes how great Christmas can be and how wonderful true friendship is! 

"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"
And what happened then?
Well...in Who-ville they say
That the Grinch's small heart

Grew three sizes that day!" 

But thanks to this song that plays every year there is no way that the Grinch could ever forget what he has done.
I know for myself it is the same way. I don't have a song that plays on the radio ever year or a movie that plays every Christmas eve.  I do have a shpeel that plays in my head over and over that tells me all the mistakes I have made.  All those ugly words I have been.  All those nasty things I have done.  It makes it hard to move on and grab hold of the new and beautiful things that God has for me.

I  do know that God, because I have asked for his forgiveness, has forgotten it all.  He doesn't hold it over my head like I do to myself.  He only wants me to let go of what he has already washed away. So that he can give me the most incredible things that he has to offer.

I don't care what anyone has done....how horrible you think it was...how "grinchy"...how completely unforgivable that the world may think that it is (it's not up to the world!)....Ask for forgiveness and let's move on together! Because he LOVES us and that is all we will ever need!  We need to see how great a friendship with God can be with nothing holding us back.

BE BLESSED IN JESUS NAME!






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Cause I can...

1.) Enter the letter you see into your Facebook search bar and answer the questions for the first name that appears.

2.) You must answer truthfully.
3.) If the person comes up twice, just go to the next name down on the list.
4.) Tag each person you mention.


A. Andrew Gunter
1.) Do you love this person? Yea we have lots o' fun :)
2.) Is this person your enemy?  Nope
3.) Ever done something illegal with this person? - Not that I know of but there is always a possibility...

B. Rachel Beasley
1.) What do you really think of this person? I think that she is the perfect roomate.  She is kind and beautiful.  I can't belive I was lucky enough to get her as a roomie!  And i love what she writes.
2.) What's their favorite team? Gamcocks....boo
3.) Ever danced with them? –oh yea

C. Chris Allen
1.) How long have you known him/her? We met once on game night...he know what Jem was :)
2.) How old are they? 22?

D. Delee Hall
1.) Do You love him/her?- Absolutely with all me heart.
2.) Biggest regret? Not knowing each other sooner and living so far away
3.) Do you hate this person? – Not even a little
E. Earl Morris
1.) Have you met their parents? No not yet
2.) Worst thing about this person? He can do really coo things with cards and I can't figure them out.
3.) Best thing about this person? - Totally funny

F. Fern Veil
1.) ¿En el pasado, fue tu novio/a?- Becky totally got the spanish question haha
2. ¿Cuando se veres el tiempo proximo ? – I hope to see her in January :)
3.) ¿Vas a escuela con él/ella? – No that would have been awesome though

G. Luisa Gonzales
1.) Is this person a good listener? – from what i can see
2.) Have you ever lied to this person? – …not that I remember.
3.) Is this person nice? – Very.

H. Julia Hoo Morgan
1.) What grade are they in? – None?
2.) Is he/she your best friend? – I like her a whole lot!

I. I'm with Coco
1.) ¿Como conoces a él/ella?  Tv
2) ¿Tiene hermanos?-No idea
3.) ¿Es tu amigo/a todavia? – Ok i don't know what this one says

J. Mary Jane Downs
1.) Do you know their favorite song?- I feel good by James Browm
2.)Do you have classes with this person?- no
3.) Any memories with this person? – My whole life is one big memory of this person :) 

K. Katie McClain
1.) How old were you when you first met? –23
2.) Ever danced with this person?- Abso freakin lutely
3.) Ever kissed this person?- No

L. Ashton Lesiak
1.) What would you do if you had never met this person?- Converse would not be quite as fun
2.) How old is this person?- 21 or 22?
3.) Would you go to Disney World with this person?-Yea\

M. David Milam
1.) Is this person older than you?- No
2.) Is this person single?- I think so
3.) Have you ever got caught doing something bad with this person? OH so much laughing at the training table.....SAMSONITE MAN!  I was way off!

N. Nicki Hollar
1.) Is this person your boyfriend/girlfriend?- yea no homo
2.) Have you seen this person cry?- Yea quite a bit
3.) Do you love this person?- Best Frand!

O. Steven Segall Lawman
1.) Do they have braces? Absolutely not
2.) When was the last time you saw him/her? Too long. It has been 3 weeks, come on A&E

P. Siobhan Price
1.) Have you every been to the mall with this person? Nope
2.) Are you fairly close to this person? We were good friends in HS
3.) Does this person have a job? I don't thinkso, she does have a beautiful new baby.

Q. Dennis Quaid
1.) Where did you meet? in my dreams
2.) Go to the same school? no
3.) Favorite Song? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Y1XpRzsh8

R. Leslie Rafferty Downs
1.) Have you heard this person sing? – Yes!  I have her CD!
2.) Do you think this person will repost this? Maybe
3.) What's the one thing you would change about this person? That she and my brother were closer...

S. Shelly Yon
1.) Is this person taller than you?- Yea
2.) Do you enjoy spending time with him/her?- EVERY minute of EVERY day
3.) Does she live close to you?- hmmmm is 12 feet close?

T. Chelsea Totten
1.) When was the last time you saw him/her?- Last night at Lessons and Carols
2.) Have you been to his/her house?- Nope
3.) Where did you first meet?- Converse 1st Morris

U. Unsolved mysteries
What happened to the 'U' questions?

V. Victoria Logan
1.) Do you see this person a lot?- No only when i get to visit home
2.) How do you know him/her?- We go to Church together.  She and her husband are a huge blessing!

W. Wendy Khouri
1.) Is this person quiet or loud?- depends
2.) Is she/he nice?- Very!
3.) When will you see them next?- Dinner?

X. Cree Xiong-Davis
1.) ¿Veyas este persona mucho?  Don't know that this one is
2.) ¿Como sabes él/ella?  She goes to FV

Y. Taking Ground Youth Group
1.) How did you meet this person?- Many a year ago one wednesday night
2.) Do you see this person often?- Not as much as I would like...

Z. Zack Hollar
1.) Is this person trustworthy?- One of the people I trust the most
2.) What do you love most about this person?- I love his godliness....his desire to know more and more!  Plus the whole backup plan, ha




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It feels like chaos but somehow there's peace.....

So I just have to share what God did today.......

When I signed up for classes a few weeks ago, I was scheduled to take LD Procedures (a class that teaches you how to teach kids with LD) and My Clinical II for LD (which is where I go into a classroom and teach kids with LD) in the spring...for obvious reasons this is a problem.
After pondering this for a couple weeks, last night, I talked to the professor of the class. The professor, not in so many words, told me what I had suspected (that taking the two at the same time was a bad idea).  But, then she said something I did NOT expect.  The professor informs me that in Jan term she is offering the ED clinical (which was not originally offered then) that I am sopposed to take next fall.  So I am able to hold back my LD Clinical till next fall AND get the ED clincal out of the way.  (YES!)
The only down side to this is I will be taking 2 classes in Jan term.  For those of you unfamiliar with a Jan term aka Winter term, it is a time students are able to use the month of January to take a class and it helps us to stay ahead.  Many students choose to take fun classes, get an add-on, or add a minor (Jan term is usually a good break from the reg semester). Anywho, taking 2 classes during Jan term is very difficult, becuase of the short time span.  So, naturally I was a little hesitant of signing up for both classes until this morning, just like the night before, God showed out again.
A couple of weeks ago I was reading a Psalm that our pastor had given us at the church that I attend here in Spartanburg. I "stumbled" upon a verse that really made me think.  Psalm 92:10 "But you have made me as strong as a wild ox." (I don't know what images pop into your head with you here "wild ox"  but that that sounds pretty powerful to me)  Then this morning God, so clearly, brought it back into my brain right in the middle of my fretting.  Needless to say I signed up for the classes, and we will see how that goes... (YES!)
So do you think God was done???
Nope!
He could have stopped there but he decided to really put the proverbial cherry on the top!
Since I had moved my clinical to the fall I had an empty space to fill in my spring schedule.  This led to be do a little searching in the course catalog for a class to fill.  I was coming up empty.  I have to have a certain amount of hours to keep my scholarship, so I had to find something.  After searching for a while I thought about the spanish course that I needed.   I have taken 2 spanish and need one more to Graduate.  Long story short, I was not able to take the last spanish I needed this past semester when I was supposed to.   That was going to put me till next fall taking my last spanish.  I have been really worried about having to wait so long to take the class.  So back to looking up classes I decided to look up the 2nd spanish class that I had taken and see if I could audit it.   I typed it in looked for the course, and what do I see? The third spanish that I need...right there is front of me!  
But unfortunately it was full and I could not get in...The End
Sike! ha
So the class was full BUT I e-mailed the professor and he said that he would be glad to make room for me in the class!     (YES!)
Not once, not twice, but three time my God has blessed me today!  His grace is unmatchable.

"It is good to give thanks to the Lord,

to sing praises to the Most High.

It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,

your faithfulness in the evening,

accompanied by the ten-stringed harp

and the melody of the lyre.

You thrill me, Lord, with all you have done for me!

I sing for joy because of what you have done.

O Lord, what great works you do!

And how deep are your thoughts.

Only a simpleton would not know,

and only a fool would not understand this:

Though the wicked sprout like weeds

and evildoers flourish,

they will be destroyed forever.

But you, O Lord, will be exalted forever.

Your enemies, Lord, will surely perish;

all evildoers will be scattered.

But you have made me as strong as a wild ox.

You have anointed me with the finest oil.

My eyes have seen the downfall of my enemies;

my ears have heard the defeat of my wicked opponents.

But the godly will flourish like palm trees

and grow strong like the cedars of Lebanon.

For they are transplanted to the Lord’s own house.

They flourish in the courts of our God.

Even in old age they will still produce fruit;

They will remain vital and green.

They will declare, “The Lord is just!

He is my rock!

There is no evil in him!”

Psalm 92, NLT

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formspring.me

Ask me anything http://formspring.me/kris10ability

Party Anyone?

I love Birthdays!

I love celebrating my own and I love celebrating others.

They are such a happy event because it is a celebration of a creation of God!  What could be better?
I am so thankful for all the beautiful people in my life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHELLY!


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Pressing on....

I have been in school for bout 20 years. 7 of those I have been in college.  That is a long time to have been in college.  I was really dumb my first few years of school and I wasted so much time and money getting my act together.  I know that I learned a lot in those years God did use it for his glory, but I still wish that they had been spent more usefully.
I went to advising last week to figure out my classes for Jan term and Spring.  All pf a sudden it hit me...I will be applying for student teaching next semester.  I was so thrown a back in that moment.  I have 3 more semesters of school left!  
There is always a guess part of me that lives with that regret of the wasted years.  So much so that I forget to look at want God is doing at this vary moment. How much I am accomplishing right now. All the things, the dreams that are finally coming true.  I am going to be a teacher!  It is so hard to think of my self as an adult because I have acted like a child for so long.  God is changing that.  He is changing me.

I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

-- Philippians 3:12-14

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Start a Love Train....

    Earlier this year I joined an organization called Kiva. They has developed a system where individuals, companies, and small groups, can get together and pool money in order to provide loans for people on poor areas and developing countries. These loans go to all kinds of people such as small business owners, educators, and farmers.  They loans are paid back and you can use that money again to go to another loan. It just keeps on going.

    For the first time last month I made my first loan.   I, and 3 other people, supplied a $125 loan to a woman named Melissa. Melissa is has a small business selling bannas to the community. She is married with 2 kids and is 22 years old, two years younger than me. She wanted the money so that she could expand her business and buy more bananas. After I gave my portion of the loan there was still $50 dollars left that needed to be raised.

    It was very interesting because I started to feel really invested in whether or not the rest of the money was raised.  I started shecing the site everyday, sometimes twice, so see how far along the loan was.  When all the money was finally raised I was no excited because I knew that Mellissa was going to get the money that she needed.

    After a loan is made there is a progress bar that shows the percentage of the loan that has been paid back.  This has only fueled my desire to see her succeed. Just like when I was waiting for the loan to be fulfilled, I check the Kiva website to see how far she has come in the repayment.  Every time I think about her I pray for her.  I pray that her business thrives, that she can make a better life for her self, and most importantly that God would make himself evident in her life. I have even printed a picture of her that is hanging in my room so that I will pray for her more often.
    It is so amazing the power of giving.  How giving such a small amount can make such a difference in the lives of others and yourself.   It is so cool that complete stranger can get together for a common goal and help out so many people.  Some of the these loans completely change the lives of the people that recieve them.  It has been such a neat experience and I can't wait to loan again.


Mellissa Alumios



              

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Let God be God

I really want to jump a head,
To spring forward to what is further on the road
I cannot
It is not ready

All I can do is wait.
All I can do is pray.
All I can do let God be God.




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So Paul, standing before the council,^[addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way,  for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.  “He is the God who made the world and everything in it. Since he is Lord of heaven and earth, he doesn’t live in man-made temples,  and human hands can’t serve his needs—for he has no needs. He himself gives life and breath to everything, and he satisfies every need.  From one man he created all the nations throughout the whole earth. He decided beforehand when they should rise and fall, and he determined their boundaries.
  “His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him—though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’  And since this is true, we shouldn’t think of God as an idol designed by craftsmen from gold or silver or stone.
  “God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him.  For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.”
 ³² When they heard Paul speak about the resurrection of the dead, some laughed in contempt, but others said, “We want to hear more about this later.”  That ended Paul’s discussion with them,  but some joined him and became believers. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the council, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
 Acts 17: 22-34


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I will declare the Beauty of the Lord

 God has just been throwing it out lately and I have no idea how to describe it....
 Music is a powerful thing ans these artist do a great job of expressing it.
GLORY BE TO THE FATHER!





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"Do not forget to tend the earth"

Facts about weeds....

- If you don't pull them up by the roots they will grow back with vengeance.

- If you don't pull them up at all, they will suck the life out of your plants.

- Weeds are easier to pull when the ground around them is moist.

- If you don't throw the weeds out they will replant themselves right back where they were.

- The roots are usually stronger than that plant itself.

- Some have bases that are easy to see some have bases that are hard to see.  The more you pull up the easier ones,  the easier it is to see that harder ones.

Hmmm...not so sure this is about weeds anymore....







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Pictures

     Since I have been home I have pretty much gone picture crazy.  

     I have had this frame collage (one of those frames that is like 6 4x6's put together) for like 3 or 4 years and have never filled it up.  I finally did last week and it looks great.  It was hard to find the right pictures and at first I was putting pictures of friends and family until I decided that I just have to many pictures of both, that I love.  So I bought another frame collage for the family pictures.  After I filled them both up I still had PICTURE FEVA!  So I went through this drawer of old pictures that we have.  It has pictures from when we lives in Greenville and the first years that we lived in NC.  

     We also have some old pictures of my Dad's side of the family from the 30's and 40's.  Those are my favorite pictures to look at. One because I have always been fasciated with the early 20th century but more than that.  I think I am more drawn to those pictures because I never really got to know my dad's side of the family except for his parents, my Mamaw and Papaw.  Though, they were both gone by the time I was 9.  I kind of feel like they are, as cliche as it sound, a link to my past.  I look at those pictures and see the faces of people that I come from and share traits with.  Looking at those pictures gives some idea of what they were like and some of the things that they did in their lives.  Since I can't see my family yet, these pictures are the next best thing and I really do enjoy them.

     It is always fun to go through old pictures.  Seeing old faces and and watching how far you have come. It always bring up good memories, bad memories, and some memories you just assume forget. Pictures and Music has always been what God has used the most to get my attention.  Especially back when I had a camera and I was taking pictures all the time.  He we would always be showing me things through the pictures that I took.  I have been fighting the urge lately to go out and buy a camera.  I miss taking picture so badly!  Though I know I will get one when the time is right. God is helping me to be patient.

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I have no doubt something has changed......

A revamped blog for a revamped life!


- I am a college senior at a college that I love and never could have imagined myself at
- My next year at that college is covered
- Plus extra money to cover almost all of my study travel
- I am about to start another year at a great summer job
- I have amazing friends & family
- I have Mom that words cannot describe her awesomeness.

- Most of all I have a Father in heaven that loves me beyond words!


GOD IS SO GOOD!


I cannot believe that my first year at Converse is over.  It really flew by so fast.  It was a fabulous 9 months filled with lots of fun memories. I worked harder at Converse than I ever have in my life.  I feel like I have finally gotten into a position where I want my dream of becoming a teacher to come true no matter what.  I will not let anything or anyone stop me. It is still an intimidating thought sometimes, becoming a teacher, but the more I learn about it the more I want to do it.


This year I made many new friends. They helped me through some of the tougher times at Converse when everything was piling on top.  They were God sent and are all special to me in their own "special" way!


I also realized just what some of my best friends here at home really mean to me, especially my Mom.  Leaving home was really hard the first few months.  My new atmosphere was so completely different from the one that I was used to and way out of my comfort zone.  It sucked that I could just jump in the car and drive over to Nicki's house, run up to Village Coffee, or pop into the next room to tell Mom something exciting. whenever I wanted.  I couldn't even just pick up the phone and call!  I know that God had reason for it, ans I know that i became closer to him through all this.  I have a habit of sponging off other people faith, instead of leaping out for myself.  I definitely did more leaping this year.


I know that I could have only gotten through the last nine moths with God he has taught me a whole lot and I cannot wait to see what he has next.  He deserves all the credit for this thing, because i would be nothing without him.  I love you Abba!

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

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

-- Sara Groves

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Oh Down in Mexico.....

There are so many things that are changing in my life. There are so many new things that I am experiencing and learning. It is so ridiculous to think that my first year at converse is almost over. When I first started her at converse I was afraid that the years would drag on like they had at my previous school. However to my surprise they are going by really fast. Almost too fast!

I do have the opportunity to go to Mexico in Jan term! That is so amazing. I went to Monterrey, Mexico in February of '09 on a mission trip. It was such a life changing experience for me. Meeting the people there and getting to know the culture was awesome. It is such a lively place with color and spice everywhere that you go in the city. It made me think that one day I might like to do long term missions somewhere in Mexico. I have entertained the idea of opening more orphanages and orphan homes to help combat the vicious cycle of poverty that is there in Mexico. While in Mexico I visited and worked in some orphan homes that are set-up like families. There is a husband and wife couple that takes in as many children as they can. One home I visited had 30 children. The love and care that these "parents" have for the children is overwhelming. It was so surprising to me because there are so many horror stories in the news and other media. They tell about how badly kids can and are treated in foster homes and orphanages. To see these children being loves and cared for so well was a breath of fresh air!

However, before I can do any of that I do need to learn Spanish first. That is one of my goals while here at converse. Though, I do have to put out there that learning a foreign language is HARD work. There are so many little details about a language that you don't think about when you are first setting out to learn the language. I felt like I was going to pick it up quickly but, I am not. You really start to understand why they say that you need two hours of study time for every one hour of class time when it comes to a foreign language.

In addition to learning more about a language I have come to love, it will be very neat to see another part of the country. Dr. King says that southern Mexico does not have the same history of violence and poverty that seems to define the northern part of Mexico. I am anticipating being able to see the difference in the culture and the people. Also being thirty minutes away from the beach is not exactly a deterrent. Plus, we will be taking salsa dancing lessons. How cool is that? When I went to Monterrey the people were very warm and inviting. I felt so at home with the community. Oh my word and the food! I have always loved Mexican food but, when you finally get to taste the real stuff it makes all the difference. And I cannot tell how beautiful the land was there.  The mountains were the biggest ones that i have ever seen.  I grew up in the mountains of North Carolina and they are a beautiful sight in fall but, the shear majest of these was breathtaking.  I only wich I would have had more time to explore the area.

I am super excited about the whole trip. I think it will be another life changing experience. It will be good company for all the other wonderful things that have been happening over the last year. We’ll see how it all goes!

I can't wait......

to get my school ring.
to see if I can study abroad in Reading, UK.
to graduate.
to be a teacher.
to see what God has planned for me.

These are exciting times!







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Can I Stay Here All Night?

I follow all the rules

Well, at least I'm trying

Hoping when my days are through

You'll be pleased

I've lived the longest days

Thinking my heart was so bad

Too scared to look in your face

Oh, if only I had

And is it alright

If I stay here all night

By the shoreline

I cannot believe you are angry or unjust

You've done nothing but have compassion on us

So be near me when I've given up

Be near me

I'm just like everyone else

We are all hiding

Acting like I have a wealth

Of knowledge and peace

But all I've ever wanted

And what men have given their lives for

Is a God who understands my weaknesses

A God that I can love

I believe you are good and righteous

You've given me your reckless love

So be near, be near me.

-- "Be Near Me" Bethany Dillon

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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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