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.

Boredom is Bliss? **This is my 100th post!**

Learn 50 things about your friends, and let them learn 50 things about you!

1. Do you like cheese?
yes

2. Have you ever smoked heroin?
No

3. Do you own a bicycle?
Not right now

4. What did you do tonight?
I went to bible study then came home and talked to Brendon

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
No

6. What do you think of hot dogs?
It just depends Most of the time i like them

7. What's your favorite Christmas song?
"Santa Baby" Eartha Kitt

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
OJ

9. Can you do push ups?
sure, but how many? that's the question

10. Is your bathroom clean?
Mostly

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
My great grandmother's seed pearl Necklace and my grandmothers diamond ring

13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite (preferred) sex?
Sorry i don't lure

14. Do you have friends?
yes

15. Do you miss someone?
Yes

16. Middle name?
Leah

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
* I wish there was something i could do for Brendon
* Stark is good
* Geez my feet are cold

18. Name the last 3 things you have bought.
* White Zinfandel
* Electricity
* Part of my car

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink:
*Water
*Lemonade
*Hot tea

20. Current worry:
Not really anything :)

21. Current hate?


22. Favorite place to be in your city/town?
Driving on the back roads

23. How did you bring in the New Year?
With most of my extended family in Columbia

24. Where would you like to go?
Anywhere over seas

25. Are you hungry?
No am full....good fried chicken

26. What made you laugh last?
I think it was something Sean said

27. Do you own slippers?
Yes but i never wear them

28. What shirt are you wearing?
A pastel green one

29. Do you burn or tan?
Depends

30. Favorite color?
Yellow

31. Would you be a pirate?
Nope....unless that is the theme at SMCC next year and i go back :)

32. What songs do you sing in the shower?
David Cassidy :)

33. What did you have for lunch?
"Chinese"

34. Name someone who has changed your life.
Jesus

35. What's in your pocket right now?
Hair clips

36. Something you can't wait for?
Get a Job

37. Best bed sheets as a child?
I had some with "The Lion King" stuff on it

38. Worst injury you've ever had?
Broke my arm when i was like 4

39. What is your biggest pet peeve?
Gossip

40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
2

41. Who is your loudest friend?
Nicki

42. who is your quietest friend?
Kara...

43. Does someone have a crush on you?
not that I am aware of

44. Do you wish on shooting stars?
No because there is not such thing as a "shooting star" :) Anyways i just go straight to the source

45. What is your favorite movie?
The Little Mermaid

46. What is your favorite candy?
Skittles

47. What song do/did you want played at your wedding?
"When did you fall in Love with me" -- Chris Rice
"I feel Fine" James Taylor

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
"Ain't no sunshine" --Bill Withers.....haha

49. What were you doing at 12 AM last night?
Sleeping

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
I meant to get up earlier than this.

"This is hard to explain. "

What is this? Like my 4th post in less than a week...i better slow down.

Well I have spent the better part of the week sorting through a lot of stuff. Emotional Spiritual and physical. Leaving camp affected me differently that i thought it would. I knew it would be sad and bittersweet leaving, but I didn't think it would take me this long to finally sort through everything. Like i said the other day I just felt so out of place and very confused. I have felt really mopey all week and even going out with friends, i tried pushing it aside, but it just wouldn't leave me alone. I finally realized that, the valley that i feel like God is leading me into, I have been treating it like God is exiling me or something.
Yesterday i felt God really telling me that. So, I pulled myself together and had God help me change my attitude. This is something that God is using to bring me closer to Him, it's not just something to do. He has a purpose and a plan.
I have been teaching my campers all summer that God will never leave you and you can always trust him to do what is best for you even though you may not see what he is doing. Now it is time for me to put that into practice. I can say i believe it but now i am going to walk it out!
I hope some of this makes sense...I'm just really writing to get stuff out. I'm still nervous about what God has for me next but I am also excited and intrigued. Students it's time to crack open the books and sharpen your pencils because we got a test today.

Just don't check me for grammar on this one.

aawww shucks guys......

Thank you everyone that wrote me notes this summer. They were very encouraging and usually came at the perfect moment, which is thanks to you know who!

I Just finished putting them all in my rememberance book. It took some maneuvering but I got them all in there.

give me a break

David Letterman couldn't possibly get any dum.......ok i was wrong!

Good night

Job

Pray.......

I Have an Interview tomorrow with Parkway Behavioral Health @ 12:00. If i get the job I will be working with kids that have behavioral problems in school and they need a one-on-one. I'm not sure if this is where God wants me yet.
I do have another job pending as a receptionist at East Middle School. I think that I would enjoy doing either one I just really want to be where God wants me.

Thanks everyone!

"Hey you the kid is back"

Hey everyone!

Been a long time since I've seen this blog! I never was able to get on and write updates about the summer. Time just didn't allow.

Wow what an incredible summer...oh and how is flew by! I still feel like is should be the middle but it's the end.
God did a lot of cool stuff out there this year with the campers. There were some rough spots but overall I had a pretty terrific summer. The girls i had were so much fun and I wouldn't have traded any of them. I grew up a lot this summer, made some pretty fantastic new friends, and found courage and boldness in places I didn't know were there.
I have to say I have a few new favorite people to add to my list. Out of all the new people i met this summer though, 2 of them really captured my heart. Delee Hall and Doug Waugh, these 2 people are two of the most amazing people I know and I admire them both for their leadership and endurance this summer. I don't know if either of you will read this but I am proud to call you guys friends. I am so happy that God brought you back the camp this summer even though I know it was really tough sometimes to stay.
I know this sounds for like a farewell speech but I just had to get that out. Saying goodbye to my new friends was one of the hardest things I've ever done even though most of them live pretty close by...with the exception of Doug and well I would never wish they he wasn't born in Scotland since that gives me an excuse to go there, I just wish it didn't cost your first born child to get there, but I will eventually.

"So, what are you doing now that you are back Kristen?" I'm glad you asked! Not that it's just that exciting or anything but i could use some prayer. I had been planning to go to school this semester but as of now i won't be able get the Pell grant money in time and i don't have the money to pay for my classes. I am still praying that something will come through with school. As far as a job goes i have looked around and from what I can see Going back to Goody's will be my most secure choice but i have not made any decisions.

I was talking to Nicki earlier today and I have felt so out of place since getting home this past weekend. I feel so unsure about my future right now and what is ahead. Actually, I have been on a mountain top for sometime now, and I get the feeling that God has a valley for me coming up if I'm not already in it. It's a weird feeling, knowing that this is a valley that God is leading me through. I've never been through a valley that was not of my own making. I don't know what He's got up his sleeve. I get the notion that he his going to teach me how to be a Joshua...a leader and someone that will not compromise not matter what.

So anyways, this week i have just been unpacking and sorting through everything trying to get back to normal life. I have to say it's been pretty boring going from have Kids around me 24/7 and not stop activities to coming home to silence. Though i have really gotten into my house work and getting every thing fresh, clean and organized.

Well for now I think I will sign off. Au revior!

My Summer

Well I never go around to writing that update blog.

For those that don't know I will be working out at South Mountain Christian Camp this summer. I leave for a 1 1/2 weeks of staff training tomorrow and then the first day of camp is on the 24th. I will be a Cabin director, which "basically" means i will be completely in charge of a cabin of hyperactive girls! I really am excited though I am nervous too. It will definitely be a new experience for me. It will be the first time I will have been in charge of kids for a day much less a week at a time. Many of the kids that come to this camp are from broken, poor, or abusive homes. It makes for some interesting spiritual warfare.
The theme for camp this year is "Agape Road Trip." Agape is the Greek word used to describe an unconditional type of love, the love that God has for us. The premise for the curriculum is how people will tell someone they love their dog and then turn around and say that they love God. Though, these are completely different types of love (or should be), we treat them as the same. The kind of love that God has for us takes a lifetime to discover and understand. It is a journey, hence, "Agape Road Trip".
It is really exciting to think that these kids will have the opportunity to learn about this as such an early age. God really has something up his sleeve this summer, and it is going to be soooooo good!

Just a few things I would like to ask for prayer on:
-All the Cabin Directors, that we can keep our priorities straight and really bless the socks of these kids.
- The kids of course that they will be receptive to the teaching so that their lives may be changed forever.
- For the safety of everyone and just for a lot of fun.
- We get a new group of kids every week so a lot of times by the time we really get to know them they are leaving. So just that we can form quick bonds and that the kids can feel comfortable with us so that they can get as much out of it as possible.

Those are just the essentials...

So I am going to be gone all summer pretty much. We get off on Fridays at 7ish, but with the drive home that doesn't leave much, then we are back at the camp on Sunday by 2pm. So I will be on the Internet some on the weekends and will bring updates as to how the summer is going(I'm sure I will have many stories). I appreciate all prayers, comments, and words that you may have!

So audios amigos!
Love you,

"doesn't even scratch the surface"

Is it possible to wear out a cd in less then a year????

well my Fold cd is not doing so hot, needs to be replaced ASAP.

Fo rizzle


On another note: I will be posting another update blog soon for those keeping up with the ever changing events of my life. once i get the time to site and write it. Hopefully tomorrow...err...I mean today. Before work, after work who knows!

heart

More christian artists need to make love songs!

Joy joy joy

My heart feels as though it will explode!

La la-la la-la

I am loving my new car...I miss the truck, I mean let's face it trucks are just cool, but I am also glad to have something that I can rely on. I am still amazed at the great car God blessed me with. I may be in debt now but, I know God will help me take care of that. Really, as far as the price I paid goes, I think that I really got blessed there too because they probably could have easily sold it for 2-3 more thousand than what I got it for.


Things I have discovered about my car in the last 48 hours that I did not know when I bought it:
#1: There is a sunglasses holder in the roof
#2: It has a 6 disc CD changer in the trunk. (though it doesn't have the CD cartridge)
#3: It has an alarm. (that's fun when you find out at 12 at night at Wal-mart)
#4: In 1997 (the year of my car) the Camry was the best selling car.
#5: It was the best selling Car 9 out of 10 years since 1997.
#6: Camry comes from the Japanese word Kamuri which means "crown". God is so cool.
#7: The glove box locks.
#8: The headlight turnoff when I open my car door. (Yea that is the one of the top best things about the car)

God has blessed me immensely with this car. I still can't believe that I have some times. When He told me to start praying for a car a couple months ago I had no idea it would be this soon that I would have it. I feel like God has been testing me in my finances to get me to be more frugal and less impulsive. To not be so careless with my money. Also, I think he did this to show and prove to me that he is my daddy even though I don't have an earthly one he is there to provide for me. He saw that I was nervous about the whole car buying process and He put Darren right there at "Watkins" so that I could feel safe and comfortable. I really feel I have passed something, like God gave me this car and said "Well done my daughter"...and it feels sooo good. I have been on top of the world all week and I still am. My God is amazing!

Basics:
How many jobs do you have? (If more than one, answer following questions for most demanding job.)	1
Where do you work?	Goody's
What is your job title?	Sales Associate
What is your job description?	Credit cards, Sell clothes, Credit cards,
What is the dress code?	Dress casual (no jeans)
How long have you been there?	2
Do you plan on staying for the next six months or more?	yes and no
Can you be promoted?	Yes
Green:
How much do you get paid?
How often do you get paid?	every other week
How many hours a week do you get?	15-25
Do you get time and a half for holidays?	Only if we are open actually on a holiday like 4th July
Have you gotten a raise?	Yes
Do you expect a raise?	Yes
Do you work overtime as much as you can?	Ha
Status:
Are there any certificates displayed with your name on them?	Nope
Are you respected by your coworkers?	Mostly
Would they rather work with you than others?	I've heard it said
Do your suggestions and comments carry weight with your supervisor?	Depends on the subject matter
How do new employees react to you?	they cope...haha
Do you tell others what they should, can, or cannot do?	I sugest...I am not the boss and I don't plan on acting like one.
Breaktime:
Do you remember to punch in and out for breaks?	Most of the time
Do you take longer breaks than you should?	Some times
Do you forget to take breaks on busy days?	It has happened
What do you do on your breaks?	depends on how long i get but usually I eat a meal or work on homework
Quality:
Do you talk on the phone or computer while on the clock?	No
Do things get done ahead of schedule when you're there?	Somtimes
Are you bothered when other people don't work as much or as well as you know they can?	If you only knew....
The Whole Point:
Do you love your job?	Love may be a little strong but there are many other worse places to work and it can be fun.
If you quit, what would be your reason?	Getting another Job
Take this survey or other MySpace Surveys at PimpSurveys.com

blugh

Wish I had what I needed
To be on my own
'Cause I feel so defeated
And I'm feeling alone

And it all seems so hopeless
And I have no plans
I'm a plane in the sunset
With nowhere to land

And all I see
It could never make me happy
And all my sand castles spend their time collapsing

And I feel stuck watching history repeating
Yeah who am I just a kid who knows he's needy

Let me know that you hear me
Let me know your touch
Let me know that you love me
Let that be enough

note

AND...13 days till my birthday :)

It's an open door, to live for something better....

OK, so a few posts ago I mentioned that I was considering starting tutoring with autistic kids.

Well I considered.

I went in last week in order to fill out an application at CNC access for a job. Then of course I waited. Then yesterday I got the call from Jolene saying that she had been authorized to hire me! YAY

So pending the results of a TB test, which I went and took this morning, I will be starting training soon. I can't wait. I have a client as of now but, I am not expecting the hours to be very much, so I am just praying that they will have another client that I can work with also. So that I don't have to remain part-time at Goody's and I can fully step away from there.

But at any rate just knowing I will be getting the one position is marvelous. I am so excited and I can't wait to get my paperwork done and start training.

On another subject I have been praying for a "new to me" vehicle and I almost have enough money to be able to fully pay for one and not have to make payments (or at least not very many) which is something I would really appreciate. Now it's just where am I getting the car from.

So many things are changing right now and it both scary and exciting. Mostly exciting.

End of school is coming and it is possible that I will be able to be finished at ICC after the fall semester. Which is sooner than I thought! That will put me starting at Limestone in the spring of 08 and that would rock!

So that is the update for those keeping up! thanks for any and all prayers.
OK homework is calling.

"Livin' life is fun and we've just begun to get our share...."

I have to say that I love my family...

We had a great time this weekend together. We had this chicken wing eating contest. There is this really good wing place in Columbia and they have this one flavor that is so hot, no joke, that you have to sign a waiver, when you buy them. Oh man they were Hot.
Then of course there is the usual family banter and joking. All the memories and good times.
Lately every time I get together with my family we get closer. It's such a cool thing.

Booyah!

This is an update from our missionaries in Mexico.....

Dear All,

Good news from El Monte! You may remember our shock when three men showed up on the doorstep and claimed that our property belonged to their community. You may not know that they later informed us that we had twenty days to cough up $250,000 U.S. dollars or they would send in squatters. You may recall our relief when our Christian lawyer found iron-clad evidence in the national land registry that the property did not, and never had belonged to them. And now...the rest of the story!

The other day we made an appointment with goverment officials at the state level to help arbitrate the matter. Shortly after we got to the office, the official called downstairs to the main desk to see if the men had arrived. Yes, he was told, they'd signed in and asked if we were really there. The official then asked that they be sent up for the meeting. After a few moments the guard called upstairs to explain that the men couldn't be found. Our enemies had run away! Hooray!

Psalm 37:9 says, "Evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land." Amen. Thank you for your continued prayers!