I could talk about me, I could talk about I, I could talk about number one, oh-my-me-my. (I hope you got that reference.) But instead of talking about me and my college experience (which is going pretty good for those of you who are interested) I want to talk about something else. Something that has more meaning that the ho-hum of everyday life.
But I don't actually know what I want to talk about.. talk about a plot twist, huh?
I'm just tired of talking about me and how my life is going, the point of being a journalist is telling other people's story. And there are so many stories to tell.
In the past week or so, God has started to put something on my heart. Over the past week, I have heard the passage in John 9 about three times in three different situations. If that isn't a sign from God, then I don't know what is.
This passage is about the blind man whom Jesus heals. The disciples pass the man and ask Jesus if it was the man's sin or the man's parent's sin that caused him to be born blind. Jesus answered: "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him." John 9:3. I want to just focus on that little bit.
This isn't a sermon, I'm far too under qualified for that, but I do have some thoughts on this passage and how it applies to life and why I've been hearing it everywhere.
First of all, we are all blind. We all have trouble seeing what's around us and seeing the truth.When Jesus heals the blind man by spitting, (yeah, you read that right) spitting into some mud and rubbing it on this man's eyes, he not only cures his physical vision, but he gives him spiritual sight as well.
Now, you may be asking, "What the heck does she mean by 'spiritual sight'? Is that just another Christian-ese word that sounds good but doesn't really mean anything? No, what I mean by that is that the man came to know Jesus as the Messiah after his healing. He gained spiritual truth and knowledge, not just his vision.
I know I need help with seeing past my own little world everyday, and I think that even though I already know Jesus is the Messiah, He is still opening my eyes to the world around me. He helps me see what I need to work on in my life, as well as what is good and beautiful in my life.
The second thing that I've gotten from this little passage is that Jesus says neither the sin of this man nor the sin of his parents was the reason he was blind. He was blind so that the works of God could be revealed in him. I get a feeling of peace when I read this. It means that yes, I am a sinner, and yes, I have imperfections, but God, who works all things for good, is using me and my imperfections and my blindness, to reveal himself to others.
No, I'm not saying rejoice that you are a sinner, sin is still bad and evil. But God is good and merciful and he has good plans for us.
Biola has been so great for me. I'm so happy I'm here, learning about God and about myself and how to be a good journalist. But sometimes I'm blinded by everything I feel I have to do. I get blind to the fact that where I'm at right now, won't always be where I'm going. And where I think I need to be in my life: in my walk, with my schoolwork, with my boyfriend, might not always be where God has me. I need to constantly remind myself that His plan is better than any plan I think I have. And I know I'm going to mess up, I'm a part of this fallen world, but this passage reminds me that even though I live with sin, God can still do good works with me.
So somehow I ended up talking about myself anyway (nice going there, Grace) but I hope each of you gathered something from this and hopefully understood what I was trying to say. Maybe leave a comment if you have an idea for a blog post that isn't centered around Grace, I'd much appreciate the feedback:)
"I think we all suffer from acute blindness at times. Life is a constant journey of trying to open your eyes. I'm just beginning my journey, and my eyes aren't fully open yet." Olivia Thirlby
-Grace
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Thursday, October 17, 2013
These Past Few Months
As I settle down to write this post that has been in the making for a little under two months now, I feel nervous. What do I say to the family and friends who faithfully followed my blog until I moved to college? How do I let them know how much has happened here in just a few short months? Do I tell them that I miss them like crazy, but I'm having such a wonderful experience at the same time?
The answer is simple, I just start typing.
The last time I wrote, I believe it was move in weekend here at my wonderful home of Biola University. A lot has happened since then. I can't give enough details to give you guys a full insight into what my life has been like but I'll try and do my best.
First of all, my classes have been great, stressful, a little boring at times, and always worth it. I'm not sure if I told you my schedule. If I have, then too bad, I'm going to tell you again.
I have Foundations of Journalism with Dr. Longinow Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 a.m. I love this class. At first, I didn't. At first, I was frustrated. He had us doing weekly blogs, which I am okay with (obviously) but the problem was I didn't know how to log on to the stupid blog. It's through Wordpress, and I'm not bashing on that site in any way, shape, or form, but dang! Could you make it ANY harder to get on to the site! I got logging on figured out around the third week though, and it's been smooth sailing in that class since. Cross your fingers, we're barely at the midpoint of the semester.
My next class is Communications 100, and its basically public speaking. Mondays and Wednesdays at 4:30p.m. I'm not so in love with this class. The professor is great and the class has a nice rhythm, but, I don't really have a fear of public speaking and the professor really hasn't taught us much in the way of creating a speech, so speech writing feels like a chore and busy work for me. What am I to do? Nothing, it's a required class.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays I have Foundations of Christian Thought and English. Foundations is awesome! The professor is a star and you can tell he genuinely cares about his students and about what he teaches. I also think he looks like Paul Blart from Mall Cop. And English is... well.. I hate to toot my own horn, but I like to consider myself a fairly decent writer and that class is all about the basics of good academic writing. I definitely feel like I'm above the curve in there. But get this! I know my English Professor! He's from Chico and he went to Calvary Chapel Chico with me when I was a middle-schooler. I thought that was just crazy! He's a really good professor and I like the way his class is set up. It's more discussion based than lecture based. And we all could use a few less lectures in our lives.
Friday I also have World Civilization 1 with Professor Wamagatta. Yes, Wamagatta. He's from Kenya and he has the best personality on campus! He never fails to make me and my classmates laugh. His explanation for the pyramids? Aliens! (Which I think is valid.) His class on the other hand, is the easiest thing I've ever done. He has you take an online quiz each week, and you are allowed the book. Then he has us take notes in class on the subject we just tested on. It's kind of backwards, but I assume there is a reason. Even if that reason is to make it easy peasy for kids like me.
Enough about classes! I'm sure you want to hear about all the ragers and crazy beach parties I've been to! Well, I'm sorry, but Biola is the 4th worst party school in America, so we don't have those kinds of parties. And I'm perfectly okay with that.
I have been having fun though:) I've been to the beach a couple times, I went down to San Diego to visit Zach once and he's been up here a couple times already. That's really exciting for us, we haven't been able to see each other on a regular basis in about a year. He's actually coming to see me again this weekend!
I recently went on a floor retreat for Sigma Third Long, or as we call it Phoenix. That's our theme, Beauty from Ashes, Isaiah 61:3. It was so amazing to be with 25 other young ladies with a passion for the Lord and a desire to love on one another. We went to one of our R.A.'s friend's house and, I kid you not, it was a mansion, complete with backyard pool house and volleyball court. All 26 of us stayed in the backyard oasis. It was absolutely amazing. We had fellowship and worship and just a grand ol' time.
Since many of you don't know a thing about Biola except that it does indeed start with a "B" not a "V", I'll let you in on some traditions.
Nationball. For Biolans that word strikes immeasurable joy and adrenaline into our systems. It's basically a huge dodge ball tournament including all the dorms on campus and the "OCC" off campus commuters. Usually Sigma (my dorm) doesn't stand a chance because we're one of the smallest dorms. But this year we made it all the way to the finals! We had to play against OCC and they had more than twice our population. It was a great night. I could go on and on about Nationball, but this is already a very long post and there is too much to tell.
I'll try and keep you updated on more events like Pumpkin Pie (the school wide talent show) and GYRAD (get your roommate a date). I really do want this blog to be more that once every two months!
Other than parties, friends, and crazy fun events, I've been joining a lot of different organizations around campus.
I got a job at the student-run school newspaper! I am on staff as a writer for the features section and I have four articles already published. I would love for you to go check them and the rest of the newspaper at chimes.biola.edu. If you would be so kind.
I'm also part of the poetry club here on campus, which is comforting to me. I love poetry, listening to it, writing it, watching spoken word (if you don't know what that is, I beg you to look it up) so getting to hear it every week keeps me a little bit calmer and helps fight the stress.
I'm on an Ultimate Frisbee team. random, right? But I'm on it and we are currently undefeated!
But what I love most about Biola, isn't the fun things we do, the friends I've made, or the career opportunities I'm getting. It's the Love of Christ that is so obviously here. Here, I am challenged to think about my faith, I am challenged to examine that all important question, "who am I?" and I am encouraged to find my identity in God.
It is wonderful here, and I apologize that this post was so long, but that's what happens when you're a freshman college student and you feel like you don't have any time to do anything. Than you all for bearing with me and I hope to talk to you soon!
P.S. How 'bout that government shutdown? (I had to throw that in to show that I'm not totally self-centered in my blogs...)
"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see." John Burroughs
-Gracie
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Be Anxious For Nothing
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The nail is driven farther into the drywall, as I put up old decorations on my new walls, furniture, and bed.
This is so crazy. At times I feel so overwhelmed. When I first arrived here at Biola I was so filled with excitement and hope and energy, and then a shift took place. I don't want to say "change" because I still have all those feelings, but a new feeling has settled in my heart. Anxiousness.
I start thinking, "What will my classes be like?" "Will I meet some close friends soon?" "I miss my old friends." "I need a job desperately."
I get so worked up in my head that I almost forget the real reason I'm here: God.
"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ" Philippians 4:6-8
As I walk on to campus this verse runs through my mind over and over. I'm depending more on God than I ever have since my father died. (And I think That's his plan) I'm trusting in him more than ever and there's still a lot to go.
This is going to be an amazing experience and I really can't wait to find my niche here, and have a group of friends. But for now, I'm trusting that the Lord will do what he always does for me. Love me, and take care of me.
The best part of my experience so far has been singsporation. It's an hour long worship session every Sunday evening. It is amazing! whether you're shouting out at the top of your lungs, so none will fail to hear the Lord's name, or whispering to Jesus, the pure praise and worship is so amazing to be a part of. It really is something.
Beach Day was today! we went to beach 30 minutes away and had a blast! We played Savage Women. Ever heard of it? Neither had I, until today. The men gather in a big circle, sit down and interlock their arms and legs. Like the scene from Avatar, when Dr. Grace gets shot and all the blue people try to heal her body? Kinda like that. And then the women... simply go savage. They try to rip and tear the boys apart from each other. It was crazy! I ripped a few boys off with the help of my other lady savages, but then my finger got slashed open somehow. I didn't want to bleed all over everyone, so I decided to call it quits. Some girls went at it though. They literally looked savage; with sweat dripping down, hair all crazy, sand in their faces, and a look in their eyes that said, "I'm ready to kill." Let's just say, some of the boys will need therapy.
All in all it's been a great couple of days. And orientation isn't over yet!! I've met so many new people, and seen God at the center of all this, I can't help but have hope that I'll thoroughly enjoy myself these next couple of years.
Thank you, God, for all that you've provided me with.
"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath." Michael Caine.
-Grace
The nail is driven farther into the drywall, as I put up old decorations on my new walls, furniture, and bed.
This is so crazy. At times I feel so overwhelmed. When I first arrived here at Biola I was so filled with excitement and hope and energy, and then a shift took place. I don't want to say "change" because I still have all those feelings, but a new feeling has settled in my heart. Anxiousness.
I start thinking, "What will my classes be like?" "Will I meet some close friends soon?" "I miss my old friends." "I need a job desperately."
I get so worked up in my head that I almost forget the real reason I'm here: God.
"Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ" Philippians 4:6-8
As I walk on to campus this verse runs through my mind over and over. I'm depending more on God than I ever have since my father died. (And I think That's his plan) I'm trusting in him more than ever and there's still a lot to go.
This is going to be an amazing experience and I really can't wait to find my niche here, and have a group of friends. But for now, I'm trusting that the Lord will do what he always does for me. Love me, and take care of me.
The best part of my experience so far has been singsporation. It's an hour long worship session every Sunday evening. It is amazing! whether you're shouting out at the top of your lungs, so none will fail to hear the Lord's name, or whispering to Jesus, the pure praise and worship is so amazing to be a part of. It really is something.
Beach Day was today! we went to beach 30 minutes away and had a blast! We played Savage Women. Ever heard of it? Neither had I, until today. The men gather in a big circle, sit down and interlock their arms and legs. Like the scene from Avatar, when Dr. Grace gets shot and all the blue people try to heal her body? Kinda like that. And then the women... simply go savage. They try to rip and tear the boys apart from each other. It was crazy! I ripped a few boys off with the help of my other lady savages, but then my finger got slashed open somehow. I didn't want to bleed all over everyone, so I decided to call it quits. Some girls went at it though. They literally looked savage; with sweat dripping down, hair all crazy, sand in their faces, and a look in their eyes that said, "I'm ready to kill." Let's just say, some of the boys will need therapy.
All in all it's been a great couple of days. And orientation isn't over yet!! I've met so many new people, and seen God at the center of all this, I can't help but have hope that I'll thoroughly enjoy myself these next couple of years.
Thank you, God, for all that you've provided me with.
"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath." Michael Caine.
-Grace
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Wish Me Luck
Today's the day
The sun is shining
The tank is clean
I'm leaving for college!
(I hope you guys got that Finding Nemo Reference)
I'm leaving today when my mom gets home from work.
I'M LEAVING.
I'm sorry, it's just that it doesn't seem real. Even as we put all my possessions in the garage to await pick up. I've lived here for almost 13 years, I'm leaving behind my family and friends, and my home town.
But I'll be entering a whole new world, a place I never knew. (Aladdin reference) I'm so excited for all the adventures that are waiting to be had in Southern California! This weekend is going to be crazy, there's so much to do! I have to move in to my dorm, Which means unpacking everything I packed last night, there are a whole bunch of orientation events to go to, and I get to meet my roommate. And bonus, I get to see Zach!!
As I'm writing this, I'm trying to put all that I'm feeling into words, but that's just not possible. I'm feeling... bittersweet. I'm feeling excited. Awed that this is really happening. Inspired by God. I know He's going to do great things with me at Biola.
I feel like life is beginning. My mom has done such a wonderful job preparing me for this and I know I'm ready.
Quick shoutout to my mom: You are such an amazing woman and I pray that when I'm a mother, I'm as strong, loving, and wonderful as you are. Thank you for these past 18 years, for all the advice, and all the love. You are amazing and we'll always be together, no matter how far apart we live.
This is really happening, huh?
Good luck to all my friends who are also leaving our beloved little town. You guys are going to do great things, and I can't wait to hear about them!
This town and these people will always have a place in my heart, and I know I'll always be welcomed home. Thank you for all the laughs, heartaches, and memories, for they are what made me who I am today.
I have a long drive ahead of me, so I better get going.
"Saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it." Trey Parker
-Gracie
The sun is shining
The tank is clean
I'm leaving for college!
(I hope you guys got that Finding Nemo Reference)
I'm leaving today when my mom gets home from work.
I'M LEAVING.
I'm sorry, it's just that it doesn't seem real. Even as we put all my possessions in the garage to await pick up. I've lived here for almost 13 years, I'm leaving behind my family and friends, and my home town.
But I'll be entering a whole new world, a place I never knew. (Aladdin reference) I'm so excited for all the adventures that are waiting to be had in Southern California! This weekend is going to be crazy, there's so much to do! I have to move in to my dorm, Which means unpacking everything I packed last night, there are a whole bunch of orientation events to go to, and I get to meet my roommate. And bonus, I get to see Zach!!
As I'm writing this, I'm trying to put all that I'm feeling into words, but that's just not possible. I'm feeling... bittersweet. I'm feeling excited. Awed that this is really happening. Inspired by God. I know He's going to do great things with me at Biola.
I feel like life is beginning. My mom has done such a wonderful job preparing me for this and I know I'm ready.
Quick shoutout to my mom: You are such an amazing woman and I pray that when I'm a mother, I'm as strong, loving, and wonderful as you are. Thank you for these past 18 years, for all the advice, and all the love. You are amazing and we'll always be together, no matter how far apart we live.
This is really happening, huh?
Good luck to all my friends who are also leaving our beloved little town. You guys are going to do great things, and I can't wait to hear about them!
This town and these people will always have a place in my heart, and I know I'll always be welcomed home. Thank you for all the laughs, heartaches, and memories, for they are what made me who I am today.
I have a long drive ahead of me, so I better get going.
"Saying goodbye doesn't mean anything. It's the time we spent together that matters, not how we left it." Trey Parker
-Gracie
Thursday, August 15, 2013
We're Gunna Party Like It's My Birthday!
Because It really is my birthday!
So I guess you can figure out that this post will be about me, you can skip this one if you don't care about the stories of a silly 18 year-old girl.
For those of you who are still tuned in, thanks! It's good to know I'm cared about, especially on my birthday!
For those of you who haven't caught on yet, It is my 18th birthday today. I am officially one year older, but not necessarily one year wiser. Most people on their birthday say, "It doesn't feel any different" but to me, it does. I feel like so much has happened since my last birthday. I secured my first job. My other half became a Marine. My Grandpa passed away. I got accepted into the school of my dreams. I had the greatest senior year a girl could ask for. I made the best yearbook ever! (with God's help) I got my wisdom teeth pulled! I floated down the river while on Vicodin (that was fun!). I received many scholarship awards. I graduated from high school. I got to see my Grandma from Florida! I went white water rafting. I saw Zach for the first time in 5 months and we went to the ocean with his family. Now I'm preparing for my next adventure, college! And through it all I laughed, I cried, and for the most part, I took naps.
Last year, God was so good to me, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for me in the coming year. We could play the guessing game forever, will I enjoy my classes? What will happen with Zach and I? What will my new friends be like? Will I get to go on a mission trip finally? Will I study abroad? Will I succeed with journalism? In a few short months I'll know the answer to most of these, but for now, all I can do is trust in God and wait. Maybe this year I'll be gifted with an abundance of patience!
"It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting." Elizabeth Taylor
-Gracie
So I guess you can figure out that this post will be about me, you can skip this one if you don't care about the stories of a silly 18 year-old girl.
For those of you who are still tuned in, thanks! It's good to know I'm cared about, especially on my birthday!
For those of you who haven't caught on yet, It is my 18th birthday today. I am officially one year older, but not necessarily one year wiser. Most people on their birthday say, "It doesn't feel any different" but to me, it does. I feel like so much has happened since my last birthday. I secured my first job. My other half became a Marine. My Grandpa passed away. I got accepted into the school of my dreams. I had the greatest senior year a girl could ask for. I made the best yearbook ever! (with God's help) I got my wisdom teeth pulled! I floated down the river while on Vicodin (that was fun!). I received many scholarship awards. I graduated from high school. I got to see my Grandma from Florida! I went white water rafting. I saw Zach for the first time in 5 months and we went to the ocean with his family. Now I'm preparing for my next adventure, college! And through it all I laughed, I cried, and for the most part, I took naps.
Last year, God was so good to me, and I can't wait to see what he has in store for me in the coming year. We could play the guessing game forever, will I enjoy my classes? What will happen with Zach and I? What will my new friends be like? Will I get to go on a mission trip finally? Will I study abroad? Will I succeed with journalism? In a few short months I'll know the answer to most of these, but for now, all I can do is trust in God and wait. Maybe this year I'll be gifted with an abundance of patience!
"It is strange that the years teach us patience; that the shorter our time, the greater our capacity for waiting." Elizabeth Taylor
-Gracie
Monday, August 12, 2013
Belle
Hey, so here's the deal. I'm a 17 (almost 18) year old girl, and my favorite movie has always been, and still is to this day, Beauty and the Beast. I can't tell you why, but as a child I was transfixed with this film. It held more magic for me than Ariel, Cinderella, and Snow White had combined. A while back, as I was filling out college applications, one of the essay prompts asked me who my role model was. I could've written something predictable, and said that my mom is my role model, (which she is) but she convinced me to write about Belle. I didn't get in to the college, but I felt it was a pretty good essay, so I've decided to share it with you:
As a child I grew up watching Disney movies. The stories are almost always the same, girl meets boy, girl falls in love, tragedy strikes and the boy fixes everything, boy and girl get married and have a happily ever after ending. One story, however, stuck out in my mind as different, the story of Beauty and the Beast. I used to watch this movie over and over so that to this day, my mother knows every line of every song. Belle is a special girl, unlike the other Disney princesses, she didn’t need to depend on a man. She influenced my childhood and has impacted my journey into adulthood.
Belle always has a book in her hand, she possess brains, beauty and independence; there is more to her than meets the eye. She has inspired my own reading habits (I never leave the house without a book) and her uniqueness taught me how to go about achieving my dreams. She is inquisitive, compassionate, and always kind towards others. I’d like to think that I am the same. She taught me how to have confidence in my own abilities.
Belle never once considered marrying Gaston for his good looks or his “charm”. She always knew that she deserved better. I follow her example by not settling for anything less than what I know I am capable of or what I know I have earned. Belle has always struck me as a very kind, loving girl and as a role model to me. She has taught me how to think and act as an individual and by her example, I know situations aren’t always what they appear to be and that happiness depends on your outlook of the situation.
She has taught me that anything can
happen if you’re willing to let it and that sometimes, good things really do
come to those who wait.
It might seem strange to be inspired by a Disney character instead of a great work of art or a prominent historical figure, but as a child I was drawn to Belle. Looking back I’m grateful that this Disney princess was present in most of my childhood to inspire me on a daily basis rather than a onetime school lesson. I still find Belle’s character inspiring to this day.
The moral of this story is that there are lessons to be learned even in children's stories. In fact, I think children are a lot smarter than adults in some cases. Children know how to listen, (that doesn't mean they always do...) they absorb information like a sponge, and they know how to just be themselves. They don't care about what others think of them, because they're busy being cute little kids! Jesus tells us to be child-like in our faith because kids have a blind trust.
That's what I need in my life. I need to have more trust in what the Lord has in store for me. He's gotten me into Biola, He's given me amazing family and friends, He's provided for me in so many ways, and yet, I still worry about my future.
This Sunday, as I was sitting among my church family, the message spoke to me. Our pastor was saying that often times we ask God to fix all our problems and we pray and focus all our attention on, what we think, is the mountain in front of us, instead of the God behind us. Our God can not only move that mountain, but he can equip us so that we may climb to the peak. We just need to focus on Him, and what He can do, instead of what we want Him to do for us. Instead of aligning Him with our will, we need to align ourselves with His will.
It seems painfully obvious as I sit here and write, but sitting in church, I had an epiphany. I need to wait on His timing. I can't ask Him to put me on a different path if this is where he wants me.
I'm not sure how I went from Beauty and the Beast to Gods plan for me, but there it is, Belle just inspires me!
"It's know no wonder that her name means beauty / her looks have got no parallel / But behind that fair façade / I'm afraid she's rather odd / Very different from the rest of us / She's nothing like the rest of us / Yes, different from the rest of us is Belle. " Villagers
-Grace
That's what I need in my life. I need to have more trust in what the Lord has in store for me. He's gotten me into Biola, He's given me amazing family and friends, He's provided for me in so many ways, and yet, I still worry about my future.
This Sunday, as I was sitting among my church family, the message spoke to me. Our pastor was saying that often times we ask God to fix all our problems and we pray and focus all our attention on, what we think, is the mountain in front of us, instead of the God behind us. Our God can not only move that mountain, but he can equip us so that we may climb to the peak. We just need to focus on Him, and what He can do, instead of what we want Him to do for us. Instead of aligning Him with our will, we need to align ourselves with His will.
It seems painfully obvious as I sit here and write, but sitting in church, I had an epiphany. I need to wait on His timing. I can't ask Him to put me on a different path if this is where he wants me.
I'm not sure how I went from Beauty and the Beast to Gods plan for me, but there it is, Belle just inspires me!
"It's know no wonder that her name means beauty / her looks have got no parallel / But behind that fair façade / I'm afraid she's rather odd / Very different from the rest of us / She's nothing like the rest of us / Yes, different from the rest of us is Belle. " Villagers
-Grace
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
The Low-Down
Man, oh man... It's been so long since I've written that I feel guilty as I start to type. I have a good reason though! Trust me on that one.
Last week Zach came home for 10 days! He got some leave after his MOS school (Job School). It was wonderful! We hadn't seen each other in 5 months, it was amazing to have 10 days with him.
Well actually, it started out a little.. shaky.
His flight came in at 11:00 p.m. and I went to go pick him up (he was surprising his mom). I parked in the small short-term lot and waited for him outside the terminals. Longest 20 minutes of my life. Finally I saw him making his way towards me, but he was going too slow, so I ran to him. It was the greatest feeling I've ever experienced; being held by him. And yes, I might've teared up a little bit.
That's all fine and dandy, but once we get out of the building, I realize something. I have no idea where I parked my car.
Great.
We searched for a good 20 minutes before locating it one lot over from where I thought it might've been. I was so focused on getting TO the airport, that I didn't even think about getting HOME from the airport. Not even home an hour and already we had our first adventure!
After that, the rest of the vacation went pretty smoothly. We visited Mt. Shasta, had breakfast at our favorite bird-themed café, took a trip to the ocean with his family, and just enjoyed each other's company for the first time in a long time:)
At the ocean we went tide pooling! If you've never gone tide pooling, put it on your bucket list! We saw sand crabs, muscles, anemones (Nemo's home!), and thousands of hermit crabs! I discovered a family of starfish. (I don't think that they were an actual family, but there were three or four of them in the same general area, so it counts.) We went rock climbing on the cliffs (let me just point out that everyone else did it in tennis shoes, while I climbed with sandals on!). And had a wonderful lunch overlooking the ocean and all the kayakers. It was such a great day!
All too soon our time was up. He drove down to Pendleton Sunday afternoon and is in the process of checking in and everything as I type. I'm not too sad though:) Biola and Camp Pendleton aren't too far away, so we'll get to see each other on weekends (after I finish studying, Mom).
Snap back to reality, oh, there goes gravity... (for my Eminem fans) Sorry, Back to reality and every day life with out Zach by my side, I have two weeks and a day until I move out and leave for college! It's so crazy! I turn 18 in a week and in one more I leave. I've been searching Pinterest for packing lists, organization tips, and cool decorating ideas, I've already made one of the things I found.
It's a canvas that I painted purple/blue, then put stickers on it, painted over them with red/orange/yellow/pink and then peeled the stickers off and whaa-la! It was so much fun that I'm going to make my roommate one, another one for me, and one for a good friend of mine! ...I'm going to need a lot of stickers...
So there you have it, an update on my life. Even if you didn't want one. I will be getting back to regular blog posts, and hopefully they won't be all about me anymore. I'm sure you're getting rather tired of my narcissism. The world is a big place, I'll try and write more about important things that everyone can relate to. Just a heads up.
"Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?" Richard Bach
-Grace
Last week Zach came home for 10 days! He got some leave after his MOS school (Job School). It was wonderful! We hadn't seen each other in 5 months, it was amazing to have 10 days with him.
Well actually, it started out a little.. shaky.
His flight came in at 11:00 p.m. and I went to go pick him up (he was surprising his mom). I parked in the small short-term lot and waited for him outside the terminals. Longest 20 minutes of my life. Finally I saw him making his way towards me, but he was going too slow, so I ran to him. It was the greatest feeling I've ever experienced; being held by him. And yes, I might've teared up a little bit.
That's all fine and dandy, but once we get out of the building, I realize something. I have no idea where I parked my car.
Great.
We searched for a good 20 minutes before locating it one lot over from where I thought it might've been. I was so focused on getting TO the airport, that I didn't even think about getting HOME from the airport. Not even home an hour and already we had our first adventure!
After that, the rest of the vacation went pretty smoothly. We visited Mt. Shasta, had breakfast at our favorite bird-themed café, took a trip to the ocean with his family, and just enjoyed each other's company for the first time in a long time:)
At the ocean we went tide pooling! If you've never gone tide pooling, put it on your bucket list! We saw sand crabs, muscles, anemones (Nemo's home!), and thousands of hermit crabs! I discovered a family of starfish. (I don't think that they were an actual family, but there were three or four of them in the same general area, so it counts.) We went rock climbing on the cliffs (let me just point out that everyone else did it in tennis shoes, while I climbed with sandals on!). And had a wonderful lunch overlooking the ocean and all the kayakers. It was such a great day!
Here's some pictures from our fabulous week!
The ocean!
Man, It was cold!
That outdoorsy couple!
All too soon our time was up. He drove down to Pendleton Sunday afternoon and is in the process of checking in and everything as I type. I'm not too sad though:) Biola and Camp Pendleton aren't too far away, so we'll get to see each other on weekends (after I finish studying, Mom).
Snap back to reality, oh, there goes gravity... (for my Eminem fans) Sorry, Back to reality and every day life with out Zach by my side, I have two weeks and a day until I move out and leave for college! It's so crazy! I turn 18 in a week and in one more I leave. I've been searching Pinterest for packing lists, organization tips, and cool decorating ideas, I've already made one of the things I found.
It's a canvas that I painted purple/blue, then put stickers on it, painted over them with red/orange/yellow/pink and then peeled the stickers off and whaa-la! It was so much fun that I'm going to make my roommate one, another one for me, and one for a good friend of mine! ...I'm going to need a lot of stickers...
So there you have it, an update on my life. Even if you didn't want one. I will be getting back to regular blog posts, and hopefully they won't be all about me anymore. I'm sure you're getting rather tired of my narcissism. The world is a big place, I'll try and write more about important things that everyone can relate to. Just a heads up.
"Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?" Richard Bach
-Grace
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Lion King Theme
Oh, man... I feel guilty for not writing for such a long time! It's been exactly a week! But what can I say, I've been out there living life and enjoying the summer.
So I guess I'll just give you the low-down on what I've been up to.
Well first of all, every day last week from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I was at church helping out with our VBS program. We have kids from the age of four to the age of twelve come. It's basically like free day care for parents, but for the kids it's an opportunity to hear the gospel and be loved on. It is a wonderful ministry. I love doing it!
This year I was helping with the red group. We had about 15 to18 kids in each group and 3 or 4 adults/teens. I'm not supposed to have favorites, but the 4-year-olds stole my heart. Xander and Brody were the cutest little boys I have ever met, and if I have a daughter I want her to be just like Emma, who is happy and energetic all the time! Oh, you should have seen these kids, they could brighten up just about anybody's day.
I want children! Not anytime soon.. but eventually I want a family with lots of little smiling faces. I already have names picked out and everything. I'm not in a rush though, I want to have fun and be young while I can because I believe that once you have kids, your life is no longer about you, It's all about your children. My mom is a great example! she always puts us first, and I never hear her complain about it either! You have to be mature before you can have a child, and I know that I'm not yet mature. And I won't be for many more years!
Now, maybe you're thinking, "So what'd you do with all your extra time after VBS, Grace?" To answer that question, I was at work. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and today. Needless to say, I was exhausted. Taking care or kids all day and then catering to every little need the customers had at night took a lot out of me. But throughout the week the Lord took care of me. It was definitely his strength that got me through it.
Thursday evening was fun! I didn't have work, so I went swimming at the lake with my friends. The lake is amazing, I'm so blessed to live in a place where the lake is only 20 minutes away and the water is cool and refreshing. We had a mud fight! which was fun at the time... but I'm still washing stuff out of my hair.
I'm going to miss it here so much...I have great friends that love to go on crazy adventures with me. (i.e. going to the pet store to buy a fish and then getting doughnuts with said fish in hand.) I have natures playground in my backyard basically. Within a half hour from my house I can go swimming in a lake, kayaking on the river, hiking to a waterfall, kite-flying on a mountain, and in the winter, sledding in the snow! It's crazy how diverse California is!
That brings me to my next topic. I'm going to miss my home so much, but I'm so excited for my new one! Yesterday I went to a Biola mixer for Alumni and new students. It was fantastic! There were five or six alumni that were still so passionate about Biola even decades after they graduated. It was a chance for me to meet some of the kids I'll be seeing around campus for the next few years. And let me tell you, they are all wonderful people. I met the girl that will be staying in the room right across the hall from me, and I another girl that I instantly clicked with! It was so much fun getting to talk to these people who are going through the same emotions that I am. Nervous about moving, not sure what it will be like, excited to start my future, sad that I'm leaving my family, and anxious to meet my new Biola family. We are all feeling it. I really can't put it into words how excited I am. I am thrilled, amazed, astounded, and awed that this is happening to me.
It reminds me of the Lion King. That probably doesn't make sense to you, so let me explain.
The song, "I Just Can't Wait to be King" reminds me of how much I cant wait to be on my own for the first time, it's scary but exciting at the same time.
"Nobody saying do this
Nobody saying be there
Nobody saying stop that
Nobody saying see here
Free to run around all day
Free to do it all my way!"
Admit it, you sang that.
I know there are a few flaws in my logic. First of all, I'm not going to be a king. I'm going to be a poor college freshman living on faith and ramen noodles. Secondly, there will still be people telling me what to do and how to do it. My mom isn't controlling, so there won't be a huge difference in my home life, but my professors will still be my authorities. I won't be free to run around all day, I'll have homework and (cross your fingers) a job. And by now your thinking, "How on earth did you make this connection in you mind, Grace? This doesn't make any sense??" But it does, because you see, I'll be on my own and I'll be figuring out, with the Lord's help, how to do things my way (or really, His way). I've never had to be responsible for myself like this, I will be an adult for the first time in my life. It's new and exciting! And like Simba, I won't be alone. I'll always have my mom and Zach to help me, and my friends from home as well as the friends I will make there. And hopefully a few musical numbers along the way!
"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do what we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right." Peter Marshall
-Grace
So I guess I'll just give you the low-down on what I've been up to.
Well first of all, every day last week from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I was at church helping out with our VBS program. We have kids from the age of four to the age of twelve come. It's basically like free day care for parents, but for the kids it's an opportunity to hear the gospel and be loved on. It is a wonderful ministry. I love doing it!
This year I was helping with the red group. We had about 15 to18 kids in each group and 3 or 4 adults/teens. I'm not supposed to have favorites, but the 4-year-olds stole my heart. Xander and Brody were the cutest little boys I have ever met, and if I have a daughter I want her to be just like Emma, who is happy and energetic all the time! Oh, you should have seen these kids, they could brighten up just about anybody's day.
I want children! Not anytime soon.. but eventually I want a family with lots of little smiling faces. I already have names picked out and everything. I'm not in a rush though, I want to have fun and be young while I can because I believe that once you have kids, your life is no longer about you, It's all about your children. My mom is a great example! she always puts us first, and I never hear her complain about it either! You have to be mature before you can have a child, and I know that I'm not yet mature. And I won't be for many more years!
Now, maybe you're thinking, "So what'd you do with all your extra time after VBS, Grace?" To answer that question, I was at work. Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and today. Needless to say, I was exhausted. Taking care or kids all day and then catering to every little need the customers had at night took a lot out of me. But throughout the week the Lord took care of me. It was definitely his strength that got me through it.
Thursday evening was fun! I didn't have work, so I went swimming at the lake with my friends. The lake is amazing, I'm so blessed to live in a place where the lake is only 20 minutes away and the water is cool and refreshing. We had a mud fight! which was fun at the time... but I'm still washing stuff out of my hair.
I'm going to miss it here so much...I have great friends that love to go on crazy adventures with me. (i.e. going to the pet store to buy a fish and then getting doughnuts with said fish in hand.) I have natures playground in my backyard basically. Within a half hour from my house I can go swimming in a lake, kayaking on the river, hiking to a waterfall, kite-flying on a mountain, and in the winter, sledding in the snow! It's crazy how diverse California is!
That brings me to my next topic. I'm going to miss my home so much, but I'm so excited for my new one! Yesterday I went to a Biola mixer for Alumni and new students. It was fantastic! There were five or six alumni that were still so passionate about Biola even decades after they graduated. It was a chance for me to meet some of the kids I'll be seeing around campus for the next few years. And let me tell you, they are all wonderful people. I met the girl that will be staying in the room right across the hall from me, and I another girl that I instantly clicked with! It was so much fun getting to talk to these people who are going through the same emotions that I am. Nervous about moving, not sure what it will be like, excited to start my future, sad that I'm leaving my family, and anxious to meet my new Biola family. We are all feeling it. I really can't put it into words how excited I am. I am thrilled, amazed, astounded, and awed that this is happening to me.
It reminds me of the Lion King. That probably doesn't make sense to you, so let me explain.
The song, "I Just Can't Wait to be King" reminds me of how much I cant wait to be on my own for the first time, it's scary but exciting at the same time.
"Nobody saying do this
Nobody saying be there
Nobody saying stop that
Nobody saying see here
Free to run around all day
Free to do it all my way!"
Admit it, you sang that.
I know there are a few flaws in my logic. First of all, I'm not going to be a king. I'm going to be a poor college freshman living on faith and ramen noodles. Secondly, there will still be people telling me what to do and how to do it. My mom isn't controlling, so there won't be a huge difference in my home life, but my professors will still be my authorities. I won't be free to run around all day, I'll have homework and (cross your fingers) a job. And by now your thinking, "How on earth did you make this connection in you mind, Grace? This doesn't make any sense??" But it does, because you see, I'll be on my own and I'll be figuring out, with the Lord's help, how to do things my way (or really, His way). I've never had to be responsible for myself like this, I will be an adult for the first time in my life. It's new and exciting! And like Simba, I won't be alone. I'll always have my mom and Zach to help me, and my friends from home as well as the friends I will make there. And hopefully a few musical numbers along the way!
"May we think of freedom, not as the right to do what we please, but as the opportunity to do what is right." Peter Marshall
-Grace
Sunday, July 14, 2013
What I Love about Sundays
What'd you do this weekend? Did you go whitewater rafting on the American River? I'm pretty sure I saw you? You were the one in the blue boat, right? ;)
That's where I was the past couple days, enjoying fellowship and having a blast on the river with my wonderful church family. My two day excursion to Camp Lotus was filled with exciting rapids, wonderful people, and God.
We Started up at the Nugget and rafted all the way down to Camp lotus on the first day. Meatgrinder is the first rapid, it gets its name because the shallow water and bumpy rocks. If you fall in, well, your bum goes through the meat grinder. Ouch.
There's a pretty long section of rapids that is calm enough for you to swim through. Don't get me wrong, it's still a rapid, but there are not jutting rocks and huge falls. You don't have to tell me twice to jump overboard! Last year I shot forward like a rocket! I went so fast the tree line was a blur, and I'm not exaggerating! My mom was crazy with worry, and Zach, who jumped in with me, was scared too, they couldn't see me, so the natural inclination was that I drowned. But I didn't! I was just a speed demon! This year I went a lot slower, I can actually tell you what that part of the river looks like now! My mom kept me in sight the whole time.
The biggest rapid of the first day is definitely Troublemaker. It's pretty awesome! You hit a big drop right away, then you have to turn your boat to the right to avoid rocks and go down another big drop that's guaranteed to knock you off your seat. Just make sure you fall IN, not OUT. My boat went down first so we could video tape the rest of the group, and as the boat behind was about to go down the first drop, they hit an unexpected bump and the guide fell out! As the crew started to paddle, they hit the drop and a little boy went flying out, but he was only under for a second before another man snatched him up. They made it through alright, and the guide made his way to the rocks, but then had to swim (float) through the rapid to get to his crew. No one got injured, thank God, but the rapid did live up to its name!
That's where I was the past couple days, enjoying fellowship and having a blast on the river with my wonderful church family. My two day excursion to Camp Lotus was filled with exciting rapids, wonderful people, and God.
We Started up at the Nugget and rafted all the way down to Camp lotus on the first day. Meatgrinder is the first rapid, it gets its name because the shallow water and bumpy rocks. If you fall in, well, your bum goes through the meat grinder. Ouch.
There's a pretty long section of rapids that is calm enough for you to swim through. Don't get me wrong, it's still a rapid, but there are not jutting rocks and huge falls. You don't have to tell me twice to jump overboard! Last year I shot forward like a rocket! I went so fast the tree line was a blur, and I'm not exaggerating! My mom was crazy with worry, and Zach, who jumped in with me, was scared too, they couldn't see me, so the natural inclination was that I drowned. But I didn't! I was just a speed demon! This year I went a lot slower, I can actually tell you what that part of the river looks like now! My mom kept me in sight the whole time.
The biggest rapid of the first day is definitely Troublemaker. It's pretty awesome! You hit a big drop right away, then you have to turn your boat to the right to avoid rocks and go down another big drop that's guaranteed to knock you off your seat. Just make sure you fall IN, not OUT. My boat went down first so we could video tape the rest of the group, and as the boat behind was about to go down the first drop, they hit an unexpected bump and the guide fell out! As the crew started to paddle, they hit the drop and a little boy went flying out, but he was only under for a second before another man snatched him up. They made it through alright, and the guide made his way to the rocks, but then had to swim (float) through the rapid to get to his crew. No one got injured, thank God, but the rapid did live up to its name!
The second day we started at Camp Lotus and the river was pretty calm up until after lunch.
There's this huge rock off on the bank of the river, and rafters stop there, climb up it, and jump off. I did it last year, and this year I was looking forward to it! It's only about 15-20 feet up, but from the top it feels like fifty! I was one of the first people from our group to jump and the water felt like it would never come, like you were perpetually falling towards the deep blue river. But I eventually broke the surface, and plunged deep into the water. It's so thrilling!
After lunch we hit the big waves! Rapids like Deadman's Drop and Hospital Bar will toss you out if you're not careful! It may have been in Recovery Room, or during Surprise (I'm not sure) that we lost two people to the unforgiving river. Our guide had us spinning down the rapid because it's just more fun that way and we hit the dip in the exact right position to cause the whole port side of the boat (my side) to be tossed out into the rapid. I was the only person on my side to stay in the boat, and honestly, I don't know how that happened because I felt myself falling out and the next thing I knew I was looking at my crewmates float down the river. They were alright, and both made it out of the water just fine.
This is me, being me!
The river was great! If you ever get a chance, I highly recommend whitewater rafting, It's great fun:)
It wasn't just the river that made this trip so great, it was the chance to spend time in fellowship with one another. Great conversations were had over a warm campfire, kids ran around, playing games and causing trouble, but parents were too tired to care. The Holy Spirit was in our midst as we had devotionals on the banks of the American River, and as we sang worship songs instead of campfire songs. He was with us during our bible study, as well as our lunchtime prayers. It was a truly blessed weekend.
Today as I sat in church, I realized again how blessed I am to be a part of this church body. To be part of another family. It's what I love about Sundays. My chance to be with people I love, as we worship the God we love.
"Adventure is worthwhile." Aesop
-Grace
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Ready to Run!
As I was deciding how to start this post off, I noticed a tiny spider crawling on my shirt. I'm fine with these little guys as long as they aren't on my skin, so I calmly watched him crawl his way along the hem of my shirt, and all of the sudden, he jumped on my hand! I let out a little shriek, the kind you hear when you accidentally step on your dog, and flung it off of me. My younger brother, Max, came over and squished the poor little guy. Long story short: thank you, Mr. Spider, for giving me an intro to my post.
Anyways, A couple days ago I got an E-mail from my college's housing department saying that room assignments were posted online. As you can imagine I was beside myself with excitement! I went straight to MyBiola to find out where I'll be living and who I'll be rooming with for the next year of my life! I will be residing in the dorm of my choice, on the top floor! I chose this dorm because it has a sink in the room and that will make life with contacts so much easier. Plus, it's one of the older dorms on campus so it's a lot cheaper than some of the other ones. Score! It's a co-ed dorm, but males and females are in different sections, sharing the kitchens and laundry rooms on each floor. I also found out who my roommate is! We've been in contact and I feel like we connected right away! Her name is Ashlynn, and from what I can tell, we have the same kind of personality. We have a lot in common: she's from a small town, she loves the beach, she has a 15 year old brother, she loves to do random, fun, out-there stuff, she wants to go skydiving, she's still 17, she hates the label "boyfriend", she loves Disney, her parents aren't letting her take a car either, and of course, she loves God. I can already tell we'll be having lots of fun, crazy adventures! And as I write this, I can't help thinking that I can't wait to meet her in person, and then look back on this post and add to the list.
I cannot wait for college!!! You may not know a lot about where I'm going, or how I chose Biola, so let me enlighten you.
Biola is a private Christian university, Biola stands for Bible Institute of Los Angeles. The campus was located in L.A., but because of expansion, has moved to La Mirada. It is such a wonderful school. I visited the campus my junior year, and it is beautiful. I sat in on a class, and the professor was genuine and friendly, and the class was very welcoming to me. There is a 14:1 student/teacher ratio, which is great! Everyone on campus was so welcoming, and warm. The vibe was like, totally chill, ya know? (I'm practicing So Cal lingo.)
I chose Biola because God called me to it. He made the decision for me when I didn't get accepted into any of the four other colleges I applied to... and I'm an above average student here, so he obviously had some hand in that. (At least, that's what I tell myself.)
I'm so excited to get out of this town and experience life on my own! I know I will miss my family like crazy, but I can Skype, call, and text them all the time. Everyone tells me that they remember being my age and being as excited as I am.
I just can't wait to start this new chapter in my life, and hopefully, you guys will read along with me:)
"Who can't relate to the idea of leaving one chapter behind and moving on to the next?" Mike Shinoda
-Grace
Anyways, A couple days ago I got an E-mail from my college's housing department saying that room assignments were posted online. As you can imagine I was beside myself with excitement! I went straight to MyBiola to find out where I'll be living and who I'll be rooming with for the next year of my life! I will be residing in the dorm of my choice, on the top floor! I chose this dorm because it has a sink in the room and that will make life with contacts so much easier. Plus, it's one of the older dorms on campus so it's a lot cheaper than some of the other ones. Score! It's a co-ed dorm, but males and females are in different sections, sharing the kitchens and laundry rooms on each floor. I also found out who my roommate is! We've been in contact and I feel like we connected right away! Her name is Ashlynn, and from what I can tell, we have the same kind of personality. We have a lot in common: she's from a small town, she loves the beach, she has a 15 year old brother, she loves to do random, fun, out-there stuff, she wants to go skydiving, she's still 17, she hates the label "boyfriend", she loves Disney, her parents aren't letting her take a car either, and of course, she loves God. I can already tell we'll be having lots of fun, crazy adventures! And as I write this, I can't help thinking that I can't wait to meet her in person, and then look back on this post and add to the list.
I cannot wait for college!!! You may not know a lot about where I'm going, or how I chose Biola, so let me enlighten you.
Biola is a private Christian university, Biola stands for Bible Institute of Los Angeles. The campus was located in L.A., but because of expansion, has moved to La Mirada. It is such a wonderful school. I visited the campus my junior year, and it is beautiful. I sat in on a class, and the professor was genuine and friendly, and the class was very welcoming to me. There is a 14:1 student/teacher ratio, which is great! Everyone on campus was so welcoming, and warm. The vibe was like, totally chill, ya know? (I'm practicing So Cal lingo.)
I chose Biola because God called me to it. He made the decision for me when I didn't get accepted into any of the four other colleges I applied to... and I'm an above average student here, so he obviously had some hand in that. (At least, that's what I tell myself.)
I'm so excited to get out of this town and experience life on my own! I know I will miss my family like crazy, but I can Skype, call, and text them all the time. Everyone tells me that they remember being my age and being as excited as I am.
I just can't wait to start this new chapter in my life, and hopefully, you guys will read along with me:)
"Who can't relate to the idea of leaving one chapter behind and moving on to the next?" Mike Shinoda
-Grace
Monday, July 8, 2013
Miracles Happen!
I write tonight in revelation of two important observances I have made today.
1. I should take advice from fashion magazines more often.
2. God really does make miracles happen in my everyday life.
Okay, number one and two are completely unrelated, but important nonetheless.
I read a fashion magazine today and it had some tips on how to apply quick, easy makeup. You know me, if it has more than one or two steps involved it's not worth the extra time. But these tips seemed simple enough. I tried a few of them tonight for work (this being the first time I've worn more than just mascara in a month) and you'd be surprised at how such a little thing made such a big difference in my confidence tonight. Hence the conclusion that I should listen to my inner girly girl more often. Not that I don't believe I'm pretty without makeup, it's simply that I feel more vibrant when wearing it.
But this is not a fashion blog, so on we must go.
Tonight God gave me a miracle. It might not have been a big one, but it was certainly amazing.
You know that I work at a restaurant, and you know that sometimes it can be stressful. Well, for the past couple of weeks, the building's ice machine has been broken. I know, ridiculous, right? What kind of restaurant doesn't have ice?! And for the past couple of weeks, every time I come to work, I have to go get ice from a restaurant down the road. It really is a pain. My car doesn't have air conditioning first of all, so the ice starts to melt before I can get it back. Second of all, I have to carry the ice in huge plastic trash bags about the size of... me. Which is kind of heavy. And lastly, I have to interrupt those poor workers to ransack their ice machine. It isn't the ideal situation.
I have been praying everyday before work for the last couple of weeks that this stupid ice machine would be healed by the power of God so that I would not have to make the treacherous trek down the road to steal ice from the poor workers of Sonics.
I realize this is a silly request, I could be praying for the starving kids in Africa, or the abused pets down at the shelter. But humans have a selfish nature and I am not exempt. God says to lay our petitions at his feet, no matter how big or small the need. I pray about stuff as little as a sore throat, because I know that He is a loving God, not a distant one, and He cares about the little things too.
So, today as I arrive at work, the bartender asks me the dreaded question: "Will you go get me some ice?" I dutifully, yet reluctantly, traveled through the kitchen and over to the ice machine. I lift the lid, and much to my surprise (and joy) there was enough ice to last us a while, if not the whole night!
I felt like jumping and singing right there in the middle of the kitchen! The ice machine was far from full and far from fixed, but at least I wouldn't have to go get more tonight! Praise God! I am reminded of the miracle of Hanukkah. There was only enough oil to let the candles burn for one day, but God made it last eight! (You should look it up if you want more details, it's an amazing story.)
My manager pulled me aside and showed me how to reset the machine, I guess the problem was that after it made a batch of ice it decided to quit working and all you had to do to keep it running was reset it. If I had known this a couple of weeks ago, that would have been great! But nevertheless, It is a miracle that I will no longer have to make ice runs in the hot summer heat.
I know most of you probably don't see the miracle in this. "The machine started working again, big whoop." But I know with certainty that God had his hand in this, and that he is watching out for me.
It seems strange that God would care about something so little, that the creator of the universe, would take time out of his schedule to help one of his little sheep. But like the father he is, He cares about his children and their well-being. I am thankful for that.
"Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you." Jon Bon Jovi
-Grace
1. I should take advice from fashion magazines more often.
2. God really does make miracles happen in my everyday life.
Okay, number one and two are completely unrelated, but important nonetheless.
I read a fashion magazine today and it had some tips on how to apply quick, easy makeup. You know me, if it has more than one or two steps involved it's not worth the extra time. But these tips seemed simple enough. I tried a few of them tonight for work (this being the first time I've worn more than just mascara in a month) and you'd be surprised at how such a little thing made such a big difference in my confidence tonight. Hence the conclusion that I should listen to my inner girly girl more often. Not that I don't believe I'm pretty without makeup, it's simply that I feel more vibrant when wearing it.
But this is not a fashion blog, so on we must go.
Tonight God gave me a miracle. It might not have been a big one, but it was certainly amazing.
You know that I work at a restaurant, and you know that sometimes it can be stressful. Well, for the past couple of weeks, the building's ice machine has been broken. I know, ridiculous, right? What kind of restaurant doesn't have ice?! And for the past couple of weeks, every time I come to work, I have to go get ice from a restaurant down the road. It really is a pain. My car doesn't have air conditioning first of all, so the ice starts to melt before I can get it back. Second of all, I have to carry the ice in huge plastic trash bags about the size of... me. Which is kind of heavy. And lastly, I have to interrupt those poor workers to ransack their ice machine. It isn't the ideal situation.
I have been praying everyday before work for the last couple of weeks that this stupid ice machine would be healed by the power of God so that I would not have to make the treacherous trek down the road to steal ice from the poor workers of Sonics.
I realize this is a silly request, I could be praying for the starving kids in Africa, or the abused pets down at the shelter. But humans have a selfish nature and I am not exempt. God says to lay our petitions at his feet, no matter how big or small the need. I pray about stuff as little as a sore throat, because I know that He is a loving God, not a distant one, and He cares about the little things too.
So, today as I arrive at work, the bartender asks me the dreaded question: "Will you go get me some ice?" I dutifully, yet reluctantly, traveled through the kitchen and over to the ice machine. I lift the lid, and much to my surprise (and joy) there was enough ice to last us a while, if not the whole night!
I felt like jumping and singing right there in the middle of the kitchen! The ice machine was far from full and far from fixed, but at least I wouldn't have to go get more tonight! Praise God! I am reminded of the miracle of Hanukkah. There was only enough oil to let the candles burn for one day, but God made it last eight! (You should look it up if you want more details, it's an amazing story.)
My manager pulled me aside and showed me how to reset the machine, I guess the problem was that after it made a batch of ice it decided to quit working and all you had to do to keep it running was reset it. If I had known this a couple of weeks ago, that would have been great! But nevertheless, It is a miracle that I will no longer have to make ice runs in the hot summer heat.
I know most of you probably don't see the miracle in this. "The machine started working again, big whoop." But I know with certainty that God had his hand in this, and that he is watching out for me.
It seems strange that God would care about something so little, that the creator of the universe, would take time out of his schedule to help one of his little sheep. But like the father he is, He cares about his children and their well-being. I am thankful for that.
"Miracles happen everyday, change your perception of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you." Jon Bon Jovi
-Grace
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Follow up on Egypt
Okie-dokie, remember my post on Egypt? Their democratically elected president, Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood and their opposition, including the Tamarud, or, the "Rebels"? Well, you better remember, because I refuse to summarize that again. But I will give you an update.
On Sunday there were Nation wide rallies held with both anti-Morsi protesters, and Morsi supporters clashing in Cairo. The Egyptian military issued an ultimatum. Either, Morsi steps down from the presidency, or the army withdraws support for the Constitution that the Islamist support, the Islamist-dominated legislature, and replace Morsi with a temporary administration headed by the Country's chief justice. The army gave a deadline to Morsi. Either he meet the people's demands by Wednesday, or they intervene.
The military's announcement was met with great joy from anti-Morsi supporters, and great frustration from Morsi loyalists. Morsi gave a speech Tuesday urging the Army to call off the ultimatum, saying that the protests were questioning the legitimacy of his presidency and that if it continued there would be no legitimacy in democracy.
Since the protests started on Sunday, at least 39 people have been murdered and over 200 are injured according to hospital officials. At least 63 cases of sexual assault and abuse have been reported, and those are just the ones that have been reported!
The U.S. government has urged Morsi to address the peoples demands, and quick. They warn the Egyptian military that a coup would cause a halt in American aid to their government. The army has insisted that they do not seek to take over, just to fulfill their "historic responsibility".
Wednesday was the Military's deadline, and as of yesterday, Morsi has been removed, although he still insists that he is the true leader of the country. The head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansor is to be sworn in today as the temporary president, and new parliamentary elections will commence.
The opposition parties and the Tamarud have agreed that the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mohamed ElBaradei will represent them in the upcoming negotiations for the country's political future.
The people aren't exactly in the clear yet. They still have to sift through the mess they've created for themselves. Who will run the country after Morsi? Will the military loosen their control once the people know what the want? Or will they continue to control the government, turning it into a real Coup? What does this new government mean for Coptic Christians and Muslims alike?
Pray for Egypt and those who have lost loved ones in the violence of the protests, and pray for the victims of abuse and assault. Count your blessings as we celebrate our country's freedom this 4th of July, and as we celebrate our own personal freedoms that so many people in the world do not have.
Most of my information is from the Associated Press and CNN.
"We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail." George W. Bush
-Grace
On Sunday there were Nation wide rallies held with both anti-Morsi protesters, and Morsi supporters clashing in Cairo. The Egyptian military issued an ultimatum. Either, Morsi steps down from the presidency, or the army withdraws support for the Constitution that the Islamist support, the Islamist-dominated legislature, and replace Morsi with a temporary administration headed by the Country's chief justice. The army gave a deadline to Morsi. Either he meet the people's demands by Wednesday, or they intervene.
The military's announcement was met with great joy from anti-Morsi supporters, and great frustration from Morsi loyalists. Morsi gave a speech Tuesday urging the Army to call off the ultimatum, saying that the protests were questioning the legitimacy of his presidency and that if it continued there would be no legitimacy in democracy.
Since the protests started on Sunday, at least 39 people have been murdered and over 200 are injured according to hospital officials. At least 63 cases of sexual assault and abuse have been reported, and those are just the ones that have been reported!
The U.S. government has urged Morsi to address the peoples demands, and quick. They warn the Egyptian military that a coup would cause a halt in American aid to their government. The army has insisted that they do not seek to take over, just to fulfill their "historic responsibility".
Wednesday was the Military's deadline, and as of yesterday, Morsi has been removed, although he still insists that he is the true leader of the country. The head of the Supreme Constitutional Court, Adly Mansor is to be sworn in today as the temporary president, and new parliamentary elections will commence.
The opposition parties and the Tamarud have agreed that the Nobel Peace Prize winner, Mohamed ElBaradei will represent them in the upcoming negotiations for the country's political future.
The people aren't exactly in the clear yet. They still have to sift through the mess they've created for themselves. Who will run the country after Morsi? Will the military loosen their control once the people know what the want? Or will they continue to control the government, turning it into a real Coup? What does this new government mean for Coptic Christians and Muslims alike?
Pray for Egypt and those who have lost loved ones in the violence of the protests, and pray for the victims of abuse and assault. Count your blessings as we celebrate our country's freedom this 4th of July, and as we celebrate our own personal freedoms that so many people in the world do not have.
Most of my information is from the Associated Press and CNN.
"We will not waver; we will not tire; we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail." George W. Bush
-Grace
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Daddy
Daddy,
I've missed you so much, Dad. I Just want to let you know how things are down here on Earth.
Well, first of all, I've graduated! You would've hated the ceremony, but you would have loved watching me graduate. It was over a hundred degrees that day, and I know that the heat was your least favorite thing about Oroville. You would have been grouching in the stands the whole time. But you definitely wouldn't have missed it. I wonder what you would've gotten me for graduation? You were never a good gift giver... (Mom only needs SO many bath robes...). You might've just given me money, or maybe something for college? I bet if you were here, I wouldn't be driving around a silly little Honda Accord, you would've hooked me up! And taught me how to master stick shift.
These days I wonder what you would think about a lot of the things I've done and am doing. What would you think of Biola? Would you be upset that it's so far away? Would be as excited as I am? You'd let me take my car down even if Mom doesn't want me to. Maybe I'd have your old pick-up? I loved that truck. What would you think about my major and future career choice? Would you ever read my blog? I remember that you liked reading, but only if it was about cars and trucks, so I'd probably have to coax you to read it:) I remember you liked doing Sudoku puzzles with me, I wonder how many we would have done by now? Would you like all my friends? I don't even have to ask if you'd like Sam, she's amazing and you two would have gotten along great. You'd definitely like Frankie and Devin and Tweedt because they like cars and stuff too. You would've liked Jordan and Trevor and Sydnee, and everyone. Lexi would probably be your favorite, she's most like me, but darker. I don't know how they would feel about you though, especially the boys, because you used to scare a lot of my friends. I don't mean this in a bad way, but face it Dad, you can be pretty scary sometimes. I say that with love though.
What would you say about my high school experience? I know that if you were around for it, I wouldn't have dated my freshman year. And when I got my heart broken after my first "serious" relationship, you would've been there to fix it, and to fix him... On second thought, it's probably a good thing that you didn't get a chance to "talk" to him. I remember you always liked the song "Cleaning This Gun". What would you say about all the scholarships I worked so hard to get?
Would you be helping me pay for college? I know that if you were here I wouldn't have gotten so much money from FASFA. You'd probably be pretty ticked off at the government for making school so expensive.
All I can say about Zach is that I know one hundred and twenty percent that you two would be best friends. He'd come over to our house to hang out with you, not me... What's that saying? A girl always falls for someone just like her father? Well, He's pretty close, Dad. You two would always be talking about cars, and trucks, and boats, and guns, and hunting, and fishing, and anything else you could think of. You'd be so proud of his decision to join the Marines. It would've taken you a while to warm up to him, I'm sure, but I don't think you'd mind having to share me with this man someday. Trust me Dad, he treats me like a princess. You always told me to find a guy who treats me with love and kindness, who treats me like what I am in your eyes, a princess.
You wouldn't be too happy with the state our country is in. I don't think you'd be pro-bama... but that's just a guess, I didn't pay too much attention to your political preferences when I was ten. I know you would've been pretty peeved at California for all the new gun laws though. I wonder if that would've made you want to move?
You'd be so proud of Max and the young man he's turned into. He does cross-country, and wrestling, and next spring he'll be doing baseball. He helps his Ag. teacher with his orchards and other work, gaining good experience. He's as tall as me now! Remember when he used to wear your boots and he looked so small? Not anymore! I hope he gets as big as you.
Mom has been so strong for me and Max, I often wonder how she manages working full time and taking care of us, single handedly! You married an amazing woman, but I'm sure you knew that.
Thank you Dad, for showing me the love that you did for the twelve years we got to spend together. I would be such a different person without you. I Love you so much Daddy.
Love, Your Pumpkin.
"Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and my quality of life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have- life itself." Walter Anderson
-Gracie
I've missed you so much, Dad. I Just want to let you know how things are down here on Earth.
Well, first of all, I've graduated! You would've hated the ceremony, but you would have loved watching me graduate. It was over a hundred degrees that day, and I know that the heat was your least favorite thing about Oroville. You would have been grouching in the stands the whole time. But you definitely wouldn't have missed it. I wonder what you would've gotten me for graduation? You were never a good gift giver... (Mom only needs SO many bath robes...). You might've just given me money, or maybe something for college? I bet if you were here, I wouldn't be driving around a silly little Honda Accord, you would've hooked me up! And taught me how to master stick shift.
These days I wonder what you would think about a lot of the things I've done and am doing. What would you think of Biola? Would you be upset that it's so far away? Would be as excited as I am? You'd let me take my car down even if Mom doesn't want me to. Maybe I'd have your old pick-up? I loved that truck. What would you think about my major and future career choice? Would you ever read my blog? I remember that you liked reading, but only if it was about cars and trucks, so I'd probably have to coax you to read it:) I remember you liked doing Sudoku puzzles with me, I wonder how many we would have done by now? Would you like all my friends? I don't even have to ask if you'd like Sam, she's amazing and you two would have gotten along great. You'd definitely like Frankie and Devin and Tweedt because they like cars and stuff too. You would've liked Jordan and Trevor and Sydnee, and everyone. Lexi would probably be your favorite, she's most like me, but darker. I don't know how they would feel about you though, especially the boys, because you used to scare a lot of my friends. I don't mean this in a bad way, but face it Dad, you can be pretty scary sometimes. I say that with love though.
What would you say about my high school experience? I know that if you were around for it, I wouldn't have dated my freshman year. And when I got my heart broken after my first "serious" relationship, you would've been there to fix it, and to fix him... On second thought, it's probably a good thing that you didn't get a chance to "talk" to him. I remember you always liked the song "Cleaning This Gun". What would you say about all the scholarships I worked so hard to get?
Would you be helping me pay for college? I know that if you were here I wouldn't have gotten so much money from FASFA. You'd probably be pretty ticked off at the government for making school so expensive.
All I can say about Zach is that I know one hundred and twenty percent that you two would be best friends. He'd come over to our house to hang out with you, not me... What's that saying? A girl always falls for someone just like her father? Well, He's pretty close, Dad. You two would always be talking about cars, and trucks, and boats, and guns, and hunting, and fishing, and anything else you could think of. You'd be so proud of his decision to join the Marines. It would've taken you a while to warm up to him, I'm sure, but I don't think you'd mind having to share me with this man someday. Trust me Dad, he treats me like a princess. You always told me to find a guy who treats me with love and kindness, who treats me like what I am in your eyes, a princess.
You wouldn't be too happy with the state our country is in. I don't think you'd be pro-bama... but that's just a guess, I didn't pay too much attention to your political preferences when I was ten. I know you would've been pretty peeved at California for all the new gun laws though. I wonder if that would've made you want to move?
You'd be so proud of Max and the young man he's turned into. He does cross-country, and wrestling, and next spring he'll be doing baseball. He helps his Ag. teacher with his orchards and other work, gaining good experience. He's as tall as me now! Remember when he used to wear your boots and he looked so small? Not anymore! I hope he gets as big as you.
Mom has been so strong for me and Max, I often wonder how she manages working full time and taking care of us, single handedly! You married an amazing woman, but I'm sure you knew that.
Thank you Dad, for showing me the love that you did for the twelve years we got to spend together. I would be such a different person without you. I Love you so much Daddy.
Love, Your Pumpkin.
"Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and my quality of life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have- life itself." Walter Anderson
-Gracie
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Persecution in Egypt
Ever heard the expression "You're just a little fish in a big pond"? Well, you are. Don't get me wrong, everybody is unique, everybody is their own kind of fish, but we do live in a very huge pond. The world is so big and all we see is our own little corner of it. Maybe if you're lucky you get to travel and see other people's corner, but generally speaking, most of us are pretty confined.
Today as I was trying to beat the 104 degree weather, I came upon a news story from the AP press. (If anyone from the Associated Press is reading, It would be so amazing to work for you!!) It was about the recent violence in Egypt. I started to wonder why there was so many stories about protests and demonstrations in Egypt, I knew enough to deduce that it was some sort of political disagreement, but I didn't know much else.
I decided that I should know. This issue is obviously important to someone else, and I think if I want to make a difference in this world, I should probably know a little bit about the people in it first. So I did some digging online and here is what I found:
In June of last year Egypt had its first democratic election. (That's what you probably heard about last year, as many protests lead to violence.) The people elected Mohamed Morsi as their 5th president, replacing former president of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak. Hosni wasn't exactly the nicest guy. Although he did negotiate treaties with Israel, and was a key negotiator for the Middle East, he led a very strict regime. The people wanted personal freedom and freedom from his political oppression. After rising pressure from his country and other world leaders including President Obama, Mubarak agreed to step down from office. The people held an election and Morsi barely defeated his opponent, Ahmed Shafiq, the prime minister of Mubarak's reign, with 51.73% of the vote.
Now, here's some back-round on President Morsi. In 1977 he joined a political group called the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamic political group with more traditional views. Basically these guys are all about Islam, which would be fine if they didn't use violence from time to time to remove opposition, or persecute Coptic (Egyptian) Christians because of their beliefs. (Anybody reminded of 1984?)
The Muslim Brotherhood created the Freedom and Justice party and Morsi was their candidate. Keeping a campaign promise, Morsi resigned from the MB when he was elected. As soon as he was in office though, he appointed several Islamist allies to important positions, leading people to believe that he was still expanding the MB. He continued to seek more power for himself as president and many of his actions sparked outrage. His opposition accused him and the MB of giving Islamists a monopoly over public institutions. A new campaign has bee started by young activists, they call themselves Tamarud or "Rebel" and claim to have gotten 15 million signatures for a petition to have an early election. The Tamarud consist of liberals, leftists and secularists and its main goals are to reduce Morsi's confidence and gain enough signatures to have an early election.
Tens of thousands of people gathered Friday, June 28th. Supporters and protesters of Mori rallied, and as you might have guessed, violence broke out. Two people were killed, including an American, and at least 85 were injured according to the Associated Press. Citizens fear even more violence will occur at nationwide protests scheduled for Sunday.
Are you still there? I'm sure you're wondering, "why is this so long? why does it matter to me?" Well, first of all, that was the condensed version, and secondly, remember when I mentioned Coptic Christians? They play a role in this, and that is why I am concerned. Coptic Christians are fleeing from Egypt by the masses. The make up 10% of the 85 million people in Egypt, and the current Islamist government does very little to protect them from Muslim extremists'.
Coptic Christians, as a denomination, originated in Alexandria, and acknowledge John Mark (author of the Gospel of Mark) as their founding bishop. They have 10-60 million members world wide and their beliefs are closely related to Catholicism.
Worries have been voiced that the extremists are now free to encourage discrimination on T.V. The government has all but stopped the spread of Christianity. Only the president is allowed to issue permits to build new churches, and Morsi has granted ONE permit. On top of all that, eight people were killed in violence between Christians and Muslims in April, and there is criticism that Morsi isn't doing enough to protect the church. Christians can be arrested for speaking ill of Islam, even if there is no solid evidence, a Muslim's word is worth more than a Christians in court. A Christian school teacher was arrested because a couple of 10 year-olds claimed she looked "disgusted' while speaking of Islamic history. What?! And these "blasphemy" charges against Christians are getting more and more frequent as time goes on. I can see why they are leaving the country.
We have it pretty cushy in America. While Christians risk their lives in other parts of the world, we live a life of comfort and ease. If someone doesn't like that I am a Christian, what's the worst that could happen to me? Certainly not prison. Maybe a dirty look and a cold shoulder. Ouch.
I hope you found this as interesting as I did, and maybe even do a little research yourself. Maybe we can help our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the ocean, or at least show them our support.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" 1 Peter 4:12-14
-Grace
Today as I was trying to beat the 104 degree weather, I came upon a news story from the AP press. (If anyone from the Associated Press is reading, It would be so amazing to work for you!!) It was about the recent violence in Egypt. I started to wonder why there was so many stories about protests and demonstrations in Egypt, I knew enough to deduce that it was some sort of political disagreement, but I didn't know much else.
I decided that I should know. This issue is obviously important to someone else, and I think if I want to make a difference in this world, I should probably know a little bit about the people in it first. So I did some digging online and here is what I found:
In June of last year Egypt had its first democratic election. (That's what you probably heard about last year, as many protests lead to violence.) The people elected Mohamed Morsi as their 5th president, replacing former president of 30 years, Hosni Mubarak. Hosni wasn't exactly the nicest guy. Although he did negotiate treaties with Israel, and was a key negotiator for the Middle East, he led a very strict regime. The people wanted personal freedom and freedom from his political oppression. After rising pressure from his country and other world leaders including President Obama, Mubarak agreed to step down from office. The people held an election and Morsi barely defeated his opponent, Ahmed Shafiq, the prime minister of Mubarak's reign, with 51.73% of the vote.
Now, here's some back-round on President Morsi. In 1977 he joined a political group called the Muslim Brotherhood. The Muslim Brotherhood is an Islamic political group with more traditional views. Basically these guys are all about Islam, which would be fine if they didn't use violence from time to time to remove opposition, or persecute Coptic (Egyptian) Christians because of their beliefs. (Anybody reminded of 1984?)
The Muslim Brotherhood created the Freedom and Justice party and Morsi was their candidate. Keeping a campaign promise, Morsi resigned from the MB when he was elected. As soon as he was in office though, he appointed several Islamist allies to important positions, leading people to believe that he was still expanding the MB. He continued to seek more power for himself as president and many of his actions sparked outrage. His opposition accused him and the MB of giving Islamists a monopoly over public institutions. A new campaign has bee started by young activists, they call themselves Tamarud or "Rebel" and claim to have gotten 15 million signatures for a petition to have an early election. The Tamarud consist of liberals, leftists and secularists and its main goals are to reduce Morsi's confidence and gain enough signatures to have an early election.
Tens of thousands of people gathered Friday, June 28th. Supporters and protesters of Mori rallied, and as you might have guessed, violence broke out. Two people were killed, including an American, and at least 85 were injured according to the Associated Press. Citizens fear even more violence will occur at nationwide protests scheduled for Sunday.
Are you still there? I'm sure you're wondering, "why is this so long? why does it matter to me?" Well, first of all, that was the condensed version, and secondly, remember when I mentioned Coptic Christians? They play a role in this, and that is why I am concerned. Coptic Christians are fleeing from Egypt by the masses. The make up 10% of the 85 million people in Egypt, and the current Islamist government does very little to protect them from Muslim extremists'.
Coptic Christians, as a denomination, originated in Alexandria, and acknowledge John Mark (author of the Gospel of Mark) as their founding bishop. They have 10-60 million members world wide and their beliefs are closely related to Catholicism.
Worries have been voiced that the extremists are now free to encourage discrimination on T.V. The government has all but stopped the spread of Christianity. Only the president is allowed to issue permits to build new churches, and Morsi has granted ONE permit. On top of all that, eight people were killed in violence between Christians and Muslims in April, and there is criticism that Morsi isn't doing enough to protect the church. Christians can be arrested for speaking ill of Islam, even if there is no solid evidence, a Muslim's word is worth more than a Christians in court. A Christian school teacher was arrested because a couple of 10 year-olds claimed she looked "disgusted' while speaking of Islamic history. What?! And these "blasphemy" charges against Christians are getting more and more frequent as time goes on. I can see why they are leaving the country.
We have it pretty cushy in America. While Christians risk their lives in other parts of the world, we live a life of comfort and ease. If someone doesn't like that I am a Christian, what's the worst that could happen to me? Certainly not prison. Maybe a dirty look and a cold shoulder. Ouch.
I hope you found this as interesting as I did, and maybe even do a little research yourself. Maybe we can help our brothers and sisters in Christ from across the ocean, or at least show them our support.
"Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you" 1 Peter 4:12-14
-Grace
Thursday, June 27, 2013
My Testimony
As I was wondering what to write about this evening, my friend suggested I write on ways that Christ has touched my life. He told me I'm always happy and there has to be a reason for that. Well, there is: I have a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. I'm never in want of a shoulder to cry on, or a best friend to confide in. He's always there. My rock of salvation. I think I should give credit where credit is due, so, I guess this is my testimony.
First of all, God has given me the most wonderful mother in the world. I know that every child thinks they have the coolest mom, but trust me on this, you don't. If it weren't for my mom... my whole life would be upside down, I wouldn't have the relationship with Christ that I do, I wouldn't have the same outlook on life, and I wouldn't have the same values and ethics. She's raised me to be a child of God. She is wonderful. (Mom, I know you're reading this, and no, I don't want anything. It's the truth, you are such a blessing to me.)
Okay, story time.
When I was little my mom would read to me every night, we read all sorts of stories, The Velveteen Rabbit, Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears. And Elvira was our favorite. We used to read Alice in Bible Land Stories. It was a spin on Alice in Wonderland. An airmail bird would bring Alice a note that read: "Reading is the special key to take you where you want to be." Alice's bible would grow in size and become a portal to "Bibleland". She went on many adventures in Bibleland, teaching me stories from the bible before I could even read. I tell you this because it is important you know that my mom gave me a good foundation from an early age. She taught me how to pray and how to talk to God, it was our nightly ritual that after we read our story, we would pray and then go to sleep.
Growing up we did not attend regular Sunday morning services, or if we did, I don't remember. I remember going occasionally, but sooner or later we would fall out of the routine. This is not because my mother wasn't a strong believer, I have never doubted her faith. It's simply because we never found the right church, nothing seemed to click. At this point in my life My walk with Christ was non-existent. I knew about God and about Jesus, but as one of my youth pastors said earlier this week, there is a big difference between knowing OF someone, and knowing someone. His example was this: I know of President Obama. But what would happen if I strolled into the White House like, "Sup', I'm here to see Bama." I would have security guards all over me. But what if I was related to President Obama? What if we were family? I would be welcomed in with open arms.
Back to the story. So I grow up knowing OF Jesus, but not walking hand in hand with him. This goes on until I am about... twelve.
I had my heart softened when I was 12. I know that age can be difficult for girls, what, with puberty and all, but I have to say, I had it a little harder than most. My father died two weeks after my birthday.
Now, listen up. This is not a pity post, so don't get all dewy eyed on me. I realize this is sad, and sometimes I miss him so much I sob. Sobbing is an extreme form of crying, so trust me, I get it. But right now, this is just a fact in my story.
He died. Gone. No more hugs, no more kisses. No more good nights, or good byes. Hello's, or I missed you's. He won't see me off to college, he won't walk me down the aisle. I can't invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner, he won't meet my husband. All facts of life. And I had to deal with them at the age of twelve. (Again, I am not telling you this so you'll feel sorry for me, my point is for you to understand how much pain and confusion was in my adolescent little body.) The only reason I am who I am today is God. God brought me through that tragedy. It was not on my own strength that I survived. It is on His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13. Instead of cursing God and asking "why me?" (although the question did come across my mind) I turned to God for comfort, as my mother had raised me."My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."-Psalms 119:28. Realize though, that this took time, I was not an instant ball of sunshine. Those of you who knew me in the 7th grade can testify. But eventually time had meaning again, words had warmth, and life had happiness. Words from one of my favorite authors come to me as I write this, and I want to share them with you. "The weird, weird thing about devastating loss is that life actually goes on. When you're faced with a tragedy so huge that you have no idea how you can live through it, somehow, the world keeps turning, the seconds keep ticking" -James Patterson, Angel.
God made those seconds go by. Seconds turned into minutes that turned into hours that stretched out into days, leading to weeks and months, and eventually years.
God has a plan for me. And in that plan, he needs me to be strong, to be compassionate, to have a soft heart. He needs me to understand loss, so that I may understand others. Sometimes you must be broken so that he can fix you, so that he can mold your heart after his own. And I am grateful that I have such a loving God. That he would send me so many wonderful people in my life, that he would give me so many blessings. God sends sunshine to both the just and the unjust, he sends rain to both the just and the unjust. Why shouldn't I have to endure a little rain, when I get to spend eternity in His sunshine.
Jesus Died for me. So that I might live, if I choose to ask him in to my heart. He died for me, so the least I can do is give him my life in return. "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." - Matthew 16:25. Losing my dad made me open my heart, I think. It brought me even closer to Jesus, and my eternal father, so in a way, I am happy.
I know that might sound crazy, I can hear you saying "WHAT?! you're happy that your dad is dead?!" But the funny thing is... he's not. He is very much alive in heaven, having a great time and waiting for me to join him so we can spend eternity with Christ. Yes, I do miss him so much it hurts, but I'm also glad. It might not make sense to you, but I've had five years to struggle with it, so I'll let you have some time.
After my father's death, we started going to church regularly. My mother went to the Calvary Chapel where we had his funeral. The memory was still too fresh for me so I went to the sister Calvary with my neighbors in the next town over. But now my happy family of three, (I have a little brother, I don't think I mentioned that) all attend the same church where we had his funeral. We have finally found the right church, after all those years of searching. Isn't it strange how God works? I have met some of the greatest people in the world at that church and count it as just another blessing God had granted me. That church is proof that good things can happen as result of a tragedy, just have faith in God, and trust in his will. "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"- Matthew 14:31
God is using me. I don't know how, and I don't know when, but he is, and I count myself truly blessed because of it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
-Grace
First of all, God has given me the most wonderful mother in the world. I know that every child thinks they have the coolest mom, but trust me on this, you don't. If it weren't for my mom... my whole life would be upside down, I wouldn't have the relationship with Christ that I do, I wouldn't have the same outlook on life, and I wouldn't have the same values and ethics. She's raised me to be a child of God. She is wonderful. (Mom, I know you're reading this, and no, I don't want anything. It's the truth, you are such a blessing to me.)
Okay, story time.
When I was little my mom would read to me every night, we read all sorts of stories, The Velveteen Rabbit, Dr. Seuss, The Berenstain Bears. And Elvira was our favorite. We used to read Alice in Bible Land Stories. It was a spin on Alice in Wonderland. An airmail bird would bring Alice a note that read: "Reading is the special key to take you where you want to be." Alice's bible would grow in size and become a portal to "Bibleland". She went on many adventures in Bibleland, teaching me stories from the bible before I could even read. I tell you this because it is important you know that my mom gave me a good foundation from an early age. She taught me how to pray and how to talk to God, it was our nightly ritual that after we read our story, we would pray and then go to sleep.
Growing up we did not attend regular Sunday morning services, or if we did, I don't remember. I remember going occasionally, but sooner or later we would fall out of the routine. This is not because my mother wasn't a strong believer, I have never doubted her faith. It's simply because we never found the right church, nothing seemed to click. At this point in my life My walk with Christ was non-existent. I knew about God and about Jesus, but as one of my youth pastors said earlier this week, there is a big difference between knowing OF someone, and knowing someone. His example was this: I know of President Obama. But what would happen if I strolled into the White House like, "Sup', I'm here to see Bama." I would have security guards all over me. But what if I was related to President Obama? What if we were family? I would be welcomed in with open arms.
Back to the story. So I grow up knowing OF Jesus, but not walking hand in hand with him. This goes on until I am about... twelve.
I had my heart softened when I was 12. I know that age can be difficult for girls, what, with puberty and all, but I have to say, I had it a little harder than most. My father died two weeks after my birthday.
Now, listen up. This is not a pity post, so don't get all dewy eyed on me. I realize this is sad, and sometimes I miss him so much I sob. Sobbing is an extreme form of crying, so trust me, I get it. But right now, this is just a fact in my story.
He died. Gone. No more hugs, no more kisses. No more good nights, or good byes. Hello's, or I missed you's. He won't see me off to college, he won't walk me down the aisle. I can't invite him over for Thanksgiving dinner, he won't meet my husband. All facts of life. And I had to deal with them at the age of twelve. (Again, I am not telling you this so you'll feel sorry for me, my point is for you to understand how much pain and confusion was in my adolescent little body.) The only reason I am who I am today is God. God brought me through that tragedy. It was not on my own strength that I survived. It is on His strength. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Philippians 4:13. Instead of cursing God and asking "why me?" (although the question did come across my mind) I turned to God for comfort, as my mother had raised me."My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word."-Psalms 119:28. Realize though, that this took time, I was not an instant ball of sunshine. Those of you who knew me in the 7th grade can testify. But eventually time had meaning again, words had warmth, and life had happiness. Words from one of my favorite authors come to me as I write this, and I want to share them with you. "The weird, weird thing about devastating loss is that life actually goes on. When you're faced with a tragedy so huge that you have no idea how you can live through it, somehow, the world keeps turning, the seconds keep ticking" -James Patterson, Angel.
God made those seconds go by. Seconds turned into minutes that turned into hours that stretched out into days, leading to weeks and months, and eventually years.
God has a plan for me. And in that plan, he needs me to be strong, to be compassionate, to have a soft heart. He needs me to understand loss, so that I may understand others. Sometimes you must be broken so that he can fix you, so that he can mold your heart after his own. And I am grateful that I have such a loving God. That he would send me so many wonderful people in my life, that he would give me so many blessings. God sends sunshine to both the just and the unjust, he sends rain to both the just and the unjust. Why shouldn't I have to endure a little rain, when I get to spend eternity in His sunshine.
Jesus Died for me. So that I might live, if I choose to ask him in to my heart. He died for me, so the least I can do is give him my life in return. "For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." - Matthew 16:25. Losing my dad made me open my heart, I think. It brought me even closer to Jesus, and my eternal father, so in a way, I am happy.
I know that might sound crazy, I can hear you saying "WHAT?! you're happy that your dad is dead?!" But the funny thing is... he's not. He is very much alive in heaven, having a great time and waiting for me to join him so we can spend eternity with Christ. Yes, I do miss him so much it hurts, but I'm also glad. It might not make sense to you, but I've had five years to struggle with it, so I'll let you have some time.
After my father's death, we started going to church regularly. My mother went to the Calvary Chapel where we had his funeral. The memory was still too fresh for me so I went to the sister Calvary with my neighbors in the next town over. But now my happy family of three, (I have a little brother, I don't think I mentioned that) all attend the same church where we had his funeral. We have finally found the right church, after all those years of searching. Isn't it strange how God works? I have met some of the greatest people in the world at that church and count it as just another blessing God had granted me. That church is proof that good things can happen as result of a tragedy, just have faith in God, and trust in his will. "Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"- Matthew 14:31
God is using me. I don't know how, and I don't know when, but he is, and I count myself truly blessed because of it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
-Grace
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
The Only Thing We Have to Fear...
Someone tell me why I'm posting this at two in the morning? Oh, that's right, I had work tonight...I work at a restaurant, and tonight I was the closing server's assistant (S.A. for short). It's a stressful, sometimes frustrating job but it keeps gas in my tank and food in my belly.
Anyways, I mentioned last time how I love to read? Well, recently I read World War Z by Max Brooks. I loved it! The book is a series of interviews from the survivors of the zombie war. Now, normally I don't get too excited about zombies, I think the whole thing has been over done, but this book was really well written and actually kind of fascinating. So why not see the movie? Well, let me let you in on a little secret, scary movies and I, we don't mix. But I decided I would see it regardless, figuring, "Hey, I've read the book, I already know what's going to happen." WRONG! It was terrifying. I jumped at every little thing, sure that the next second would bring a horrifying zombie bent on biting Brad Pitt's beautiful face.
I'm glad I watched it though, as it provides me with tonight's (this morning's?) topic. Fear.
Why is it that we get so scared watching other people go through traumatizing experiences? Why, when we are in the safety and comfort of our homes or movie theaters, do we feel as if we are the ones in danger? Why do little kids get nightmares from watching horror films? It's not as if they've seen these things first hand?
Maybe it is because our brains, the lovely organs that they are, project us into the situation we are seeing. Tricking our bodies into believing that we are going through the situations we are watching. That would explain the accelerated heart beat, the sweaty palms, the anxiety that accompany horror films.
According to howstuffworks.com fear is a chain reaction in the brain, caused by a "stimuli". That could be a sudden noise, a spider, or a scary movie. After your brain detects the stimuli, it can send it in two directions, (I won't bother you with all the scientific names and processes). The first response to the stimuli would be the automatic flight or fight response. The familiar quickening of the heart, tensing of the muscles, and fast pace breathing. The second direction is the slower, more deliberate response. The brain has time to process whether or not the stimuli is an actual threat, instead of your imagination. The stimulus follows both directions at the same time, but the flight or fight response is the fastest, which is why we panic for a few seconds before we realize we are not actually in danger.
So when we watch a horror movie, we feel like we are experiencing the same things as the characters, which triggers our flight or fight response. When the movie is over we feel that sense of relief that comes with knowing we made it out alive. I can see why some people love scary movies, It's a thrill for them.
I, on the other hand, have enough thrills in my life without scary movies. What, with my blog and my cat, you could say that I enjoy living on the edge. Just kidding. Actually, I prefer to get my thrills from daring heights and going fast speeds, but that's a whole other post!
Just remember that fear is one of those things that you just have to deal with every now and then, whether you seek it or not. Scary things will always exist, you just have to decide if you're going to spend your whole life avoiding them, or living your life the way you want to in spite of them.
"What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it." Jiddu Krishnamurti
-Grace
Anyways, I mentioned last time how I love to read? Well, recently I read World War Z by Max Brooks. I loved it! The book is a series of interviews from the survivors of the zombie war. Now, normally I don't get too excited about zombies, I think the whole thing has been over done, but this book was really well written and actually kind of fascinating. So why not see the movie? Well, let me let you in on a little secret, scary movies and I, we don't mix. But I decided I would see it regardless, figuring, "Hey, I've read the book, I already know what's going to happen." WRONG! It was terrifying. I jumped at every little thing, sure that the next second would bring a horrifying zombie bent on biting Brad Pitt's beautiful face.
I'm glad I watched it though, as it provides me with tonight's (this morning's?) topic. Fear.
Why is it that we get so scared watching other people go through traumatizing experiences? Why, when we are in the safety and comfort of our homes or movie theaters, do we feel as if we are the ones in danger? Why do little kids get nightmares from watching horror films? It's not as if they've seen these things first hand?
Maybe it is because our brains, the lovely organs that they are, project us into the situation we are seeing. Tricking our bodies into believing that we are going through the situations we are watching. That would explain the accelerated heart beat, the sweaty palms, the anxiety that accompany horror films.
According to howstuffworks.com fear is a chain reaction in the brain, caused by a "stimuli". That could be a sudden noise, a spider, or a scary movie. After your brain detects the stimuli, it can send it in two directions, (I won't bother you with all the scientific names and processes). The first response to the stimuli would be the automatic flight or fight response. The familiar quickening of the heart, tensing of the muscles, and fast pace breathing. The second direction is the slower, more deliberate response. The brain has time to process whether or not the stimuli is an actual threat, instead of your imagination. The stimulus follows both directions at the same time, but the flight or fight response is the fastest, which is why we panic for a few seconds before we realize we are not actually in danger.
So when we watch a horror movie, we feel like we are experiencing the same things as the characters, which triggers our flight or fight response. When the movie is over we feel that sense of relief that comes with knowing we made it out alive. I can see why some people love scary movies, It's a thrill for them.
I, on the other hand, have enough thrills in my life without scary movies. What, with my blog and my cat, you could say that I enjoy living on the edge. Just kidding. Actually, I prefer to get my thrills from daring heights and going fast speeds, but that's a whole other post!
Just remember that fear is one of those things that you just have to deal with every now and then, whether you seek it or not. Scary things will always exist, you just have to decide if you're going to spend your whole life avoiding them, or living your life the way you want to in spite of them.
"What is needed, rather than running away or controlling or suppressing or any other resistance, is understanding fear; that means, watch it, learn about it, come directly into contact with it. We are to learn about fear, not how to escape from it." Jiddu Krishnamurti
-Grace
Monday, June 24, 2013
Being right can be...wrong?
Ahh, California weather in June, so nice, so beautiful, so... rainy? Yep, cold, wet, and rainy. I've never really taken global warming seriously (I know, how ignorant of me), but maybe that would explain some of the strange weather lately? I'm not saying I don't think the Earth needs some tidying up. I do my part, I recycle, we switched our light bulbs, I turn off the water when I'm not using it. But I still like my little comforts, like real books instead of electronic ones.
I love to read for those of you who don't know. My library includes all sorts of different genres. Classic novels, suspense thrillers, romantic thrillers, and lots and lots of fiction. It's funny that I don't write fiction, but I read all the fiction I can get my hands on. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. You just pegged me for a hopeless romantic, didn't you? I know all his stories are the same, but I don't care, there's something that gives me hope when I read those books. Something that gives me hope that there are happy endings out there.
Right now I'm reading Silver Linings Playbook. They made a movie based on it, with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, it got a lot of awards. It has a wonderful message about hope, and about finding the silver linings in bad situations. The protagonist, Pat, has recently been let out of a mental facility and is desperate to end his "apart time" with his beloved wife, Niki. He tries to do things that Niki will appreciate. He reads the novels from her class syllabus (Niki is an English teacher). He tries to act the way Niki would want him to act. When he is faced with a situation that would normally start an argument, he tells himself that he is "...practicing being kind, instead of right,..." Isn't that great?
I think everyone should practice being kind. Being right is marvelous, but if we love people the way we're supposed to love everyone, what is more important? Making sure the other person knows you are right, possibly starting an argument, or hurting their feelings? Or making sure you show compassion toward the other person, making sure they're loved? Now, don't get me wrong, there's a difference between telling someone that you're right and telling them the truth. If they need to hear the truth, let them have it, I'm all about honesty. But in a matter of opinion, why not let them think they're right? What harm does it do you? In the end, does it matter?
" Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." Abraham Lincoln
-Grace
I love to read for those of you who don't know. My library includes all sorts of different genres. Classic novels, suspense thrillers, romantic thrillers, and lots and lots of fiction. It's funny that I don't write fiction, but I read all the fiction I can get my hands on. My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks. You just pegged me for a hopeless romantic, didn't you? I know all his stories are the same, but I don't care, there's something that gives me hope when I read those books. Something that gives me hope that there are happy endings out there.
Right now I'm reading Silver Linings Playbook. They made a movie based on it, with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, it got a lot of awards. It has a wonderful message about hope, and about finding the silver linings in bad situations. The protagonist, Pat, has recently been let out of a mental facility and is desperate to end his "apart time" with his beloved wife, Niki. He tries to do things that Niki will appreciate. He reads the novels from her class syllabus (Niki is an English teacher). He tries to act the way Niki would want him to act. When he is faced with a situation that would normally start an argument, he tells himself that he is "...practicing being kind, instead of right,..." Isn't that great?
I think everyone should practice being kind. Being right is marvelous, but if we love people the way we're supposed to love everyone, what is more important? Making sure the other person knows you are right, possibly starting an argument, or hurting their feelings? Or making sure you show compassion toward the other person, making sure they're loved? Now, don't get me wrong, there's a difference between telling someone that you're right and telling them the truth. If they need to hear the truth, let them have it, I'm all about honesty. But in a matter of opinion, why not let them think they're right? What harm does it do you? In the end, does it matter?
" Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right." Abraham Lincoln
-Grace
Starting Out
I guess I should tell you a little bit about why I'm starting this blog, and why it's called "My Thoughts Exactly"
I'm a 17 (almost 18) year old high school graduate. I start my first semester of college in the fall and let me tell you, this is the most excited I've been for something since the final installment of the Harry Potter series came out. I plan to major in Journalism with a minor in Biblical Theology. So, you could say this is kind of a test run, or a trial period for my future career.
I've been interested in writing my whole life. From the first place award in my third grade writing contest, to my perfect essay scores in my A.P. lit class, I've always known I was most comfortable with a pen in my hand. I write all kinds of things, poetry, lyrics, letters to myself and to others. I don't typically write a lot of fiction, creating a story is so much harder than just letting the words in your heart flow to your brain and through your pen. That's why I decided to title this "My Thoughts Exactly", when I write, it's just me and my thoughts, no outline, plot, or fantasized characters. None of the drama that the average American feeds off of. None of the plot twists, cliff hangars, or backstabs that fill today's media. Just me. My life as I start my new adventure, my walk with Christ, my opinions as I grow and mature into a young woman. This blog is a chance for me to practice my skills, and a chance for me to voice my opinions.
I'm so excited for this excellent opportunity! Already, my mind swarms with possible blog topics and stories to tell. I honestly don't think it matters how many people read this, I'll be happy if just my mom takes a look at it, but I hope that people out there find this, and find it interesting too!
I think to end these things I'll write out a quote that has to do with the topic of my post. (Next time I'll just write it with no intro...)
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
-Grace
I'm a 17 (almost 18) year old high school graduate. I start my first semester of college in the fall and let me tell you, this is the most excited I've been for something since the final installment of the Harry Potter series came out. I plan to major in Journalism with a minor in Biblical Theology. So, you could say this is kind of a test run, or a trial period for my future career.
I've been interested in writing my whole life. From the first place award in my third grade writing contest, to my perfect essay scores in my A.P. lit class, I've always known I was most comfortable with a pen in my hand. I write all kinds of things, poetry, lyrics, letters to myself and to others. I don't typically write a lot of fiction, creating a story is so much harder than just letting the words in your heart flow to your brain and through your pen. That's why I decided to title this "My Thoughts Exactly", when I write, it's just me and my thoughts, no outline, plot, or fantasized characters. None of the drama that the average American feeds off of. None of the plot twists, cliff hangars, or backstabs that fill today's media. Just me. My life as I start my new adventure, my walk with Christ, my opinions as I grow and mature into a young woman. This blog is a chance for me to practice my skills, and a chance for me to voice my opinions.
I'm so excited for this excellent opportunity! Already, my mind swarms with possible blog topics and stories to tell. I honestly don't think it matters how many people read this, I'll be happy if just my mom takes a look at it, but I hope that people out there find this, and find it interesting too!
I think to end these things I'll write out a quote that has to do with the topic of my post. (Next time I'll just write it with no intro...)
"How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world." Anne Frank
-Grace
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