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
Sunday, July 21, 2013
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
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