all I want for Christmas are my two front teeth.....
Today was a unique Sunday. So I awoke to a phone call at around 8:40 in which my ride to church called asking if I was ready to go in about 10 minutes. Initially I thought that Justine and I were going to the 11am service, but as it turned out we were going to the 9am one. So using our mad high school getting ready skills, we raced out the doors of jester in 10 minutes flat (or so). Therefore, quite early this morning, we were able to attend Echo service at the first evangelical free church. Since we returned to campus promptly at around 10:50am we decided, what the hay, we'll make good time for Liquid at the utc as well...so thus we went to Liquid and attended our second service of the day. so yeah...church hopping to the max today...not every sunday we get to attend two services at two different places.
Every service will have its own uniqueness and I must say that I enjoyed attending both services. The funniest part about this sunday was that both the speakers spoke from Matthew 10. It's always interesting to see how diverse a chapter from the Bible can be. Although the speakers spoke from the same book and chapter, the context of their messages contained similar, yet quite different orders of business. Both messages were quite convicting, especially since being a disciple and sharing in God's mission are equally defining in the universal basic need of spiritual growth (and yes...that is a universal basic need according to my social work text). There's still much to explore in the realm of church and fellowships here, but God knows the needs I have for my life and in due time He will lead me to the place of best fit.
So right now I'm taking a break from reading: Social Work An Empowering Profession. Let me just say that it is by far the most exciting text book I've ever read in my entire life. From just reading several pages of the text, I've gained a deeper understanding for the profession I hope to be involved in some day. The training provided to social workers encompasses so much, and the demand for these professionals has increased over the years. After reading parts of this first chapter, I've also learned some about the life development of people and the factors that contribute to the overall growth of a person. There are also exerpts of peoples' experiences in the field of social work and it seems very very kewl...to say the least. Just to let you all in on a sneak peek to the life of a social worker, here are some goals that these professionals have.
-Enhance social functional of individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
-link client systems with needed resources
-improve the operation of the social service delivery network
-promote social justice through development of social policy
sounds kewl no? okay...well I think so....but I may be a bit bias.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
everlasting gobbstopper......
the college life has been good thus far. Lots of meeting new people, which is good. It's much like the moving around I did as a kid except no mom and dad....and the experiences are all quite pleasant. So I had bio today and my professor is pretty awesome. He's got a great sense of humor and the best part is, he's really open-minded about evolution. Most scientists take on the scientific view that excludes the possiblity of an higher being. Although that is how science works, my prof does not dismiss the possibility of there being a higher force involved in the evolution of the world. When he told the class that he wasn't religious and that he often loses religious arguments, it was neat to see that he was still open to the views of his students.
I also enjoyed my FIG (freshmen interest group) meeting today. I basically have three of my classes with these girls (there aren't really any guys into the whole social work thing) and I see their faces nearly everyday, so it was nice to finally find out their names and interests and stuff. I've met a lot of really awesome people in my major and it's cool just to see how diverse we are, coming from different places and envisioning different things for our lives. I definitely see a lively year ahead.
I'm excited about the road of social work, but I'm still leaving the door open for the possibility that God may have something else in store for my life.....but we shall very soon seen....i think. I must say that my social stats class is rather intimidating. I'm the only lower classmen in that class....and my professor speaks really quietly, so the class is dead silent if we wanna hear anything. While I thought social stat was a math class....it's actually turning out to be a computer class....and we all know how much computers dislike me. I will very soon see what this class amounts to for my overall college experience.
A very valuable lesson I've learned from actually reading a book this summer is what it feels like to follow God's will. George Barna expresses that following God's will should not be a frustrating experience. No doubt the road of doing God's will is never easy, but seeing the vision of the end result is beautiful, and that makes all suffering worth the fight. However, if the fight is being fought in vain....and the frustration is just frustration...one must really question if the thing you are pursuing is really along the beautiful path God has paved for your life. I'm not sure that makes any sense written out, but it all makes sense in my head....and if u ever want that clarified....just ask me.
I wonder why people are up at 2am....bored or trying to amuse themselves...is sleep really THAT overrated in college? man...what am I doing here?
the college life has been good thus far. Lots of meeting new people, which is good. It's much like the moving around I did as a kid except no mom and dad....and the experiences are all quite pleasant. So I had bio today and my professor is pretty awesome. He's got a great sense of humor and the best part is, he's really open-minded about evolution. Most scientists take on the scientific view that excludes the possiblity of an higher being. Although that is how science works, my prof does not dismiss the possibility of there being a higher force involved in the evolution of the world. When he told the class that he wasn't religious and that he often loses religious arguments, it was neat to see that he was still open to the views of his students.
I also enjoyed my FIG (freshmen interest group) meeting today. I basically have three of my classes with these girls (there aren't really any guys into the whole social work thing) and I see their faces nearly everyday, so it was nice to finally find out their names and interests and stuff. I've met a lot of really awesome people in my major and it's cool just to see how diverse we are, coming from different places and envisioning different things for our lives. I definitely see a lively year ahead.
I'm excited about the road of social work, but I'm still leaving the door open for the possibility that God may have something else in store for my life.....but we shall very soon seen....i think. I must say that my social stats class is rather intimidating. I'm the only lower classmen in that class....and my professor speaks really quietly, so the class is dead silent if we wanna hear anything. While I thought social stat was a math class....it's actually turning out to be a computer class....and we all know how much computers dislike me. I will very soon see what this class amounts to for my overall college experience.
A very valuable lesson I've learned from actually reading a book this summer is what it feels like to follow God's will. George Barna expresses that following God's will should not be a frustrating experience. No doubt the road of doing God's will is never easy, but seeing the vision of the end result is beautiful, and that makes all suffering worth the fight. However, if the fight is being fought in vain....and the frustration is just frustration...one must really question if the thing you are pursuing is really along the beautiful path God has paved for your life. I'm not sure that makes any sense written out, but it all makes sense in my head....and if u ever want that clarified....just ask me.
I wonder why people are up at 2am....bored or trying to amuse themselves...is sleep really THAT overrated in college? man...what am I doing here?
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
picture mania.....
as you can see, I was having some trouble posting pictures....but at the request of some I have finally posted pictures of where I shall be situated in the year to come.
Everything still feels like a blur. Perhaps it is the blur of the many people I've met in the course of the past few days. Meeting people is both a tiring and rewarding experience. It's nice to finally meet people that some have spoken so fondly of over the course of time. I've also enjoyed meeting a lot of the people in the social work department. Everyone is so diverse and interesting to talk to.
Despite all of that, being here is still quite surreal and I miss taking a shower in my bathroom. I've never been one to be too picky about bathrooms, and I can honestly say that I appreciate having a connecting bath, but nothing beats my fish shower curtains back at home. No, dont get me wrong, I'm not homesick, but rather bathroom sick. The most strange part about having a connecting bath is not being able to lock the doors from the inside.....just what if my suite mats pop in when im going poo or taking a shower? What a memory that would be.
With each quiet time I've been having, God's been preparing my heart for some of the encounters I will face in the years to come. I remember in Orange we would put on the amor of God each morning to get us ready to do His work as well as being well protected from Satan's attacks. But that isn't just a mission trip thing. The devil is alive here as well as the places we go on missions to. In a book I read this summer, it said something about how one of Satan's greatest lies is making us think that there really isn't a war. So I leave you with this as you all begin this new year in new places and simply being a little older....
Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
as you can see, I was having some trouble posting pictures....but at the request of some I have finally posted pictures of where I shall be situated in the year to come.
Everything still feels like a blur. Perhaps it is the blur of the many people I've met in the course of the past few days. Meeting people is both a tiring and rewarding experience. It's nice to finally meet people that some have spoken so fondly of over the course of time. I've also enjoyed meeting a lot of the people in the social work department. Everyone is so diverse and interesting to talk to.
Despite all of that, being here is still quite surreal and I miss taking a shower in my bathroom. I've never been one to be too picky about bathrooms, and I can honestly say that I appreciate having a connecting bath, but nothing beats my fish shower curtains back at home. No, dont get me wrong, I'm not homesick, but rather bathroom sick. The most strange part about having a connecting bath is not being able to lock the doors from the inside.....just what if my suite mats pop in when im going poo or taking a shower? What a memory that would be.
With each quiet time I've been having, God's been preparing my heart for some of the encounters I will face in the years to come. I remember in Orange we would put on the amor of God each morning to get us ready to do His work as well as being well protected from Satan's attacks. But that isn't just a mission trip thing. The devil is alive here as well as the places we go on missions to. In a book I read this summer, it said something about how one of Satan's greatest lies is making us think that there really isn't a war. So I leave you with this as you all begin this new year in new places and simply being a little older....
Ephesians 6:13-18 MSG "Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
Sunday, August 22, 2004
from the desktop of she who lives in the basement......
okay...just for the record, Juice and I dont really live in the basement. It was an innocent misconception that people and ourselves placed into our heads. However, depending on where you enter jesterwest.....you do have to go down the stairs.
so before we officially settled into our room, Gloria and Michelle graced the ground floor with their presence. It was nice to see them before they headed off to yonder San Antonio land. We said our farewells as we ate some hearty american food. I must say that the chicken and slurpee were satisfying....but must be consumed at limited quantities for fear of quick hate of such dorm food. After dinner....we watched some olympics in the "airplane" The tv area thingy seriously looks like an airplane, except that the chairs actually feel softer and more sleep-inducing than on a plane. Anyhoo...so that's the update on my current environmental status.
college brings such fearful excitement....but they tell me it's normal.
okay...just for the record, Juice and I dont really live in the basement. It was an innocent misconception that people and ourselves placed into our heads. However, depending on where you enter jesterwest.....you do have to go down the stairs.
so before we officially settled into our room, Gloria and Michelle graced the ground floor with their presence. It was nice to see them before they headed off to yonder San Antonio land. We said our farewells as we ate some hearty american food. I must say that the chicken and slurpee were satisfying....but must be consumed at limited quantities for fear of quick hate of such dorm food. After dinner....we watched some olympics in the "airplane" The tv area thingy seriously looks like an airplane, except that the chairs actually feel softer and more sleep-inducing than on a plane. Anyhoo...so that's the update on my current environmental status.
college brings such fearful excitement....but they tell me it's normal.
Thursday, August 19, 2004
you cracked the sky like broken glass.....
so i sit here now taking one last sniff of my computer. I'm so good at procrastinating this thing we call packing....
I went to eat lunch at Isabel's school today. I can't pass as a fifth grader anymore...when did kids get so small? They have this kewl new security system. Basically they scan your driver's license and then the school gets your criminal record... then they print you a visitors sticker with your DL face on it...that just made me think that if you have a bad DL picture and you go visit commonwealth...stinks for you...everyone gets to see your awesome face. =P Sitting at lunch with all the wee little people reminded me of how peaceful lunch use to be. There was never a pressure of finding the right place to sit with the right people because you always sat with people in your class, in your grade. Funny how everything can get so complicated as you age....even with lunch! On top of visiting my sister, I also saw some of the kids I teach at church. They recognized me and they even gave me a hug!!
Last week, all the kids wrote me notes as a farewell gift...made it all the harder to leave for the fall. But I'll be back! I'd reflect about my internship now....but I'm rather longwinded about that.
So my dad and I went to shop for last minute stuff tonight and it was cool to just talk to him about all that's been going on this summer and the goals and convictions I have heading into college. It's been a while since I've really been able to bond with the pops, since I've been in and out so much this summer. Leaving home is more bittersweet for my parents than it is for me. I mean...my parents are more saddened by the idea than I am....and at the same time more excited than I am.....parents are funny people...yet lovable at the same time. I definitely agree with Juice about the spending time with parents. Spend lots of time with your parents...especially all you seniors. Make the most of the wisdom and love they give you now...cuz the more ancient you grow, the less time parents are in the big picture. Most of all...remember that God gave you parents to show you His love in a tangible way.
now.. i must pack.
so i sit here now taking one last sniff of my computer. I'm so good at procrastinating this thing we call packing....
I went to eat lunch at Isabel's school today. I can't pass as a fifth grader anymore...when did kids get so small? They have this kewl new security system. Basically they scan your driver's license and then the school gets your criminal record... then they print you a visitors sticker with your DL face on it...that just made me think that if you have a bad DL picture and you go visit commonwealth...stinks for you...everyone gets to see your awesome face. =P Sitting at lunch with all the wee little people reminded me of how peaceful lunch use to be. There was never a pressure of finding the right place to sit with the right people because you always sat with people in your class, in your grade. Funny how everything can get so complicated as you age....even with lunch! On top of visiting my sister, I also saw some of the kids I teach at church. They recognized me and they even gave me a hug!!
Last week, all the kids wrote me notes as a farewell gift...made it all the harder to leave for the fall. But I'll be back! I'd reflect about my internship now....but I'm rather longwinded about that.
So my dad and I went to shop for last minute stuff tonight and it was cool to just talk to him about all that's been going on this summer and the goals and convictions I have heading into college. It's been a while since I've really been able to bond with the pops, since I've been in and out so much this summer. Leaving home is more bittersweet for my parents than it is for me. I mean...my parents are more saddened by the idea than I am....and at the same time more excited than I am.....parents are funny people...yet lovable at the same time. I definitely agree with Juice about the spending time with parents. Spend lots of time with your parents...especially all you seniors. Make the most of the wisdom and love they give you now...cuz the more ancient you grow, the less time parents are in the big picture. Most of all...remember that God gave you parents to show you His love in a tangible way.
now.. i must pack.
An email from my mom.....
I enjoyed this and decided to share it with you all =)
People over 35 should be dead.
Here's why ...
According to today's regulatorsand bureaucrats, those of uswho were kids in the 30's, 40's,50's, 60's, or even maybethe early 70's probablyshouldn't have survived.
Our baby cribs were coveredwith bright colored lead-basedpaint.
We had no childproof lidson medicine bottles, doorsor cabinets,
... and when werode our bikes, we had nohelmets.
(Not to mention the riskswe took hitchhiking.)
As children, we would ridein cars with no seatbeltsor air bags.
Riding in the back of a pickuptruck on a warm day wasalways a special treat.
We drank water from thegarden hose and not froma bottle.Horrors!
We ate cupcakes, bread andbutter, and drank soda popwith sugar in it, but we werenever overweight becausewe were always outsideplaying.
We shared one soft drinkwith four friends, from onebottle, and no one actuallydied from this.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scrapsand then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgotthe brakes.
After running into the bushesa few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were backwhen the street lightscame on.
No one was able to reach us all day.
NO CELL PHONES!!!!!
Unthinkable!
We did not have Playstations,Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, videotape movies, surroundsound, personal cell phones, personal computers, or Internetchat rooms.
We had friends!
We went outside and found them.
We played dodge ball, and sometimes, the ball would really hurt.
We fell out of trees, got cut and broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
They were accidents.
No one was to blame but us.
Remember accidents?
We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it.
We made up games withsticks and tennis balls andate worms, and although we were told it would happen,we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live inside us forever.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's home and knocked on the door, or rang the bell or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had tolearn to deal with disappointment.
Some students weren't as smart as others, so they failed a grade and wereheld back to repeat the same grade.
Horrors!
Tests were not adjusted for any reason.
Our actions were our own.
Consequences were expected.The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke a lawwas unheard of.
They actually sided with the law.
Imagine that!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to dealwith it all.
And you're one of them!
Congratulations!
Please pass this on to otherswho have had the luck to growup as kids, before lawyers and government regulated ourlives, for our own good !!!!!
People under 30 are WIMPS !
I enjoyed this and decided to share it with you all =)
People over 35 should be dead.
Here's why ...
According to today's regulatorsand bureaucrats, those of uswho were kids in the 30's, 40's,50's, 60's, or even maybethe early 70's probablyshouldn't have survived.
Our baby cribs were coveredwith bright colored lead-basedpaint.
We had no childproof lidson medicine bottles, doorsor cabinets,
... and when werode our bikes, we had nohelmets.
(Not to mention the riskswe took hitchhiking.)
As children, we would ridein cars with no seatbeltsor air bags.
Riding in the back of a pickuptruck on a warm day wasalways a special treat.
We drank water from thegarden hose and not froma bottle.Horrors!
We ate cupcakes, bread andbutter, and drank soda popwith sugar in it, but we werenever overweight becausewe were always outsideplaying.
We shared one soft drinkwith four friends, from onebottle, and no one actuallydied from this.
We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scrapsand then rode down the hill, only to find out we forgotthe brakes.
After running into the bushesa few times, we learned to solve the problem.
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were backwhen the street lightscame on.
No one was able to reach us all day.
NO CELL PHONES!!!!!
Unthinkable!
We did not have Playstations,Nintendo 64, X-Boxes, no video games at all, no 99 channels on cable, videotape movies, surroundsound, personal cell phones, personal computers, or Internetchat rooms.
We had friends!
We went outside and found them.
We played dodge ball, and sometimes, the ball would really hurt.
We fell out of trees, got cut and broke bones and teeth, and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.
They were accidents.
No one was to blame but us.
Remember accidents?
We had fights and punched each other and got black and blue and learned to get over it.
We made up games withsticks and tennis balls andate worms, and although we were told it would happen,we did not put out very many eyes, nor did the worms live inside us forever.
We rode bikes or walked to a friend's home and knocked on the door, or rang the bell or just walked in and talked to them.
Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team.
Those who didn't had tolearn to deal with disappointment.
Some students weren't as smart as others, so they failed a grade and wereheld back to repeat the same grade.
Horrors!
Tests were not adjusted for any reason.
Our actions were our own.
Consequences were expected.The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke a lawwas unheard of.
They actually sided with the law.
Imagine that!
This generation has produced some of the best risk-takers and problem solvers and inventors, ever.
The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.
We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned how to dealwith it all.
And you're one of them!
Congratulations!
Please pass this on to otherswho have had the luck to growup as kids, before lawyers and government regulated ourlives, for our own good !!!!!
People under 30 are WIMPS !
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
YOUNGSTERS PRAY FOR OTHERS’ NEEDS
Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
--- Luke 11:2-4
It isn’t unusual for parents and religious leaders to encourage children to pray. But letting youngsters handle their own telephone prayer line is.
“The idea was to get them into the habit of praying for others,” says Sunday school teacher Lisa Schnedler. They set up a number and answering machine. At the beginning of each class the children, aged 6 to 12, listen to the messages. Then they include the requests in their prayers.
People often leave follow-up messages to let the youngsters know how things are. Mrs. Schnedler admits that “the kids were a bit shocked by some of the outcomes, but now they feel that they play a vital role, even if God’s answers are not the ones we want.”
Prayer matters in ways we may never fully appreciate. Next time you pray for yourself, add one for a loved one; for someone you hardly know.
____
I just thought I'd post this email on here instead of the email blog cuz it's just so amazing that even the little ones have such a passion for prayer. Prayer is powerful and awesome....believe it.
Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,
for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
--- Luke 11:2-4
It isn’t unusual for parents and religious leaders to encourage children to pray. But letting youngsters handle their own telephone prayer line is.
“The idea was to get them into the habit of praying for others,” says Sunday school teacher Lisa Schnedler. They set up a number and answering machine. At the beginning of each class the children, aged 6 to 12, listen to the messages. Then they include the requests in their prayers.
People often leave follow-up messages to let the youngsters know how things are. Mrs. Schnedler admits that “the kids were a bit shocked by some of the outcomes, but now they feel that they play a vital role, even if God’s answers are not the ones we want.”
Prayer matters in ways we may never fully appreciate. Next time you pray for yourself, add one for a loved one; for someone you hardly know.
____
I just thought I'd post this email on here instead of the email blog cuz it's just so amazing that even the little ones have such a passion for prayer. Prayer is powerful and awesome....believe it.
Monday, August 16, 2004
She Gasps……
I give men’s gymnastics 2 thumbs up. The Japanese men were spectacular….but nevertheless the American guys were still awesome *Blain Wilson* cough* cough* Just thinking about how people flip in the air and blinding grab back on a bar, bounce off spring boards and flip through the air, glides effortlessly back tucking on the floor, really makes me drop my jaw. Gymnastics will forever be on my greatest sports list.
The one day we have a picnic….the sun shines brightly in the sky once again, after several days of niiice breezes. The picnic went well and overall a very enjoyable, bonding, beginning of school year kick-off, kind of a deal.
The other day I was hopping at Kroger. I had placed five oranges, raisin bread, and a head of lettuce into my shopping cart. I received a phone call and although I was talking on the phone, I progressed to pick out the best conditioned grapes. As I was picking out grapes, my back was towards my shopping cart. In my mind I thought, “ What if some weirdo were to steal my cart….that would be funny.” When I turned around….my cart was gone. I sort of gave out a laugh cuz after all….who would want to take a cart with lettuce, five oranges, and raisin bread…. So I looked around for it and found that it had been snatched by an innocent looking lady and her daughter. Slightly bitter about them taking the best five oranges from the pile that I had picked out, I proceeded to retrieve another cart and pick out new items to be purchased. Interesting the things that happen to you in grocery stores…..
ahh... last week till the day shall come to head off into the unknown.....the final days till the end of summer and the beginning of anothe vicious year of school. Oh yeah
BTW....the most recent pictures of picnic and what not have been updated. Older pictures shall be posted promptly. until next time....
I give men’s gymnastics 2 thumbs up. The Japanese men were spectacular….but nevertheless the American guys were still awesome *Blain Wilson* cough* cough* Just thinking about how people flip in the air and blinding grab back on a bar, bounce off spring boards and flip through the air, glides effortlessly back tucking on the floor, really makes me drop my jaw. Gymnastics will forever be on my greatest sports list.
The one day we have a picnic….the sun shines brightly in the sky once again, after several days of niiice breezes. The picnic went well and overall a very enjoyable, bonding, beginning of school year kick-off, kind of a deal.
The other day I was hopping at Kroger. I had placed five oranges, raisin bread, and a head of lettuce into my shopping cart. I received a phone call and although I was talking on the phone, I progressed to pick out the best conditioned grapes. As I was picking out grapes, my back was towards my shopping cart. In my mind I thought, “ What if some weirdo were to steal my cart….that would be funny.” When I turned around….my cart was gone. I sort of gave out a laugh cuz after all….who would want to take a cart with lettuce, five oranges, and raisin bread…. So I looked around for it and found that it had been snatched by an innocent looking lady and her daughter. Slightly bitter about them taking the best five oranges from the pile that I had picked out, I proceeded to retrieve another cart and pick out new items to be purchased. Interesting the things that happen to you in grocery stores…..
ahh... last week till the day shall come to head off into the unknown.....the final days till the end of summer and the beginning of anothe vicious year of school. Oh yeah
BTW....the most recent pictures of picnic and what not have been updated. Older pictures shall be posted promptly. until next time....
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
when I eat the fruit roll up......
so in the next month....What do I have to look forward to? Why the Olympics of course. In fact, I think I'm anticipating becoming a TV veggie for the Olympics more than going off to school in a week. The concept of college is still quite strange. Why in the world would people want to leave home to live at school...which lacks the comfort of a nice bathroom, spacious room, good home-cooking, and family? I know that that's not college in it's entirety...in fact I can see many positive aspects of going off to a new place, new bathroom, new basement style living, new food, and my new family Justine =D Obviously, I have much to look forward to in weeks to come.
Like everything else this summer....it's been unlike all the other ones. I feel like every experience God has put me through, I've come out with a new life lesson. I can't say that every lesson has been pleasant, but everything has definitely been worth the experience. God's really helped me find my passions and unravels a bit more of that puzzle he's slowly piecing together for me. I guess going to college has it's excitement because of all that stuff God has in store for each and every one of us. I feel like my life has had its numerous share of ups, and many times I feel so incredibly undeserved of God's grace and blessing in every aspect of my life. But the more I look at my life...the more I want to live for Him...and in that way He's teaching me how to deal with the downs that I encounter. I truly believe that with every down situation, there is a treasure to be dug out. Live expectantly, believing that God will bring beauty out of all that this dark world has to offer.
Lamentations 3:22 "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."
so in the next month....What do I have to look forward to? Why the Olympics of course. In fact, I think I'm anticipating becoming a TV veggie for the Olympics more than going off to school in a week. The concept of college is still quite strange. Why in the world would people want to leave home to live at school...which lacks the comfort of a nice bathroom, spacious room, good home-cooking, and family? I know that that's not college in it's entirety...in fact I can see many positive aspects of going off to a new place, new bathroom, new basement style living, new food, and my new family Justine =D Obviously, I have much to look forward to in weeks to come.
Like everything else this summer....it's been unlike all the other ones. I feel like every experience God has put me through, I've come out with a new life lesson. I can't say that every lesson has been pleasant, but everything has definitely been worth the experience. God's really helped me find my passions and unravels a bit more of that puzzle he's slowly piecing together for me. I guess going to college has it's excitement because of all that stuff God has in store for each and every one of us. I feel like my life has had its numerous share of ups, and many times I feel so incredibly undeserved of God's grace and blessing in every aspect of my life. But the more I look at my life...the more I want to live for Him...and in that way He's teaching me how to deal with the downs that I encounter. I truly believe that with every down situation, there is a treasure to be dug out. Live expectantly, believing that God will bring beauty out of all that this dark world has to offer.
Lamentations 3:22 "Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail."
Thursday, August 05, 2004
not without the better half.....
For the first time as i was driving down oilfield at night,people who had their high beams on actually turned them off when I flashed my lights.
I must admit that I enjoyed watching a Cinderella story. Although predictable, it was entertaining. Despite the kissy kissy parts at the end, the movie had a good level of everything but violence that kept an audience's interest. The Orange girls I went with enjoyed it a lot. Come to think of it movies haven't changed so much since middle school.
So my goal for this summer is to finish uploading all the pictures from my camera. I still have lots of HK pics and Orange pics as well. However, after much contemplation and knowing my character, I've decided not to scan the pictures I took with film...which would mean, if you want to see prom or camp pics you'll have to ask, and won't otherwise be able to conveniently steal them off the site. It's true what was said in One Hour Photo. People do only capture the most fond moments in their lives in pictures. I guess that's the beauty of photographs and why if the house was on fire, the one thing people would bring with them is their photo albums. So I thought I had something profound for you all....but unfortunately my favorite tv show was such a shocker tonight that I've completely forgotten the epiphany I had this afternoon. So peace out for now......
For the first time as i was driving down oilfield at night,people who had their high beams on actually turned them off when I flashed my lights.
I must admit that I enjoyed watching a Cinderella story. Although predictable, it was entertaining. Despite the kissy kissy parts at the end, the movie had a good level of everything but violence that kept an audience's interest. The Orange girls I went with enjoyed it a lot. Come to think of it movies haven't changed so much since middle school.
So my goal for this summer is to finish uploading all the pictures from my camera. I still have lots of HK pics and Orange pics as well. However, after much contemplation and knowing my character, I've decided not to scan the pictures I took with film...which would mean, if you want to see prom or camp pics you'll have to ask, and won't otherwise be able to conveniently steal them off the site. It's true what was said in One Hour Photo. People do only capture the most fond moments in their lives in pictures. I guess that's the beauty of photographs and why if the house was on fire, the one thing people would bring with them is their photo albums. So I thought I had something profound for you all....but unfortunately my favorite tv show was such a shocker tonight that I've completely forgotten the epiphany I had this afternoon. So peace out for now......
Come ye sinners.....
I still amazes me how advanced technology is these days. Call me a kid of the 80s, but I still stand in awe of wireless internet connection. I haven't had a computer in my room since the 9th grade and now that I can bring my computer anywhere around the house, it's pretty amusing. I was selecting the network printers to print something from my computer and bam the printer which isn't even connected to this computer, prints what I need. Now, you have to think what all of our grandparents are thinking. Imagine the times they lived in and compare it to the things they experience now. I find that pretty out of this world. And yet I wonder, when I'm old and feeble, will I be driving a flying car? Wouldn't that be something? When I look at the world today, I'm still in wonder of how creative God really is...and to think the source of all that we have comes from him. I mean who gives the ability to the worldly creators of things to create a car, plane, or computer? God's a pretty cool guy.
Tonight at high school night we talked about contentment. One thing I was talking to some of the girls about that kind of struck a light bulb wiht me was when I asked them what the source of all our time and wealth is. Sharing with them helped remind me that the source of our wealth is from God. He gave us the potential to make money and instilled in us the abilities that we have. He’s also the source of all the time we have. Each morning that we wake up to is another blessing from God, and another opportunity to fulfill His will. I’ll never forget what I heard a man praying at CSM (center for student missions). He said “Dear Jesus, thank you for this day that I will never live again.” It’s funny how we often take for granted being able to wake up in the mornings and yet we never want to. Sometimes we get so distracted and worn out by the ways of the world that we forget who our source of everything is. He supplies our energy, our strength, our passions, our love, and even our contentment. God gives us more than we could ever ask for and yet we ask for more. There should be more Agurs in the world asking the Lord to give only our “daily bread.” Proverbs 30: 8
Contentment with all areas of our lives are a difficult task to achieve; so I leave you with this thought:
"and my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
I still amazes me how advanced technology is these days. Call me a kid of the 80s, but I still stand in awe of wireless internet connection. I haven't had a computer in my room since the 9th grade and now that I can bring my computer anywhere around the house, it's pretty amusing. I was selecting the network printers to print something from my computer and bam the printer which isn't even connected to this computer, prints what I need. Now, you have to think what all of our grandparents are thinking. Imagine the times they lived in and compare it to the things they experience now. I find that pretty out of this world. And yet I wonder, when I'm old and feeble, will I be driving a flying car? Wouldn't that be something? When I look at the world today, I'm still in wonder of how creative God really is...and to think the source of all that we have comes from him. I mean who gives the ability to the worldly creators of things to create a car, plane, or computer? God's a pretty cool guy.
Tonight at high school night we talked about contentment. One thing I was talking to some of the girls about that kind of struck a light bulb wiht me was when I asked them what the source of all our time and wealth is. Sharing with them helped remind me that the source of our wealth is from God. He gave us the potential to make money and instilled in us the abilities that we have. He’s also the source of all the time we have. Each morning that we wake up to is another blessing from God, and another opportunity to fulfill His will. I’ll never forget what I heard a man praying at CSM (center for student missions). He said “Dear Jesus, thank you for this day that I will never live again.” It’s funny how we often take for granted being able to wake up in the mornings and yet we never want to. Sometimes we get so distracted and worn out by the ways of the world that we forget who our source of everything is. He supplies our energy, our strength, our passions, our love, and even our contentment. God gives us more than we could ever ask for and yet we ask for more. There should be more Agurs in the world asking the Lord to give only our “daily bread.” Proverbs 30: 8
Contentment with all areas of our lives are a difficult task to achieve; so I leave you with this thought:
"and my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19
Monday, August 02, 2004
Speedy Gonzales....
Bugs splattered all over the face, legs, arms, and eyeball...that my friend is the great feeling of biking in the summer on the sidewalks and by the ponds. This evening I decided to go for a bike. I haven't done that in a while and thought that it would be fun to do so. I ventured on my green mean biking machine around the neighborhood. I must say that the lack of hills in Sugar Land is still a continual disappointment. I remember back when I lived in WA there were all these hills everywhere. Although it was a pain to ride up to the top (or at times i even had to push my bike up the hill) when I finally got to the top and zoomed down the hill, let me tell ya that was an exhilarating feeling; not even a rollecoaster ride can give you that kind of high. Anyhoo, I decided to fearlessly explore around the neighborhood cuz I've never really done that before. I found a short cut from one place to another and that was neat. There are some places that only a bike can take you. When it started to get dark I felt little drops of rain falling on me...when it hit my head it felt like bird doo but thank goodness it was no poo. Everytime I see new housing developments it always amazes me how quickly they can build these days....hopefully by the time I'm 70 they'll still have things called parks.
Just thought I'd share my little interesting adventure with you. That is all...
Bugs splattered all over the face, legs, arms, and eyeball...that my friend is the great feeling of biking in the summer on the sidewalks and by the ponds. This evening I decided to go for a bike. I haven't done that in a while and thought that it would be fun to do so. I ventured on my green mean biking machine around the neighborhood. I must say that the lack of hills in Sugar Land is still a continual disappointment. I remember back when I lived in WA there were all these hills everywhere. Although it was a pain to ride up to the top (or at times i even had to push my bike up the hill) when I finally got to the top and zoomed down the hill, let me tell ya that was an exhilarating feeling; not even a rollecoaster ride can give you that kind of high. Anyhoo, I decided to fearlessly explore around the neighborhood cuz I've never really done that before. I found a short cut from one place to another and that was neat. There are some places that only a bike can take you. When it started to get dark I felt little drops of rain falling on me...when it hit my head it felt like bird doo but thank goodness it was no poo. Everytime I see new housing developments it always amazes me how quickly they can build these days....hopefully by the time I'm 70 they'll still have things called parks.
Just thought I'd share my little interesting adventure with you. That is all...
wouldn't it be nice if......
yes..I am listening to Beach Boys... great cd. So I was looking for my beach boys cd a while back and I found all the other cds I'd lost. I found my Passion: Road to One Day cd...and I found the long lost Sonicflood cd I got my dad for his birthday. But then the most exciting thing I found was this tape that I have of Nicholas Tse's Jade Butterfly album. I lost it at the end of sophomore year and I just found it! Funny the things that make me leap. Believe me I am utterly excited =D
Today we had some of the younger youth share their Orange testimonies at children's worship. It was unbelievable some of the things these young people shared. Let me tell ya it was mind blowing how God impacted their lives. I felt like I was listening to trained preachers speak. Not only did these guys and girls see fruit sprout in Orange, but I can see fruit blooming in their hearts. I believe that the fututre of the youth will be awesome. You know how every year the graduates leave wondering how the future youth will be. I do wonder what will happen, but I also expect God's greatness being a continual part of FBCC's youth ministry. If there's one thing that God's taught me this summer, it would be living expectantly. I've probably said that a million times in this past month, but it excites me to share about what God's teaching me. It's so cool to think that when you're still growing and learning things that the Lord has not given up on you; one of those simple children's concepts: God is always with me. Funny how I teach kids so many simple but applicable things, yet often fail to realize what I teach I need to be reminded of myself.
I was just reading over old entries and I realize that my style of writing has changed...weird. Anyhow, I thought I'd re-post my "goals before I graduate" and reflect on all that has been accomplished (commentary has been added for clarity, phrases in italics have not yet been fulfilled).
1) go to the cheesecake factory: we went there for Debs bday and the Tiramisu cheesecake was fantabulous
2) go to a Newsboys concert
3) go to Reliant K concert with jhgpy
4) purchase the Armageddon soundtrack: thanx for the belated bday gift
5) give blood: might possibly do that in the very near future.
6) finish reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7) finish reading Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
8)watch the sun rise: saw one at the airport before I left for HK
9) get a new laptop: yesterday!
10) curl isabel's hair: I actually sort of did this one...but I still have unfinished business with my sis b4 I go off
11) cook for my parents: italian sausage with broccoli and several other things.
12) gain a new level of humility: working with children has definitely contributed to it.
13) receive a college acceptance letter: can somebody say hook'em horns?
what do you want to accomplish before the summer is over?
yes..I am listening to Beach Boys... great cd. So I was looking for my beach boys cd a while back and I found all the other cds I'd lost. I found my Passion: Road to One Day cd...and I found the long lost Sonicflood cd I got my dad for his birthday. But then the most exciting thing I found was this tape that I have of Nicholas Tse's Jade Butterfly album. I lost it at the end of sophomore year and I just found it! Funny the things that make me leap. Believe me I am utterly excited =D
Today we had some of the younger youth share their Orange testimonies at children's worship. It was unbelievable some of the things these young people shared. Let me tell ya it was mind blowing how God impacted their lives. I felt like I was listening to trained preachers speak. Not only did these guys and girls see fruit sprout in Orange, but I can see fruit blooming in their hearts. I believe that the fututre of the youth will be awesome. You know how every year the graduates leave wondering how the future youth will be. I do wonder what will happen, but I also expect God's greatness being a continual part of FBCC's youth ministry. If there's one thing that God's taught me this summer, it would be living expectantly. I've probably said that a million times in this past month, but it excites me to share about what God's teaching me. It's so cool to think that when you're still growing and learning things that the Lord has not given up on you; one of those simple children's concepts: God is always with me. Funny how I teach kids so many simple but applicable things, yet often fail to realize what I teach I need to be reminded of myself.
I was just reading over old entries and I realize that my style of writing has changed...weird. Anyhow, I thought I'd re-post my "goals before I graduate" and reflect on all that has been accomplished (commentary has been added for clarity, phrases in italics have not yet been fulfilled).
1) go to the cheesecake factory: we went there for Debs bday and the Tiramisu cheesecake was fantabulous
2) go to a Newsboys concert
3) go to Reliant K concert with jhgpy
4) purchase the Armageddon soundtrack: thanx for the belated bday gift
5) give blood: might possibly do that in the very near future.
6) finish reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
7) finish reading Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Ring
8)watch the sun rise: saw one at the airport before I left for HK
9) get a new laptop: yesterday!
10) curl isabel's hair: I actually sort of did this one...but I still have unfinished business with my sis b4 I go off
11) cook for my parents: italian sausage with broccoli and several other things.
12) gain a new level of humility: working with children has definitely contributed to it.
13) receive a college acceptance letter: can somebody say hook'em horns?
what do you want to accomplish before the summer is over?