Tuesday, January 31, 2006
NOTHING...
...will ever surprise me again!!!!!!
Monday, January 30, 2006
Beautiful, Wet, Cold Stuff
One beanie picture was just added for...I'll let you know when I've figured it out myself. It in no way indicates how the day went!
Well, between my sister and myself, we took 94 pictures. A few more than last year... Unfortunately, none of them captured the funniest moments. Sledding is fun, but when you add sleds + guys, you're going to come up with something crazy! To start at the beginning, everyone met at my house for breakfast, Bible study, and prayer. We then all packed up and drove 1/2 hour up to the snow. The snow park has a 700 foot hill, but not interested in walking up that thing, we chose the hill by the lake. I know what you're thinking. Nope, it's not sleds + guys + lake. The thing with sledding is that once you get going down the hill, gravity kind of takes over and the only way to effectively stop is to bail out. Some people who did not use their heads (!) kept sledding kind of horizontally across the hill. In other words, right in front of us! But you wouldn't see them until they were right in front of you! D was going down the hill to tackle his son who was walking up when one such person appeared in front of him. He had to do a flip over them to get out of the way! Next, JB and his son were going down on the tube. M decided to jump over them instead of getting out of the way! And for the grand finale, JP was going down on the tube when another horizontal sled group went across right in front of him just as he caught air and flew over them!
The only crazy thing I did was to play football in knee deep snow. Talk about slow motion! I also did my share of bailing, flipping, and crashing on the sleds. Those horizontal people! ;-) Until next year...
Russian Spies?
Well, by the looks of this post and the comments about it, I'd say The Rebelution Tour is going to be anything but boring! Why wait until it gets to your state, come visit me and be amused at the same time!
Saturday, January 28, 2006
What More Can Be Said?
My official position on the Peja/Ron Artest trade: *groans and dies*
"I Am An American"
*If the devaluing of life is such a problem, what can we as citizens do? California Pro-Life, an affiliate of National Right to Life, had workshops at the rally at the Capitol to address this issue. The fellowing is taken from those workshops:
In order to have an impact on our state, we must understand how to effectively lobby our legislators. The first step is to know your legislators. These are the people responsible to and for your area. Establish a relationship with them by helping them run for office, attend events they will be at, or visit them at their office. Be prepared by reading about the bills you are advocating for or against. Know who the opposition is and why you feel they are wrong. Remember, if you do not believe in what you are advocating, it will come accross to the legislators and they will wonder why they should care. Be sure to communicate your stand effectively. Perserverence is often necessary as the bill goes back and forth. And when your legislators do listen to you, be sure to thank them!
After the rally on Tuesday, my family and some friends stopped by our senator's office. We thanked him for standing up for life. He was pretty surprised we would come to see him to do something like that. Whether or not it really seems like it, legislators do listen to the people. Your voice can make a difference!
"We are not called to be victorious, we are called to be faithful." -Assemblyman Ray Haynes
*Unretouched 3-D ultrasound from National Right to Life
Friday, January 27, 2006
New Links
As you may have noticed, I've updated my links list to include a lot of great blogs and good sites. Here's a description of those I may not have ever mentioned before:
As chairman of The Conservative Caucus, Commentary by Howard Phillips gives you a solid conservative analysis of the political world.
Wisdom and insight is what you can expect from Dr. Mohler's Blog. President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Albert Mohler's site is a wealth of great commentary, radio downloads, and sermons.
Josh Harris Blogs: yes, this is the official Joshua Harris blog. Here you'll find information on some of his sermons, books, insight, and Q&A.
Mrs. Happy Housewife is a neat blog that constantly has craft projects, organizing tips, and homemaking ideas.
Isaac Botkin, sought by Weta Workshop to help them on King Kong, blogs on how independent film makers can make quality movies for the glory of God while staying Outside Hollywood.
Known as an "expert" on singleness, Carolyn McCulley is using this time to serve and encourage others on her blog Solo Femininity.
Ever wish you could hear some of the greats converse? Together for the Gospel's blog combines Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, and Albert Mohler as they post as an online conversation! Their discussion on books is especially good, so be sure to check it out.
Authors of the book "So Much More," Anna and Elizabeth Botkin now have a website that will provide testimonies, book/film reviews, resources, and articles dedicated to encouraging young women to be Visionary Daughters.
I couldn't believe this site wasn't on my list long ago! Young Ladies Christian Fellowship is a site I've been visiting for years and absolutely love. Filled with articles, recipes, quotes, posts, and encouraging stories, this is one of the best sites around for young ladies!
As chairman of The Conservative Caucus, Commentary by Howard Phillips gives you a solid conservative analysis of the political world.
Wisdom and insight is what you can expect from Dr. Mohler's Blog. President of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Albert Mohler's site is a wealth of great commentary, radio downloads, and sermons.
Josh Harris Blogs: yes, this is the official Joshua Harris blog. Here you'll find information on some of his sermons, books, insight, and Q&A.
Mrs. Happy Housewife is a neat blog that constantly has craft projects, organizing tips, and homemaking ideas.
Isaac Botkin, sought by Weta Workshop to help them on King Kong, blogs on how independent film makers can make quality movies for the glory of God while staying Outside Hollywood.
Known as an "expert" on singleness, Carolyn McCulley is using this time to serve and encourage others on her blog Solo Femininity.
Ever wish you could hear some of the greats converse? Together for the Gospel's blog combines Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, C.J. Mahaney, and Albert Mohler as they post as an online conversation! Their discussion on books is especially good, so be sure to check it out.
Authors of the book "So Much More," Anna and Elizabeth Botkin now have a website that will provide testimonies, book/film reviews, resources, and articles dedicated to encouraging young women to be Visionary Daughters.
I couldn't believe this site wasn't on my list long ago! Young Ladies Christian Fellowship is a site I've been visiting for years and absolutely love. Filled with articles, recipes, quotes, posts, and encouraging stories, this is one of the best sites around for young ladies!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
The World's Deadliest Killers
If I asked you what profession in the world would be the most skilled in killing and have the coldness to do it, what would be your answer? Police, the military, hitmen? What would be your reaction if I told you physicians? So knowledgeable about the body, especially their own patients, they know not only how to heal, but also how to kill. Steeled for the messiest accidents, doctors have the calm to sew up even the most severely injured victim.
Arthur Conan Doyle, a doctor himself, recognized this when he wrote "The Speckled Band." In it, Sherlock Homes explains to Watson, "When a doctor does go wrong he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge."
In the world in which we live today, not only is this a possibility, but something already happening in the United States--the legalized killing of the unborn. But it doesn't end there, Oregon is the first state in which doctors, those supposed to be devoted to the care and healing of their patients, can now legally end a person's life for the simple reason of pain.
Even good doctors are tempted. With the spread of HMOs, already overworked, doctors are faced with losing money with the amount of care many of their patients need. When test results come back negative and a person is still in pain, they would now have another option--just simply ending life.
As Christians, we are called to defend the weak, stand up for those unable to cry out. "Mercy killing," as they call it, is nothing more than murdering those made in God's image. The question is, what will you do about it?
Arthur Conan Doyle, a doctor himself, recognized this when he wrote "The Speckled Band." In it, Sherlock Homes explains to Watson, "When a doctor does go wrong he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge."
In the world in which we live today, not only is this a possibility, but something already happening in the United States--the legalized killing of the unborn. But it doesn't end there, Oregon is the first state in which doctors, those supposed to be devoted to the care and healing of their patients, can now legally end a person's life for the simple reason of pain.
Even good doctors are tempted. With the spread of HMOs, already overworked, doctors are faced with losing money with the amount of care many of their patients need. When test results come back negative and a person is still in pain, they would now have another option--just simply ending life.
As Christians, we are called to defend the weak, stand up for those unable to cry out. "Mercy killing," as they call it, is nothing more than murdering those made in God's image. The question is, what will you do about it?
Click here to go to "I Am An American"
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Rustic Apple Tart
I'm not really into apple pie, but this is so good that it's one of my favorites! Heather can testify to its yumminess too. ;-)
2 1/2 lbs (about 6 large) tart green applesToss together apples, lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Set aside.
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 unbaked (9-inch) pie crust
Place all remaining ingredients except pie crust in a mixing bowl. Use a mixer or fork to combine ingredients until crumbly. Set aside.
Roll out pastry into a 13-inch circle. Transfer to baking sheet.
Gently mound apples in center of pastry, leaving a 2-inch border of dough on all sides. Sprinkle apples with cinnamon sugar mixture. Fold pastry up over filling, pleating as necessary to fit snugly around apples. Gently press dough to filling, reinforcing shape.
Bake at 400° F until pastry is golden brown and apples are tender, for about 30 minutes. Cool tart on baking sheet for 10 minutes; serve warm. Enjoy!
Friday, January 20, 2006
Free Book!
Gospel for Asia is giving away a free book called Revolution in World Missions. I just received my copy yesterday and am in the third chapter. I'm not sure when they will stop giving away the book, so I thought I'd give you the heads up sooner rather than later.
Gospel for Asia is a missions organization that works toward equipping native missionaries in reaching their people, specifically those in Asia. During the Summer, many churches in American spend thousands and thousands of dollars to send their youth to a foreign country for a week or two in order to "spread the gospel." Sadly, many of these youth end up wasting their experience and focus on having a good time. I realize this is not true for everyone, but it is still a prevalent problem in our churches. Now think of how that same money could be used in another way. For $1080-1800 a year, a native missionary and family is fully supported!
Click on this video link to see a missionary leading people to Christ!
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Photos for Souls
This site has some pretty photos that you can download and print for free! Donations are welcomed and will be used to print tracts to reach people with the gospel.
Disclaimer: I haven't had time to check out the ministry, so please do not donate unless you are sure it will be used wisely.
End of the Spear Runs into the Ground
As of now, I no longer am excited about or want to see this film. The fact that Steve Saint would let his father be portrayed by an outspoken homosexual disgusts me. And it's actually kind of contradictory to me. One of the points of the film is to show how the knowledge of the gospel affects the culture. It just goes to show that while we may not be "savages" in another land, no one needs Christ more than Americans.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Military Quiz
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| You scored as Air Force. Cross into the blue, soldier, because you belong in the U.S. Air Force. With technology that is years ahead of anyone else, your service has reigned supreme and undefeated in the skies since the late 60s. But you tend to be looked down upon by other branches as elitist and even a little cowardly. [They're just jealous!] |
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Saturday, January 14, 2006
Gotta Keep Humble
Last week in Awana, my former co director in Sparks came and led our counsel time. When she asked the Sparkies if they thought Lydia was doing a good job, they all screamed as loud as they could "yeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaah!!!" I asked the little boy who practically hangs on me half the time if he knew who Lydia was, and he replied, "nope." *grin*
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Jury Duty Part 5?
I got jury duty notice again. I'm not kidding! Either I live in a really bad county or they just love my name. I'm guessing the latter, because no one else I know has gotten it this many times in their life. Most of which are a lot longer than mine. I think just mentioning I've read the Constitution would get me thrown out. Isn't that sad?
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Lightroom
Adobe is coming out with a new photo imaging program that will give Aperture a run for its money--Lightroom. For more information or to download a free beta version for Macs, go here. They're working on a Windows version, so the rest of us will just have to be patient. :-S
Resurrection Sunday
Anyone remember the discussion about which day Christ rose from the dead on Marcus' blog? Well, while studying John for class, I found the perfect verse! Chapter 20 of John gives the account of the resurrection. In verse 19, it goes on to say,
Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week...That same day, the day Christ rose from the dead, was the first day of the week--Sunday!
Monday, January 09, 2006
PE
Wow, I think my personal evangelism class is going to be the best! My prof's story is amazing--growing up in Pakistan, his father was converted from Islam and became a traveling preacher that endured much persecution, joining the ministry himself, his brother was assinated because of their witnessing, becoming refugees, not being able to go back to Pakistan, starting the first center of its kind in North America to reach Muslims and Hindus. And that's just the short version!
Friday, January 06, 2006
Fight the Fight
We're calling you to be the kind of young men and women who are willing to fight the fight against sin. We're calling you to cut off your hand or gouge out your eye rather than lose your soul (Matthew 5:29-30). -Brett Harris on Hard Things Take Great Character
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
West Virginia Miners
By the time you read this, you will probably have heard the breaking news. After celebrating the survival of 12 of the 13 miners, we are now being told only one of them really survived. People, angry at being deceived, are now saying God didn't answer their prayers, there was no miracle. I beg to disagree. The fact that one young man is alive, when 12 of his coworkers died, is a miracle! Please pray for the families as they must be crushed. I can't even imagine. As a brother-in-law of one of the miners who died said, "All we can do, ma'am, is pray."
Happy New Year!
I have never been a New Year's resolution kind of girl. In my mind, making goals to work towards should occur all year round, not just at the beginning of the year. But I've had a change of heart. Kind of. Brett, at The Rebelution, posted his resolutions from 2005, and my reaction to them was "whoa, talk about aiming high!" Instead of a list of things to do and avoid for a year, they were more like lifelong goals to work towards your whole life--no matter what!
While one can make many resolutions for a lifetime, there is a quality difference in Brett's list. Many of his resolutions are followed by Bible verses, and all are based on biblical principles. Isn't that interesting? A Christian basing his goals on biblical truth... For those who say they're just going to follow the Bible, no resolutions needed, a list like Brett's is concise and easier to post on the wall. It's something you can have in front of you throughout the year as a reminder and a motivator.
I also see the value in doing this at the beginning of the year. With school starting up again and friends going back to work and college, it's really easy to start focusing on the day to day. My preoccupation becomes just getting through another bundle of homework. So while I may end the year on the right foot, it suddenly switches to the left foot as the weeks progress. The Bible tells us over and over again to meditate on His word and to obey it.
So while I'm still not making lists of foods to avoid and deadlines to meet, I am honestly looking at my life and seeing all that needs work--a lot! But it's all possible and only possible through Christ! My conclusion is now that since resolutions to follow Christ are needed, why not at New Years? :-)
“Will the young woman find a mate? Will the couple have a child? Maybe this year will be the year of desire fulfilled. Perhaps, on the other hand, it will be the year of desire radically transformed, the year of finding, as we have perhaps not yet truly found, Christ to be the All-Sufficient One, Christ the ‘deep sweet well of Love'" -Elisabeth ElliotAnother good post about focusing your year on Christ can be found at Girl Talk. There Nicole Whitacre expounds on Elisabeth Elliot's wise insight for the New Year.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Oh Wow.
I feel so old! And can barely keep myself from laughing out loud! I SO saw this coming! Like years ago. And am proud to have been there way back when it first started. To have even been a chaperone in chats at one point. Wow.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Odds & Ends
While cleaning out files on my 'puter, I came across some old chats. Oh wow. I can't believe how funny they were! And also can't believe some of the stuff I said! Thanx you all for the great memories!
Excerpt from thank you letter to grandparents: "Liz says she's going to use [her money] to join the Mafia, but I don't think my parents will let her. ;-)"
I found a site for some of the most beautiful graphics! Created by a young woman in her 20s, you can download them for free! The ones from James were especially appealing to me as I'm attempting to rememorize the book. This site is going on in my bookmarks!
I'm from California ¤:
-I eat real cheese and avocados
- People in other states might at first think I'm weird, but once they find out I'm from California, anything goes
-have patented stop sign maneuvers aka "California stops"
-home to the Sacramento Kings
-In-N-Out is here
-I sometimes, though rarely, say "sweet"
-have a golden bridge
-am not too far from Mexico where I can buy cheap things that break in a day or two
Will live or think of more later...
Lucy's (age 2) prayer: "...And thank you for the Takeokas and Tuna. And thank you for the piano and something. Amen."
Excerpt from thank you letter to grandparents: "Liz says she's going to use [her money] to join the Mafia, but I don't think my parents will let her. ;-)"
I found a site for some of the most beautiful graphics! Created by a young woman in her 20s, you can download them for free! The ones from James were especially appealing to me as I'm attempting to rememorize the book. This site is going on in my bookmarks!
I'm from California ¤:
-I eat real cheese and avocados
- People in other states might at first think I'm weird, but once they find out I'm from California, anything goes
-have patented stop sign maneuvers aka "California stops"
-home to the Sacramento Kings
-In-N-Out is here
-I sometimes, though rarely, say "sweet"
-have a golden bridge
-am not too far from Mexico where I can buy cheap things that break in a day or two
Will live or think of more later...
Lucy's (age 2) prayer: "...And thank you for the Takeokas and Tuna. And thank you for the piano and something. Amen."
