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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Feelin' Like Charlie


Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Finally!

Some of you might know that my little sister has been working various internships for Walt Disney World in their hotels. Well, this last internship was over on January 25th, since she has officially been "temporarily assigned" to turn down beds. Exotic, huh?


Well, we got news today that Disney has hired her to be the permanent Front Desk manager here:

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

It's all very exciting and I'm very happy that she finally has a full-time job at the place she's wanted to be since she was 8 years old. Here's a few pics of the place.



Friday, January 25, 2008

Becoming

In Youth Group this past month, we've been going through a Student Life Bible Study called "Becoming". We've been looking at Paul's life and how he became Paul after being Saul. His life certainly is inspiring and, I believe, this in-depth look at it has challenged them to think about their lives and what they're becoming.

Wednesday was the last installment of the Bible study and I read the following to the kiddos. I thought it was thought-provoking enough to share here:

So here you are at the end...

You've been challenged to take a hard look at yourself... to ask the question, "Does my life tell the world that I am more concerned with me, or with Christ?"

Make no mistake about it, you have been challenged to change your identity. To become less while He becomes more.

At the beginning of this study, you were faced with a question, Who are you becoming? Do you have an answer yet? Maybe this will help...

If Christ lives in you, the answer is simple: You are becoming more like Him. And not becuase of what you are doing. But because of what He has already done.

If you're struggling with all that you must do to become like Him... stop struggling. Because the key to becoming more like Christ is beautifully simple: Commit to following Him for today. Tomorrow, when you wake up, commit to following Him for that day, too. And the next day, when you wake up, tell Him you'll follow Him that day, as well...

See the pattern? Each day you spend in the presence of Christ you become more and more like Him. Through His Holy Spirit, whom He sent to live inside of you, Christ Himself will help you become like Him.

Who are you becoming?

If you continue in your faith, and keep a firm commitment, the answer is simple: You are becoming like Christ.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

A Loaded Gun

  • And the winner is... Hairdo #2!! Erin & I will make our appointments for this soon-- promise!
  • I've been in a weird mood ever since I started these antibiotics.
  • What? Oh, perhaps I should back that up :)
  • My jaw hurt so I went to the doctor only to discover the pain stems from my saliva gland that's being blocked by a stone. No, not like a rock. Like a kidney stone. Thus, I was ordered to get some penicillin and LemonHeads. (Damn.) Yes, it's painful. Yes, I think it's getting better.
  • Homer Lock-In went WONDERFULLY! Despite some frustrations (thought not by my kids) it was a great weekend that culminated with an 8-hour-drive home... it was supposed to be 6.
  • Saturday I'm taking 10 middle schoolers to H2Oasis, an indoor waterpark. Wish me luck.
  • Next weekend I'll be in Portland for a Youth Ministry Task Force meeting. Oh joy. Not that it's not productive, it's just a long way for a short time. Tiring.

  • I'm done now. More later...

I spent some time trying to redesign this stupid page and when I finally stopped getting errors, I was elated. Yay for pretty backgrounds. Oh, then I realized the new template deleted EVERYTHING including all my links. So, if you'd like to be added to the link at right, let me know!

Friday, January 18, 2008

Funny... but wrong?

It's funny. And probably what a lot of folks wish the Creed would be... What do you think?

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I may not be Samson but...

It's been obvious for a while now that Jamie wants a haircut. And, believe it or not, it's getting closer to the inevitable day. See, today was my friend Erin's birthday. Her lovely husband, Joshua, decided to treat her to the haircut and pedicure she's been talking about for months. I have humbly volunteered to accompany her-- I'm such a good friend, huh? :) So, while I don't know precisely the day, I know it's coming soon.

Anywho, since I'm not entirely sure what I want I'd like to be brave enough to just sit in the chair and tell the stylist to do whatever she wants. However, I'm not that brave. I'd like to have an idea. So, this is where you come in. I've posted four pictures below AND a poll in the sidebar. Vote by Monday, January 21st @ Alaskan-midnight (so technically Tuesday morning!) Enjoy!






Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Impossible

If you can figure out THIS GAME, I'll give you $20.

Seriously.

(I googled the answer. Here it is. If you cheat, no $$ for you.)

What Teachers Make

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?" He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach." To stress his point he said to another guest; "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?"

Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, "You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could. I make a C+ feel like the Congressional Medal of Honor. I make kids sit through 40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit for 5 without an I Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to know what I make? (She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write. Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make them show all their work in math. They use their God given brain, not the man-made calculator. I make my students from other countries learn everything they need to know in English while preserving their unique cultural identity. I make my classroom a place where all my students feel safe. I make my students stand, placing their hand over their heart to say the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, One Nation Under God, because we live in the United States of America. Finally, I make them understand that if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their hearts, they can succeed in life." (Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

"Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and pay no attention because they are ignorant... You want to know what I make? I MAKE A DIFFERENCE. What do you make, Mr. CEO?" His jaw dropped, he went silent.

For all my teacher, DCE, Pastor friends and for all those who make a difference in what they do.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Must See This

I just heard of this movie but I can't wait to see it! Besides, I heart James McAvoy :)

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Not my favorite

But evidently...

I Am Pocahantas!

Image hosted by Photobucket.com

Free-spirited and wise. You have a strong passionate spirit that touches and changes all who know you. The wisdom and common sense that you have is really what guides you through life. Even so, you also have a very playful side that loves adventure and excitement.


Which Disney Princess Are You?

Wednesday, January 09, 2008

A Memorable Time

The sermon on Sunday definitely rang true to my ears. Pastor Rockey preached about how some things in our lives aren't things we choose, but things for which we are chosen. I've been chosen to many things in my life and I've chosen many things as well. But there are some things I thought I would've never chosen...

PERFECT EXAMPLE:
I never thought I would ever meet someone online.
(Never say never, huh?)

Well, today we celebrate our one year anniversary. A mile-marker that's a first for both of us. So, in honor of the Facebook messages, hyperventilation, mild-freakouts and tardy arrivals, I've gathered together a compilation of the past year.

(Yes, it's mushy. Get over it. I like him.)


January 2007

February

March

July (ish)


August


August

October


December

Here's to much more time together, babe! I love you!


Friday, January 04, 2008

HFS

Never in my life have a seen a movie like "I Am Legend"

I tend to pride myself on the fact that I don't scare too easily (at least in theatres) but this movie brought out the worst in me.

I screamed.

I jumped.

I clutched the boy's hand so tight I might've caused damage.

I cursed.

Oh, yes, I cursed.

A lot.

While Will Smith did an awesome job, and I can totally get some "spiritual battle"esque thinking out of it. It. Is. Scary. The only way I'd ever recommend this movie is if (A) I didn't have to see it with them; or (2) If they were willing to pee their pants in the theatre.

I Am Legend=Scarey @$$ movie

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

New Year's Resolutions

A Beautiful Day

Welcome to 2008, my friends!

I realize I'm a whole day (or two) late with the welcoming but most of you have lived in 2008 much longer than I have thanks to time zones. So I figured a day late gives me time to catch up.

There weren't any big rip-roarin' parties for me this year (or ever come to think of it) just a quiet day. I'm currently house/dog-sitting so I spent the morning caring for Bucky then drove into Anchorage to get some pictures I bought in Israel framed. Then I came home, cleaned the house, went to church (where I usherd for the first time ever!), bought dessert at the request of the boy, and had a YUMMY dinner-- champagne baked halibut, cheese risotto and salad! Nothin' better than a boy who can cook :)

He promptly fell asleep before midnight and I couldn't wake him up for the life of me so I celebrated the strike of midnight watching the fireworks through my window with him passed out on my right arm. Festive, huh?


Nevertheless, I think 2008 will be a great year-- even better than '07 I'm sure. In fact, I'm sure it'll be a beautiful year as soon as I can figure out where I can get someone to add said 'beauty'. Afterall, it was my idea first but Jules beat me to it. So if any of you are in Alaska or know a good artist, let me know! It's from my favorite Bible verse (Isaiah 52:7-- On the bottom of this page) and I've wanted it since before I graduated from High School-- nearly EIGHT years! Yikes, I'm old.


Well, I pray all of you had a blessed celebration of the end of '07 and have a wonderful '08!