Friday, December 31, 2010

The Last Day...

This also means the last blog of the year.
It's kind of crazy sitting here typing the last words of my New Years Resolution for 2010. One blog post, one picture, every day for 365 days. I honestly can't believe I followed through with it. Okay, I admit, there were a couple days in there when I didn't take my own picture and had to resort to one from the internet but still.. I'm rather impressed with myself for how dedicated I stayed throughout the year. I also need to let the world know that I am proud of my best friend, Laurel, who did this project with me. I'd say that it was a way to help keep us connected when we parted for college and was fun to see where God took us this past year. So, thank you so much Laurel for keeping me motivated. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have made it! Oh and we also started a blogging epidemic! Props my friend :)

Cautiously taking the time to think about my day, how I'm feeling, how others have impacted my life and to reflect on what God has done for me this past year has truly helped me grow as a person. I think the biggest improvements come when we take the time to reflect on what's going on in us and around us. I've had ups and downs, curves and bumps but that is all part of life and as a friend told me, we just have to take them and roll with them. God has dealt us each a hand of cards for a reason and we're to handle them the best we can.

I also would like to thank everyone who faithfully read my blog for these past 365 days.. Holy smokes, that's a lot of days! You also kept me going knowing that people really cared about my silly resolution. I love you all and thank you for being in my life! You are what make this life worthwhile.

For now I don't have a new daily resolution but I would like to...
A.) Loose a couple pounds... just become more fit!
B.) Learn to play the guitar well. This has been a resolution since middle school but I'm determined to make it happen this time!

That's all I can think of right now. I'm sure I'll come up with more. In case anyone was wondering, I am going to continue to blog, just not everyday. It will be nice to be able to write down my thoughts and adventures from time to time but not having the pressure to do it everyday will be a relief! Again, I thank you all so much for following and supporting me in my journey of this blog.

May God bring peace, joy, happiness and everything that you love in this new year! Here's to 2011!

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Football & Friends

The McKinney's came over for dinner. Megs is home from New York so my mom made spaghetti and we had a nice time hanging out with them. The Huskies played Nebraska so everyone was wearing their purple. Lucky for us they pulled out another win!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

God's Words

Read Revelation 20.

Satan was bound with a chain and shut up in the Abyss, making him unable to deceive the nations for one thousand years. This opens the way for Jesus to demonstrate that a righteous rule, based upon God's word and with His agenda, will bring satisfaction and joy to the world.

Our opportunity to receive grace will not last forever, and our chance to share that grace with those who don't know the Lord will not last forever either.

Also read Malachi 1.

The lesson is that our worship must be genuine and from the heart. God sees and knows how we come to Him. A ho-hum approach is not acceptable when coming before the God of the universe.

Luke 24:13-35
Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him.

He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”

They stood still, their faces downcast. One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”

“What things?” he asked.

“About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”

He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, “It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.” Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.


How great would it be to be one of the two walking when Jesus came beside them and showed them the scriptures? What would your reaction be? I'm not entirely sure what mine would be but I would sure be in awe. He explained to them that the promises of the Old Testament scriptures pointed to Him and were being fulfilled before their eyes.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Guess What?

Only 3 more days of 2010.
Crazy, I know.
I suppose I should write some new years resolutions.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Sister, Hair Cut, Puppy, Dancing!

I mustered up enough courage to cut my hair today. I believe the lady said she cut off 6 inches. It feels so healthy and light though and I like it a lot! I've now got bangs and a little bit of style. It's not just hanging like dead pieces of string.. that's how I would have described it.

Carly and I had a little photo sesh in the hall today. The puppy was involved.





Girls night at Briana's for some more Michael Jackson dance wii game. Soooo much fun. That's all I have to say about it.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Mis Amigos.

Church, worship, a good message.
He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:17

Yoga.
Leftovers for dinner.
Amanda's house for some good 'ol friend time.
Who knew that the Michael Jackson dancing wii game could be so fun?
I couldn't stop playing that game!
Catch phrase on the kitchen floor.
Lots of laughter and smiles.
Again, I love my friends!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Jesus is the Reason for the Season

So many people forget that this time of year. I am so thankful to have a savior who died for me. I find it so awesome to think of Mary and Joseph traveling the distance they did to find a place for Jesus to be born. I admire Mary and her obedience to God's plan for her life. How amazing she must have felt on that night. Merry Christmas to all.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve!

Church service at Bethel.
Grandpa's house with the family.
Lots of food and presents.
A couple tears from Grandma's speech.
I'm so lucky to have the family I do.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Welcome Home Eric!

The Renard's hosted a welcome home party for Eric. It was so great to see him. It's kind of crazy that he's been away at boot camp and this is the first time he's been home in months. He is such a special guy and I'm blessed to have him for a friend. I am really enjoying all of these big friend gatherings. I just adore my friends. They are so special.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

That is the greatest movie and if you haven't seen it yet, get on that!
Very strange but very funny to say the least.
Laurel and I went to Karli's for a girls night.
We decorated sweatshirts, ate junk food and wrestled.
What a great night.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Guess what I did today?
Shopped, again.
I've decided for the 100th time that I really don't like shopping.
I suppose it's fun for the first 30 minutes and then I'm ready to be done.
I just end up wanting to buy everything and then I get grouchy and overwhelmed with "things."
Oh boy, I'm glad to be done with that for a long while.

Girls craft night with Laura, Amy, Breanna, Meg and Addie. We all taught each other how to make different kinds of flower broaches and hair pins. Laughter, popcorn, creativity and white grape juice - made for a lovely evening.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Best Friend :)

After lots of shopping with the family Laurel came over!
Oh man, it is just so great to spend time with her.
I never would have thought the times we get to spend together would be so special.
We sat on the floor of my room drinking chai tea, making hair pin flowers, laughing and we even watched Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. Let me tell you.. that is one dumb movie. I don't recommend it to anyone. We exchanged Christmas gifts and it was as if we never parted at all. I love her. I'm so lucky to have a best friend who is so great.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Family Time



We spent some quality family time today.. decorating the tree, playing with the puppy, you know the good stuff.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Wedding

Congratulations to Ashlynn and Gregg!
It's kind of weird seeing people my age getting married but,
I'm very happy for the two of them.
They were high school sweethearts and best friends.
I can't wait to find that for myself.
The wedding was beautiful to say the least.



Friday, December 17, 2010

Wedding Dinner?

Well I was asked today if I would take pictures at Ashlynn and Gregg's wedding rehearsal dinner. What else could I do but say yes? It was fun! I've never really been involved in a wedding, only when I was little and can't remember them now. I'm so happy for the two of them!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Hello Breanna

Road trip time!
Megan, Laura, Amy, Briana and I loaded up and headed to Portland. We were on our way to visit Breanna at her school, Multnomah Bible College. I think we all fell in love and want to transfer there. There's something really cool about a Christian school. Everyone has the same purpose and the same morals and values for the most part. You don't have to feel strange for not giving in to the ways of the world. Breanna seems so happy there and she knows almost everybody. Everywhere we went she was saying hi to everyone she saw. She gave us a tour of the campus and we met her lovely friends. They are all so happy.. it's quite a change from Central. We took the Max downtown and did a little shopping. We all found things to buy, of course! It was just a really wonderful day spending it with beautiful friends of mine.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Friends!!

That title even deserved two exclamation marks.
I went to lunch with Shasta, Kailee, Jarett, Andrew and Austin.
I have missed them all so incredibly much.
It was so great to just spend time with them!
Shasta and I did a little shopping and then went to campaigners.
So many wonderful people were there.
I'd say today was one of the best days I've had since I've been home.
There is nothing quite like true friends to keep you smiling and laughing.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Oh Joys

- I think I fell asleep while my teeth were being cleaned at the dentist this afternoon.
- My puppy loves to bite your feet and I managed to get her outside just in time for her to drop a terd on the deck.
- It's been a while since I've had to clean up pee from the carpet.
- The wind today was downright ridiculous and should go away immediately.
- I wish I could just hold my puppy all day.
- I need a white elephant gift for tomorrow.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Puppy, Young Life, Ugly Sweaters, Wonderful People

So today I spent most of it playing with the puppy. That will never get old. Something that cute deserves all of the attention in the world and it's hard not to give it to her.

All area young life club was tonight. I found a pink velvet sweater to wear which got lots of compliments. Singing, dancing, skits, and games took place. I saw so many wonderful people that I've missed dearly. I really love reunions.

Dairy Queen... Oh man, Shasta, Briana, Karyn, Nicole, Tim and I had the best conversations. I love those people!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Welcome Puppy

Today we welcomed a new member into the family. My dad surprised us a couple of days ago saying that we are going to get a puppy so today we drove to Portland to pick her up. Oh my goodness, I'm in love. Her name is Blondie right now but we're going to rename her. I think Nala would be a cute name so we'll see what everyone else thinks.



I didn't know things came this cute but my goodness, she is the most precious thing I've ever seen. When you pick her up she immediately nestles her nose against your neck. Talk about heart melting.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Time With Mom

Today consisted of shopping.
Grocery store.
Target.
Payless.
The mall.
The dollar store.
We pretty much went everywhere.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Home Alas!



I'd have to say that studying for finals is an awful way to spend time when all you want to do is be at home. I know it's not really an awful thing because it's quite necessary to do well in school but it sure is a struggle when your mind is completely elsewhere. I looked over my notes a few more times this morning, packed up the truck and took my psychology exam and then was on the road to narnia. Just kidding, I was on my way home which couldn't have made me any happier.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

One More Day

Well tomorrow I get to go home for Christmas break.
Three weeks I'll get to be home.
Oh, it's really all I can think about right now.
The time couldn't come sooner!

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

One Final Down, One To Go!

8:00 Geology Final..
Hopefully I did well. Who knows.

Workout.
45 minutes of running.
Yes, needed that.

Relaxation indeed.
The Holiday is one of the greatest movies ever made.
Jude Law is a babe. Enough said.

I really wish these blog posts included pictures.
Ugh, it's really making me upset.
Oh well, what can I do?

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Hermit Crab

I did not leave my room until dinner time.
That's quite pathetic if you ask me but I got a lot of studying for Geology in.
We'll see if this hibernation pays off. I sure hope so.

Monday, December 6, 2010

No Schoolio

Today is the official study day.
No school.
I didn't really study but I got a bunch of little things done.
So, I am feeling somewhat accomplished.
Nothing more exciting to share.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Church

The children's choir sang a couple songs at church this morning.
It was simply adorable.
This season is a time for giving...
What does God want me to give to others?



Love is a good thing to give.

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Children, Frosting and the Apple Cup

I helped with the Holiday Extravaganza this morning. I had the privilege of helping elementary kids make ginger bread houses. I was covered in frosting by the end, it was even in my hair but the smiles on their faces were totally worth every bit of messiness.

I then went over to Jon and Jason's apartment to watch the Apple Cup. I showed up with my purple UW sweatshirt and almost got shot. Nobody in the house was happy about that decision of mine. But guess what? I'm allowed to wear that with pride because the huskies pulled out a big W on this game!

Friday, December 3, 2010

State Football!

Congratulations Kamiakin football players! Jon's parents drove up and picked us up to go to Tacoma to watch the guys kick some butt. I guess the last time Kamiakin made it to state was in 1995 so this was so exciting! The whole school and what seemed like the community was there to support the team. Unfortunately, the outcome wasn't in our favor but I'm proud of them for making it so far. As for me and my friends, it was pretty much a reunion. We all sat in the balcony and it was just like old times together.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

1 John 1:5-7

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin.

Walking in the light is not a claim to a sinless life. Rather, it is a lifestyle concerned with God's agendas and obedience to Him. All of us sin, but confession brings forgiveness.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Hello December

Today is the first day of the last month of this year.
How crazy.
I honestly can't believe how fast this year has gone by.
There are simply no words to describe it.

On another note...
My computer has gotten a bad virus leaving me unable to open anything including my pictures. I am using a friend's computer and I went to go add a picture and realized that they are gone. I'm not even sure if I'll be able to recover them. I almost burst into tears at the thought of that. You all know how much I love pictures. There are so many memories held in them.

So, I apologize for the picture-less posts :(

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

1 and 2

My two very favorite things that happened today:

1. I am officially done with my Geology Lab. Took my final today, I think I did pretty well and now I am finished with one class. 5 more to go...

2. I started uncovering my truck from the snow so I could drive to salt and I realized I had a business card stuck under my windshield wiper. No big, Corey who is the Young Life area director, sticks one on there every week. This one was different. It had a little note from him and his wife Jillian on the back. It was so sweet I kept it. The blurry words and ice chunks didn't matter.

Monday, November 29, 2010

My Favorite Part

Last Young Life Experience Training.
I can honestly say that this has been the highlight of my week for the past 8 weeks.
The people here are so friendly, encouraging and real.
I'm so excited to get more involved with Young Life here and create deeper relationships with the people and kids.



The lights outside of my window with a haze from the snow. Lovely.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Time to go...

Back to school it is.
After church mom made delicious cheese sandwiches and we began to decorate the house with Christmas things. These next two weeks need to go fast so I can be home to enjoy them.

Jon gave me a ride back to Ellensburg. We had a nice talk on the way up. Jon is great.. pretty much like a big brother that I've never officially had. When we walked into his apartment, we found his snake dead. Such a sad day. It was an ice box in there so it must have froze to death. That is not a fun way to go :( He wants to get a kitten now though.. Bad idea!



Ellensburg was in a fog as we drove into town. Extremely pretty sight.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Bridal Showers to Birthday Dinners

I went to my first ever bridal shower today.
I was covered in toilet paper imitating a wedding dress.
It ended up being a shorty short one from Vegas!
Gifts of skimpy underwear and lots of cooking supplies were unwrapped by the bride to be.
Apparently that's what women are classified as today.
Cooking our husbands meals wearing nothing but matching see through bras and thongs, haha.

My grandparents had us over for dinner for Carly's birthday. Grandma's spaghetti and pumpkin pie for desert. Nothing beats that.



Ooh, I get to take informal pictures at the wedding too. I'm excited!

Friday, November 26, 2010

Happy Birthday Carly!

Today my big sister turned 20 years old! She is such an amazing sister and young woman and I could not ask for a more wonderful sister to have. We went to a coffee shop in downtown Kennewick to listen to the Seaworthies play some music. They were great! Then to the redroom we went. Shannon and Stephen (The Meteors) were doing a show and they were amazing to listen to as well. There are some truly talented people in the world and it's cool when you know some of them. Happy Birthday Carly!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for...

- Jesus dieing on the cross for me.
- My parents who would give the world to me.
- The best sister I could ask for.
- A house to keep me warm and a bed to sleep in.
- My kitty Bella.
- My best friend Laurel and the crazy things she does to make me laugh.
- Coffee.. well mainly caffeine to keep me awake when class is boring.
- My camera to capture the world in photos.
- Books to read and movies to watch.
- Craft materials to make pretty things.
- Clothes to cover my body and shoes to wear on my feet.
- Food to eat and keep me plump.
- Music to dance to and sing along with.
- Wonderful grandparents and relatives.
- Wool socks :)

I could probably go on for a while.. I am a very lucky girl and have been blessed with so much. Thank you everyone who have been such huge support and role models for me these past couple of years. I could not ask for more amazing friends and family. Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

People I Love

My family went shopping today. My mom, Carly and I all found dresses to wear to the upcoming weddings we were invited to. I then got to see my best friend! She kept hugging me when I walked into her house, haha. Oh how I've missed Laurel. We went to Red Robin and saw lots of friends. It was great to reunite with them all. We hot tubbed with Meryn, made snow angels in our bikinis and watched the first half of the Princess Bride. I love the Adami family. They are so great!

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Break Time

After much awaited time it was finally time to go home.
Tommy picked Carly up in Seattle and they picked me up on the way home.
The roads weren't all that bad which was good.
We made it home in once piece and it felt so nice to sleep in my own bed.
I just love being at home.

Monday, November 22, 2010

I drive a beast...



She's a champ.
Home tomorrow!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sunday Best

I had my own form of church this morning.
Quite time in bed. It was much needed.
God is so great and he showed me some cool things.

--

I sat looking at wedding pictures online while gazing out the window at the snow.
As much as I'm not wanting it, the flakes were beautiful.
Tuesday is supposed to be a whopping high of 17 degrees.
Hopefully we can all make it home alright.

--

Skyped with mom and pops.
Oh boy, I can't wait to see them in real life.



This picture describes how I'm feeling.
I'd like something big and warm to cuddle with.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Nothing Exciting

Nothing very fun happened today.
But that's quite alright.
I just want these next couple of days to be over so I can go home.
I spent the evening watching a movie by myself.
That has become my Friday and Saturday night ritual.
Maybe sometime soon I'll make some friends.
But for now, my movies keep me company.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Almost Home..

I've been giving my camera a break, haha.
It started snowing this evening.
Only 4 more days until home.
Hallelujah!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

True Love Is...

Now Hollywood wants to make you think they know what love is.
But I'm a tell you what true love is.
Love is not what you see in the movies.
It's not the ecstasy, it's not what you see in that scene
you know what I mean? I'm telling you right now, true love is sacrifice.
Love is thinking about others before you think about yourself
Love is selfless not selfish. Love is God and God is love.
Love is when you lay down your life for another
Whether for your brother, your mother, your father or your sister
Its even laying down your life for your enemies,
That's unthinkable, but think about that
Love is true
Think.

Chorus
I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love
I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love

Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast
It is not proud. Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs
You see love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, it always perseveres
Love never fails. Love is everlasting
Its eternal, it goes on and on, it goes beyond time
Love is the only thing that will last when you die
But ask the question why? Do you have love?

Chorus
I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love
I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love

There is no greater love than this than he who lays down his life for his friends
Now are you willing to lay down your life for your friends?
You're probably willing to lay down your life for your mother
your father, or your best friends
But are you willing to lay down your life for even those that hate you?
I'm going to tell you who did that
The definition of love is Jesus Christ. He is love
The nails in his hands, the thorns in his brow
Hanging on a cross for your sin my sins
That is love he died for you and me while we still hated him
That is love
God is true love, and if you don't know this love
Now is the time to know, perfect love

Chorus
I'll put you in front of me
So everybody can see
My love, this is my love
I know that I'll be alright
As long as you are my guide
My love, this is my love

Love - Jaeson Ma feat. Bruno Mars
(check out this song)
Perfect description of love - Jesus.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The World Is My Playground.

I have made up my mind that I want to study abroad.
I went to the study abroad seminar today and came away with booklets, brochures and an excitement to travel.
There are a couple universities in Argentina that are sounding pretty great.
I can work on my spanish while exploring the beautiful country!
God's opening up some cool doors for me.
I can't wait to see where I'll be going.

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Monday, November 15, 2010

new beginnings

Young Life training tonight was extremely encouraging. Part of it was about worship and how it doesn't always have to be in singing form. We can give God glory by sharing what he is doing in our lives too. The second half was about diversity and how each and every one of us is different and has unique gifts to bring into the ministry. It reminded me that I was made exactly how God intended and I don't have to try and be like all of the other girls at college. I can be myself and be more than okay with that because who I am is needed in the ministry.



There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Hey Dad!



Dad came to visit with his 2 motorcycle buddies. We ate at pizza hut. It made me extremely happy. I didn't feel lonely when he was here. It made me even more excited to go home and spent time with him in 9 days.