Sunday, January 31, 2010

climb.



It is the Holy Spirit, not we, who converts an individual. We, the privileged ambassadors of Jesus Christ, can communicate a verbal message; we can demonstrate through our personality and life what the grace of Jesus Christ can accomplish... But let us never naively think that we have converted a soul and brought him to Jesus Christ. - This quote was in my study book and it got me thinking. I know that I'm here on earth to be hands and feet for Christ but he gets total glory for those who find Him. I'm just here to get the word out. Lord please help me to witness your love in everything I do and to all whose path I cross.

I climbed Badger mountain with Karli today. At the bottom of the hill there was a pile of rocks and some cradle things. There was a sign that asked for people to help carry the rocks up to the top of the stairs. With a little begging I got Karli to help me and we carried a rock to the top. It was definitely a challenge but awesome to think that we helped in the building of the trail. While we were on our way up, two boys started carrying some rocks up too. It was refreshing to see others with the same attitudes and actually helping to make our community a better place. When we got to the very top of the hill I walked to the far side and just stood there. With my eyes closed I felt the cold breeze and the warm sun hit my face and it was a beautiful feeling.

I got most of my big scholarship filled out tonight. There are tons of people filling out this same one but if I could get this I would receive two full years of school paid for. How awesome is that! I'm just praying that the judges like my answers, haha. I really can't believe that today is the last day of January. Actually there is only an hour and 59 minutes left of January. Gosh, this year is going too fast for me already.

Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
-Psalm 63:3-4


Thank you Krista for this encouraging verse.

Saturday, January 30, 2010

truth and lies.



Another game down. The boys played great again. My grandpa came to watch and he informed me that we need to work on passing. My team doesn't pass the ball, so guess what we'll be working on at practice? Haha, they are only 7 and 8 years old but I guess it's never too young to learn the technicalities of basketball.

Tomorrow is my dear friend Andrew's birthday so tonight we threw him a surprise party! It was so much fun. We decorated his house with baby animal streamers and turned out all the lights only to scare him when he walked through the door. He literally jumped right back outside. We spent the night playing games and just sharing laughter. It was a wonderful time.

Where did all the honest people go? Sometimes I feel like my past is a lie. I believe people too easily and end up falling for their lies. All I do is share my heart, my passions, my life and what do I get in return? A broken heart, lost promises, and forgotten truths. Someday, someday in heaven this will all be behind me. Until then, I will stare at this star filled night and pretend everything is perfect.

Friday, January 29, 2010

mother



I have never met a sweeter person than my mother. I've been in a rather gloomy mood today and she encouraged me by just being her. We went for a walk in the rain and talked about ridiculous things that have been bothering me. She is my best friend and the best mom I could ever ask for. She makes me feel special and believes in me to be great. She is such an inspiration to me in the way she teaches, treats people, and lives everyday following the Lord. I hope everyone get's the chance to be blessed by her grace sometime in their life. Tonight while she was making dinner she was telling me a story while eating a tomato and juice squirted out down the front of her sweatshirt. Nothing like you're mom to cheer you up. Thanks mom, I love you.

Why is it that one person alone can tear you down? I've never felt so betrayed and hurt this much by a friend. I guess I've never been called a mistake before. What will it take to move on and realize that God is showing me that he's not the one for me? Why does my heart ache to just be friends like we used to be?


The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
-Psalm 34:18

Thursday, January 28, 2010

angry flower



I don't know about you but this flower looks like it wants to bite my head off. I find it to be a very pretty flower but when you look at it a certain way, it seems to have a face and a quite disturbed one.

I went to Kennewick High School with Breanna Phillips today during lunch time to talk to a group of students who might be interested in CIE. It was fun, we got pizza and just shared our experiences so far being in the class. After school I went over to Gregg's house again to have my guitars tuned. For some reason I lack the ability to do that, haha. It's quite sad I know. I went to yoga with Emilee and Carson, her brother. It was rather entertaining trying to take him seriously. And by the way, I didn't toot this time! Whew!

The weekend is soon... time to get those scholarships filled out!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

love never fails.



Welcome to my garage. Or should I say welcome to my dad's man cave. Close your eyes and imagine a jump rope spinning rapidly underneath your feet, the smell of oil and motorcycle exhaust, cold air surrounding your skin except for the occasional stream of hot air coming from the ceiling heater when you jump into it's path, Cascada filling your eardrums, trying to avoid the puddles on the floor from yesterday's weather. Welcome to my work out area for the last couple of days. I have become very lazy when the thought of going to the court club comes to mind. If I'm not going for yoga, I'd rather not go at all. I suppose getting sweaty at home is more appealing. I'm secretly hoping for warm weather in the very near future so I can run outside and enjoy the beauty God created for me to see.

Speaking of a garage, where the car is kept... I really enjoy when One Less Lonely Girl comes on in the car. For some reason it makes me happy. Even though Justin is like 12 years old it gives me a feeling that one day I'll be one less lonely girl in this world.

Have you ever heard of Last.fm? Well now you have, and that means you need to check it out. Type that baby in your browser and listen to a Trevor Hall playlist. Wonderful music will fill your ears.

The State of the Union speech was on tonight. I'm not happy with Obama's plans for this Country but then again, is anybody? Thank goodness Brown was elected.. he has turned the tide a little bit. I just have to remember, God is in control. I need to pray for the higher authority in this world and just have faith that God's plan is the best and only way it's going to be.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Look Into My Eyes.



Today...

  • I discovered that I was in the wrong first hour class yesterday.
  • Guitar lessons went very well. I'm so excited to be able to jam.
  • I was given a chocolate twinkie by a second grader.
  • I talked about giving my speech at graduation, it only made me more nervous.
  • I got irritated that my socks were soaking wet from the rain.
  • I didn't have time to exercise so I feel crabby.
  • I'm really enjoying Les Miserables in English, which is a huge surprise.
  • My eyes feel like 20 pound bricks, they have wanted to remain closed all day.
  • I had a slight urge to paint my toenails, they haven't been painted for a very long time.

Monday, January 25, 2010

give me wings, give me peace.



5:30 greeted me with a much warmer welcome than 4:30 has. It was such a relief waking up knowing I won't have chemistry homework anymore. It was the first day the freshmen were in ASB class and I just love them all. They are 5 wonderful, beautiful girls and I am so excited to get to know them this next semester. To celebrate their first day we had waffles, strawberries and whip cream.. gosh it was delicious. We started watching Los Miserables by Victor Hugo in English class today. I really like it so far. I can tell that there will be a love story along the lines of poverty, unfairness, and miserable lives. Today was the fist day of Contemporary World Problems instead of Government class. I couldn't be more excited about that either. I would much rather discuss issues of our world than study a complicated government system. My dad sent me an article about the make of the motorcycle we are putting together. I'm so pumped to get it all together and running! Laurel and I were discussing our future plans of photoshoots with our bikes and leather jackets, hehe. Tomorrow is my fist guitar lesson and I'm slightly nervous. I'm not quite sure why cause I know how to play a little bit, it's not like I'm completely clueless. I just need to have a little confidence, I know it will be great!

Good songs:
Salt in the Snow - The Classic Crime
Unity - Trevor Hall featuring Matisyahu
Other Ways - Trevor Hall
Something Beautiful - Need to Breathe

Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. -Jeremiah 23:28

Sunday, January 24, 2010

let's all make a blog.



Started watching Julie & Julia today. Didn't finish it cause it's a school night. It is such a cute movie so far. Julie is making a 365 blog and I thought it was so cool to see a movie about the same thing that I'm doing.
I totally tooted out loud at yoga today. I honestly never thought that day would come. I got 24 comments and 9 "likes" about it on facebook though!
I officially decided that I'm not a fan of celery & peanut butter.
Ate some bacon today and actually enjoyed it, for the most part.
Bought an outfit (leather jacket, jeans and t-shirt, oh yea!) for only $41.00 at TJ Max.
Spend the whole day with Laurel. It was really awesome. I didn't have one thing I "had" to get done.
Wore my Toms!
Had a straight shot view to my secret crush at church ;)
Realized from the sermon that time alone does not heal a broken heart.
23 days 'till my 18th birthday.
Can't wait for summer... honestly, it couldn't come sooner.
No more chemistry class! Whooooop!
Used the word exquisite about ice cream.
Gets to sleep in an extra hour in the morning.
Way past my bed time...

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Would you like some crack with that?



Well, here we go... I started off the day with coaching my second basketball game. The boys played great again but it was definitely more of challenge this week. Their true colors are starting to show, but hey they are little boys, I can't complain. I went for a jog outside for the first time since before winter started. It was rather frigid but I enjoyed the fresh air. To celebrate my grandma's birthday we went to Hubby's for Pizza. It was quite the experience, haha. That is where my lovely picture came from today. It's amazing how people can sit in a public place and just let their business hang out. I guess it's a pretty clear image of what our country is becoming. Although, those people are probably very nice individuals and I'd rather view them the way Jesus would. It was great to reunite with family since I don't get to see them all that often. I found out that my cousin Brian who is also a senior but goes to Southridge is going to Central to play baseball next year. I'm really excited because I've always wanted to be closer with him and now we'll be college buddies. Laurel came over, waking me from my nap ;) and we went to Chris's house for his surprise birthday party. He had no idea and it was so much fun. We danced with black lights and I kind of thought the house was going to come down due to the extremity of the base. I just love my friends. It's such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by friends who love the same things I do. Tomorrow is going to be a wonderful day! There are so many awesome things planned. Nighty night.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Motorcycle



Please meet... my future motorcycle (1978 DT175).

My dad and I are fixin' her up. It should be ready by this summer and I really can't wait. I've wanted to know how to ride a motorcycle for a while now and it's finally coming true. We are going to plan camping trips off our bikes with Laurel and her dad since my awesome best friend has a motorcycle of her own. I don't want to take the class so my dad is going to show me everything I need to know and how to ride. He excepts a 100% on the drive. Eeek. We layed out all of the part since we're putting it completely back together and it was pretty exciting. The fact that I don't know what anything was... haha. I will someday learn and can call myself a biker chick, wahoo.

A dear friend introduced Kina Grannis to me. She pretty much became famous over YouTube and is pretty darn amazing. I'm sure we can all say we're jealous of her voice.

Thursday, January 21, 2010

all done.



Cottage Living. Wonderful magazine.
(I happened to open to the fresh step kitty litter page.)

I am done with 1st semester finals! woohooo! Guess what that means? No more chemistry and no more 0 hour. My life just got 10 times better. The first half of the year just flew by. I swear every year goes by quicker and quicker. Before I know it, hello college! I'm so excited for what God has in store for me in this near future of mine. I'm also super excited for no school tomorrow. I took my CIE final today so there is no point in going just to revisit the classes I had today. We get out at 10:30 anyways so I won't be missing much... Tribe, cough. Another plus, I have no homework for the weekend! I do need to start working on my scholarships though.

I really want to get another pair of Toms. I need help deciding.. these ones? these ones? these ones? or... these ones?

I finished my book in the free afternoon that I had. I highly recommend it. If you like a good love story than this is a keeper. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks. It's quite amazing how he captures emotions and characters so clear you feel like you're a part of the story. I'm going to re-read Dear John before the movie comes out. I honestly can't wait to see it. I'm not quite sure if I've ever been so excited to see a movie before.

I had left over chicken pot pie for dinner when I got home from yoga, which by the way tonight was hard. I'm pretty sure it had been in the fridge for, oh about a month. It still tasted good which is really all that matters. I had a few carrots, only because my mom told me to eat them and then I had the wonderful concoction of gram crackers with strawberry cream cheese in the middle. If you ever want a treat, whip that up! Your tongue will be very happy.

I found another song that speaks volumes about our Lord. Have a listen...

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

prayers.



Please pray for:

Everyone taking finals this week.
The people in Haiti.
Laurel and Meryn to overcome their colds.
Kids to be excited about Young Life starting up again.
My dog, Daisy, not to be in pain anymore.
Motivation in school.
Unbelievers to realize how much they're missing and find the truth.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

i have a dream.



I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."
-Martin Luther King Jr.

Because of this brave man, we are free. Free from the simple things in life that we take for granted every day. I am able to walk out my front door every morning knowing that my white skin is tolerated and appreciated. That never really hit me quite as hard as it did this morning during our multi-cultural assembly. They played a song that had parts of MLK's speech in it and I couldn't help but sit there and thank God for this man. For his bravery and persistence to change America forever.

I've been feeling rather low about myself for the last couple of days... I think it's a combination of the stress from finals, not getting enough exercise/sleep and seeing couples everywhere I go. For some reason I don't feel worthy to have a boyfriend. Not that I need one or am looking for one right now, but it definitely is something that's been on my mind a lot lately. My face is breaking out and I just realized that half of my right eyebrow is gone. Not quite sure what happened on that one but hopefully it will grow back, haha! Anyways, a friend from school, not a really close one but the guy that sits next to me in comp. aps sent me a message today telling me that I'm amazing and that my pictures and quotes I post make him smile. That truly meant so much to me and it made everything I'm feeling about myself just disappear, even if it was just for a moment. There really are special people out there and I need to focus on them, not on my insecurities.

God gave me a cool message today...

"Whoever stays in this city will die by the sword, famine or plague. But whoever goes out and surrenders to the Babylonians who are besieging you will live; he will escape with his life." -Jeremiah 21:9

Just like these people surrendering to the Babylonians, if we surrender to God our lives will be saved, and if we don't, we will perish with the evil of this world.

There are so many things to be thankful for. Today I'm especially thankful for Jesus and Martin Luther King Jr. for setting us free in our faith and among the people of this insane world.

Monday, January 18, 2010

When you get to the top...



...the view is beautiful.

My mom and I climbed Badger Mountain this morning. It was gorgeous, the sun was out and it gave me hope that Spring is on it's way! I posted a few more photos from the hike on facebook. I'm tired of going to the court club and running on the treadmill surrounded by sweaty people in a stuffy room. I really needed some fresh air because I knew the rest of my day would conclude of sitting inside working on homework which is exactly what I did. Endless amounts of Government review sheets, english novel reports and literary devices. I'm already anticipating the end of the year. Only a few more months and I'll be out of here. I'm not ready for school tomorrow but I'd really like these finals to be over so let's get going!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sundays.



I finally found the perfect ring! I've been looking for one ever since Laurel found her swirly one that takes up half of her finger. I became slightly jealous but I have a new love for my blue indian ring :)

I went to church today, then discipleship. Erwin had his group over too so we had a little coed bible study. He gave us a great talk about being faithful and true student leaders. It's always good to be refreshed with such honest words. I came home a little bit early to go to yoga with Emilee. She fell asleep so I ended up going by myself. It was nice. It gave me some alone time and I was able to think and clear my head. We had pizza for dinner and watched the first episode of this season of American Idol. It was so stinking hilarious. I don't have school tomorrow but I'm already ready for bed and it's 9:32. Sometimes I feel like a grandma. Most of the time I'd rather sit in my nice warm bed and read a good book instead of going out and doing things with friends. Hopefully that will change a little bit once I get to college. Andrew and Eric decided to scare me by banging on my window... I about pooped my pants and I sneaked out of my bedroom and told me dad who ran outside and was not happy! Haha, oh the joy of friends that do weird things.

I heard a very inspiring song in the car today. Remember, Jesus is always by your side. Take a listen. You're Not Alone - Meredith Andrews.

Call to Me and I will answer you and reveal to you great and mighty things which you do not know.
-Jeremiah 33:3

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Children make you want to start life over.



Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man. ~Rabindranath Tagore

We had our first basketball game today. They boys did so great! I couldn't have been more proud of how they played. Children never seem to amaze me and show me that there is beauty in this world. They are so easily filled with joy and bring light to the darkest of places.

I really can't wait to have children of my own.
I want to dress them in cute clothes and give them cute hair cuts.
I want to give them the names of Piper, Charlie, Brody, Noah, Adam and Twilah, that is if I have six of them :)
Most of all, I can't wait to teach them, watch them grow, make memories and love them just because they're children and mine at that.

My homework is taking over my life. Thank goodness finals will be over in a week.

Friday, January 15, 2010

oldies but goodies



My socks are old. Plain and simple, but I love them. Wool socks in the winter are really one of the greatest pleasures.

I spent some wonderful quality time with Laurel and Karli tonight. We went to Value Village and I of course found $11.86 worth of loveliness. We went to the mall and spent way too long picking out rings. I bought one for myself and Laurel bought me one for my birthday. I love them both! We went to Albertsons to get snacks for after my first basketball game tomorrow! Then we went to block buster and looked for a good love story. We ended up with Adam and I slept through most of it. We'll have to finish it this weekend haha. I just love those girls. They make me laugh so much and I am going to miss them tremendously when we all go our separate ways for college. God surely has blessed me with friends who share the same passions and meaning of life as I do. I couldn't be more thankful.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

A Letter.



The River-Merchant's Wife: A Letter
by Ezra Pound

While my hair was still cut straight across my forehead
I played about the front gate, pulling flowers.
You came by on bamboo stilts, playing horse,
You walked about my seat, playing with blue plums.
And we went on living in the village of Chokan:
Two small people, without dislike or suspicion.

At fourteen I married My Lord you.
I never laughed, being bashful.
Lowering my head, I looked at the wall.
Called to, a thousand times, I never looked back.

At fifteen I stopped scowling,
I desired my dust to be mingled with yours
Forever and forever and forever.
Why should I climb the look out?

At sixteen you departed,
You went into far Ku-to-yen, by the river of swirling eddies,
And you have been gone five months.
The monkeys make sorrowful noise overhead.

You dragged your feet when you went out.
By the gate now, the moss is grown, the different mosses,
Too deep to clear them away!
The leaves fall early this autumn, in wind.
The paired butterflies are already yellow with August
Over the grass in the West garden;
They hurt me. I grow older.
If you are coming down through the narrows of the river Kiang,
Please let me know beforehand,
And I will come out to meet you
As far as Cho-fu-Sa.

By Rihaku


I'm not much of a poetry person but I am very fond of this poem. Maybe it's because I feel like I can relate to the girl. She fell in love and her husband left to go trade on the river for his job. Even though he didn't want to leave, he did. He hasn't come back yet and she longs to be with him. I've fallen in love and yet they leave. Just like the girl in this poem I'm wondering if they'll ever come back. If they'll ever be who they were when I met them. If we can ever be friends again.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Someday soon...



I'm going to go back to El Salvador.

I received a postcard from Edwin. I miss him and his family and of course that beautiful country.
Someday soon...
I'm going to lay in the middle of the street and watch the street lights change, just like Allie and Noah from the notebook.
I'm going to run through a field of flowers without a care in the world.
I'm going to go on a road trip to nowhere in particular.
I'm going to write a song and sing it to someone special.
I'm going to paint a picture with water colors.
I'm going to wear no shoes to school.
I'm going to tell a stranger a story.
I'm going to sleep past 11 a.m.
I'm going to scrapbook.
I'm going to write someone a meaningful letter.
I'm going to live out a Dove chocolate wrapper moment.
I'm going to play hopscotch.
I'm going to have a picnic in my truck bed.
I'm going to wear everything in my closet.
I'm going to tell everyone special in my life that I love them.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

i like you.



4:27 a.m. alarm clock.
school.
intern.
gym.
home.
basketball practice.
dinner.
homework.
blog.
sleep.

Monday, January 11, 2010

But can I say just anything?



I must speak only what God puts in my mouth.
Numbers 22:38.


I am going to start guitar lessons soon. Whooop!
My sister made it in the top boat for crew. I couldn't be happier for her!
I have this new intense liking for floral patterns.
Little children bring so much joy to this world.
Tea has a way of making things better.
I love singing worship songs in the car.
Smoothie jelly bellys are my new favorite candy.
I'm going to terribly miss a few people in particular when it's time to go to college.
Wool socks are one of God's greatest gifts.
I must learn how to hacky sack very soon.
I'd really appreciate some warm weather when I wake up tomorrow.
I've had this strange urge to paint something for quite some time now.
I think it's about time to get myself a beautiful acoustic guitar. I might just have to part with my Gibson Les Paul Special.
I want to make a crown of flowers.
I need more tacks for my bulletin board.
I've been putting purple duct tape on my warts, hoping to make them go away haha.
Someday I'm going to donate my hair to locks of love.
I'd like another pair of Toms shoes.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Pen Pals




For my senior project I wanted to do something involving another country and I did just that. My intern class and a class from El Salvador exchanged pen pal booklets. I received them back from El Salvador yesterday and they are adorable! The kids in my intern are going to absolutely love them!

I loved today's sermon. Pastor Dave referred to our lives as a Cinderella story with Jesus. We are "sinner-ellas" and he is taking us from our wicked step parents, our father who is Satan and our mother who is wordly desires, to be his bride forever. If we keep our eyes on the wedding ceremony we will live our lives differently and in a way that honors the Lord. "And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him." 1 John 4:16.

I really want to do this drama for my school talent show. I just don't know if it would be allowed.

Please listen to this song. The words will lift you off the ground.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Laurel & Jessi




I suppose this picture needs an explanation... Laurel came over after we saw Leap Year last night and, by the way it's definitely a movie to buy when it comes out on dvd! We had a great heart to heart talk and it involved a few tears which resulted in using toilet paper to wipe our eyes. Laurel had a huge wad and when I needed some she was kind enough to give me a piece to soak up one drop of water. We found it very humorous and worthy of a 365 photo. We decided that we are twins in almost every aspect of our lives.

We both have long, sandy colored hair,

our noses are similar,
have the same passion for music, photography, knitting and tea,
our lovely mothers both teach small children,
our fathers love motorcycles,
we live next to mormon churches and yet we're christians,
share clothes very often,
interest in unique vehicles,
lack of dancing ability haha,
obsession with value village sweatshirts

She is without a doubt the greatest friend in the world.

Friday, January 8, 2010

let's make peace.




Friday, such a wonderful day. It started off lovely because I took my amazing thermos that Laurel gave me for Christmas to school filled with vanilla chai tea. It literally was a piece of heaven in my day. I got out of zero hour early to greet at the gate. It really brightened up my day and I enjoyed seeing cheery faces in the cold, dreary weather. I was rather surprised though... Eric and I decided to count how many people said good morning in return and only around 40 students out of hundreds actually said anything or acknowledged us. It's amazing how a simple smile or hello can impact a life in such a powerful way. I'm actually understanding chemistry right now which is such an up lifter... only a couple more weeks and then I can say goodbye to that big purple book weighing down my backpack! In ASB we gave each other our Christmas letters today... We drew names and had to write the person a note telling them what we'd give them if we had all the money in the world. I wrote to Kayla and I wished that she would have all the happiness in the world and a dream dance studio made exactly how she wanted it. Tons of celebrities would fly in from all over the world to have dance parties with her and it would be located right on the beach, of course with clear water and white sand! There's always room to dream right? I, sadly, didn't receive a letter today. There were 4 people who didn't get letters and it really makes me question a few people in our "leadership" class. Why are they in there if they don't want to participate in something as simple as writing a friend a letter? Anyways, Mr. Bisson wrote me a letter and it really touched me. He is such an inspirational person in my life and has really helped me break out of my shell and step up to who I can really be. The kids at my intern were very energetic and loving today. They all wanted me to help them with math and it really is a blessing having the opportunity to work with each and every one of them. The rest of my day consisted of a good hard 50 minute jog at the club, macaroni and cheese for dinner, some one on one time with Karli, received my acceptance letter into Cenral, went to the movie Leap Year with some of my best friends. It was by far the cutest movie I've ever seen. Laurel and I had a good heart to heart talk until one in the morning but I'll talk about that tomorrow. :)

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Conner Jay Knoblich




Conner's memorial service was today... Even though I barely knew him, there were tears streaming from my eyes the whole time. I really wish I could have known him. From the way his family and friends talked about him I know he was an inspiring young man. In every picture he had a giant, genuine smile. He knew he had a heart condition and it could take him any day but that didn't stop him. He lived his life every day to the fullest, making people laugh and smile and making an impact on them. His life is such an inspiration to me and I know to many others. It's sad that it takes a tragic moment for me to realize that I take people for granted and live everyday selfishly thinking only of myself. There are millions of people in this world who don't have nearly the prosperity that I do and the fact that I'm not happy with what I have is a shame. Conner's testimony showed me once again that every day is a gift... one given by the Lord to live proclaiming his love and compassion towards people and this broken world. "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." -Psalm 23:1-6. The Lord has a special plan for each and every person. It may not be what we want but if we focus on what the Lord loves than we too will love and want what he wants for our lives. As Bob Marley and Conner Jay Knoblich would say "Don't worry 'bout a thing, cuz every little thing's gonna be alright!" We will miss you Conner. Thank you for opening my eyes.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

just one of those days.




Today was one of those days where everything just flew by. We had early release which is always lovely but it seemed like I never had a moment to relax. In computer aps this morning I read about how 1200 pounds of dead octopus have been found off of the coast of Portuguese and they don't know the cause of it. It was a very intriguing article. I had a senior class meeting today and because of it I missed the FEA meeting which was a bummer. So much to do, not enough time. I had a pretty hard workout at the club and then I went to my mom's school Christmas program. It was adorable! Little children are just so cute. I just can't wait to teach my very own classroom someday. It is definitely time to get some good sleep. Goodnight.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

floral laces & memories...




First of all, my sister gave me yellow floral laces for Christmas and I found these sick purple shoes to put them in. I wore them today and it made me very happy every time I looked at my feet. Secondly, I've been thinking a lot about old times with friends. It's crazy to me how people can change so fast and so much. I guess all of these times, good and bad, will only shape us into who we are meant to be.

Two words...

Basketball practice! Today was the first practice with my Hawks team and they are absolutely adorable! They are just the sweetest things. I have a feeling that I am going to love coaching these boys. I feel so blessed that I can share with them the greatness of our Lord and play the game of basketball that I love and miss.

"...blessed are his children after him." -Proverbs 20:7

Monday, January 4, 2010

hello school.




I don't think I can ask enough questions. Who's going to answer them, I have not a clue. A recent thought though, brought to light by a dear friend... Why do I knit things for people who treat me like crap? Haha, anyways, today was the first day back to school. I don't think I've realized until today how badly I've picked up senior-itus. School work is the very last thing I want to do and I can't seem to do any of it without falling asleep. How frustrating! I guess you could say that today had rather gloomy parts about it. A boy named Conner who was a senior at Kamiakin passed away yesterday and everyone found out today. I didn't personally know him but I feel very ashamed that I didn't. I'm an elected president at school and I can't even put a face to a name. To top it all off, it rained and the sky was a dark gray for most of the day. But hey, let's rejoice always! I went to the gym after school which made me feel alive and refreshed. There's nothing better than getting nice and sweaty :) We had salmon burgers for dinner which are my favorite and mom, dad and I watched some of the Fiesta Bowl! GO Boise State! I can hear Carly's voice on the phone in the other room so I'm going to go say hi!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

chai tea mix




Why is it that an almost 18 year old girl can't get rid of some silly stuffed animals? Why is it that the sound of the word goodbye automatically generates tears? Questions, questions, questions... will we ever find the answers? My sister left this morning. Saying goodbye to her is quite a bit harder than I ever thought it would be. Even though we disagree in almost every aspect of life, I love her. In my reading this morning, I came across some really awesome verses that have made me think about my relationship with the Lord. "Why are you like a stranger in the land, like a traveler who stays only one night? Why are you like a man taken by surprise, like a warrior powerless to save?" -Psalm 77:16-17. I've realized those questions are often asked by me and I only have the blame to take. It is me who causes the distance in this relationship. I am the one who doesn't call on the Lord and include Him in my every thought and decision of my life. This is the very God who by his sight causes the waters to writhe, the very depths to convulse, the clouds to pour down water, the skies to resound with thunder and the God who has promised me a hope and a future. So why do I not give my everything to the one who gave everything to me? The one who created me and performs miracles right in front of my face... the one who loves me to no end? "Your thunder was heard in the whirlwind, your lightning lit up the world; the earth trembled and quaked. Your path led through the sea, your way through the mighty waters, though your footprints were not seen." -Psalm 77:18-19. Why does the world not see his footprints? I believe that there are answers, and they are somewhere out there to be discovered. I went over to Laurel's house today and we made chai tea mix. We did our usual of jamming out to music while dancing around the kitchen. I just love her. I couldn't ask for a better friend. Tomorrow we go back to school after two weeks off. I am not nearly ready but bring it on!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

candle light



Hello day number two! Today was filled with going to the gym with my dad and doing the ever so intense bike class and getting little things done around the house. I made a "to do" list and I find so much joy when I get to cross something off. My mother made Susan Adami's famous apple chicken pot pie for dinner and it was very delicious. I've become very fond of trying new things, just not pickled cauliflower, sorry Laurel! My sister is leaving to go back to school tomorrow. It has been so great having her home and I don't think I'll get to see her for a while which makes me sad. I guess it's true what people say, you never know how much something means to you until it's gone. On a happier note, I made two CDs from her computer so I've got some new tunes. Set the Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol and Cheryl Cole is a wonderful song. Another happy note, Mrs. O'Brien gave me snowflake luminaries for Christmas and I've been anxious to light candles in them. Tonight was the night! I lit a few and they were beautiful. There is nothing better than a little bit of candle light.

Friday, January 1, 2010

brand new year



A new beginning, a new year. Today is the first day of 2010. My best friend and I decided we want to do a 365 project. We are both seniors so we'll be graduating in 5 months and we want a way to stay connected when we are separated at college. I'm excited to fulfill this project because I failed last year. I know that God will show me great things through taking pictures and writing down my thoughts. Here's to a brand new year!