Interesting Find

Owl City

A new musical interest of mine: Owl City. . . . Check it out (if you haven't already done so, of course). I relly like the song "Fireflies."

Interested

Have you ever begun a discussion on one topic and ended on one that was totally unrelated?  Well, last night I began talking to my mom about one thing and ended up talking about something that was slightly related, but not really.  Fortunately, this topic of discussion hasn't left my thoughts: being interested in in other people.  When I began thinking about it I realized some of the people that I am closest to are interested in my life; they want to know what's going on, what I'm doing, how school is going, etc..  This, naturally, endears me (I believe all humans experience this to some degree) towards these people.  By being visibly interested in me, asking questions and learning about me, they become a part of my life. They are putting their thoughts, time, and energy into me.  That should make anyone feel special.  The big question for me. . . am I interested in others?  I would say "so so". Definitely not to the extent that I hope to someday be.  One of the biggest parts about seeming and being interested in someone is by asking questions.  Inquiring gives the person a clue that you are wanting to know more about them. The next step, which is where I tend to falter, is when they began to supply your questions with answers (enlightening you, and inviting you into a small part of their life--small, but still significant)  and you aren't really listening and learning. They know if you are listening and learning or not; including children. They know that if you are really listening that you must really be interested.  If they see that you are not listening, they immediately understand that your supposed interest isn't genuine.  So, the key seems to be that being a good questioner comes first, and then being a good listener second. The most excellent example of a good listener would be a lady I have been given the privilege to know.  No matter what you are saying to her, and no matter who walks up on your conversation, she looks you in the eyes and gives you her full attention. She doesn't suffer from the fault of looking over your shoulder to the next person, which I believe to be also key.  She wants to invest in you and learn about you.  I have been finding how important this concept is. I have, to my dismay, been able to look back at certain situations in my life that I know I wasn't being a good questioner or listener. I remember them very well.  I'm praying that this will be a turning point for me, and that I will easily detect within myself  feelings of disinterest and mortify them on the spot.  Just like the many example of good listeners God has given me, I want to be known and remembered as someone who was genuinely interested in others.

Pot Roast 2

No one died, or threw up, and I think it is safe to safe it was a success! It wasn't as tender as I had hope it would be, but I kinda have an idea of what I could do differently next time.

Pot Roast

I am in charge, which means I must provide food for all four of my brothers.  This can be quite testy because they are rather picky when it comes to "real food". I enjoy cooking and except the challenge of avoiding their starvation. 
They eat spaghetti, which is pretty easy, so I made a good bit and froze it. Tonight--roast! Oh, yes, I am attempting to make a very large chunk of meat be edible. Hopefully they won't throw up or something.  You are supposed to cook it for 5-6 hours on high, or 10-12 (whoa) hours on low.  I have heard that the meat will be more tender if it's cooked slowly, but I didn't put an exorbitant amount of brain work into the planning of timing and having it fully cooked by dinner time cook.  To have cooked it slowly, I would have had to put it in the crock pot last night, but since I didn't, I had to take the speedy route. 5-6 hours on high.  

There and Back Again... China 2009

Well, I have officially been to another country, and flown over many others.  China was incredible.  Unexplainably incredible.  I believe we actually landed in Hong Kong October 2, went to Fanling and exchanged our money into Chinese and Hong Kong currency, and traveled by train  from there into Mainland China.  My first time crossing the border was very overwhelming.  There were incredible amounts of paperwork-mostly health forms, which declared that we had not been in contact with anyone carrying or possessing the symptoms of swine flue.  Now I feel like I could surely fill out the many forms in my sleep.

We spent our first night in Shenzhen, but left the next morning by train to worship with the Chinese Believers in Guangzhou.  The Saturday before the Sunday meeting was spent touring around Guangzhou.  We went through the street markets, into small shops, looked around in a hotel the was way expensive (also the same place where Chinese children are adopted), and went to a huge shopping type of plaza (pictured above) that was so crowded that I found myself walking under someone else's umbrella with them.  And this was a slow day.

Worship with the Chinese was beautiful.  They have this glow about them that could easily single them out in the crowds of millions.  They are so passionate that even in light of persecution they will not stand down.  One of the guys we saw frequently during our trip spoke a little english and was so excited and on fire that it was contagious. When he found out we were leaving Monday he began to get very excited and was bubbling over and said "We will all be together in Heaven . . . forever."  Then, just before he left, he prayed for us in Mandarin--it was so special and unforgettable.

To back up a bit . . . my interesting experience on my second trip through the border:

I got very hot during our walk from the apartment to the train which, obviously, raised my temperature. I didn't cool of very much, even on the air conditioned train ride, on the way to the border.  I passed customs leaving Hong Kong with ease and no problems, but on passing through the health checkpoint two Chinese women wearing masks (everyone who worked in the border and some citizens wore medical masks) stood up and pointed at me from behind the computer screen laden desk.  One walked over to me, grabbed my passport, which was in my hand, and lead me back in the opposite direction from where we needed to go.  She took me to a desk and wrote a note on a piece of paper and stuck it to my passport.  The other medic at this desk began pulling a mask out and tried to communicate to me to put in on.  Where did I go next?  No where else but the hospital in the border!  I was being quarantined!  My dad tried to come with me, but they wouldn't allow it.  Thankfully, he could still see me.  They sat me in a chair, and stuck a thermometer under my arm and said "Five minutes."  I sat and sat waiting and trying to figure out why in the world I was even there.  Then I realized . . . because of how hot I had gotten outside they thought that I had a fever, and which automatically registered to them as swine flue. My poor dad, standing at the end of the hall not knowing what was happening.  Then Ray, the guy who lead us every where, told him that he had never seen anything like this.  I was in there worried that somehow they would conclude that I was sick and give me some unneeded shot that would make me sick for real.  Finally they took the thermometer, but didn't say anything.  They still had my passport, and were looking over some paperwork.  I tried to ask one of them if I could go but he spoke basiclly no english and insinuated that I had to wait.  They stamped an arrival card (Oh, don't forget I'm wearing a mask this whole time) with my temp and handed me my passport and told me to go.

From then on customs was the least of my worries.  Looking back it was really a funny experience that I'm glad I had.  I even still have my mask!

Being careful with my wording . . . we were 100% successful in transporting the items through the border.  Over 1,100 were carried through.  Praise the Lord!

China will forever be on my heart and often on my mind, and I hope that God has planned for me to go back.

As I said . . .

As I said . . . we leave in two days, and the nerves (good ones and some that are a bit worrisome) are starting to kick in.  When my train of thoughts are lying in the more "Flying across the ocean, staying in a closed in space for 16 hours--what if . . ." area, then  I get a bit anxious. But, when I think about why we are going these anxiousness nearly dissipates. It is really a cool God thing to me.
I still haven't put a single thing in my suitcase, but I think I will enjoy it so that is probably why I am procrastinating-- so, technically it is not the negative type of procrastination.

Zaijian! (for now)
(I will probably post again before we leave)

Read on 16 hour flights . . .

A bit of entertainment for a flight which at a length that I have never experienced.

We leave in 2 days!

Finally! An idea!

Yes, I have an idea, but it is still very premature. I will share more if anything "solid" comes to pass.

Thinking . . . .

 A few months ago I read Do Hard Things, by Alex and Brett Harris which focused on the low expectations our culture has of teenagers.  Alex and Brett's aim is to unite teen under one banner of rebelling against these low expectations.  They give you story after story of teens doing extraordinary things for the glory of God.  Things like raising money to build wells in Africa, igniting the hearts of youth to bring an end to modern day slavery, and much more. Of course, it is a compelling message.  It made me want to do something. We went to one of the conferences in 2008, which made me totally "pumped".  I wanted to do something!  Something extraordinary.  Naturally, I would be interested in doing something involving orphans, for I have had a burden for them for years.  I know it is unreasonable to think that they could all be adopted, but I do think it reasonable to think that we could work toward the betterment of their lives and living situations.  I don't really have a plan, but just premature thoughts. I really believe our generation can make a difference and get involved in the lives of orphans.
Any ideas?

French Toast

French Toast Breakfast

These are important to have at least once a week.

And now . . . my super secret, super complex recipe . . . . .

1. some milk (I have no idea of what amount)

2. an egg

3. some cinnamon

4. a bit of sugar

5. mix it up and slap a slice of bread in and then onto a skillet.

Then you must cook it until the eggs don't have an appearance of Salmonella poisoning.

Honestly though, the real recipe from which I contrived this super-secret-super-complex-pitiful-excuse-for-a-recipe recipe is in the Better Homes Cookbook.

I'm sure you have eaten French Toast, but if not, you must, or you will be risking offending the Secret French Toast Society.

Xiajian!

(I'm not quite sure why everything is underlined--if you know, let me know)

Still Sick-- Quite Sick (and a bit of China)

Two posts back I stated that we were all sick with something that sounded like "microplasm", but one doctor thought it was whooping cough-- a diagnosis we thought not very probable. Well, we are back to square one. Yesterday my dad talked to a doctor that goes to our church who said that they had had 20 confirmed cases of whooping cough in his office this past week (I think). Now we are pretty sure this is the case with us. He said that even though we have been immunized against it that it could have worn off. The good news . . . he called ALL of us antibiotics in yesterday, which are now in our system. I leave for China two weeks from this Thursday, and I am so grateful to have the medicine in me.

A bit of good news regarding the China trip:

Our passports are back, which contain our visas. Everything seems to be on track, for the date of departure is quickly approaching.

Little Women

I read  Little Women  about six years ago ( I would have been ten or eleven) and cried my eyes out.  I literally felt sick because it didn't play out quite like I wished.  Laurie (a guy)asks Jo(a girl) to marry him, and then-of all things- she refuses him!  I was utterly and completely disturbed . . . .  Then, Jo falls for a German professor of philosophy, who has to be 15-20 years older than her, and, in the end, marries him.  Laurie marries Jo's youngest sister, Amy.  So sad.  Also, Beth, next to youngest of the Marge ladies dies of what I believe to be heart failure, but, when I read the book I was glad (don't think me evil!) (I feel bad now)because she apparently was interested in Laurie and I thought that would inhibit he and Jo from marrying-which didn't matter because they were not destined for one another anyway.  Once again, anyway . . . .  I watched the movie a few years ago and felt about it just like I had the book- unpleasant and disturbing.  But, today my feelings and thoughts are reformed, or conformed to the more positive. I loved the dynamic between each of the sisters.  The late night theatre in the attic was so much fun. And, surprisingly so, I was totally okay with Jo marrying someone other than Laurie; I rather liked the professor this time.  I also like that they go on to found the school for underprivileged  boys.  Ideal for both of their characters. 

I am now comfortably arriving at the conclusion that, on my first reading the book, I made a rash and thoughtless decision.  Little Women is, to me,  a happy and beautiful story. 

Sick

Happening now: 

 I am blogging, my mother and brothers are watching Fox and the Hound 2 (which is strange because Reba McEntire plays a dog's voice), and . . . we are quarantined to our house.

We have been coughing our brains out for weeks, and the doctor seems to think we have whooping cough--people used to die from it! So I'm sure that you can see how this news could be a bit disconcerting. Now, another doctor seems to think it nearly impossible that we could have whooping cough because we have all been vaccinated against it, but thinks we have something that sounds like "microplasm".  

The fun thing is that we are not expected to do anything but rest.  After a while this can become cause enough to feel insane, but eventually the feeling passes. 

Prospect of an interesting summer of 2010

Of late, I have been greatly interested in participating in Notre Dame's "Summer Scholars" program. You, and all other participants (all high schoolers) live on campus for two weeks studying in the track of your choice. There is not a vast list of subjects, but they all (I'm sure) are very interesting, and, in the end, would provide a rewarding experience. There is Literature, Science based, business, law, psychology, and other such things. But, there so happens to be on that stands out particularly to me, -drum roll- the study of . . . China. Oh, yes . . . . Sounds wonderful, doesn't it. Well, apparently not to many other people, for, when we called the school, the guy said that they did not offer the Chinese track last year (this past summer) due to lack of interest. So, with that in mind, I am trying to create a back-up plan. I have to be very prepared to even apply, so there are many things to consider. I have to take my SAT this spring, and have to have official transcripts ready. It's all so exciting to think about, but still a bit shaky. I think I will still apply, not knowing if the Chinese track will be available, but am not sure what to do if I get accepted and it isn't. Naturally, I would just pick another, but there weren't really too many things I was 100% interested in. So, with all of that in the air, and on the table, the prospect of preparing for an application of some sort is rather exciting, and preparing for the SAT will (or should) give me a boost in scholastic motivation.

Until the next time! Zaijian!

Observations

1. I like weddings; my father does not.

2. Most people don't relish cold weather.

3. Mandarin is a challenge.

4. Moses (our dog) is a weird creature.

5. I have become a slacker in the blogging world--this post is pathetic!

6. Wise is a half-back (whatever that may be)

7. I stay up too late.

8. School is about to start.

9. This is my second numerically listed post.

10. Running gets easier.

11. Pride & Prejudice is just . . . beautiful.

12. Also, Prancer is wonderful.  I'm rather nerdy when it come to Christmas movies.

Reason to be happy . . .

1. I'm free!

2. itunes is just great

3. I just had some nice green tea

4. fall is just around the corner

5. family from Alabama will be coming for a visit Labor Day Weekend

6. anticipating new subjects this year (in school--I'm sure many in life as well)

7. 42 days until China

8. just got a free download--Kate Earl, Melody (not really sure who she is, but maybe)

9. Family is healthy

10. my support for the China trip is almost completely raised

11. Someone cleaned our car out for us yesterday

12. a really cool desk chair is always a joy to have (mine is many moons older and the wheels hardly work, but it has character--and it wasn't $400)

13. I get to go to the Lodge tomorrow and help prepare for the "big to do" event

14. I could easily go on forever like this, and that is really good reason to be happy!

The Girl in the Metal Building

 There was a woman and her friend, both missionaries, walking down the road in Cambodia.  Suddenly they hear something clattering violently in a metal building.  They began searching out the problem. They open the door and find a girl, about eleven years old, chained to a board, and left completely alone.  This young girl's mother said that the purpose of this type of containment was because the girl had a "monkey demon".  Of course they want to help this girl-save her!  The mother reluctantly allows them to take her to the hospital, but said that they must bring her back.  They take her to the hospital but, of course, she has no "monkey demon", but a light case of Epilepsy that could be controlled by orally taking medication- just two pills.  Simple, right? She can be helped- healed!  Finally, a dismal end, the mother wanted her back, and if nothing has changed . . . that eleven year old girl, now a few years older, who has no "monkey demon" is still chained up to the board in the small metal building.  

Things like this remind me of how easy my life is.  How God said He wanted to save me, just like the missionary desperately  wanted to save the young girl chained to the bondage of her assumed (not real, of course) "demon".  No one was denying me the privilege of rescue from my bondage to sin- her mother did.  This story is heart-breaking, yes, but it should also spur our hearts to desperately cry out to God for these people just like the girl in the metal building. All in bondage to many diverse things, but in bondage none the less.

Anguish

This video is more convicting and more inspiring for change to a dry heart than anything I have ever seen in my life.  It cuts me past the surface and wedges deeply in my heart. Please check it out . . . . ANGUISH 

La la la la . . . .

I have yet to figure out how to add videos, so you will just have to click on this to see the song I am currently in adoration of.  It's fun and different. Trust me . . . you've heard it. 

China

So, if you have read my profile, my facebook, or my Twitter, you have probably come to the conclusion that I have an thing for China. I must say, this is very true. For a few years I have wanted our family to adopt from China specifically, but, unfortunately, we have too many kids! Really, we do. The government itself doesn't allow families with more that four minors living in their home to adopt. It was really a sad "dead end" to the hope I had that something could be done, or a rule could be waved in our favor. I've resigned myself to the fact that one day, it will be my time to do it- before I have over four minors living in my home, and after I turn 30 (another rule/requirement). Since nothing can be done on that subject (the subject of adoption, that is) at this point in time, I have decided to focus on the here and now. I have a burden for China and things can be done for the Chinese that isn't exclusive to a certain age or a certain number of children, or, in my case, siblings. I have "looked" at mission trips hosted by different organizations for about a year now, but just never found the right thing. I am happy, overjoyed really, to say that this October, 2009, my dad, two other friend and I will be traveling to China for a little over a week. I will not disclose the details of our objection on the trip right now, but would really appreciate prayer in this matter. Our original plan was to leave either the 2nd or 4th of October, but possible flights for that time seem to be saying the 1st is the most probable. I am 3/4 of the way to my goal for financial support, which is a huge blessing.

Many thanks to the Orchestrator of the trip, and for His provision in making it possible.

Wan' an!

So, yes, I am still quite alive . . .

Sorry for the tardiness of my posting.  Some of the fault lies with my just being too lazy to do it, and some with my feeling incapable of writing anything worthwhile to read.  But, what is a blog for anyway?  

I am happy to declare through out the "www" that I have finally read Jane Austin's "Pride & Prejudice".  It was, in a word, lovely.  Austin's quality in depicting her ever cherished story far surpasses all of the films made in it's honor, even the BBC version.  For some time I have said that "I am not a fan of Jane Austin, I am a fan of her work", but no more can I fully say that with any level of honesty.  Her characters have such an overwhelming depth when their life and conversations are read from the hand of their creator.  Such depth that I had never even noticed when watching the movies.  

So, summer seems like it should be coming to an end.  I must say that I am no fan of summer weather, and or summer activities.  I really prefer indoor activities above the outdoor, outdoor activities like sports, sports, sports, and sports.  I am fine with other things outside, like bonfires, hiking, walks for the sole purpose of enjoyment (I suppose that is similar to a hike), and other non-threatening things.  

Right now I should be doing noting aside from knitting. There is girl on the Rebelution Forum that is going on a missions trip and needed scarves and other knitted and crocheted items, so of course I volunteer.  How many scarves have I made?  1/20 of one.  Well, I did complete one, but I liked it so much that I have decided to keep it.  That seems rude, doesn't it? Anywho, I will do it . . . hopefully before her departure.  

This seems to be a very monotonous post. 

Finally . . . "The Mortification of Sin"

There were many key points in “The Mortification of Sin” that were profound and life reforming, but I wanted to mainly expound on chapter 8-“Humility”. Owen’s opening statement was this (and the very skeleton of the chapter): “We need to be exercised with such meditations as will fill us at all times with self-abasement and thoughts of our own vileness.” That one statement already defiles everything our culture teaches. It denies self-esteem, the self-confidence that “you have the right to obtain”. In my own life I see that if the knowledge of neediness for God is absent in my life then I am not seeing the depths of my own ‘vileness’. When you thoroughly meditate on your own wretchedness and compare it to the glory of Christ you cannot possibly remain ignorant of your need. Then comes the awe of the deep love of God for wanting to save you. Another point of Owen (paraphrased): we can come to a deep realization of our ardent need for God by seeing our inconceivable and infinite distance from Him.
Humility is a very important tool for mortification any way you look at it. But, also, true mortification is a work of the spirit, but we still have an obligation as believers to pursue holiness and sanctification . . . accompanied by the grace of God.
Another point- Consider the men of old and their view of God. This slightly applies to my post “Access and the Cross”- the difference between our communion with God and the view of God the people of the OT held. A considerably large change has come to pass on this topic.
Habakkuk says: ‘I hear and my body trembles; my lips quiver at the sound; rottenness enters my bones; my legs tremble beneath me . . . .’ “Such were the thoughts of the men of old. When they saw God, they thought they would die. The Scriptures abound in these self-abasing considerations.”-John Owen.
I know that true mortification of sin will never be obtained until we leave this world, but the pursuit of it is a significant and (I’m sure) rewarding portion of the journey in the life of a believer. I could never convey every aspect of this magnificent and superlative read, hence my STRONG recommendation that you read it for yourself and discover its life altering truths.

New Post!!!!!

I was recently informed- by a loyal reader (who refuses to share their cookie recipe)- that I have not posted in a while. For anyone who may be wondering . . . I am finishing a book and am planning on posting on it as soon as I am finished.
Zai jian!

Yellow, Green, and Red

I have not been a licenced driver for an exorbant amount of time, which, once you learn the product of my observation, presents this question: "Is it just me?". I have noticed, time and again, that when one is driving along and they come to a traffic light there are always four possibilities . . . one, you might have to stop, two, you may be forced to slow down, three, you may be given leave to keep going, four, you may be given leave to keep going. Number one applies to a red light, number two applies to a yellow light, number three applies to a green light, and number four applies to a yellow light (in most cases). When most people come to a traffic light and it turns yellow, they generally speed up to get through instead of slowing down. I don't know why, but I really do find that humorous. From the beginning of your life you learn that red means stop, green means go (according to my drivers ed teacher, green actually means "proceed with caution" . . . I don't know about that one), and YELLOW generally means slow down . . . even Barney says so! Anyway . . . I'm not quite sure where this one came from.

Access and the Cross

I am aware of the fact that blogging gives one the opportunity to relay thoughts. But, sometimes there is simply too much. The "Mortification of Sin" book is going well (if you have ever read you know how tiny it is and are most likely thinking that I should have read it in an hour, but there is just too much to take in for a speed read session). Many truths are being revealed to me with with the turn of each page.

I have too much on my mind to share all, but I really do want to mention a few things that have "stuck out" to me lately. About two weeks ago in small group, access came up. Access comes in many forms and relates to many things. The access we (by we I mean the adults--I listen) were discussing is our access to God. It is really amazing, beyond amazing really, the access we have to the creator of the universe. This also falls in line with adoration of the cross, for me. Recently I found that I had lost an adoration for Christ and His sacrifice. You may be thinking that I am a complete heathen and a wretch, and to that I must reply, "I am". I can honestly say that it was a very distressing time, but I also believe God has used it to teach me to value Christ more than I ever have. Back to "access". My Mom has always read the Bible to my bothers and I in the mornings around or after breakfast, and when reading the Old Testament I find myself getting very . . . well . . . bored. I feel horrible about it. One of the reasons is the descriptions of the many things the people of Israel had to go through to gain access to God. And it wasn't even them personally--it was the Priest, essentially a Levite that was aloud to go before God. To them it was normal. To me, a part of scripture that causes me to nearly fall asleep. I can say that now I really am trying to put forth more of an effort to appreciate it, and, with God's grace, I think I have had at least some success in that area. I have learned to have a greater value for it. It all really does tie together . . . . If you lose an adoration for the cross then you must look at what Christ and the power of His sacrifice has given us . . . access. When you lose adoration for our access to God . . . look to Christ's sacrifice. And, as in my case, when aspects of scripture pertaining to the sacrifices, the priests, the alters, and the critical way and order in which it was performed bores you, then you can first look to the cross, then to the acces. It really sounds simple now as I write it, but merely meditating on these things has made an impact on my life that has been far from simple.

George . . . Not Mueller

Ni hao! Or Nin hao if you are of the more formal population.

I am still reading the Mortification of Sin, hence the inability to write a review. Instead, I thought I would share a "funny" with you. Last Friday (Good Friday) my Dad was off work, and we had no school, so our whole family went to town to eat and do whatever else came into our heads that didn't include murder, and or robbery. We ended up at the mall's pet-shop (dangerous place to be). We looked around, gawked, oohed and ahead at the very expensive puppies, but came to the rabbit display. We held one, but quickly put it back because, quite honestly, he was bizarre and spastic. Then my Dad spots a small, but VERY fat on with floppy ears. We held him for a few minutes, and left the pet-store being his parents. We began the day calling him Clive after C.S. Lewis, but decided it just didn't fit, so now he is none other than George--named after George Mueller of course! Trust me, he looks like a George. All of that is not the funny part. He is also very fond of nibbling--borderline biting--fingers, available toes, and anything else he can fit his mouth on. Yesterday I suggested to Wise, my seven year old brother, that he should see if George would kiss him on the cheek. Surprisingly, he to my suggestion. I forgot about it until he screamed at the top of his lungs. Dear George bit his cheek. He had two little marks on his face (the size of George's teethe) that immediately began to swell and turned a ghastly shade of white . . . then purple. Is that crazy, or what!? Rabbits don't bite cheeks! Okay, Confucius says: don't allow your rabbit the freedom to be that close to your face. Hopefully George is just teething, like all babies must do, and will grow out of it. If not . . . well . . . I'm not sure what we will do.

Too Many Titles

I have been reading an array of books lately. The titles range from Jane Eyre to the Northern and Southern Dynasties of China, and many in between. Normally, I would say that it's a good thing to read many "subjects" but as of right now there are too many under the same subject. I need to finish this "group". The past couple of days I have poured more of my time into the Mortification of Sin, by John Owen--very good book. I believe it has been one of the most "transforming" books I have ever read. Over and over, with the turn of each page, I am challenged. I will write more about it when I'm finished. If you have nothing to read, or even if you're reading a million other things, like myself, than you should check it out.

John Owen

I like where it tells of his conviction. I wish that didn't seem abnormal and that it was a common occurrence in my own walk with God.
About John Owen
Owen was by common consent the weightiest Puritan theologian, and many would bracket him with Jonathan Edwards as one of the greatest Reformed theologians of all time. Born in 1616, he entered Queen's College, Oxford, at the age of twelve and secured his M.A. in 1635, when he was nineteen. In his early twenties, conviction of sin threw him into such turmoil that for three months he could scarcely utter a coherent word on anything; but slowly he learned to trust Christ, and so found peace. In 1637 he became a pastor; in the 1640s he was chaplain to Oliver Cromwell, and in 1651 he was made Dean of Christ Church, Oxford's largest college. In 1652 he was given the additional post of Vice-Chancellor of the University, which he then reorganized with conspicuous success. After 1660 he led the Independents through the bitter years of persecution till his death in 1683. (by J.I. Packer)

Week 2 of Journey

We made it to Alabama, and to the Kaitlyn's wedding. It was a lot of fun and very sweet. If I had pictures I would post them, but . . . I do not.

The rehearsal dinner was at a pub called "the Pub". It was at "the Pub" that my brothers found their love for crab claws. I didn't eat any, but I did eat something with spinach in it (that was brave) and found it to be rather tasteful.
At the moment I am babysitting my dear siblings. Dozier (two year old) is bordering on eat a whole box of cereal, and keeps turning the light off. (I am a fan of lights-lots of lights). I am watching one of the Christy movies of which I have never been tagged as a fan. I have come to the conclusion that I don't mind the series as a whole, but I most assuredly do not care for the ending. It is sad, depressing, and doesn't turn out the way I want it to. I have found that I can watch them, avoid the last one, and be okay. I think I have just labeled myself as a dork.
Side note: I have had to start over again on my knitted hat, but have sought advice on the subject and seem to be on the right track.

Can You Say "Road Trip"?

I am currently riding down the road, it's name I do not know, in Indiana. Our first stop will be in Kentucky, then on to Alabama. Other than feeling a bit car sick from staring at the computer screen, everything is going great! We have stopped for bathroom breaks around 60-70 times--patience is a virtue--and have helped a two year old use his training potty thing in the car (he has done a fairly nice job). Last stop we made, Price, my 10 year old brother, had use the bathroom so bad that he went into the women's restroom because the men's was "occupied".

I am switching between Bronte and Austen, one brother is reading Brisinger (sp?), and another Chronicles of Narnia, another playing with an action figure and making strange noises to go with it, and last . . . the other is pleading to get down out of his car seat. And since sodas are a NO NO, we have overdosed on flavored water and Sun-Chips . . . although we did splurge on some Doritos. Well, that is pretty much the run-dow . .

Hear Us From Heaven

I've listened to this song many times, but today was the first time I actually paid attention to it's full meaning. It's message is no less than the message of revival. I added the video at the bottom of this page- it is the one that looks like CD cover with a door on it. Here are the lyrics:

Verse I Lord hear our cry Come heal our land Breathe life into these Dry and thirsty souls

Verse II Lord hear our prayer Forgive our sins And as we call on Your name Would make this a place of Your glory to dwell

Verse III Open the blind eyes Unlock the deaf ears Come to Your people As we draw near Hear us from heaven And touch our generation We are Your people Crying out in desperation

Knitting

Nihao! I recently learned to knit, but could only make something VERY simple (a scarf or a dish towel), so . . . I decided that I wanted to make a "chunky beret". A friend of mine sent me a site that had a pattern, but I quickly learned that it was a rather complex process (for me). Everything has initials which forces you to then Google the terms, find an easy Youtube video that explains it well, and then put it all together. I am now on my third or fourth try! This hat is making me crazy!!!! Last night I started one, but didn't use a pattern and ended up causing it to have a eternal twist. If I actually can complete one, and am not completely mortified over how it looks, then I will post a pic of it. Hopefully it won't terribly scare anyone. . .

Side note: That hat in the picture is what I hope to achieve.

"I'm Still Alive"

Well, No one died from the gas leak! And, as it turns out, there was no actual propane in the house, it was the odor stuff they put in the propane. Our tank was empty (unbeknown to us) and was sucking the smell out of the empty tank into the house. It's actually rather funny because we left all of our lights on that night when we left because when my parents were looking up the precautions to take when you have a gas leak it said not to turn lights on or off, and not to unplug anything. Of course, we unplugged our computer charger, hence the ability to write the post from that night. It was rather sad that it happened that particular night because I had just gotten home from Barnes & Noble with a book (which ended up costing waaay more than I thought it was) on the history of the Northern and Southern empires of China, and a Mandarin language kit. I was all ready to get down to business when I heard my Mom telling the boys that "Daddy is going to take care of it.", then she turns off the heater. First of all, I had been smelling something most of that day and thought it to be a dead mouse or something, so when I heard all of the commotion and bits and pieces of the conversation . . . it pretty much freaked me out. Anyway, we are safe! Praise the Lord! It's good to be in your house without the smell of propane . . .

A Gas Leak!!!

I thought this was one of a kind moment and that I should share it with you. It is 10:00 P.M. and we have just fled our house due to a gas leak. I am over being freaked out, but . . . oh dear, you should have seen me earlier! We are safe and sound in our neighbors house (they are like grandparents to us, but are out of town) which is an 1878 mansion. Quite lovely. We stayed here with them while our house was being built, so this is like my second home. Anyway . . . I have shared our crazy night with you. Goodnight!

Urgent Prayer

My dear friend, Patty Smith has been been battling breast cancer since the fall of 2007 and seemed to be doing well, but doctors recently found that the cancer has moved to her neck and possibly other places. I don't know how much freedom I have with relaying the information, but I ask you with all of my heart to please be praying for her. I can't imagine life without her . . . none of us can. We simply need a miracle.

What I'm Listening To

I've heard a lite amount of her music on Lord of the Rings and such, but the other night, I succumbed to the Barns & Noble marketing scheme in the music section. They have those things where you scan the CD you want to listen to and then it plays sample of every song on the CD . . . oh dear. Am I a sucker or what? I think I ended up paying the "Barns & Noble" price, but hey, life is too short to save every single penny (I do firmly believe in saving). Anyway, if you don't already have some of her music, you should check it out. She is Irish . . . if that persuades anyone. It's not like Irish pub music, more like "new age". The album I got is called "A Day Without Rain".

"Passion & Purity" . . . one of the best books that I have ever read. It's author, the one and only . . . Elizabeth Elliot, has the deepest insight and wisdom on the subject of purity. I first thought the book was called "Passion for Purity" and thought I really needed to read it. My reason for wanting to read it was very simple and a little disappointing to me personally. I had started noticing I had lost my "passion'' for purity. Yes, I still led a life of being committed to purity, but wasn't passionate about it anymore. It seemed normal; all of my friends are committed to purity as well, so it's not like I am ever under peer pressure (it's kind of like having a nose-so does everyone else!). My thinking was "Yeah, I'm committed to purity . . ." and not "Yes! I'm committed to purity . . .".Anyway, I asked my Dad if he had ever heard of the book and if he thought he could get it for me and he said he thought it was called "Passion & Purity". I got it, read it, and was amazed. I love how God worked that whole book thing out! I thought if was about having a passion for purity, but it was about having passion in purity. I found that the passion for the purity stems from the passion within the purity, and not necessarily with a human, but with God also. You have to value the worth of the purity to gain a passion for it. You will have no passion for something, nor will you protect something that is not important to you. I wouldn't try as hard to protect a person I have never met as much as I would my parents or one of my brothers. I might want to protect that "stranger" and might even try, but I wouldn't do it as fiercely for them as I would for the people I love and value. I read a book that I thought didn't really pertain to my "issue", and was (and still am) exceedingly enlightened and inspired. If you get the chance, read the book. It is amazing insight, but as great as the insight is Elizabeth and Jim Elliot's love story will be one of the larger tools in birthing within you a passion for purity. "The greatest things come at the highest price . . ."

I have been listening to Yo Yo Ma for about 45 minutes, and I must say it does make you feel smarter. Oh, yes . . . there is the keyword "feel". Who knows . . . . I'm trying to broaden my "musical horizons", if that is even an acceptable term. I like classical very much, hence the broadening isn't that difficult. I don't know what my favorite genre is (besides Christian music). I think it just depends on where I am and what mood I'm in. Oh, the weather does have a lot to do with it as well . . .

Branching Out

Wow! I haven't been on here in a very long time! I normally just sit at home and do boring things (Some not so boring! Knitting can be fun! So can reading!) and wish I could do something that involved the world outside the walls of our house. Most of the time I take a walk down the lane or back to the woods and the feeling passes, but recently I have branched out a bit. I have begun working at a pastor's retreat lodge (not every retreat is for pastors) and am enjoying it much more than I thought I would. Last night was my first time serving dinner, and it went surprisingly well. I was very nervous because everything is very formal, like . . . . the "Lodge" is an old mansion that overlooks a river and sits on the most beautifully kept grounds, and everyone is rather dressed up. Last night I served for a Revive Our Hearts (Nancy DeMoss' ministry) retreat/conference/summit. It was a wonderful group of people to "practice" on. I knew most of them and also got to meet some of the others. At one point when Mrs. Garr and I were topping off tea and water, Miss Nancy asked if she could interrupt her table's conversation and introduced Mrs. Garr and I to everyone at her table. The were all so sweet and saying "thank you, etc.". Come on, how often do you get to interact with such amazing people while "working"?

Song Writing

Today was a pretty fun/productive/interesting day. We had company from last Wednesday to yesterday afternoon, hence we were pooped. In a good way. We didn't make it to church this morning so we virtually did nothing. We watched no TV, and that is not because we are legalistic or think it's wrong to watch TV on Sundays, it is simply because . . . my Dad turned our satellite off! I don't really care, but my brothers are in mourning. So . . . today I read quite a bit from one of Elizabeth Elliot's books Passion and Purity. I am in awe of her. I've known her story for years, but reading from her heart pushed me into my "awed" state. I'll tell you later what urged me to read the book in the first place. Another story, another post . . .
Anyway, I also productively spent my time writing a song. I wrote it between a piano and a guitar, but can't decide which I like it best on. Probably the guitar. When I'm sure that I'm finished I will post the lyrics. My new goal when writing a song is to make sure that is it conducive to congregational worship. You know how certain artists' ,Steven Curtis Chapman for example, writes songs, but only he could sing them. But others, Chris Tomlin for example, write songs that anyone could sing and worship in. That is my goal.