already blessed.

what the heck is laminin?

2008-05-13T22:44:00.001-05:00

The first few minutes are the end of a sermon. But the whole thing is worth watching. Giglio talks really loudly so be aware!!

2008-04-28T22:54:00.002-05:00

Steph did it ... so me too :)

i am: so wiped out from my weekend.
i think: I am ready for the end of school.
i know: Jesus is Lord.
i want: my apartment complex to release me from my lease!
i have: a fat rasberry on my butt.
i wish: for my economy stimulus check to get here!
i hate: the word hate.
i miss: my friends who don't live in CST.
i fear: the future.
i feel: the winds of change a'comin.
i hear: the fan going, the computer buzzing, the click clack of the computer keys and Chris sending me a message.
i smell: the mixture of stink from softball tonight and clean from washing up.
i crave: an abundance of sleep which I won't get because tomorrow is Tuesday.
i search: on Google, mostly.
i wonder: what God has in store for me to figure out about Him.
i regret: not trying harder in college.
i love: laughing.
i ache: from little sleep and diving and sliding tonight at Veteran's (stoopid!!).
i care: about my students.
i always: strive to do my best, even when I don't want to be there.
i am not: ready for all of this.
i believe: in a thing called love.
i dance: when I'm hyper or super excited.
i sing: all the time.
i don’t always: pray.
i fight: for my kids.
i write: a lot of emails.
i win: because Jesus already did!
i lose: weight when I try.
i never: put my clothes away immediately (i'm trying!).
i confuse: religion with relationship. (mm that's a good one, Steph. I'm keepin it)
i listen: and try to remember what they say.
i can usually be found: with others.
i am scared: of the dark.
i need: to know when.
i am happy about: my current relationship situation.

Fun stuff! Now it's your turn!

first day jitters?

2008-03-16T17:00:00.000-05:00

we opened the new sanctuary today. we had our first worship service there.

but today is palm sunday.

palm sunday was and is a celebration of jesus entering the city. Hosanna in the highest! we are supposed to celebrate jesus.

today did not feel like this to me. i mean, it is a big deal that we opened the new sanctuary, but i felt like a stranger in my own land. so weird.

why am i troubled by this? i can't figure it out. the best way i can describe it is how i just told my mom a few minutes ago.. i didn't feel like i was at my church - being in that sanctuary didn't feel like being at my church. that's probably a first for me. its kind of scary and troubling.

mom said that it will probably take a little while for us to get used to the new sanctuary. but why should it? why can't it feel like home immediately? when a person is in the presence of the Lord, they should feel comfortable, at home, and at the same time, disturbed.

i am conflicted. i hope it settles.

random thoughts for a friday night

2008-03-14T23:35:00.002-05:00

i've never been drunk, but there are moments & times when i think i really want to be. or at least want to drink enough to forget my worries.. sounds like a country western song.

vacations are the bomb dot com. i want to make enough money (or save enough money) every year so i can spend sufficient time away from my day to day life and travel a little bit - even if it's just for a conference or just across texas.

i am so grumpy right now and so badly do not want to go to soccer practice in the morning (yes, saturday morning) why do i want so badly for soccer season to be over? i think i am worn out. every time i look at my date book, i get a little stressed out. (see random thought #1)

ugh i think i need time with my girls. isn't it interesting how women live in community? (not that this is a new thought or fact) we so strive and yearn for relationships with others & so need friendship and companionship with other females. i think i lack most there (at least right now in the grand scheme of life). i spend the majority of my time (so far this semester) at work, at soccer (i work with two men and a bunch of highschool girls) and with chris. i've gotta plan some girl time before march is over or i might go crazy.

i told you it was going to be random, didn't i?

a joke before i go -

What did the man say to the houses that were on top of him?

"get off me, homes"
:o)
all my love -

2008-02-07T22:43:00.000-06:00

Shaquille O'Neal has ruined my second favorite NBA team... That's right. If you hadn't heard, Shaq got traded to the Phoenix Suns. I am frustrated by this!! WHYYYYYyyyyy... blehhh...

the new face of the Suns.. what a great reputation to bring to a great team...

Also in past news, 2008 has begun. (you been under a rock?) Things have been really good so far! Extremely busy, but really good. Soccer is flat out wearing me out!! My team (the JV) has three losses already!! >:o( For the past two years, I've ended the season with one loss, each season. So, hopefully, the girls will pick it up and start winning games so we can turn our record around and not suck. :) (We're not undefeated in district this year.. booo...)
I'm so stinking ready for Spring Break! I'm flying to California to hang out with Kat for 5 days. It's gonna be great!! And then after that, I'm so ready for summer :o)

For now, I'm so ready for bed. Gnight!

more jokes!

2007-12-29T00:39:00.000-06:00

How did the dentist get to the North Pole?

He took the Molar Express!! :o)

And....

Why does a chicken coop have 2 doors?

Because if it had 4 doors, it'd be called a chicken sedan!!

hahahahahaha.......

Happy New Year!!!!

2007-12-18T10:01:00.000-06:00

Phew! Life has been fast and furious (seemingly) over the past few weeks. Lots of Christmas parties, seeing good friends, & preparing for the coming of the Christ child!!

I love this time of year. There is so much love & laughter shared, plus lots of FOOD. :o) I'm always game for food. The seasonal music always puts me in a good mood too. I actually find myself listening to Christmas music in the summer sometimes!! The lyrics are so raw & blatantly talking about Jesus & God, but the entire nation, no matter what radio station you're listening to, plays these Christmas songs! I love that. It's just a nice warm, fuzzy feeling.

As I was sitting at work .. just now .. I pulled up an article that you all need to read. It's so stinkin hilarious, but awe-inspiring. The title of it is: Galaxy blasts neighbor with deadly jet;
‘Death star galaxy’ could obliterate the atmospheres of planets. Click here to check it out. It not only makes you feel completely insignificant, the writing will make you laugh! Go ahead and check it out and let me know what you think :o)

There's a really good chance that I won't post again this month, but no promises.

Just in case,
Have a very Merry Christmas & celebrate '08 !! (Hey I kinda like that..)

an update with photos

2007-12-01T17:49:00.000-06:00

Well, it's been awhile since I last blogged, but it's been busy for sure. I'll pick up where I left off...

I went to San Francisco for a conference at the beginning of November. We had a really good time!!

The Golden Gate Bridge from "Dave's spot."

A small market at the top of Nob Hill.

Ben Lee in concert

Hangin' with Kat and eating icecream that should be served with an insulin shot.

The next week, we had one of our first Young Adult Ministries functions at the bowling alley. It was first suggested that we have a 70s night bowling, but I reminded them that none of us really remember the 70s and it would be more appropriate to have an 80s bowling night. So we did!! It was a lot of fun!

Just some of the crew bein' silly. As you can see, some people decided not to dress up...

Karen was going for the whole "Dazed and Confused" look.

A few weeks later, I attended the area meet for our special olympics bowling team in Conroe. As always, we had a blast!! The kids got their medals, we ate lunch, and headed home. As usual, I tried to sleep because I was just totally wiped out.

Note the multiple seat belts just in case of an abrupt stop..

That same night, I went to a super fun party with some of my soccer team friends (the one I play on, not the one I coach). Sorry, no pictures there. And I also attended the saddest Aggie soccer game ever. It was the second round of the NCAA playoffs and we played UT for the third time this season. If my foreshadowing didn't give you the result, we lost and got kicked out of the playoffs. It sucked. Especially since Texas got knocked out the next round. Grrr... However, a fun day/night overall.

Later in the month, along with the rest of this nation, I celebrated Thanksgiving. It was really just nice to have a holiday from work!!! We had brunch with Mom, dinner with Dad and then we watched BloodDiamond. I think I just wasn't in the mood to watch that after Thanksgiving dinner.... I think I would have rather watched football.. again. :oP

The holiday didn't last nearly as long as I wanted to though. Monday, after school we started soccer tryouts. As much as I look forward to soccer season, I almost dread tryouts. It's just long hours and mentally tiring! That lasted all week, and finally on Thursday, we were finished with tryouts!! Which meant that Friday, I got to go home at the normal time... Which I guess at this point in the year, is no longer the normal time... Sigh... ;-) But that's okay! Friday night was relaxing and well deserved after my full week.

Today was probably one of the best new things I've done in a long time!! Julie emailed me, among others, and invited us out to celebrate Wesley's birthday today to Soggybottom ATV Ranch. We had SO much fun. I've always been hesitant to ride 4-wheelers and such because of some friends' past experiences and just hearing scary stories about 4-wheeling gone bad, but today those concerns were alleviated!

the crew after we all had ridden once or twice (look at our pants!!)

so there was a lot of mud out there...

Overall, November was pretty great. And December looks promising too. ;) Kat is coming to town this next weekend and Wendy and Ginger might make a trip down, too! I just love visitors! :)

(Yes, I left out the guitar hero/christmas cookie/ornament party we had the other night, but I don't have any pictures from it, so I couldn't include it... but it was fun, and if you weren't there, you missed out.) :o)

2007-10-31T21:06:00.000-05:00

As I sit here and procrastinate... and procrastinate... and procrastinate some more........

I just finished watching Dancing with the Stars online from last night's showing. And I am just SHOCKED. I didn't get to watch the show on Monday night so I couldn't vote, so the outcome just makes me feel almost guilty. Sabrina & Mark got kicked off. Dad-gummit. I, along with so many others, including the judges, thought that they would make it to the finals!! Jane & Toney should have gone home tonight... or Marie & Jonathan!! Grr this just pushes my buttons. They're the best, they should have made it. Grr Now I'm gonna have to watch every time just so I can make sure my other favorites make it!!

I'm going to San Francisco tomorrow for a conference. It's now 9:30pm and I'm not packed. So I'm gonna go do that now...

a little joke .. .. ..

2007-10-18T10:46:00.000-05:00

What do you get when you take the circumference of a pumpkin and divide it by it's radius?

Pumpkin Pi.

:o)

2007-10-13T13:43:00.000-05:00

Trunk monkey is hilarious . . . if you want to see them all, go to you tube.

2007-10-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday Night Live makes me laugh, but The Muppets on SNL?? Now that is comedy!!!

what would YOU do??

2007-10-03T19:49:00.000-05:00

I went to Whataburger tonight after my soccer game and ordered a burger and a drink. That's it. No fries, because I knew I didn't want to eat them. So I sit and wait, because Whataburger is a happenin' place.. and I wait.. and then I get my food! The lady brings it out to me and says, "I think he messed up your order, so I put some fries in there." Oh no!!!! I felt so bad... I told her I really really didn't want them and wasn't going to eat them, could she please take them back? And I guess for food safety, they can't take food back once it's been given to the customer, so now I have an order of fries sitting in my Whataburger bag.

It's so frustrating, because the lady thought she was doing me a favor by giving me the fries, and I guess I should feel blessed because it's a free blessing, ya know? But at the same time, I feel bad because I'm pretty sure I'm just going to throw them out into the woods behind the apartment (I know it's eventually going to just sit in a landfill, so why not give it to nature a little bit sooner and without the plastic garbage bag?). I don't have a roommate to give them to, and I think it would be totally awkward to just give them to someone in the complex that I don't know. I mean, picture it..

"Hi - Excuse me -- I have some extra fries from Whataburger, do you want them?"

.... Shady!!!

Random thoughts

For whatever reason, I've had some serious topics on the brain today.

For example, President Bush used a veto this morning (or last night) that denies a bill being passed that raises funds and provides health care for almost 4 million children.

CHILDREN. And he said no!! What am I supposed to think?? Granted, I don't know all of the costs and little nuances of it, but I know that these children need healthcare!!!!! I think the bill would add another tax to cigarettes, but I'm pretty dang sure that if the bill were to raise the tax on alcohol or something else I buy on a regular basis like (not that I buy alcohol on a regular basis...) .. toaster struedels.. just so that 4 million children could have health care... I'D PAY IT!!!! How ridiculous!!! Arghh...

Another thing I thought about on my way home tonight...
As I drove by Grace Bible, I saw a sign that said Pray to end Abortion. Yes, let's!!
But as I continued to drive, I started thinking further on this topic.. (I thought about abortion, not prayer) back in the day, before abortion was really well known.. like wayy back before the 1930s, abortion wasn't really an option. Women who got pregnant pretty much had to go through with the pregnancy and then once the baby was born, well, I don't know what they did with a kid they didn't want, but that's beside the point. They had to go through with it! There was no "quick fix" for pregnancy or even for allergies, the flu or diarrhea for that matter. We live in a society today that allows and encourages a "quick fix" for whatever ails us. We have the geek squad for our computers, band aids for our boo boos, a spare tire in the trunk when we get a flat, we can go shopping from the comfort of our home and with a few clicks on the keyboard! What if we didn't have these quick fixes? What if life was a whole lot harder??

I think I would, and many others, would rely on God a lot more.. and would have a stronger prayer life.. and would have a stronger fear of God.

Sometimes, sometimes, I wish life were a little bit harder. We'll see what He gives me now that I've asked. (yikes!)

stay tuned for pictures from the David Crowder Band concert!! yeah!

2007-09-28T10:06:00.000-05:00

I know.. it's been awhile, huh?

I saw this song performed on Dancing with the Stars, and even though it's kind of .. not my style? .. I really like the lyrics. I'll explain why after you read the lyrics :o)

People always comin' up to me and askin'
"Dolly, what's your secret?
With all you do, your attitude
Just seems to be so good
How do you keep it?"
Well I'm not the Dalai Lama, but I'll try
To offer up a few words of advice

Chorus:
You better get to livin', givin'
Don't forget to throw in a little forgivin'
And lovin' on the way
You better get to knowin', showin'
A little bit more concerned about where you're goin'
Just a word unto the wise
You better get to livin'

A girlfriend came to my house
Started cryin' on my shoulder Sunday evening
She was spinnin' such a sad tale
I could not believe the yarn that she was weavin'
So negative the words she had to say
I said if I had a violin I'd play

I said you'd better get to livin', givin'
Be willing and forgivin'
Cause all healing has to start with you
You better stop whining, pining
Get your dreams in line
And then just shine, design, refine
Until they come true
And you better get to livin'

Your life's a wreck, your house is mess
And your wardrobe way outdated
All your plans just keep on falling through
Overweight and under paid, under appreciated
I'm no guru, but I'll tell you
This I know is true

You better get to livin', givin'
A little more thought about bein'
A little more willin' to make a better way
Don't sweat the small stuff
Keep your chin up
Just hang tough
And if it gets too rough
Fall on your knees and pray
And do that everyday
Then you'll get to livin'

The day we're born we start to die
Don't waste one minute of this life
Get to livin'
Share your dreams and share your laughter
Make some points for the great hereafter

Better start carin'
Better start sharin'
Better start tryin'
Better start smiling
And you better get to livin'

Okay, so if you didn't figure it out, it's a new song by Dolly Parton. And even though she doesn't come right out and say it, and she tries not to step on toes, but I know she's trying to put forth the Message! And she, as a musician and actress, has put herself on the line by offering these potentially-if differently worded-harmful-to-her-career-image lyrics to the public. I applaud that and respect her for that brave attempt.

Also, the song, though I don't think myself a hermit too often, reminds me of how I should be living my life - to the fullest!! And sharing the joy and love that I receive with others.

Receive the joy I have !!

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.

-Philippians 1:3-6, 9-11

Gin & I with LA in the background!! (it was really bright outside)

Happy 4th of July!

2007-07-04T13:32:00.000-05:00

"There was only one night game a year. On the fourth of July the whole sky would brighten up with fireworks, giving us just enough light for a game. We played our best that night, because I guess we all felt like the "big leaguers" under the lights of some great stadium. Benny felt like that all the time. We all knew he was gonna go on to bigger and better games, because every time we stopped to watch the sky on those nights, like regular kids, he was there to call us back. Ya see, for us, baseball was a game. But for Benjamin Franklin Rodriguez, baseball was life." -The Sandlot

for jen . . .

2007-06-22T22:42:00.000-05:00

I have really really slowed down at blogging over the past year or so. I don't know why.. I just haven't. So.. here's a new one :o)

But as I was perusing the internet this afternoon, I came across an article that furthers my belief that Facebook is better than myspace.

Before you get offended or start leaving me mean comments, let me explain (and also remind you that I do have a myspace page).

I like Facebook better because it's not often that you receive some creepy stranger's request to be your friend. I don't know how many times that has happened to me on myspace, but it's gross and creepy and weird. Also, Facebook (so far) doesn't have hackers that log onto your profile and send out messages all about porno and how to get the newest Coach purse or iPod. I do like Facebook because it is clean. Literally: there are no backgrounds to upload, videos to add, music to express your latest mood, etc. (of course, this is not completely true with all of the latest applications that Facebook has offered. I'm pretty much boycotting these as much as possible. . . I did, however, sign up for the song one... I just like music) :o)

Facebook is also pretty dang honest. I'm not saying there aren't predators out there on Facebook, but you don't usually turn on MSNBC to watch the latest How to Catch a Predator and find that he or she had been chatting up some 13 year old on Facebook.. It's almost always myspace, which just supports my thoughts that myspace is dirty.

But, I guess one thing I do like about myspace is the variety of musical artists and bands and the simplicity available to them to share their music. If myspace was all about music, I'd definitely still be a fan.

Yeah, so .. there are some thoughts for you about that article. Enjoy.. or don't. Your call :o)

almost there...

2007-06-12T23:07:00.001-05:00

After an awesome weekend spent with friends (yay for Michael, Ginger, Karen, Thomas, James and more), a second win for the Spurs on Sunday, and a well spent birthday (it was sweet), the Spurs have made my Tuesday. :)

Tonight, the Spurs won in game 3 over the Cavs and I am hoping (although others are doubting) that the Spurs will win again on Thursday for a 4-0 sweep of the Finals this year.

GO SPURS, GO!!

Jesus loves the Spurs :)

2007-06-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

Spurs win game 1 vs the Cavs. These women of God are awesome. ;o)

2007-05-30T23:30:00.000-05:00

I started baking this cake tonight because I was afraid the mix would go bad on me.

Its delicious strawberry goodness turned out slightly ... lopsided somehow, but maybe because it was predicting something..

I'm thinkin' that my cake knew the Spurs would beat the Utah Jazz in lopsided Game 5 of the series (109-84!!!)to win the series 4-1 and move on to the NBA Finals!!!!!

GO SPURS, GO!

2007-05-29T16:06:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been a long while since I last posted. Almost a month! I can't say that I've been overly busy, just normally busy.

Since I last wrote, friends have graduated and moved away, they've gone off to start summer internships or summer camp-ships, or just have gotten married. It's funny how in college, May, August and December are times of change for every student. New class loads, new jobs, new lives. And when you graduate, you just kind of assume that will end for a while and you'll become part of the working world where nothing really has a definite end. There are no mid-semester breaks, holiday breaks, or summer breaks - it's all just a plain calendar with every work day reserved as .. a work day. Of course, unless you join back into the school system and that stays part of your life. (I swear, I'm not complaining about my summer break!)

I guess I just assumed that things would stay the same for a while. Wrong!!

I attended a wedding this last weekend with a bunch of people I knew from highschool. Now, I won't pretend that I have ever really been "friends" with these people, but I did hang out with them in the large group setting and at church and what not, but they didn't really know me and still don't (which I'm okay with). But, while at the wedding, when I looked out at the dance floor or around the room, I became jealous a little. Certainly not because my friend got married, I'm only miniscule-ly (?) jealous of that. But more so because they were with their friends and they were having a great time. I couldn't help but think about what the day will look like when one of my really good friends gets married and we all get to meet up and celebrate and have an awesome time together reminiscing and just hanging out again.

Basically, this weekend made me .. yearn for my summer.

I can't wait to hang out with all of my friends, even though we'll never all be together at once. Ginger and Wendy are coming to visit and I'm sure I'll get a chance to see Menges and Kat this summer and probably even go see Patrice!!

All of this makes it sound like I have no friends around here, which is not true. I get to see Karen and Thomas and Cheryl and probably even Lauren on a pretty regular basis.

Anywho, sorry if that was sallow or sad, but it was on my mind this weekend, and that is what a blog is for. :)

I'm already blessed to have the friends that I do.

Off to soccer camp!!

2007-05-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

Happy 19th Birthday, Lauren B-Dev!! :o)

2007-04-18T21:27:00.000-05:00

I have heard this song THREE times today!! Every time I have gotten in the car, it's been Tree63... this morning, at lunch, and tonight after church!!

Blessed be your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where the streams of abundance flow
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

Blessed be your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be your name

Blessed be your name
On the road marked with suffering
Oh, There's pain in the offering
Blessed be your name

Every blessing you pour out,
I turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say...

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to stay
Well Blessed be your name

I have had a great week so far. Great times with friends, wonderful stuff at work and a lot to look forward to!

And I guess after hearing this song three times in one day, I have to recognize where my blessings come from!!

God sent a wonderful message that I need to continue to recognize who He is and why I am.

Hugs to you all.. I love you!

only 8 more days...

2007-04-01T01:22:00.000-05:00

... until I can play this game . . .

Lately, over the past few days, I have really wanted to play on my PlayStation ... I have done so well with not even wanting to play it because I guess I have been busy reading or doing soccer stuff or spring-break-ing. But now, it's so weird. I have heard songs on the radio that are featured on GH2, and then I start trying to remember how to play them on the PS2 and I get this weird.. hunger .. to play and rock out like this:

yes, just like that.

praise god..

2007-03-12T00:23:00.000-05:00

It's finally Spring break. Praise God.

I have been waiting on this break since Christmas! No, it hasn't been that bad, really. It just seems like I have been waiting for this break for so long!! And now it is finally here! :o)

The first Spring Break weekend has been nice. Yesterday I slept in; it was so nice. Then I did just about nothing for most of the day. I finally left the casa to go and do a little shopping for my dad's birthday. (happy 60th, dad!)

Today was nice too!! Went to church, had a nice lunch at Rosa's with Cheryl, then came home and did a little laundry, went to dinner with dad and the bros at Johnny C's and rented some movies to last me the week.

And that brings me to my topic du jour.

Tonight I watched a movie called Mozart and the Whale which stars Josh Hartnett and Radha Mitchell as his love interest. I'm not a huge fan of Hartnett, but I was intrigued at hastings when I read the back cover and it told me that this was a story about two people with Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger's is a form of autism, and me being the special ed person I am, I wanted to watch it and see if I could learn more about the mystery that lies behind the autism curtain. (ooo that sounds eerie and mysterious!)

Well, while I enjoyed Hartnett's character (very realistic), as I met Mitchell's character, Isabelle, I saw less autism and more ... psychosis. Is that the right word for what I'm trying to say? I don't know. But her character was very eccentric. And although I don't claim to be an expert on the subject of autism, most of the students I have met who are diagnosed as such, are not as eccentric as Isabelle. Her character made it very hard for me to keep my attention on the story line.

I guess it was just hard to watch and understand because most of the kids I work with.. are kids!! And they have not 1) gained an understanding of their diagnosis, 2) do not have such elaborate personalities, and 3) still live with their parents. :o)

It was a nice story overall, but like I said, hard to understand even for a special ed-er (?)... haha...

As for the rest of my evening, I am one-fourth of the way through picking my NCAA March Madness bracket. As with most people I am in a pool with (I say most, I really have no clue), I don't care who wins, it's just the fun of the game to see if your research and pick makes it!!

Spring Break 2007, whut whut! ;)

2007-03-06T00:07:00.001-06:00

I haven't blogged in over a month.

No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth.

No, I didn't give it up for Lent. (I gave up playing Playstation alone instead)
I just have not had a whole heck of a lot to say.

Yeah right, we all know that's so true. Ha! Let's see what I can jabber about tonight...

February FLEW by. I still can't believe it's March already. With the soccer season really getting into swing in Feb, my weeks just seemed like Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays!! Soccer season is going well though! We are in the second half of district with 4 games left. As of this moment, we are in second place in district. We've played all our hard games and we actually broke our biggest opponent's record! For the rest of the regular season, we have two games this week that we sure as heck better win and then two after Spring Break (whut whut!!) that there is no doubt we will win. We are expected to go into the playoffs, but I'm not 100% sure how far. It all depends on how the bracket is laid out. After soccer, I don't know what I'm going to do with all my time. Hopefully get rested up and stay sane.

What else.. what else... Oh -- For Mardi Gras this year, we had the traditional party. It wasn't as extravagant as in the past years, but we still had a good time and the traditional food was present; boudain, red beans and rice, sausage, king cake, cornbread (and chips n salsa.. haha). We even revived the tradition of playing sardines!! Good times were had there...

Oh! Also this semester, I figured that instead of just coaching soccer, I'd get back in the game and play some, too! So I play with a bunch of women who are close to my age (did i just say women??) and we play some sweet soccer on Sundays. I forgot how much I missed really playing, and it's a great way to stay in moderate shape! Sometimes we kill and sometimes we get killed, but we have fun and the competition is always good too. I tried to quit the softball team for the season, but they aren't letting me get away with it that easily. I "guest play" softball so far this season and I'm sure I'll keep playing 'cause it's just so darn fun.

I joined a small group at the church for the latest church-wide Lenten study. Our group is not so small (we have 18 compared to a normal 9-10) BUT we had great discussion last week and hopefully that will continue.

Spring Break is next week and I opted out of traveling to Mexico again this year and also passed up a ski trip with the college/young adult group. Sunday is my Dad's 60th birthday so we're going to celebrate and then the first part of the week I am going to rest and relax. Then Thursday-Saturday, I'm roadtripping to Shreveport Louisiana to visit Ms Lauren Bedevian at her beautiful campus of Centenary! I'm excited to spend a lot of time with her as it always seems we don't get that when she is here in CS.

Summer is coming too!! I am so excited. I don't know why because it's not like there is a whole lot going on for me. I decided not to go to Camp Barnabas this year because I just can't afford the trip. It's a bummer, but when you don't have the money.. you don't have the money!! I am planning on working soccer camp the first week and then possibly the extended school year program with our district. I did that last summer and not only was the money good, I got to meet and interact with my (then) future students. In August, I get to go to Washington DC with my family and the church choir!! I am looking forward to that very much and can't wait to take another big trip!!

So, that's what I have for now.. If I left anything out, let me know. ;)

2007-02-01T22:15:00.000-06:00

I haven't posted in a while simply because I haven't felt like it. :o) Haha.. I have been tired a lot lately from soccer tournaments, soccer games out of town, and soccer practice. Do I see a trend here? I think that this year I am so much more tired from my "extracurricular" activity than last year! It's so weird!!

Other than being really tired, I have recently gotten sick.. Argh. Yeah.. It's one of those "undercover-colds-turned-possible-upper-respiratory-deal" deals. All that to say that I cough so hard I get a headache and out of breath, a stuffy nose (of course), and low energy. It's wonderful. But I got some Day-quil today and some wonderful cough medicine and has helped so far. I hope I get better soon.. I really need the energy to clean my house. It's almost to the point where I would hire someone to come help me clean it... (you interested??) How pathetic.

Soccer is going well. We are through tournament season and have entered district games. I have a strong feeling my team, if we get our stuff together, will "win" district. In JV, that means, win all of our games. But we have a lot to work through. They are still learning to play together and to play well together. It's a learning process, but that makes sense, since it's school soccer..

Work is going well still. We are still adding kiddos to our schedule and we're not quite overwhelmed, but it's in the future if I continue to be paid for my current capacity. Hopefully, I will be approved for 3/4 time or even full time and that would alleviate some stress and time crunches. Special Olympics starts soon and I am pumped about that. We are hopefully going to have a relay team this year!! How cool!! Other than that, I am continuing to look forward to the weekends. I love my sleep and serious downtime!!

I love you! Stay well!!

2007-01-17T23:36:00.000-06:00

Well the past few days have been fast and furious.

HA! Yeah, right.

The past few days have been absolutely wonderful. Texas and much of the southeast U.S. has (have?) been, according to the weather radar, covered with pink, green and white. It almost feels The Cat and the Hat-ish, original edition. The house has not been covered in pink stuff, but the outside has been covered in ice!! It's been crazy cold. Monday, Tuesday, and part of Wednesday, the temperature was not above 32 degrees. FREEEEZING!! Downright cold, I say!

Oh yeah, didn't I say it's been wonderful? Oh yes, that's right... Monday was MLK Jr Day, so we had a holiday. Tuesday, the roads were "icy" so school was cancelled! That's two days in a row!! Last night, the superintendent decided that we would not start school until 10am. Well that's a two hour delay! Whoop! Then tonight, again, he decided (out of the blue, I might add) that tomorrow we would delay the start of school! This week has basically been a big lounge fest!! SO LAZY!! But! .. I am NOT complaining.

I have been spending lots of time with good friends and making new ones! I have been cooking, (WHAT?!) laundry-ing, and nothing. Hahaha.. Good times have been had by all and almost everyone, scarily enough, is ready to go back to work and school.

This weekend the varsity has a tournament in Leander and we are all hoping for warmer temperatures and a decrease in the precip!!

Peace to you all!

"work it, girl . . . "

2007-01-10T23:32:00.000-06:00

quotes from my fun, funny night....

"Work it, girl . . ." - Me

"Well I know you get compensation for that..." -Lauren B-DEV

"Lauren, are you a Centenary slut?" - Me

"No.. no... no...... Well, maybe just a little" - Lauren B-DEV AGAINNNN

2006-12-24T21:14:00.000-06:00

Well, I was putting it off forever, but I will post :o)

Merry Christmas, y'all. I hope that your holiday is wonderful and perfect, just like our Savior.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. -Isaiah 9:6-7

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him— the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD - and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked. Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper's nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to him, and his place of rest will be glorious. -Isaiah 11:1-10

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. -Luke 2:8-11

in response to my last post...

2006-12-04T19:03:00.000-06:00

So yes, I get to meet a Spur this Friday. I am so pumped!!!

See, I agreed to help drive the FFA to San Antonio for their annual Spurs game trip. In exchange for driving, I get a seat at the game, a drink, a hot dog, chips, a tshirt and a post game meet with a San Antonio Spur. Yes, a professional basketball player!!!!!

Earlier, I was surfing the Spurs' website and decided to rank which Spur I would want to meet the most. Here's a rough draft...

Tim Duncan
Manu Ginobili
Brent Barry
Tony Parker
Robert Horry
Beno Udrih
Bruce Bowen
Michael Finley
Fabricio Oberto
and five other guys I've never heard of... Williams, Vaughn, Elson, Butler, Bonner.

So there's my list. Who would be your top five?

GO SPURS GO!!!!

HOLY COW!!!

2006-11-29T23:12:00.000-06:00

Next Friday, Dec 8th, I will get to meet him:

Well, now that's not entirely true. I'll get to meet A Spurs player. :-D

STILL!!!!

EXCITING!!!!!

AHHHH!!!!! If there were words to describe my excitement, they'd be here. Posted. For the world to see. :o)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2006-11-23T01:01:00.000-06:00

I am thankful for:

you!
my family
somewhere to sleep
food to eat
my health; physical, emotional, and mental
my friends
my faith
my church
my job
opportunities
freedom to vote and worship how I choose
technological advances that allow communication around the globe
grace and mercy from a loving and compassionate God
floods
my students
Bodacious Half-Reville Satterwhite (our dog who passed away this week)
trials and tribulations that force me to make think and make decisions

It's quite a bit, I guess. And there's so much more that I take for granted every second of every day. We are blessed!! And I am blessed by you!!

Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are!!

2006-11-19T08:29:00.000-06:00

(i know it says 40th, but it's got your name on it... it's a give-and-take deal)

Happy Birthday best friend!! :o)

I love you!!!

friday morning thoughts

2006-11-10T09:04:00.000-06:00

First, an immediate prayer concern:

Request from Central Baptist

We have a young couple in our church, David and Christina Kristynik.
David is in Iraq and due to be sent back to the states in three weeks.
He called Christina this morning at 9:30 am (our time) to say goodbye to
her and their children (they have a 2 yr old and a ten month old). He
and his group will be leaving at 4 pm today (our time) on foot to go
into Baghdad no vehicles or tanks will be taken. Their mission will
last 2 or 3 days and the purpose is to go door to door and capture all
snipers in the city.
The commanders have told the men what a dangerous mission this is and it
is very likely that most will not come back to their base. Christina is
terrified and called on everyone in our church to pray. She said the
men are also fearful. They were all told to call their families before
they leave.

I'm asking each of you to pray for these men and women for the next 3
days. If your church has a prayer chain, PLEASE call and ask them to
pray.

Secondly:

This morning at FCA, our speaker spoke on these two passages:

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. - 1 John 4:9-10

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. - James 2:26

What an amazing thought -- We are called to do good deeds to all around us because of our love for and faith in God. God did something for us -- He loved us, and he proved it even more by sacrificing his son. So we, too, are called to sacrifice for God to prove our faith to Him and to our neighbors.

It's really long . . .

2006-11-06T21:53:00.000-06:00

Have you ever thought, actually thought, about the Second Continental Congress of 1776? I know it sounds silly, but it's an important question. Let me jog your memory:

The Second Continental Congress was a body of representatives appointed by the legislatures of several British North American colonies which met from May 10, 1775, to March 1, 1781. The First Continental Congress had sent entreaties to the British King to stop the Intolerable Acts and had created the Articles of Association to establish a coordinated protest of the Intolerable Acts; in particular, a boycott had been placed on British goods. That Congress had provided that the Second Continental Congress would meet on May 10, 1775, to plan further responses if the British government had not repealed or modified the Intolerable Acts.
-From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tonight I watched the film adaptation of 1776, a musical based on the days and months leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Other than being 3 hours long, it was really, really good. A co-worker of mine, Jimmy, is a history teacher, and so of course when he told me that it was a really good flick, I brushed it off as one of those "history" movies that are either all Hollywood-ed up, or all boring. But I was very wrong. It was neither. It was a musical, which we all know I love, and it was extremely interesting. So interesting that I skipped dinner. I couldn't move away from the couch, I didn't want to miss any part of the plot.

It's been a long while since I had any kind of American, world or Texas history class. And of course, I don't necessarily miss them because they were pretty boring, but this show intrigued me.

I'll hit back on my first question: Have you ever really thought about the Second Continental Congress of 1776? I hadn't until tonight. John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson: all names that we civilians recognize from middle school history courses and science class. Common names that we remember, but brush aside. But these men, along with many others, stood up in that congressional session and stood their ground. They were unwavering in their beliefs that, as a new nation, a new breed, a new nationality, that the people of America had the right to be free men(and women). That King George could not rule them and could not take away rights of human beings that he didn't have the right to take away in the first place.

For months on end, the men who represented those 13 colonies fought and bickered and argued over and over again about the idea of independence. And the fact that independence was a new idea seemed to keep some delegates hung up on their vote.

I am so blessed, we are so blessed to have the independence over our lives that we have. In so many countries, cities, places all over this world, so many are without these rights. America is free to live however we want and yet we still lobby and argue and picket for more. Our freedom is staring us right in the face and we look right past it because we are so greedy.

Appropriately, as election day is tomorrow, let us remember the freedoms we have, the independence we have been blessed with, the rights that are upheld every day, and the life that God has given us to live.

a GOOD day

2006-10-29T23:51:00.000-06:00

Today has been a good day!!

Church was good - Michael gave the sermon and I have always enjoyed his sermons, so that was really nice.

Then lunch with good friends and good times at the Potato SLOW Shack!!

Then changing old to new with window decals.

Then catching up with Wendy via cell phone. :o) MISS YOU!!!!

Softball game -- I hit really really really well !! Tonight I hit twice out in the outfield, like, the farthest I have EVER hit!! It was wonderful. Then we ended up winning the game in the last inning!!

I stuck around and filled in for the team we had just beat; they needed another female. I did alright; we won that game too.

Then, dinner and more phone time with friends. Now, I'm getting ready to hit the hay, and ready for another day full of blessings!!! :o)

Blessings and love to you, wherever you are!!

decorating for all hallow's eve . . .

2006-10-25T22:18:00.000-05:00

my window sill

(and that's pronouned with a long "i", not an "ee" sound for those of you from east texas... or just texas)

hahaha

RIP Alero . . .

2006-10-23T10:09:00.000-05:00

Yeah, the Alero has been deemed "totalled" by my insurance company. It's a sad day... It's really frustrating too, because I have had that car for over 4 years now. That's the longest I've ever driven a car. That's kind of sad, too. Haha...

So, I've been driving a rental car for this past weekend (and if I had the money, I'd buy it!). It's a Dodge Caliber. I've never driven a Dodge consistently. I really like it a lot. It's sporty and new!! And it accelerates a lot quicker than the Alero did. But, since I don't have a lot of money, I'll have to wait until my job becomes full time and I can afford to have a car payment along with all my other bills.

For now, Mom has decided that she wanted to buy a car anyways, so she has found herself a nice Buick Rainier, which is a midsize SUV, but it's really nice. So we'll go pick that up tomorrow and I'll be driving her Honda Accord as my car now.

I was talking to my mom earlier last week and I was telling her that I was trying to understand why God had allowed this to happen, what kind of lesson was I supposed to learn? She smartly replied that God's telling me to get a full time job so I can afford car payments. I scoffed and thought otherwise. One good thing from all this is that I have hung out with my mom a lot, so maybe it's been for that reason. And of course, I should learn when to move a car with rising waters and also know that possessions on earth are only temporary. That's a pretty big one.

Thank you for all your prayers and concern over my last week. Hopefully things will be back to "normal" soon. :o)

it's a double whammy!

2006-10-16T12:23:00.000-05:00

Ah.. You might be wondering how I have been able to do TWO posts in one day. Well it's not like I really wanted to, but here are some pictures to how my day has gone so far. Basically, it's been raining since last night, almost non stop. Yeah. So here's my pictoral article this fine Monday.

Yeah, that's my car on the left.

See that champagne colored car? Yeah, that guy is stupid. He tried to move his car.

This is about 20 minutes later. The water definitely went IN the car.

You can't see it, but my floor mats are floating. And that is water pooling UP into my seats. Disgusting ...

So my day has stunk so far. I've made an insurance claim and hopefully the adjuster will call me soon so we can get this all worked out. I'm trying to be positive because I'm essentially getting today off, but really, I can't see anything positive about tomorrow yet. When you have a job that requires you to drive around the district, being without a car kind of makes the job difficult. So prayers are appreciated that things go smoothly, however they go.

2006-10-16T11:15:00.000-05:00

Well, finally here's an update to NYWC weekend.

First off, I had a wonderful time. It was great to get away for a weekend and hang out with friends and just be around people, constantly in the presence of God and worshipping with a whole bunch of wonderful artists. Thank you B Smith for letting me go!!!

We left Friday morning real early for Austin so we could hit a few morning seminars. I was glad that we left early because it just felt like the weekend was more complete and we were really able to get the full effect of the convention. We started our afternoon with a worship service led by David Crowder and we heard from Buster .. somebody. He was a good speaker, I just don't remember his last name :o) Friday afternoon went well also. The seminars were really good this year and I just picked the right ones, it seems. They were what I needed to hear for my heart and for my many ministry areas. That night, we attended a dinner for Methodist youth workers. We didn't exactly get there in time for the great food, but the food we had was pretty good. That night after the worship session with DCB and speaker Mike Pilavachi (so funny!), we all headed to Katz' Deli/Diner on 6th Street and had an extremely late dinner/snack. I really love their grilled cheeses!! All the girls stayed up real late, of course, with girl talk and laughing and serious stories intermixed.

Saturday was excellent as well. I had really wanted to get up early for a seminar, but since we had stayed up so late the night before, I could barely open my eyelids so I skipped it and slept in until it was time for the first worship session of the day. David Crowder led yet another amazing set and our speaker was . . . hmm hahaha.. this old guy and I didn't really listen. We headed out for lunch to find a good little bar to watch the Aggies play and eat some lunch. I then headed back to the convention center and attended another seminar. This one was simply for your soul; not to try and give you 8 steps to whatever. It was just soothing and perfectly what I needed. That evening, we worshipped with Shane & Shane, listened to Donald Miller speak. He is a great speaker. I've never read any of his books, but I am definitely interested in what he has to say. That night, we headed back to the hotel for more girl time in the room. We ordered in room service, Traci Smith style! She ordered cheesecake and some other stuff.. I don't really remember because I didn't have any it was so late. We all hung out for a while and chatted and then fell asleep late again.

(picture of everyone being apathetic)

Sunday I woke up early, determined to go to an early seminar, which I did. It was good, about kids who "cut" or self injure. It was very interesting and extremely sad. But I'm glad I went. The next general session was led again by S&S (no good pics of S&S! :( ) and the speaker was Sharon Cohn. She spoke on social justice. It probably was interesting. But I wouldn't know. I fell asleep!! Ha... We went to lunch at Schlotsky's downtown.

After lunch we headed back for another seminar, this one was on developing youth leaders by Marcus Goodloe of Mosaic Church in LA. It was pretty good! That afternoon, our general session was led by Jeremy Camp and speaker Greg Stier. Greg did a great job. He is very energetic!!!

We had to leave soon after. I had to get back for work the next day, even though I would have loved to stay for the Kutless and Thousand Foot Krutch concert. We went to a Wendy's on our way out. Food was okay, service was poor. We met a Carrie, a homeless woman, and bought her some food and stayed and talked with her for a while. It kind of counterfeited our reason for not going to the concert, but I think it took us so long to get out of town just so we could meet her.

It was a wonderful weekend and am so glad that I went!!! :o)

a taste...

2006-10-11T12:25:00.000-05:00

Since the demand was so high, I thought I'd give my audience a taste of what's to come . . .

2006-09-28T19:22:00.000-05:00

These pics were taken near the end of the summer and they just make me laugh . . .

If you'll notice in this first one, the drink on the right hand page.

Now, that looks like quite the... flirty drink, no?

Take a look at this next picture and see why it's so funny...

Haha.. The Don..

2006-09-20T20:45:00.000-05:00

driving home from the church, i started thinking about things i love

driving with the windows down, my fingers stinging from the cold
david crowder*band's "stars"
my friends, near and far
compliments from a four year old (cuz they're real!)
big bear hugs that say so much more than words
technology (but not as much as you, you see)
my job, my coworkers
wearing a long sleeve shirt and shorts
television
road trips (it's not funny when a road trips, you shouldn't laugh...)
mexican food
soccer
la familia

just a few... i'm so blessed!!! :o)

Ugh.. okay...

2006-09-13T22:19:00.000-05:00

Well, after getting a taste of my own medicine, here I am.

Life has been good the past week. I'm staying with Paul M. this week while his parents are out of town, but tonight is my last night. Friday I'm leaving for San Antonio, and hopefully I'll have somewhere to stay for Friday night, because my dad kind of flaked on me and I'm out of shelter until Saturday night. I want to go Friday to San Marcos possibly so I can see some friends and shop and then go to Austin that night to see Andy play at some club that I have no idea where it is. Haha.. And possibly see Wendy and the Cali folk that night too! Then, Saturday morning, I'm heading for San An to eat breakfast with friends and wait for Dad and the brothers to get to town so I can hang with them. (this is alllll still in the planning stages.. one day before I leave.. of course) Saturday night is the aTm vs Army game at the Alamodome. Sunday morning, I'm going to Round Rock to go to church and then heading home! It's gonna be a really really fun weekend. But, I have to finish my work week first and then the fun starts.

I'm pretty sure I'm playing football tomorrow night? That's all I can divulge there ... maybe some pictures at a later date.

Well, it's 10:30 and I really want to get into bed and watch TV til I fall asleep .. so that's what I'm gonna do :o)

I hope you enjoyed this update! Y'all come back now, ya hear?

2006-09-08T00:24:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Ginger :o)

2006-08-31T12:01:00.000-05:00

Remeber I told you about a little boy I was helping this summer? He was learning how to walk?

Well, as it does for every student who starts back to school, it takes some time to remember how to do things. He came back to school and remembered quite well all the stuff he had learned over the summer at summer school. We had gotten him to take 2 or 3 steps on his own, without any assistance from a teacher and that was pretty big because he was unsure of himself, just needed some confidence and reassurance that we were there.

Fast forward to today. Our PT came into my office and affirmed that he is walking on his own! She told me that he (on more than one occasion) took 6-8 steps on his own without falling backwards for reassurance or falling period. How exciting!! This is huge for this little guy.

This is why I love this job. It's the little things that I take for granted all the time that my students struggle with and when they succeed, it's amazing and totally gratifying.

I AM making a difference in my job. I AM successful. I AM blessed!!

2006-08-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

Today was the service for my friend's babies. It was so sad, but the pastor made some very awesome statements. He said that there is no verse in the Bible that says that the twins are in heaven, but he knows in his heart that they are because God has nothing to hold against them. They were not born into this sinful world. How cool is that. The twins will never know sin or pain or guilt. They will just know the glory of the Lord! And when we see them in heaven, we will see them just as God wants us to. I just think this is amazing.

2006-08-26T00:13:00.000-05:00

Tonight was amaaaazing (foreshadowing?). I attended the A&M vs UNC women's soccer game here in CS.

The game started off well, and all togerhter, both teams played hard and were very aggressive. There were lots of fouls. There were only maybe 5 shots for each team in the first half; no goals scored. As the second half was played out, both teams were getting frustrated. It was frustrating to watch them as they made poor touches and passes were often to the wrong team. In the latter part of the second half, the Aggies almost scored a diving header from inside the 8 yard line. It was so sweet, but the UNC keeper was right there to stop it. Both teams got tired and worn out of course, after playing for 90 minutes. The Aggies never let up on the attack. There were many beautiful crosses and shots, they just didn't make it in.

As they started the first overtime period, the Ags continued the barrage on UNC. Our attacks were often and strong, but still no score at the end of the first overtime period. I was very worried that we would have to go to penalty kicks, one of my most hated parts of soccer, even though it's a thrilling time.

Then comes the exciting part. In a moment that rivals the 2002 A&M vs OU football game winning Aggie touchdown, with about 2 minutes remaining in the overtime period, Amy Berend passed the ball to Ashley Pistorious who ended up with the ball, one-on-one with the UNC goalkeeper and a shot to the lower left corner of the goal, just out of reach of the goalie. The 8,204 member crowd (a new NCAA record!) erupted into whoops, yells, and a rush of adrenaline in support of the Lady Aggies. The Lady Ags put forth amazing effort, with the defense staying solid throughout and the freshman keeper recorded her first official shutout of her college career.. against UNC (that simply doesn't happen often, people). Kat also pointed out to me that the only game UNC lost last year was the game that kicked them out of the playoffs. And this year, they started with a loss to Texas A&M University :-D whoop.

Wonderful.. it was wonderful :o)

2006-08-24T07:44:00.000-05:00

Please be in prayer for my friend Stacy. She got pregnant back in March with twins and it's been a rough road. She and her husband have been trying to have children for a few years now and it didn't happen until this year. Unfortunately, they lost the babies last night after a week stint in the hospital. Please please be in prayer for them.

that bad kid . . .

2006-08-22T19:50:00.000-05:00

Lauren: "ooooohhh that bad girl lauren from texas....she skipped the presidents convocation.....if only we could be as bad as that bad kid lauren..."
Lauren: thats what they say around here about me

LOL ...

2006-08-15T12:19:00.000-05:00

Wow, it's been awhile. . . Apologies again but I still don't have internet at my apartment (grr) and I just dislike spending a lot of time here in the computer lab. So! Let me attempt to let you in on what's been going on with me for the past week. :o)

A couple of weeks ago, I went to NTI (New Teacher Induction) with alll the other new teachers to the district. One of the only upsides was that I met a lot of other teachers - all of whom are really cool (of course. i mean, all teachers are cool, duh)! Anywho - it was good I guess. That weekend, I attempted to get a little more settled in my new apartment. (and I don't remember what else ... that was two weeks ago)

The next week, I had teacher inservice allllll week. Something everyday! I did get to attend a couple of really good seminars on autism and also a team grouping meeting for the office that I work in. **side note** Yeah, so I work in an office now. It's totally bizarre. I always thought my "office" would be my classroom or attached to a gymnasium. But, I'm sure it's gonna be really good and a great experience.** Okay so back to last week ... I also went by the highschool a few times to see the ladies from last year. I miss them SO much. They're just so fun and there is more to them than just work - they're ... real. haha.. Anywho, I am gonna go see them a lot I think. And then this last weekend, I kinda bummed around on Saturday - got some stuff done around the apartment and stuff. Yeah.. stuff. Sunday was fun - after church we went to eat at Wings N More for a "good bye Lauren" party thing. It was good. :o) Sunday night I went helped Ashley paint her room. I am just awesome . . . I painted two whole walls. Yeah.. I rock. Basically. hehe...

This week has started off good! Yesterday, Laurie (my coworker) and I went around to a lot of the schools and met teachers, talked about schedules, etc. I also had some coaching stuff.

TODAY is/was the first day of school !!! I'm part-time, so I went to work at 8 and I got off at 12!! Yeah, this pretty much rocks. I'll go up to the highschool in about 45 minutes and visit and get ready for athletics. I might really really like my schedule :o) Haha..

In other life things, I have just kinda been cruising. Trying to make it from day to day. The end of July/beginning of August has been hectic with friends visiting (I miss you girls [and Ben]!!) and friends moving away (Love you Patrice and Lauren!!), but it's change, and I'm makin it. I think I have decided that I want to teach 9th grade Sunday School at the church. I might just be insane, but I think it'll be cool.

I gotta jet, but I'm praying for you! Please keep prayin for me!!!

2006-08-02T16:35:00.000-05:00

Well, my apologies for not posting recently, I've been pretty busy, and have not even had internet connection for 3 or 4 days now. So let's see.. what have I been up to?

After UMARMY, I stayed with the Smith boys for 4 days - that was a lot of fun and I hadn't gotten to see them for a long while. At the same time, I was working in the mornings for summer school doing some adaptive p.e. stuff. It was really cool - I got to work with a little boy named Jaime. He's so cute. He is learning to walk without using a walker or support from a teacher. He's getting really close. It's all in his head now. So that is going to be some stuff that I'll get to deal with in the upcoming year too.

Speaking of the upcoming year, I started back to work on Tuesday of this week. (yesterday) It's called NTI, or New Teacher Induction. It's a really good tool for classroom teachers, but it's hard to transfer the information to a totally different environment like PE. But it's all good. I'll make it I'm sure.

Another reason I haven't been around is because I've had so many friends here!! Wendy and Ginger were here (Wendy had to go back early for classes... boo), Julie visited, and Kat too!! It's been crazy fun.

I don't have internet connection at my *NEW * apartment still, but it will come soon enough. :o)

Gotta go. Love ya.

2006-07-15T23:28:00.000-05:00

Well I'm back. Another UMARMY for the record books. What a wonderful week!! My group, Red B, along with many others, scarped and painted the Taj Mahal of UMARMY projects!! It was totally insane... BUT .. The house looks stinking amazing. I don't think I've ever seen a better looking white house with black trim and grey porch (ah that good ol umarmy standard..) !! And I have to add in here that our color group leader and assistant were totally amazing -- So much thanks goes out to Alan Rudd and Andrew Schulz for being amazing encouraging and awesome !!! You guys totally rocked the kasbah this week even if the sharif don't like it!! :o)

We had many good times (too late in the evening to really even think right now) and we laughed with each other and at each other quite a bit. Michael and Patrice taught even us white kids how to flow and make nonsense sound amazing. The Don set up and humiliated Lauren B-Dev and Brian's number was released to the common people. So funny.... !! :o)

I can't post pics right now because I'm not on my computer. Yeah, for whatever insane reason, I agreed to stay with the three Smith boys for 4 nights this week. Not so smart considering it started tonight, the night DIRECTLY after umarmy. Oh well.. I'm sure I'll live.

Well .. I think that's all I have for now. In approximately 6 days, Ryan and Kristin get married and in 7 days, Ginger and Wendy come back to CS. I can't believe it's the end of July almost!! AHHHH .... So much is going on soon - brothers' birthday, moving in, moving out . . . starting work.. Oh my!

Good night all -

2006-07-07T17:08:00.000-05:00

Ya know, I don't fully understand what it is about this apartment, but for some reason, Mormon missionaries are attracted to it. Now, I have respect for these men and women for going out and getting their beliefs into homes, because that carries some serious faith right there. Anyways, if you'll recall, I had some male Mormon visitors in January and we had quite the conversation. And about 10 minutes ago, I had 2 female missionaries come knockin!! I didn't want to turn them away, because they were really nice and not all that creepy, but I was just not in the mood for another long talk. I felt kinda bad, but I just didn't want to fight that fight today. I wished them luck and closed the door.

2006-07-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

Stuck behind Chet . . .

Welcome to Arkansas!

The curves in Arkansas

Me and Michelle

Lizzie, my camper!!

Lizzie on the zip line!!

The White River in Arkansas

2006-07-04T23:13:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day! :o)

Sorry I haven't been posting lately . . . I don't have a lot to say!! I haven't done a whole lot or thought much recently. It's been somewhat nice! Haha

UMARMY is next week, so I'll probably have some good stuff to say then! Maybe I'll post some Barnabas pics tonight . . .

2006-06-24T02:58:00.000-05:00

No Barnabas post yet . . . just know that it was amazing and I'm sure I'll write on here about it soon.

As for now . . .

I've been reading Mere Christianity recently, and today I read a chapter about the different between creating and begetting. It was very interesting. Lewis compares and contrasts how creating is to make and begetting is to become the father of. He spends a whole chapter writing about how God created us (we're like Him, but we're not Him) and how God begat (?) Jesus (He's got God's genes!). Very interesting chapter - very cool chapter.

Then today, I read an article on relevant called Let Us Decompose. It echos what Lewis talked about in how we don't create things. Humans basically rearrange things to make them "new." Let me give you a snippet from the article to better explain myself. . ..

"we reassemble existing parts, cut and paste objects and ideas from the known world, reshuffle the deck."

"when was the last time a new primary color was invented or a missing musical note discovered?"

"Musicians are judged by who they sound like (part Bob, Beck and Bruce), actors by who they look like (she’s got Jessica’s hair, Nicole’s eyes and Angelina’s lips) and books by how they read (think Harry Potter with a dash of Steele). "

"All our creations are re-creations, omelettes whipped up from yesterday’s leftovers."

I'm lovin this! Now here's my favorite part of the article:

" "In the beginning, God created ..." He composed. He assembled parts ex nihilo, "out of nothing." He spread out the canvas and drew His thumb across the celestial swath. We live in that Composition, on that Canvas; we are the parts He assembled. Herein lies our glory and our deficiency.

We create because we are like Him, but we cannot create like Him.

Unlike God, we cannot make something from nothing. Everything we shape, form, order and arrange requires something else. Like a celluloid hero, the laws of the medium bind us. Poets need language and its laws, for without it their craft is made moot. Some musical forms may push the boundaries, but sour notes are not tolerable—even by the most sophisticated. Architecture can be innovative, as long as the foundation is solid. Characters can be fresh, as long as they are believable. Art must correspond to Reality—in fact, it cannot do anything but that.

If art is the signature of man, as Chesterton suggested, then man is the signature of God. And every film, song, poem or novel, no matter how tired or twisted, is an echo of His original act. So let us borrow, bleed and recast the old, tell the Tale a thousand times over. Let us crush the berries, raise the chisel and strike up the band, for tonight we decompose. "

My favorite line in there is that "we create because we are like Him, but we cannot create like Him." It's just a reminder that our God is great and powerful and mighty, and as creative and imaginative as our human minds might be, God's imagination is. . . wow. . It's unimaginable.

Just like His love, we can't wrap our puny minds around Him because He's so big!! He's bigger than the stinkin universe! Whoa! I don't even know how big the universe is, but God's bigger?! We truly are just a grain of sand in His hands, but His vision is so intense that He can see into our hearts.

Kat said something today that I hadn't thought about in a really long time. "God doesn't care about the posture of your body. He cares about the posture of your heart."

2006-06-18T23:01:00.000-05:00

i'm still working on the barnabas post, so please be patient. But i think i figured out what all this itch is about!

I have poison ivy. I'm positive of that. The only question was how I got it on my forehead, eyelid, neck and ear.. and forearms!!

The culprit: my pillowcase. . . .the traitor...

We went camping one night and we took our pillows with us. At one point during the trip, our pillows were on the ground, and I guess my pillow got onto a plant.

So I think that pretty much cracks that case. I shall continue to itch . . . and I will keep my antihistamines close and my caladryl closer. :o)

2006-06-17T00:32:00.000-05:00

I can't stop itching !!!!!!!!

I have been attacked by chiggers (what a gross word) and I might have poison ivy on my eyelid. I have no idea how it could have gotten there . . . some odd transfer I'm sure.

More to come soon about Barnabas .. :o) Until then, I might have to duct tape some oven mitts to my hands, and I'll keep relying on my anti itch cream.

Oh the AGONY!!!!

2006-06-06T20:47:00.000-05:00

Hey I forgot to add to that -- I will be leaving town tomorrow morning to go to Camp Barnabas!! Please pray for safe travel (I am driving!) and that God will just allow me to bless the kids in whatever way.

I'll be back June 17th . . . So yeah! Thanks!

2006-06-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

WELL!

I had my interview today. I think it went okay. They asked some really really hard questions, but it was good because it made me really stretch my brain in ways I haven't had to do in a while. I'm still thinking about them too. It's kind of funny how your college education has an impact on your philosophy. Through academia, field experience, writing papers and over thinking everything

And I stopped mid sentence because I got a phone call.

It was the head of special services, one of the women I interviewed with. She had one more question to ask me, something about health benefits.

And then she proceeded to tell me that the interview went really well. And that she would be sending in the papers to the director of personnel, recommending me for the job.

YEAH! Read that again!!

That means I got the job!!!!!!!

WHOOP!

Praise to Jehovah Jireh!!!

YAY!!!

2006-06-03T23:20:00.000-05:00

This is quite possibly one of the most difficult questions to answer of all time:

If you were stranded on an island with one of these men, who would you choose?

McDreamy? or McConaghey?

Yeah ... it's rough huh???? I still don't know my answer ...

Comment with your choice!

Hey everybody! Look at me! I have the holiest donkey in the world!

2006-05-31T14:25:00.000-05:00

HAHAHAHA.... You guys ... check this stuff out.. it is HILARIOUS. There are four of them, so just sit back and enjoy! :o)

http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=vintage21

"In the Spring of 2003, Vintage21 had a four week series on Jesus Christ, taking a deep look at what He said and did. It was difficult at times to get past our preconceived notions that had been developed by staunch, starched Sunday School classes of old. This is a satirical look at what some people think Jesus is like. Thank goodness He's not."

Okay, Lauren . . .

2006-05-30T23:52:00.000-05:00

I don't have a whole lot to blog about tonight. I'm sure I could talk all about my weekend in Arlington with my special olympics kids ... buuuuttttt I'm not. haha... Yeah. hahaha..

I've been enjoying my summer break for the past two days. It's been incredible. Monday was spent being lazy and spending time with friends on Memorial Day. Today was great - I got a few things done at the house and was lazy and watched The Producers. (it's funny!! especially if you like satires and musicals) Tomorrow, the 3rd day of summer, will be spent fixing my brakes with Ross and hopefully some other stuff.

I leave next Tuesday (hopefully) or Wednesday for Missouri to go to Camp Barnabas. I've got lots of stuff to do between now and then .. like PACK ... :o) Oh yeah, and I'm supposedly going to have a job interview next week but I'll let you know all about that later. Sorry for the long time in between posts ... I've been in mourning of the Spurs losing for a long time now ... :o\

Love you!

blame it on ... mexico?

2006-05-22T23:30:00.000-05:00

Well .. Spurs ran out of time tonight. I'm pretty sad and depressed about it. But it was a pretty stinkin good game. Like the majority of the series between the Mavs and Spurs this year, it came down to the last possession of the game, and ultimately an overtime yet again. I, along with many other Spurs fans, were in the victory position, hands over my head in a V, for most of the second half as we came back from a 20+ point deficit at half. A great game, but the Mavs beat us out .. this year. There were some pretty sweet shots on both sides and a nail biter all the way. Heehee.. a great highlight was watching Mark Cuban in the last quarter as he looked like he was trying to poop a brick. Anyway ... I can't in good conscience root for the Mavs for the remainder of the playoffs, so I'll just stick with a great player and pull for the Suns. Go Suns Go!!

not quite blasphemous . . . :o)

2006-05-19T16:14:00.000-05:00

This is awesome.
"And they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." - Matthew 13:42

I've added a link to this website over in my links column. They're fun to look at!!

2006-05-18T23:51:00.000-05:00

Today was a great day!!

Work was good - only 5 days left!! Came home, spent some time in the sun (doing that a lot lately) and ate some dinner. Then I went with the ever cool Ashley to see an totally sweet movie. Stick It. Let's just call it ... amazing.. for now. :o) So funny! Then I came home and got a phone call from an old friend who hooked me up with somethin' totally sweet. (see below) I am ready for the weekend!!! BRING IT ON!!!!

Me with my totally awesome shirt.

See? Even Mike supports the Spurs!! :o)

2006-05-17T22:18:00.000-05:00

Oh.. it is ON ....

2006-05-14T05:24:00.000-05:00

Today was a good day! :o)

Slept in, which is a rarity lately. Then headed to Conroe to celebrate Patrice's graduation! We hung out at her aunt's house which is absolutely amazing and gorgeous and huge. Did some swimmin, some eatin, some water gun fightin. Then headed back to CS. Got cleaned up in a record 15 minutes (yes that includes drying hair) and got back on the road to David & Kathrin's country house. There were some other couples out there (Mike, Amy, Brandi & Matt) and we fixed supper and ate and played some very competitive Taboo. Then I headed back to CS (again). Came home, slept for about 1 1/2 hours and went to the Rec. No, I haven't turned into a workout freak, I went to help chaperone After Prom Bash. :o) It was fun! Saw lots of kids. There was this bungee jump thing that you got hooked up to and just jump and flip and stuff. I talked Donna Hanson into doing it with me. It was fun, but the harness was really really tight and I did lots of back flips so I didn't last long. After I got off, I didn't feel so good. I tried to walk it off, but ended up taking a short walk outside for some private time. (aka I ralphed = not so fun) I still don't feel good at all, but I am glad I went. I think I'm gonna go to bed and try to get up for church tomorrow. We'll see if it happens.

If you're a mom, Happy Mother's Day!!

2006-05-10T18:09:00.000-05:00

Oh, to live as Mr Garner did . . .

"He was as selfless in dying as he was living"

What a wonderful thing to say about a wonderful man !!

"Just a few more weary days and then, I'll fly away;
To a land where joy shall never end, I'll fly away
I'll fly away, Oh Glory, I'll fly away
When I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away!"

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. "
-Philippians 4:4-8

a great story for anyone in ministry

2006-05-08T23:42:00.000-05:00

I got this from a weekly e-newsletter I receive. It's a really awesome story that speaks volumes and testifies to why many of us are really in ministry.

Just Rock

Some people really live through hell—I mean real hell, hell on earth, hell now. Zack is one of them. His life for years was like a volcano waiting to erupt, and during that dormant time, like most kids I know, he had done such a concealment job that no one knew of the violent, unstable environment at home and inside his heart.

I had met him once or twice while at East High School, where I was working with Young Life at the time. Zack was a name among many names. I didn't know much more … until one Monday when I swung by the school around lunchtime to visit with some students and remind them about Young Life that evening.

As I entered the office to sign in, the principal, whom I had befriended, pulled me aside. He asked me if I knew Zack. It seemed to me I knew 12 Zacks, but eventually through associations I was able to zero in. The principal looked at the tile floor as he shared how Zack had found his father dead the day before in the garage. It was a clear suicide. He was an alcoholic. Turns out, the family had been suffering from his physical and emotional abuse for years.

I was dumbfounded. Zack on the outside seemed normal, even happy. I promised the principal that I'd seek him out and do what I could to care for him. He told me when and where the funeral and memorial services were happening, and thanked me.

Zack wasn't at school. I didn't expect to see him until Wednesday at the services, so it came as quite a surprise when, halfway through the first song that night at our large-group meeting, Zack walked through the door. Immediately, he was encircled by friends, engulfed in hugs. I was glad he was there but a little nervous, too. I had nothing to offer. What do you say to a kid in hell?

Afterward in the parking lot, I told Zack as much, told him I would be at the funeral, told him if he ever wanted to talk that I'd listen.

He looked at me and smiled as if just being there was enough. "Sure," he said. Then, he hugged me.

It was the first of many hugs, the beginning of a great friendship.

But he never talked. Periodically, we'd hit Wendy's for a Frosty. We would wander about safe topics like sports, movies and cars until our Frosties turned to chocolate milk. We'd scrunch our napkins making ready to leave, and I'd finally muster enough courage to ask him if he wanted to talk about it. He'd say, "Nah." That would be all.

Zack came to Young Life camp with us that summer; he was the first to sign up. We had a blast—his face told the story of a kid in a dream. One afternoon, he walked with me lakeside over to some rocking chairs. We just rocked, watching as people were catapulted awkwardly and painfully into the lake by the Blob, an inflatable, water trampoline. I asked him about his week. He said, "Great." I said, "You want to talk about it?" He said, "Nah." And so we just rocked.

We continued to be close. The following school year he was a junior, and he never missed a thing. He was a leader among his peers. He had the full appearance of being a new creation, but at times when I caught his eye I could see the hidden pain. We kept slurping Frosties. It became routine-we would get to the end, I would ask him if he wanted to talk about it, he would say "Nah" and give me a hug.

I felt like a failure.

He came to camp again the next summer and was personally responsible for getting a half dozen more folks to sign up. Again, he had the time of his life; again, we sat on the rocking chairs and just rocked. And by the end of the week, I knew I was a failure.

I had known Zack for two years, was closer to him than any other adult, and yet I never managed to get a word out of him. We just rocked.

That fall I received this letter:

I don't really know what to say because there aren't enough words to explain how much you mean to me. Young Life has been so important to me, and I only wish I had started coming earlier. I never had a friendship quite like ours before. Though I've only known you for a little while, you're pretty much like family to me ... I can't tell you how much I appreciate knowing that I have someone I can talk to about anything even if I can't always actually get it out and say it ... Thank you for everything you've ever done because whether you know it or not, it has really touched my life.
Blessings, Zack

I learned from Zack sometimes all you need to do is sit there and rock. Just rock. The ministry of presence may be the most meaningful ministry of all.

Ned Erickson serves as the recruitment director for Metro Denver Young Life. He is the author of Falling into Love (RELEVANT Books).

On another note, many of you may have known Robert Garner. He was the principal at College Hills Elem and also Rock Prairie Elem in College Station for many years. He was a strong member of our church and a wonderful man with a big heart. Mr. Garner passed away this morning and I can promise that along with his family, his students and co-workers are mourning the loss of a great educator.

2006-05-03T00:03:00.000-05:00

Howdy!
Not a lot to report right now . . . A little under the weather with something I picked up from the weekend. It was a fun weekend - Went on retreat with the youth to Frontier Camp. It was beautiful & such a blast. We played night games, had great worship, & hung out in the sun. I walked around on Saturday and took some pictures. Some were good, some not so great.

I really enjoyed hanging out with the kids and being with all the counselor girls.

This weekend, I'm staying with the Wolfe boys. I am looking forward to it !! :o)

That's all for now . . .

2006-04-27T00:17:00.000-05:00

!!! I completely forgot !!!

Tuesday night was pretty crazy. Around 12:30am, a random hailstorm hit us !! It was so random, in fact, that there was hail only in a few parts of CS. It was kinda scary just because it was so unexpected. I was really worried about my windshield because it already has a large crack in it. Kat went out and checked my car for me. . . She had this goofy get up . . . but for her protection of course.

So she went and checked out the cars -- thank goodness that I didn't have any damage to the windows. This morning I went out and checked it -- just some tiny dings, nothing that this summer's heat won't fix.

2006-04-27T00:06:00.000-05:00

Not a lot happening in the world of Randi right now. Wish I had more to report. This weekend will be fun though. Brian was in need of more chaperones for the spring retreat, so I signed up to go. Next week will be good too - Spring sports banquet on Monday, fun on Tuesday, and then I'll be staying with the Wolfes next weekend along with participating in a bowl-a-thon with my coworkers.

I do have to admit though, the past 5 days have been great. Saturday, I went up to the church and played basketball with Ryan, B-Rog and Bradley and then we played The Counselor game when Thomas showed up and later played Thomas' newest game. It was a good time! Then on Sunday, Will and I traveled to Round Rock to attend Crossroads with Preston & Andy. Afterwards, Pres, Andy and I played indoor soccer. Actually, we played 2 games. It was so much fun. I wish Will could have played, but he got to watch some great amatuer soccer games. Monday, I just recooped from the weekend after work was over. Tuesday night I went and played basketball up at the church again. It was fun! I have really enjoyed spending time with people my age again. Hopefully I'll keep it up because I think that although I'm more tired, I'm much more happy.

As for now, I'll look forward to the weekend and getting away from College Station for a few days. And for tonight, :o) .... I'll go to sleep watching the South Pacific from Carnegie Hall on PBS. I can't pass up good music put to a good story.

2006-04-20T16:07:00.000-05:00

I always knew that being lazy on Saturdays was a good thing.

2006-04-19T23:57:00.000-05:00

Now, I'm not usually one to be suspect of conspiracies nor do I think a lot about governmental secrets. However . . . Today as I was sitting in front of a computer after I finished giving a reading test for TAKS, I was just surfin MSNBC.com and came across an editorial.

The title was "Junk-Food Jihad: Should we regulate French fries like cigarettes?" Now, don't get me wrong, I'm all about health and people choosing healthy lifestyles and taking pretty good care of my own health. But this article really kind of ... made me wonder, how much control is too much? Let me give you some statements from this article and then I'll share my thoughts. (Keep in mind that this is and editorial, speaks a lot from opinion and that these statements are not necessarily fact.)

Health advocates want to restrict junk-food sales, regulate advertising, require more explicit labels, and ban trans fats (also known as partially hydrogenated oils), which are often put into crackers, cookies, and other products to prolong shelf life.

For that matter, the rationale for recent bans on smoking is the injustice of secondhand smoke, and there's no such thing as secondhand obesity.

But they do clarify how it will unfold. It will rely on three arguments: First, we should protect kids. Second, fat people are burdening the rest of us. Third, junk food isn't really food.

Targeting kids is a familiar way to impose morals without threatening liberties.

It's not our dependence on foreign oil that's killing us. It's our dependence on vegetable oil.

To lower junk food to the level of cigarettes, its opponents must persuade you that it isn't really food. They're certainly trying. Soda isn't sustenance, they argue; it's "liquid candy." Crackers aren't baked; they're "engineered," like illegal drugs, to addict people.

Last year, New York City's health commissioner asked restaurants to stop using trans fats, which he likened to asbestos. But he ignored saturated fats, which are equally bad and more pervasive. Why are trans fats an easier whipping-cream boy? Because they're mostly artificial.

A fact sheet from Harkin implies that schools should treat milk, French fries, and pizza like soda, jelly beans, and gum. Come on. How many people died in the Irish jelly bean famine? How many babies have nursed on 7-Up? How many food groups does gum share with pizza? If you can't tell the difference, don't tell us what to eat.

Okay .. So. I pretty much agree with this author. I know that smoking is harmful, I know that eating poorly is harmful. And I make the choice to smoke or not smoke, to eat healthily or to eat crap. And I deeply appreciate that Bryan/College Station has statutes on smoking in public places and restrictions on smoking in restaurants. And I appreciate that the FDA, CDC, USDA, etc etc etc, have required food manufacturers and other food producers to make the contents of their products public. It does make food choices a lot easier.

However, how far is too far? How much control is too much? I feel like it could get to the point to where our government will be telling us what to eat, how much to eat, what not to eat, when to eat. Just thoughts, but I just don't want to seem like Mel Gibson on Conspiracy Theory.

I suggest you take a read at this article if you're at all interested. :o) Besides, it's kind of funny.

2006-04-11T23:50:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't really have a lot to say right now.. that's why I haven't posted anything.

So maybe I'll just put a picture here ... let me look ...

And then I realized that I have no new pictures of me... because I'm always the one behind the camera. :o) haha.. I'll bust out an OLD SCHOOL pic ... it's safe, don't worry...

See? It's safe! :o)

Love all y'all !!! (oh yeah, 2 mo til my bday, heehee..)

2006-04-01T23:48:00.000-06:00

As if you guys didn't have enough things to make fun of me for . . .

I have discovered a new way to eat frosting. (to add to the ways I already do)

Let's review:
1. on a cake
2. on a cupcake
3. on a cookie
4. off my finger
5. with twizzlers

And the newest:
with Nilla Wafers.

And that's all I have to say about that

2006-03-31T16:37:00.000-06:00

Today was a VERY interesting day !!!

This morning, around 9:05, the fire alarm went off. We were all very surprised because there wasn't a scheduled fire drill that we were aware of. So we QUICKLY loaded all the kids into their chairs, gathered the other students and headed outside. We had no idea what was going on. I was especially confused when some teachers started running back inside!! Apparently, a water sprinkler pipe in our wing of the school popped! It was between floors, so in one class, it was coming up from the floor and down from the other. The upstairs class is an art class, and the downstairs class is the media tech room!! Needless to say, the teachers running back inside were going to try to save ALL the electrical equipment and computers in that classroom. They probably saved the district hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Since the pipe burst was in the same wing we are in, there was water everywhere in the hallways. We had to bust out some blankets from our cabinets to put under the doors so no water could get in. Other teachers did the same. There was an approximated 2 inches of water on the floors and at one point, it was flowing down the hall ! Needless to say, we couldn't enter our classroom, possibly for the rest of the day. So, Dawn, the head teacher, made the call and decided to send the students home. My co-workers and I were so pumped !! We were so excited that we were going to get to go home early.

Yeah, right. You seriously think that would happen? No.. We got the kids on buses and sent them home. But we were asked to help get students' things from the flooded classrooms and to help that process. So we stuck around til about 2ish and then I went to soccer to help put away equipment.

Tonight, the Lady Ags are playing vs China at the Soccer Complex at 7pm. Come out! (it's FREE!) I'll be there... so you already know it's gonna be awesome. ;o)

Love you all -

relevant

2006-03-25T12:47:00.000-06:00

This is an article from a Relevant email I received.. I like it :o)

Laugh Monkey by Mark Steele

Have you ever had that dream where you are alone on stage and everyone in the audience is expecting you to answer a question you didn't actually hear? And also, it's church. And also, you're naked.

That's what performing comedy is like.

I have spent the last 15 years doing, among other things, improv and stand-up comedy. This has perpetuated two consistent identifiers of my life: an unending sense of anxiety and a flaring rash when others ask me to "do something funny."

Do something funny.

Jesse Carey, the RELEVANT staffer whom I have known since he was a fetus last spring, asked me to write an 850 piece on this very statement: "Do something funny." Evidently, there was a message board thread of some sort on the subject. So, I am obliging to Jesse's strong-arming kind command request to compose an essay. For this purpose and this purpose only, I am agreeing to attempt to be funny on demand, even though today, I feel quite relevant serious.

I'm not complaining. I appreciate the God-given gift to bring others joy. But I don't always feel like turning it on. As a matter of fact, there are moments I know that I cannot turn it on - that I will fall flat on my face during the attempt and that the already-awkward moment will end with the cursed comment, "well—he was funny last time."

I am not alone in this anxiety. We all have that one talent that some find amazing and others find annoying. The refined or sometimes-unhoned detail of our existence that God seems to find a way to use even when we resist its label. The difference is: Most of us are not called upon to perform our skill at parties on a moment's notice.

· "Jason, do that quantum physics thing for Mandy."
· "Teresa, act like you're doing a price check on my ham sandwich."
· "Now you get over here and show your grandmother how you won that wrestling title."

But NO, comedy comes with obligation. I am required to do it—and do it justice, even when I feel like doing the opposite. I don't want to joke on my bad days and I don't want to bandy about witty repartee while I'm having my gums scraped by the dental hygienist. LOOK AT ME! I'M THE LAUGH MONKEY! My life-calling has been reduced to the equivalent of throwing my feces at my pile of banana peels in the corner for applause. I don't want to be the "do something funny" guy! I just want to be a human being who gets to be THE OPPOSITE OF FUNNY except for the moments where IT WORKS BEST FOR ME!

And I quickly see that I follow Christ in the same way.

Where He would quicken me to walk in His path especially in the moments I most want to stray or stop and rest, I would prefer to obey Him when it is most rewarding or impressive. Unfortunately, those moments are the exception. God's rule sounds more like this:

Hey, Mark: right now, in your bad mood when you don't particularly know or like or appreciate the smell of the other person asking you to be like Jesus—yeah, right now. Be like Jesus. Use what I've given you to work with and do something impressive. Impress an image of how Jesus can work through you when you're not really in that great of a mood.

It's why it's called a calling. Because even when we're wandering far away from home, the Voice beckons us back.

Every day, I have opportunities to destroy someone else's perception of Christ by giving in to my own comforts while calling my path His. The true miracle is that if I take the complicated choice and actually deny myself, revealing Jesus when all around expect a more human response, there is no chance that they will see me. They will see Jesus instead and one will not be confused with the Other.

The truth is, "doing something funny" isn't done for the benefit of the doer. It's done for the benefit of the one who needs the laugh. To that end, it doesn't really matter how the doer feels about the matter. It only matters that he does the "something funny" anyway. Who knows? In the process, the doer may just burst into laughter himself.

Mark Steele is author of Flashbang (RELEVANT Books) and the president and executive creative of Steelehouse Productions. He is also a really funny guy (seriously).

2006-03-24T08:52:00.000-06:00

Hey! Come out and see the last home game of the season! JV at 5pm, Varsity at 7pm. Tigerland Stadium. Come on!! :o)

2006-03-18T01:17:00.000-06:00

Oh my goodness, if you missed the varsity girls' soccer game tonight (which I assume ... all ... of you did) you missed a freaking great game. Basically the outright district championship was on the line. If Consol beat Belton, we would have been co-champs. If Belton had won, they would have been outright champs.

Well, we tied. Even with 20 minutes of overtime. It was one of the best games that I have seen this group of girls play. It was just ... dang. A good game. We were down 2-0 at halftime, Pryor gave a good talk in the field house, the girls went back out and Ky scored from outside the 18 yd box (because their goalie wasn't too great). Belton put up a hard fight with two goals called back because they were offsides. Then we were granted a direct kick about 22 yds outside the goal, off to the left. Baker took the kick and just put it in to the right back corner. The whole team was so excited.

Oy. Next/Last home game of th 06 season is next Friday, against Copperas Cove. Come watch me coach! :o) 5pm for JV and 7pm for varsity. Whut whut!

2006-03-15T02:15:00.000-06:00

Today has been a relatively good day! I got up ... pretty late and decided to actually go out and get some sun. So I loaded up some food, some stuff to read, got dressed for the occasion and headed out to a secluded spot. I spread out my blanket, put on some sun screen, got my magazine out and settled down for a while. I read for what seemed like a really long time, but somehow I didn't get very far into the 'zine. After a little while, a family showed up to play on the playground on the other side of the pavillion. Didn't bother me too much because I really couldn't see them, and they couldn't see me. However, after a little while longer, some other people showed up and came within 20 feet of me. I decided it was time to go, as I just wasn't very comfortable with them cooking out and me being so close to their party. So I left and went to wash my car. I didn't get it very clean, but I did get most of the dirt off and most of the glass chalk off the back window which was left by the soccer girls.

I came home and later decided to go to the grocery store since I was very very low on food. Of course I totally forgot my list, so I resorted to walking every aisle. This has its ups and downs because you get to see all the food and remember what was on the list, but also you just start picking food off the shelf ... So now I have a lot of food. :o)

After putting away the groceries, I watched NCIS and then put in LOTR: Return of the King. Being my luck, Katharine owns the extended version. And I think by extended, they mean, an extra hour of footage. Wow that thing was 250 minutes long!! And if you do good math, then that's a little over 4 hours long!! What a great story. I probably finished a little early because I fast forwarded through the spider parts. (shudder)

The last 15 minutes of the movie was wonderful. Gandalf returns to the Shire to take the four Hobbitses and Bilbo to Rivendale. They are taking Bilbo to board the last ship to leave Middle Earth. It's a great part of the movie, very moving. There is a twist, however; Frodo is going too. His friends do not know this, and they are visibly torn by his departure. Frodo says some words about how the intention of their adventure was to save the Shire, which they had accomplished. He adds that the Shire is not his anymore, but Sam's. As Frodo says goodbye to his friends, there are hugs and tears shared by all. He turns toward the ship and boards. End movie.

As this played out, I must admit, that I shared tears with the Hobbitses as well. I couldn't help but think about how, one day, I too will leave the Shire. The Shire belongs to someone else other than me, and there is a whole new adventure waiting outside of Middle Earth. Tears and hugs will be shared by friends and I will turn away and board my ship.

Gosh I pray for that day . . . but tomorrow I will wake up in the Shire and I will have my own adventures here at home.

2006-03-14T00:08:00.000-06:00

I was really looking forward to Spring Break. And now it's here!

Here's the plan - I plan on cleaning house. I've done okay so far. Almost all of my clothes are clean and put away... almost. I really want to get out of the house tomorrow though. I fully plan on spending most of the day outside. I don't know what tomorrow will include. I need to wash my car, but the forecast has rain for the second half of the week. I want to get a little tan, I guess I could find somewhere to go and read. I have two books that I want to read this week, Captivating and catch up on Come Thirsty for church. So I guess I'll pack myself a lunch, some drinks, snackies, a magazine, my books, and oh yes, sunscreen. We'll see what happens. Haha.. I really want to do something active, like play tennis or soccer orrrrrr I don't know. Got any suggestions? Or offers? :o)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

2006-03-07T23:57:00.000-06:00

We won against Bryan tonight! Yay! So much better than last week's JV game . . . oy.

I don't have anything awesome or inspiring or funny to tell you guys. .. Oh wait.. hah yes I do...

Kat has decided that she wants to perfect "specialty" dunks on her door basketball goal. Yes, I am talking about the kind that are about 5 inches tall, hang on the back of the door and come with little orange basketball. She claims to have already perfected one shot; essentially she hits it off the wall above the basket, then catches it and dunks it. Now, I haven't seen this yet, but I'm sure there will be more updates to come. :o) Makes for a loud evening that lasts about 30 minutes. Seems like a good workout . . .

Love you all! :o)

Tuesday night

2006-03-05T14:06:00.000-06:00

HEY! The team is playing against Bryan this Tuesday!!

JV plays at 4pm, varsity at 5:30pm, and guys' varsity at 7:30pm.

Come out to Tigerland Stadium and watch some great rivalry!

I know this is corny -- but it is SO true.

2006-03-01T18:31:00.000-06:00

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. (or for you to offer the same FOR or to THEM). They may seem like a god send and they are.. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

THANK YOU for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

2006-02-28T06:55:00.000-06:00

laissé les bons temps roule!

It's Fat Tuesday!!

Monday night was great. I .. ME.. Randi .. YES .. Me.. I cooked dinner. Not only was it dinner -- but it was red beans & rice and boudain. Oh yes.. that's right .. boudain. Uh huh.. and for those of you who don't know what boudain is - I won't tell you what it is other than it's really good eatin. And then you have to try it . . . THEN I'll tell you what it is. ;o)

Anyways. Kat and I had some people over for Fat Monday simply because I wouldn't be able to have people over tonight because I'll be in Harker Heights for soccer games. It was good! We had, as aforementioned, red beans & rice, boudain, cornbread, banana pudding and king cake. Oh yes, and Ryan brought over some kick butt cafe au lait. He said it was "king cake" flavored. It was good whatever flavor you wanna call it.

Other than having a good time and laughing and having everything feel like it used to, the best part of the night was when Ryan complimented me on dinner. From a guy who cooks and throws around words like creme and marinade and all these culinary terms, that was like the highlight.

I wish I could send you some Tony Chachere's red beans & rice and some HEB bought boudain and king cake. . . But I'll just pray that you "laissé les bons temps roule!"

2006-02-24T00:29:00.000-06:00

As I was reading Ginger's blog today, in her comments, someone left a link to a speech that Bono recently gave at the National Prayer Day breakfast in Washington, DC. It is pretty flippin awesome.

And finally, it’s not about charity after all, is it? It’s about justice. Let me repeat that: It’s not about charity, it’s about justice. And that’s too bad. Because you’re good at charity. Americans, like the Irish, are good at it. We like to give, and we give a lot, even those who can’t afford it. But justice is a higher standard. Africa makes a fool of our idea of justice; it makes a farce of our idea of equality. It mocks our pieties, it doubts our concern, it questions our commitment.

He said, stop asking God to bless what you’re doing. Get involved in what God is doing—because it’s already blessed.

What Bono says is just amazing and convicting all at the same time. Makes ya think . . . and then really, really respect those who give all of their time, money, and effort to those who really need.

oh so funny

2006-02-21T23:47:00.000-06:00

Marcus finds THE funniest stuff on the internet... have a sample of his latest discovery:

In order to survive a nuclear attack, you must remember to stop, drop, and be Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris' tears cure cancer. Too bad Chuck Norris has never cried.

I am pretty sure these are derived from this website. If you want a laugh, and then cry . . . this is the place to go.

I don't have anything else to really say. . . Julie is really funny too. Here are some samples of her insanity from Tuesday night (procrastination can do this to you.. don't let it happen to you).

sometimes when i drink coke i like to put some in my mouth and violently shake my head left and right to get rid of the carbonation. it's like shaking a coke... in your mouth

sometimes when i eat chocolate i go into a dream-like state and see everying made out of chocolate. then i frolic around in place and start eating everything around me. it's heaven

sometimes when i'm hot i put as much of my body in laine's freezer at a time and then switch positions so the other parts can cool off

one time i had a dream that i was walking outside and i slipped on a cloud. and so i got up and i yelled at it. so then it started pushing me. so i got out my numchucks and started fighting with it. and then i conquered it so it let me ride on it. so i rode around campus on a cloud and pushed people down. and then while they were on the ground the cloud rained on them, and then i kept doing that until everyone was on the ground. and then the cloud turned into a pot of gold and bam, i was rich

one time at band camp, we reinacted that american pie scene. you know, the one where the people at camp are playing songs on a stage ... it was such a rush

sometimes i put on all my clothes and time myself so that way if the fire alarm goes off i can put on all my clothes and run out of the buliding and if it burns, i'll still have clothes

She's a special girl. Gotta love that Julie . . . (and now for the grand finale.. drum roll please!)

sometimes when i'm doing i don't even know what i make weird faces in the mirror. and one time i opened my mouth because i wanted to see that hanging ball thangy. well so i did and then it was really gaross because there was a ball of phlegm hanging from the hanging ball thang. so then i sang some christmas songs and took some drugs and went to bed. that's partially true.

Yeah.. so special... :o)

I hope you have enjoyed this fun filled post!! I love you and I miss you!

2006-02-19T17:41:00.000-06:00

by sam brown www.explodingdog.com

I swear I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... I'm still here!!! :o)

2006-02-12T23:55:00.000-06:00

I have discovered that I haven't been a very good friend. Let me explain ...

I've been mentally preoccupied lately with work, soccer and the future. As much as I need to focus on where I will be (or not be) next year, I need to remember what I have now. And what I did have. I have a few friends who have moved back to College Station over the past year and I have not spent time with them at all. I don't know why - and I don't have any acceptable reason to explain my actions.

I saw them tonight. I went to an event that I haven't attended in a long time and they were there too. (sounds like I used to attend AA huh.. haha) One of them seemed particularly hurt that I hadn't kept in touch with her and now I just hope that I haven't lost that friendship.

Sorry that this seems so dreary. It's not how I feel all the time - just something I was thinking about.

news to you ...

2006-02-08T21:53:00.000-06:00

So, for whatever reason, I never told you guys about the Mormons who came to my door one night. Mormons came to my door one night. Haha.. I invited them and we talked for a long time and they brought up one verse that has stuck in my head. It was Ezekiel 37:15-23 essentially. Here's what it says:

The word of the LORD came to me: "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.' Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand. When your countrymen ask you, 'Won't you tell us what you mean by this?' say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to take the stick of Joseph—which is in Ephraim's hand—and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.' Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land. I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms. They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offenses, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.

I had never studied nor read this scripture, so when they asked me what I thought it meant, I really didn't have much to say, which really really frustrated me.

This has stuck in my head for all this time. Last night when we were driving home from Temple, I was thinking as the other two coaches were talking about some political things involving Israel and Palestine, etc. And as I listened to their conversation (it wasn't eavesdropping), I totally got it!

This week, our bible study was about the mystery that was made known to Paul (as in Ephesians 3:6).

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.

One stick was the nation of Israel, and the other, the Gentiles. Not the Israelites of the Middle East and the "Israelites of the Americas."

It was a mystery to me - the prophecy of Ezekiel - but the mystery was solved a long time ago through Christ!!

Sorry if it doesn't make sense.. It's just been a good day :o)

2006-02-05T21:05:00.000-06:00

Today has been mucho fun !

Went to church, went to lunch at Schlotsky's. Then went home and chilled for awhile. Got ready for the youth football game. I wasn't planning on actually playing but I went out anyway. When I got there, I was having a good time just watching and taking pictures and talking and all that. The adults played dirty and the refs were too strict ! We have them out there to keep things "fair" but really, when you have 11 grown men against 6 highschoolers and 5 jr high kids is that really all that fair? Not so much. Soo... I got frustrated after the first half because of all this. It seemed like more time was taken figuring out how many people were on the field than actual playing of football. And everyone was arguing because Jay is really really good at heckling and getting people's frustration level up. About half way through the 2nd half, I got fed up with the way things were going so I grabbed a belt and got on the field. It was awesome - I ended up recovering a kick off, completed a 8yd catch with a 7 yd run, and totally "tackled" Jerry House. As Rachel B put it, "Randi was a hoss and juked like 5 guys." Hehehe.. I'm down with that :o)

After the game, I went out to the church and watched the big game with the youth and counselors. It was a good time - just some good football overall.

Now I'm gonna go watch a kick butt Grey's Anatomy w/ Kat and then hit the hay so I can start a brand new week! By the way, I am feeling a ton better than 2 days ago. My nose is getting clearer and feeling a lot better. Thanks for all of you who stuck up for me or just asked how I was. :o) I appreciate it!

If you live far away from me, I miss you and I love you so much!! Email me and let me know how you're doing!!

“ For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. ”- Psalm 33:4-5

2006-02-02T22:31:00.000-06:00

It's been a few days since I've been here. Basically because I have felt like poo-poo for the past three days. I've pretty much figured out why...
Monday: At afterschool practice, I played with the girls because there was an odd number and I also worked out a little with them in the weight room. And then, later that night, I went up to the church and played some hardcore basketball with a whole mess of people. It was fun, but it sure wore me out.
Tuesday: A storm front came through, bringing all my friends; mold and all the other cool airborne allergens

So basically, Tuesday I was very tired - a mixture of the uber workout from the night before and the change in weather. Wednesday was worse. Not only was I tired, my sinuses and nose were killing me. I was majorly congested and it was just.. messy. So I skipped bible study :o( and tried to just relax with my sinus headache. Today I woke up and was feeling pretty good. I didn't have a headache but my stuffiness was still there. Throughout the day I haven't felt horrible because I was able to get some medicine to help me out. And I also had a Dr Pepper which makes almost anyone feel better. I'm pretty wiped out still but I'm surviving.

Tomorrow we have our first district home game of the season against Harker Heights. We'll see how it goes... We're not expecting to be wiped out but it will be a game!

Keep me in your prayers - I am starting a job hunt annndddd... So yeah, I'm enjoying my job but I need to move on! Haha..

Love you all!!

Oh I love this verse.. It's one of my favorites!! It was today's "Verse of the day"

"However, as it is written: 'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him'— "
- 1 Corinthians 2:9

2006-01-29T01:03:00.000-06:00

Well, I was just sitting here wondering what I had been thinking about this week. But I haven't been thinking much to be honest. I've just been sitting listening to others talk. Which is kind of annoying because I should be listening to God or at least thinking about things that are relevant to my life instead of just listening to the stories or gossip of others. I really can't think of anything that I have been pondering over the past 24 hours, which frustrates me. It makes me feel like I'm just going through my day; work, lunch, work, soccer, home. And then when I get home, I'm found in front of the tv or the computer screen. Or both.

But as I sat down to write on this, I went to find the verse of the day. I found this out of Mark.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, "If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all." - Mark 9:35

This is the place where I have found myself once again. It's the place where I was at the end of May, on the ground, cleaning mold off siding. It's the place where I was mid-August when I got a job (hallelujah) as an aide in a school district. And it's the place where I am now, an assistant coach who does laundry for the team. It's not my favorite place to be. But I know that I have been in each of these positions for a reason. These places have found me low on the ladder, humbled.

God is teaching me something. I want to listen this week. I want to ponder what He is telling me. I want my days to be abnormal, unpredictable.

2006-01-24T16:06:00.000-06:00

Hey - You probably didn't notice, but I've kind of updated my blog site. On the "sidebar," I have added a section that keeps you up to date on the soccer team's season. Also, I've added a link to my photo page, just in case you might be on there... :o) Have a wonderful day!!

2006-01-22T23:15:00.000-06:00

How awesome and amazing to worship without electricity. This morning, the power went out in some areas of CS. When I got to church this morning, I was kind of excited when I figured out there were not going to be any lights! I knew that this morning's worship would be extraordinary. It was great to have a wrench thrown in our plans so that God would be our only focus this morning. I wish the power would go out every week.

Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker
Psalm 95:1-6

2006-01-21T21:05:00.000-06:00

It was a good weekend for the most part.. I mean, it's basically over. We had a tourney this weekend in Austin. It was fun... winning... Unfortunately we won the first game, lost the second, and then won the last two. So basically we got 5th place in a tournament that we should have owned. But what can I do.. nada. So we just wait til Tuesday to play Round Rock McNeil. It should prove to be an intense couple of games. Apparently it will be the hardest games we've played thus far. Hopefully we'll have a good showing and all the injuries that were sustained this weekend (quite a few) will heal up enough to where they can play and not be further injured. It's hard to be around highschool girls again becuse I forget how dramatic and moody they can be. I'll get used to it.

Tomorrow is Sunday, so church is on the schedule and then a night of tv with Extreme Home Makeover, Desperate Housewives, and Grey's Anatomy. We'll see what I end up doing during the afternoon. Maybe a little studying or laundry or somethin.

I hope your weekend was great! And that the upcoming week is blessed!

2006-01-19T23:46:00.000-06:00

It's been a blah week. Nothing too exciting.

The roomie got back this week, so the apartment is slightly more hopping. Haha.. there's someone else living here. WHOOP! I have been so excited to have Kat back. We don't really get to see each other because our schedules are kinda weird, but oh well.

I have to leave tomorrow morning early for a varsity tournament in Austin. Hopefully we'll win the thing and just blow the competition out of the water. Yeah, that would rock. We'll see. :o)

There's nothin else to it. Just know that if you live in another city, state or country, I miss you TONS.

For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the
Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks
for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and
revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your
heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has
called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his
incomparably great power for us who believe.
-Ephesians 1:15-19a