So for some strange reason, I just feel like writing a really long entry. Not to say that this will be one, but I do feel like it. I really just don't know what I will say. I read some of my friends sites and they often write these really long posts. I just don't tend to do that. I think I just very rarely spill the details of my life and thoughts- spurred on this thought...no, actually this thought was spurred while I was listening to Alicia Keys, a brilliante piano artist! :) Is this a diary for my own good, or for others reading enjoyment. Obviously, if it were for my own good, I should write more- but I'm just not that type of journaling person, although I wish I was. We all think of that some time, don't we- who are we writing for?
Anyway...
I just got back from the last of my Christmas shopping. I ended up doing pretty well for my dad, I think- thanks to the 10 second phone conversation I had with him this morning, and just the way I am brilliant at shopping sometimes. Thank the Lord for Target- I would not be able to live without that store! At the end of the day, maybe I will post everything I got for Christmas!
Okay, to make this a somewhat, long and somewhat meaningful Xanga post, I'm trying to decide what to say next....aight, here's a blogideas.com idea...
5 things about your hometown...which I'm going to consider Shoreview, not Arden Hills:
1. the speed limit on hwy 96 is 50 MPH, except when you are near Centerville Rd, then it's 40, but you are not in Shoreview anymore then
2. the part I consider truly Shoreview is Hodgson Rd. in between Chippewa Middle School and Cty. Rd. F because that is where my growing years centered
3. Sitzer Park- what a great place for Little League games!

Man....this is kind of hard...I don't know what to say! I'm so lame!

4. I remember when the Harbor Place neighborhood started, there was no Shoreview Community Center, Rainbow Foods or funeral home...in fact, we biked through the woods on that corner to get to the Shore Oaks Dairy Queen and I always got a medium M&M Blizzard
5. I give up...I have nothing good to say....

Time to wrap presents.....


SERVICE OF DEDICATION 2005
Out with the old, in with the new. A night of worship and
prayer to dedicate the coming year to the Lord.
5:15PM - Saturday, January 1, 2005 - CPC Sanctuary.
Featuring Hosanna!, the CPC Worship Team, with special
guests Sara Renner, Kenni Holmen, and Bruce Edwards.
Come start out the year on the right foot with celebratory
worship, directed prayer, and a meditation from the Reverend
John Crosby. We will cover the year with praise, confession,
thanksgiving and supplication, inviting the Lord to dwell in
all we do, guide who we become, and to give us a vision for
how we can be more yielded to being transformed by His
spirit.
The service is free and child care is provided.

I discovered that the missing question to that survey was to spell your name out with band names....I will try it with my full name....can anyone else do it with theirs? :)
Sunny Day Real Estate (not even a fan, just heard of them...emo...)
All Together Separate
Relient K
Avalon
Elms
Limp Bizkit (ick, I know, but it came to mind first)
I, um, yeah, can't do that one
Zoe Girl
Audio Adrenaline
BarlowGirl (fo shiz!)
Evanescence
Third Day
Hokus Pick
LaRue
I, man...
Geoff Moore and the Distance (LOL)
H
Three Soul Cry
Beastie Boys
Overflow (just heard of them... I wonder if they are good...)
DC Talk (obviously)
Y
Hmmmm.....that was harder than I thought it would be...help me out with the missing letters....or other suggestions that you think are better!!!

BC

Reasons I miss being a Bethel College student:
-dorm life
-ordering Dominoes on Flex
-Quesadillas and Smoothies in Market and Grilled Cheese in the DC on Keith Chapel Wednesdays
-being able to corporately worship a minimum of 4 times a week
-volleyball games
-free admission at all sporting events
-road trips to big football games
-always having someone to eat with
-the Bethel Choir
-all the memories contained in the Great Hall
-GSN at 1am with the boys in H113
-neighbors that become your best friend
-how much you can learn about people in the Roster
-true fellowship
-the 3rd down defense cheer
-blue velvet robes...in the Uppsala Cathedral
-D. Piddy
-learning about true love through friends- Jack, Robb
-always having someone to talk to
-having amazing professors and faculty that cared for you as an individual and inspired you to learn and grow in your faith
-Chapel Worship teams
-actually being able to work at camp in the summer because it was more than I made during the year anyway, and I didn't have to pay the loans yet
-having a car so I could get away when I needed to
-having a car so I could take my friends out
-being able to share Christ's love with others
-sleeping outside Krispy Kreme
-Vikings football in Edgren
-banquets
-roommates
-amazing musically gifted friends
-so many familiar faces, yet always a chance to meet new ones
-the friends that would squeal and hug me just to see me....and would let me do that for them
-taking finals in my PJ's, and the relief when they were over
-Vespers
-Wel-come We-ek, Wel-come We-ek, Wel-come We-ek, Wel-come We-ek
-Women's Chorale tours- Donna
-not quite being a part of the real world yet
-cable TV in Heritage- so I could watch the Wendells play hockey!
-DC desserts
-DC salads covered with hard boiled eggs, cottage cheese, ranch dressing and sunflower seeds, side of baby carrots
-last minute practicing duets with Andrea
-homecoming week- the cheers, tug of war
-Kresge Courtyard
-PO #1238
-Erica Lewis and our sexy shoes
-Music History study sessions
-accompanying for Royal Players auditions
-Greg Boyd
-the alto section
-Emily Lou's really cute wave
-when I tried to straighten my hair with a curling iron
-the practice mods
-Thursday choir devotions
-I fit in if I wore Gap or AE but gag me if I wore A&F
-taking the cordless phone in the dorm room all the way down the hall
-taking full advantage of vis hours
-carrying my heavy backpack because I didn't want to go back to my room all day
-visits from people like Steph Welch and Marie Dee
-leaving on Saturday to go to Crown football games
-sitting for hours in the computer lab and chatting on AIM while writing papers
-hockey
-Heather Yue, playing guitar, and BSB
-Kristie Kunnari and her overflowing joyful spirit
-Jessa Gamble, Phil Carlson, Tyler Gregory
-walking the treacherous hill to bonfires
-conversations that challenged your viewpoints yet were central to salvation in Jesus alone
-Jared Carlson
-Clint and Nikki
-concerts in the Great Hall
-Mounds View class of '98
-9ft. Steinway
-chapel
-Sherry Bunge Mortenson
-Eric W. Anderson, Caroline White, Katie Blu, C Nels
-visiting for at least a half hour after Vespers EVERY week
-driving my roommates crazy because I REEKED after coming home from work at Perkins
-the radio station you couldn't even hear on campus
-sleeping through several 9AM classes
-always knowing God is faithful to provide for finances, health and passing grades
-learning more about music than I ever thought I could
-applying that education while in school
-learning all about myself and the person God wants me to be, striving for to be a whole and holy person of integrity

stole this from Kelsey.. just so much fun
1) Have you ever had a song written about you? I think only if you count the ones that I have written myself

3) What song makes you cry? hm, shucks, i don't know
4) What song makes you happy? Wake Up by the Swift...and oh, so many more
5) What do you like to listen to before bed? Emily and Sara, Thankful ;)
a p p e a r a n c e
HEIGHT: 5'6, well, close enough
HAIR COLOR: dark auburn, although it seems its fading back to blondish...weird
SKIN COLOR: um, according to Cover Girl, Creamy Natural
EYE COLOR:green-brown
PIERCINGS: just the basic ears, never use 'em though
TATTOOS: nope

r i g h t . n o w
WHAT COLOR PANTS ARE YOU WEARING?: Old Navy jeans
WHAT SONG ARE YOU LISTENING TO?: nothing, but I was just listening to The Swift in the car
WHAT TASTE IS IN YOUR MOUTH?: ice cubes, with a hint of Coke
WHAT'S THE WEATHER LIKE?: COLD
HOW ARE YOU? better....it's been an icky week

d o. y o u
GET MOTION SICKNESS?: sometimes...I have to sit up front to avoid it, but usually I just drive, so it's all good
HAVE A BAD HABIT?: biting my fingernails and chewing on them
GET ALONG WITH YOUR PARENTS?: yes.
LIKE TO DRIVE?: absolutely

f a v o r i t e s
TV SHOW: Scrubs, Friends, 7th Heaven, Gilmore Girls, Dawson's Creek, Real World
CONDITIONER: Pantene- the green kind
BOOK: reading is a new habit I have picked up again
MAGAZINE: People- I have a strange addiction to those types
THING TO DO ON THE WEEKEND: whatever my friends or youth group kids invite me to do
BAND OR GROUP or SINGER or RAPPER: currently, The Swift!!!

h a v e . y o u
BROKEN THE LAW: yes
RAN AWAY FROM HOME: nope.
SNUCK OUT OF THE HOUSE: never had a reason to
EVER GONE SKINNY DIPPING: nope.
MADE A PRANK PHONE CALL: ha- who hasn't!
EVER TIPPED OVER A PORTA POTTY: Ew. No.
USED YOUR PARENTS' CREDIT CARD BEFORE: yes, but with permission
SKIPPED SCHOOL BEFORE: never knew I could be such a rebel, eh? :)
FELL ASLEEP IN THE SHOWER/BATH: no
BEEN IN A SCHOOL PLAY: yes
LET A FRIEND CRY ON YOUR SHOULDER: absolutely

l o v e
BOYFRIEND: n/a
GIRLFRIEND: definitely n/a
SEXUALITY: are you asking if I am heterosexual- well of course!
CHILDREN: yes, i absolutely love children
BEEN IN LOVE?: no
HAD A HARD TIME GETTING OVER SOMEONE:actually, not really. God is good.
YOUR GREATEST REGRET: I don't think I have any. And if I do, I'd rather not think about them.
GONE OUT WITH A SOMEONE YOU ONLY KNEW FOR THREE DAYS: not a chance.

r a n d o m
DO YOU HAVE A JOB: yes, currently 3
YOUR CD PLAYER HAS IN IT RIGHT NOW: The Swift
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?: Jesus
WHAT'S THE NEXT CD YOU'RE GONNA GET?: none- I have bought too many lately
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER GOOD FRIENDS?: oh man, I have way too many

w h e n / w h a t . w a s . t h e . l a s t
TIME YOU CRIED?: I will always get a little teary at altar calls/invitations, therefore last weekend at the Planet Wisdom Conference
YOU GOT A REAL LETTER?: I got Christmas Card from Caitlin the other day- that was very exciting!
THING YOU PURCHASED: mountain dew
TV PROGRAM YOU WATCHED: I'm watching a silly dating show on MTV right now
MOVIE YOU SAW AT THE THEATER: two of them today: Oceans 12 and Napoleon Dynamite

Okay, sorry for the delay, but here are my office pics....Impressed, aren't ya! :)

don't let me forget!....

So I got an account on Birthday Alarms so I can actually remember everyone's birthday. It sent an email to pretty much everyone in my address book..but if you haven't done so already, click on this Birthday Alarm link !

I bought a new camera and took pics of my office....I will post them soon. I am tired and lazy now.
I had an out of the norm day today. One of those days that refreshes you to make it through the monotonous ones. It wasn't that I did something exciting. It wasn't planned ahead of time. I had no expectations. I just said, "okay, I'm gonna do this and see what happens." I live for that sort of adventure!
After my route this morning, I headed up to the district youth pastors' meeting in Monticello. It was great....me and 8 male, married youth pastors!!!!! Hahaha! Actually most of them I alread knew so that was super cool. It was great to interact with them. I'm going to look forward to these times ALOT! I know that it will be a huge encouragement and lots of fun. One of them I went to Bethel with, but we never crossed paths, so it was great to connect with him. One of them is married to a friend of mine from high school. (He goes, "my wife is from Shoreview!" I go, "then I'm sure I know her" he told me her name, I'm like, "DUH!" :)) A couple other ones I know from being camp pastor at BSC and kids I know in their youth group. Oh, and one is the youth pastor at my last church, so we have already been in touch! Way cool. We went out to lunch and had a good time. Wahoo- so excited for this experience and networking and encouragement, etc.
Since I was so close. I had my first shopping experience at the Albertville Outlet Mall. Don't tell my mom! I intended to walk all the way through, then come back to Old Navy as a reward, where my car was parked. Instead, I saw the sale signs at Old Navy and I couldn't say no! I got a performance fleece sweatshirt and pants, jeans and a purse for $36!!!! Then I went to a book store and spent church money! And then I went to Adidas and bought shoes for $12! I decided that even if I hadn't gone even halfway through the stores, I better quit. But get this- my merchandise full prise would have totaled about $150. I barely paid $50. Pat on the back for bargain shopping, thank you! :)
During the meeting I got a text message from my buddy Robb, to babysit for him. (Not his kids- ones he babysits.) It was basically an emergency thing cuz he is sick and he offered to get a friend to help out. I toyed with it for a long time, but decided it could be fun and a great way to serve and meet some new cool people. So it was a bit of an adventure, but definitely fun. Great family. Cute, adorable, well-behaved kids. I forgot how much fun it is to babysit. And people pay you for it! :) Haha. I look forward to an opportunity to do it again and build a relationship with these people....if they can ever catch me on a free night again! :)
I'm tired and I have a long weekend ahead of me....woot for the Planet Wisdom Conference....and The Swift and the Mall of America and my birthday and hanging out with my great youth group kids! :) Peace out y'all. Pray for my kids this weekend. And never forget. His mercies are new every morning. God is faithful.
P.S. Thanks for all prayers already! I see the fruit! Wednesday's group was great and the kids that were burned out and threatening to leave are continuing with even more energy and joy!

playing with Chico

from Nate: "that dog's head is bigger than Em's!"

barking back at him

showing him who's boss

YET

"My God is go big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do. My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do. The mountains are His, the valleys are His, the stars are His handiwork too. My God is so big, so strong and so mighty, there's nothing my God cannot do."
What a great reminder from the words of a children's song. I have to say kudos to Laura Crosby for her message at CPC this weekend. So basic, yet so strong. So simple, yet deep and truthful. And the songs all fit in so perfectly. It was about God's faithfulness, and waiting on Him when you don't see that faithfulness. Call to mind how He has been faithful in the past to carry you through to when He will be again. It goes along even with the advent season, of waiting for the birth of the Messiah. Seriously, if you feel God is not with you, read what Jeremiah wrote in Lamentations 3. And you will find this:
(vs. 19-26)"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. YET this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is your faithfulness. I say to myself. "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him. The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD."
I know that we all have circumstances in our lives, whether we focus on them or not, now and then, yet we have hope. I have my own right now too. I will be honest today in a bit of my own depression in not knowing that I may ever have a man to love and marry. And that having friends can be downright hard. And a lot of times life isn't fair. Loving people can seem impossible yet undeniable in your heart as well. Yet I can be sure of God's faithfulness in what God has given me....
I realized last night that my birthday is in a week....Saturday... Today my sis-in-law asked me what I want for my birthday and for Christmas. I told her I didn't even have time to think about it. I went shopping right after that too. Now there are many times in my life, I wish I could just buy that, and have this thing and afford that, etc. But due to my loans and life expenses I have learned how not to spend money. That also has to do with the fact though that I am not great at managing money either. But most of the time, I go to the store and I say, "Hm, I don't need this, I don't need that....is there anything I DO need?" It's hard to think of what I want for Christmas or my birthday because I don't want anyone to spend money on things that are unnecessary. I've been good at wanting and asking for things that I need, but I just haven't bought. Things are just too dang expensive now-a-days. Here are some things I am thankful to have....some are luxuries...a home, a bed, clothes- lots of them, even though I don't like them all, a TV, a DVD player, multiple stereos, movies, lots of CD's, a decent computer, a digital camera, a car with only 50,000 miles (all driven by ME in two years!), a cell phone, 3 jobs, people who need me, people who love me, a place to belong, a hometown I love, so many memories it's hard to recall them all, a great heritage, a church and its family (two right now!), education, skills and gifts to bless others, an opportunity to love and serve.....what else can I ask for? How can I long for more (cuz I often do hence the reason I went shopping on Black Friday) even when I realize that I have more than I deserve or even need and can afford? God is faithful.

"Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy hands have made. I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. Then sings my soul, my Savior, God, to Thee. how great Thou art, how great Thou art."

"There is forgiveness with Thee, and in wonder I fall on my knees. My soul waits for the Lord in the hope of His promise, in the hope of His promise, deliv'rance will come. My soul waits for the Lord thru the night till the morning, like a night watchman waiting for the coming of the dawn."

"Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side; bear patiently the cross of grief or pain; leave to thy God to order and provide, in every change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: thy best, the heavenly Friend through thorny ways leads to a joyful endBe still, my soul: thy God doth undertake to guide the future as he has the past.....the waves and winds still know his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below....Be still, my soul: the when change and tears are past, all safe and blessed we shall meet at last."

"Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth, Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine with ten thousand beside. Great is Thy faithfulness. Great is Thy faithfulness. Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed, Thy hand has provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord unto me."

On a completely different note. Why is it that you can own a movie and never watch it? But when it is on TV, you are glued to it? I don't understand. I wouldn't have pulled out Bourne Identity, but it was on TV today and I enjoyed watching it....weird....as for now, lovin' the Karate Kid! He's about to do the famous move!!!!
"Sweep the leg. You have a problem with that?....No mercy." Karate Kid....classic....I always loved "Ali with an I" and the 80's tunes!

random events of the day

I'm actually currently watching a guy on the Tonight Show sing and play guitar while walking around in a great big bubble. He is singing about Spongebob. Quite odd I must say.I had a better day than I expected. My heart is just broken over what is going on with our youth group. It's hard to explain concisely, but decisions need to be made. On my part and on the kids....I just don't know. So please continue to pray for that. It's a struggle. After last night I actually just wanted to cry out of frustration and the feeling of loss. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning because I felt sick...The church staff and wife and kids of church staff had lunch with Lady Chee (Chaz's wife Carolyn- MISS HER!), baby Mitchel and her sister Emily and her kids at Olive Garden. Good times. Then tonight I took Emily on one of the most important adventures that she would ever take. We ventured to a far away land and splurged on our resources. We even had a tiny bit of a witness opportunity. Okay, so we went to buy her a cell phone! (Leave a message on http://emilyrachael.blogspot.com to welcome her to the 21st century!) I actually had to spot her to help her pay for it (she has no credit history- 'nuff said). But we still went to celebrate at Macaroni Grill- mmmm, good. I shared with her a book I picked up the other day by Ryan Dobson, called, "Be Intolerant" (not exact wording) "because some things are just stupid." It's about taking a stance to follow the black and white rules in the Bible, rather than the moral relativism (just plain stupid) of this world. It's not about what's right for me, or right for you. It's about following Christ and obtaining morality through the grace and mercy of the Lord. Our server saw it on the table and was drawn to it because of the title, "Be Intolerant" since she is a social worker and "be tolerant" has been instilled in her. So it was a conversation starter!Anyway, off to bed....even though I don't have to wake up tomorrow till I feel like it!!!!!!!

oops

I was going to tell you this today too...
Go to my church's website and check out my pic and article!!!!

I decided the site could use some change...for fall! :) Hopefully it's actually clearer, and larger to read.
Yesterday I spent a few hours at Bethel! Yea! I haven't been doing that so much lately so it was very cool. I went to chapel because Caedmon's Call was there. Met up with my pal Alan for that- good to see him- so proud of the Bethel freshman! :) Then I went downstairs cuz I was gonna hang out with Tate Watts with his BSC booth. When I got there he was talking to Mike Loween! Yea! Never get to see that boy. The three of us had some cool conversation. I was encouraged. Tate had mentioned to Mike that there was a camp program director position open at another camp and Mike said that he was just waiting for God as what to do next with his life. Well, he even made a comment like, "like Sara, and now she's a full blown youth pastor!" This kid knows...and I haven't thought on lengths on this, but it is something always worth remembering. If you wait on the Lord, even for years, He will answer that in ways you never imagined it. Ever since spring of my senior year (2002) I had no clue what was going to happen with my life. But that was okay for me. God doesn't want us to make our own plans for life. We might have to make choices here and there, but what He really wants is for us to be sensitive to His calling. And all along that way, He will take care of us. I know this is true for me in so many ways, and also for Mike. He blesses us in SO MANY WAYS!!!! In Mike's waiting (and I hope he doesn't mind me sharing about his life!) he has had the opportunity to work in Korea and travel to other countries around there, spend time with his family (including a new nephew and mom with MS), work with his home church, and now this summer, get married! I wish that we all would be able to surrender to God's will and not giving into the pressures of what this world expects from us. Something I got out (thought of in a fresh way) of a conference last week is that if we love God, He will give us what we want. Now that doesn't mean to give lip service and say, "I love You God, now give me this." It's about truly falling in love with Him so much that you actually want what He wants for you, so of course He will give it to you. It's something you can really understand when you experience it.
I was also encouraged in the fact that though I rarely talk to Mike these days and he has a married life, he knows my journey and continues to encourage it He brings up things that I forget. He was right on the button about saying that I was waiting on God for so long and now I've got a great thing. I went "oh yeah, I did email him a lot in those days" and he paid attention. He would write to gently remind me to seek God because He is in control. Not because I didn't know it, but all of us need those reminders. Talking to him briefly yesterday was refreshing. So, thanks friend, and that was my rambling for the day.
So yup, then I hung out with Tate to help him recruit for awhile. Good times. It's gonna be way hard for me to not be there next summer! Then I was off to drive, and off to youth group.. Great day!
Today and tomorrow I am going to Youth Leader conference through Bethel Wahoo! Should be great! I love having days off from the bus company! ;)
Later!

So, I finally finished furnishing, painting and arranging my new office....for now. At this point I am ready to decorate it....that's the most exciting part! I can't wait to put my pictures and posters up. Woot! (That was for Emily. She says that I don't say that word so it sounds funny when I do!)Serious issues and struggles have come up in the lives of several of our youth group members and it has caused quite some turmoil. It's hard to be a teenager, that's for sure, and these ones have really been hit hard and it's become very relevant in the last couple weeks. Chaz called me the other day to let me know that "a crapload is coming at you". He's right. It's all at once. Just proof that when you are working the hardest to serve God and following Him with all you've got, the enemy is going to attack the hardest. The church has got a good thing and he wants to mess it up. So I would like to ask for your prayers for my youth....which is diminishing in number due to what's going on...but we know more kids will come.... I wish I could share specifics, but I can't. Just pray for these people- Jon, Paul, Julie, Jess, Christine, Scott, Liz, Nick, Melanie, Brian, Erin, Becky, Mariah, Michaela, Trevor, the others that are not as regular (or I'm actually forgetting), and our leaders, Nathan, Jess, Troy, Mark, and myself. Man, just thinking about what's going on specifically for some is enough to depress me. Wow. But our God is a good God. And the glory will be given to Him.

time flies

So if you read my xanga, you read that I was going to talk about my weekend here. Oops, never got to it. I'll give you a quick overview. Last weekend was a big youth group weekend. On Friday night was the big lock-in. Good turnout. Good times.....very little sleep...games, lots of movies, lots of video games. On Saturday night, it was the plan to go to the Relient K concert. Well, I wasn't so smart on that one, but thinking that I would give the kids a last chance opportunity to go (for one it worked!), I didn't buy tickets ahead of time and just told them to bring money to buy at the door. Oops. Got there and they were sold out! So we totally missed out on that. But we were determined to have a good time. We went out to Grace Church in Eden Prairie cuz there was an event there. Well, we were way late, but we hung around to meet BarlowGirl. How cool is that! See the pic! Then we went bowling, and got Taco Bell after. The three kids that I was with gave me a nickname...and said that we have to make the bowling a Saturday night "Sara adventure" tradition....to Jon, Paul, and Mel...POUND IT! :)
I took a break from the lock-in on Friday for the huge event of Entertaining Strangers playing at the band tourney at Club 3 Degrees. Much needed good time. I hadn't seen them perform in many months! Great times.....here are a couple pics:
"The three Sara-Beth's", yup that's right! :)

And one of them on stage...Bobby (with the hat) on guitar-oops,can't see him!, Eric in red, lead vocals, Lucas, guitar and vocals, Dave on drums and Marc on bass.
Great friends, great guys, great musicians and performers! Whoo hoo!
So, I guess that was my last weekend. I'll put more in a separate post as far as since then!

because I'm that bored...and I'm skipping lots...

1. Full NAME? Sara Elizabeth Lightbody
5. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? The Notebook...2nd time at the cheap seats....and before that, when Josh Jetto told me the story how he proposed to Kara! Love you two! Congrats!
6. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? sometimes
7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? Cotto Salami
9. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF? Amy Grant...sorry, not a fan anymore
14. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME? Big Sandy Camp
16. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? the one you are currently reading
25. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF??no
28. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE? ???? oh, man, I have one growing in right now and it hurts!
29. WHO DO YOU MISS MOST RIGHT NOW? you don't want to read that whole list
31. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? ITunes on my brand new computer in my new office! (wow 2005 cuz that's about all I have loaded on there)
32. WHAT'S THE LAST THING YOU ATE? old Ritz chips that were in the youth cupboard....dude, I'm starving...
33. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO: a random guy that came to the church to look for something
Yup, that's it...

the only thing I'll probably ever declare when it comes to politics

Subject: the upcoming election
True "Spin"
Learn these facts to properly debate our poor misguided friends & family before election time !!!
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq during the month of January..... In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January.
That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war torn country of Iraq.
When some claim President Bush shouldn't have started this war, state the following ..
FDR... led us into World War II. Germany never attacked us: Japan did.
From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost, an average of 112,500 per year.
Truman... finished that war and started one in Korea, North Korea never attacked us. From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost, an average of 18,334 per year.
John F. Kennedy... started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us.
Johnson... turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost, an average of 5,800 per year.
Clinton... went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent, Bosnia never attacked us. He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter
three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.
In the two years since terrorists attacked us President Bush has ... liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya, Iran and North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.
The Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking, but... It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51 day operation.
We've been looking for evidence of chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.
It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick.
It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!!
Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB!
The Military morale is high!
The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts.
PASS IT ON.

busy, busy girl

So, generally when there is no school, bus drivers get a day off. I barely have had a couple hours off in the last week! I've been hanging at church, painting, or working at church, driving, sitting in all day classroom training, traveling, working HARD at camp....out to a concert. This is the first night I have had a break really. Not that I couldn't have been working. It's a good thing I enjoy what I do and actually get to do things even though not resting....or I'd be absolutely dying.
So the weekend at camp was cool. Man did Rach keep Em and I busy with food! I do for sure have much respect for people that do that on a regular basis, such as for the summer..and of course for Rachel, Patty, Linda, and Mac that work hard in that kitchen. Talk about sore feet! And early mornings too...struggle...on Sunday morning Em and I put together 436 half sandwiches. Holy moly. Here is a pic of us with all the sandwiches we made:

Like I said, we got to hang out with Tate, Kelly and Seth....on Saturday Seth wore a shirt that I bought him for his first birthday in August! Go Vikes! (His grandma is a big Packers fan...grr...so she buys him green stuff...good thing Tate loves his Vikes!) He does the cutest thing. You say, "what do you do when there's a TOUCHDOWN!?" And he puts his arms up to show you. I tried to get a pic. Didn't happen. Anyway, here's my little buddy:

And for those of you who want to know the progress on Birch Lodge, I took a few pics of that. It's at a stand still cuz of money and well, it's cold outside. But it looks sweet. The progress really is amazing.


My final excitement of the weekend was the Jason Morant/Bethany Dillan/Bebo Norman concert. Good times. Seriously. I love Bethany! We waited a few seconds (yeah, not a long line!) to talk to her after the concert and have her sign my CD. Here is the pic we took with her:

She is one artist whose music I don't mind having in my head...currently even...
"slip your hand in mine, dance with me tonight, just ask me for my love...a dream i wont wake from...lalala..."
We still need help on a band name. Peter said, "hotties inc". Um...not goin' over so well for us! HELP!!!!!!!
Bought two more great CD's today: Matthew West and Palisade. Can't wait to get those in my head!
NEWS OF THE DAY:
My dad called me tonight and said that he wanted to share the latest with me...he won a car!!!!! WHOA! He got this thing in the mail the other day for whatever promotion thing a ma jing they had going on at Rosedale Dodge (he drives a Caravan). He didn't have anything to do and they had free food so he went. There was a drawing for a used car and thinking not much of it (MAYBE he would win Vikings tickets! :)), he entered. Well, he actually won! So now he is the proud (?) owner of a 1994 Ford Explorer with 200,000 miles. Yeah, kinda funny. Supposedly it's worth upwards of $1500. So maybe he'll sell it for $1000...don't know yet. If you are looking for a car, let me know!

home sweet home (#2)

Hey y'all I am at BSC right now! And yes, it's kind of funny that I am writing on my blog while I am here. But here's the current situation...I got here right after lunch today, and the first duty assigned to me was to make copies to winter retreat packets! So here I am in the office...makin' copies...nothing else to do while I wait for the copies so I am doing stuff on the computer. Spider Solitaire is grand. I miss it! Haha! It's beautiful up here. Yeah, it's rainy and foggy, but it's fall and I just absolutely love. Fall has got to be my favorite season, no doubt, and I think that this year I am appreciating it more than ever. It's just sooooo....beautiful. The first people I saw when I got here were Kelly and Seth. And that's exciting because I seriously have been missing little Seth and I couldn't wait to see him. He is running around like a track star and saying more words then Bill and ball....like...bell. :) Oh, and car. But I haven't really gotten to hear a whole lot yet. SO stinkin' adorable! There is a huge group here. (They came in five First Student buses!) 289 campers, Tate said! They are doing some pretty crazy activities. Like roasting game animals over the campfire! I'm not kidding. Oh...and they were rolling down the hill. When Tate told me this I said, "you mean the mountain boarding hill?" He said, "no, the tubing hill." "THE TUBING HILL?!?!" "well, where the rope goes up!" These kids have been ROLLING DOWN THE HILL! Does this sound like a great safe activity to you? Yeah, well, they cancelled it cuz a kid broke his arm yesterday! Another activity they can do is go in the chapel and learn to play guitar, or just jam with people. Now that, I think, is pretty sweet! So yeah, I'm here for the weekend, and I don't even know what is going to happen, what all I will be responsible for besides helping in the kitchen and running the snack shop. Whatever it is it doesn't matter cuz I'm just so glad to be here and spend time with the full time staff and Em Johnson. I love these people dearly and miss them much when I am away. When I walked in the kitchen, Dave hugged me and said, "welcome home". This place is home. I can drive up here and make all the correct turns like it's just as natural as it is home. I know every landmark and after how many minutes I will pass it. I feel like that today more than I ever have before I think. I no longer have keys or my own office space, but BSC is home. I'm lovin' it.
On Sunday, Em and I are going to see Bebo Norman and Bethany Dillon! Waaaaaayyyy excited about that. Two very great talented, gifted writing musicians! Maybe it will just inspire us to be that much better of writers, musicians and performers...oh, I mean, recording artists! :)
tata for now....

Hey y'all. I'm at church with the youth group kids right now. We are chillin' cuz they don't have school tomorrow. I am watching them groove to DDR on the big screen. Good times. We had some YWAM staff people from Florida here tonight. Man, it was great. It was kind of weird for me to be the leader to host them being here because I don't know them at all, where as Chaz and the kids have gone on trips with them. Anyway, it was great. They are wonderful servants of God and they totally shared a great factual challenge with the kids. Their current mission is to ...Brian is going to write to you...
today i played d.d.r... i sucked at it... now i have d.d.r.d(dance dance revoloution depression.)
Hmm, well, Brian is actually a much more intelligent kid than he just let you in on.
Well, I think I am going to go now because we are going to Jon's house!
I'll finish later!

photos of foliage

Em and I took sister photographer Sarah up to Duluth on Sunday to take pictures for our up and coming CD. We took somewhere around 80 shots!!!! You will get to see the best ones when the CD is out of course, but I wanted to put a few on here that I thought were fun! Hehe...enjoy!

It's Official

Alright friends, it has been really hard not to tell anyone ('cept I did to some!) about this news. Especially since everyone asks, "so what about the job?" and "what's new?" and "what are you doing with your life?"
Well, last weekend I was hired at River of Life Church as a Youth and Music Minster!!! I haven't been broadcasting this news because the church (besides the staff and elders) didn't know. Today it has been made official. The youth and their parents had a meeting with Dave. So yeah, I actually start working on Tuesday and actually go on the payroll on Friday. The rest of the church will find out via letter this week and an announcement in church on Sunday.
The role includes 15 hours a week that I will be responsible to youth starting now, and starting in January another 10 to add to the music ministry. So this will all be crazy exciting. I've really been itching to get things started...such as cleaning and painting MY OFFICE and planning events such as the Planet Wisdom conference on my birthday! :)
This is something I never ever saw coming in my life. But it's right. I'm obviously not the most qualified for the role out there, but it's not about me. It's all about God. He is going to be the one "in charge" of this youth and music minstry. Definitely the music ministry is a no-brainer to me! Ha! But still I have never been the one on-top, go-to person and same with the youth. So it's big for me. And I have to keep reminding myself that even if I don't feel that big, my God is definitely big! So I don't even know what to say....I'm excited and I covet your prayers! Now you know! If you have more questions, just let me know! I'm sure I will be giving updates on how things are going!
P.S. If you are not doing anything today, I think I'm going to go over and do some work in the office! :)

My New Hair Color!

It still needs to settle in and be more natural, but this is my new hair color! Wahoo!

Go Gophers!

Upon arrival to the Crown homecoming game, my friend Alan said he was going to the Gopher football game Saturday night. I jokingly said, "and you're taking me with?!" To my surprise he said, "well, maybe". He wasn't sure if his friend could go with, so he said I could. Well, I did! His pastor gave him two $40 tickets! Way cool! His bro, Lucas, and another friend went too. Lucas actually made it on to TV. So if you were watching and at the end of the game saw a guy with a maroon and gold checkered face and a big fluffy hat, it was my friend Lucas, and I was sitting three seats down from him. We were sad that we didn't get on TV too...we saw the camera pointed on us and were all waving, but didn't know if we were all on it. Well, all three of the guys cell phones rang at once saying, "we saw Lucas!" Good times!.....here are some pics...I really enjoyed the marching band!


I've begun putting some posts on my Xanga site...it may often contain stuff that is not on here...check in there too: www.xanga.com/ligsar

Y'all and stuff

I got an email from my new friend Nate (Emily's guy) in Texas this morning that included the following paragraph. I hope he doesn't mind me printing it here. I wanted to share it because I really enjoyed it a lot. (Almost as much as the first paragraph- thanks Nate! ;) Here it is:
"I’m really excited about ya’lls new album!!! Ya’ll sound so good together. I have ya’lls first one and I listen to it very often. It would be really awesome if ya’ll where discovered! I personally think ya’ll are great enough to be the next up-and-coming Christian Music Artists! Ya’ll need to come up with a name though. Even though there are only two of you, you still need a group name! Kinda’ like “Larue” even though there were just two of them (course it was easy for them, seein’s how they were related and ever’thin’), or “Watermark” (course there married, but do you know what I mean?). I’ll be thinkin’ of one:-) I’ll let you know if I come up with anything."
Sweet, eh? I think everyone of you ...I mean...y'all....should help us come up with a name! Give me your suggestions!!!
Peace!
P.S. I think Pastor Dave might call me today. He met with the elders last night and shared my resume!!!!

yeah, Yoshi

Skippy, you rule....
Not my top result, but I don't even know who the top two characters are, and Yoshi is awesome! I miss my old school Nintendo and Super Nintendo!

Take the 'Which Nintendo Character are you most like?' quiz by !

thought I should maybe aim for a little continuity

Hey there friends...I'm just going to tell you about my day...
I woke up this morning as usual at a quarter to 6 and headed to work. While I drive, I usually like to think about random things. (Assuming it's a route I know and the kids are under control- my mornings are relatively calm.) Often I will come up with song ideas and that is fun. A lot of times I will reflect on life, particularly the past, especially now since I drive to my high school and middle school, and just remembering my school days on the bus, driving around the areas I grew up. I realize I tend to be more gracious to kids who are running to catch the bus because I was always one to miss it! :) I realize that while my focus is on the kids and getting them to school, their focus is not on me at all, they don't tend to even think of me as a real person, or for some, not one that is worth any respect. I never really cared so much about my bus driver! Did you? Bus drivers are people too! :) Anyway...today for some strange reason, I was thinking about the end of my senior year. Now, I was never the most popular kid, nor did I care a whole lot. I was friendly to many people. I think I was pretty awkward in the middle school years (I guess we all are, eh?) and once in high school I was more confident in myself, I knew who I was and I found my identity in Christ and wanted to proclaim that with my actions. As I grew older, I was more and more confident and mature in that as well as fitting in and finding the right friends at school. By the time I graduated I befriended many great Christian friends and still had the good kid image that stood out as I befriended others. Despite my trials and bad days, my joy was visible. Senior year I had a good group of well-known Christian friends that I hung out with not all the time, but quite a bit. They are some people who I truly treasure and admire....I was somewhat of a leader on campus...particularly in how I took over leadership of our praise and worship time one morning a week. People knew I was involved in church, camp, etc...that my faith mattered to me. Well, I was actually somewhat surprised to get the news in the spring that I was nominated in the Senior Polls. "What? Since when, me? I'm not popular. Do that many people even know me? Or anything about me? Enough to be nominated for the Senior Polls? No way." Well, along with two of my great girl friends and three guys (I don't remember!), I was considered (as I was first informed- I don't remember the wording) the most spiritual or something...one who lived out my faith, shared it...I was known for being a Christian, basically....by my whole (well...) class!!! (of 464!) Pretty cool. I was very excited. It meant I got to be published in the special Senior edition of the final school newspaper. I was never published in the school newspaper (well, once for Volleyball- my coach nominated me as Athlete of the Week in 10th grade!!...coach's pet, yup!) but in this issue, I was quoted in another article, in the Senior Poll quiz- with photo! and I had my senior quote (which included "don't speed" and Josh. 1:9). I remember taking the photo of us three girls- we wore choir robes and put halos over our heads to pretend we were angels! The format of the polls was like in YM..."You are walking down the hall and you are beat over the head with a Bible. Who's the holy roller?" So, not the most encouraging way to put it...anyway, I wasn't chosen, my friend Tammy was. And the guy that was chosen was actually an outspoken Atheist. So, I don't know about the irony there. But I was just encouraged to know that my class still can remember me as one who lived out her faith in a public school. They noticed me. They knew I was different. So my challenge to you- particularly if you are in a public school, especially in high school, even middle school...(well, I don't think anyone younger reads this) don't be ashamed to make a difference in your school, "let your light shine before men that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven", "will you be the one to take His light into a darkened world?"
Youth group was tonight. Another night of us left-behind leaders flying by the seat of our pants! It was great! Although at the same time, I am looking forward to getting some more structure going...kinda lookin forward to the opportunity to do that, Lord willing. I led them in a game of "Shuffle Your Buns". That was a new one, and a good time. Since the other leaders and I don't actually know the kids too well, we made up a survey for them to fill out so we can know more about them. Looking forward to reading those, what matters to them, where they are at in their faith, their shoe size....." I really want to be able to reach out to these kids and meet them at their needs, but it's hard at this point, still not really knowing them. It will take some time for us to adjust and grow. A couple of them have expressed some interest in conferences and other activities, so I am excited and looking into those and getting involved with that. Troy talked about the story of Zaccheus and we went over some questions...this group can be a major struggle when it comes to lesson time. They can be very disrepectful and it's hard to know if things are sinking in at all and to get them to participate and listen. A few of them were sharing some good answers though. One of the questions was to share someone in your life when you were younger that made you feel special, that you looked up to, such as in the way that Jesus went to the tree to specifically tell Zaccheus that He wanted to come to his house. This was definitely one time in youth group that I felt like something was happening. I decided to speak up that I want to hear this answer from everyone in the room. The kids listened as we all shared and it was pretty neat just to hear where kids have come from and who has impacted their lives....from their mothers to their lunchlady! :) Then Chaz called my cell phone while we were praying...and we went to DQ and that's my night!
So, good night, y'all!

YEA!

Caleb sent this to me, and I enjoy filling them out...so here goes...
Ever Been Called...
Dumb?: yeah
Retarted?: you mean, retarDed...probably by my bro years ago
Ugly?: only in joking
Hot?: yeah
Fat?: probably
Anorexic?: no
A waste of space?: no
Useless?: no
Smelly?: ha..yeah, but usually I just admit it
Beautiful?: yes
Smart?: yes
Quiet?: well, I am :)
Boring?: yes
Rebel?: not so much, but possibly
Conceited?: I hope not
[Currently]
What are you wearing?: navy blue fleece Gap sweatshirt, 2004 BSC staff shirt, red Old Navy athletic pants, socks
Who are you talking to?: no one...my latest IM conversation was with Nikki Rollins, and I'm just listening to KTIS
Are you friends with them?: well, of course
How is the weather?: 67 and sunny! perfect!
What are you listening to?: KTIS
What/Who are you thinking about?: I want to sleep...I hope I put good answers on here
What are you eating/drinking?: nothing
What are you looking forward to?: sleep
Why?: I only slept for 5 hours this morning
What are you dreading?: going back to work because I will still want to sleep...geesh..how sad is that! It's like I'm ungrateful for living...NOT true!
Why?: I already answered that
How are you feeling?:um, tired, otherwise, alright
How is your hair?: still wet and pulled back into a messy ball!
What time is it? 9:52AM
What are you annoyed by?: um...currently...nothing I don't think
When Was The Last Time You...
Burped?: probably the last time I drank a Coke
Went to the movies?: mm...when Tara and I saw two in one night a few weeks ago...Garden State and The Notebook....see previous entry regarding those!
Went out to eat?: drive through at DQ with Em on Friday
Cried?: I can't remember!
Threw up?: ew, don't remember that either
Went skating?: sad...forever ago...
Went for a walk?: my tiredness is seriously affecting my memory
Ate ice cream?: Saturday after I helped Sarah Stranz make apple pie and we ate it "a la mode"
Got into a fight?: I don't do that
Who was the last person you...
Talked to?: the St. John's kids on my bus...they wanted to know how many seconds were in a day, I tried to figure it out!
Yelled at?: probably the kids who wouldn't sit down...but I usually ask pretty politely, or just speak firmly, I really don't yell, usually
Kissed: yeah, I don't do much of that either
Hugged?: well, it would have been at Vespers last night....either Kearsten Lumby or Em Johnson, I think
Went out to eat with?: I already answered that
Flirted with?: hahaha...Alan?
Talked to on the phone?: Alan Hall, Kristine Fry, Emily Stranz
E-Mail?: that I sent one to? Em
Got flowers from? mm...that's been a long time...Ryan Wotherspoon when I performed that Christmas concert with him...he gave me a dozen roses at the end...there the only ones that still haven't gone up on my wall yet, that's why I remember them, they keep getting in the way
Danced with?: depends on what you mean....often I dance when I am by myself...like anytime of day and anywhere
Worried about?: my life...oh, you mean person...probably Christine... and Andy
Cried over?: Ross and Rachel...I don't know!
Thought about?: whoever is going to read this
Are you...
Understanding?: I sure try to be
Pretty?: in my Maker's eyes, I am a beautiful Child
Nice?: I try to be that too
Hard to get?: am I?
Confident?: in the grace and mercy of our Lord
Depressed?: no
Hyper?: I have my moments
Friendly?: I try
Hungry?: a little bit, yes
Original? sometimes
Shy?: yeah, I am!
Emotional?: yes
Messy?: yes
Immature?: I can be, that's for sure
Sad?: no
Trusting?: like I said, I try to be...no one is perfect
Healthy?: not as much as I would like to be, but I have been blessed
Sleepy?: geesh, I have covered that topic, haven't I?
Lonely?: no....I sometimes like to be alone
Independent?: yeah
How often do you use the word "like" in an average hour?: more than I would like, but not overboard...I like to think of myself as more intelligent
Do you do drugs?: no
Do you skip classes?: I NEVER go to class....cuz I don't have them!
Do you steal?: ideas, and phrases yes
Do you drool over celebrities?: no
Do you watch a lot of TV?: unfortunately, but I enjoy it...and I learn from it
Do you ever watch the News?: yuppers
Do you read books often?: nope
Do you spend most of your time with your friends?: I wouldn't say most
Do you smoke cigarettes?: no
Do you hang out a lot in malls, or at Seven Elevens?: um, no
Do you often find yourself with a crush on someone?: not so much
Are you desperate to fit in?: I'm over it
Are you intelligent?: somewhat
Do you spend a lot of time on your appearance?: ha....right
Make-up?: little bit
Low-cut tops?: grrr...no one needs to see that!
Do you flip your hair when you talk, even if you don't realize it?: lol...usually not..:-S
Giggle a lot?: haha
Read YM, Teen, Cosmo, at all?: no...People, yes
[In the last 24 hours, have you]
Cried: no
Bought something: actually, no!
Gotten sick: no
Sang: a lot!
Eaten: yup
Been kissed: no
Felt stupid: yes
Met someone new: no
Had a serious talk: no
Missed someone: always do
Hugged someone: yes
Fought with your parents: no
[Personal]
Who is your role model: Jesus
What are some of your pet peeves: the way everyone and their mother drives- fast, rudely and illegally, and stupid and unsafe...basically, me and driving have a love/hate relationship...there are others- hang out with me and I will probably let you know some more when they occur because I can't think of them now

I would like to pause in this survey because I just received a phone call from my friend Troy who is at the hospital with his dad who is suffering from a possible brain anuerism (sp?). Please pray for Andy Toivola and his family.

Do you want to get married: yeah baby
Do you want kids: yes
Do you believe you know the person whom you will marry at this point in time: no idea
Are you happy with you: not completely
Are you happy with your life: not completely
If you could change something in your life right now, what would it be: have more money
Would you ever pierce your nose or tongue? no
Be serious or be funny? a mix of both
[Your personal 411]
name: Sara Elizabeth Lightbody
age: 24
where do you live: Arden Hills, MN
Bestfriend(s): for the time being, although she's got her Nate and Crew..Em tops the list....
Friend you can't stand but couldn't live without: umm...
Friend you fight the most with: I don't fight with my friends!
Friend you never fight with: NEVER!
Sweetest friend: awww....umm...I think you all are!
Loudest friend: E-Fo, maybe and Jen (Bobo)???
Most talent: seriously, that's way too hard
Most outgoing: Chaz
[Life]
What's your outlook on life: God is in control
Do you enjoy life: yes
How could your life be better: more money...SAD!!!! grr...
Are you miserable over anything right now: no
Are you worried about anything right now: no

[Questions]
Favorite scene from a movie: not coming up with one, sorry
Would you ever go on a reality television show: not likely
Would you ever spend 400 dollars on one pair of jeans: whoa, baby! I better get at least 10 pairs for that!
do you love Christ: YES
do you live for Him in every way: I make a feeble effort
ever been on a missions trip: no :(
how many pets do you have?: none
how many siblings?: just my big bro Dave
last time u were grounded: never
last thing u ate: Wheat Thins...my new addiction since the summer
what time is it: ha, that's funny...the second time...it's 10:24AM...geesh, this is taking a long time
are u happy this is over: um...it's not though
When was the last time you wanted to tell someone you loved them, but couldn't: not sure
Dreamed: I had a dream...mm...yesterday morning I think and then I woke up late....I forgot it though, sorry
Are you the center of attention or the wallflower: sometimes one, sometimes the other
What type of automobile do you drive: Kia Rio Cinco and a 77 passenger International School Bus
Would you rather be with friends or on a date: Friends...until the right guy comes along of course
Where is the best hangout: where my friends are, duh
Do you have a job: yes I do!
Do you attend church: yes
Do you like being around people: yes
Who...
01. Have you known the longest: my parents obviously
02. Do you argue the most with: ???
03. Do you always get along with: pretty much everyone...that's scriptural you know...as much as possible, be at peace with everyone
04. Is the most trustworthy: y'all are
05. Makes you laugh the most: yeah, pretty much you all do
06. Has been there through all the hard times: God
07. Has the coolest parents: most of you
08. Has the scariest siblings: no one
09. Is the most blunt: usually, me
10. Is the smartest: man, I can't answer these questions!
Personal... (why are so many numbers missing?)
07. Ever wanted to get revenge on someone because they hurt you: forgive and forget
16. What is your favorite part of your physical appearance: my hair, on a good day
17. What is your favorite part of your emotional being? laughing, caring
Current...
Current Mood: calm, relaxed
Current Music: KTIS, which is actually currently talking
Current Taste: nothing
Current Make-up: just foundation
Current Hair: I already told you...and it's still wet in a messy ball
Current Smell: that I smell? or that is on me?....I suppose just my conditioner in my hair
Current thing I ought to be doing: sleeping
Current Desktop Picture: well, my Webshots changes it...so let me check...it's a pic of a bunch of staffers with paint on their face for Capture the Flag
Current Favorite Artist: Bethany Dillon, Watermark, Joy Williams, The Swift, me and Emily
Current Favorite Group: see last question
Current Book you're reading: no me gusta leer
Current CD in CD Player: um, I just took it out, so none, but last was a new Vineyard worship one, Shout to the Earth
Current DVD in player: most recent was "You Got Served" and "13 Going On 30"...movie days with Em rock!
Current Color Of Toenails: au natural
Current Refreshment: I think I'm about to go get me a Coke
Current Worry: ???
Current Facial Expression: none, I'm just looking at the screen and thinking intently about what I am typing
P.S. this took me 50 minutes! It's a good thing I didn't have anything better to do....off to nap time now!

the latest...co-written.... (I know...you can't WAIT to hear it!!!)
You Are My Lord

Early morning
I rise to praise your name
The day stretches before me
So much to be done
But before I fly into the whirlwind of life
I come to Your throne
And say

You are my Lord
I run to You
I give my all to Your gentle call
Please grant Your grace
And let me see Your face
With all my heart I’ll seek You everyday

Father in Heaven
My life is still so young
This journey can feel so long
And I’m weary from the race
But You’ve given me a plan and destiny
So no matter what
I’ll say

You are my Lord
I run to You
I give my all to Your gentle call
Please grant Your grace
And let me see Your face
With all my heart I’ll seek You everyday

anyone want to help me write my resume?

an update

For those of you who knew I was talking to Pastor Dave today and want to know.....and for everyone else reading that I should tell as well...
Yup, I got together with Dave today and we just talked about the position that I may be filling....the form it may take...what he thinks...what I think especially ie: direction in life, calling etc. We just chatted, got an idea of stuff. At this point, it's still to be thought about and will take some time to come into place. Another one of the leaders is also interested and basically what Dave was left with was that we are very different and he needs to think it out. It's possible we may even both do it in a way and our roles would be focused differently and also leaving me some space for worship which would be a direction we would take before too long. So that's where it's at. Nothing bad...definitely good. Just nothing definite. May the Lord's Will be done.
P.S. continue to leave me comments, and please do so if you haven't.....on any and every post! I love to read it!!!!

All who are weak, all who are weary
Come to the rock, come to the fountain
All who have sailed on the rivers of heartache
Come to the sea, come on be set free
If You lead me Lord I will follow
Where You lead me Lord I will go
Come and heal me Lord I will follow
Where You lead me Lord I will go
I will go I will go

Song: Invitacion Fountain
Album: If You Say Go
Written By: Michael J. Pritzl
Copyright: © 2000 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing

comments.....please.....

Hey...I know you people are reading this....but I have no idea who!!! Could you leave me comments and let me know that you are investing time reading about my life? And please share what you have to say about certain things. I feel like I'm all alone here...but I do know that SOMEONE is reading.....who are you??? Let me know what you have to say about my life!

Crown @ NW soccer

Alan wanted me to put a pic of him on here:

SYATP

(Thanks to the website of NWC where I found this pic!...obviously, it's not from today

I still remember my 8th grade year...the first time I heard of See You at the Pole. I was nervously excited about it. My dad brought me to Chippewa at 7am. No one was there. It was sad. We sat in the car and prayed and then he took me out to breakfast and back to school. I found out later that they actually met at 7:30..oops, oh well. But when I got to MV, I made sure to make it. I was always encouraged to see the turn out and excited to take the opportunity to pray and befriend other Christians in my school. I wish I could still take part in it today!
This morning as I dropped off the kids at MV, it almost brought tears to my eyes (touching tears) to see a group of kids gather around the flagpole in the pouring rain. It brought back memories of my faith and involvement in high school and it excited me to see kids do it today. Our nation needs kids who will stand up like that and take the time to pray for their nation, their school, each other....I hope that this is something that they live out daily, or are learning to live out daily and proclaim out at times other than the third Wednesday of the school year.....Kudos and thanks to those students who stood out in the rain....at MV, around the area....and around the nation. "God let us be a generation that seeks Your face, O God of Jacob."

funny...

Maybe not as amusing to people as if you played it on the piano as much as I did in Junior High....but a funny (to me) rendition of any Christian's favorite song! :-P
http://my.homewithgod.com/heavenlymidis/songbook/friends.html
The drum is my favorite part.

the right place at the right time

Make Me a Blessing
Words by Ira B. Wilson
Music by George S. Schuler

Out on the highways and byways of life,
Many are the weary and sad;
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love,
Tell of His pow'r to forgive;
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True every moment you live.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.
Give as 'twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.

Make me a blessing, make me a blessing;
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Saviour I pray,
Make me a blessing to someone today.

Ever think about how EASY it can be sometimes to be a blessing or offer a blessing to someone. Sometimes all it takes is being at the right place at the right time and being willing. A lot of times we have to seek things out and make a conscious effort and choice, complete an action, give something, sacrifice, but sometimes the opportunities come right to you and can be so effortless.
I have two examples. They happened at about the same time, one yesterday, one today, while I was in between schools on my afternoon route and had plenty of time to kill. I had to decide where to sit. Yesterday I didn't put much thought in it, but it ended up I was able to help a stranded motorist where I was at. As for today, I will share my example... I decided to go to Rainbow Foods because I wanted to buy a lemonade. I go there often and I go in there not really thinking about it. I got in line, just being patient. I was behind a man and a woman that were buying simply a bunch (bundle? what do you call it?) of bananas. I wasn't paying much attention until I realized there was a delay. I wasn't in a hurry, so I didn't care. But then I realized the lady was counting out change. Finally she said, "okay, just take one of them off". The cashier said something like, "ok, but I have to re-ring the whole thing, I can't just subtract one banana, hang on", I noticed she had one dollar bill, a bunch of dimes and nickels and penny on the counter. I was like....hold up...."how much change do you need?" They thought for a second, and said, "20 cents." I was like, "holy moly! 20 cents!" I reached into my purse and said, "here, have a quarter!" and it was like it meant the world to them. I mean how frustrating to only come to a store to buy bananas and you can't because you can't manage to pull out $2.65. All it took was a quarter from my change purse- what's that worth to me? Oh, I might have bought a newspaper that would have been thrown away at the end of the day! I was happy to have been able to do something...she said "thank you, God bless you" and I was just thinking, "God bless YOU!" :-D
Anyway...pay attention to the opportunities to bless someone...ask the Lord to bring them...and seek them out yourself as well...you may find that the blessings return...and then, "every blessing You pour out, I'll turn back to PRAISE!"

P.S. Sorry Alan...my camera battery died, so I can't get the pic up yet.
P.P.S. LEAVE ME COMMENTS on the other post for today...(about the church job!)

"Whoa GOD!".....prayer request....

So a while back I mentioned that I needed more work. But more so, I've gotten to the point in my life where I am not so sure if I am as content in what I am doing. For the past two years, God has brought what I feel, exactly what I needed into my life: a well paying job (with benefits) that I enjoy, a church to use my gifts, worship and attend- that helps pay the bills, and the opportunity to still work at camp in the summer. It has been amazing and I have been content in it, for the fact that: I always wanted to do something different "for a couple years" when I was out of school...and still work at camp. I haven't necessarily used my degree (worth $80,000 and for which I am now paying loans up the wazoo) and there have been times when I was holding onto those jobs for dear life because they each could have slipped away too easily....and God has been faithful and full of blessings. Now, heading back into the fall I'm beginning to wonder if the "opportunity" I was waiting for was going to come. (I NEVER look for jobs....they ALWAYS come to me!) I haven't gone looking for anything, but I know I need something else...something different...something more...something permanent...something real.
Well, my friend, Chaz has been the youth pastor at River Of Life Church. This is basically the church I grew up in, my dad was the pastor from the time I was 4 until I was 11 and I continued on the quiz team, in the youth group there, and of course maintained the friendships. Over the past year I occasionally helped out with the youth group and have been looking forward to getting more involved this year. Chaz has been interested in gettng a job in Utah, and on Sunday announced that he has accepted a job there and....is leaving this week!!! Therefore the church needs some one to help out there! (Just a little bit! ;)) I immediately knew that would mean more responsibility for myself and the other helpers. We are going to meet on Wednesday to discuss that. Well, this morning I decided to ask Chaz what the church was looking at as far as hiring...etc...perhaps I have a friend...I was just curious. He says, "come over to church, Pastor Dave and I want to talk to you" I did. Just now, this morning. And basically they told me that they want someone to step in who is familiar, who can continue, stick around, etc..and just this morning, I was the one who sparked them....soo.....they wanted to see what I thought...and well, I'm definitely a bit shocked..and nervous....yet open. A lot has yet to be figured out and waited on and discussed...I would have to continue with the bus driving and fit in 20-25 hours and be done at CPC(which would work fine) in order to be there on Sundays and also step into a role as a worship leader...but I guess that is where it's at....up to me to "discern and pray" and therefore, I ask you to join me. This could be HUGE..and exciting and amazing...but a bunch of other things too...and I need a clear path from the Lord. Ahh....I'm biting my finger nails!!!!.........

proud cousin...GO COUGS!

Just in case you haven't ever heard me brag about my big cousin Sam (who is one year younger than me) I'm going to do so right now. He plays football for Washington State and it sure looks like a promising year for recognition for him. My uncle hopes that he will be drafted to the NFL...and play for the Panthers (they live in North Carolina right now!) or, of course for the Vikings....how exciting would that be!
Here is a sweet article that was written about him and just posted online:
Sam Lightbody Not So
Another article I found said this, "And Sam Lightbody, the front-runner to win the Ironic Name of the Year Award, is 6-9, 320 pounds." :-D


On an unrelated note, Emily and I went to see Watermark at Northwestern Book Store last night. They did a live performance and a CD signing. It was great. They are very talented and their music is beautiful- I really enjoy it live. We weren't going to stay for the signing because we were going somewhere else, but we ended up getting in the front of the line without really trying so I quick went and bought the new CD and we got their autographs. We told them how much we appreciate what they do and that we sing My Heart, Your Home and they said we should sing it for them! :) But Em said, "um, you guys do a better job!" So then we went over to our friends' the Galls' house because we wanted to give them a copy of our CD and we visited there for about 2 hours. Good times. Good night. I love that girl. :) Glad we are both home.
I'm glad it's Friday! Have a good one y'all!
"It was in the way You came as a lowly babe, that Your glory was displayed
And it was in the sacrifice of purest life, it was in Your Father's will obeyed
The perfect Lamb that was slain and there's the glory of Your name
No other one, no other way for me to see You took my place, You are the way
And there's the glory of Your name, Yes, there's the glory of Your name"
The Glory of Your Name, Watermark

What to say,

... what to say...haven't said much lately, have I? I think my life is too boring. I have been home for two and a half weeks now. School has been in session, offically, one week. Currently I am driving a morning bus route that goes to Mounds View, Chippewa (both of which I attended!) and St. John's. They are all very nice routes. So far, so good. I wanted to get a special ed route again cuz they are cool, and then I will get more hours. But because of my seniority, it just didn't work out that way. So in the afternoon, I decided to be a stand-by driver. Which means they can send me just about anywhere, or I can sit there and get paid for two hours. So far I have gone somewhere everyday. They haven't been bad though. Yet I wouldn't mind just sitting there once in awhile. :)
Last weekend was Labor Day Family Camp. Always a good time. I think I interacted more with campers than in previous years...and that was cool. I worked in the craft shop, nursery (woot for Seth Watts and Kelli and Amy Stranz!), drove the tubing boat, hung out with teens...and Stranzs and Galls and Vanasses and St. Croix and Menomonie people..yeah..played some volleyball and Catch Phrase... :) For about an hour or so, late one night, Em and I sat down at the piano and just sang some worship songs for whoever listened. That was great...just gettin' us more pumped up for our up and coming CD. We both have been working on some writing. And if we haven't told you already...this "album" will be solely songs that we have written (or some that our friends have written or helped us write). You may be hearing before too long how you can obtain a copy of this CD. It is still a long ways off, but we can not afford to give it out, like we did the last one!
Just got home from youth group at River of Life. They are going to Valleyfair on Sunday. I haven't been there in, I think, seven years! So I think I will go! :)
I think that's all I have to say. I found a sweet new, beautiful song. It's called I Need You, by The Swift:

My heart is restless in me, my wings are all worn out
I'm walking in the wilderness, and I cannot get out
I need You, Oh, I need You, Blessed Savior come
I need You, Oh, I need You, fill the every longing of my soul

Oh how I need You, Lord, I need Your perfect Word
With tearful eyes to see the sin that I afford
I need to weep and pray for all the thousand ways that I have failed You just today

My bed is soaked with sadness, my sadness has no end
A downward spiral of despair that I keep falling in
I need You, Oh I need You, to You my soul shall fly
I need You, Oh, I need You, Yaweh, how I love You more than life

Your silence is like death to me
So won't You hear my desparate plea
Today my soul is soaring way over mountains high
Though I can see the valleys, they're all just passing by
It's not that I am stronger, look at my feeble wings
But I've been lifted higher, Yaweh's lifted me in His own strength

Oh how I love You, Lord, I love Your perfect Word
With tearful eyes to see the God who always will endure
Now I will celebrate for all the thousand ways that you have shown me grace
And made my heart in grace to stay, You've made my heart in grace to stay
Lord, make my heart in grace to stay
I need You, Oh, I need You

Your Icecream Flavour is...Neopolitan!

You aren't satisfied with just one flavor. They say variety is the spice of life and this shines through in your Ice cream of choice! Just don't eat all the chocolate and leave the strawberry and vanilla behind!

What is your Icecream Flavour?
Find out at Go Quiz

The Great Minnesota Get-Together

the week in between and the best movie EVER

I have been officially home for a week. I haven't really done a whole lot. Which is okay. I have needed the break between the long days of camp and the early mornings of bus driving and working every day. So I relaxed....
The first movie I watched was Shrek, just because I could and I watched it until I fell asleep. There's just something comforting about familiar movies that you can fall asleep too! :)
Then I took the opportunity to rent three movies (for 1.49 on Monday at Mr. Movies) and I watched each of them during the week. The first one was The Prince and Me which I watched with Emily. This was very cute and had some good laughs. I love Julia Stiles and I have been to Denmark (and Wisconsin) so that was fun. Another night I put on Love Actually. Apparently my expectations were too high for this one. Or I was just too tired to catch on to it. But I didn't enjoy it- I couldn't follow it at all and it just seemed like it was about who could hook up with who in their various places in life- didn't amuse me, sorry. I fell asleep to that one too and never ended up finishing it.
Then last night was super movie night. I hung out with my camp pals at Crown for the day which was enjoyable. Then Kara and I spent some time looking up movies online to decide what we would go see that night. It was not an easy choice. In the process of watching trailers online, and almost quitting, I found Garden State. I didn't really know much about it, but it just seemed like something I wanted to see. Tara agreed and it ended up just being me and her, so we went. We both thought it was excellent. What was real neat about it is that it wasn't a "Hollywood" movie where everything is glamorous and makes you feel good. It was real. It was about typical, normal, deadbeat, American people and their way of life and relationships. I do recommend it. So we were leaving and talking about how we made such a good choice and also about how short it was. We didn't say it, but we both were up for another movie. Then we saw Josh and Kara. They said that they were going to see The Notebook shortly...hmmm...the other movie that I really wanted to see. So...Tara and I decided that we would see that one too. First time I ever paid to see two movies in a theater in one day! :) This was definitely the BEST movie I have seen in a long time. I know a lot of people wouldn't agree but I am all about the romantic tearjerking dramas! I haven't cried like that in a long time! Hats off to Nicholas Sparks for writing another great novel that turned into a great movie!
Well, today, I still had Miracle that I rented, so I popped that one in...it's been a long time waiting for me to see it, the hockey fan that I am! Too bad I wasn't a hockey fan in 1980, the whole 2 months old that I was! :) But hey, go USA! Finally, Good Will Hunting is just finishing up on TV. I have only watched this one 50 times. "How do ya like them apples?" :) So that's my movie marathon for the week....now's back to the real world...and...
I need to ask prayer support for my finances...it's a constant struggle...but the main concern lies first in two things...
I found out last weekend that my church can only continue to pay me for two weekends a month instead of three or four. That hurts. So either I need to find something else or just get by with that...
As of right now, I am only guaranteed driving 25 hours a week instead of 40 hours of Special Ed that I had last year and was looking forward to. That's not so good.
Since my income was down a LOT this summer, I am very behind on multiple bills and they are not so friendly with me. If it weren't for these limbo couple weeks in between jobs and not being able to depend on what will be coming in from jobs soon, I would be okay. But they are after me and.....ahhhhh....!!! All I need is to win the lottery or be given just $1000! Then all will be okay! I hate to constantly worry about finances...I refuse to give in to them, but...ya know..

The Love of God

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
And pardoned from his sin.

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.

Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of God above,
Would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.

After My All by Justin McRoberts

Sarah took off again, second time this week
She calls with "help me man" and I'm runnin' to her
And after she calms down, somewhere 'round 3 AM
You'll find me on my knees, lookin' for some strength again

After my all has been run through, I'll give what's left of me to You
Knowing in time I'll be renewed, and walking again

John's room is 314, means dad's in ICU
He'll be there three more days so I'll be there too, with him
And after He is gone, gunshot to solve it all
I see my efforts fail and I hit the wall again

And after my all has been run through, I'll give what's left of me to You
Knowing in time I'll be renewed, and walking again

Teach me to know that I need You, simply because Lord, I need You
Not 'cause I'm tired of what I do

So before my all has been run through, I'll give the whole of me to You
Wait for Your word in all I do, and walk in Your strength

camp memories

here are a few fun pics from the summer....
A group of staff when we went mini-golfing at Pirate's Cove in Brainerd at the end of staff training week:
Our staff picture....in the new chapel building which is "Under Construction" :
My pal Kyle, doing our traditional dress up night pic for the 5th year in a row:

"A Family Pic"- the female counselors in this pic decided that we were all a family, since my nickname for the summer was "Yiayia" (grandma in Greek), I was the grandma, Bill was "Papou" (grandpa in Greek), Joanna was Papa Jo, Kearsten was Mama Mary, and the rest are cousins...I'm not so sure:

Part of our program staff team, "The Recess Gang" after dominating at Tubemania and on our way to winning Team Challenge all week!:

so long sweet summer

So I'm sorry that the summer at camp is way stinkin' busy that I don't get to write here EVER! It just takes so long to log in, think of enough importance to write about, etc.... So here I am, I am back. The summer is...well, not officially, but over. I'm actually coming home on Saturday. Our Alliance camps are done for the summer, so most of our staff is gone. But right now we have a rental group here and we are running the camp for them. I am actually in the office all day because I am finishing up stuff...mainly decision cards- getting them copied and sent out to counselors and churches, getting addresses and postcards to counselors- it's a big job...and I get to do it! :) I'm also working with pictures because I am combining all the digital ones that the staff has taken to put them onto one CD for everyone. Between myself, the chapel coordinator and one other counselor, I think we have about 800....more to come from other staff members! So I will for sure get some of the best on here! Here are a couple for ya....just kidding...photobucket is being stinky...more to come when I get on my computer at home and don't have quite as slow a connection!
I will have to say that this has been the fastest summer that I have been on staff. This summer flew by like you wouldn't believe. And now it is finally actually to the point that I do want to go home though. I've just got that "it's over, I'm ready to move on" feeling that I haven't had the last couple of weeks. I wanted it to last longer because it felt like the school year just ended and I just got here. But now it is time. I am anxious to spend time with friends that I have hardly talked to all summer...and to go to youth group...and I'm anxious to watch the Olympics!!!!!...and I'm anxious to sit at home and do nothing (watch TV and play on the computer!)...and I'm anxious to not do so much driving, and do just have more freedom to do things and to not have to worry about 80 bazillion things at a time...which I did of course enjoy. It's just that it will be a welcome change of pace.
One thing that I have definitely enjoyed this summer is weddings....I have been to one almost every weekend. Tomorrow I am going to Tim and Tammy's (Junker) in Grand Rapids. And that should be a definite fun one since I know both their families and so many friends in the wedding. I was at Tim's house on Monday night and they realized they didn't have cake servers so he asked me to be a cake cutter/server....FUN! It will be my last wedding for awhile! :(
As of Saturday night I will be in the glorious Twin Cities. So y'all should give me a shout and we can go to Applebee's or something. I will be excited to be at home and see everyone around!

L.A. in a P.T....and no, I did not meet Britney

So, yes, I made the fantastic 25 hour trip to L.A.  It was amost crazy adventurous time in those few hours, let me just tell you.  And to my utter surprise and misfortune due to stupid rental car place....I was CRUISIN' the town!  Basically, my trip was one thing going wrong after another, (if you want details, ask) but still very fun and amazing and great...very glad I went and I of course did not want to go home...vacation is very fun, even if it's chaotic and short.  I had a few hours during the day of the wedding, so I just drove around.  I went from Jen's apartment in Torrens, up to Hollywood, through Beverly Hills, and Santa Monica, back down and then over to the wedding in Fullerton, and back to LAX.  Let me just tell you that I HATE CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC!!!  Well, at least Friday afternoon rush hour in Los Angeles county....gr.....it finally ended up with me being late for the wedding!  Once there, a fun time was had by all...it was a fun and beautiful ceremony..made me laugh and cry and the reception was stunningly beautiful and Christ centered....it brought this thinking to mind....when I got on the shuttle back to the airport, the driver (who had taken me all over the night before) asked about the wedding and commented that I was not wildly "drunk and all up on" him.  I stated, "well, it was a calm wedding."....How amazing that attending a wedding where the couple is focused on Jesus and serving God together and being bound in Him, and time is spent in worship and praise of the Savior....it is so fulfilling and a special experience for all who attend because it is glorifying to God and that's what matters.  Some may take "dull, religious" weddings as a bore and they look to the booze etc. to have a good time.  How much more wonderful when we find our joy in Christ!!!!! 

Last week at camp, there were a couple hours where no full time staff were on the grounds....therefore, Bill was the top dog...in honor, we named the camp after him...    Just wanted to share those shots!!!!

a lil catch up

I really did write a post earlier this week...and then I had to go drive the tubing boat..well, actually, I didn't because we forgot to put the sign up out, but I realized the post disappeared when I came back. So I realize that this is an incredible amount of time in between posts. :(
Well, Tara is okay...we had a long day on that Wednesday. We got up early to get to Crosby by 8am...spent some time there ...not fun...the doctor was rude to her, then finally he said, "I think you have some bleeding back there." (yup, we already knew that, right?) "I want to send you to a retina specialist in ST. CLOUD!" So we had to drive right away another hour or so to St. Cloud. This guy (who had Harvard and other pretigious eye person certificates up the wazoo!) checked it all out...dialated her eyes again, and took pictures and finally told us that there are some contusions (bruises) in the retina and a couple of tiny little holes. So right away he had to do laser surgery. That was painful plenty as if the whole experience wasn't painful enough. She was a tough cookie and I wanted to cry while it happened. So that was finally done and then we ended up deciding that Tara would fly home to Tennesee for a couple days, so we drove down to Mpls, and spent the night at my house before she flew out in the morning. She has been back at camp now for a week and doing just fine. We have to go to a check up appointment on Wednesday of this week, so it's not fun to leave, but I know the appointment will be fine.
This last week of Junior High was kind of a long one. I was very very very busy doing things all over the place and I never got to do all of my office work. I was driving campers all over during activity times....there was one who used a wheelchair, and by the end of the week there were...um...two campers and two counselors that had been using crutches!!!! Only one of them was for more than a day or few hours though. I had a hospital run and a clinic run. And there was one camper who was dealing with issues and nightmares that kept me, her counselor, her whole cabin, two other counselors, and the camp pastor up till 1:30 one night, 3:00 the other!!! And this was only the beginning....there were your typical, homesickness, attitude and behavior problems, etc. I had to be reminded this week that the enemy is real. And he is fighting us. He knows that we are doing the work of the Lord and he knows how to make himself present in the small ways and the mighty ways. He knows how to discourage us, to freak us out, to wear us down, distract us. But we are at BSC declaring the name of the Lord Jesus Christ!!! The battle is His and He will win it. :-D Despite the struggles that I saw and the business that occupied my mind and heart, God used our speaker Steve and our staff to speak powerful messsages to the kids and adults that were here. He focused on many important aspects of faith such as knowing Jesus, making Him the center of your life and sharing Him with others. I know that in cabin talks, many tough questions and issues were addressed and the kids went home with a deeper understanding of having a relationhsip with the Savior.....I may often say that a day or a week was long or hard or stretching, but you will never hear me say that it was bad. Every minute of every hour of every day of every week for the whole summer is a moment that God is present....therefore, every week is AMAZING! :)