Forgiving Adam

2004-01-15T12:06:00.000-05:00

*Doing my best impersonation of a Little Rascal*
I have the internet, I have the internet, I have the internet, hey hey hey hey!

While this does not necessarily mean that I will actually be blogging more, it does mean I will have the opportunity to.... Which means, maybe I will! Of course, maybe I won't... I guess you'll just have to keep checking back to find out... that is, if anyone even still keeps up with this blog after my long vacation from it myself........

2003-12-08T09:31:00.000-05:00

The holidays are so different now than they used to be... Or maybe it is just me who has changed.
It seems that instead of looking at Christ during Christmastime, everyone is looking toward what they can get for themselves. Christmas is such a self-serving holiday! Has it always been so? Maybe I was simply filled with too much wonder to see it before...
And where did that wonder go? How is it that Christmas is just another time of year now? It used to be magical and reverent... Truly a Holy time... Now it's just a season.
Yes, I guess it is just I who has changed. I mean, Christmas does become more and more commercialized every year... But, I'm afraid, so does my heart.
I want to get back to how I used to be! I want to be like a child again! I want to see the magic and the mystery all around me... Oh to be full of wonder and joy again!

2003-11-22T14:44:00.000-05:00

California, here I come!
In only four short days, I shall be in CA! What a thrill! I have never been west of Alabama in the US (except in airports), so I am quite excited... Ok, no, the real reason I am so excited is because I get to see Bill! :)
I haven't seen him in over two months... Not cool!
Anyway, what a wonderful Thanksgiving I will have this year! I have so much to be thankful for!

2003-11-05T13:00:00.000-05:00

Life, could you be a little softer to me?
Life, could you be more gentle to me?
Yeah, I know this is a selfish plea,
Because Christ sacrificed His flesh on the cross for me.
But this world is hard,
And I wish it would be
Softer, softer, softer to me.
-Relient K

2003-11-05T12:54:00.000-05:00

Why is it that the people you care about the most are the ones you treat the worst?

2003-11-04T22:31:00.000-05:00

Taboo:: Sex
Poison:: Ivy
1983:: George Orwell
Tim:: Russia
Groovy:: Psychodelic, baby!
Italy:: Christine...
Think:: What?
Penthouse:: Magazine
Shelter:: Home
Twinkie:: Yick!!!

2003-10-28T13:06:00.000-05:00

Only 28 days left!
Anyway, school is going pretty well. My roommate is student teaching in her hometown (which is 45 minutes away), so I hardly ever see her... I am missing her terribly! We have always helped motivate each other... and so the past two weeks I slacked off. Now I am working my butt off to get everything caught up with.
I am so tired of my Physics class, I could just... Well, I really don't know what I could do... But I am terribly tired of it! My teacher does not teach...instead he sits behind his desk and tells vulgar stories. How annoying!
My Critical Thinking class (which is not critical and requires no thinking) is pretty annoying, too... At least it's not vulgar, though!
Calculus and Chemistry are going pretty well. I am not sure just how well I know how to do the problems, but I understand what is going on and they are both quite intriguing!
I am going to go to a Halloween party this Thursday, which I am hugely excited about! I miss the people there so much! I was looking at the pictures from last year's party the other day, and I couldn't stop cracking up! What fun we had!
Anyway, there are only 28 days left! :)

2003-10-27T09:45:00.000-05:00

Roadtrip:: California, baby!
Honey:: Sweet
Flanders:: uh... Captian, actually. I'm not sure why, though. Who is he?
Vampire:: Dr. Salata
Justice:: League
Marine:: Joseph
Protractor:: Compass
Rubber:: Bouncy Ball
London:: Delirious?
Jerry:: Seinfeld

2003-10-20T12:42:00.000-04:00

Oh, I like this!!

Country:: Music
G:: Gary (my bro's name)
Offer:: Good
Connection:: Internet
Quest:: The Way of the Sword (ok...weird, yeah... I'm reading Musashi right now)
Lighthouse:: Suicide (I know...morbid, eh? Any Nickel Creek fan will understand)
Sycamore:: Tree
Inhumane:: Humane Shelter
Sneer:: Mock
Weapon:: Sword (um...refer to the note by "Quest")

What do you think of?

2003-10-15T16:21:00.000-04:00

It's such a beautiful fall day! The wind is blowing and the leaves are piling up... I wish I were still a kid and had nothing better to do than fly a kite and roll around in a pile of leaves!

2003-10-10T13:10:00.000-04:00

Guys always say women are so difficult to understand. I can see where they get this from, because women can be... But (nothing personal fellas), guys are more than just difficult to understand! In fact, they are near to impossible to understand!!
Don't get me wrong, though... I'm not complaining! I kind of like the mystery...it just makes it more fun.

2003-10-08T15:52:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm alive... I'm not too sure how hard I'm kicking, though...
Today was a tough day to say the least! This morning, I had a Calculus III midterm, and two hours ago I took an Analytical Chemistry exam. Whew! I am glad to have it over with!
The calc test was actually very easy... I guess anything is easy compared to Calc II, though! The chem test was much tougher. I am really not sure how I did on it... I really needed to do well on it, since I did so poorly on the first test in that class. Hopefully I did!
And now it's time to just sit back and relax for a while... Ahhhh! :)

2003-10-05T19:33:00.000-04:00

Wow... I'm blogging again... twice in a week... can you believe it?!
Well, unfortunately I don't have anything too intriguing to tell you about.
I would appreciate it if you would be praying for my church. We are starting our eight-week long building campaign next week. Building campaigns have proven to be a very stressful and hurtful time in other churches, and we are going to work very hard to make sure that we co not suffer any casualties. If you wouldn't mind, I would be very appreciative if you would pray that we reach all our goals without suffering.

2003-10-01T10:19:00.000-04:00

Ok, ok... so I'm a terrible blogger... (K, is mine the "inanity" blog? just wondering...) Let's see...there's so much to tell you all.
First off, school is going well. I just got a Calc III test back... I made a 94!! And I made a 96 on my first physics test! Then again, there was the 63 in AnalChem.... yick... I will be bringing that grade up next Wed, though, on the second test!
I now have a boyfriend.... I know, weird, eh? Who thought that would ever actually happen?? Not me... :) Anyway, he's a Christian (which is of course first and formost on my list of musts!)! He's also a sweetheart! And he's super intelligent... A very good combination in my opinion... :) (yes, I know... two smileys in one paragraph... pretty disgusting, huh? oh well... he makes me smile!)
I visited Indiana University this past weekend... It's such a beautiful campus! And so huge! I got recruited by one of the physical chemists to work there this summer...which would be so awesome! He is working on something that really interests me! And there are so many other schools I want to apply to for this summer!
Hmmm.... I am sure that there is so much more! But I can't really think of anything right now...
I really like Kathy's Not Anderson page. Therefore, I am going to be a copy-cat.... Hope you don't mind too much, K! If you have any questions about me, write me and ask! Ask absolutely anything! (of course, I am not promising to answer absolutely anything.... but you can still ask.) Just click on "blatantly me" at the bottom of any post, and email me!

2003-09-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

Ok, I realize that I am one of the worst bloggers in the whole world right now... Oh well... I have not had much time lately, and even if I had more time, I don't really know what to write about anymore... So for now, consider me on vacation from this site.

2003-07-24T09:58:00.000-04:00

This has been a truly amazing summer! Too bad I haven't told you about hardly any of it, eh?
Let's see... I've done a lot of research! I've gotten to help build up an Ultra-High Vacuum chamber. I have gotten to help set up a new Atomic Force Microscope. I have gotten to begin working with Matrix-Assisted Laser Dissorption Ionization (MALDI). And of course I have gotten to do my main project, which is studying (what we believe to be) water islands on mica using an Atomic Force Microscope.
Sounds exciting, doesn't it?! Too bad you probably have no idea whatsoever about any of it... Don't feel bad...I am still figuring it all out, and I've been working with it all summer. If you really want to know more, ask me and I'll tell you all about it!
I have learned so much this summer! Sure, I've learned a good bit about chemistry, but the most important things I've learned have been about life and relationships. Unfortunately, I don't have time to go into all that right now, but I will later! Yes, believe it or not, I am actually planning on blogging again soon in the near future...

2003-06-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

As many of you know, a few months ago I decided I would learn Japanese. And then, when I realized how difficult it was I changed my mind. I mean, seriously, how much good could knowing Japanese really do me?
Well, today I was given a Hebrew and English translation of the New Testament. I've decided I would like to learn Hebrew. I realize that it will actually do me a whole lot more good than Japanese, because if I learn it I will be able to interpret from the original texts of the Bible. How exciting!
I'm planning on actually sticking with this one.

2003-06-18T11:36:00.000-04:00

Ok, I see my picture is gone. I'm not really sure why.... I really don't care, in fact. I'm sick and tired of this template.

2003-06-01T18:06:00.000-04:00

I actually wrote the other day... I was ranting about my job.
You see, the machine that we use, an Atomic Force Microscope, is kind of slow and moody. I really think it listens to me... Every time I say how good the image looks, it starts to mess up... I have actually started using reverse psychology on it.
Well, I was writing my rant about the machine on the computer that the machine is hooked up to... Dumb, eh? Yeah...hindsight is always 20/20. Anyway, not surprisingly, the computer locked up and would not let me post. As soon as I shut down the blog, though, it started working perfectly.
Dumb machine.

2003-05-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

This-or-That Tuesday
1. Large or small family? I have a pretty large extended family.
2. Potato chips or pretzels? Potato chips, for sure!
3. House or apartment? I want to own a house someday, but for now I'd like to have an apartment.
4. Zebras or giraffes? Giraffes!
5. Candles or potpourri? Neither! My sinuses can't take them...
6. Flowers or trees? Both? I guess I'd rather have trees, if I had to choose... but what a hard decision!
7. Right or left-handed? I'm a rightie... not a wrongie.
8. Model trains or dolls/stuffed animals? Stuffed animals!
9. Comedy or drama? Comedy! If I actually take the time to watch television, I don't want to be weighted down or stressed out with what I watch.
10. Thought-provoking question of the week: The city of Boston has recently banned smoking in all restaurants and bars. Would you want to see such a law passed in your city/town/country, or not? Yes, I would. I feel that if you want to smoke, that's your right, but it is my right to not have to deal with your smoke. Many restaurants do not have walls in between the Smoking and Non-Smoking sections, and many others make you walk through the Smoking section to get to the Non-Smoking section. That is simply ridiculous!

2003-05-19T21:39:00.000-04:00

Wow. I have been so busy lately! I finally have a moment to just sit down and write...
Finals went well, and I am done with Calc 2! That's some of the best news of my life.
I graduated, and actually did not cry nearly as much as I thought I would. I really miss it down there, though...
I went to my aunt's house in SC for almost a week.
Now I am in my new dorm room... I moved in today. I think I'm going to really like it here.
I really like all the people who are in the program! I have already made friends with all of the people I will be working with all summer. The professor I will be working with is simply a cut-up. He will have me laughing all summer!
This town isn't as bad as I thought it would be... It's much larger than B'ville, and the campus is actually quite pretty.
Anyway, that's all just recent news. I will keep you posted, and will try to include more interesting stuff in my next blog.
Goodnight.

2003-04-30T20:44:00.000-04:00

Argyros and I went for a ride together today. I decided to go down this nice stretch of dirt next to the railroad tracks... Well, it was nice the last time I went down it... However, because of all the rain of late, there was a nice big ravine going down the middle of it. I got in it, and somehow when I tried to get back out of it, I landed on my face. Well, since I've decided that I would really like to be a mountain biker, I decided that that little fall was not nearly enough to beat me... I got back up and started down the trail again...And again I got in the ravine... And again I landed on my face... This time it was much more painful, though... I landed mainly on my left knee and stomach, and got pretty scraped up. I was ready to call it a day.
However, I realized that only wusses give up that easily, so I went a little further down the road to this really great trail, only to find that recently a fence had been put up to keep people out. What a disappointment! So I rode back, bleeding all over myself, and bandaged myself up... Only after showing off my battle wounds, though!

2003-04-30T13:18:00.000-04:00

I am packing right now... I am going to be moving away from my home of the past two years in less than a week. I can't believe it's been over two years since I first visited this place. I distinctly remember my first night here, the first time I met Christine, my first Club Day, my first GCF meeting... Wow...it's been two years... That blows my mind!
And breaks my heart...
This is my home. I have friends whom I think of as family. I know people I could trust with my life.
And now I have to leave and start afresh. In some ways I am excited. I can see how much God has blessed me here, and I cannot wait to see how He will bless me in this next stage of my life. However, those feelings are quickly canceled out by my longings to stay. I hate the idea of having to leave all that I know and love so dearly.
But I must. And I know that God will bless me wherever I end up. He will give me much more than what I need...

2003-04-24T09:29:00.000-04:00

Spontaneous Knowledge

You might not recycle a lawn ornament
You might not blow a lawn ornament up
A lawn ornament probably doesn't bounce
A lawn ornament might not perform pirouettes
A lawn ornament might not be found on Canadian coins
A lawn ornament might not generate power
A lawn ornament probably doesn't involve the use of fire
You might not be able to ever ride on a lawn ornament
A lawn ornament might not be used to put things together
A lawn ornament probably doesn't have more than four legs
You might not lick a lawn ornament
A lawn ornament is probably not a weapon
A lawn ornament probably doesn't make you itch
A lawn ornament probably doesn't refract light
You might not buy a lawn ornament in a bakery
A lawn ornament is probably not found in a bathroom
A motor probably doesn't make a lawn ornament work
A lawn ornament probably doesn't have a backbone
A lawn ornament is probably not round
A lawn ornament is probably not a type of ruminant
A lawn ornament is probably not a person
A lawn ornament probably doesn't use a litter box
A lawn ornament is probably not slimy
A lawn ornament probably doesn't have tassels
A lawn ornament is probably not obsolete
A lawn ornament is probably not a nocturnal animal
A lawn ornament is probably not a cartoon character
A lawn ornament might not fasten other objects
A lawn ornament probably doesn't have a flat tail
A lawn ornament probably doesn't eat wild berries
A lawn ornament is probably not a root vegetable

2003-04-17T09:45:00.000-04:00

Well, the school year is winding down yet again. Only seven more days of actual classes...then it's finals time!
In some ways, I am so excited I can barely contain myself! In others, I could just cry. I'm afraid that the latter is stronger right now.
I will be graduating in just a few short weeks. It seems like only yesterday I was leaving my parents to come to this excitingly scary place they call college. It was my first taste of the "real world." And now I must go on to the rest of my life. I must not dawdle and waste time. I hear the future calling, and I'm afraid.
I made it here, though. I survived...and flourished! So I should be able to make it anywhere else.

2003-04-14T09:13:00.000-04:00

Ron Young and six other POW's were rescued yesterday morning after being held captive for 22 days. Three were wounded, but they will be all right. They are all going to be coming home soon!

2003-04-06T13:35:00.000-04:00

John 15:13 says "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for a friend." Well, Ron Young is not only willing to lay his life down for a friend, he's willing to lay it down for people he's never even met. He is willing to die to protect our liberties, and to give the Iraqi people these same liberties.
He is currently a POW in Iraq. He was captured almost two weeks ago when his helicopter went down in enemy territory. Before he left for Iraq, he told his sister how proud he was to be able to serve his country.
Ron Young is my hero.

2003-03-31T20:15:00.000-05:00

I'll be honest with you, I am fully in support of this war.
I hate it with every fiber of my being! It disgusts me that this has to happen.
But I feel that it must.
If you agree with the war, good for you. You have an opinion! Share it! Let the whole world know.
However, if you don't agree with the war, good for you! You have an opinion! Share it!! Let the whole world know!
Who am I to say that you are wrong, or that you should not speak your mind?!
Is this very freedom not exactly what we are fighting for?
A few people I know, and hundreds upon hundreds of people I don't know are willing to die to allow you and I to speak our mind. Even more beautiful, though, is that they are willing to die so that the Iraqis will have the freedom to speak their minds.
So speak out, people! Let your voices be heard! Do not allow anyone to silence you!

2003-03-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

The lunchroom was packed and extremely noisy today. As I walked in, I noticed a table set up to my right full of hawaiian-style trinkets. I asked what was going on, and was told that I could have any one thing off of the table. Guess what I got? Oh yeah, I got the very best thing there.... A BLOW-UP FLAMINGO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, how cool is that?!
Anyway, I've decided that for the rest of the day, he goes where I go. I'm not sure of a name for him, yet, though, so if you have any ideas, let me know.
(For the people who are new to my site or do not know me very well...I'm sorry you came today... Yes, I am a bit odd, and I actually enjoy being so. And yes, I name almost everything!)

2003-03-24T16:42:00.000-05:00

Wow... It's been a long time since I've blogged!
A lot has happened since my last post. Last week was spring break, and I went to Florida for most of the week. It was a great trip!
Unfortunately, spring break is only one week... This week, I have a physics test, a calculus test, and a political science test. Fun fun, eh? So if I don't post for a while, that's why.
On another note, what do you think of the new template? It is still in progress, but I would love to know your HONEST opinion about it!

2003-03-12T08:58:00.000-05:00

Well folks, unfortunately my blog has been experiencing amazingly annoying technical difficulties that I do not know how to fix. Sor for now:
SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2003-03-11T13:31:00.000-05:00

testing...

2003-03-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

Blogger is driving me crazy!!

2003-03-07T10:01:00.000-05:00

< !DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" >

2003-03-03T19:59:00.000-05:00

Today is 03/03/03. I thought I'd point that out just in case some of you didn't notice... I hope you are all enjoying writing 03/03/03 as much as I am!

2003-02-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

Friday Five

1. What is your favorite type of literature to read (magazine, newspaper, novels, nonfiction, poetry, etc.)?
I definitely enjoy fiction more than other types of literature. I also enjoy a good nonfiction book every now and then. Novels are great, poetry is not...
2. What is your favorite novel?
Oh wow... What a difficult question! Out of the thousands of books I have read in my lifetime, I have many favorites! One of my favorite books (not novels) is Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. I also love Animal Farm by George Orwell! You know, I think it would be easier to list my favorite authors, so here are a few: C.S. Lewis, Ray Bradbury, Dean Koontz, and J.R.R. Tolkien, just to name a very few!
3. Do you have a favorite poem? (Share it!)
Paradise Lost by John Milton
4. What is one thing you've always wanted to read, or wish you had more time to read?
Everything! There is just not nearly enough time in the day to read all that I want to read! Reading is truly my very favorite pastime!
5. What are you currently reading?
What am I not currently reading?! Screwtape Letters, The Two Towers, Uncommon Graces, and Chaos are a few of the books I am currently in the middle of right now.

2003-02-26T10:02:00.000-05:00

Well, today's the big day. Today I either prove how intelligent I actually am, or how intelligent I foolishly thought I was...

Today I have two tests... Political science (which is pretty easy...I hope!), and calculus. I've already taken the pol sci test. It was actually harder than I had hoped it would be (probably because i spent all my time studying for calc instead of it). In a little over an hour I will take my calc test. Luckily, half of it was take-home. I showed my professor my work on those problems, and he said that I used the correct techniques, so all i have to worry about are pesky negative signs and such. I believe I'm ready for the in-class portion... I hope I'm as ready as I think I am!

Oh well...either I'll do amazing well, or I'll fail. Either way, it will turn out the way it has to... and I will move on with my life. Maybe if I keep repeating that, I'll actually accept that it's true....

2003-02-21T09:47:00.000-05:00

Did you know that our national debt is over 6.4 TRILLION dollars?! Just so you know, Congress has the ability to set a maximum value that can be borrowed. The present value is 6.4 trillion. You got it right, folks, we have borrowed more than we are allowed to. Now, many politicians are trying to push for that figure to be increased by Congress. What can you do about it, you ask? Why, you can Write Your Representative.

2003-02-19T15:19:00.000-05:00

I dropped Organic Chemistry, so I am now down to fourteen hours. Yet I still feel overwhelmed... What's wrong with me?! Hmm...could it be Calculus 2? Why, I do believe that's it! In case you can't tell through my writing, I am in a bit of a sarcastic mood. I think that's because we have a test in exactly one week, and I feel ultra-unprepared! I am going to go study now, so hopefully I'll be feeling better soon.

2003-02-15T16:29:00.000-05:00

I must say, Valentine's Day was so great this year! It all started on Thursday night, when we had the annual "Un-Date" at the Physicist and his Noodly Wife's house. During our lovely meal, we enjoyed Steve Martin's Roxanne.
Friday, I woke up in a glorious mood. It only improved when I found out that I had done pretty well on my physics test. In fact, I was just plain giddy when I found out that I had done a problem more "elegantly" than any other way the Physicist had ever seen it done. (In return for that glorious compliment, you get two plugs in the same blog...lol.) Yes, I was floating on air over that compliment for the rest of the day!
Then, to complete the almost perfect day, two of my best friends and I ended it with a smoothie/chick flick night!

2003-02-13T15:32:00.000-05:00

My very oldest, very best friend is in the process of making a decision that will change the course of his life. Please pray that God will make His will clear in the situation.

2003-02-12T21:21:00.000-05:00

Stupid people are so funny!

2003-02-06T12:51:00.000-05:00

My Eulogy
As spoken by my future daughter.

My mother was a good woman. She lived a life of honesty, integrity, and respect. And while those things are wonderful, that is not why I am here to honor her. You see, though she was a good woman, she had something that few ever experience—she had a true love for Christ that permeated everything she did.
She had an uncanny way of finding God’s will in life. She used to tell me to “Find where God is moving, and join in the effort.�E Her determination and desire to be at the center of His will was evident in everything she did.
My fondest memory is of a day when I was seven years old. I was sitting in the kitchen eating an afternoon snack and chatting with my mom. I asked her why she was different from other moms. She asked what I meant, and I explained to her that she was more giving, loving, and patient than other parents. She told me that it was because she had Jesus living in her heart. We talked about it for a long time, and I ended up giving my life to Christ. Not simply because I wanted to go to Heaven when I died, but because I wanted what she had. I wanted that peace and joy that I saw every single day illuminated in her life.
Her marriage to my father was truly a marriage made in heaven. She used to tell me the stories of how she trusted God to bring the right man to her, and how He did it. She would always tell me how wonderful my father was, and he would tell me the same things about her. She showed me how I could become a Godly wife someday.
In addition to being a loving wife, she was also a wonderful mother. She was always patient with me, and always strived to understand my point of view. Even when she didn’t fully understand it, she would support me anyway, showing her faith in my intelligence and competence. When I misbehaved, she would always calmly discuss the matter with me, and find out why I did what I had done. She would then explain to me why it was wrong, and help me form a plan to avoid doing it again.
She always valued my opinion, even when I was very young. She always encouraged me to be my own person and to be independent. She taught me that being intelligent and thinking on my own were not only okay, but were good and even necessary.
She had a great imagination, and encouraged me to use mine. I remember we used to sit on the front porch swing on nice evenings, and make up stories together. Sometimes they were adventure filled, and sometimes they were just pure nonsense. Either way, she always encouraged me to develop my mind and imagination.
She was also playful. She enjoyed sitting on the floor next to me and playing with my toy horses, or coloring. She taught me how to paint and do color-by-numbers.
Even when the budget was tight, she would find a way to create something fun and exciting to do for free. Sometimes we would go “grocery-shopping�Ein the back yard, or we would play I Spy and Simon Says for hours.
She was also involved in many different ministries. She led Bible study groups and Sunday Schools for our church, and helped out in the youth group all the years my siblings and I were in it. She was a servant, and was always the first to volunteer.
She was kind and fair to everyone she met. She always made everyone feel at home with her, no matter who they were. She would meet with inmates, and the homeless, and make them feel as special and as loved as anyone else! She would show them that they were just as worthy of her love, and of God’s, and anyone else.
She was also always full of joy. She was able to take even the worst situations, and make them into something to laugh about. I remember once when I was being picked on in elementary school, I came home crying. She cheered me up, and told me to go out of my way to be nice to the people who were hurting me. I did exactly what she told me, and we ended up being pretty good friends.
She also had a great sense of humor! Every time she did something goofy, she would be the first to laugh at herself. She realized that she would never be perfect, so she simply enjoyed her own imperfections.
She also had a passion for knowledge and wisdom. Every day she would seek to learn at least one new thing. She would pray for wisdom every day, and God fulfilled His promise in James by bestowing it upon her. She taught me the value of a good education, but always made sure to remind me that knowledge was nothing without the wisdom to use it properly.
She was also very supportive. I remember when I was in college, she would send me little “love packages�Eevery week just to remind me that she was thinking about and praying for me. She always knew just what to say to keep me going.
Even during her own sickness, she was full of smiles. She was determined to not let it get her down. I would walk into the room, and she could tell at a glance that I had been crying. She would remind me that she was going Home to be with her Father, and that I should be happy for her. She would also tell me that it was okay for me to cry.
These things I will always carry with me. Her legacy is truly one of the compassion, joy, and peace that can only be found in Christ Jesus.

2003-02-05T18:21:00.001-05:00

Can you tell that my mind is fried from too much calculus?

2003-02-05T18:21:00.000-05:00

Why are fire engines red?

Well, roses are red too.
And two and two are four.
Four and eight are twelve.
There are twelve inches in a ruler.
Queen Mary was a ruler.
Queen Mary was also a ship.
Ships sail on the sea.
Fish swim in the sea.
Fish have fins.
The Finns fought the Russians.
The Russians are red.
Fire engines are always rushin'.
And that's why fire engines are red!

2003-02-05T18:02:00.000-05:00

You know, I thought I hated Calculus 1. Boy was I ever wrong! That class was a breeze compared to Calc 2... What a shame.
Oh well, I'm learning lots of great things. For instance, what is the integral of one divided by cabin dcabin? It's a houseboat!!!! :)
See if you can figure that one out!
Hold on, keep reading... I've got a really good one!
Ok, this guy visits a national park. He sees Mrs. Snake and Mr. Snake, and asks why they don't have baby snakes. They said "We're adders, we can't multiply."
So a year later, this guy visits the national park again. This time, Mr. and Mrs. Snake are being followed by many little baby snakes. The man stops and asks them how they produced offspring if they were adders, and they replied "The Park Ranger built us a log table, so now we can multiply!"
See if you can figure those out!

2003-02-05T17:43:00.000-05:00

I wish I had what I need
To be on my own
'Cause I feel so defeated
And I'm feeling alone

And it all seems so helpless
And I have no plans
I'm a plane in the sunset
With nowhere to land

And all I see
It could never make me happy And all my sand castles
Spend their time collapsing

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You love me
Let that be enough

It's my birthday tomorrow
No one here could now
I was born this Thursday
22 years ago

And I feel stuck
Watching history repeating
Yeah, who am I?
Just a kid who knows he's needy

Let me know that You hear me
Let me know Your touch
Let me know that You love me
And let that be enough

2003-02-03T15:41:00.000-05:00

As I sit here at my dest eating ramen, I am contemplating my death.

No, I am not suicidal. I am simply planning what I would like the eulogy at my funeral to be.
This is actually much harder than I assumed it would be. You see, this is a homework assignment for my Bible study group. We are to write our own eulogies (what we want them to be, not what they would be now), in order to gain a more concrete goal of who we want to be.
I'll keep you updated about my progress. I'd also like to hear what yours would be like, so let me know.

2003-01-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

People get to my site in a variety of ways. Usually, it is through a referral from another blog, but quite often it is from search engines. I have found that a very entertaining thing to do is see what people were looking for when they found, and decided to investigate, my site (those poor folks! they have no idea...). Anyway, you would not believe how many people search for "forgiving"! It's quite remarkable. Another interesting one I ran across tonight was "God forgiving Adam and Eve." Some pretty sad ones I saw were "Forgiving parents who hurt you," and "Forgiving loved ones." I must say, though, that I ran across an extremely interesting one just a moment ago... "How to get an amy chaos." Ok, is this some lovesick guy trying to get Amy Chaos to fall for him? Or is it someone who wants to "get an A in my chaos class"? Any other ideas, folks?? Let me know! I'm dying of curiosity!

2003-01-26T16:35:00.000-05:00

None of this turned out
Quite the way I planned it
But I know that in the end
It will work out for the best

You never know what the future holds for you
But of all I have heard this one thing's true
Nothing can seperate us from God's love
In our lives there is bound to come some pain
Surely as there are storms and falling rain
Just believe that the one who holds the storms
Will bring [us home]

-Third Day

I don't know if it's necessarily
(The things you do)
Maybe it's the things you say
Or maybe just the way you say it
It's true you sing a pretty song indeed
(In a new way)
You've said some things to me
But I'm not sure if you really mean it
Do you realize what you have done?
Do you think we have a problem?

You make me dance, you make me cry, you make me laugh
You make me shout, you make me smile, you make me mad
You make me sing, you make me think, you make me sad
You make me fall, you make me love, you make me mad

I don't see calling it a tragedy
(What you have done)
To do so would be wrong
And I think taking things too far
But I admit that in reality
(The truth be known)
I don't accept your words
But I know all of them by heart

Do you realize what you have done?
Do you think this is a problem?

-Third Day

2003-01-22T17:49:00.000-05:00

Well, Argyros and I had another adventure last Friday. We went mountain biking! I cannot even begin to tell you what a thrill mountain biking is.
You and your bike are a team competing with Mother Nature. She would love it if you fell over the root she has so strategically placed in the middle of the path, but your bike and yourself must overcome her obstacles. It is a battle, and the end of the trail will tell the outcome of the fight. It does not matter how many times you fall off. It only matters that you get back on and ride till the end.

2003-01-15T15:27:00.000-05:00

I received my first ever battle wounds today. I went to war with the road, and frankly, the road won a battle. I also won a battle, however, and came out the victor.
You see, for Christmas I received some new pedals for my bike and a new pair of cycling shoes. These shoes have clips to clip into the pedals with... so in other words, I actually become one with the bike. It is an extension of my body. Cool, eh?
The problem is that I am new at this. For months I have ridden my bike... Now I am one with it. It's quite different. And just as a baby has to learn how to properly use his legs to walk, I must learn how to properly use my bike with clips. And also just as a baby has to fall many times to get the hang of it...well, you get the message.
I was actually very proud of myself. Throughout my five mile ride, I had only fallen once, and that fall was nothing. The problem arose when I got back to the house and decided to go through the front door instead of the back. I was already on my way to the back door, but I knew that the front door would be much easier to get into, so I turned to go onto the front walkway... and I forgot I was clipped in... So I, being a creature of habit and not necessarily fine wit, put my foot down to stop. Too bad my foot was attached to the bike. I ended up sprawled out on my back with my bike on top of me and my left leg beneath me. Luckily, I am not too damaged... Just a scraped up knee.
So, like I said, the road won a battle...but it did not win the war! Yet... There's still tomorrow.

On a similar note, I am trying to name my bike. I have named him many different names, but somehow none of them seem to work. A few ideas are: Argyros which means “silver,” Androcles which means "glory of a man," and Ariston which means "the best." Any suggestions and opinions would be greatly appreciated!

2003-01-13T16:01:00.000-05:00

Are you bored? You want to have some fun? Think of something off the wall, type www. before it and .com after it, hit enter, and blammo! Fun fun!
Ok, ok... So I'm being cheesy... It really is fun, though. And just so you know, there is such a thing as www.moocow.com.

2003-01-09T17:13:00.000-05:00

What a marvelous day! It is a perfect 70 degrees outside, the sun is shining, the birds are singing... Yeah, I know it's still winter... But it's spring to me!
I've decided that am going to put aside the old lazy me, and strive for a much better hard-working me. I have always been hard-working before last semester, so I figure it shouldn't be too terribly difficult to be so again.
I had Chaos today. It was marvelous! I just finished typing up my notes and pasting them into my notebook (see, I told you I was going to start working harder). My friend Jarrett visited the class with me today, and he loved it! He's going to start coming every Thursday.
God is being faithful in His promises, of course. What a marvelous day!

2003-01-07T15:20:00.000-05:00

Update: I found a class that fit into my schedule to substitute for history! I went to the Chaos class today, and I'm even more excited about it now! The Physicist, aka my professor, was talking about some different Chaotic systems and I totally understood what he was talking about, even though everyone else seemed a bit lost. What an exciting class this is going to be!

2003-01-07T10:11:00.000-05:00

8. Understand Chaos.
Number eight in my list of life goals is to understand the Chaos Theory. Too bad I can't seem to get into the Chaos class offered this semester. You see, I don't actually want to take the class and be responsible for tests and quizzes and such... I would much rather just sit in on it and learn. Unwittingly, however, I signed up for a history class that coincides with the Chaos class. Now it is my goal to get into a different history class during Drop/Add, so that I may sit in the Chaos class.

2003-01-06T13:41:00.000-05:00

School has started back. Yippee hurray! Ok, really now, I'm not hugely excited about coming back already (we had an entirely too short break), but in some ways I'm ecstatic to be back. It's been great to see all my friends again (especially The Physicist and his Noodly Wife).
I believe that tennis will not be as bad as I thought it would be (yes...I've been dreading it more than Physics II). We don't even have to play tennis for the rest of January (thank God!!!). I believe that physics is going to be challenging. Organic chemistry will be mind numbing. And Calculus II will kick my butt... of course, that's only if I let it! I'm not planning on letting it. And then there's always pace walking... Oh heaven forbid I'd have to take such a hard class! :)
Well, I wish everyone else who had to go back to school or work today the best of luck in this upcoming year. Work hard, and keep those resolutions!

2002-12-31T15:00:00.000-05:00

There's a new game out called FLUXX. It has but one simple rule--Draw One Card, Play One Card. That is, of course, until someone changes the rules and you must Draw Four Cards, Play One Card. Then someone throws in another loop: You can only hold two cards in your hand. Therefore you must discard all but two cards from your hand.
What's the goal of this game, you ask? Why, there isn't one yet. But it could be Hippyism, a Rocket to the Moon, or Milk and Cookies.
Everyone should own this game. It is simply enveloping! Check for it at your local game store, or buy it here.

And no, I do not own stock in this product... It's just really fun!

2002-12-23T21:57:00.000-05:00

Christmas is a time for fun, laughter, family, and presents. It is a time to celebrate Jesus' birth, Santa Claus, and above all, love.
However, Christmas has been a time of restoration for me this year. And never was restoration so needed! I have enjoyed my free time, and truly reflected over the past year.
It was a very full year! Full of happiness and pain, many tears mingled with a bit of laughter. It has been a difficult year, but I know that this year has been a present to me from God. He has presented me with many challenges, but has always given me the strength to endure.
Now, God is giving me a period of rest from this turmoil. He is giving me a time of reflection and peace. A time of true happiness.
What better Christmas present could I ask for?

2002-12-23T21:51:00.000-05:00

My First Christmas in Heaven

I see the countless Christmas trees around the world below;
With tiny lights like heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular…please wipe away that tear,
For I am spending Christmas with my Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know how much you miss me; I see the pain inside your heart,
But I am not so far away; we really aren't apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear,
And be glad I'm spending Christmas with my Jesus Christ this year.

I sent you each a special gift from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than gold
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as my Father said to do.
For I can't count the blessings and love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear;
Remember, I am spending Christmas with my Jesus Christ this year.

2002-12-12T10:42:00.000-05:00

There is a popular Christmas song that says "And so I'm offering this simple phrase to kids from one to ninety-two." I have always changed the wording from "ninety-two" to "one hundred two," because my great grandmother was older than ninety-two.
This will be our first Christmas without her.
She was always a lot of fun, especially at Christmas time! When opening presents, she would always exclaim over everything! Even things like pajamas and socks got her full praise! And then there was the Christmas lights... I do not know anyone who loved Christmas lights like she did. The more, the prettier. Even the gaudiest of lawns was magical to her.
Every Christmas Eve, we would go looking at the lights. There were two or three neighborhoods that always did tons of lights, and we would hit all of them. We would drive around, exclaim over the lights, and sing Christmas carols.
Last year was different, though. Last Christmas Eve, we were all ready to go look at Christmas lights, but my great-grandmother was having a hard time breathing, so she decided she'd better stay back. We went anyway, but it just wasn't the same. About halfway through our trip, we got a phone call saying that they had called an ambulance to come get her. We rushed to the hospital. She was having a really hard time breathing, and it had kept getting worse despite the fact that she was on her oxygen machine. We all waited in the emergency room waiting area. I started to cry, and just couldn't stop. I really felt that we would lose her that night. There was a little girl there with her parents. They had brought her up there to give away some of her toys to the kids who were at the emergency room. (What a great way to show your kids what Christmas is all about!) She gave me a little fox beanie baby. I named it Hope. It helped me to cheer up a little. Then I was allowed to go to her room and visit with her for a few minutes. I told her she'd better hurry up and get better before Santa came... We joked back and forth for a while. Then they told us she would be okay, and we went back home.
I thought that last Christmas was hard. This Christmas is going to be much harder, I'm sure. I will never again hear her exclaim "More money, more money, more money!" or "Look at those beautiful lights!" or "It sure is a beautiful day!" I will never again hear her ask me "How many boyfriends do you have now?"
I know she's in Heaven, safe and sound and happier than she ever could be here. I know that she is reunited with all her loved ones. I know that she has now walked and talked with the Savior that she lived her life for. But I miss her so!
I wish I could go back and say goodbye again. I know exactly what I'd say: "I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck!"

2002-12-10T08:35:00.000-05:00

Well, finals are approaching quite rapidly. I've got them on Thursday, Friday, and Monday. Fun fun! I should be studying right now, but I noticed that I had not posted in quite a while, so I thought I would do that first. Yes, I am the Queen of Procrastination.
After finals, I am going to try to learn Japenese. My roommate has written the alphabet out for me. They are really crazy looking letters... It'll be pretty hard to learn them, but I'm going to try.

2002-12-03T13:46:00.000-05:00

I love the sense of accomplishment. I cannot think of anything so rewarding. Therefore, I am actually studying today....working hard in order to accomplish that which seems impossible. I have faith in myself! (Thanks Toni...)

2002-12-03T11:54:00.000-05:00

If you need encouragement, or just a smile, check out Toni's blog. She is the eternal optimist.

2002-11-23T22:30:00.000-05:00

In Romans 5, Paul discusses the contrast between Adam and Christ. This is a very interesting passage which highlights one main difference--Adam was disobediant but Christ was obediant. Paul also says that Adam was "a pattern for the one to come."
I have always found this comparison to be intriguing. On Wednesday, however, I was told of a totally different comparison between Christ and Adam.
You see, the Greek Orthodox Church believes very strongly in fasting. In fact, they have a book close to the size of a Bible all about it. They focus on two specific fasts which were mentioned in the Bible: the Broken Fast, and the Fulfilled Fast.
"In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil...And the LORD God commanded the man [Adam], 'You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil for when you eat of it you will surely die.'" Gen. 2:9, 16-17
Adam was told to fast from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Because Adam broke his fast, we all became sinners.
"After fasting forty days and forty nights, he [Jesus] was hungry. The temptor came to him and said 'If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.' Jesus answered, 'It is written, "Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."'" Matt. 2:2-4
Christ, however, fulfilled His fast. Because He did, we all have the chance at reconciliation with God.

2002-11-15T13:53:00.000-05:00

I've got a problem... There is a class that I simply cannot make it through awake... You see, it's scheduled right after lunch, so my belly's nice and full... And the teacher drones just a bit... Either I fall asleep during class or totally zone out and have no idea what was said. While it's not really the most challenging class I've ever taken, I really do need to stay awake in order to make an a. If any of you have any good ideas, please let me know!

2002-11-13T11:45:00.000-05:00

I'm a lost cause now. Or that's what they keep telling me... They say I'll never be the same. I'm hooked for life...

I hope they're right!

This past weekend, we went on a cycling trip to south Georgia. On Saturday, I rode thirty miles on my bike. No, that really isn't all that much... But it was for me! You see, up until Saturday, I had probably only ridden 25 miles total since I was 13.
By around 18 miles, I was dying... I didn't think I would make it. It was just riding to me... I didn't get it... I couldn't understand how people could love it so much. It just seemed like a lot of work to me...
Those last twelve miles were different, though. My riding companion said, "Don't worry if you can't make it... We can always flag a sag wagon down and ride back with them to camp." She soon found out that that was a poor choice of words. The thought of giving up angered me. A lot! In fact, it angered me enough to really push myself. She couldn't keep up. When we finally got back to camp, I realized that I had loved every minute of those last twelve miles. Yes, I was exhausted... Yes, it was hard... Yes, my body hurt from being pushed so hard... But I had the most amazing sense of accomplishment! I had beaten the odds! I had beaten myself! I had beaten all the negative thoughts I had about myself... My body and my resolve were both proven to be much stronger than I had thought they were.
Now I want to be stronger. I want to go 20 mph instead of 12. I want to climb hills without losing almost all of my momentum. I want to prove myself wrong! I want to be better and stronger than I ever have been or thought I ever could be.
Yes, I'm a lost cause... I'll never be the same...hopefully!
You see, it is a lot of work. But it's good work, if you can get it.

2002-11-05T10:37:00.000-05:00

It's amazing how much impact a kind word from a stranger can have on your life.

2002-10-28T20:47:00.000-05:00

	I am Fozzie! Wokka Wokka! I love to make lame jokes. My sense of humor might be a bit off, but I'm a great friend and can always be counted on..
*Take the What Muppet Are You?* Quiz!**

2002-10-28T12:21:00.000-05:00

I'm planning my class schedule for next semester. So far I have Physics 2, Calculus 2, Organic Chemistry 2, Pacewalking, and Aerobics (trust me, I wouldn't be doing those last two if i didn't absolutely have to!). I still have to take a class for Area E. My choices are Sociology, Political Science, Economics, Late American History, or Early Western Civilization. What would you recommend?

2002-10-28T09:50:00.000-05:00

12 whole days... wow. I've got to do better.
To everyone who actually still came by to see if I had decided to blog, I'm sorry.
I'll get something up soon.

2002-10-16T17:22:00.000-04:00

It never pays to complain. I don't know why I have to keep relearning that lesson, but I just can't ever seem to remember it...
You see, the other day I was complaining about how I couldn't get involved in volunteer projects because I'm not 21 yet. So what happens? God laughs at me again... And He gives me some charity work to do!
I'm heading up the 30 Hour Famine for our campus this year. We are going to include the three Christian clubs on campus. This means that we could have anywhere from 15 to 80 people involved. I am trying to organize it, so I'm a bit bewildered as to what to do.
It's turning out well, though. I have compiled a list of the fundraising we are going to do, the things going on during the famine, and the things going on after the famine. I also have a to do list. It is only comprised of twelve items, but each of these items is quite daunting. Tomorrow I will recruit helpers, though. I'm excited about that!
Please be praying for us as we prepare for this. Please pray that God will give us compassion for the suffering. Pray that we will be changed by this.

2002-10-14T16:24:00.000-04:00

My Bible study group is going to participate in 30 Hour Famine this year. I need to come up with some ideas of things we can do for it. If you have ever done it before or just have a helpful idea, please tell me about it!

2002-10-09T16:49:00.000-04:00

Guess what I got the other day? An ATARI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yeah!! I am so excited!!!!!!!!!! It has almost all of my favorite games!!! I've got pinball, traffic, frogger, breakout, among many other really fun ones!!! I have around 30 games... I'm enjoying it so much!!!

2002-10-07T19:26:00.000-04:00

In May, I wrote up a list of goals I wanted to accomplish during my lifetime. One of these goals was to be thanked in the making of an album or have a song dedicated to me by a famous band.
I went to see By The Tree over the weekend. I must say, the show was excellent! Anyway, they didn't have a set list, so they were just playing it by ear. I really really wanted them to play their new song "Remain." I yelled many times asking them to play it, but they couldn't hear me, even though I was squashed against the stage. Anyway, one of them broke a string on his guitar, so while they were paused I took advantage of the situation and yelled really loud, "Play Remain!" Chuck, the lead singer, heard me that time, and said "What?" I yelled out again, "Please play Remain!" He asked "You actually know our music?!" I replied "Yes! I love your music!" Seeming quite astonished, he said to the crowd, "It looks like we actually have a fan!" As they began to play it, he pointed to me and said "This song's for you!"
What an experience! I've never had anything like that dedicated to me before... This really isn't the fulfillment of my goal, but it's enough to keep me happy until I actually do have a song dedicated to me. :)

2002-09-27T09:38:00.000-04:00

I realized an amazing revelation today. (Well, actually, one of my friend's discussed this with me a week or two ago....he told me what I'm about to tell you... today, though, I was actually able to apply it to my life!) College is not going to make or break me as a person. I am here to learn. I am here to learn to enjoy learning! I am not here to get a career. Sure, the tools I learn here will help me with my future career, but my life is not based off of some science and math classes. If I actually make a B in a class, it's ok! I'm not here to make straight A's (though it would be nice); I'm here to learn. And learning, I am! In fact, I'm truly enjoying the learning process!
Someday I will have a career. When that day comes, I will be whatever it is that God is preparing me to be. As for now, though, God has placed me here to learn valuable life lessons. God is teaching me through my college experience that I am not here to learn the three R's; I am here to learn about God and about myself. How exciting!

2002-09-25T16:15:00.000-04:00

It's good to not be nosy, right? It's much better to not stick yourself in the middle of everyone else's business, correct? I think that both of these are true... It just makes me wonder why I feel like if I had of been nosy just this once, I could've helped before the situation got so out of hand. Or maybe, if I hadn't of found out anything (which is what I was trying to do), I would have no regrets... Maybe that's the best way to look at it. The fact that I could have helped still weighs heavily on my mind, though.

2002-09-25T16:12:00.000-04:00

I hate calculus. I mean, I really hate calculus... Let me reiterate, just to make sure you understand me: I HATE CALCULUS! I am beginning to wonder why in the world I decided to be a science major. Of course, I am constantly reminded of why I decided to NOT be a math major...

2002-09-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

I'm in a computer classroom right now, waiting to be called as a character witness. One of my friends has been accused of something pretty bad, when all he actually did was accidentally touch her in the cafeteria. It's a long story, but the fact that they are putting him on trial is absolutely ridiculous. No, this is not a true trial, like in a courtroom and all... It's just the school council. It's still quite a big deal, though. They might throw him out of school.
It's crazy really... how such a small, seemingly innocent mistake can be blown to these proportions. Isn't that just how life is, though. I know I've been guilty of taking the simple and making it complex. Every time I have, it's blown up in my face.
Not to be rude or anything, but I really hope that this is no exception. I hope it blows up in her face. Not because she's a bad person, or because I hate her or anything... In fact, I'm sure she's a nice person. I just want it to work out in his favor. I want him to be proven innocent, because I know he is.
Whether he stays or not, there's going to be a lot of changes in his life. Please pray for him during this difficult time in his life.

2002-09-17T12:33:00.000-04:00

As I watched a butterfly flutter around yesterday, I became bugged... This is not normal for me. Usually when I see a butterfly, I am reminded again of how wonderful God's creation is. A butterfly is such a beautiful, delicate creature! They bring such joy to people! Yet, yesterday, I was bugged... I tried to tell myself to get over whatever it was that was bugging me and to enjoy the magic of this creature, but I remained bugged. It took a while to actually figure out why it was that I was bugged, but I finally found it was for a metaphorical reason. Let me explain:
What is a butterfly? It is simply a glorified caterpillar. The caterpillar and the butterfly both come from the same place. Genetically, they are the same creature. Yet one is adored while the other is ignored.
So many caterpillars crawl around during the spring... Everywhere you look, there's a big web up in a tree that you know is the breeding ground of caterpillars. Yet, during the summer and early fall it is decently rare to see a butterfly fluttering about. Why is this? It is because most caterpillars die before they become butterflies. They are ordinary and numerous, so no one cares if they squash one or two. It is rare for a caterpillar to actually reach its glorified state: butterflyhood!
Now you must be wondering just exactly what it was that bugged me so about this. There are many different approaches I could take with this: hypocrites, unfulfilled dreams, true beauty... But the thing that stuck out to me was the normalcy of life.
I am normal. I am just a typical college student. I am nothing special. Even if I work hard and fulfill my life’s goal, I will not be that famous. If I truly do discover some hidden law of science, my name will only be written in the news for a few days or weeks, and only in textbooks every now and then. I mean, how many scientific principles do you know? Many, I'm sure... Yet if I were to ask you to name a few of the minds behind these discoveries, you would probably only be able to give me a handful of names: Newton, Copernicus, Galileo, and Darwin... maybe you could name a few more, but I doubt it would be very many more.
But look at Julia Roberts or Mel Gibson. I'm sure they are wonderful people, but what have they done to be so glorified? They are talented actors, yes, but are they not just normal people who are very talented in their field? My father is very talented in his field, yet he is no movie star. I’m sure that if I do succeed at my life goals, I will never be as glorified as they are.
Why do some caterpillars become glorified butterflies, and others die reaching for that goal? Why is being a successful wife and mother, a talented banker, or an insightful chemist any less glorified than being a talented actor?

2002-09-16T16:08:00.000-04:00

I got my first speeding ticket ever yesterday... I had never even been pulled over... I'm pretty upset about it. I really don't think I was going the speed he said I was, but oh well...I still got the ticket. Should I pay it off now, or should I go to my court date? I am totally clueless here... If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know!! And yes, I have learned my lesson...

2002-09-15T23:23:00.000-04:00

Sometimes someone tells you something that should somehow be a relief to you...you may even want it to seem like a relief... instead, however, it almost hurts. Not really, mind you, but almost...
This happened to me earlier today. I have decided, however, that instead of dwelling on the very minor disappointment it brought, I will think about the good things that it will bring. I know they are quite numerous.
On another note, I've become a fan of David Wilcox. Never heard of him? I'm not too terribly surprised... He's a folk singer. He rocks, though! If you are ever in the mood for good, honest, sincere, and profound music, you need to check him out!

2002-09-13T09:44:00.000-04:00

Life is not always easy and entertaining. Sometimes we just have to find the humor in it wherever we can. I'm looking real hard for that humor.

2002-09-11T21:57:00.000-04:00

Dear God,
I want to thank You for this day, and all that it represents. Thank You for this past year and all the unity that has blossomed from it. Thank You for drawing our nation together through this tragedy.
Please bless us today. Bless our nation, and keep us united. Especially bless and comfort everyone who lost loved ones last year, whether they be American or Afghanistinian. Help us to grow closer to each other and to You.
Amen.

2002-09-10T20:17:00.000-04:00

This is the hard part,
stopping to ask for directions;
sketching with these dirty colors
just where I am.
You might have heard me
artfully dodging the buzzword,
scoffing at your incinuation of just where I am.

I'm a long, long way
from where I left to begin this refrain
from where your mercy and grace remain.
From where you sit
is it true,
it's not that far to you?

It happened slowly,
feet falling hard on the pavement,
eyes reaching into the distance
toward empty sunsets.

I'm a long, long way
from where I left to begin this refrain
from where your mercy and grace remain.
From where you sit
is it true,
it's not that far to you?

Didn't I want to break out,
want to be free?
Wouldn't I
face the gallows if I return?
Or is a man
freely pardoned as I've heard?

I'm a long, long way
from where I left to begin this refrain
from where your mercy and grace remain.
From where you sit
is it true,
it's not that far to you?

-Smalltown Poets

Oddly enough, this song inspires me... to paint.... weird, huh? I'm working on my masterpiece right now.

2002-09-08T14:47:00.000-04:00

I found a truly amazing blog as I was surfing around the other day. Kevin writes quite candidly about being homeless. He has definitely given me a new perspective. I really encourage you to check out his site.

2002-09-03T13:25:00.000-04:00

This past week, we dogsat for my grandparent's two chihuahuas. On Saturday morning, my mom and I decided to go garage-saling. One of the dogs likes only my grandparents and my mother, so it was not a surprise that he wanted to go with us instead of stay home with my dad and all the other dogs. After he jumped in, my mom put him back outside of the car and told him he could not go. Ten minutes later, we got a phone call from my dad saying that he was missing.
We rushed home and searched all over for the little dog. We yelled and yelled, but he never came. We put up signs all around the neighborhood, and on Sunday afternoon we recieved a call saying he had been spotted about half a mile away in a neighbor's yard. We rushed over there, and started yelling and searching for him. We yelled until we were all hoarse, and he didn't come. Luckily, my brother walked down a path into the woods and stumbled upon him. He is so little that my brother would not have seen him if he had not started barking and growling ferociously. He even tried to bite my brother when he tried to save him from the underbrush he was in!
Maybe I'm overanalyzing the story just a bit, but I found some interesting parallels between this dog and myself. Too often, God will make it clear that I should not go down a certain path, yet I go anyway. I may truly feel that I am following Him! But the fact is that I shouldn't have gone. Then I get lost. But God remains faithful, and He searches me out. He yells for me, because He wants me to come to Him out of my own free will. Yet, out of fear or rebellion I stay put. I refuse to come and be forgiven. He sees that I will not come of my free will, so He comes after me. And what do I do?! I get mad at Him. I blame Him for the hardship I have endured.
How foolish I am sometimes! I am so thankful that He is merciful all the time, even in my foolishness!

2002-08-28T21:36:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged in 4 days... wow... I have been so busy! I finished my Physics notebook and my Chemistry lab tonight. I still have some Calculus homework that needs to be done, and I could be reading in any of my five textbooks. Oh well, I've accomplished a lot today.
So much has been going on! It seems impossible to even begin to tell all that has occurred in the past two weeks. So, I must summarize quite a lot.
Classes are hard, but I think I'll do well anyway.
My old roommate told me she's decided to move back next semester (yea!!!!!!!!!!).
The Bible study group here at college has begun again! I am so excited about what God is going to do this year! Please pray that we will be able to find a place to do a Wednesday night thing, too.
This upcoming weekend is a four-day weekend!!! I'm very excited about the break!
I've made some new friends, and gotten back in touch with some old ones.
I've become a published author! Two of my essays got put into our colleges "sampler." The sampler is something you have to buy for ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1102 class. It gives well-written examples of different types of essays. I feel quite honored!
I just found out that Ten Shekel Shirt is playing a concert in Atlanta tomorrow night. I hope to be there!!
There's more, but I don't want to bore you to tears.
I'll get into some more profound stuff next time. Until then, goodnight.

2002-08-24T21:38:00.000-04:00

When you're a small child, you feel that your father is the biggest, strongest, smartest, and overall best man on earth. Heck, he's better than any superhero!
Many kids, however, grow out of that very early on. I never did. My dad has always been my hero, but in the last few years I've been able to more clearly see why he deserves this position.
He is brave. He is never afraid to try to conquer any obstacle.
He is stable. Even through extreme times of stress and hardship, he is the one who will always overlook his problems to help you work yours out.
He is loyal. He is never fickle, and no matter what you do, he will never give up on you.
He is truthful. He will not lie to make himself look good or to make you feel good. He always will tell you straightforward how he feels. He does not hide things from you, and he never gossips.
He is humble. He will never ask for praise, and will discount any he gets. He always makes sure anything he does is done to his fullest capability, but he feels that there are many who could do better.
He is intelligent. He not only has a lot of book knowledge; he also has a whole lot of common sense.
He is loving. He never lets you forget how much he loves you and how special you are to him.
Most importantly, he is a man of God. His goal in life is to show God's love to all around him. He has the most incredible faith I have ever seen.
My father is an amazing man, and I am extremely blessed to be his daughter. I only hope that someday I will at least half the person he is.

2002-08-21T12:03:00.000-04:00

As far as that quiz is concerned, one of the questions seems to have been unfair. Noone that has taken it has gotten it right. So for those of you who have taken my quiz, mentally add 11 points to your score to find your true score. Sorry about the problems!

2002-08-21T12:01:00.000-04:00

It's been a wonderful week so far! I met my new roommate, and she seems very sweet. So far, we are getting along quite well.
Today, I was buying a notebook in the bookstore, and the guy that works in there asked if I needed any help. I told him I didn't, but we started chatting anyway. He asked me if attended church anywhere, and I told him I did in my hometown and that I had not been able to find a good one down here. He invited me to go to church with him this evening, so I'm going to go. I'm quite excited about it!
My classes seem like they will be alright. I'm a bit nervous about one of them, because it is going to be taught in a very non-conventional type way... I hope I'm able to learn well in this new way! I believe I will be able to, though..... (I can't sound too negative... my professor reads this site.... j/k!) I still haven't gone to my Organic Chemistry class. I'm a bit nervous about this one, because everyone who has taken it has told me that it is quite challenging. I am up to the challenge though! I mean, I am majoring in Chemistry! (well, this month at least....)
I really hope I like it. It would really stink to change my major now!! My unconventional professor seems intent to lure me into the exciting world of physics, though.... Who knows, I might actually end up enjoying it more than Chemistry......

2002-08-18T21:31:00.000-04:00

See how well you really know me... take my quiz!

2002-08-17T21:53:00.000-04:00

What a week it's been! I've been up in South Carolina all week. I've had fun, but I'm worn out and ready for my own bed! I'll be going home tomorrow morning.
As much as I want to go home, I am kind of dreading it. There is a lot of painful stuff going on in my family right now. It's been nice to be away from it. I wish it would all just correct itself, but I know that God is allowing it to happen for a reason.
School starts on Tuesday, which means that I will be moving in on Monday. I'm partially excited.... Very nervous, however. I still haven't met my new roommate, and I'll be taking 18 hours worth of pretty hard classes, including physics and organic chemistry.
I still don't know what I want to do for a career (lol... I had so many ideas when I was a kid... they've all disappeared when it's actually time to pick). I know God will supply the answer in His perfect timing, though.
Now that I've rambled on and on about nonsense, I believe it's time for bed. Goodnight all!

2002-08-14T15:48:00.000-04:00

I taste like Peanut Butter.

I am one of the most blendable flavours; I go with sweet, I go with sour, I go with bland, I go with anything. I am practical and good company, but have something of a tendency to hang around when I'm not wanted, unaware that my presence is not welcome. What Flavour Are You?

2002-08-11T12:28:00.000-04:00

I believe that God teaches us different things in different ways during certain times in our lives. Right now, God is teaching me a lot of interesting things by teaching me to have an open mind.
This past year God placed me in an extremely different environment from anything I'd ever been in before: a public college campus. I was totally unprepared for what I would find there. While there is a lot of sinful activity that goes on there, there are also so many learning possibilities!
I found that I was not able to learn very well with the closed mind that I had. You see, I was always taught to be close-minded. I don't think I was taught this intentionally, but I learned it nonetheless. I was always taught one specific set of knowledge in one specific way. While I was challenged to find answers on my own, my answers needed to match the school's beliefs perfectly or else they were considered wrong.
Now, in a public college, I am exposed to many different beliefs through many different venues. I am told to find the answer for myself using the laws I've been taught (as opposed to the answers I've been taught). I am encouraged to find what I believe on my own, without being told what I should believe and why I should believe it. In many ways, this new form of learning is difficult for me, because it is radically different. However, the effort is well worth it. I can find my own solution to problems and then see if they really fit into the big picture.
This new experience of learning is not limited to science and math. It extends all the way out to my faith. I can finally question why I believe what I believe without the guilt that previously accompanied questioning. I am able to look at things such as evolution vs. creation without the fear that I am sinning in doing so.
I am still glad that I went to the schools I went to, though. I would not trade those 14 years of learning for anything! They gave me much knowledge that I would not have gotten from a public school, and they have helped form me into who I am.
God has been faithful to give me what I needed when I needed it every time.

2002-08-10T23:01:00.000-04:00

Well, it seems that all this time my very favorite band in the whole world has not been on my list of links. I'm not sure how this occurred, because I distinctly remember them being there when I first put the list up, but now EXIT is back on my list!
Some extremely exciting news I heard today is that God has blessed EXIT with all the money they need to record two songs in Nashville. This will put them well on their way to a record label! And God just keeps continuing to bless them. Please continue to pray for them.
As far as my life is concerned, I'm doing pretty well. I'm still a bit upset about my roommate not coming back, but I know that it is in God's will. Obviously, He just has different plans for both of us than we had planned on ourselves.
Currently, my plan is to major in Chemistry. I have only taken general chemistry so far, though, so it really just depends on how I do in the more focused classes such as organic and inorganic.
God is still on His throne. He is still here with me, even when I don't feel Him. I praise Him for that.

2002-08-09T16:50:00.000-04:00

My roommate has decided to live at home this next semester. That means that I will be rooming with someone else. I don't know who it is yet... This makes me kind of nervous........
She'll still be taking classes there, just living at home instead... I don't know what I'll do without her.

2002-08-06T16:32:00.000-04:00

I'm in SC now. I'm having a wonderful time! My aunt, my cousin, and I went shopping today. We went to a couple of thrift stores, and I got the coolest shirt ever!
I don't have my journal on me, so once again I will have to put off telling you about my trip to Canada. Hopefully, I'll be able to type it up tomorrow.
I'm going to an EXIT show this week, and I am absolutely pumped about it! I have missed those guys so much in the past four or five months that I haven't seen them. Then, I'll be heading back up here.
My cousin has to start school tomorrow, so I won't be able to hang out with her the rest of the week... That stinks, because she's really fun to hang around with.
I feel like I don't know what to write about on here anymore. It seems that all I ever write is the events going on in my life right now... I guess that's semi-interesting for a very short while, but it's got to get old pretty quickly! If you have any ideas of something interesting to write about, please comment and let me know! I have a major case of writer's block... or is it blogger's block?

2002-08-04T22:41:00.000-04:00

I'm back! And about to start packing again... My aunt broke a vertebrea in her back, so I will be leaving hopefully tomorrow to go be with her. Please be in prayer over her; she is in some extreme pain.
As far as my trip is concerned, I had a marvelous time! I wrote a little in my journal, and I will be sharing some of that with you, my readers. But as for now, I must go to bed. I hope to be able to update tomorrow...but don't hold your breath. As of right now, nothing seems certain.

2002-07-28T19:50:00.000-04:00

I'm all packed up and ready to go to Canada... Well, physically at least. I'm not sure that I am spiritually or emotionally ready, though. Last year, I committed to going to Honduras twenty days before we left. I was not emotionally or spiritually ready at all! It was probably the worst mission trip I've ever been on. I felt completely useless. Now I am facing the fear that this year might be a repeat. I have had twice the time to prepare as I did last year, and I am going as a cook not one of th direct ministers, so I guess in many ways it is different. However, I will have the chance to spend a lot of time with the little kids if I want to. I like children, but I just feel so uneasy about this. Please pray that God will use everyone who is going on this mission trip to their fullest potential. Also please pray that everyone we come into contact with will not harden their hearts. Pray that God will be glorified in everything that happens on this trip.