Telegramming

tap - tippity tip tap - tap tappity tip tap - thump tap tip tap

translation: I'm in the boonies...won't be back til Semester starts

Adventures with SNOW

What went on in my mind:

"Oh man...that's gonna take forever to get off my car. I'll wait till later since I"m in a skirt. No I better just get it done with because since Dona's gone I get the garage spot. That way if it snows again I won't have to clean anything. Brr this ankle deep snow is freezing. Great...at least I do a good job of sweeping this onto myself. Maybe if I just clear a little off my front and side window I can still see enough to pull it into the garage. Krum! My doors are iced shut. (not in my mind but outloud) Grunt. Pound. Shake handle. Pull. Pound. Kick. *Slam body against.* Growl (back to in my mind) Maybe I should go ask the guys if they have deicer stuff. No...I'm independent I can figure this out. How am I going to get the snow off the top? Surely my car is stable enough to hop on the trunk. Yep this works....ack it's kinda slippery. HELP! I"m slipping off. Ok back up and this time I'll sit. Ok sliding try again. Comeon...I know I can do this. There we go on top of the roof now I'll just sweep this off sitting down. How is the best way to slip off gracefully? Glad no one was around to see that. Oh my word.....I don't think I hit unlock when I tried my door. Yep...I'm an idiot."

God Doesn't Exist?

A man went to a barbershop to have his hair cut and his beard trimmed. As the barber began to work, they began to have a good conversation. They talked about so many things and various subjects. When they eventually touched on the subject of God, the barber said: "I don't believe that God exists." "Why do you say that?" asked the customer. "Well, you just have to go out in the street to realize that God doesn't exist. Tell me, if God exists, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be neither suffering nor pain. I can't imagine a loving a God who would allow all of these things The customer thought for a moment, but didn't respond because he didn't want to start an argument. The barber finished his job and the customer left the shop. Just after he left the barbershop, he saw a man in the street with long, stringy, dirty hair and an untrimmed beard He looked dirty and unkempt. The customer turned back and entered the barber shop again and he said to the barber: "You know what? Barbers do not exist." "How can you say that?" asked the surprised barber. "I am here, and I am a barber. And I just worked on you!" "No!" the customer exclaimed. "Barbers don't exist because if they did, there would be no people with dirty long hair and untrimmed beards, like that man outside." "Ah, but barbers DO exist! What happens is, people do not come to me." "Exactly!"- affirmed the customer. "That's the point! God, too, DOES exist! What happens, is, people don't go to Him and do not look for>>Him. That's why there's so much pain and suffering in the world."

Don't get frantic dear annonymous... I eventually will update my blog. However...at this time I have a ton going on and don't have any spare time that I can use to post. So now I'll get back to the stack on my desk that is 5 inches tall! by the way....It's Dona's Birthday!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR ROOMIE!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish everyone a very blessed and Thankful Thanksgiving! God be with each of you over this time of travel and family gatherings!

Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ... and be THANKFUL! -- Colossians 3:15

Don't Break the Ice

Last night Kellan, Jason, Dona, and I hung out at the Bat Cave. I made practically a gallon of hot chocolate. I don't really know because I mixed the cocoa mix to go with 8 cups of milk and then when I got on the 4 cup I got nervous. So I don't really know how much I put in. Jas said he only had 2 cups but he felt like he drank about 4 with all the chocolate. Ooops...So I guess it was a little chocolatey! We played very suffisticated games like Don't Break the Ice (for 3 to 6 yrs) and the Old Mummy (a knock off of Old Maid). We played a very HARD core game of canasta for about 2 hours. Jas and Dona vs. Kellan and I -- I have our score card posted on our wall! We were down by almost a whole 1000 points and we came back and swept it! They didn't even count their last hand of cards because they knew we whooped em! Oh another exciting thing happened yesterday! I got my paper back that I wrote for English 200. It was proposing bike routes through campus and she gave it an A! Wooohoooo! Maybe I should submit it to the board! We have pyscho bikers on campus. There was a time when I was one of them...but I've decided to turn from the crazy path of riding a bike in a skirt. It just doesn't work well. Below was a very stressful moment when Jason was trying to keep from breaking the ice.

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WHY??

Kansas weather is CRAZY! Saturday it was absolutely gorgeous out! And today it's SNOWING! What is the deal? I wish it would skip to spring. I don't care for winter all that much....ok hardly at all. There are minor pluses to it. But walking to classes having to bundle up like this...isn't one of them.

My Weekend

This past weekend started out really disppointing but ended up being such a blessed weekend! I was very sad that I had to work Friday which took me out of getting to go to Todd Rufener's baptism in Ohio. But because I didn't go to that I went to Steph's play with Kellan Friday night. After her play we went to Salina and ate at a place called Grandma Max's...I thought that restaurant name was contradiciting until I was informed Max is short for Maxine! We stayed there about 2 to 3 hours just talking with some of Steph's friends. We went home Saturday morning after 'having coffee' with Steph and Chrissy (friend). That was cool! My mom and Chel stopped in Manhattan to see me and then Kellan and I headed for Bern. Oh first we stopped and went suit shopping! It was my first time to ever do that and it went quite well! He got a new suit and tie for $150! Awesome! Plus...it's a kewl looking suit!...and tie! Anyway...so then we headed to Brian Edelman's house for some steak and potatoes! Kellan and Brian, I really did know how to make mashed potatoes....I just didn't know what to put in them! :) John Lehman had a talk with the young group about Humbleness and I also got to hear him talk about what he does in India since he and his Putni will be going over there in December. Good prayer opportunity. Maggs had a bonfire so we headed to that after John's. I got to spend the night with her and it was a good time of catching up. Church in Sabetha then in Bern and afterwards a couple games of football. Anna, Steph, Bethany, Maggs, Chel, Maria E. and I played against Brian, Brandon, Kenton, Tony, and Kellan and GUESS WHO WON!?!? You're correct...we murdered them! And they weren't even being easy on us, because quite a few of us got taken out...like on the ground and everything! We ended after about 2 1/2 hours and then headed home! And I stupidly went to bed. I always set my alarm to get up a little later to finish off homework or just to get things prepared for Monday morning...but alas...I slept through it and got about 14 hours of sleep last night! Ah well...refreshed and ready to go today!

Brooke Francessi

3 Reasons Why Brooke Shouldn't Marry Vince

1. Me.

2. Pez.

3. Look at this guy.

Ok...those are all really dumb reasons! Brooke and Vince - I am truly thrilled about your engagement! It is so apparent you two are perfect for each other! You will both be in my prayers always and forever! God keep and bless you both as you help each other serve and glorify Him better! Love you both soo much!

Biblical Halloween

I want to start out by saying thank you to all of you who prayed for my Grandpa! He made it through surgery just great! He's of course in pain, but other than that alive and well! Last night we had a "Fall Festival" at the bat cave! Look at these AMAZING costumes! Any guesses who everyone is?!?! It was an awesome time of chowing down, playing Acts (aka mafia), and singing some praises! Hope all your Halloween's were blessed!

All Halloween Pics

Excitement and thankfulness

I'm wayyyy excited! I bought a pair of running shoes today. I've had the same running shoes since I was a 7th grader. For one, because my feet haven't grown, for two because I'm cheap and decided to wear them out. And I did....they are holey and have all the other good qualitites of awesomely warn shoes! So finally it was time, and I got some pretty kewl ones! I am so thankful for being able to purchase shoes. And all the other things that I can so easily do that others aren't able to. Thank you Lord for the blessings you have bestowed. So unworthy.

Discerning the Will of God

Tonight Earl Ringger gave a Bible Study on Discerning the Will of God. I thought I would just post some of my thoughts on it. I'm supposed to be studying but I can't get this off my mind!

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3: 5-6

We need to be diligent in listening to God. Diligent means to crave, so we also need to crave the will of God to be apparent in our lives. If we seek God with ALL OF OUR HEART...he WILL answer us. But we should watch how we seek His will. We shouldn't ask "Can I?" that's more of asking permission to do what we want to. We should be asking "Should I?" which is seeking the wisdom of God in our decisions. When we ask God a question, if He gives us an answer, that's His answer. He's not beating around the bush or teasing us. Baalam is a good example of someone asking God what His will was and getting a definate answer. Unlike Baalam though, we should take God's definate answer and hold it dear. Not asking until He tells us what we want to hear. So we need to make sure that when we go before Him we are TOTALLY SURRENDERED (fully wanting Him to take charge) to God's Will. If we push something that we want God to say is ok, God will give it to us. But, in the process you could be breaking away from God's greatest plan for our lives. We can't put limitations on God for what we want Him to do.

*If I just Surrender all to God....He will direct my path*

HELP!

Someone please come save me! Brooooooke! Donnnnnna! Anyone! I need you! My foot is stuck in our thingie!!

Joys!

I had many many joys this weekend!

1. Riding to KC with Kellan, Alan, and Dixie. Alan's Blog for understanding.
2. Helping Lois, an 80 year lady with lots of medical problems, get her house organized and painted.
3. Sitting and talking and singing and laughing at my grandparents with my dad, mom, sisters, and grandparents from 6pm til 2am.
4. Listening to the pure and thankful hearts of two converts who are now members in Christ.
5. Ted Witzigs talk on the end times.
6. Spending time in Topeka with Chel and her roomies.

99 Bottles of Pop on the Wall

99 bottles of pop on the wall 99 bottles of pop take one down pass it around 98 bottles of pop on the wall
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(slowly) NO bottles of pop on the wall NO bottles of pop take none down pass none around NO bottles of Pop on the WALLLLLLL!

Well that's what I got to listen to on the way home from Church in Topeka last night! One guy bobbing up and down in the drivers seat and two guys rocking and bouncing from side to side in the back seat. Not only this but driving 45mph because it was raining so hard we could hardly see. I will never be able to say that I sang all 99 verses of it, but I can say I had a concert put on just for me with that as the only song!

WOW

This past week has flown by in a whirl. I can't believe how quickly time flies when you are busy. A good break from the hectic world of a college student is few and far between. But, I'm not complaining, especially after coming back from an awesome weekend! This past weekend was College Weekend in Champaign, IL! It was such a blessing to hear each minister. Applying what we heard to our every day lives is going to be a challenge yet it will be a GREAT thing to accomplish. Chel and I stayed with Tami Friday and Saturday nights and it was awesome to get to catch up with her and meet her very kewl roomies! Also, another amazing highlight was, you'll never guess...the road trip! Us four below went out there together. I have never been on a more immature yet fun road trip! You can get a taste of what some of it was like by going to http://tifani.castpost.com and watching some of the videos. You don't have to of course, but they're there if you're bored! For the first time I got to hear BRANDON EDELMAN belting out songs! It was great! Coming back from a weekend like this just makes me so thankful for all of the wonderful people God has put into my life! So blessed! Last night I was talking to one of my lil girls and she was telling me that she was her sisters slave right now. (her sister sprained her ankle and is on crutches) I told her some very important things that babysitters say, "tell her that you don't mind doing stuff for her but ask her if she'll please be nicer when she asks." Paige was like, "But that's a lie, I DON'T like doing it." Hey at least she doesn't want to lie!! But it just reminded me of how many things we are called to serve others on and we have the same attitude. We don't want to do them. I hope through this week I can focus on serving others and not look to pleasing myself first or not helping someone else just cause I don't FEEL like it.

LOST!!!!!!!

Agony and a deep sorrow has entered my soul. Today I was walking home from work and something happened that I've dreaded forever:( I was bouncing my bouncy ball like any normal person and then......a huge crack jumped out and made it go bounding across the street. Because of the very lady-like person I am...I hiked up my skirt and raced a whole 3 steps after it. Then a ton of cars came whizzing by and destroyed my rescue mission. I stood there...sadly watching as my ball continued to bounce up the street and disappear into the sunset. I'm sure it was crying "Free at Last! Free at Last!" however, I was crying huge tears of sadness.

Highlights

Highlights of my weekend:

• getting to pose for this picture!
• spending Friday and Saturday with my family
• sleeping in a WATERBED
• seeing long lost people in Kansas City
• Chris and Janelle's wedding sermon...and wedding of course
• Playing 4 hours of VB
• Watching Kenton trip over our boundary rope and trash
• us girls beating the boys
• eating a campfire roasted apple
• spending quality time with my awesome kansas yg family
  

Study Break

So I'm taking a break from studying...and decided to blog! What a way to wake myself up! Nothing important at all to say. Went to Wal-Mart tonight and sooooo wanted to buy a recliner that is made for a 5 year old! Very comfortable! Jason K. works Thursday nights so we always try to include him. There were 4 of us who went to wal-mart and first Kellan called him to ask if he needed anything. His reply was, "I've already gone twice." So Dona called about 5 min. later. His reply, "I've already gone to twice this week." Tommie calls 5 min. later. He started wondering because he asked who all is with you, but again replied, "I've already gone twice!" hahah So I called last and he finally got smart and realized what was going on! He said, "ya know there is something I need, buy me a 10 gage shotgun!" Oh good times! Well I suppose back to studying I go!

To War

This week has flown by. With the caos of classes and trying to exercise for my knee and getting together with the crew...I just feel like taking a long nap and forgetting it all. However, God has not put us on this earth to hide in a bed from everything, but to face it and use that to glorify God. So no matter if I flunk my Physics test tomorrow...I will face it with the help of Christ by my side.

Hey Diddle Diddle

I think I've mentioned before how much I love kids! Staci, Joshua, Carter, Alysson, Gabe, and Kayli Stewart are some of my favorite kids on this earth! These kids are the kewlest! Most kids will dance or jam to popular pop songs or what-not...the Stewarts...they groove to Nursery Rhymes!!


Sunday nights, like at most AC churches, Kiowa has Bible Study and Singing. These evenings have come to be sooo special for me! Since there are usually less than 20 of us there, we always sing around the piano. Then after singing, we have snacks. The kids, and yes Chel and I are included in this, always sit on the rounding edge of the U tables. We always have sooo much fun at these times! Last night it was just the Stewarts and Chel and I. I just sat there and laughed the whole time! There were so many random comments and goofy exclamations! My maturity level definately went down even farther than it already is. That's one of the great things about these kids, they don't mind how stupid you are cause they're right in there with you doing really nutty things! Below is the youngest Stewart, Kayli. She'll be 2 in December and she's getting to be quite the character! Here, her face is covered in deviled egg! We told her she was a mess and she said in a distressed voice with her hands in the air, "I know!"

Learning from the Aged

I spent this past weekend with 2 amazing couples! Both were over the age of 70 and one happened to be my grandparents! It is so hard to explain in words the amazing conversation you can have with older people that have BEEN there! Friday night I got to ride the combine with my grandpa! LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT! It was just awesome to hear the crack in a 75 year old man's voice when talking about how much he loves God and why the church is so special to him! Lots and LOTS of spiritual conversations this weekend that I know made an impact on how I am as a person. I left for school wanting to just step back evaluate and change my life more to where God wants it. I was talking to a very dear friend from Kiowa this weekend in which she made the statement that her preacher asked her if she died where would she go. I was shocked when she said she told him hell. How could a wonderful christian like her that is sweet to everyone go to hell? She said she knew she had things to take care of that she won't or I should say hasn't yet. Where would I go? Am I hiding behind my status and thinking that because I have been cleansed by our saviour that I don't need to take care of things anymore? I guess the biggest thing I took away from the weekend was how much I need Jesus Christ. It's not that it wasn't important before or anything like that, I just came away just loving Him more and more! The quesiton was posed to me, "Where would you be without church?" Besides the fact still out there in the world sinning like crazy wasn't exactly what they meant I found out. They wondered if they took the church away would I still have my relationship with Christ? Do I do things because of church...or Christ? My train of thought has been snapped but I guess I just came away from this weekend really wanting to better myself according to what God wants. And maybe someday be a jolly old lady that has been through things solely by the grace of God!

Utter Devastation

Because I feel I owe my loyal readers information, I must let each of you in on the rejection of my life. Quoting www.markschultz.com: (not that I check it or anything)

"Mark and Kate announce their marriage on Saturday, September 17, 2005. The couple said their vows in front of family and friends at a private wedding in Nashville. "

Oh the pain of it all! ....collect...compose...go on with life.

Shurley Method

Anyone out there ever heard of the Shurley Method?? The wonderful grammar I have today was founded upon Shurley's Method! We had to break down and label each word in sentences. Why? I have no idea. But I did it diligently and learned how to do stuff like this:

The(A) enormous(Adj) poisonous(Adj) copperhead(SN) slithered(V) rapidly(Adv) under(P) the(A) decayed(Adj) log(OP).

And sing songs like this:


sentence.wav

I can label a pretty 'mean" sentence! *wink* I had forgotten about Shurley and her method until just this morning. Brooke asked us to help her think of Adjectives for an assignment, and then all my jingles just came flying back to me. Brooke thought they were quite catchy and was jamming along with me, but Dona had out her ear plugs and kept crying "make it stop!" Aww the trials of annoying roommates that don't know when it's time to zip it and go to bed!

To the Batcave

I live in a Batcave with two other batwomen. Yes...if I were you...I would be jealous too.

MSN Messenger

My dad is trying to master the great art of msn messenger! Which is REALLY funny! It's a good way to stay in touch with him because he likes those "farmer" message boards and is online a lot! He's not on there just for those, he reads the news and buys his parts offline but it still cracks me up! Tonight he was trying to figure out how to sign out because we made it so that he would be able to sign in with one click. I told him how to do this and he replied, "ok I was scared." I was like scared about what? Not being able to sign out. "Well I thought maybe I was dangling out in cyberspace for eternity."

Numbers

Today was a day of numbers:

• 1550 = number of steps it took to get to work and back
• 45 = lenth of time in min. I was in Physics and comprehended zilch
• 470 = sheets of paper I filed today
• 11:59 = time my micro homework is due tonight
• 38 = number of times I checked my email within a 10 min. period
• 9 = number of skirts I tried on before church tonight
• 4 = amount I paid for pizza
• 7 = number of numbers I could think of

Kickin' Kiowa Invite

So the Bible Class Weekend in Kiowa went awesome! We took them to the Alabaster Caverns in OK. They went through the caves and the we had fun, singing, and a speaker for them! For the activity before the speaker we had a scavenger hunt type thing, kinda a mix between what we did in Kansas City and at Ash's going away party. For those of you who weren't at either of those I'll explain. I made booklets of pictures from around the place we were at. At each place the picture was taken there was a sack of notecards with a book of the bible and a chapter on them. The groups had to find the place and read or at least skim the story, then come back to us and act it out. If we could guess what they were doing then they handed us their card and went and found the next one. They did a really good job! Most of them anyway! Then after this Greg Leman gave a talk. It was perfect! It had pretty much everyone's attention! It was just a very kewl environment to be around, I was glad so many ended up coming! Another joy from this weekend was my ride home friday night! My best high school friend rode home with Chel and I. In high school he didn't have good morals and not much respect for God's laws. So I was really praying that on the way down God would put words in my mouth! It ended up 2/3 of our trip was talking spiritual! God was so amazing the way He directed the conversation! Heath has a church that he goes to and really enjoys going! So I can only continue to pray that he will one day have a personal realtionship with Jesus! I hope each of you have a truly focused and blessed week!

We also handed this out to the Sunday School kids. Upon request: This puzzle was written by a lady in CA in response to an offer from a gentleman in Phily that he would pay anyone $1000 who could write a puzzle he could not solve. He failed to do so and paid $1000. The answer is one five letter word and appears only four times in the Bible. If you think you know it email me and I'll tell you if it's right!

Adam, God made out of Dust, But thought it was best to make me first, So I was made before man to answer God's most Holy Plan.
A living being I became and Adam gave to me my name. I from his presence then withdrew, and more of Adam never knew.
I did my maker's law obey nor ever went from it astray. Thousands of miles I go in fear but seldom on earth appear.
For purpose wise which God did see, He put a living soul in me. A soul from me God did claim and took from me the soul again.
So when from me the soul had fled, I was the same as when first made. And without hands, or feet or soul, I travel on from pole to pole.
I labor hard by day by night to fallen man I give great light. Thousands of people, young and old will by my death great light behold.
No right or wrong can I conceive the scripture I can not believe, Although my name therein is found, they are to me and empty sound.
No fear or death doth trouble me, real happiness I'll never see. Heaven I shall never go or to hell below.
Now when these lines you slowly read, go search your bible with all speed. For that my name is written there I do honestly to you declare.
WHO AM I?

Brooke's Amazing Skills

This Video was the fad at the Hunting House it seems like forever. I wanted to post it sooo bad but couldn't figure out how to do it...but now I finally can!! So here you go!

Ft. Scott

This weekend was the Ft. Scott invite. It was a marvelous weekend! Coming together with so many wonderful christian friends has a way of warming my heart each and every time! I know God was glorified in so many ways! I just pray that all those that are seeking something more fulfilling will turn to Jesus and realize He is the only one that can satisfy all the needs of life! Our God is awesome and can never be praised enough for granting His children with weekends like these!

And I have to add that coming back here to Manhattan and being able to have Prayer Meeting tonight with the group and an amazing talk completed the weekend totally! If only I could express my love for each of you to it's fullest.

Take Time to Pray

A few moments in the morning

Will put a blessing on your day

And you will find Him helping

Your problems on the way.

Don't ever be too busy

To talk to Him a while

And you will find you're facing

Each problem with a smile.

Don't let the cares of this world

Steal your joy from you

By keeping you too busy

To see what prayer can do.

Some moments in the morning

Before the start of day,

A special time at noon

Before you're on your way,

And at the close of day

Thank Him for everything

That for you He's provided -

A peace to you He'll bring.

Let nothing interfere

With moments spent with God;

You'll find your life goes better

With joy as your reward.

-- Helen Gleason

This is sooo true! I missed TWO classes this morning because I overslept...and you know why?? Because last night I was too "busy" with homework and by the time it was bed time I decided to put my devotions off til this morning. Yeah that didn't happen so it was an all around crummy morning! It is easy to see how quickly little things can pull us away. It may not be easy to be diligent, but God will bless you greatly if you wake up with Him, go to sleep with Him, and just have Him clear through your day! And I just have to say...I tried to make that poem creative looking and then I got bored...so that is why it looks stupid. OH and tonight Brooke had a very good comment that I must share! It doesn't happen that often so when it does; we have to tell everyone! We were playing Phase 10 and Jon told Dona that he would get Dona back. She responded with, "Vengence is mine saith the Lord." Then you hear this little peep of a squeak from Brooke, "But you're not the Lord!" Laughter was the response and then we shot her.

Chalking for Christ

Tonight the KSU ACYG chalked campus! The K-State campus has "freebiblenow.org" everywhere! It's awesome! I can't wait to admire everyone's work tomorrow! But more than admire the work, I'm excited for God to work in people's hearts now! He opens amazing doors and so hopefully lots of things will start happening! There were pagan people out chalking as well tonight. It makes me sad...but all we can do is pray and shine our lights and leave the rest to our Lord. We played some VB after we got done chalking and I would just like to say, "KSU group womped the Topeka group!" Wooohooo!

fishy fishy in the brook

my roomies and I got a fish and his name is fergal and he's the kewlest thing ever

the truth to be told

Ok...I had way to much fun with my little "engagement" scam! I actually didn't post it for a scam, but wasn't mad that it turned out that way! So on to the real story! Last night a group of us went to the Mark Schultz concert in Topeka. It was awesome! We got to sing praise and worship songs with some nice bass, drums, keyboard, and best of all with Mark Schultz! He made the atmosphere very real by telling stories about his songs, joking with the crowd, getting rid of the smoke on stage, and my personal favorite, having just him and his piano play on a lot of his songs! On his song "Letters from War" he played a music video that the army put together to show to the boys overseas and it was sooo emotional. I bet I wasn't the only one in the crowd who shed a couple of tears. Then after the concert was over I like sprinted to the autograph line! I lose my nerve speaking in big crowds or to people I really admire, so the next 10 minutes in line were used to practice and practice what I was going to say. I really wanted to say how I appreciated his zeal and love for God in his songs...but alas I froze when I handed him my ticket and started the lame conversation I wrote earlier. After I told him what year I was I asked him if it was legal for me to get a picture with him and he said, "Yes that is very legal!" So I got that picture with him where my eyes are HUGE because I was sooo excited! And then I said thanks a lot and he said "Ya'll have a good semester, I might just put my alma mater on the map!" Ok...Mark Schultz has been my favorite artist FOREVER and getting to meet him and get a picture with him and talk to him was the best ever! I was so excited afterwards that I was shaking! Weird I know...but it was a feeling way up there with how giddy I get if someone gives their life to Christ! When I was walking away from him my eyes were huge and I was practically skipping, some lady started laughing! I'm sure I looked a sight! Oh well! I got to meet Mark Schultz! So life is way happy right now!

I have an Announcement

An amazing act of God needs to be shared with each of you! Last night...well I guess I won't spill the beans yet. I'll just share what happened:

Tifani: Hi!
Mark: Hey!
Tifani: So what do we have to do to get you to come to Manhattan?
Mark: I don't know but that would be awesome!
Tifani: Oh yeah!
Mark: You go to school there?
Tifani: Yep I go to K-State.
Mark: Nice! What year are you?
Tifani: I'll be a sophomore.
Mark: Just one moment...God is talking to my heart.
(long pause)
Mark: (After going down on one knee..) Will you marry me?

So there you have it folks! I'm in love with Mark Schultz and he asked me to marry him and we live happily ever after!

Where to find Brooke most evenings

After rooming with Brooke for almost a year...I could no longer keep this to myself. On evenings when there is nothing to do, she likes to crawl under our bunk bed and chill!

Girls don't like boys, girls like cars...

I'm not much of a 'car' person, but this car was sweet to even me! This is a 1973 Cadillac Eldorado! Morris Edelman, the driver, took my sister Steph and I out to eat Friday night and we got to ride in this baby! We got to experience HIGH rates of speed and lots of stories from his crazy days! Very kewl! I ranked it way up there with the night I got to drive a 2003 Plymouth Prowler! That rocked as well!

In need of a LAUGH?

Call ... 260-565-9003

Listen to all choices and choose with great care!

5 for 5

My family is now completed! Last night or early this morning my oldest sister Stephanie gave her heart to our Lord!! Praise God! I am so excited to have both my sisters joining me in the young group this coming year! Chelsie just graduated high school, so she'll be around more and then obviously Steph! Another family was also completed this past weekend! The youngest of the Esslinger clan, Austin, gave his life to Christ as well!

Harry Potter

Dona tonight showed me a blog where the question was asked whether Harry Potter was a horrible influence on our youngin's minds. I started typing my comment and it became a novel so I decided to move it to my blog. Harry Potter is a character with no parents, no special talents, an average boy facing evil. He is a boy who has finally learned that the greatest power that he will ever posses is love. He was saved as a child because his mother sacrificed herself. Her undying love is what kept him from being lost forever. Christ died on a cross to save this world because he loved us enough to care about our fate. What was special about us? Harry was special to his mother because he was her child. We are all God's children and He would go to any measure to 'save' us. As you read through the last pages of the 6th HP book, you can't help but have tears in your eyes. The same would be as if you were reading the crucifixion of Christ. The mentor Harry has had while at school has been murdered. He protected Harry and even more taught him unreplaceable things. After his death, Harry does not cower away and hide in a hole. He boldly goes out and continues the things that Dumbledore had taught him to do. Our Lord walked this earth and poured out his knowledge, wisdom, love, grace, forgiveness and so many other things to his believers. Then He was taken from them. What did they do? They pressed on. Continuing to spread the wonderful virtures Christ had taught them to a world thick with evil. I'm not saying Harry Potter is for everyone. Young children could easily exert their imaginations and make it to real. One's especially who long to relate to some beat up kid succeeding. And there is revenge and killing. Something I would be very iffy about letting my kids read about. I definately don't think it is evil, but I don't disagree with the caution of letting younger children read them. For me I just think I have a conversion button that now everything I read or hear or watch I automatically turn it into helping me see more of what Christ did. As a stable christian with a personal relationship with Christ, Harry Potter is just another parable that helps me realize deeper all the things Christ has done. I'm sure many would disagree with me and they have that right. So there is my answer Josh!! But anyway ... even though I have already weeped enough tonight, I'm going to go read Christ's crucifixion because that last bit about Dumbledore dying and Harry setting out to continue fighting evil, made me want to read of an even greater person who died for me.

Babbling about Christ

I love our Lord so much! He has been such an amazing friend! This past weekend I was in Illinois doing everything and anything imagineable: snorkling, jet skiing, fishing, tubing, canoeing, volleyballing, jeeping, laughing, and bonding with some amazing Christians! It is nice to come back to work and have a weekend you can share to co-workers that brings up how good God is! God opens such amazing doors! And on the note of how awesome our God is, I'm praising and thanking Him for the safety He granted my lil boy! Jarrett's surgery went soooo well! Everything was restored with no problems at all! He was a little sick from the anesthesia but other than that will be his happy little self in no time! Thank you so much Lord Jesus! I'm extra happy tonight as well because of this upcoming weekend! I'm getting to go home and teach a Vacation Bible School class! If you have never gotten to teach a sunday school class...it is a definate life changing experience! Sharing the Good News and Bible stories to hungry little ears is the best thing! I just pray that God can use my mouth for His purpose with whatever class I get to teach! We have quite a few young people who don't know the Lord and I know God has something in store for this weekend! I'm filled with complete happiness to be serving our Father!

Love of my life

With the whole "love plaque" that's going around...I thought it was high time I introduced the love of MY life to all of you! This is Jarrett Koblitz! A spunky 4 1/2 year old little boy who loves trains, tractors, horses, sandboxes, and me! He has been my boyfriend going on 4 years now! Introducing Jarrett to you all however, has to do with a prayer request instead of a boyfriend introduction. Jarrett has a deadly disease called Hurler's Syndrome. The disease affects every joint, bone, muscle, and brain cell in him. Every week he gets an enzyme replacement shot to keep him functioning efficiently. He has a port in his side where the enzyme is injected and the tubes inside this port were somehow destroyed. Jarrett will be having surgery next Tuesday to fix this. The port is located in a spot on his side that corresponds with some of the main blood vessels (or arteries or whatever) leaving his heart and therefore is a very high risk surgery. I ask you to please lift Jarrett up to our Father. This little guy means so much to me, so I know if I ask he will have your prayers. I don't know what God's will is, I just pray this family, who's faith is newly founded in Christ, will take comfort and strength in whatever our Lord has planned!

Locks of Love

By my title, I'm sure you can probably guess what this post is going to be about. Last night my hair was chopped and donated to Locks of Love! Wow...I had a lot of hair! And now I'm psyched because some child that has never gotten to have hair can have some! It's a wonderful feeling knowing you can give something of yourself to help others. Jesus must have felt the same joy when he gave his life on the cross so that we can have a chance at a life without sin. The quote that goes "giving is better than receiving" is truly how I feel right now! AND...now that my hair is gone Tony... you won't have to have dreams about cutting it all off!

Bathroom Stalls

I just had a very traumatic experience and thought I would share. I was just kidnapped by my bathroom stall. But I used my incredible intellect and made myself a plan. While it was distracted by others walking in the bathroom, I threw myself on to the floor and army crawled out. Let me tell you....it was VERY graceful! Plus I'm alive and well now! I of course then rabbit punched it and led to it's destruction. He was arrested at ten hundred hours and I was awarded a medal. Apparentally I was about the 10th victim this month. Justice has been done.

Bosses

What do we think of the big man (or woman) in the office? I've had many different opinions of the different people I have worked for and they weren't always nice opinions. But what I have learned from all of them, is that the way they treat people is what makes them so successful. When I worked in the Director's Office of the Union I was scared to death of my boss. He always seemed grouchy but, he always spoke to me, asked me how I was doing, knew my name. It meant a lot. I look back now and realize that he demanded perfection, that is why I was scared of him. I'm probably rambling but I can't quite collect my thoughts very well. What brought up these thoughts about my bosses? Today I needed to drive to work so I could make it to my physical therapy. Tommie or Dona have been helping me out by taking me to work but today was one of those days I needed to take care of myself. I have to park about 4 block from work so I don't get a parking ticket. I had made the trip three times on my crutches without getting a glance in my direction. It didn't really surprise me because Manhattan isn't the friendliest of towns. Well, after work I was starting to make my long haul to the car. This guy in a suburban pulled into the parking lot of where I work just as I was going across it. He asked me how far I was going. I said couple of blocks. He told me he was not going to let me do that and to get in the suburban. I went over to the passenger side he dashed out his door and asked how he could help. After I was in the car, he told me he remembered seeing me in the business office yet we had never formally met. It turns up he was the Dean of the Vet College. I was quite shocked that a man of that importance took the time out of his busy schedule to give an invalid a ride that was completely out of his way. I don't know if he will ever know how much it meant. I hope if I ever become head of anything, that I will show the same kindness and care for my employees as they have shown me.

Answered Prayers!

Shout to the Lord--another soul has humbled himself to follow our Lord! Jason Kaeb started repenting last night! Praise be to God! So say a prayer for him in this day if you will!

Our God is Awesome

I heard in a sermon not to long ago the minister speaking about blessings from the Lord. "One farmer is praying for rain for his corn and his neighbor is praying for a dry day to be able to cut his wheat. Who deserves the blessing? And if we aren't the one who gets what WE think we need, do we glorify God anyway or do we complain because God didn't give us what we want?" The Lord has been providing my family with a huge blessing this week. I can only be down here one week to help, after that they will be a little short handed. So many prayers have gone up just praying that the rain could hold off for a while so we can get as much cutting done as possible. There have been storms all around us and yet it has not rained on our land all week. Praise be to God for his never ending grace. There was storm to the north of us last night that was gorgeous to look at. You can't help but sit there and praise God, eyes captivated with the site He has provided. This picture doesn't near capture the site we got to look at all evening, but it reminds me of the peace and thankfulness that was filling my whole self.

Harvest

I found my inspiration for blogging! Sunday night I came home to help my family out with wheat harvest! My grandpa Rudy, dad, mom, Chel and I make up our harvest crew. Grandpa drives the combine and has a blast talking on the radio. For instance he commented "I missed a lot of wheat, and I think it looks real neat," and "Wicker your buddy Chelsie, how full am I!" Remember me mentioning earlier I had a weird family? It all starts there! *wink* Dad is Mr. fixit. He goes around from machine to machine fixing all our booboos. He also takes over for my g-pa when his rear gets numb. Mom helps when she gets off work by driving the semi when needed and riding the combine with dad to keep him company. I'm pretty sure they think it is romantic. hmmm Chelsie drives the grain cart. She sits in a nice cold cab all day and drives back and forth from combine to truck. Her skills are just amazing. I drive Fast Eddie. A 2 ton orange and white tandom. Lots of exciting things happened today! One was that I got rid of my old farmers tan and now have a NEW farmers tan!! We got to see and pet a wild baby fawn that was hiding in the wheat. I taught Chelsie how to drive Fast Eddie. No comments on how that went. Chel and I sat on top of the grain cart and had a young group singing. We gazed at the stars and played Queen of the grain cart. Obviously you know who won. Around 10:30, dad, mom, chel and I were walking down a deserted dirt road in the middle of nowhere surrounded by vaccant wheat fields with only combine's in the distance as our lights. We heard a loud rustling in the ditch and so we creeped up on the thing. We couldn't figure out what it was and we could only see this dark thing moving around on the road. Finally we became brave and reached down to find a toad beneath our grasp. Kinda disappointing. We had hoped for a more exciting catch. Now I'm clean and headed to bed! I'm going to take some pictures of Fast Eddie and other things! So stay tuned!!

Fare Thee Well

When summer rolled around I thought I would be able to blog more because I had more time, instead of not having time I'm finding myself not having a desire. Summer is oh so much my favorite time of the year. I love going for walks or runs under the warm sun, long swims, reading a good book in the park, and so many others that I just can't make myself sit down long enough to blog. Soooooooooooooooooooooooo .... what I'm getting at is I'm taking a leave of absence from my blog. Wishing you all a marvelous summer! God's love and mercy upon each of you!

Coppers

Let me start off by saying that I have had more run-ins with cops in my converted days than all through my unconverted days. Last night some of us Manhappeners were in Topeka. We enjoyed a fun evening containing a home cooked meal, volleyball, and just enjoying the Topekans! We were all chilling on a big play thing behind tony and brandon's apartment: singing a couple of praises, climbing on the monkey bars, and telling multiple stories. Nothing to crazy. This guy kept peeking out at us, I am actually taking other peoples word for that cause I didn't see him, but no one really thought anything of it except it was a little odd. Ok a lot odd. Next thing we know we are being spot lighted then asked to get off the jungle gym then stand up against the wall then headed downtown. Ok so I stretched the story a little bit. But we did get spot lighted and all had to climb down to the ground. Then the cop preceded to drill us, not harshly, just doing his job. You could tell he wasn't to worried about us being any trouble cause he took his time asking the questions. "You all live here" "I do" (by tony and brandon) .....big pause..... "What are you up to" "playing some volleyball then we came over here and sang a bit"......big pause........"what were you singing" "praises" "well that's good"........big pause......"where were you playing volleyball" "across the way at those apt. we live there" (anna and kris) ..........big pause........"well if you wanna keep in good with your tennants maybe you should call it a night...it's getting late (time: 10:45)" I was going to finish telling about the night in a good rounding up way but my dear roommate Brooke is screeching with Phantom of the Opera and I must join her!

Memory Verse: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; and His mercy endureth forever." ~ Psalms 107:1

Runaway Lizard

Today at recess there was a group of first graders running around screaming. Normally I would say oh they run around all the time screaming. But this was a BIG group and they all were taking the same corners and going the same direction. So I go over there to see what's up and find that they are chasing a lizard around. He was about a foot long and kinda a cute little thing. So after many exclamations from the kids such as "catch him for us teacher," I relented and went after him. Part of it was because I remembered what a bunch of little kids did to a butterfly the other day. Some wanted to save it and some wanted to murder it. Let's just say the murders won. The other part of me going after him was just plan peer pressure. It didn't take me long to catch him, since I have killer lizard catching skills. And after I caught it I was surrounded by tons and tons of kids. It was crazy. Then they all started reaching for it and asking to take it home with them which scared it to death and he was fighting like mad to get away. I thought I'd stroke him to make him settle down and.......he bit me. Evil little reptile. So I learned two important lessons from my little escapade. Never listen to little kids when it comes to wild animals and never save a wild animal from a mob of little kids. Both of these led to my injury.

Memory Verse: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: and His mercy endureth forever." ~ Psalm 107:1

Pulling Rye

Sight a rye plant. It'll be about a foot above the wheat. Walk through the extremely tall wheat without losing sight of the rye (my dad's a REALLY good farmer so of course the wheat is tall *wink*). Follow the stalk of the rye plant with your hand down to the root. Pull it out of the ground. Twist the neck of the plant about 4 times and either chunk it into the ditch or shove it back down into the wheat.

This weekend when I went home my dad excited me thoroughly with the news that we got to ...... didn't have to...... got to PULL RYE! Ok so we weren't excited at all, but no matter, we pulled rye. If you have never pulled rye it is quite the experience. I'm inviting any of you that haven't pulled rye to go home with me next weekend....we've got plenty of rye left to educate each of you in the art of pulling rye. But like anything you do with your family, the laughs are what make the work such a happy time. I had a lot of fun singing with chel and laughing when she would wipe out. Which she did do a couple of times. I love the quiet of the country and actually being able to see the sky! You really notice all the wonder of Gods creation in the wide open spaces of where I live. Even if I don't spend the rest of my life there, I am very thankful I was raised in the middle of nowhere. If you don't count my hands turning green from pulling so much rye, it was a great time. I found out something about my little sister that I didn't know. My cousin who we haven't been around for about 5 years came down and we were going in to see him. I told Chel she better talk cause normally when we meet new people I do all the talking. To this she replied, "Well I don't like people, they scare me." So if you have ever been around her and she didn't talk...it's cause she is scared of you! I love coming home and just being with my family. We do some really corny things. We sat around the table tonight after supper and listened to each other's smiles make noise. I think we are a weird family! But, it's ok! I love my weird family!

Memory Verse: "O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good: and His mercy endureth for ever." ~ Psalm 107:1

Finals Week

It's that week that happens twice a year for college students. And like most, I'm ready to be DONE with this semester. I have been studying like mad. And trying to figure up my grades to see how much I need to study for my finals. It is in this process of figuring up my grades that I have found some very interesting things about our professors here at KSU. You can really tell the ones that could care less about helping you out. Psych: We have 4 exams, including the final. Each one is based on a curve and the lowest exam score is dropped. This guy cares. Macro: She gave us 40 EXTRA CREDIT points throughout the semester! We had no class 50% of Fridays. Our final is comprehensive, but....we get to fill a 8 1/2 X 11 'cheat sheet' front and back with anything of our choice. Yep...she cares. Pub. Speaking: She was just kewl (and she is a youth minister ... so I didn't have any worries about what I spoke on.) But she curved every test. Gave us extra days to turn in things. Went over every test prior to it. No exception with the final. Biology: 8 Exams. No curves. No extra credit. Each exam 30 questions with 3 parts to each question, yet only worth 30 pts. Quizzes every class which is Tues. & Thurs. at 7:30 am. You miss more then 3 classes you get 5 exam points taken away from you. PLUS ... you have to learn about evolution. So what's the deal? Some teachers rock and some need to be examined. You'd think the school would take the "teacher evaluation" sheets into more consideration. Ahhh well...life will go on whether I flunk my bio. final or not...I'd rather it didn't if I do though. OH and for all you b-town folks...just wanted to say that I'm sooo bummed I don't get to come see you all this weekend. *tear* God keep you till we meet again.

Memory Verse: "Talk no more exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed." - Samuel 2:3

Final day of boxing

Yesterday was our final day of boxing. I am extremely bummed. It was sooo much fun! I would definately recommend it to anyone! Our final day of boxing magg and I got to fight each other. I won't brag or anything but........ *wink* Actually we did get to wail on each other with these huge boxing gloves for like 7 year olds! It was a lot of fun, then one popped. I felt pretty bad in all actuality. Our teacher was an extremely neat person AND she is a christian! How awesome is that!?!?! Boxing wasn't the only thing that ended yesterday, however. Our last singing at the rest home was yesterday. I'm sooo thankful for getting the chance to sing and talk with those elderly people! Also, it was really neat because our WHOLE Topeka/KSU young group was there! Very kewl!

Memory Verse: "Talk no more exceeding proudly; let not arrogance come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed." ~ Samuel 2:3

Frat Boys

What is the deal with the Greeks? They don't have much upstairs. It is freezing out and the Fiji boys were out playing on a slip n' slide. Not only was it a slip n' slide but it was a rented one that cost $200 an hour. Then they would run and jump in the hot tub that cost $500 an hour. If you are going to spend that much money on a slip n slide.....why when it's 30 degrees??? Not bright. But that could be for the fact that they were all extremely tipsy. I was very tempted to go steal the hot tub. It was on wheels.....I coulda handled it! :) (And yes I know what my memory verse is!)

Memory Verse: "Talk no more exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." ~ Samuel 2:3

Blessed Weekend

This past weekend was the Topeka invite. I thought it rocked! I'm going to give a little recount. Friday night Tasha, Maggi, Bethany, Tony, Joe and I went skating. Bethany and I got to skate with a little girl, Audrey, who asked us if we would help her cause she kept falling! It was amazing how terrible some of those little kids at the rink talked however. Very sad. Luke, Vince, Brooke G., Ashley D., and Jake L. graced Kansas with their presence and we spent the rest of the evening just chilling at the girls house. For breakfast sat. morning we had a 15 pound cinammon roll! Brooke G. cracked me up with how "cinnamon-roll-crazed" she was! But who wouldn't be about one that big! After eating we headed for the east side of Topeka where we started working on getting a "helping the homeless" place. We painted their kitchen, upstairs, front porch, back steps, and stage. We were helping them prepare for a fundraiser they are having next weekend. Magg and I helped Chris get in touch with his cheerleading side by hoisting him up with our rather large boxing muscles! Yeah...we're tough! *wink* After getting cleaned up we headed out to Shawnee Lake where we spent time just being a group. There was lots of food, game, including musical chairs, and lots and lots of fellowship! For a while we were having a swinging gymnastic thingy. Our brothers aren't very graceful....they only thought they were. Jim Kaeb came to speak with us and aftwerwards many of the group gave their testimonies. That was really neat cause I hadn't heard almost any of the people that gave theirs. We sang then and wow. The singing was gorgeous. We tried learning a new song...but I think Vince will have to be their each time we try to sing it! My sister came as well as Monica and Brady Strahm and Maria Eisenbise! That was a total blessing! Sunday we headed to church in Bern then to Sabetha. After church magg, chris and I went HORSE BACK RIDING! We were so pumped to go, but we should have known when magg tried to get up and we both slid off the horse that our day was doomed. It only launched us gals twice and Chris once. Aww well.....that's life! I had a marvelous weekend with all you wonderful people! You all are amazing!
Pics from the weekend

Memory Verse: "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." ~ Samuel 2:3

Heavenly Time in the Park

The park in Manhattan is my favorite place ever! I was up there today studying and enjoying the beauty of the day! I climbed into a tree and had to think about when Jesus talks about being childlike with accepting the kingdom of heaven. The reason was that this little boy ran under me to get his soccer ball. He asked me, "How'd you get up there?" "I climbed." "You must be the best climber ever." "Oh I don't think so." "Well I do." This little guy didn't care that he was talking to some random person, he didn't refrain from speaking because he was embarrassed or shy or wondering what I would think of him. He wanted to know something so he asked, nothing held him back. I find myself wondering what people will think of me or becoming embarrassed or shy when I am asked about my head covering or my religion. Most children know they are protected so they don't think about things. I want to cast my worries away because I have a God that protects me. I want to be able to shine Jesus with every ounce of my self and not think when opportunities open to share the "news." I'm sure some of you are wondering if I got any studying done amidst all that thinking....not very much! But some other cute things happened that distracted my attention as well! I was swinging and this little kid, really chubby and very small, comes up and says "Hi!" extremely cheerfully! So I said hi and said a couple of things to him. He just looked at me and said "Hi!" again extremely cheerfully! I got a chuckle out of that and asked him if he wanted to come swing. He said "Bye!" and ran off! There was also this mother playing "bear" with her kids! Now that's a kewl mom!

Memory Verse: "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rejoice in hope." ~ Psalms 16:9

Home

This weekend I went home! So being home I decided to take a census of the Kiowa church. When I go other places everyone always asks me how big Kiowa is and I always look really stupid cause I never know the answer! So...I totalled it up! Very depressing results in all actuality. Statistics I found:

Total Members: 30 -- 23 of those are over 50 and 13 of those 23 are over 70
Total Sunday School: 16 -- amongst 3 families
Non-member attendance: 12 -- 10 of these are over 50
TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 58

But, I have no doubt God will provide! AND...Clare, Lanae, Courtney, and hopefully Matt and Staci are coming to the Wichita weekend! (unconverted in Kiowa for all who don't know them) So, I'm coming out of this weekend with hope! Also, I just have to share this cause I found it quite amusing. Today my family went to Alva, OK for my moms birthday supper. The restaurant we were going to eat at was closed for some odd reason so we resorted to Pizza Hut. There were all these guys in there that were coming home from the Sand Dunes. Chel and I felt like we were up for auction walking in and it was kinda embarrassing. Then, I lost all feeling of embarrassment when my dad walked over to them and said, "Hey you guys owe me some money for oggling." Way to be dad...You Rule!

Memory Verse: "Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope." ~ Psalms 16:9

Pez Rage

There is a Pez Rage going on at the Hunting House right now. People are clamoring our doorstep trying to break in and steal them. We have a "Pez Guarding Schedule" set up on our mantle so everyone knows when they need to be aware of the pez which are sitting along our shelves. Those evil mass Pez stealers don't have a chance against this high security system. There is also EXTRA guard on a greedy, beady eyed squirrel. A certain person out there wants it for his mascot, and we must...I repeat MUST keep this from happening.

Memory Verse: " The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him." ~ Lamentations 3:25

Morning Effects

"Oh What a beautiful morning..oh what a beautiful day..I've got a wonderful feeling..everything's going God's way!" Ever since I read Tami's MSN name I have been singing this song! And even though outside it is a little dreary, this has just been a beautiful morning! I have no doubt that today will be a blessing from God! Magg made pancakes not to long ago, so a good breakfast of pancakes and eggs and a full glass of cold MILK has made me one happy person! I'm already looking forward to tonight when we can all get together focused on helping others! That will definately be one of the uplifting joys of this week! I have never been so excited to meet a day! That's a good thing I think....hmmmmm Oh another joy....speaking of joys anyway...is that Maggi and I learned some extremely kewl boxing moves! We now can call ourselves boxers! Any doubts...contact joe...he saw our "sweet skills."

Memory Verse: "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in Him!" ~ Lamentations 3:25

A Joke

This is a Chelsie worthy joke!

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are going camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night Holmes wakes Watson up.
Holmes: "Watson, look up at the stars, and tell me what you deduce."
Watson: "I see millions of stars and even if a few of those have planets, it's quite likelyy there are some planets like Earth, and if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life. What does it tell you, Holmes?"
Holmes: "Watson, you idiot, somebody has stolen our tent!"

I pulled this baby from my Psych book!

Memory Verse: "The Lord is my portion, saith my soul, therefore will I hope in Him!" ~ Lamentations 3:25

Screaming

A drastic realization happened yesterday while on the playground at recess. I realized that I can't scream. I was listening to all the little girls scream and it was really annoying until I tried to remember a time when I screamed. As a child I yelled, but it was as tomboyish as you can get. Some of those little boys were even screaming. After seeing that I'm a loser and can't scream, I sat back and found myself appreciating the art of screaming.


Memory Verse: "Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God." ~ Nehemiah 9:31

Restored Joy

*Cast your burdens on the Lord, and He shall sustain you. Psalm 55:22* My mind has been so burdened lately with how everything is going to be next year that I forget to look to Jesus and let him comfort my soul. He never stopped hearing my desperate prayers and He never stopped holding me when I fell, yet when He lended His ear and hand I sought elsewhere. God stood there and invited me to burden Him with what burdened me. I blame myself completely for letting my strength fall away so quickly. What amazes me the most is He still forgave me for all this. He has now lifted me back up, He has taken away my worry, and most of all He has calmed my soul with his presence. I don't deserve to have such an amazing Lord and friend. Thank you Lord for never giving up on my walk with you. Thanks to all of you who were there for me through this time, I definately felt your prayers!

Memory Verse: "Nevertheless for thy great mercies' sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God." ~ Nehemiah 9:31

NOTE FROM BLOGGER:

I will not be posting at all this week. Bad weeks lead to evil posts.


Memory Verse: "He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he." ~ Proverbs 16:20

Spring Break

When spring break comes around I have no motivation to do anything. No studying, no blogging, no exercising... But, I'm going to do a recap on the highlights of each day. Mainly so I can savor in these moments of being at my earthly home.

Last Friday
Traveled to Topeka where the group got together and ate at a restaurant. Then Chel and I headed to Gridley to stay with my grandparents.
Saturday
Headed home but first made a stop to see my Aunt Emma and took her out to eat. Then we went shopping in Wichita where I finally got some jeans! Sweetness! That night there was a supper at church in which I had a tremendously fun time catching up with all my kids! Communion was after that and I continue to amaze at God's wonder and his sacrifice for us. Ted witzig had our communion sermon! WOW! (that's how I will explain that!)
Sunday
Ted had a sermon about being content and John L. about loving your wives! God used both to their fullest extent and it was great to be there to hear.
Monday
I was so excited to get to sleep in and dad decides at 7:30 am I need to help in move vehicles. Aw well life goes on! And it went on to pulling pulls out of the ground in our yard. Makes a girl feel really tough! We had carpet guys here all day putting in some much needed new carpet and I don't know what the deal was but this one picked on me everytime I came out there. sheesh
Tuesday
I got to sleep in! Chel and dad went to a dentist appt. in Wichita so no one to wake me up! When Chel got back we went to see my babysitting kids and ended up having a ball there! Jarrett can talk so clearly now and it was fun seeing how well he is doing! Also, Morgan as him who his girlfriends was and he said, "Tiffy, I luv her!" Totally melted my heart! After that we went in and spent the evening with my grandparents playing games and etc.
Wednesday
Every Wednesday at the senior center in Hazelton, they have potluck. So Chel and I made up a dish and went in there to eat. After that we moved every vehicle of ours imagineable out to my dad's shed to change oil or just fix in some way. Somehow my keys got locked in my car so we finally went and made extra keys for my car! After a hard working afternoon we went and had a nice long chat with my grandpa while my mom and g-ma were in Alva.
Thursday
At 8:30 I went with dad and we put a new regulator the my window of my car. Talk about a pain. No one is allowed to roll my windows up or down cause I don't want to ever change them again. At noon we ate with one of my "fake" grandparents and then went back out to the shed and changed my cars oil. We had a hike along the river and a weiney/marshmallow roast out at Kent and Darci Kislings. 7 Reimer kids, 6 Stewart kids, 2 Wagenbach's, and the Bahr sisters made a quite wild hike! But when it came to sitting around the bonfire and singing praises to our Lord, the kids' faces were lighted with Jesus Christ syndrome! I love my church family down here!

More later!

Memory Verse: "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." ~ Philippians 4:11