The Beauty of Ordinary Days

Not That Again

2012-01-23T16:20:00.001-06:00

Do you ever feel beaten down? By life, by circumstances, by other Christians...

And Cue Intro...

2012-01-07T01:20:00.002-06:00

Ahh 2012. I can already tell that it's gonna be a great year. :)

Source: picturesandquotes.net via Tap on Pinterest

My first semester at college went well. I've met so many new and fascinating people that I feel I could just listen to people's stories all day long and never run out of interesting things to talk about. I never expected the social aspect to become such an attention-diverter, but it did unfortunately. Not that it affected my schoolwork. Not at all. I just ended up really sleep deprived. Yep, that probably wasn't very smart of me. But, college is about learning, and I did learn my lesson. By the time finals week rolled around, my brain was like a plate of over-easy scrambled eggs served with a side of toast. Re: Mush. I wasn't acting at all myself when I went home and I knew it, but I was simply too exhausted to do anything about it. The first few weeks of being at home were a struggle. I needed to readjust to living at home again with different changes, expectations and realities. Three weeks later, I think I'm finally getting the hang of it two days before I have to move back to my dorm. :D Ah well. Such is life.

My roommates and I after a successful night of shopping. :)

I'm worried about second semester and what's going to happen. I felt like with first semester I was literally pouring every ounce of myself into my schoolwork all the time and I barely got everything done on time. Now I'm taking 3 credits and two classes more than I did first semester. And the biggest thing was that my relationship with God began to fade. I stopped reading the Bible actively. Oh I read it to say that I was in the Word, but I didn't apply the energy to actually study it. I felt like a fake. I wasn't being challenged. THINGS were getting distracting. And I was ashamed. For awhile I was even mad at God. But somehow, someway, with His calming voice, He wooed me back into peace. And in the midst of the storm I was smack dab in the middle of, He wrapped His arms around me and whispered sweet words of peace to my spirit. Not that everything was going to end soon or that my life would somehow miraculously get better, but because He is never going to leave me. Never.

Source: mygodsnotdeadhessurelyalive.tumblr.com via Paula on Pinterest

And that's exactly what I've been learning lately. That I can't just start "becoming a better follower of Christ" when things get easier. Because they never will. It's about learning to be content WHEREVER I am! In whatever situation.

Over the past few months I've felt God leading me to considering a life dedicated to overseas missionary teaching. I, of course, was ecstatic. I love traveling. I love people. I love God. I love teaching. This nudge was awesome. A few times I've doubted it, saying that maybe it was just me that was trying to convince myself or make myself better than others. But every time I came up with an excuse, God's reassurance came back even stronger than before. After I get some experience teaching in the States (and pay off my lovely school loans), I'm going to teach. Overseas. Who knows where. The thought is thrilling and exciting and dangerous and scary all at the same time.

And of course then there's the little matter of if God is going to send along a husband for me. Now I know what you're thinking. Girl goes to Bible college and sees everyone else dating and/or getting married and thinks she must do the same.

Not true.

In fact, it was quite the opposite. I loathed the idea of ever getting married. I tured up my nose every time the idea was even brought up. I was not going overseas to teach tied to a man who didn't want to do the same!

But as God does, He slowly began working at my heart. He made it very clear that I am going to get married, but didn't add the little detail about when. But that's ok. Honestly, since I've stopped being so stubborn and started listening to what GOD wants for me, life has gotten less stressful. So, my prayer is that God will send me a man who loves God more than He loves me and dreams about setting up a ministry somewhere overseas. It's going to take someone very patient, loving and Godly to put up with me and my impulsive ways, but I guess if he can, I will know that he is straight from God and meant for me. :)

Source: Uploaded by user via Leslie on Pinterest

Yes I realize I'm being the "typical girl." Maybe that's what I was afraid of, that I would be following the status quo in wanting to get married. But that's what's on my heart. I'm going to be 19 in a few days, and I've never had someone express interest in me before. I had been just fine with this fact until I started felling discontent but it was because I had been trying to live my way instead of listening to what God was trying to get me to hear. And now I'm open to the idea of finding the right man, encountering love and settling down. I can't say that I never feel a swell of panic every once in awhile that it may be awhile before Mr. Right shows up, but I do know that God will always be ready to comfort.

And He is always, always enough.

A {Christmas} Post ii

2011-12-14T14:47:00.002-06:00

This is a repost of last Christmas. It shares what is on my heart. Enjoy.

Luke 1:26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!”

29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.

30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.

32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David,

33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.

36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren.

37 For nothing will be impossible with God.”

38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

39 In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, 40 and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

41 And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit,

42 and she exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

44 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.

45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.

Luke 2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.

18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

I want you to do something for me. I want you to image yourself in your room. Think of how big it is compared to yourself. Now think of your house. Then your city. Now state. Country. World.

This planet we call Earth belongs to something called the solar system which is comprised of the ~~nine~~ eight planets and some other stuff like the Sun, Moon, etc.

Our solar system belongs to the galaxy which is known as the Milky Way Galaxy. Now think back to you standing in your room. Pretty impressive right?

But I'm not done yet.

Do you know how many galaxies are in the universe?

Take a guess. Any number will do.

The answer:

Approximately 500 Billion.

(Taken with the Hubble telescope.)

Isaiah tells us that God holds the universe in the palm of His hands.

What does that tell you about God?

Have you ever held a baby? Do you know how fragile and little they are?

Want to know what the unimaginable part is?

That's how God came down to us.

As a baby. A helpless little baby.

The creator of the universe came down as a baby!

One of my favorite verses in the entire Bible is Luke 2:19, "But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart."

Mary got to hold the creator of the universe. Wow. Can you imagine?

The birth story has so many incredible and memorable characters. What would the birth story be without the humility of the Lord's servant Mary,

the joy of Elisabeth,

the bravery of Joseph,

the faith of Zechariah,

and of course,

the divine timing and appointment of Jesus, orchestrated by the True Conductor.

Now that's what I call

Beautiful.

With my sincerest thanks and warmest wishes, I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas filled with laughter, happy memories, and the recollection of what a sweet Baby in a manger did for us on a night so long ago. Treasure these things in your hearts, dear readers, and remember the truest reason for our celebrations.

Merry Christmas.

Hold On Tight

2011-12-07T18:11:00.000-06:00

When life is swirling all around, just hold on tightly... to the cross before you.

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Those People

2011-12-03T18:41:00.000-06:00

Do you ever wonder about people? That maybe they are hurting just like you are, deep down, but no one would ever guess because they are too wrapped up in sports or work or school. But inside their heart is shredded and their life is bleak. And it's the believers.

Happy November 4th

2011-11-04T23:50:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's November.
Thanksgiving is 20 days away.
I've never been so tired in my life, but I am doing ok. I just have to make it to November 22nd, two projects and three exams away.

Source: google.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Source: google.com via bringingupboys on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Jeannie on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Hana on Pinterest

Be My Everything

2011-10-10T23:42:00.001-05:00

Jesus, be my everything.
I want to praise you no matter what.

Dear Boys (part i)

2011-10-06T16:12:00.001-05:00

Dear Guy-who-I-see-everywhere-and-wears-really-cool-converse,

I see you everywhere.

You wear the same shoes I do.

Your hair flaps in the wind when you walk.

From,

A Girl You Don't Know

~~~~

Dear Soccer Jocks,

Seriously?

With a Quizzical Brow,

Jessi

~~~~

Dear Maintenance Man,

Thanks for fixing our light. Now when I wake up at 7 AM for class I can see the ghost in the mirror staring back at me much better.

Clearly Not Amused,

Ms. Ghost

~~~~

Dear Really-Cute-Guy-Who-Sits-Next-To-Me-In-Class,

Stop being so cute.

From,

Red in the Face

~~~~

Dear Isiah,

You are six and therefore you are adorable.

Keep calling me Miss Sweet ok?
Love,
Jessi

~~~~

Love,

Fall! Fall! Fall!

2011-09-14T18:51:00.000-05:00

I'm a month into college now. Hard to believe. So my last few video-updates were a flop but I wanted to update y'all on what I've been doing. I have a study session in 15 minutes and then a worship night after that.
I've been busy with little things here and there that have accumulated into a lot of really big things. Not even sure how that happened. Oh wait. I know. EXAMS. Yep. Midterm exams are soon! I can't believe it! I have so much studying to do.
My roommates and I are hosting a prospective student this week. We've been getting involved with that so hopefully that can become a regular thing. :) I'm very excited to meet the person we've been assigned to and maybe answer some questions that she has!
There's a leadership development thing that I've applied to as well. I'm really excited to get involved with that too so I can meet new people and learn more about leadership and what it takes to be a leader. Fun stuff!!
And then... I've been changing my minor and stuff again. :) This time I'm pretty sure it's gonna stick. I've decided to major in Elementary Education but get an endorsement to teach CALE (communication arts and literature) for 5th-8th grade.
And with that, I must scoot but I will talk to you all later!
Have a great week!

smitten with montana {part 1}

2011-08-18T12:18:00.000-05:00

Fridy, July 29th, 2011

4:45pm MST

Somewhere in North Dakota

Well, we are off! We ended up having to change trailers which set us back 2 hours but was actually better because it afforded us much more room.

I drove about 2 hours which made me pretty tense due to construction and the off-ramps going to the left! But I worried for nothing. The gas tank got very low at one point, which only made the situation more intense. Eventually we did find a gas station and it was great to be able to stretch my legs.

North Dakota is beautiful in my opinion. So simple. So pure and untamed and rugged. Is this how the pioneers felt with they saw the wild prairie? Did they feel the same pride and love for their country?

We are almost in Montana!

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

7:25pm MST

Bozeman, Montana

Today, the second day of the trip was an eventful day! Since we got to Bozeman at 12:45 last night, we slept in until 8 or so and had breakfast at 9:30.

After getting ready for the day, Gene's niece and nephew took us to a waterfall. However, once we got 1/2 way up the mountain, the air coolant hose sprang a hole and the hood started smoking. With no cell phone service, we ended up flagging down a car. It turned out the people were Christians! God was definitely looking out for us. Seth went with them and called Gene to come get us and bring a tow-truck. Gene called AAA and came up with the Suburban to let us continue on our trip while Gene stayed with the car to wait for the truck to come.

While we waited for Seth to come back, we played in the river across the road. Everyone's toes turned purple and the feel left their feet, but all in all, it was a refreshing experience. Gene ended up having to wait 2 hours for the tow-truck! We felt so back but it ended up working out ok. So, we continued on our trip up to the falls.

I don't think I can successfully explain how beautiful it was. Absolutely breathtaking.

The hike up to the falls was another story. It wasn't a hard trek but I think the altitude made it difficult to keep up.

After the falls we went to the lake and swam in 60 degree water! Brr. It was so, so cold but so, so exhilarating. We only stayed about 15 minutes in the water. All in all it was an exhausting day. It am so ready for bed. TOmorrow we head to Yellowstone to camp for 3 days then it's off to Idaho to stay with Gene's dad. I am so looking forward to the rest of the trip.

Gene's sister's and her husband's farm is about 20 minutes or so from the "city" part of Bozeman. It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Absolutely wonderful. I believe I want to live in Montana when I get older. Maybe to teach? :) I would love, love, love it here.

The mountains look like they are painted on the horizon. So unreal. Looking in the distance, I see cows happily grazing and standing in a golden field looking content and serene. Above that there are a few sparse and wimpy looking pine trees. The mountains are a canvas of all shades of blue. Above that are clouds. Sometimes there are no clouds--just the purest blue sky you could ever imagine. What they say about Montana is true--it is Big Sky Country up here. God's country. I am thoroughly smitten with Montana.

words.

2011-07-28T00:15:00.003-05:00

I'm kind of at a loss for words right now. I don't really know what to say or how to say what I'm thinking or when to say what I do think about. Which isn't really unusual. I've always been a thinker and a listener. I like listening to people talk and thinking about what they have to say. Perhaps it's the writer in me--that moody, emotional, erratic side that reveals itself every once in awhile.

I wish that I could write down what is on my heart. But something is getting in the way. Maybe it's my own self. Only time can tell.

But I will tell you this: college starts in 21 days. I have one day until I leave for Idaho. I have never been more excited for anything in my life. College and my missions trips are the only thing I really ever talk about anymore. I'm sure I've wore out many of my friend's ears talking about what Dani did or Lily said or how Kristen dressed or what my roommates are like. But I don't really care because this new adventure, this new leg on my journey of life is beautiful and I am thoroughly prepared to enjoy every. single. minute. of whatever God throws my way. I can't wait to start classes and meet new friends and try out churches and get lost on my way to lectures and make embarrassing memories. I'm looking forward to it all.

This will probably be my last post before I leave. I will be gone July 29th-August 15th. My blog will be absent until then but I'd love for you to drop me a quick comment to let me know you are praying for me. I'd appreciate so much. :)

And so ends a rather pointless post at 12:10 AM. Good stuff. ;) I love you all and thank you for the 8 consistent souls who register my blog stats at 8 pageviews per day. To you I say: you are awesome. =D Farewell friends!

Railroads and Parks and Happiness

2011-07-26T20:58:00.001-05:00

I can cross one of my items off my summer bucket list!

3. Go on a photo shoot with Lauren!

Check!

It was awesome if I do say so myself. Take a peek:

It is highly dangerous walking on railroads without shoes. Glass you know. From the hobos. Yeah. ;)

Lauren is very talented at talking and posing at the same time without looking like she's talking. I have yet to master this trait.

Favorite. <3 A lot of pictures are in sepia because I forgot I had left my camera on sepia mode. Oops!

Of course I wore my awesome Converse. Though they did give me blisters. What can I say, beauty is pain.

Setting up the tripod to take pics of both of us. I'm quite interested in how they turned out.

The inspiration for this picture hit me like a bolt of lighting. Though less painful, I'm sure.

Looking effortlessly beautiful. Not. Fair.

And again.

And again!

Contemplating.

Taking a picture of her telling me she's going to take a picture of me.

I told her to give me some attitude and this is what I got.

A final shot.

I had so much fun with ya Lauren!

Ta-ta for now,

PS I guest posted over HERE awhile ago. Check it out!

You Might Have Noticed...

2011-07-18T23:59:00.000-05:00

That I have a different name. That's because I decided it's time to use my real name. :)

Hi, I'm Jessica. It's nice to meet you.

This will make things easier all around--for everyone! Don't worry, I'm still the same person, just with a different label. It was fun being May Amelia (I've always adored the name "Amelia"), but it's time for me to be me again!

This reminds me of when Anne asks Marilla to call her Cordelia. Hehe. Good times. :D

There are no words

2011-07-09T23:55:00.000-05:00

The past couple of weeks have provided a lot for me to think about. Memories need to be smiled at, thoughts need to be sorted through, friends need to be kept in contact with, and all the while life keeps moving forward. Routine and work and busyness and friends and family who want to hear about my experiences has all kept me very busy, which is all well and good but hasn't provided me time to stop, think, and let it all soak in. Instead my brain is abuzz with scholarships that need to be turned in, textbooks that need to be bought, and preparations that need to be made before I leave again.

I love change. I really do. I guess I'm some freak of nature because everyone else seems to hate it but I relish the newness of new. What I hate is the transition in between the change. I knew coming home from two weeks away would be difficult. I pleaded with God to make the transition bearable. The day after I got home I worked and had a sleepover with some friend's that night. The rest of the weekend was none stop. Cabins, eating, listening to fireworks. I didn't have a moment to myself.

But maybe that was for the best. Maybe God knew I couldn't handle not being busy. Now I'm ready for the calm. I am ready to just be alone with God and work through the things I learned. It's time to take myself off of auto-pilot and switch to manual mode. No more going through the motions, I'm ready!

Missions Trip in a Nutshell

2011-06-30T22:54:00.000-05:00

"Hey Mom? What would you say if I wanted to come back for the second week of camp?"

These were the exact words I spoke two Saturdays ago. The year previous I declared loud and proud that I was NOT going back to work at camp. It was difficult to fit in and no one really seemed to care one way or the other. Throughout the year, God slowly began to change my heart until I finally gave in and signed up for the first week.

What a blast.

Prom. Friends. Jesus. Laughter. Smiles.

Perfection. The first week made me ask the question:

"What if... I stayed for the second week?"

The number of workers in the second camp was low and the number of campers was high. That is not a good combination especially when dealing with special needs kids.

By some miraculous way, it worked and I was able to stay for the second week.

There was a slight glitch however. I was extremely ill with a bad case of allergies. For the first two days I walked around like a zombie. I was not very fun to be around! ;) The day before the campers came, all of the workers had an anointing service (which is always my favorite part of the entire camp). I was anointed with oil and prayed over, specifically that I would be healed of the allergies.

The next day I noticed that though they didn't completely go away, but my energy was back! And just in time too. In addition to my position as prayer coordinator, I was going to be assigned to help with a challenging camper. This gal had extremely severe autism along with a bevy of other "issues" tacked onto her. I can't go into much detail but I can tell you this: throughout the week, I was blessed to have a few precious seconds to see the real girl. The one behind the autism. The one yearning to escape from the body she was trapped in. And then like that it was gone again.

God brought us from all over Minnesota, Wisconsin and even Texas to join together as a body of Christ to be His hands and feet.

What an awesome God we serve.

There is another opportunity for me to go to Idaho with the same organization at the end of July. The thing is, I would be gone for 2 1/2 weeks and home only four days before I leave for college. But despite this, despite the roadblocks and deterrents, I have faith that I am exactly where He wants me. And it brings me peace.

He is jealous for me
Love's like a hurricane,
I am a tree
Bending beneath the weight of
His wind and mercy
When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory
and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.

Oh, how He loves us so
Oh, how He loves us
How He loves us so.

Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves.

We are His portion and
He is our prize,
Drawn to redemption
by the grace in His eyes
If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking
So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss and my heart turns
violently inside of my chest
I don't have time to maintain these regrets when I think about the way

He loves us,
Oh, how He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
OH, how He loves

Yeah, He loves us
Oh, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves.

Yeah, He loves us
He loves us
He loves us
He loves.

Yeah, He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves

He loves us,
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves us
Whoa, how He loves

-How He Loves Us

My Telegraphic Life

2011-06-22T13:24:00.001-05:00

Back from missions trip. Had a blast. Felt led to go back for second week. Leaving again tomorrow.

| And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who
| will go for us?" Then I said, "Here am I! Send me." Isaiah 6:8

Send me Lord. I'll go.

The girls and I at the prom.

Happy Smiles

2011-06-11T20:33:00.001-05:00

What are two songs that describe you? Um. "Daydreamer" by David Cassidy and "The Comeback Kid" by B. Reith

What do you most fear? Pain. :)

What color(s) dominate(s) your wardrobe? Brown and... just about every color but orange and yellow.

How do you normally do you hair? The triangle look mostly (my curly haired friends will understand [and sympathize]) but I also dig the half-pony.

Do you prefer milkshakes or smoothies? Smoothie with ice cream XD

Do you like the color pink? Yep.

What is your favorite flower? I'm partial to simplicity. So, daisies. Wildflowers. Dandelions Whatever works. ;)

How many states have you been to? Nine-Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Florida, California, Nebraska, and Minnesota

What is your favorite thing about June? The beautiful, breezy weather with the underlying warmth of sun. That disappears in July and up pops my little friend HUMIDITY. >:(

Describe your "dream wedding location." Erm. A church must be included. Haven't really thought about it I guess! Well ok that's not true. I just haven't thought about what location I'd prefer. ;)

Giveaway at Lucia's! Check it out! =]

Entry for Emily Grace's photo contest:

PS. Leaving tomorrow to work at camp. Be back in a week!

Summer 2011 Bucket List {plus pictures}

2011-06-10T21:18:00.000-05:00

1. Spend at entire day (from sun-up to sun-down) at the beach with friends
2. Take a picture wearing stiletto heels (without falling over).
3. Go on a photo shoot with Lauren!
4. Take a picture by the Mary Tyler Moore statue (located at Nicollet Mall).
5. Shop at Arbor Lakes and attempt to look like I fit in.
6. Read every classic book on my bookshelf (1 down, 500 to go lol).
7. Make croissants (last time I got so frustrated I threw away the dough).
8. Strike up a conversation with a random stranger.

Doesn't this look like Mater from Cars?

Dad put this on the back of the truck.

Grad Party Weekend

2011-06-04T22:38:00.001-05:00

My grad party was today! :) I couldn't have asked for a better day. High's in the 80's, slight breeze and sun, sun, SUN! :)

Here is the tent with everything set up. Those lovely poles in the middle holding up the tent were scary. One ran into me. The nerve! >:(

Here's the set up in the garage: baby pictures, clothes from when I was itty-bitty, and school achievements.

Me and my beautiful mamma. =] WOW I am pale.

I relinquished all picture-taking duties to my darling friend Leah Beth only to find these on my camera:

Uh huh.

Well I did say to make them candid.

My beautiful and vivacious friends:

Leah, Anna, Me, Joy

Me and DeDe <3

Me and Ashley (look her flip flops and shirt are coordinating!) <3

Heh heh. Blackmail picture.

The girls :)

I am so tired. So content. So ready.

I ate, I talked, I laughed, I loved.

I had a ton of fun.

My feet really hurt.

But my heart is brimming over with joy and I am inexplicably happy. It's times like these that I really really

love living life.

High School Graduation

2011-06-03T23:37:00.000-05:00

My friends' that is!

Superintendent of the schools (I think)

300 students. 1 graduating class.

Band

Valedictorians

Announcement of the Class of 2011!!!!

Me and Leah!

Katrine is an adorable foreign exchange student from Germany! Her hair is awesome. It makes me happy. :D

Leah and her parents :)

Me and DeDe! This girl is amazing. :) She will be dancing on Broadway before to long. ;)

Leah, Ashley, and I. We look good! Haha ;)

This is me making a joke and Leah finding it hilariously funny (she's the only one who gets my humor, the poor dear). And Ashely's stuck in the middle just trying to take the picture. =D

My heart is happy. Tomorrow is my graduation party. Good night. :)

A Matter of Faith

2011-05-31T22:41:00.000-05:00

"When attending graduation parties, it is essential to sample each dessert in order for a full and total comparison of the other parties' desserts."

-Me

That is my attempt at rationalizing my need to eat cake at every. single. grad. party. I. attend. I'm nigh unto stuffed! Of course, it is my own doing... Forget Freshman 15, the weight starts piling on the summer before college from all of the yummy food.

Which leads me to why I've been quite absent in the last few days. My grad party on Saturday. Wow. I never knew this much work went into one little get-together... with 150 people... Hmm... So, I've been running errands (again), cleaning, gardening, cleaning, pulling weeds in the garden, cleaning, and panicking. I don't recommend that last one.

Which leads me to the reason for the title of this post. Faith. That's a touchy subject with me. Oh, I have enough faith for other people. Sure, I do. I tell them, "Just have faith and God will work it all out." And it does. But heaven forbid I'd actually have to apply trust and faith to my life! Unthinkable. Of course that's exactly what I've been learning. Funny how that happens.

Some of you know that I'll be going on a missions trip soon to work at a camp for special needs kids. Yesterday I was panicking at my, shall we say, lack of funds for the camp. Some unexpected costs came up adding more that I would need to raise. And wouldn't you know it when I got a check in the mail today and found out another one's on it's way.

Amazing.

That's the only word for it. My faith is so small. Barely there. But look at what God can do. He doubled my funding in one day. Faith literally the size of a mustard seed.

"And the Lord said, 'If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, "Be uprooted and planted into the sea," and it would obey you.'" Luke 17:6

Do not limit God, friends. I learned this the hard way!

Look of the day-pretty in pink

2011-05-19T14:50:00.001-05:00

Christa Taylor from Empowered Traditionalist has been doing to-die-for look of the day fashion posts. Soooo.... here's mine!

Grey tank: Eddie Bauer

Pink shirt: Kohls

Skirt: Thrifted

Necklace: handmade by me! (sorta. see below for details)

How I made the necklace:

So, if you keep up with the fashion trends, you'll know that wearing different textures of necklaces are very "in" right now. Not that I like to follow the trends but... I think this one's pretty cool! And I actually had the materials to do it too which is a first. :D All you need to do is this:

1.Find a shorter necklace that you love.

2. Find a longer necklace that you love.

3. Put them both on leaving room to adjust lengths if necessary.

4. Then, find a ribbon and tie them together.

Now you have something that is cute, easy, super-fun, and cheap! There's no better combination.

Like my new haircut? :D

How I did my makeup:

I never really wear eye makeup because I usually forget I have it on and rub my eyes leaving lovely raccoon-like circles around my corneas. Fun. But, I decided to be daring today. I call this look "Mount St. Helen's Eruption" because it looks smokey. Get it? Eruption.... smokey..... ahahahaha :P

Ahem.

Personally I use Aveda's three-in-one color eye shadow and that's really all I use because it's the only one I have. (Side note: WOW did that cost a pretty penny. Probably why I only have one.)

1. Anyways, create a base by applying your choice color over the bottom of the lid to the brow-bone.

2. Take your second color of choice and smooth it over the actual eyelid of your eye being careful not to go close to the brow-bone. The idea here is to create distinction between the two colors.

3. If you use a third color (I did but it's hard to see in the picture), create a V-shape starting at your tear ducts and working outward.

4. Lastly, put on your mascara if you chose to wear this. I always forget and end up putting this on first. Word to the wise: DON'T DO THIS. :)

Pretty fun right? I've been loving freeing all of my spring clothes from their dusty confines... it's been marvelous. Now all I have to do is make sure the weather cooperates...

Time: Where hast thou gone?

2011-05-17T20:18:00.001-05:00

Well I'm finally feeling better after my two-week virus bug! Since school has let out, I've been going non stop. Since I was sick, I put off a lot of necessary errands that began to pile up and this week I finally got to do them. *loud and ecstatic cheering* Um. Not. Some of the errands I've been doing were very needed like going to the chiropractor. Those aren't the fun errands because I have to take a whole afternoon away from my much-beloved book which I will talk about a little later. (<--notice the intense yet subtle use of foreshadowing.... ooooooo!) On the other hand, some of the errands are super fun. Like going to get my haircut tomorrow. :D I am really loving the length it's at now but since I grew it out a little, the split ends are looking nasty. Just thought y'all might want to know. Probably not. Haha :)

You know what's weird though? I've had the strangest craving ever since I've been sick. Like yesterday I was really, really, really wanting Culver's french fries. So I told my mommy and on the way home from running yet another bazillion errands, she stopped at the drive through and I got some. :D Yes, they tasted absolutely heavenly. Another thing I've really been wanting to try is the new Extra Dessert brand gum. But the ingredients in like, um, every gum is horrible for you, so I will just have to live with the craving. :P Not to mention how expensive it's become lately! Back when I was your age.... we had to walk uphill BOTH ways.... haha ok just kidding but I kid you not the gum was, what, 97 cents? Now it's over two dollars? Nahhh, I can definitely live without that. :) My third craving was for jelly beans. In fact, I REALLY want some right now as I'm typing this. It really didn't help that I was talking with some friends about all of the candy we'd eat at kids like the carmel Sugar Babies that made you chew and chew and chew until your jaw was ready to go on strike, candy necklaces that snapped back at your neck and left nasty red marks, and those little soda bottles that had something akin to battery acid in them. Wow--the stuff we got away with. :D Well, actually I only got away with stuff when I was at friend's houses but then I'd come home grumpy the next day and get busted. ;) Anyways. I digress. :) Back to the jelly beans. Have any of you ever had those Harry Potter jelly beans? If you ever get a chance, check out the flavor guide. Or don't. Maybe don't if you are squeamish and enjoy not knowing what you eat because some of the flavors are vomit, sardine, and spinach. Yummy! Lol, most of them taste just fine but others make me want to run screaming in circles with my hands over my mouth in agony. Black jelly beans make me want to do that anyways. :)

I've decided to make a Summer 2011 Bucket List of everything I want to do before leaving for college. I'm saving that for a later post and I've come up with some great stuff! Not just flippy stuff either... gutsy stuff. But, you shall have to wait. :)

Now, on to the book. One of the things on my bucket list (sneak peek... shhhhh) is to read all of the books on my bookshelf and I started with Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery! I. love. it. SO. MUCH! Montgomery based the character of Anne off of herself (hmm that sentence doesn't make sense but I'm to tired to fix it) which a lot of people don't know. I believe Montgomery would've been a delight to know. :D

"Gilbert Blythe is a canker sore on the lip of my life." ~Anne with an E

I mean, how awesome is that? That's just purely epic. There is no word for it. I think if I wouldn't have seen the movies of Anne, I wouldn't have fully understood her character, but the producers did such a GREAT job making Anne come to life from the pages of Montgomery's book that I can't help but think of the book in those terms. The lines from the movies are literally taken straight from the book which is completely amazing. But, my sad realization is that I only have the first book in the series! :( And there are 6 or 8 or something so methinks a trip to the library is in order! =]

Well this has been quite the updating-ish post and I still feel like there is more to tell but I shall leave you all with this for now:

"I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens, but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."
~L. M. Montgomery

Cheerio!

Because everyone needs to laugh

2011-05-14T14:00:00.002-05:00

::From Empowered Traditionalist::

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A blonde decides to try horseback riding, even though she has had no

lessons or prior experience. She mounts the horse unassisted and the

horse immediately springs into motion. It gallops along at a steady

and rhythmic pace but the blonde begins to slide from the saddle.

In terror, she grabs for the horse's mane but cannot seem to get a

firm grip. She tries to throw her arms around the horse's neck but

she slides down the horse's side anyway. The horse gallops along,

seemingly impervious to its slipping rider.

Finally, giving up her frail grip, the blonde attempts to leap away

from the horse and throw herself to safety. Unfortunately, her foot

has become entangled in the stirrup...she is now at the mercy of the

horse's pounding hooves as her head is struck against the ground over

and over.

As her head is battered against the ground, she is mere moments away

from unconsciousness when to her great fortune... Frank, the Wal-Mart

greeter, sees her dilemma and unplugs the horse.

And you thought all they did was say Hello.

::Copied from an email forward my grandma sent me::

I can't believe it

2011-05-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

I'm a high school graduate.

Yippee!!!!!!!!!

[And yes, in case you are wondering, that is my silhouette.]

I know a lot of you are busy with finishing up your own finals and such, but hang in there! The end is in sight. :)

Welllllllll......

2011-04-29T11:07:00.001-05:00

I'm back from my blogging hiatus a little sooner than I expected. Which is good I guess. Depends on how you look at it. I'm sick. :( I was in complete and utter denial about the whole issue from Tuesday-Wednesday because I thought I was just having another one of my infamous allergic-reactions (this has happened before and manifests itself exactly like a cold and is therefore hard to know). By Thursday morning I was willing to concede that yes, I really did have a cold. My head was so filled with fluid I thought it would burst. My nose was running so bad I could've won the Indie-500 in kleenex-using. My muscles felt so weak I walked like one of the monsters from the Monster Mash music video. I actually was feeling a little bit better day before yesterday, but... then I looked at myself in the mirror.

!!!!!

I went to bed around 10:45 last night and woke up around 8:30. I decided it was too early to get up so I went back to sleep. Between 8:30 and 9:30, I had the following dream. You are welcome to laugh all you like.

I was working at an undercover agency trying to bust the bad guys. Things were going ok, but it was my first big case by myself. I called my boss, Mike* but Katie P.** answered. The newspaper office was just a ruse of course--it was actually a detective agency. I told Katie to tell Mike that I needed back-up for the case. I eventually talked with him and he told me to give them my driver's license number*** so they would trust me more. Back-up arrived, and we went jogging. I brought a gallon of Sprite and a bottle of water with on the jog. My arms were getting so sore, and I wanted the other agent to carry the water for awhile. He laughed cruelly, and said I was on my own. Somehow I ended up at the State Fair. The previous night I had gone on a date with Lucy's boyfriend, Jeremy, from the show 7th Heaven****. He was there at the art show, saw me and the other agent, got mad, and stormed off. He later said very loudly that he loved another girl. (Eh, his loss.) I tried to talk to the agent about it (since apparently I worked with all of these people), but he kept changing the subject and wouldn't listen. I wandered away, and we lost sight of each other. I called my mom and she said she and the agent were riding a roller coaster at the Promenade***** in the State Fair. It was dark, so I made my way outside to try to find them. I was stopped by a little man singing Italian. He sang a song and dedicated it to me. I approached a lady and said, "Scusa! Scusa! Scusa!" (which is "excuse me" in Italian). They stopped and I asked if they knew where the Promenade was. They said they were trying to find it too, so I just followed them. This gal's friend came up and jokingly asked if I was going to be her date. The other gal said, "No, she'll be Mandie's date." I said that Andrew, her husband, probably wouldn't like that. They asked me how I knew Mandie and I told them that her sister Leah and I had been best friends for 9 1/2 years. We made our way to one of the roller coasters were we bumped into Leah and a few people from my old church. Behind them were a couple of people from my old school. We watched the roller coaster go around a few times. One girl was standing on a part of the roller coast and fell. We all collectively held our breath, but she got out of the way just in time. Then I woke up before I could find mom and the agent.

~~~~~~~

Extra Details

*=Mike was actually my boss when I interned at the local newspaper

**=Katie P. is one of my friends that I met at camp

***=DON'T EVER GIVE YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE NUMBER AWAY unless it's to a clerk at a store writing it on a check

****=I had watched an episode of 7th Heaven (the V-Day episode) the last night. As you can see, this attributed to the oddity of my dream.

*****=the Promenade was another 7th Heaven-ism.

Mixed Emotions

2011-04-20T00:03:00.000-05:00

Have you ever wanted something so much and then once you got it, didn't really want it anymore? Yep. Me too. That's kind of how I feel about senior year. I've waited for ages to be old enough to drive, work, and one day leave home. The first two have been completed, and the third one is not far behind. Currently, I have 17 days of high school left. Ever. 17. In 17 short days, I will have completed what I've worked 12+ years to obtain--a high school diploma.

Wow.

I just realized what I wrote. =]

This is so huge... and yet at the same time, it's not. My life is changing but it seems so normal.

I generally do well with change. I like breaking up the routine. But this, this seems way bigger than any other change I've known.

My thoughts are pretty jumbled as you can tell. I've been thinking and contemplating a lot. See, I'm a thinker. After I watch a really, really, really good movie or read a very impacting book, sometimes I can't speak because of how beautiful it is. And then I tend to be crabby towards other people because they just don't understand!! :P Try to figure that one out. ;) Anyways, I'm thinking... a lot... about everything. Makes for a very hard time falling asleep, let me tell ya!

I've come to the conclusion that (in the words of Grady McKay from Adventures in Odyssey): "Change can help you change and that can be a good thing!" =]

Wise words.

So, I have two papers, one final, and one project to get done in 4 weeks' time. Forget finals week, this is finals month. Due to that, I will not be blogging until I am totally and completely done with school. Which will require extreme amounts of self-control because I am probably the least motivated person on the face of planet Earth right now. Seriously. I have to extensively edit one of my lit papers (due Friday) and I haven't even started. Ooooo I'm feelin' the sweat kick in.

Anyways, I bid all of you a fond adieu! and look forward to seeing you all again soon.

To my fellow seniors I say, "All that stands between graduation and the top of the ladder is the ladder."

:D Yeah I didn't get it either but it's midnight and it's the quickest quote I could find.

Spring Fever

2011-04-17T17:14:00.000-05:00

Spring Fever: n. A feeling of restlessness, excitement, or laziness brought on by the coming of spring

Symptoms: propensity towards sarcasm and irritability at the thought of staring at a computer/textbook for 8+ hours a day; long bouts of gazing sorrowfully out the widow while heaving deep and mournful sighs of wistfulness; rising consumption levels of chocolate, whole grains, fruit, vegetables, meat and pretty much everything else; forgetfulness; tendency to freeze oneself by wearing summertime clothing in only 40 degree spring weather; sudden loss of brain and/or thinking juice; suddenly bursting out in song and dance; extreme inattention to anything relating to schoolwork

Vulnerable Love

2011-04-16T23:57:00.000-05:00

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.

-C.S. Lewis

My New Hobby

2011-04-14T18:55:00.000-05:00

I have a new hobby. Want to see?

not my picture

I got it from the garbage. :D Yep, somebody threw away a guitar. I have no idea why because it's in beautiful condition, though granted it is a beginner's guitar. My dad's friend saw the neck sticking out of the garbage can and pulled it out. He asked if I wanted it. So, we got it restrung and, guiltily I admit it sat on the top of my bookshelf for about a year. Finally, I started playing around with it yesterday, trying to figure out the chords. Who knew I would fall in love with playing the guitar? So far I've learned chords A major, D major, E major, G, C, E minor, and F along with the single notes played on one string.

I'm working my way up to learn the song "I See the Light." I Youtubed how to play it and now I just need to know when to change chords as per the lyrics. :D

Do you play an instrument?

The Art of Being Me

2011-04-11T20:54:00.001-05:00

"If only I had straighter teeth, I would feel so much better about myself..."
"If I had that person's hair I'd never complain about myself again..."
"Why can't I be more like her instead of little old me?"

These are all thoughts I've listen to at one time or another.

"If only...", "Why..."

For years these were the words that ruled my life. Of course, I never told anyone. I didn't want people to think I wasn't being a good little Christian.

The voices convincingly whispered:
Don't you know Christians aren't "supposed" to have those thoughts?
People are not going to like you if you're that way.

Discontentment grew. I longed to be carefree and whimsical like the girls who "had it all." I started caring about what others thought of me and when somebody criticized me, I took it personally and a little part of my soul withered away because I let them dictate who I was made to be. And in the process, I lost myself. I lost what made me, me because I started caring about what other people thought of me.

But in my quest to be how others wanted me to be, I lost me.

I have curly hair. It's frizzy. My hands are always cold. A lot of times I'm nervous, which is probably why I carry around attached ice-packs. I have skinny arms and thick ankles. I have blemishes. And scars. And I need glasses. And I say stupid things. All. the. time. I laugh at the worst times and did I mention I have frizzy hair? I can be both blunt and too tactful. I talk about Jesus 'cause I'm crazy about Him and want others to feel the same way. I have a temper. My teeth are crooked, and I don't have the latest clothing trends. In fact, most days I probably look like an old lady. I really wish I had a waist, but I'm shaped like a rectangle. I sweat. A lot. And I have the tendency to share too many personal details. Can you tell? I'm pretty much just plain awkward.

But know what? That's me. That's what makes me, me.

In trying to be like someone else, I lost the person who God created me to be. See, that's the great thing about God. He didn't say, "Oh wow! I sure did a great job on that one! I'm going to make another one just like it!"

He made us all different in order to reflect how each of us reflects back to our Creator.

Know what else? Saying I'm being me is not an excuse. I'm still and always will be a work-in-progress. I still need the saving blood of Jesus. I have a temper. Like, a big one. Just because it's my tendency to get mad doesn't mean that it's ok. It's still wrong and it's something I need to always be working on to keep under control. Believe me. I have witnesses. More than one person has heard me counting down from 10 during a heated convo.

I'm also not talking about loving yourself. That's just weird. What I'm saying is to love who God made you to be and let Him transform You into His Perfect image.

Finding the freedom to be YOURSELF in Christ is truly that:

Freeing.

Hi, I'm May and I'm complicated mess. I have hair that never cooperates, icicles for fingers, an imagination that likes to wander, a twisted sense of humor, and a mouth that never stops smiling. I'm way too serious. I'm a Jesus Freak. I'm me. And I'm working on getting me some Christ-confidence.

It's time to stop caring about what other people think of you, and start living your life. Don't be afraid. Here, take my hand, and we'll walk together.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.

Psalm 139: 14-16

Friends

2011-04-10T22:23:00.001-05:00

Friends are a wonderful blessing. In fact, one of my very dear friends just celebrated her 18th birthday, and her mom pulled off a surprise party for her. Pretty epic. ;) But, it got me thinking about how important friends are to our daily walk. Friends offer a shoulder to cry on, a voice to scream with and to laugh with, and a hand to hold on to when the going gets tough.

   As soon as he had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul
   of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. And Saul took him that day and
   would not let him return to his father’s house. Then Jonathan made a covenant with
   David, because he loved him as his own soul. -1 Samuel 18:1-3

That is one powerful passage on friendship. I love loving my friends. I really do. It's the best feeling ever to be there for someone in need and have someone be there for me when I need them.

Recently, I've noticed how everyone is spinning, spinning, spinning... We're all set to different speeds and dancing to different rhythms, but in the end, it's all the same: we're still busy. Sometimes to much. It seems like no one cares about anyone anymore. I'm not sure why. We're all moving in different circles now as we decide what different colleges we're going to attend, and what we want to do with our lives. This is a pretty important time right now for most of us, and honestly I think we really have the propensity towards selfishness. Think about it. It's all about me, me, me. What do I want to do with my future? What can I do to benefit me the most. If you ask me, a one-sided relationship is a pretty poor excuse for a friendship. That's just me though. You'll have to come to your own conclusion.

In the end, all I'm asking is that you love your friends. Sometimes you'll never really know how much it means if you ask them a simple question like, "How are you doing?"
Take it from someone who knows.

~~~~~~~

Thought for the night:

Christopher Robin to Pooh- "Promise me, you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Today Is...

2011-04-06T15:58:00.001-05:00

Today is one of those...

throw-open-all-the-windows-in-the-house-and-dance-wildly-around-in-reckless-abandon, paint-my-toenails-pink-for-flip-flops, feel-the-sun-stinging-my-skin-and-loving-it, twist-up-my-hair-until-I-just-don't-care, wish-I-did-a-few-more-sit-ups-during-the-winter, break-out-the-sunglasses-sunscreen-anklets-and-shorts, wanting-to-eat-watermelon-and-go-swimming, singing-at-the-top-of-my-lungs-until-the-neighbors-complain

Kind of Springtimey day.

That's right. I said it.

It's Spring.

Liquid Sunshine-Blog Party

2011-04-06T14:01:00.002-05:00

Favorite season, and why?
Spring and fall. Perfect in-betweens. :) I feel sorry for people who live where there are no change in seasons.

How would you describe your personal style?
Umm... that is a difficult thing to describe. Kinda sporty/simple/classic/cowgirl. You know. The usual. ;)

What's one weird thing you can do? (The stranger the better!)
I can sense when I'm going to get an email. It's crazy. And annoying because people are convinced that I'm on the internet 24/7 but I just have the gift of checking my email right when people send it.

Rain or shine?
SHINE. We Minnesotans are dearly deficient in Vitamin D by oh, around January. Sun please!

Confession time... what's a flaw of yours?
Ohhh... I take this too personally all the time. It's terrible.

Favorite music?
Recently I've discovered this new guy called B. Reith. He's a Christian rapper but also sings. Ahhhhmazing. I also like classical, pop, jazz, Disney theme songs (XD), and rock. But I put on my down on that screamo/heavy metal junk.

Have you ever made a decision you instantly regretted? What was it?
YES... like when I-- or the time I--- umm... I can't actually think of anything right now. Which is probably a good thing. o.O

Who do you admire/look up to?
My mama. She's one strong lady.

You've just won an unlimited lifetime supply of... what?
Chapstick... I'm forever running out and it's pretty much the only makeup I wear besides foundation :P

If you were an animal, what would you be?
The first thing that came to mind was a beaver (???), but I don't actually want to be one of those thought I already have the buck teeth LOL! But, I would be a horse because a horse embodies freedom, independence, and dependability. :)

If you knew you were going to die in a year, what would you do with your time?
Live my life the exact same way if I knew I wasn't going to die.

You're now a gazillionaire... where do you go to spend your money?
Tithe, pay off my church's debt, pay off the mortgage, buy my dad an airplane and SET ASIDE MONEY FOR COLLEGE!!! <---very passionate about that since I currently will have a ton of debt by the time I graduate. Good times.

Classical music: love it or hate it?
Love. Totally and completely.

Phobias?
Water. Not like drinking it but... I have nightmares about drowning. Or driving into a lake and suffocating and drowning.

Hop on a plane and go live somewhere for a year... where is it, and why?
Wyoming. So I could spend time with one of my best friends ever, Lindsay!!!!

Are you an extrovert or an introvert?
Introvert when I first meet you and then introvert after that. :P Haha, just kidding. I have my extrovert moments. Mainly when people aren't around.

Would you/do you perform on stage?
No, I would not and no I do not. I despise being the center of attention. I have however been in several plays and done recitals for flute and piano before.

Week 1 Bible Challenge

2011-04-03T20:35:00.000-05:00

Sarah over at Through the Lilac Bushes is hosting a challenge to have each blogger post what they've read in the Bible in the past week. I think it's going to be swell! :)

Last week for my Bible class, I read Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon (the poetry unit) and then today I read Joel (the prophets unit).

I've always enjoyed the book of Ecclesiastes. It was written by Solomon, David's son, late in his life. It is interesting to note that some reject Solomon as author because of the style of phrasing and Hebrew lines in the text. Ecclesiastes is a difficult book to read because it is so skeptical and negative. Something to keep in mind: Solomon is talking about life apart from God, which is why the book tends towards negativity. However, there are so many amazing nuggets of wisdom to be gained.

One of my favorite portions of the book is chapter 3:1-8.

"For everything there is a season, and a

time for every matter under heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;

a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;

a time to kill, and a time to heal;

a time to break down, and a time to build up;

a time to weep, and a time to laugh;

a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;

a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

a time to seek, and a time to lose;

a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

a time to tear, and a time to sew;

a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

a time to love, and a time to hate;

a time for war, and a time for peace."

The overwhelming theme of Ecclesiastes is that everything apart from God is vanity. I love how Solomon stresses that there is nothing new under the Sun. That New Age philosophy junk going around? Yep, that's actually reformed from some junk ancient peoples believed a long time ago. Weird, huh? ;)

Song of Solomon was also written by Solomon. How do we know? The author lends much credibility to his knowledge of plants and animals, just like Solomon, and also the riches, wealth, and number of wives line up with Solomon's lifestyle as well, not to mention the fact that it's actually mentioned several times in the book. :P This book is, if you haven't read it yet, quite romantic. I mean, just listen to this phrase in 4:1b-2a:

"Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead. Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes..."

Kind of makes your heart go pitter-patter doesn't it? Haha! :) No, actually it is a twist of the story Cinderella. Don't believe me? Take a look at what Hassell Bullock (author of An Introduction to the Old Testament Poetical Books) has to say:

"One day a handsome young stranger came to the vineyard. It was Solomon in disguise. He showed interest in her, and she became embarrassed concerning her personal appearance (1:6). She took him for a shepherd and asked about his flocks (1:7). He answered evasively (1:8), but spoke loving words to her (1:8- 10), and promised rich gifts for the future (1:11). He won her heart and left with the promise that some day he would return. She dreamed of him that night and sometimes thought he was near (3:1). Finally, he did return in all his kingly splendor to make her his bride (3:6-7). (p. 236)"

Cute right? :) So anyways, long story short, Song of Solomon celebrates the courtship, love, and eventual marriage between Solomon and a woman referred to as the Shulammite (which probably means something along the lines of "Solomon's girl").

The book of Joel is also quite fascinating. It is a prophetical book, and there are a lot of prophecies fulfilled in the NT just in the book of Job. The phrase, "The Day of the Lord" is used five times in the three chapters of Job. What exactly is the "Day of the Lord"? It is a day of judgement for sin when all accounts will be settled justly, and the wicked get their dues. What is also interesting is that God promised in Joel 2:28 that one day in the distant future He would pour out His Spirit on His people. Well, 800 years later, God fulfilled His promise at the day of Pentecost recorded in Acts 2. Interestingly, Joel 2:32a which says, "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved..." provides a basis for Romans 10:13 which says, "For everyone who calls in the name of the Lord will be saved."

I used to be strictly a NT girl. I despised the boring history and genealogies so laboriously written in such inspiring and joyous books as Leviticus and Numbers. ;) Ever since taking this course on Old Testament History and Literature, the Old Testament has come alive for me! The parallels and connections between OT prophecy and NT fulfillment is amazing and so clearly orchestrated by a truly Awe-some and Perfect God.

So, what did I learn this week? I learned for about the 1,000th time (I think this time it stuck, haha) that God is a personable God. Oftentimes I think I am too insignificant and that my problems are to small for such a big God to care about. This, my friends, is not the ideas of our God. These are the ideas of Satan.

Before Our Creator flung the stars into space, He knew you. He knew that you would be born with your color eyes and have the personality that you do. And you know what? He also knew our problems before we even spoke our first word. Just because our problems are comparatively small doesn't mean that they are any less difficult for us.

I leave you with this thought for tonight:

"'Yet even now,' declares the Lord,

'return to me with all your heart,

with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;

and rend your hearts ad not your garments.'

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents of the disaster."

-Joel 2:12-13

Why Hello, Mr. Robin!

2011-04-03T17:16:00.000-05:00

I have been seeing a multitude of robins (turns it out was only two lol) around here and decided to shoot them... with my camera. :P

My New Camera :D

2011-04-02T17:17:00.001-05:00

Look what I got today! It's a Canon Powershot SX130 IS.

Isn't she pretty?!

I was sooooo thrilled when I started trying it out, because it has amazing shutter speed, DSLR functions, and a pop-up flash. A complete and total dream. :)

Here are some pictures I took on the test-run:

The ones below I took at my grandma's house.

She likes wildlife... can you tell? :P

I played around with the P, Tv, Av, and Auto/Easy (with and without the flash) settings to see what each did.

And lookie! I can do focus!!! I could not do that with my other camera no matter how hard I tried.

I'm pretty sure I'm driving my family crazy with all of my picture-taking! =D

Think I need a name for it?

I'm Borrowing this Tag...

2011-03-31T19:13:00.002-05:00

So, I saw this really cute tag over at Lauren's blog, Bits and Pieces and decided to borrow it. *wags finger* I heard that! You can to borrow tags! =]

The Long Tag!

~Your Favorite:~
Color? Lilac Purple
Candy? Carmel :D
Main dish? Chicken Alfredo
Dessert? Fruit Pie (as in, in kind of fruit: apple, cherry, strawberry rhubarb, etc.)
Drink? Going with Lauren.... water for me. :) I also like lemonade though!
Go to Starbucks Coffee? Nope, I'm strictly a Caribou girl. Probably because that's all we have in town :D

Go to the mall a lot? Nope... but like Lauren I live only a few miles from one.
Veggie? Broccoli

~Do you?~
Talk on the phone everyday to someone who is not family? Nope

Read your Bible everyday? Pretty much
Do lots of reading? YES!
See your grandparents everyday? Nope :(
Bake a lot? Yep :D I just made a cherry pie yesterday in fact!
Clean your room everyday? No, more like once a week. But a thorough cleaning like dust, vacuum, etc.? Yeah, probably twice a year... ^-^

Have to say you're sorry to someone everyday? No? (Does anyone else think this is a strange question?)

~A Certain Thing You Dislike Of Each Category~
Veggie? Onions and peppers
Color? Orange o.O
Animal? Rabid anything lol
Drink? Soda-pop and coffee. Blech!

~Random~
Go shopping? Ermm... yes, I go shopping. Mostly for books and clothes. And groceries if I cook.
Eat out? Yes we eat out, but I'd rather eat at home.
Go visit? Heh? Where would I like to go visit? Ummm.... Europe :) As in all of it.
Read a good book at? Summer-Outside on the deck; Winter-My room :)
What color is your room? Light blue with a horse boarder =D

~Do You Have A~
Pet? Yep. I have a doggie.
Gift card at the moment? Same as Lauren: iTunes! :)
Sewing machine? Yeah... I think it works...

Big mess under your bed? No! Just shoes... =]
Pack of gum in your bag or purse? Neither!
Computer in your room? Yes. Well, it can be in my room. It's mobile since it's a laptop.

~Have you ever~
Been on a plane? HA! I grew up with an aviator headset strapped to my head. ;) My dad's a pilot.
Been out of state? Of course!
Been in a eighteen wheeler? Yep. Went to North Dakota in one. I rode in the sleeper cab that smelled like wet dog... yucky.
Been in a car accident? Thank the Lord, no.
Read about a hundred and fifty page book in about an hour? Oh yeah :) My mom got so mad at me when I would read a newly bought book in an afternoon!

~More Random?~
Do you share a room with anyone? Nope
Have you ever went swimming in a pond? Unwillingly. Just a tip: don't walk on thin ice on a pond... it doesn't end well.
How old are you? 18
What year were you born? 1993
Are you related to anyone important or famous? Actually the family is split over this issue. :D It's pretty hilarious. Half believe we were related to Jean Lafitte's (John La-fi-et) first mate. The other half believes something crazy... ;)
Have you ever met a vice president? No
Are you getting bored yet? ...maybe ;)
What are you thinking? My foot's asleep... ouch. :( I'm also thinking I need to go eat the yogurt chocolate parfait sitting on the counter. And that i need to go study. And that I need to go clean the dishes. And wondering how many comments I'll get on this post!! :D

Summer Fiction {And Updates}

2011-03-29T16:10:00.000-05:00

Quite a few of my favorite authors are releasing new books this summer and I thought I'd share them with you!

Mary Connealy is.... well... basically amazing. =] She writes westerns. Enter: cowboys. Oh yes.

Here's the product description from Christianbook.com:

"Julia Gilliland has always been interested in the natural world around her. She particularly enjoys her outings to the cavern near her father's homestead, where she explores for fossils and formations, and plans to write a book about her discoveries. The cave seems plenty safe--until the day a mysterious intruder steals the rope she uses to find her way out. Rafe Kincaid has spent years keeping his family's cattle ranch going, all without help from his two younger brothers, who fled the ranch--and Rafe's controlling ways--as soon as they were able. He's haunted by one terrible day at the cave on a far-flung corner of the Kincaid property, a day that changed his life forever. Ready to put the past behind him, he plans to visit the cave one final time. He sure doesn't expect to find a young woman trapped in one of the tunnels--or to be forced to kiss her! Rafe is more intrigued by Julia than any woman he's ever known, but how can he overlook her fascination with the cave he despises? And when his developing relationship with Julia threatens his chance at reconciliation with his brothers, will he be forced to choose between the family bonds that could restore his trust and the love that could heal his heart?"

Will be released 7/1/11.

One of my favorite things about Deeanne Gist is how she flawlessly incorporates history into her stories.

Here's the description:

"In 1904 Texas Ranger Luke Palmer arrives in Brenham, Texas, with one goal--to capture the gang of outlaws led by Frank Comer. Undercover as a telephone repairman, he uses his days on the range to search, not realizing there's another pair of eyes watching him.

Georgie Gail, switchboard operator and birder, heads out on a birding expedition, but instead of sighting a painted bunting, her opera glasses capture her telephone man, armed and far away from telephone lines. Palmer is forced to take this alluring troublemaker into his confidence and unwittingly puts her in harm's way. The closer he comes to the gang, the further she works her way into his heart--and into trouble. Soon it's more than just love that's on the line."

Doesn't that sound wonderful?! This book will be released 9/1/11.

This is the third book in Sarah Sundin's debut series. I'll let her do the talking :)

"Lt. Raymond Novak prefers the pulpit to the cockpit, but at least his stateside job training B-17 pilots allows him the luxury of a personal life. As he courts Helen Carlisle, a young war widow and mother who conceals her pain under a frenzy of volunteer work, the sparks of their romance set a fire that flings them both into peril. After Ray leaves to fly a combat mission at the peak of the air war over Europe, Helen takes a job in a dangerous munitions yard and confronts an even graver menace in her own home. Will they find the courage to face their challenges? And can their young love survive until blue skies return."

Coming to a book shelf near you on 7/1/11.

I don't know much about this new book, but I can safely say that ANY book by Erynn Mangum will be a must-read. =]

Will be released 8/5/11.

~~~~~~

Some good news: I have a few new job leads! The job hunt was very stressful there for awhile, but as always God, in his perfect timing, is faithful. :) The possibilities include working at a daycare center or a golf course probably catering or working at the front desk or something.

Guess what I bought today?

Photo Entry

2011-03-27T09:12:00.001-05:00

PS: There's also an amazing giveaway going on here:

Some Days I Feel....

2011-03-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

like this...

not my video!

A Bittersweet End

2011-03-24T20:32:00.003-05:00

Today was my last day of work. Much sorrow was shared and many tears were shed... umm, well... by me, mainly. Ok, so I didn't cry... but that doesn't mean it didn't hurt any less by saying goodbye. :( Oh SEE?! I'm tearing up even now! Anyways, here's a conversation that happened today:
D-I'm coloring a picture for Little J to give to you.
Me-But we aren't going to have another class; this is our last time.
D-Yes, but next time.
Me-Oh you mean next year? But I'm not going to be here next year?
D-*looks crestfallen* You're NOT?!?!?!?!
Me-No, I'm going to be at college. =]
D-But I don't want you to go to college!

Awww it was so sweet. :) BUT, he did say that he was going to marry Miss K. Sigh, beat out by a 12 year old. ;)

Then there was a conversation that went like this:
Me (D's grandma is in town)- D, where is your grandma from?
D-Canada
Me-Ahhh, I thought your mom had an accent.
*I pops in* I-My grandma had a Canadian accident too but she was wearing her seatbelt so she was ok. See this car when like THIS and hit her car HERE and... *starts making wild gestures with his arms and weird noises with his mouth and then flies off to tackle another kid* Don't worry, I busted him for the tackling part. ;)

I don't like saying goodbye. :( Especially to little munchkins who worm their way into a person's heart. The change is starting, I can already tell. Pretty soon I'm going to have to start saying goodbye to my dear friends and almost-siblings. I do not look forward to this. But, at least it isn't goodbye forever. It's just goodbye for now. =]

Dreaming on a Tuesday Afternoon

2011-03-22T16:41:00.001-05:00

It's cold, dreary, and rainy.

What's a girl to do but...

Dream of castles

with breathtaking rooms

And far away lands

With darling children

And beautiful people

With pastries....

And pasta with prego...

With sunny skies by day

And sunsets by night

With bright, brilliant stars that glitter like gems

That shoot rainbows and bathe everything in light.

Come fly with me,

Let's fly, let's fly away....

-Sinatra

Mumblings, Murmuring and Musings

2011-03-17T19:36:00.000-05:00

1. Yesterday I took a major test that I had been studying for for the past two weeks. I was SO worried about it because I pretty much bombed out on the last test. Not because of lack of studying though! Nope. It's because I studied the wrong thing. *sigh* But, now that the past is behind be, I am so excited to say that I studied, studied and studied and was really pleased with the outcome.

2. This song is amazing:

I heard Jamie Grace first on Air1 and promptly sprinted to the computer to find out who the marvelous artist was. It's amazing to hear her explain the meaning of this song. This song is about how Jesus holds us in his embrace, and yes, that's actually Toby Mac in the background. How cool is that?! I love that fact that he's helping all of these great new artists get their start. I mean, he's helped B. Reith, Mandisa, and now Jamie Grace. Awesome!

3. Last week I got the Tangled soundtrack and have been listening to it 24/7. Juvenile? Probably. But who cares? ^_^

4. I've been doing research on cameras. (Special shout-out to Emily Grace and Hannah for helping sort out my confusions!!) Right now I have an entry-level point and shoot which I am just fine with, but would love a step up from a p&s. Can any of you photo bugs direct me in the right paths as to what you would suggest? Sometime soon I am going to drill some unsuspecting Best Buy employees to see what is the best buy regarding cameras. Oh wow... I just realized what I typed. Hehe =D

5. Two days ago my mom asked what I wanted for a graduation present. I thought for a mintue and said, "Well, I would really like two things. First, Tangled and second Voyage of the Dawn Treader." I'm really hoping I get both. :D Cause.... THEY'RE COMING OUT IN LESS THAN A MONTH!!! But, I'm cool. Cool as a cucumber. =] Oh, that reminds me... I wore green today to avoid bruising. Yep. I was with 12 year olds and you know how they can be. o.O Haha, just kidding ;)

6. I've been put in charge of drama for a camp we're having in April for mentally and physically disabled kids. It's been quite fun to say the least, because I've also been helping with some behind the scenes stuff too. AND I've been commissioned to make a time machine that is part of the skit. It's pretty awesome actually. :) I'm using an old refrigerator box and will be paint it silver this weekend. Then I will cover some of it in tin foil and stick antennas on the top with a control panel on the side. I'll have to post a picture of it when I'm done!

7. I have been pondering this portion of Scripture in Job 38-41. Here's a snip-it for you:

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

"Who is this that darkens counsel

by words without knowledge?

Dress for action like a man;

I will question you, and you make it

known to me.

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements--

surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone,

when the morning stars sang together

and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

"Or who shut in the sea with doors

when it burst out from the womb,

when I made clouds its garment

and thick darkness its swaddling band, a

and prescribed limits for it

and set bars and doors,

and said, 'Thus far shall you come, and no farther,

and here shall your proud waves be stayed'?

"Have you commanded the morning since your days began,

and caused the dawn to know its place,

that it might take hold of the skirts of the earth,

and the wicked be shaken out of it?

It is changed like clay under the seal,

and its features stand out like a garment.

From the wicked their light is withheld,

and their uplifted arm is broken.

"Have you entered into the springs of the sea, or walked in the recesses of the deep?

Have the gates of death been revealed to you,

or have you seen the gates of deep darkness?

Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?

Declare, if you know all this."

I don't know but... I think this sheds a little bit of light on what's been happening all over the world lately. And maybe even provides a little bit of comfort? :)

What's been going on in your life? Anything exciting? Or not-so-exciting?

The Snowball War of 2011 {my take on the incident}

2011-03-16T20:52:00.000-05:00

I had been looking forward to babysitting LAUREN's family ever since her mom called asking if I was going to be around that day to watch the kids. It's quite fun when I head over to their house, because I feel like I have 6 brothers and sisters and being as I'm an only child, I thoroughly enjoy it... because I can go home after they're in bed. =D

So, once I got there, the four girls and I bundled up and headed outside.

Here is a picture of me innocently helping Lauren's littlest sister Allie gather snowballs to put in her sled (for what reason, I'm not sure). Enter: giant enemy snowball.

Thankfully, I saw the atrocity that was about to happen and quick as a bunny, I jumped to my feet. That smile you see? It's really fear in disguise. *insert Ashley's evil laugh*

I really don't know what possessed her to make me the target of her evil deeds. I mean, just looking at me you can tell that I'm just the most innocent little lamb you ever did see. I'm just dripping in goodness and humility and was ever so confused as to why she decided to torment me.

(I totally stole this picture from her blog... shhhhh don't tell.) Here I am about to be nailed in the back with the ginormous snowball you saw in the above pictures. Lauren, ever the awesome photographer that she is, caught it in mid-air. Contrary to what you see below, I was not attempting to do the Irish jig though that is what it appears like. I was running for dear life.

Even the littlest one was recruited to aid in my unfortunate demise. This little snowball you see below?

This is what it did to me:

A Tribute to Disney's Best

2011-03-12T13:53:00.001-06:00

I loved Disney movies when I was little. Truth be told, not much has changed. ;)

Beauty and the Beast is my very favorite animation movie. And here is a little tribute. Enjoy! =]

Not my video!

Not my video!

Not my video!

Not my video!

Why do I love Beauty and the Beast? Simply because it's one of the only Disney classics where the girl falls in love with the guy not because of his looks, but because of what matters--his heart. It's not that superficial love-at-first-sight mumbo-jumbo. The song "Something There" is probably my favorite because it talks about their friendship turning into possibly something more.

What's your favorite Disney classic? Why do you like it?

Urgent Prayer Request UPDATE

2011-03-11T10:32:00.005-06:00

I have just heard that a massive 8.8 earthquake, and a huge 33 foot high tsunami has hit Japan. ~~At least 32~~ Approx. 300+ people have died (that's what I've heard) with approx. 4 million without electricity, and the earthquake siren has sounded in Eureka, California. I know someone in Eureka and he is evacuating as I type this now. I also have family in San Francisco and Sacramento. Please pray for his safety and for everyone along the west coast.

**Update**
John is back home from the evac. and all is well there. The biggest problem is that people are miffed they had to get up at 4 a.m. Well, I say praise God that it didn't hit them!!! The death toll his risen to over 1,000 people now in Japan. There was a train that disappeared with 400 passengers on it that they are suspecting drowned. 100 people on a cruise ship are missing as well.

I know you're probably hearing this news everywhere and it's easy to get depressed (or yell at the TV which is why I don't watch the news). I think this might help:

"That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever."

2 Cor. 4:16-18 (NLT)

True Worship

2011-03-10T14:29:00.000-06:00

True worship is not experiencing us worshipping, but experiencing the presence of God.
~my professor

A Little bit O' Humor for Your Wednesday Afternoon

2011-03-09T13:15:00.001-06:00

Brilliance in the Form of Denim

2011-03-08T19:44:00.000-06:00

I remember when I first had to make the switch from shopping in the girls' department, to the juniors' department. It was a very sad day because I couldn't find anything that umm... actually covered up stuff (to put it plainly). :-) For a long time, the only jeans I could find that I liked were by Tommy Hilfiger. I was the kid who, when I found something I liked, got one in every color. And there were two colors. So, I had about five pairs of jeans that were the same style in two colors--stonewash or dark, baby. Oh yeah. =D

But, my only-two-different-style-of-jeans days are now over because Target now has their "pick your fit" jeans!

I think I may shed a tear at the vast brilliance of this. Seriously. It's genius. J is for genius!! HAHAHA! Ahhh... sorry.

Anyways, different styles for different preferences and body shapes. Love it.

How to Speak Minnesotan: Lesson #3 Beware of the Laws

2011-03-04T18:23:00.002-06:00

view part 1 here and part 2 here

When entering another state, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with their laws as every state is different. Here are a few of Minnesota's laws:

~The land of 10,000 lakes declares mosquitos a public nuisance. (*insert sarcasm* What?! Are you kidding me?! I love those little, furry, cutie-patooties!!)

~A person may not cross state lines with a duck atop his head.

~All men driving motorcycles must wear shirts. (Thank
heavens for this one.)

~Citizens may not enter Wisconsin with a chicken on their head.

~All bathtubs must have feet.

There you have it. I'm warning you now, because I just know you were all wanting to stick a duck on your head and high tail it to Iowa.

Quack, quack. ;)

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

2011-03-03T20:16:00.000-06:00

Today I got a phone call. Someone was calling to let me know that they were no longer going to participate in our homeschool graduation we had been planning for two months. We started off with 12 likely participants and are now down to 3 lonely souls. It was not a phone call I was expecting or anticipated from this person, and I admit I was a little shocked and hurt but in some way I can't say I was surprised. The worst part was that it came right as I was heading out the door to go to work. :/ I told her I had to go and with the car packed full of stuff, proceeded to take a bag of garbage to the garbage can at the end of the road (Thursdays are garbage days dontcha know ;) ). I got out of the car and was almost to the garbage can when I slipped on a piece of ice and fell on my hand and knees. It was like pouring salt into an open wound both literally and figuratively. Gravel drove into my palm and stung like crazy, and my knees smarted too. I climbed back into the car and heard this song on the radio:

And I truly believe that it was God's gentle reminder that through this and through all circumstances, it's going to be ok.

Then I came home after a long day and mom gave me this 3.5 ounce lovely:

And right then I knew it was definitely going to be ok.

The Twelfth Night

2011-03-03T11:41:00.001-06:00

For my literature class, I was assigned to read Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare. It just so happens that Miss Pickwickian over at The Erratic Muse is hosting Shakespeare week so I'm linking up this post. =]

A couple of years ago, I read Julius Caesar. Blindly, I thought Twelfth Night would be like Julius Caesar. Oh, how wrong I was. I liked both plays, but they're so very different that I can't help but like them for different reasons. The plot in JC was amazing, but I didn't care for the characters. Ironically, I felt the opposite about TN. I loved the characters, but didn't care for the plot.

I didn't learn this until a few days ago, but the movie She's the Man is loosely based on Twelfth Night. The premise is the basically same, but the movie contains (in my opinion) a lot of unnecessary material that actually wasn't in the play. I can't help but wonder if Shakespeare would have approved or disapproved of the movie. Thoughts?

My favorite character in TN has to be Feste. He is the archetypal fool, and I love that Shakespeare used him to speak truth when no one else would. Such irony. Feste was much more clever than the other characters gave him credit for, and that's what makes him so epic. =)

Malvolio was another hilarious character. You gotta love the stuffy arrogant types. =D But I thought what Maria, Fabian, and Sir Toby did to him was icky. The torture scene particularly weirded me out. That definitely wouldn't hold water in today's culture, haha. ;)

The best quote from the play: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them."

Enjoy Shakespeare? Join in the fun at The Erratic Muse!

And she's having some super great giveaways so be sure to check it out!! Click on the blog's name above to start entering.

The Beauty of Ordinary Days

Not That Again

And Cue Intro...

A {Christmas} Post ii

Hold On Tight

Those People

Happy November 4th

Be My Everything

Dear Boys (part i)

Fall! Fall! Fall!

smitten with montana {part 1}

words.

Railroads and Parks and Happiness

You Might Have Noticed...

There are no words

Missions Trip in a Nutshell

My Telegraphic Life

Happy Smiles

Summer 2011 Bucket List {plus pictures}

Grad Party Weekend

High School Graduation

A Matter of Faith

Look of the day-pretty in pink

Time: Where hast thou gone?

Because everyone needs to laugh

I can't believe it

Welllllllll......

Mixed Emotions

Spring Fever

Vulnerable Love

My New Hobby

The Art of Being Me

Friends

Today Is...

Liquid Sunshine-Blog Party

Week 1 Bible Challenge

Why Hello, Mr. Robin!

My New Camera :D

I'm Borrowing this Tag...

Summer Fiction {And Updates}

Photo Entry

Some Days I Feel....

A Bittersweet End

Dreaming on a Tuesday Afternoon

Mumblings, Murmuring and Musings

The Snowball War of 2011 {my take on the incident}

A Tribute to Disney's Best

Urgent Prayer Request **UPDATE**

True Worship

A Little bit O' Humor for Your Wednesday Afternoon

Brilliance in the Form of Denim

How to Speak Minnesotan: Lesson #3 Beware of the Laws

YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL

The Twelfth Night

Urgent Prayer Request UPDATE