Each spring my family makes Maple Syrup from our trees in the back woods. This year, as usual, I'm giving some away as gifts and I decided it's time to make a proper label. Here are a few of the ones I've whipped up...

The Gospel and the Plow

For my Missions in the 21st Century course I am doing a presentation of Agricultural Missions. I just read the following excerpt from a book on the topic and found it to be not only interesting, but also relevant to how I currently feel and my interest in missions.

I went to India having specialized in philosophy an hoping to be an evangelist. I ded up by being a missionary farmer. I have had friends tell me they could not see why I am interested in the things in which I am interested. They ask what plows, harrows, tractors, silos, threshing machines, and better cattle have to do with the evangelization of India. Bulletins upon the use of manure and silage are good, but what is their value as missionary tracts?

I am accused of having lost my first love and of having grown cold, of having become a materialist, and of having lost my aspirations, of being indifferent to spiritual and eternal things, of caring only for the things of time and sense, te things that shall pass away, that are not eternal.

I realize that I am living this life only once, that if I make a mistake with it, there is no chance to come back again and do the thing right. I understand that the Will of God is the supreme things for my life, the only thing that really matters. It is not whether I am a missionary that matters, or not a missionary, but wherever I live and whatever I do, God’s Will is first, the controlling factor the determines the whole of my life. Further, I am not afraid of His Will. Trying to obey it has led me to do some things I would not have done on my own initiative. But I have always found that His will has been infinitely larger and better than my own will for my life. When choosing my own course for myself I have made so many mistakes, missed the way so often, that I gladly turn over the guidance of my life to His Will and trust fully. Should I for any reason whatsoever fail to do His Will with my life, I should consider that the greatest possible tragedy. I am anxious to do His Will as soon as I see it. There is often great difficulty to know what His Will is.

Sam Higginbottom – “The Gospel and the Plow” - 1921

Fish Tank Fiasco

For some reason today I've been in a really silly mood. Perhaps it started with the big fish tank fiasco.

So after every Bethel Wind Symphony concert the band goes to someones place and has a "throwdown" party with games, snacks, and such. Livia is the "Social Chairperson" for the band so we're having it here tonight. We were cleaning the living room and re-arranging some furniture. One of which was the "chair/endtable" that holds the fish tank. Though a series of mishaps while I was trying to clean the tank/lower the water level so I could move it I spill on the floor. In order to dry that up I decide to move said chair/table so the carpet can dry. As I'm sliding the table over Livia jokes that I'm probably going to spil more water by trying to move it and what do you know...in the process I disconnect the pump on the filter which was still plugged in. Water gushes onto the floor. I think in the end I spilled about a gallon of water all over the carpet. It was hilarious, but I think it was also one of those times when you had to be there.

After dinner my roomies and I return. I was in a silly mood and these quotes are a result.

Me: "I can't wait to wash clothes tomorrow. After two weeks all your favorite things start to run out. I love washing clothes, its like Christmas!" (Refering to how great it is to be folding laundry and find a shirt I forgot I even owned because it's been in the laundry so long).

Less than 2 minutes after this declaration I stumbled upon another hilarious moment.

Livia was putting out snacks for the Band Throwdown. Megan, who was in the middle of getting ready, walks by commenting...

Megan: "Oh, I'll have one of those, and I'd like a piece of that..."
Livia (to Megan): "If there are any cookies or kit-kat's let over they're yours."
Me (overhearing from the closet): "What are the rest of us...sliced ham?"
At this moment I realized something I just said didn't sound right.
Me: "Wait what's that phrase again? Oh yeah! Chopped Liver!"

Alpha the Beta Fish

One of my roommates in going to be a math teacher and is currently observing in a local school. Today she had this wonderful little story to share:

Sometime in the course of the lecture a student speaks up in class and the following progression occurs.
Student - "I just got a beta fish over the weekend and I decided to name it Alpha"
Teacher - "Hmmm interesting. A beta fish named Alpha"
Roommate (when retelling the story) - "The student obviously didn't know or get that Beta is also a Greek letter, but it's obviously he named his fish Alpha because of the class and the fact that the letter/symbol looks like a fish."

Looking Ahead

I know this year is going to be a crazy one. We finish up RA training tomorrow, and if there's only one thing I've learned this week...it's how different this year is going to be than what I expected. There are things an RA does I never even thought about, and in all honesty have no idea how to deal with. All I can do is surrender this year to God's hand and constantly pray He will work through me. I can't do it. There is not a single chance I can do anything to help a resident in any of these situations we've been training for. I pray that God may be glorified through this year and that I may be a humble servant. I pray that God will bind us together as a staff, as a community, and as individuals for his purposes. I'm so excited for my roommates and the amazing times we are going to have this year along with the support they will bring. One of them texted me this verse today. It perfectly exemplifies how I feel about this year and the attitude I'm striving to posses.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 10That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Flashback to 2005

"Never like guys in your whole life until you are like 25, because if you like a guy at your junior homecoming you will forever remember that day as the dance that was ruined because of him. Plus things get awkward and you just don't need any of the headache and heartache and bellyache and other aches that liking a guy brings. Even if he is a great guy like (names exerted for privacy) or a guy you know or a guy you don't know or a hot 24 music guy who plays guitar and sings and wants to be a pastor and is cool looking or cute or whatever. Just don't like STINKY BOYS!!!!!!!!"

- A quote from a story I wrote about my Homecoming 2005

My Hero Of Today

I stumbled across this designer today. I not only LOVE her dresses I am also her newest fan. She grew up in New Zealand, currently lives in England, is an organic gardener, a nature girl, and shares my taste in fashion.

http://www.lynashworth.co.uk/

French Silk Pie

It has been a tradition for many years that my wonderful Aunt Jodi would make me a French Silk Pie for my birthday. Mmmmmm My Favorite!! As things usually turn out she makes two pies. One for everyone else to share and one for me to keep for later. I'm very thankful this is the case :D.

Well, what do you know. This week I had some heavy whipping cream to use and my first thought...I'm going to make a pie.

It just so happens this pie making idea would be two days before my end of the year work picnic and we were supposed to bring a dish to pass. Could timing be more perfect?? I doubt it. I got the recipe from Jodi, and...well didn't follow it, but that's normal.

I looked up several online recipes and just kinda made up my own. The crusts were OK. The first pie was a bit runny. It was good as long as it was kept COLD, but the second pie was near perfection (from the way it looked and the lickings from the bowl tasted). I haven't actually eaten it yet, since my work party was a whopping 15 people and not very many people wanted pie I froze it for later. I'm not sure if french silk thaws very well, but I'll know soon. Overall, I was quite pleased with the way my pie turned out and I'm posting the secret wonderful birthday recipe now so all can enjoy in the unsurpassed deliciousness of my favorite dessert.


DISCLAIMER: I will never be able to make the pie taste just like Jodi (simply because she made it it's always going to taste the best) So please...don't stop making me pie for my birthday!! The pie pictured above is already frozen and is not in it's cosmetic prime.

French Silk Pie

Pie crusts

3/4 C Sugar

3/4 C butter

1 C semi-sweet choc chips (melted and cooled slightly)

3/4 C refrigerated or frozen egg product (go with refrigerated if you can find it)

1 tsp vanilla

Whipping cream or Cool Whip

Chocolate bar (to make chocolate curls)

1. Prepare Baked Pastry Shell--I usually use Pillsbury ready to roll pie crusts. You can make your own crusts too.
2. For filling: in large mixing bowl, beat 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup butter (softened) with an electric mixer on medium speed about 4 minutes or till fluffy. Stir in one 6 oz. package (1 cup) melted and cooled semisweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Gradually add 3/4 cup refrigerated egg product, thawed, beating on high speed and scraping sides of bowl constantly t8ill light and fluffy.
3. Transfer to Baked pastry shell. cover and chill for 5 to 24 hours. If desired, garnish with whipped cream and chocolate curls.
   

The Amberican Dream

In the last couple of weeks I've finally discovered what it is I want to do with my life. Hopefully, and I believe it to be true, this is also what God is calling me to do. I've had passions and desires for several things through my lifetime. I never really thought I was passionate about anything until about a year ago when I realized I actually am.

Passion One: I'm passionate about missions. I really want to be a missionary and live in another country. Maybe not forever, but at least for a while. This all came about maybe 3-4 years ago. When I was a freshman in college I was an education major because I wanted to teach elementary school kids in a poor Spanish speaking country. That isn't what I imagine myself doing any longer, but I still love missions, missionaries, people of various cultures and countries, etc. Most recently this passion has translated into an interest in agricultural mission work. My church supports a woman who works in Guatemala with Food for the Hungry teaching people how to grow food and working on ways to provide them with clean water. Up until about three weeks ago when I began to formulate what I"m about to share she had my dream job.

Once I discovered that passion for missions and agriculture, it became very difficult to stay in school. I wanted to go NOW...like yesterday. (Patience is not my strongest Fruit of the Spirit). Once I get an idea I'm ready to jump in and get it done...pronto. As I was thinking more about the prospect of living outside the United States it also dawned on me how much I love it here and how often I take this country for granted. A missions trip to the Dominican Republic in March reminded me of this fact. Although I still want to live in another country for at least year (one of my life goals) I also really desire to just live here in the US too. We're called to be missionaries wherever we are.

Passion Two: I've been told by people I have a very holistic personality, which I guess means I care about the person both physically and non-physically (emotionally and spiritually). Through out my growing up years my family often had other people staying in our home. At first it was my aunt while she was in college, then a few missionaries and people for a weekend here and there, a family who was waiting for their house to sell, then a couple exchange students, a single mom, and currently a single woman who's been dealt a rough life and just needed a place to stay. In the future I'd love to have a guest house or a basement apartment that would be open for homeless, missionaries, or other people God sends across my path to stay. If I never set foot on foreign soil again, that would be my mission. I'm passionate about hospitality-making people feel comfortable and at home within whatever space they enter. To be a person (and my home an environment) that is open, inviting, comforting, and friendly.

Passion Three: This one ties into the first passion, or is at least strongly correlated. It's not about missions, but it's about food. I'll be the first to admit I love to eat. Mmmmmm... but that's not the point of this passion. I'm not passionate about eating, but I am passionate about nutrition and good food. Yes good tasting, but more importantly healthy. My freshman year at Bethel I became very sick. I know much of it was intense spiritual warfare, but another was an unhealthy lifestyle. I had successfully avoided the freshman 15 and had actually lost 6 lbs. I thought I knew what eating healthy was, but I didn't. By the time stress, bad diet, and unhealthy lifestyle all piled up I was not in a good place. I told my mom "I just don't feel healthy. I try to eat right, I excersize, but something is just not right." So I went to see a nutritionist who put me on a really strict "Get Healthy Again" diet. What I learned was not only more about food, but also about what eating healthy really is and how we as Americans have is completely, 99%, absolutely messed up. Our food system is broken, just like this fallen world, we produce our food in a way that is unhealthy for us, the animals, and the land. We have created mono-cultures in our fields and our grocery isles. Everything is processed, fortified, salted, and loaded with sugar. "Food has just the sum of it's nutrients" (Michael Pollan - In Defense of Food) We don't let land be fallow, we spray with fertilizers, pesticides, and who knows what else*. Not what God intended, and not healthy. I go to Mexico or the Dominican Republic and see the kids eating cookies and juice constantly. No wonder many of them have diabetes by the time they're 18 (I know some personally). I'm passionate about educating people about eating balanced diets, low in sugar and processed food products. I want to grow as much of my own food as I can, and live off my own land. I also want to teach others (especially the world's poorer residents) how to use their resources to produce good food efficiently without exploiting the land so they can feed sustainably feed their families.
*I'm not trying to put down the farmers of America, I'm the grand-daughter, niece, cousin, and best friend to several of them, and I live in a rural area of Wisconsin. I know they are just trying to make a living like every other person in this country. However, the practices and methods now put into place (thanks to Earl Butts, corn subsidies, and corporate big shots) have become harmful. Did you know we produce enough corn in the US to feed the world, but instead we masquerade it into all these different products so we can find sneaky ways to use it here in the US. Companies are just dying to find more ways to pack more corn and empty calories into our diet.

Passion Four: Part of me just wants to be a stay at home mom. This isn't to say I don't want to pursue a career or somehow live the completely unrealistic vision of the "American Dream". Although at first I felt that being in the workforce would make my somewhat more meaningful to me, I've now realized this to be most completely untrue. I like to see progress, I like to be efficient, improve upon ideas, come up with ideas of my own. If I'm not learning, I'm bored. I have to get out of the house, see something, interact with people, work with my hands. I've sometimes wondered if being a stay at home wife/mother would be extremely boring to me. Then there is the whole idea of homeschooling, what do I do there? I wanted to be a teacher...for other peoples kids...but my own?? Well I'm not so sure. I have now realized two things about children and the future. Being a mom is a mission field. Our children are the only thing we leave behind on this earth. They are the vessels we send into a future that will be dirtier and darker than the world we now live in. If I never set foot on foreign soil again, or started a home ministry for missionaries, my mission would be this...motherhood. The best thing I can do for the future is bless it with Godly children who can be the missionaries of tomorrow. No, it's not official missionary training school, but in someways it is. So although I feel completely too independent and inadequate to be a mom anytime soon. I've realized that God may sometime in the future call me to that position of ministry. Oh, and as a final note, I'm planning on adopting my kids. Why be selfish enough to have my own kids when there are thousands who are already destined for the world ahead who need to see love and be loved? I guess you could say I'm passionate about adoption too. I was adopted into God's family and if I'm not passionate about that I have some prioritizing to do.

We're coming to the end. It's time to tie it all together.

So what is the Amberican Dream? This is what was revealed to me on Tuesday, July 20 2010 in my car (where the best thinking happens) on my way to work.

I had just been in Milwaukee the day before at "Growing Power" which is a sustainable greenhouse right in the city. They grow so many types of food organically in these innovative systems which allows for recycling of nutrients and use limited resources. They have solar panels, collect their rain water, compost discarded food from grocery stores, grow fish, chickens (eggs), goats, and plants all on a very small plot of land. I like many of their ideas and would love to start something similar someday. It all ties together. Everything I've ever wanted to do with missions, with food, with where I live all came to this one pinnacle.

What I'd do if I had my dream life (of course what God has planned is my dream life, but if I was planning it this is how it would go). I'd move to Florida next year after I graduate where I'd work with marine animals and plants and get some more SCUBA certifications, then I'd save up some money and go to school at a place called ECHO- a missionary minded organization which grows different plants in different habitats mimicking those found around the world. They work to discover which plants grow best in which environments and produce seeds to send to missionaries. Then I'd go abroad for 2-3 years doing missions work as described above (Passion One). Then I'd move back to the US with my husband (hopefully I'll have one by then) and we'd start a greenhouse/farm where we could train students and missionaries in how to build and run these self sustaining low cost and low power systems so they can take them back to their own rural areas and build them to feed the local people (Passions One and Three). Of course they could stay with my family (Passion Two) or in a missions house which I/we would hopefully have. Then I/we would also go to different countries a few times a year to help assist in starting up operations for those who can't come to our training. This whole ministry would all be small scale so I would still be a stay at home mom and of course kids love playing in the dirt and with plants and animals :D (Passion Four).

Hopefully that made some sort of sense. It's all a bit jumbled and so interconnected it's hard to organize my thoughts.

We'll see where God leads and how much of this actually happens, but for now this is what I'm going to pursue. Usually when multiple things "click" together like this it's only by divine intervention. God has to be pretty obvious for me sometimes, and this all seems to work together. It not only builds upon my interests and passions it's also completely realistic (which is a miracle in itself...I can be a dreamer most of the time). I'm excited beyond belief for what the future holds and where God leads. Is this is in line with his will and plan? Ask me again in 25 years and maybe by then I can let you know. :)

Dream Garage

These are all cars I've wanted at some point in my life. Not all of them are listed.

Here is what'd be parked in my dream garage.

"Suburban Adventure"

Make: Pontiac
Model: Vibe
Year: 2006
Color: Unsure

This car first caught my eye about 3 years ago. Of course Pontiac is now out of business, so I won't be getting one. I love that the back seat folds down for a large cargo area and the cargo rack is perfect for a canoe or kayak. It's not too much larger than a car, yet big enough you could pull a small boat.


"Cruisin"

Make: Chevy
Model: Camero
Year: 2009
Color: Unsurn, but I like this Imperial Blue

My theory is real sports cars shouldn't be (hot rod) red. Red is for the "posers" who aren't quite cool enough to look sporty by themselves, but still have a little more sweet stuff than your run-of-the-mill coupe.


"Around Town"

Make: Chevy
Model: Cobalt SS
Year: 2010
Color: Orange

In the last two weeks I've fallen in love with the rusty orange color which is really becoming popular. This is probably the most realistic choice for my next vehicle.


"For Old Times Sake"

Make: Jeep
Model: CJ7
Year: 1977
Color: Dark Metallic Green (similar to what is shown)

We bought one of these when I was 16. It was the vehicle I learned to drive "stick" on. Same year as my dad's first car.


"Hot Rod"

Make: Ford
Model: Mustang Shelby GT500KR
Year: 2008
Color: Black

My first exposure to this car was KITT in the Knight Rider movie. Most everyone in my family, and in my friend group wants one of these. A Mustang is the ONLY Ford I would EVER own.


"Mom Mobile"

Make: Jeep
Model: Liberty
Year: 2007 (I don't like the 2008-2010 body-style)
Color: Deep Blue, Berry Red, Olive Green (shown)

I think this is the perfect "small" SUV type vehicle which can easily haul a dog, a few kids, pull a trailer, and not be too "beastly".


"Power Horse"

Make: Dodge
Model: Ram 3/4 Ton Crew Cab (Cummins)
Year: 2010
Color: Unsure (Shown in Deep Water Blue)

Because real trucks don't have spark-plugs.

Spring Sprint

Each year, in the spring as the name suggests, Bethel sponsors a 5k from Fountain Terrace to North Village. The means of travel may be somewhat unconventional - students can walk, bike, rollerblade, jog, skateboard, etc. My good old excersizing buddy Camilli and I did a combination I like to call Jogking (walk, jog, and run). We were perfect "partners" as we both are about equally fit - too out of shape to run the whole thing. But we wanted to try to jog as much as possible. It was really cold this morning and slightly rainy which motivated us in an attempt to keep from freezing to death. I guess there was a little bit of snow last night, I didn't see any. The race started at 10:30 so we caught the 10:00 shuttle from Bethel to Fountain Terrace. With all the racers the 15 passenger van was packed - at least 24 people. We left at 10:30 and I think it took up about 45 minutes to get back. Half way along the trail there was a "pit stop" of oranges and water. I foud this quite silly, but a fun break. We made it up to North Village where they have a big BBQ afterward (well they call them BBQ's here in MN, but in Wisconsin terms it's a grill out. No sloppy joes, pulled beef or BBQ sauce to be found, just hot dogs and burgers). Camille and I were anxious for a cheeseburger, and the smell of charcoal is synonymous with springtime. I can still here the music quite loudly outside my window as I write this.

Avalon Floral

With this weekend being Mother's Day I decided to call my old place of employment to send her some flowers. The lady answering the phone was not someone I had met...and I know most everyone since I used to work there. She took my order and we were able to talk a little bit. She's just started working at Avalon, and she recently graduated from UW-EC. Come to find out I was actually the first phone order she's taken. Completely made my day!

5K Week Three

So I should be on days seven of my training program right now, but due to some laziness on my part I'm only on day five. Two days a week, not three :( *tsk tsk* I had planned on running this weekend, but didn't get around to it. There is just something about weekends in which nothing I plan on doing ever gets done. It's terrible.

Day Five: May 4th

Today I started off my run with longer chunks. I ran about 3 minuets and then about 2 minutes after that with 1 min walks in between. However, I was super tired out after only 15 minutes and ended up just walking most of the way back to my dorm. I didn't go for as long as normal either, due to all the stuff I need to work on and the fact that I probably overworked myself a little.

Total Time: 20 minutes

Day Six: May 6th

I think this is the first time I've ever run in the rain. It's wasn't pouring by any means but was a nice sprinkle. I didn't follow the "schedule" actually I kinda just ran until I was starting to feel tired then walked until I decided to run again. I started feeling a little bit of a shin splint coming on toward the end and a couple hours after my run my left ankle started to hurt a bit. This is the same leg that I've had issues with in the past. I guess I'll just have to press on but take it easy.

Total Time: unknown

God is Amazing (His Love Endures Forever)

This evening as I was walking to the main academic buildings for "Bible Study" the verses of Psalm 136 came to my mind. I had memorized this Psalm my freshman year of high school at East Iowa Bible Camp, and although I couldn't remember all of the words or the correct order they've been sticking in my head all night. As I was walking back to my dorm tonight I was reveling in how AMAZING God is. Really Amazing. Do you think about how true it is...Amazing. God is amazing. I then decided to write my own Psalm- based upon today's events which have made me realize how indescribable and fantastic this God I claim to know it. These have been the highlights of my day.

Psalm 4-30-10
written for a spring day

For a good night's rest and the morning light
GOD IS AMAZING

Spending time in his word
GOD IS AMAZING

Rasin Bran and soy milk for breakfast
GOD IS AMAZING

Getting a text from a cousin far away
GOD IS AMAZING

Meeting up for smoothies and talking about life
GOD IS AMAZING

Driving with the windows down and the moon roof open
GOD IS AMAZING

Praying in the car on my way to Wooddale
GOD IS AMAZING

Meeting church staff...my siblings in Christ
GOD IS AMAZING

Not having Biology lab today
GOD IS AMAZING

Breathing in the floral filled air
GOD IS AMAZING

Running in the foggy evening air
GOD IS AMAZING

Walking with a cool breeze on your skin
GOD IS AMAZING

Hearing a new song of truth about God
GOD IS AMAZING

Randomly running into an old friend to chat
GOD IS AMAZING

Texting with my brother
GOD IS AMAZING

Meeting with three sisters, praying together, sharing scripture
GOD IS AMAZING

Jumping off of curbs...just like the old days
GOD IS AMAZING

Late night chocolate chip cheesecake
GOD IS AMAZING

5K Week Two

WEEK TWO

Day Three: April 27

So training continues. Running today was a little more difficult. I was motivated and ready, but my muscles weren't quite as happy when I was done. I ran out around Lake Valentine and for some reason I kept crossing paths with these two guys who were walking. Super ackward...ok not really, but I began to wonder if they thought I was trying to cross their path. It's the same way I run every time people!! I even took a little detour when the path split hoping to avoid them, but because of my "avoid" detour I ran into them two more times than I would have if I had just passed them on my normal path. Oh well.

Total Time: 27 minutes

Bethel has this thing called the Spring Sprint. It's a 5K from Fountain Terrace to North Village. You can run, walk, jog, rollerblade, skip, etc and it's to support a local charity or cause. I think I'm going to do it. Camille said she'd walk it with me. I think we'll run at least part of it. It'll give me a good idea of how long a 5K is so I'll be ready to finally run one. Getting excited!!

Day Four: April 29

Today I was a little short on time since I didn't get started until almost nine and I had a meeting at nine thirty. However, it was GREAT. I did a shorter warm up walk and did three long running stints with walking inbetween for a grand total of 20 minutes. I felt great. I didn't even realize I could run that far and I forgot how much I love running. The seminary path was enchanting and smelled fantastic thanks to all the lilac, cherry, and crab apple trees which are all in bloom right now. The temperature is perfect outside and I'm getting stoked about this 5k next weekend.

FreeSet

This past week I had the chance to hear Annie Hilton speak twice. Once at Bethel's chapel and once at Wooddale Church in Eden Prairie. She and her husband Carrie started FreeSet, a company which free's women from prostitution in Kokuta, India. Then moved into a red-light districe called the Sonogocci neighbor hood and have now been teaching women to sew bag and t-shirts along with basic educational skills such as reading, writing, and business.

This is a fantastic company and I support their work 100%. Check out their website.

freesetglobal.com

A lady sang this song by Britt Nicole and it not only relates to what FreeSet is doing, but also who I want to be.

Set the World On Fire

I wanna set the world on fire
Until it's burning bright for you
It's everything that i desire
Can i be the one you use?

I am small but
You you are big enough
I am weak but
You you are strong enough to

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with you
There's nothing i cannot do
Nothing i cannot do

I wanna feed the hungry children
And reach across the farthest land
And tell the broken there is healing
And mercy in the father's hands

My hands my feet
My everything
My life my love
Lord use me

I wanna set the world on fire
Wanna set the world on fire yeah

Take my dreams
Come and give them wings
Lord with you
There's nothing i cannot do no

5K Training

After a weekend retreat with my Elim Church Youth (ECY) group themed around "Happy and Healthy" I've decided to make a few lifestyle changes. I was very embarrased when I couldn't even run the whole obstacle course without almost dying. It's time I started working out more. I really need to get fit. I was talking to Susy Spencer yesterday and she would also like to get healthier so we're going to train for a 5K this summer. I found a training plan at http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml and have started it today. I feel about as fit as a potato so its a perfect plan for me. I started today, and will be blogging as the weeks progress.

WEEK ONE

5 min warm-up walk
Alternations of 60 seconds running and 90 seconds walking
TOTAL: 20 minutes

My plan is to work out Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday with the 5K training regiment and do push-ups, crunches, and streteches several time as week too.

Day One: April 20th

Well I made it. Day one down. I couldn't believe I'd be breathing hard after only a few minutes of running. Can't wait to see where this goes.

Day Two: April 23

Running today went fantastically. I started out with a brisk 7 minute warm up walk then alternated jogging and walking every 60-90 seconds. About 12 minutes into it was getting a little tired and stiff so I took a quick stretch break and kept going. I ended up running up a few hills behind Lissner and taking an extra long route so I did a total of 30 minutes not just 20. I came back to my dorm feeling refreshed and invigorated, not tired out. It felt good. I could have kept going "forever" - or course not really, but I would have gone longer. Didn't want to push too hard on my second day.

I'm I Being Heard?

Just some thoughts:

"The number one cause of atheism is Christians. Those who proclaim God with their mouths and deny Him with their lifestyles is what an unbelieving world finds simply unbelievable.

-Karl Rahner

As I was making breakfast this morning, this quote popped in my head. Not really sure what triggered it, but it's led me on a thought train which I wanted to share with you.

I was thinking about how we as Christians acknowledge God with our mouths, but deny him with our lives. What if it was the other way around? At first it seemed a little crazy, and perhaps "unchristian", but the more I thought about it I don't know that it's such a terrible idea. What if we did follow God is our actions, in our lives, but denyed him with our tounge. Not meaning we swore and took his name in vain, cut others down, or just did/said terrible things, but rather that we didn't claim to be followers of Christ. What if our lives spoke it so strongly that even our words couldn't convince others we weren't Christians.

This led to the old addage "actions speak louder than words". It's truth. I think God could have sent a prophet in the Old Testament to said those very words. It might have sounded something like:

"O listen people of Israel, live your life as a testimony to God, for actions speak louder than words, thus sayith the Lord."

Anyway about it I think we need to reflect on that idea. If actions speak the loudest, then are we whispering for the kingdom? Seriously, think about it. If we are called to declare the Glory of the Lord, are we nothing more than a whisper in the world of sinful actions by ourselves and non-believers. Even the heavens cry out, rocks and stones, the world he created, and it's not using words. Is is possible that inanimate objects could have a louder voice than we do? I guess it is? If each action were audible, perhaps a musical note or phrase, would the melody of Christ be heard in the symphony of our lifes, or would it be overpowered by a clanging gong and a crashing symbol. Is that all people can hear? I think of the Casting Crowns lyrics.

Empty hands held high...If not joined with my life, I sing in vain tonight.

May the words I say, And the things I do...Let my lifesong sing to You.

-Lifesong by Casting Crowns

Now what? I don't know. That's for you to figure out. I guess we might need to examine our lifes, and our hearts. From the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.

King Charles Cavalier

Today somebody brought some puppies to the chemistry department here at Bethel. They were absolutely adorable, and one of my favorite breeds. I've wanted one for many years, and playing with the puppies was a great stress reliever.

The Irony

When I created this blog several months ago I was very intentional about it's name. "Sweet Simplicity: celebrating the simple joys in faith, life, and love" How far from the truth that currently is. I wanted to cut back, life simply, love wholy, and NOT get stressed out. I tried to make that a pattern. Whoops what happened. My life is anything but. I've decided not to withdraw from Bethel, but I am going to drop a class. Maybe that will simplify things. I re-read my post "When Life Kicks You in the Face" and it could have been written just two short days ago. Man it stinks to be in that place. However, today I am optimistic, and once again determined to stick it out and persevere. The weather is beautiful, and spring is here. I can't say that I've been able to enjoy it. It's too hard to try to be happy and enjoy something when the world is crashing, but today in a small way I was. On my way back from church three deer were walking on the road between Lissner and Arden Village East as I arrived on campus. I was able to enjoy them, and have the windows down pumping a few tunes on my way. I'm also getting excited about being an RA next year. I can't wait to find out who the rest of my team is, and what room I'm living in. Well, I really need to get back to the books.

Solo (So Low)

Solo by Iyaz

And I don't wanna go, go
I don't wanna go, go
I don't wanna it no, no
I don't wanna it no, no
I don't want to walk this earthIf I gotta do it solo

Cuz I was so high
And now im so low
And I don't wanna walk around alone, solo
Said I don't want to walk this earth
If I gotta do it solo

This is just the chorus, and of coures he's talking about a girl here, but I'm talking about God and a life that isn't worth walking solo. I'm at the low, etc, etc, and it's not worth walking so low either.

Blind Date

Yesterday around noon I walked through the revolving door of the California Pizza Kitchen. I was supposed to meet my mentor who had just texted to inform me she'd be about 10 minutes late.
The hostest asked me "how many?"
I responded with "two".
"A gentelman?" the hostest questioned with a slight intrique in her voice.
I kindly told her no, and she proceeded to make a comment about a gentleman who was waiting for someone. Jokingly she said she'd "hook us up" if I was up for a blind date.
"You know that's not such a bad idea" I thought to myself half heartedly. We then chatted about speed dating and blind dates as she led me to my table. When Maybe arrived I told her the story and directed her attention to the man in a white and red stripped dress shirt on the opposite side of the restaurant. He was now sitting with an older man (probably his father).
"You should have gone for it" she joked.
It could have been fun, maybe next time I will. I'm up for a random blind date. :)

Old Spice

Hello Ladies!
Look at your man
Now back at me
Now back at your man
Now back at me
Sadly…he isn’t me
But if he stopped using lady scented body wash and switched to Old Spice he could smell like me
Look down
Back up
Where are you?
You’re on a boat
With a man your man could smell like
What’s in your hand?
Back at me
It’s an oyster with two tickets to that thing you love
Look again
The tickets are now diamonds
Anything is possible when your man smells like old spice and not a lady
I’m on a horse

Smell Like a man, man!
Old Spice

Check out the link http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=327874950766&ref=mf

Looking Back

I just looked at my post from Feb 5th and it's interesting to me how life has changed since then. One thing I know is that God is still with me, and all I want is to be close to him. I just want to read my Bible, I guess it's because He has to get me through. I read Psalm 17 this morning and it was really relavant. I went to chapel today, with the intent not to "go to chapel" but just to "be at chapel" to be in God's presence and rest and abide. Today is the first day of Lent and the chapel message was deeply rooted in what I've needed to hear. Everything has been. Church on Sunday was about how we spend God's time and also how Jesus is the perfect Valentine. Monday my professor's opening prayer for our class was 100% about my life. He's here. He's faithful. I know most of what I"m experiencing is strong spiritual attack and I pray everyday for Satan not to have a foothold in my life. After chapel today, God sent this girl name Lauren who has been such a secret encouragement to me. She's such a good and true friend and when I saw her walk by I knew it was because God had directed her directly to me at that exact momment.

PS in the last few hours (since my last post) I quit my TA job...one less thing. Ahhhhh....

Something's Going On

I don't know what it is, but something must be up. Within the past 12 hours I have had three friends contact me to see how I'm doing. None of them really had anything to talk about, they all live in a different state, and I haven't seen any of them in over a month. One called me, which is weird because we just talked on the phone 2 days ago, one facebook messaged me, and I haven't talked to him in probably a year, and the third texted me at 3 am. Why is this strange. Well, one was filled with encouraging verses and words, another just said it was on his mind for the whole evening that he should see how I was doing. I think God is trying to tell me something, but I'm not sure what. Maybe just that he loves me, or maybe something bad is about to happen. I hope this is not the case, but there's a possiblity I guess. This week has been one of the best weeks of the year and I don't feel in need of love and encouragement like I have in weeks past. Not that I don't appreciate it, or "need" it all the time, but it's just an interesting phenomenon.

Family Puns

AHNA MAE morning, JAMES was on a walk on the WOODs to find an AMBER ROSE to give to his darling sweetheart. A few yards off he spotted a DORA MAEd of WOOD, and when he knocked, a WOODCHUCK poked he head out and said,
"MAE I help you sir?".
"Yes, I AMBERning to know where I may find this rare type of rose," JAMES replied.
"Of course you WOOD be, ANDREW would think it is easy to find, but don't bee fooled Sir JAMES.
"AH NAthing can stop me from finding it, for this is true love," declared JAMES.
"Then carve her a heart out of mapleD OR Another sweet WOOD. Bake it into a loaf of bread, but make sure to let the DORAise for three days, or you will have to CHUCK it out"
Sir James did all the WOODCHUCK commanded, ANDREW her a lovely picture which he placed AHNA silver platter with the heart filled bread, with small bowls of JAMES and butters on the side. He went to the well ANDREW a pail of water, which he found to be unsatisfactory and CHUCKed over his shoulder AHNA to the ground. It was from this very spot that a ROSE arose, springing forth like a PRECIOUS JEM so he picked it. Seeing how he was vase and CHARLES he laid it carefully beside the meal he had MAEd and like a STRONG and MANLY man delivered it to his lady love.

Swing Dancing with Peter Strom

This past week at Tapestry (a dance studio in Minneapolis) I participated in the weekly "Birthday Dance". This is a dance for those who, as the name implies, had a birthday that week. All the "birthday people" go to the middle of the dance floor and others from the crowd take turns cutting in and out during the song. It's quite fun actually and you get to dance with people who are usually pretty good. Well I got to dance with Peter Strom. I know you don't know who he is, but let's just say he's really good. Like world class, won national Lindy competitions, etc. Below is a link to a video of him on youtube.com. Anyway, he's here in the Twin Cities for a while and is teaching a beginners level class downtown on Wednesdays during February. I've signed up to go. It's going to be fantastic and it's super cheap. Classes start on Tuesday!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uv9m9WaPorA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qnjIMqqpGk (this one is here at Tapestry)

Am I Being Israel?

This morning I've been working on my application to be an RA here on campus next fall. Part of the application process requires that I write a 1-2 page essay about main things or people who have shaped my life. Being the semi-slacker that I am, I though I could pull up something from my past and perhaps use parts of it in my essay. In the process of doing so I began to realize something about myself and my life. My time here at Bethel has been a struggle, my whole college experience in general has been, but the beautiful thing is that God has been here in it all. Below is a clip from something I wrote freshman year...

This fall when I arrived at Bethel University, I thought I had my whole life planned out and knew what I was supposed to do with my life. Within weeks it all crumbles away until I was left searching for the very meaning my existence. It was then that God taught me that I needed to trust him in all things. Even though I had no major, no idea how I was going to pay for college, very few friends, and was homesick, he showed me that I wasn’t in control and if I surrendered everything he would take care of it for me. I just had to follow. If this is where I’m supposed to be (at Bethel), He’ll provided the money, and I believe He will. He also gave me the most amazing group of Godly friends that are so beyond what I could have imagined. They’re not just close friends, their family, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Money has been a constant struggle. I came here not believing I would stay more than a year. I distinctly remember sitting in the Great Hall while the president welcomed new freshmen who in four years would be graduating in that very same room, but even as he said it I "knew" it wouldn't be true. Now here I am 2 years later, back at Bethel despite my "wanderings". I just now realized something mightily important. I've been struggling with being Israel. How is this you might say...well let me explain. I often read the story of Israel and just can't understand how they can keep missing the point. God delivers them, they show disbelief, he provides, the build an idol, he shows them a miracle, they do things their own way. Why can't they just see what God's doing! Why do they forget every two seconds. I'm not going to get into the theology behind it all, but I do want to relate it to my current situation. Bethel is the wilderness, it is a place where God has led me, I don't know where I'm "going" on this journey, but I do know that a promised land (the rest of my life and hopefully a job) is on the . Why is it then than every time I get hung up on finances it seems like the end of the world, and I wish I was "back in Egypt". He delivers me, then a few weeks later I'm crying out for manna, it falls from heaven, and by the next semester I'm dry and thirsty, so he pours forth streams from a rock, but I forget after summer rolls around and...here I am again. God has proven himself so many times in my journeyed at Bethel-even just this week. I don't have any money-I mean none- to be able to pay for next semesters tuition. Logically that = no school, but I know this is where I need to be, this is where I'm called, and if I just get out of my own way God will have room to work like he always has. So this is me, leaping with faith, into next week. To the world it isn't wise, but I'm in the world, not of it.

Chocolate and New Years Resolutions

This year I made many more resolutions than normal. In the past I've given up gum successfully for one year, but that's about the only thing I've resolved. However, this year I gave up chips (except tortilla chips), pledged to read my Bible EVERY day (I've missed a couple already, but have been thus far fairly good), and to memorize a verse every month. For the month of January I've been fasting from Chocolate, which isn't too hard if you set your mind to it. I'm actually thinking about continuing it indefinitely.