This is Jeremy's Fault

Rules:
Once you've read this, you are supposed to write a note with 16 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. And finding 16 random facts is surprisingly harder than I thought it would be.

Here goes:
1. I love ingredients--meaning I love most kinds of dough/batter - cookie, biscuit, brownie, pancake...you name it, I'll probably eat it--and also tons of things in their "natural state."

2. I've had stitches 6 times, and all but 1 of those times was in my face.

3. In MS, I have 2 cats: a boy named Chelsey, and a girl named Gus. We were 'misinformed' about their genders and by the time we realized they'd been switched, we were already used to their names, so we left them.

4. I LOVE to travel - and I don't really care where as long as I get to do something I've never done before. In fact, by the end of the year I'll officially be a certified travel agent - not because I want to be a travel agent, just because I love travel, and also b/c I LOVE missions and assume knowing all the in's and out's of travel couldn't hurt.

5. A friend and I are currently in the process of starting a non-profit organization, which will essentially involve missions education, mobilization, and consultation. So if anyone wants to donate... :)

6. My favorite color is green-not lime, but bright green.

7. I'm not a fan of little animals, except for baby animals that are going to eventually be really big.

8. One of my "OCD's" is that I used to look at things in 5's - hard to explain...you'll just have to ask.

9. My 2-pg. life list includes ridiculous things, like spending the night in a tree, riding and ostrich, and giving away a car--not sure why. These are just things I want to do.

10. I tend to look at the clock at exactly 1:11 or 11:11 A LOT of the time - not quite sure how that works out, it just does.

11. I'm currently relearning Spanish. I knew Spanish in high school but didn't use it, so I lost it. Yet I can understand a good deal of what is being said and sometimes say things in Spanish without knowing where it's coming from, so hopefully it's still 'in there' somewhere.

12. Right now I'm listening to mostly easygoing, Jason Mraz-type music or all-out rock, which are nothing alike but somehow are filling my playlists right now. Go figure.

13. I turned 26 today! And as Matt says, "it's good to be equally divisible by 2 again."

14. I love trying new things and try to do at least 1 new thing a week, although I'm not always successful. However, other weeks I get to do lots of new things, so I like to think it balances out.

15. Speaking of balance, I'm obsessed with things being even, which is why I like odd numbers - it always leaves 1 in the middle :) Yet, if you asked me which I liked better (odd or even), I'd initially say even, because I like balance. Hmmm, never thought of that until just now. :)

16. I have the cutest, funniest, smartest nephews in the world. And yet somehow I have learned to remain completed unbiased, which is apparent by my previous remark. haha

P.S. Sorry I've been M.I.A. for the past few weeks, but it was worth it. Hope you all had a great break. :)

Santa Suspended?

What do you think? Guilty or Innocent?

Don't Interrupt...Rude!

So, I can honestly say that I've had this experience in several New Orleans fast food restaurants. Ok, may not this EXACT situation, but some are pretty close. Actually, a few are even funnier...if you can imagine :)

Come join the fun! :)

Bon Qui Qui at King Burger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZkdcYlOn5M

SNO-LA

So, it's finally snowing in NOLA (aka New Orleans)! yay! Despite the fact that it was in the 70s last week and we were wearing shorts and it's supposed to be in the upper 60s in a few days, the snow decided to make an appearance anyway. It's sad but it really is an historic day for NOLA. It NEVER snows here, much less this early in the year. And it's the BIGGEST flakes we've ever seen. It really is pretty w/ the campus and all the landscaping. It didn't start until I got to work, but I told my roommates they should take our Christmas tree outside and take pics w/ the snow on it, which is funnier when you realize it's a decorated, prelit palm tree. haha

Also, NOLA is now buzzing w/ the sound that maybe the Saints have a chance after all! haha

UPDATE: Here are a few pics of the campus and city...

Can't We All Just Get Along?

Why do some people feel the need to be competitive ALL the time, especially when they are competing for absolutely nothing?! I tend to be competitive in certain situations, but I'm also the type of person that genuinely doesn't care if I don't win. Very few things in life are really worth getting all "bent out of shape" for, as my grandmother would say.

Yet there are those people who cannot handle not being the best, the funniest, the most popular, the winner. What's the point? Yes, it is nice to win sometimes or to be the best at something. But when it comes to friends, is there ANY reason to be competitive? Does it really matter who has more friends? Can't we all just get along? :)

So in response to those people who cannot accept that some people like to have more than one friend and that they do not always have to be the center of attention...GET OVER IT!

**End of pointless rant for the day** :)

Shout Out to Lottie Moon

Shout Out to Lottie Moon (and especially in honor of Leah, who is living proof of the Lottie Moon offering money in action) :)

Hit our home girl up through her annual Christmas offering to help fund international missions. I've seen the money in action, and believe me...you wanna get a piece of this.

I know finances are tighter this year with everything that's going on, but when it comes to someone whose eternity is at stake, it really seems like a small price to pay. So in the words of Nike, "Just do it!"

p.s. WWLMD? (What Would Lottie Moon Do?) :)
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Ok, that was as ghetto as we could get and still emphasize the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. haha.

Dancing Ninja

So, I took a quiz to see what my dance style is, and it turns out I'm...Jive. This is what said quiz told me:

"Whoa, wild child! It takes a lot to slow you down. A lively and fun person, you're happiest when you're out, about, and on the go. We bet you're usually the first person on the dance floor...and probably one of the last ones off. You know how to boogie and have a good time — and that's what makes you just like the jive.You've got a bold streak in you and don't mind taking some risks to veer off the beaten path every once in a while. Admit it — you're a bit of a daredevil, and you love to push boundaries and make your own mark on the world. There's nothing jive about that. Keep it up!"

Also, I'm a ninja. So watch out, because apparantly I like to kick butt and take names. haha

Lost at Sea

I've never been allowed to see the long-term plans for my life. I just get to know what the next step is, and only when I take that step is the next phase revealed. Obviously, this is very aggrevating at times--especially in a world when every conversation starter has to do with wanting to know what my long-term plan is. But I know that God has a reason for all of it, and I probably would be overwhelmed by the seeing the whole plan anyway.

I've always used different analogies to explain my life - such as driving at night in a fog (meaning, I can only see what's right in front of me, and the only way to see beyond that is to move forward with what I can see). There's also the idea of God being a light unto my path, revealing in the dark where I should walk next. Recently, it's been the idea of being lost at sea, which is a little scarier than just walking in the dark (although that is also very scary sometimes). The main difference is that at sea, I have absolutely NO control, whereas when I'm walking I can still feel a little secure on my own. But that insecurity also is a good thing, because there's a peace in knowing that when I feel completely helpless is when I am able to trust God the most...in a way that I should trust at all times. That being the case, I guess I'm ok being lost at sea. And after all, I'm not really lost. God knows where I am and where I'm going, so I guess I should just sit back and enjoy the ride.

(sidenote: It's funny that my blog is "Hold on, It's a bumpy ride," because it becomes more of a reality everyday. haha)
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How could you see what you see and not totally
Want to discontinue me for all eternity and then some
It bothers me so that I could be so
Completely unaffected when connected to the holy one
And so I sit here and stare at this page and wonder
At what age it will become clear to me
So for now I am clueless to how you do this
And how you move this spirit in me

I'm going Your way
Even though I cannot see in front of me
I'm going Your way
Even though I feel lost at sea

How could your favor be the flavor I savor
When the fruits of my labor are so unfavorable
And old pages are setting the stages for something outrageous
A man who can save all our souls
And you know and you know

I'm going Your way
Even though I cannot see in front of me
I'm going Your way
Even though I feel lost at sea

Ride the wave, wave goodbye, by the way did I mention
Today that I don't know the way home
So could you take me by the hand
And lead me to the dryer land
So I can finally breathe again instead of sinking like a stone
And now I will diligently and not religiously but affectionately
Come before the throne of your grace in this place
And seek your face for all eternity and then some
-Jimmy Needham

Happy Slapsgiving!

"I didn't slap you - I just high-fived your face..."

PS "Just be yourself. People like you." (for all you Mitch Hedberg fans--you know who you are...) :)

I Need a VACATION!

Ever have those days (or weeks) when you just need to get away - from work, from school, from people, from everything?...

Well, I'm there. But at least there's hope - 1 week til semi-vacation! yay! :)

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him." - James 1:12

Biggest Loser

"I'm the biggest sinner I know." - CJ Mahaney

We like to judge others and jump to conclusions based on their words and actions. But in reality, we are the biggest sinners we know, because we know our own actions, words, thoughts, and motives. So, it's no use comparing ourselves with others to try to feel better about ourselves, because in the end, we're still the 'biggest loser.' We all deny it, but if we were completely honest with ourselves, we'd have to admit that it's true.

It's also pretty easy to look at everyone else's faults and decide what they need to change about their actions, their decisions, their personality, and even their clothes. This truth is actually pretty ironic. We spend so much time looking in the mirror and focusing on ourselves, but all we see is what is wrong with everyone else. How does that even happen? I'm pretty sure there an 1,859 reasons (or excuses) why, but in the end, it doesn't really matter. What does matter is that we realize when we are criticizing God's creation (including ourselves). Everyone has faults, but we can't be so consumed with what's wrong with the world that we fail to do anything about the one person we can change--ourselves.

Just food for thought...

Turkey Tips

Here is a turkey recipe that also includes the use of popcorn as a stuffing -- imagine that.When I found this recipe, I thought it was perfect for people like me, who just are not sure how to tell when poultry is thoroughly cooked, but not dried out.Give this a try.

15 lb. turkey
1 cup melted butter
1 cup stuffing (Pepperidge Farm is Good.)
1 cup uncooked popcorn (ORVILLE REDENBACHER'S LOW FAT)
Salt/pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush turkey well with melted butter salt, and pepper. Fill cavity with stuffing and popcorn. Place in baking pan with the neck end toward the back of the oven. Listen for the popping sounds.

When the turkey's rear-end blows the oven door open and the bird flies across the room, it's done.

And, you thought I didn't cook...

Solution to Slavery

"According to the Bible, the primary way to define sin is not just the doing of bad things, but the making of good things into ultimate things. It is seeking to establish a sense of self by making something else more central to your significance, purpose, and happiness than your relationship to God..." (Timothy Keller, “The Reason for God”)

The Problem with Man Seldom Lies in his “Things” but rather in what has become his “Ultimate Things.”
When the Wrong Things become Ultimate Things, man Loses His Freedom and takes on a Yoke of Slavery.
(Keith Collins)
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We've been enslaved to sin, which includes not just bad things but also the good things that become our focus and distract us from God. But luckily, God has the solution for slavery...

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." - Matthew 11:28-30

Don't Judge

So the Ameriquest Mortgage commercials are hilarious! Here are a few of my fav.s:

Brownie:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QbboOzpy7g

Concert:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEfg3mVqPtE

Hospital:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15pycI5A2kc

Happy Voting Day

May the madness soon be over!!!...(or just beginning, based on who's elected) :)

Pumpkins + Hip Hop = Family Fun

We finally carved our pumpkins last week at family dinner night...here's a little taste of what really went down. :)

Congrats to Mari & Julie on their 1st pumpkin carving experiences! You survived! And while you can't hear our hip hop playlist, it was definitely there :)

For Out of the Heart...

What comes out of our mouths reflects what's in our hearts. And who we are (which can be seen in what we say and how we say it) is more important that what we do, so we must take the time to look--really look--at ourselves and see who we are. Consider what you are saying today. Is it angry? bitter? hurtful? joyful? encouraging? apathetic? And more importantly, does it reflect who you want to be? Because you are the only one who can keep you from becoming who you want to be.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared to what lies within us."

Firsts

Finally, I'm posting some pics from the cruise :)

I had a lot of firsts on this trip, such as:

1st time jumping on a trampoline in the middle of the ocean

1st time eating sushi & liking it

1st time riding water slides on a ship in the middle of the ocean


1st gala dinner pic in front of a lego cruise ship

1st time I faced off with a towel duck

1st time I learned to latin dance on the main stage

1st trip to Chichen Itza, 1 of the 7 wonders of the world

We also went Snuba Diving, which was a first (but I'll have to scan those pics) and had lobster and escargo for the first time :/

Stay tuned. More pics to come...

Creeds Breed Deeds

"Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable,--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me--put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Phil. 4:8-9

We so often hear verses or songs that we've heard all of our lives and easily overlook what they are saying. This verse is very much that way in my life. It is full of commands and promises while revealing the character of God, but it is so easy not to notice.

Our Pivot message this past week was on biblical thinking, and several points about this verse stood out, so here goes:

~ We are to think godly thoughts so that we might cultivate godly desires - we won't live what we are not thinking. (creeds breed deeds - our beliefs will affect our actions)

~ We let the world be the trend-setter, rather than God. God may reveal something and we just think it's ok. Then, the world reveals the same thing, and we think it's amazing. Our minds are very impressionable, and we let the world have more access to it than God.

~ The reality is that for better or worse, your thought patterns are tied into everything that's going on in your life.

~ Don't overlook the promise in the verse: "the God of peace will be with you"; as we change our thoughts, we experience grace, peace, joy, etc. And as a result, we experience God and learn more about his character, because God is grace, peace, joy, etc. As we think on truth, excellence, and beauty, we encounter Christ, who is truth, excellence, beauty. The God of peace will be with you and the peace of God will be with you.

8 Days from Paradise

Today starts the 8-day countdown to our cruise! Yay! Needless to say, it is MUCH needed right about now.

Come on Oct. 18!!! You can do it! Come ON!! :) :)

Palin vs. Clinton

This SNL skit is pretty funny. Fox would be proud of this 'fair and balanced' speech. :) But don't take my word for it, watch for yourself:

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/palin-hillary-open/656281/

Down with Anxiety!

Just some thoughts from this past week:

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Phil. 4:4-7

-Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. This is not a conditional statement. It's a command. It is not dependent on whether or not life is going as I'd like or whether everything seems to be going wrong. Rejoice always.

-Do not be anxious about anything. Worry is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it gets you nowhere. And in the end, you're just tired and frustrated and have nothing to show for it.

-Bring everything to God with thanksgiving. We often read God our want list without expressing our gratitude for the things we have. Or we express to God what we are feeling and ask for His help, but again we do not thank him for the situation.

Lord,

Thank you for my bills, for they mean my needs are being met.

Thank you for tests and assignments, because they mean I am being challenged and prepared to serve.

Thank you for interaction with stressful people, because it means I have the opportunity to learn patience and understanding.

Thank you for my job and all of the good and bad aspects that come with it, because it means I am able to work.

Thank you for not letting me know the future, because it causes me to depend and trust in you alone.

Thank you for the daily reminder that I will never overcome sin, because it reminds me of your grace and mercy.

Thank you for health problems, because it makes me more appreciative of the times when I am healthy and nothing hurts.

Most of all, thank you for being faithful, even when I am not. You know my every need, and I trust you to provide. Help me to be anxious about nothing and thankful for everything.

The Neverending Story

While looking through our pics from the AT hiking trip, we realized there was an ongoing story throughout the trip that we had never even noticed. (Disclaimer: The story I'm about to tell is not really true, but it WAS absolutely hilarious to us as we started making up our own story while looking at the pics.) Enjoy!
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There's a legend of a girl who once ventured off into the mountains with her dear friends. However, something occurred in the hills that the group of friends has never recovered from...something terrible and unexplainable. This is the story of the fateful weekend...

Once upon a time, a hiking trip occurred. There was lots of time for thinking and reflecting on God's creation. That is, until "the neverending story" began. The story is said to go something like this...

Marsha: Hey, let's take a pic on this bridge...and then I'll tell you a story that I was just reminded of..."

Marsha: So, one time when I was in the Philippines...

(15 minutes later...)

Bill: (thinking: wow, this story is amazing, but it sure has been going on for a while. I think I'll start walking and she can finish telling it on the way to the waterfalls.)

Marsha: blah, blah, blah.....

Bill: (thinking: ok, so it's been 45 minutes and the story is still going. It HAS to be almost over.)

Marsha: Wait, Bill. Come back! I'm not finished yet.

Marsha: blah, blah, blah, Philippines, blah, blah...

Mari: (thinking: Wow, Bill was not joking. This story is STILL going on!)

Marsha: Bill, Mari. Are you up there? I have to finish my story...

Bill: You don't understand, Mari, I CANNOT listen to any more stories.

Mari: I know, but just try to be nice. We only have 46 hours left. Or, maybe we can lose her on the trail...

Marsha: Hey, listen to this...

Bill: Jump, Mari! Let's get out of here!

Mari: Wait for me, Bill!!!

Later that night, Bill wrote in is journal...

"Dear God, I know I've been praying for patience and perseverance lately, but seriously? Having to listen to Marsha is a little extreme don't you think?..."

The group did have a one night break between hiking, and they were seen out in the square resting and having a good meal. Legend says that one person remembered seeing the group that night and overheard the following conversation:

Marsha: That was so much fun, but I'm glad to be out for the night and rest a little. Hey, that reminds me of a story...

*cricket, cricket*...

And that was the last time Marsha was ever seen again. People sometimes say they can hear her at night...laughing and telling a story. Mari and Bill, on the other hand, also hear her at night, but only because their therapists haven't helped them work through all of the memories and the nightmares continue. Perhaps one day we will find out what really happened in the mountains that weekend. But until then, the legend lives on.

~THE END~

A Lake Runs Thru It

I realize that usually lakes don't run through anything, unless you are in New Orleans when there's a tropical storm warning. Needless to say, we received nothing from Hurricane Ike compared to Texas. However, the lake did decide to leave its comfort zone (& ours) to come play with us, and the crazy winds were actually a little fun. (Except for the time the wind almost blew us off of the levee, which would have led to certain death...or two wet and muddy girls.)

The morning started w/ our fence blowing into the neighbor's car.

Don't worry-MB & I fixed it :) :)

The city did close the gates to keep the lake out...

but yes, that is water coming thru & under the gate. Oh well.

But don't worry. The drain is catching the water leaking thru the gates...

Reason #57 that the city floods when it rains, and when it doesn't...

The mailman actually came while we were there. Someone offered him their kayak if he wanted to keep going, but he refused--not exactly what I call commitment to the job. Apparantly, the saying "neither rain nor sleet nor snow..." does not apply during a tropical storm.

Yes, this is the lake. But it's supposed to be the parking lot!

Ridiculous-crazy wind does not equal cool hair. But it does equal mucho fun!

P.S. Meanwhile, back in the car, a lonely carton of Edie's ice cream melts away. (Can I write that off as a disaster-related loss?). . . Ah, the price you pay for being a fox news correspondent. Dang you Fox News UReport!

What's Your Purpose?

What is it that you want to do, and what is it that you were meant to do? One of the mega trends of the past few years has been finding purpose. Obviously, there is an innate desire to have and fulfill a purpose, to find the meaning of life and what your role is in it. We are all here for a reason, and every person, whether they are a believer or not, can sense it.

But the real question is, when you find out what that purpose is, are you going to be willing to do your part, even if it means doing something that is hard or dangerous. Many people will ask you why you would be willing to go overseas or confront someone or do anything that seems unpleasant when you could choose not to do so. But what everyone forgets is that if we are doing what we were called to do, then we are much safer in that place or experience than we would be anywhere else. My mom used to worry about me going places and doing new things, but then she would always say, "But I know that God can take care of you there just as well as He can take care of you here."

My desire to be adventurous, to truly live, and to fulfill God's purpose is there for a reason, just as your desires and goals and purposes have been given to you for a reason. Don't back down from doing what you know you are supposed to do just because it doesn't seem safe or because other people don't understand. People will never fully understand. That's just part of the test of obedience.

Being the quote freak that I am:), I have a quote that often challenges me in these areas--to do things that will enable me to live and not just be alive but also to do what I am called to do, even when I don't want to, when it seems dangerous, or when other people just don't understand. And I hope you accept the challenge to do what you are called to do.

"The ship is safest when it is in port. But that's not what ships were made for."
- Paulo Coelho

More than Alive

So I've said it before and I'll say it again--

there is a difference between living and being alive.

We all need to be reminded of this on a regular basis, and since this idea was one of the reasons for starting this blog, I thought I'd remind us all. So...this is your friendly reminder :)

"May you live all the days of your life."

Pack It Out

Ok, so I may not do the whole hiking series I had planned on, but I will add some more pics. Also, we took some video clips as part of our documentary and are planning on making a "movie" of sorts. Should we ever finish it, I might be persuaded to add it, also. But don't think you're getting off the hook that easy. There will be one more day of pics after today that tell a story--granted, it is a misleading story, but still, who's going to know if you weren't on the trip :)

The 3 Amigos (Aaron wasn't w/ us yet)

Oh, hey Aaron. There you are!

Mari & Bill pumping water

The sun is setting between our heads...

...nevermind. Bill caught it :)

"Simba, one day all of this will be yours..."

Everything was really not this blue :)

But the water was FREEZING!!!


Our reward when we finished:

going to Amsterdam, aka Helen, GA :)

And I saved the best for last. While at the falls, we came across Gollum, from Lord of the Rings. It turns out he is quite the acrobat...




Tune in tomorrow for another episode of "What Not To Do When Hiking" with your host, Marsha :)