While You Were Sleeping.

Oh little town of Bethlehem, looks like another silent night. Above your deep and dreamless sleep, a giant star lights up the sky.
And while you're lying in the dark, there shines an everlasting light.
For the King has left His throne and is sleeping in a manger tonight.
Tonight.
Oh Bethlehem, what you have missed while you were sleeping?
For God became a man and stepped into your world today.
Oh Bethlehem, you will go down in history as a city with no room for its King.
While you were sleeping.
While you were sleeping.
Mary shivers in the cold, trying to keep the Savior warm.
Born among the animals, wrapped in dirty rags.
Because there was no room for Him in the world He came to save.
United States of America, looks like another silent night.
As we're sung to sleep by philosophies that save the trees and kill the children.
And while we're lying in the dark, there's a shout heard 'cross the eastern sky.
For the Bridegroom has returned and has carried His bride away in the night.
America, what will we miss while we are sleeping?
Will Jesus come again and leave us slumbering where we lay?
America, will we go down in history as a nation with no room for its King.

Will we be sleeping?
Will we be sleeping?

United States of America, looks like another silent night.

Keepin' It Real.

Day before yesterday at school, I had a client.

Unusual? No.

I gave him a haircut.

Unusual? Not a bit.

I took him to the front desk, and he paid for his haircut.
Unusual? Not remotely.

He continued rummaging around in his wallet after paying, presumably for a tip (I did a pretty good job on his haircut, if I do say so myself. Haha.).

Unusual? Nope.

I said, "Merry Christmas!" as he continued rummaging in his wallet.

Unusual? At this time of year? Of course not.

And then - and then - AND THEN, he looked up from his wallet, glared at me quite pointedly, shoved his wallet back in his pocket and said, "Happy Holidays," with the most un-cheerful face I ever saw.

Unusual? Why yes. Yes, it is, rather.

I assume I offended him by my use of Christmas.

I was only sorry that he didn't tip me.

You know, some people would have felt really bad, and in their remorse, apologized for the offense or some such nonsense. And in other instances, that would be the proper thing to do. But in this case, I don't feel as if there's anything to be offended at. After all, the holiday IS named "Christmas". And Jesus IS what it's all about. So... how am I to blame for "offending" you if I use the term? It's the name of the holiday, and the reason for the season, so, seriously, get over it.

Just keepin' it real over here.

A Miracle.

Well. What do you know? I'm on again before Christmas. It's a miracle!

What can I say, though? Blogging is addicting. Whenever I start at it again, I'm always very involved, until I run out of time again. Which is often. Which is why I'm not some kind of Blogger junkie or something. Besides which, many times I have nothing to say, for my lack of willingness to spill my guts on the Internet, so to speak. When oftentimes, that's all that would happen if I began to type. The keyboard has the oddest way of drawing the deepest sort of things out of me that I'd rather not share - I have to be careful sometimes. Hm. A bewitching thing, this Internet. Not something to be trifled with, you could get yourself into a lot of trouble with it.

In any case, CBC was a rather grand affair today. There were doughnuts in the morning, accompanied by the lovely Christmas cookies that Darylyn, Katy and I made. And which my mommy decorated for us. Our cookie plan came off beautifully and was quite a success - the cookies were a hit. They were ALL gone by the end of the day. It was free dress, so of course we took lots of pictures. Most of them were quite ridiculous, but I suppose I can put up a few of the better ones. (: I'm sure someone might like to see. Here they are.





Christmas cookies! Aren't they just precious?
Mommy did a good job. (:





Darylyn! (:

 



The group!
Left to right: Me, Claudia, Martha(in the back),
Darylyn, Katy, Cait(in the back), Gabby, Sreyrath. (:

 



I love how barely any of us are looking, haha. (:

 



Claudia, Darylyn & Katy! (:

 I'll post some pictures of our Christmas later. (: After we're done with the craziness, I expect. (:

Merry Christmas, and, in the words of Tiny Tim, "God bless us, everyone!"

Eve of Christmas Eve. (:

It is high time for a new post, I should say. I know at least certain people (cough, cough) would agree.

So... Christmastime. What a difficult season to sum up. The craziness has almost become a way of life - except for I don't seem to ever get used to it.

Right now, I am in the midst of wrapping about a million-and-a-half last-minute Christmas gifts, so they will be ready to unwrap tomorrow when I get home from school. Things around here are finally beginning to slow down, as the kids' wrapping projects are nearly finished now, thank goodness. Two-and-a-half-year-olds with scissors and tape is slightly terrifying - definitely don't try it at home. Ha!

Lately, I've hecka been missing being home all the time. When I started going to school, I was super excited that I wouldn't have to be home all day, every day, because it sometimes gets so mundane, you know? But...after a while, school gets pretty mundane too, and I start wishing I was home again. Ahhhh well, the grass is always greener, eh? Such is life. But especially this time of year, my absolute favorite thing is being with my family, at home, hanging out and doing our little Christmas-ey things that we do every year. And it seriously is so lame not being able to do that. The fact that I don't even have time to decorate Christmas cookies with my mamma irritates me beyond even what I would believe sometimes, haha. It's really... stupid. But, it's what I signed up for. I guess even I didn't know what I was getting into. And honestly, compared to what other people are going through during this Christmas season, that I keep hearing about, I've got it pretty good. I mean, yeah, I'd like to be home more, but hey - I actually have two parents, at least. And four grandparents. And a buttload of cousins. I guess even when I'm bummed out, if I take the time to think about it, even a little bit, I'm pretty dang blessed. (: The Lord is good! He has given me so much more than I deserve.

"O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy endures forever!"

Praise the Lord for sending His Son to die for our sins, to save us from death, to bring us into marvelous light. For giving us life; a reason to live. He is life. I can't even explain how much I love Him for that. ♥

And now, I retreat to bed, for it is late, and tomorrow shall come quicker than I should like. Good night, my loves, and merry Christmas, for I doubt I shall post again before that. (:

PEACE. ♥

December = Christmas Music.

It's December. Officially. Well, like five days ago, anyway.

Which also means... Christmas music! (: My personal favorite part of the season.

I got four Christmas songs by The Fray for free last year. Which was awesome. I've been enjoying those. Since the Fray is awesome, and Christmas music is pretty awesome too. They just make a great combination. (:

Give Thanks... Really?

Dear World:

In case you hadn't noticed, it's Thanksgiving.

Which is a day in which you can set aside your complaining and grumbling and murmuring and lameness and praise the Lord for all the good things He's given to you! And maybe, just maybe... the sentiment could last through the day...? Or is that too much to ask? Sorry... I didn't mean to demand so much of you. Nevermind that, then.

But, since today IS Thanksgiving, you could maybe, at least, try to think of one eensy tiny thing you're thankful for? And just... keep it in your mind today. Everytime you start to grumble or complain about something... remember that one eensy tiny thing that you couldn't live without, and check yourself. And you can just say, "No, you know what, I'm not going to complain about THIS, because God has put THAT in my life and I'm really, really grateful to Him for THAT and I know He'll take care of THIS in His own time..." and maybe, just maybe, something will come of it.

Or maybe we could challenge ourselves. Maybe we could carry the spirit of the day out... and apply it to our lives, not as some superficial "thank you Lord for all You do for me" sort of thing, although that's a great sentiment, but to really apply it and put it in our hearts and meditate on the good He HAS done for us and to really let that affect our lives. Maybe...

Happy Thanksgiving, kiddos(: May the Lord bless every one of you.

Good Stuff.

Tonight, I made the decision to skip a spa party at a friend's house and go to Team56.

I don't know if I've ever been so happy with a decision before.

It was amazing.

The Lord's presence was there tonight. It was so sick.

Anyways. Really good night.

Real good.

Love that.

♥

A Perky Post.

Hello there.

I want to post something perky, even though today hasn't been very much so.

How 'bout a happy song.

Smile for a while like it's goin' outta style. Show a grin, just begin, and your worries start to thin. Then your face will start to show it and you'll laugh before you know it. Hurry now, before you blow it. Start to smile! (:

Heaven Sakes Kids. Does it every time. (:

Gotta love it.

Another Apology, & Daylight Savings Time Ends.

Hello there, faithful ones.

I've made an important decision.

Want to know what it is? Of course you do. It's this:

I will not make any commitments or promises that I can't/won't/might-not-be-able-to keep anymore.

This way, I won't have to constantly apologize to you and everyone else on the face of the earth when I let them down in some way or other, because I heap too much "on my plate," so to speak. Because I really hate that. The feeling of having let someone down.

There's this thing in me (maybe in everyone, but I know it's in me) that is this intense desire to please... to live up to the expectations of the people I respect and/or love. It doesn't really play out so much as far as like giving in to peer pressure and wanting to fit in; no, that's a different story entirely. But I'm talking about being and doing anything and everything that's expected of you. I'm talking about never disappointing someone. Never letting them down. Always being there for people, always providing what they need. And my constant failure in this area (I am only human, I mean... I fail a lot) gets me rather down sometimes. When I'm constantly NOT being what I should be. It's like I feel like I should be perfect, and I'm not. Obviously, I'm not. It's a lesson the Lord's been teaching me lately, I guess. That by His grace I am who I am, and He is working in me to make me who He wants me to be, and His expectations are the only ones I need to live up to. Because sometimes, people's expectations can be higher than what I can attain right now. And there's nothing I can do about that, I just need to keep my focus in the right place. On Him.

Speaking of focus. I've struggled lately with some contentment issues, and a desire to see the "big picture" of what God's doing with my life. Funny thing about that is, even though that is the desire of my heart right now, God isn't seeing fit to show me that. Maybe - probably - I'm not ready to know those things yet. I still need to grow in Him, learn about submission and love and self-sacrifice. I need to understand more deeply who He is, learn the beat of His heart, the depth of His love. Sixteen years can't always teach you that. And I don't believe I'm there yet.

Anyways. Back to the point. Contentment issues.

I've been reading this book. Emotional Purity. Heather Arnel Paulsen. Great author, great book. Everyone should read it. But there's this passage from it that I want to share.

"A key to having a deep personal relationship with God is contentment. Why? Easy. When you are fully content, you say that you are 100 percent totally willing to accept whatever God wants to throw your way - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Look at Jesus' heart of contentment toward the Father:

'Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.' Philippians 2:5-8

Once you fully let go of yourself, you take on the attitude of Christ Jesus. Jesus may have wanted the "cup" of suffering to be taken from Him (Matthew 26:39), but He went all the way to death to prove His trust in the Father's plans.

Many of us are familiar with Philippians 4:11, where Paul tells us he had "learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Notice the word learned. He did not just - poof! - understand contentment. He learned to be satisfied in God's private classroom of life. When Paul released what he wanted, he found gratification. Even when he was shipwrecked, beaten, and jailed for the sake of Christ, he found contentment. He learned to release his will, to die to his desires, and to live for Christ. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Paul knew that death to self is truly living for Christ.

We cannot have godliness without contentment. "Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment" (1 Timothy 6:6, italics mine). The rich man in Luke 12:13-21 was not content with what he had. He planned to build more barns and have good years ahead of him. Yet that very night God required his soul. How much could he have done for the Lord had he found satisfaction with what he had? Unfortunately, we will never know. What a regretful statement. Often many of us are not content with our lot. When we are dissatisfied, we may be unable to see what God would want for us. This focus on ourselves keeps us from seeing God's blessings in out lives."

Um... hello! Major wakeup call, for me anyways. I love that she stresses how Paul learned contentment. It makes me feel better when I think how I haven't learned it quite yet. But I'm learning, and growing, so it's okay! (:

In any case.

Tomorrow, Daylight Savings Time ends. SO. Make sure you set your clocks BACK exactly ONE hour! (:

This is one day that I don't mind... I get to sleep for an extra hour, hurra! Especially nice because it's Saturday night, so it gives me extra rest for Sunday. So, so, so nice. (:

Goodnight, my loves. Thanks for dropping in. (:

Election... Over.

Well, everyone, the poll has closed, with two votes to its pitiful name. Poor little poll-booth. No one liked it very much. They didn't even vote. They probably didn't even look at it. Dear, dear. Oh well.

At least the two votes were cast in the self-same direction: to post all my catch-up photos in one long post. So that is what I shall do... tomorrow.

It's Like a Poll Booth!

Well, now, the poll has been created.

You now have until 11:59 on October the second to cast your official vote. I'd give you longer, but I can't afford to get TOO far behind.

I appreciate your loving support. :)

An Election of Sorts.

Hello, dear ones. :)

Fiddlesticks, here I am again.

Basically, this is my official apology for getting so behind. My Facebook has stayed better updated than this poor, failing blog, much to my dismay. It's just so much more time consuming to post on here. Ugh. I swore to myself last time that I wasn't going to get behind! But I have... and it's going to take a while to catch up.

So I'd like your opinion : what should I do?

Should I...

a) Post each day that I haven't done, separately, like I have been doing all along,

b) Post all the days that I've missed together in one GIGANTIC long post, or

c) Not catch up at all?

Tell me, tell me! I need your votes... Sort of like an election. :)

It's very important! VOTE, VOTE, VOTE! :)

P.S. I think I shall make a poll for my sidebar. Check it out, and make sure to cast your vote. :)

Day 26.

Day 26. 9/11/10. Patriot Day.

 

"If I could rewind, watch all my life just pass me by, I could see you. If I could rewind, I'd take back the lies and all of those times I hurt you..."

Nine years ago, terrorists flew planes into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, killing thousands of innocent Americans. I remember that morning. I remember wondering why my mom was so upset. I was only seven... It makes me wonder what would drive someone to do something like that. Then again... I am so proud of all of the people who gave their lives, fighting for what is theirs, and ours. Fighting for the lives of so many people. Their service to our country is... I can't even imagine doing what they have done. I respect those people so much.

Day 25.

Day 25. 9/10/10. National Suicide Prevention Day.

"Waking up to another dark morning. People are mourning, the weather in life outside is storming. But what would it take for the clouds to break, for us to realize this day is a gift somehow, someway? And get our heads up out of this darkness, and spark this new mindset and start to live life cause it ain't gone yet. And tragedy's a reminder to take off the blinders and wake up and live the life we're supposed to take up. Moving forward with all our heads up, 'cause life is worth living."

TWLOHA - represent. Such an amazing cause to me. It's crazy... suicide affects so many. Really. It reaches far beyond the people who actually knew the person. I willingly support organizations who strive to prevent that. It's mind-blowing to me.

Team56 was great tonight. :) Such a blessing...

"We live, we love, we forgive and never give up. 'Cause the days we are given are gifts from above, and today we remember to live and to love."

Day 24.

Day 24. 9/9/10.

"I could be your sunshine girl..."

Today I got to wear my new t-shirt - all day long. I didn't take it off all day. I even wore it to sign language class and the grocery store. I was so proud of it. I was basically beaming all day. People probably looked at me like, 'What the HECK is that girl smiling about?!" because I was so happy. Just kidding, it probably wasn't quite THAT obvious. But today was pretty dang peachy, nevertheless.

Day 23.

Day 23. 9/8/10.

"I will sing of Your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy."

Today was very... mixed.

On one hand, I got my kit and my t-shirt, and I was completely ecstatic about that. :D

On the other hand, warfare was insane today. I was in and out of wierdly lame moods and was arguing with everyone.

On the other other hand, Bible study was amazing, although it began rather depressing, it ended with an amazingly hopeful message and it was SUPER powerful. Plus Team56 went great. Love the kids and our group is huge this year!

So yes... an odd day. We shall see, we shall see...

Day 22.

Day 22.

"Fully alive, more than most. Ready to smile and love life. Fully alive, and she knows how to believe in futures."

Today, I finished my testing, and... hip-hip-hooray! I passed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am unbelievably excited. That is, I've passed the practical section. I find out about the written hopefully tomorrow, but I have good faith. The teacher read us nearly all the answers today after we finished, and I only missed 3 or 4. Out of like 30 I could miss and still pass. So I'm not really worried. And I AM dang excited!!! :D Seriously... I was jumping up and down, I was so ridiculously stoked. People probably thought I was crazy or something.

Plus Fish and I were pretty excited about our matching Converse today. :) Cool, huh? We know. :)

My camera's much too slow to get a good jumping picture, but oh well. This is about as good as it gets when I have to work as primitively as I do. Camera balanced on top of my guitar case, me running over to set the timer, pressing the button, dashing back over to where I *think* the camera's pointed, and then jumping up and down like crazy, and hoping that in at least one out of the five pictures it'll take at a time, my feet will be off the ground. Let me tell you, it took some time. Ha! The things I have to do to take a picture... and it doesn't even turn out good. :P

"O happiness!!!!"

Day 21.

Day 21.

"All you have to do is breathe."

I love this picture. His baby hand reaching for my phone. :) Adorable.

Labor day picnic at church today. A million people were baptized - the sweetest thing in the world. :) I love that; so many people stepping out and making their public profession of faith and love for Christ. As Caydin so profoundly stated last night, "It's happy!"

Edward missed Martin today, as he was home, tucked in the closet. But, I must say, I enjoyed my time with Martin, and his lovely owner as well, of course.

Besides which, it has been decided that the only way to go through a dessert line is with a friend. That way, you can split everything in half and therefore try as many things as you want and still have only half the chocolate on your plate as you would have had otherwise. :)

And, hacking Sister's Facebook is fun, especially when silly people believe you and then attempt to deny afterwards. :)

What a lovely three day weekend this has been. I dread going back to school tomorrow. But the weekend has been splendid, and I shan't spoil it by being upset or frustrated with the fact that school seems so neverending, and it's always there to go back to.

Nevertheless, tomorrow shall be a day of its own, not included in the "lovely weekend" category, that's certain.

Holiday Informer. :)

Today is Labor Day.

I like to inform everyone of current holidays, in case anyone might have forgotten. And then, they might get on this blog, and they might look at the newest post, and suddenly a lightbulb might pop on in their head, and they might say, "Oh my word, today might be Labor Day!" And then one more person would be informed. About today being Labor Day. Of course, it could apply to any holiday; you know, Christmas, or New Year's. Halloween, even.

When I die, they'll remember me as the one who kept the world informed of all it's holidays.

Day 20.

Day 20.

"Rock what you got, rock what you got, don't ever let them make you stop. Rock what you got, light up the lot. No one can rock the way you rock."

First service today for once in forever. :)

Eliot's party... fun fun fun. Plus chocolate cake. :)

Another Sunday night with the most adorable children whom I love. More "don't got it," and a discussion on the most disgusting things we'd ever eaten. I think the worst was dog poo. I'm not really sure why any normal kid would eat that, but uhhh...to each his own, I suppose. Caydin and Shane are my most favorite 3rd grade boys ever. But don't tell, because teachers aren't supposed to have favorites. ;)

"A baby whale-shark can open its mouth so wide, it could swallow a kid. Or maybe even an adult, but... prob'ly not the fattest priest in the world." Oh Shane... I'd love to know where you come up with this stuff.

Plus Robin Hood at home after church... :) Mhmmm.