Day 12: What Christmas is Really About

Starting a few days ago, I have been teaching Faith about THE Christmas story. I've really enjoyed doing it, because it's so exciting to see her learning and understanding. She has blown me away with everything that she has retained, Faith is just a sponge. She can tell you the parents of baby Jesus, why He came to earth ("for His plan of demption" redemption :)), and most other facts of the story...quite impressive for a two year old. Today, in the midst of all the presents and attention she was given, she took me by surprise again.

Most little kids, especially ones who are experiencing the first Christmas they'll understand and remember, are going to be focused on all of the things going on, and forgetting almost anything else. But in a rare quiet moment, I asked her if she could tell me what Christmas was really about, and she answered "BABY JESUS IS BORN!". It amazes me how she could keep that focus. Now of course, for the most part these are all facts to her, she doesn't fully understand, but she knows, and gets excited while talking about it. She makes me so proud, and in some ways, I strive to be like her. It is so easy to get caught up in the busy hustle and bustle all Christmas season, especially Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but my little sister (of all people :)) is such a wonderful reminder to me to keep my mindset where it belongs. There were definitely times I needed that.

Remembering the true "reason for the season" as they say, really changes everything. It takes Christmas from a possibly selfish or unpleasant holiday, and turns it into a celebration about the humble birth of the Jesus Christ, with whom comes redemption of sins. Truly an incredible thing, just by changing your focus. So I am  very thankful for a little (literally) reminder of where I need to keep my heart set this year! And that concludes my 12 days of Christmas series!

Day 11: A Christmas Present

I would say this Christmas, is the best yet :) Nothing extra special has happened, nor has anything especially bad in the past, this one is just better. I say this, because every year, things are just a little better. Whether it's trials that have taught us, or additions to life that have changed things...things just keep getting better.

There are a few things specifically different this year. First and most important, my family and I continue to grow spiritually, an enormous blessing. This year has brought many of those changes. Secondly, we have some new members to our family! My sister's boyfriend Carson, and their daughter Taryn, as well as My Aunt Sandi are new for the most part to our lives this year. I'm so thankful for the big family that I have, that is constantly growing! And thirdly, we've grown closer to important friends and people in our lives. These past few years have brought amazing new friendships to our whole family, and this last year has strengthened them.

Looking back on this year, I feel much gratitude. Not everything was rainbows and roses, but that is never the case. God is still in control of everything, using it all for His glory*...and that fact has become even more apparent as the year passed. A few Sundays ago, during advent we studied how "Emmanuel", God with us, means that He is with us, always. Isaiah 45 "I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the LORD, who does all these things". Knowing that has changed my outlook on several things, and is such a blessing. That is why this year was better than all the rest :)

*Daniel 2: 20-22 "Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might
He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding;
He reveals deep and hidden things, He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him"
(Such a testament to His sovereignty! The whole book of Daniel revolves around that fact-that He is sovereign above all)

Day 10: A Christmas Past

I feel extremely sentimental looking at this picture. It is from Christmas 2008. I don't remember everything about this year, because I was just 9 that Christmas, but I remember bits and pieces.

The day we took this picture was hectic. Joe and Mom went to a movie together, "The Polar Express", it was his first movie in theaters. When they got back we were going to take the picture. I remember frantically trying to find my lip gloss before we had to get situated, and I remember Mom having difficulty doing Gracie's hair. I remember losing what I felt was all my teeth and hating the pictures. I also remember this being the last Christmas I had on earth with my baby sister.

This picture wasn't taken on Christmas Day, but on Christmas Day of this year I recall a few other things. That year we got quite a bit of snow. It wasn't very bad when we were driving up to Scottsbluff for family dinner, but greatly increased while we were there. We left my Aunt and Uncle's house early due to the storm. Gracie's car seat was in the last row, on the middle seat. I do not remember who sat on the other side of her, but I was on one. The snow got heavier and heavier the closer we got to home, and I remember holding Gracie's hand, while she slept peacefully. I was briefly scared, but then reassured when I thought of how experienced and talented my Daddy is at driving. Having a seasoned truck driver guiding our car through the storm, I wasn't worried for long. I remember bundling everybody up to get inside the house, and being happily relieved to arrive home.

That is where my memories of the year end. Of course I remember more about Christmases in general, but the years in my childhood are somewhat blurred together. And although I am not being visited by 3 ghosts, there's my story of a Christmas past.

Day 9: Why I Won't Have Santa in My Home

Yes, I am only 15..and it's absolutely true that I have years before I will be implementing this (Lord willing)...but I have a very strong opinion about it, even now. I will not have Santa Clause in my home. My children will not believe in him, and he will not be "bringing them presents". I have 5 main reasons why. The first one is...

1. Santa is NOT omniscient

"He sees you when you're sleeping, he knows if you're awake...he knows when you've been bad or good..." Are you serious? I used to sing this song all the time as a child, and now, it just makes me angry. Nobody can look at that and honestly say that it doesn't scream omniscience. GOD, and only God, is omniscient. No ifs, ands, or buts. Why would I willingly teach my children such awful theology? That is 100% wrong, Santa does not watch over you. 

2. Where is the Focus?

I grew up believing in Santa Clause. Yes, I do have fond memories of the excitement and magic that came with Christmastime, but it was all about one thing. You guessed it... presents. Gifts should be far from your first focus on Christmas, and throughout the whole year...so knowing exactly where it will place priorities, it would be completely contradicting. If I were trying to teach my children why we celebrate Christmas, and what it is really about...why would I do that? It is so backwards. 

3. Why lie?

This one puzzles me. I can understand that it's traditional, and an attempt to make Christmas magical...and I'm not necessarily saying that parents who implement Santa are wrong. But when you're teaching children to obey God, truth telling is a part of that...it makes no sense to lie to them, while teaching them to tell the truth. I have seen children hold that over parents' heads (which is not right, and ridiculous. I'm not supporting that act of disrespect) but what do you expect them to think when you've willingly been a hypocrite? I want to avoid that at all costs. I don't care how often I hear that "its not really lying if it's for them" or "what's a little white lie when it brings joy?"...lying is lying. There's no reason that you can't explain to them (like my mom has said before) "Santa Clause was a nice man, long ago, who gave presents to children who didn't have any...but we are thankful to have the means to provide gifts for you." Christmas can be just as magical and exciting, without a certain person being the giver of gifts...because once again, that just destroys the focus.

4. How Easily it Can Become a Discipline Resort

I'm not a parent, but I can say with confidence, that if I decided to implement Santa in my home, even if it were just once in a while...it could, to my fault, become a resort with discipline. I don't want to give myself that ability, especially because I so passionately disagree with him "watching over you". If you are trying to get them to behave by reminding them that "Santa can see you" or "remember the naughty and nice list"...that's using something mythical for discipline, and I will not do that. 

5."Santa Clause" brings earthly gifts, but JESUS brings an eternal gift

The beloved and popular gift giver around Christmas time, is not who it should be. Instead of the attention being rightfully given, it goes to a fictional character that turns into an idol this time of year. That drives me nuts. We celebrate Christmas because the beautiful Savior came to earth in the most humble way, the King of Kings brought salvation, the Lord God sent His Son to die, all for His plan of redemption. Santa is not in that picture. Sure, I enjoy things like "The Santa Clause" movies with Tim Allen, and most other popular Christmas movies, but that is NOT what this time of year is about. The attention is due somewhere far from there. I am definitely guilty of not having proper priorities on Christmas, who isn't? As humans it's impossible to always have those where they belong..but it's important to try, and try hard. I don't want to purposefully hinder my own, and my children's focus and priorities. I will teach them of the one who brings eternal life, not toy trains. 

Hopefully none of this sounded condescending or harsh. I am not calling out parents who use Santa, that's not even my place. I just feel very strongly and passionately on Jesus Christ being the center of Christmas, because that is how it should be. 

Day 8: My Favorite Christmas Song

As I am sitting here, sipping on"Cinnamon Apple Spice Tea" (which every person in the world should drink) I realized, with my indecisive self, and all of the amazing Christmas songs out there...it is ridiculous to attempt secluding one as my favorite. It simply cannot be done. So I am going to list my favorite 3...it's the only way I shall be satisfied :) I guess my title is misleading now...buuuut I won't change it, because it matches the other "My favorites" and..well...yeah..I am a little OCD :) So here are my top 3...In no particular order.

1. Carol of The Bells, performed by Barlowgirl

Not only is this song stunningly beautiful, it reminds me of the magical time that Christmas is. It's such a wonderful representative of the joy found from the Savior's birth. I'm know this is a widely popular song, and no doubt is a favorite to many, but there has always been something about it for me.

2. Mary Did You Know, performed by Kutless

I absolutely love this song. It really displays just how powerful Jesus was, inside of a small baby. Because of the hypo-static union, He was 100% God and 100% man, and this song always reminds me of that. This baby we speak of, was not just an ordinary baby. Not just the cute little head swaddled inside of a blanket in a manger that we see in so many nativity scenes...but the Son of God. Not something to be overlooked or forgotten.

3. I Celebrate the Day, by Relient K

This song is quite possibly my very favorite, every time I hear it, it astounds me. My favorite line is "I celebrate the day, that you were born to die". So heavy, but just dripping with truth and maybe for some, conviction. We celebrate Christmas because Jesus was born, but not just that, but because He was born to die. He took on the sin of the world to forgive yours, and THAT is why Christmas exists. NOT because of Santa, or trees and lights, or gifts...but because it's a yearly reminder of Our Great God who came to earth in the most humble way, to save us from our sins. That is why this song is such a favorite of mine.

Now that I have shared 8 posts about some of "My Favorites" of the Christmas Season...I will end my 12 days with 4 entries that are on other topics. All still Christmas related, but I'll ramble no longer about my favorite things...and now I'm wondering why this is the first time while writing one of my "favorites" posts that I have had the line "These are a few of my favorite things" from the musical "The Sound of Music" come into my head..."CHRIIIIIIISTMAS MONKEY CHRISTMAS MONKEY, no one sung about Christmas Monkey, Christmas Monkey needs a song, it's been that way for much too long".. and that was so off topic that I would've lost points if I were in school....Ok I think I'm done now :) So there's my top 3 Christmas songs! :)

Day 7: My Favorite Christmas Story

It is probably expected that I write about THE Christmas Story...as in Jesus's birth, but I am not going to. Reason being, that is NOT  "a story". It happened. That was real. Jesus's birth is part of History (a significantly important part as well). So seeing as I do not consider that a story, I will not write about it...in this post. Though I will have one dedicated to the whole reason we celebrate this Holiday.

Every time I type and see the words "My Favorite Christmas Story"...all I can think about is one thing. There is a song called "His Favorite Christmas Story". It's not the most special or heartwarming of Christmas Stories, but seeing as I'm so indecisive, and the fact that it keeps popping up in my mind, I think it will do :) So here's the song..

I hadn't seen this video until searching for a version of the song to link here, though it is cute. I love this song, probably because I'm a hopeless romantic :) It's just adorable, and magical. It reminds me of Cinderella in a sense, and even a sort of "pay-it-forward" situation, because of all the kindness being shown. My mom actually thinks it's cheesy, and no doubt some others do as well, but I think it is so sweet. I also have fond memories of this song, our Youth Group Band sang it for 2 years at our Christmas Program. Some of the older members who have graduated now were in the band at that time, and we always had such fun at practices. Singing in the band is still awesome, but I do miss them. This song reminds me of those times.

So although I'm sure there's much better Christmas Stories out there, I chose this particular one for good reason :)

Day 6: My Favorite Christmas Recipe

Polar Express Hot Chocolate!! This is definitely my favorite Christmas Recipe...it's absolutely delicious. Last year Mom started a new tradition, that I'm sure she's still tweaking a little, but it's so fun. We get into our pajamas, receive our cups of this hot chocolate, pack into the car and drive around to look at lights. I really enjoy this time, it just feels so much like Christmas. Not to mention when I drink it, I feel like bursting into song with "Hot Chocolate" from the movie....yeah it's awesome :) 

So here it is!...

1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
6 cups milk
2 tsp vanilla
Optional: whip cream and marshmallows to top it off

1.  In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan combine sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips over medium heat. Stir constantly until chocolate is completely melted and smooth.  Add whipping cream, milk, and vanilla, whisking mixture together till smooth and completely combined.  Serve warm with whip cream or marshmallows. Enjoy!

Day 5: My Favorite Gift to Have Received

If we were talking overall, any gift...ever. I would definitely say the gift of eternal life. That means most to me. But seeing as I am doing this as a Christmas series, I will write about my favorite Christmas gift I have ever received.

When I was in second grade, my teacher started reading "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" aloud to us after lunch recess, to calm the class down before we returned to schoolwork. This quickly became my favorite time of the day. I was enveloped in the story, I dreaded waiting a whole day, and on the weekends, I definitely was ready for Monday to roll around to hear more. We had been reading it for about a month before Christmas break, and the gap between then and school resuming seemed far too long.

I do not remember asking for it, but sure enough they knew, and on Christmas day I received the first three books in the Harry Potter series from my parents. What I do remember is reading all break long, and almost finishing the book before I got back to school. I excitedly told my teacher, and she was proud of me, I loved that.

Before that point, I did enjoy reading. My mom tells stories of how before I could actually read, I would notice if you were reading my favorite book aloud to me and skipped words. But I would never have considered myself a book worm, not until then at least :) That book- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone- sparked my love for reading. I devoured the rest of the series, hating the wait between books being released. Of course in-between those, I read other things as well, and it turned into a big part of me.

I grew up with Harry Potter. The characters feel like family. When I look back on times in my life, I can most likely tell you which book I was reading or waiting on at the time. An example of my love for the series, is about a week ago, when I was watching movies with my brother. We decided to watch the last movie in this series, and at a specific part, one I have briefly discussed in my "tea party" blog entry..I was completely reduced to tears. Literally, I was sobbing. My brother thought it was ridiculous, but it only made sense to me...Harry Potter (not the character but the story as a whole) is a part of me.

Not only this, but many other books have been a love of mine. Reading is one of my favorite past times. I love to disappear into an alternate world, or an event in History.

My desire and delight found in studying the Bible, I will not accredit to Harry Potter, because I would have zero desire without a beautiful Savior, though I would say the vast majority of all else started there. So in conclusion, I guess I have more thanks to give to my parents, for starting such an important thing to me :)

Day 4: My Favorite Gift I Have Ever Given

Last year for Christmas I had no clue what to get for my brother. Being the only boy in our family, and no longer little, I was pretty lost. I did not want to give him another video game to support more time in front of a screen, but I had no further guesses as to what he wanted. I also did not want to go the boring route and get him clothes...I would win a lame sister award coming from an 11 year old boy :)

That's when I got an idea, inspired by Pinterest, but not exactly put. I decided to get him different items, that were to be used specifically for certain activities we would do together. For example, one was boxes of candy and popcorn for a movie together, another was sodas for our favorite game, and one was an IOU for a lunch date. I put together 12 different combinations (all including food...after all, a man's heart is reached through his stomach :)) and made a master list of all the purposes for the items.

Naturally we didn't get through them all, and some were used for other purposes, but the ones that we did do together, were really great. Memories were made through it, and that's what matters to me.

I obviously won't be advertising what I got him as a gift this year...but I'm hoping to have some similar experiences shared through it, now knowing how wonderful doing something like that can be :)

Day 3: My favorite Christmas movie

Today while at Sam's club with my mom, they had a movie playing on their TV display as most businesses do. I was highly tempted to hang out in front of them and watch it, because it was my very favorite Christmas movie...Elf!

I know many people who think it is stupid, or childish...but goodness gracious I absolutely love that movie :) It is about a human, who was raised by elves, and leaves the North Pole in search of his human father when he finds out that he is not an elf. Buddy is not accustomed to life outside of the North Pole, let along NYC, his experiences are absolutely comical. Buddy the Elf is one of my favorite characters ever! Not to mention half of it is dry humor, which is totally me. I would say my favorite scene is when he is singing inside of the girl's locker room while the girl is showering. The woman showering is singing a song, and he joins in with her, singing the male part. She doesn't realize he is singing with her for a while, and it is downright hilarious, plus it is a wonderful song :)

I find Elf absolutely delightfully hilarious, certain scenes make tears run down my face from laughter. I don't think that it will ever get old for me :)

Day 2: My Favorite Part about Christmas Decorating

I absolutely love the time of year when everything is lit up with lights and decorations for Christmastime, it is just spectacular. Walking into businesses and driving down roads, or being inside houses that are covered with festivity, make everything magical. It truly is "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" :)

I've lived in the same house ever since I can remember, we moved into it when I was 2, and it is big. That means there's an excuse to decorate all over the place, and that's what we do! So I would say that my favorite part about Christmas Decorating, now, would be our Victorian village that we set up. Little houses with people and scenes from...you guessed it, a Victorian village :) It's beautiful, and I remember (and still do) looking at everything lit up, and imagining those little glass people running around their picturesque town. My favorite building in the village is a two story house, with a family inside. Someone is at the piano, there's children and adults, and dancing...just looking at it, makes them come to life in my imagination.

My favorite part about Christmas decorating from the past, would be a princess Christmas tree I used to have in my bedroom. I remember the days we would decorate, I'd have to clean my room... and no matter how much I didn't like that chore, I did it so my tree could go up. It was a purple tree, and I had ornaments with princess faces on them. After it was all set up, I would use every excuse to make my room dark so the lights would shine...I remember one time trying (and failing) to color a picture by the light of my tree, I loved that thing :)

And now I have 2 days down...10 to go! :)

Day 1: My Favorite Christmas Tradition

As I embark on this 12 day writing challenge, I will start with my first 8 days being  "My Favorites" about Christmas, the first day being, a favorite Christmas tradition of mine.

Only for about 4 years now has this been a tradition, but I look forward to it every year. Cinnamon rolls, but not the rolls themselves, but the making them. My dad and I, sometimes another sibling as well, make cinnamon rolls on Christmas Eve for the next morning. There's usually a Christmas-y movie on (our kitchen counter faces the T.V. in the living room, the two rooms are connected as one big room) and it's just a fun time.

The reason I look forward to this every year, is because it's a really great time with my daddy. I love to cook with him, and this is a particular favorite of mine because of all the additional excitement that comes with Christmas Eve. As we roll out the dough, get gooey buttery hands, sprinkle ingredients and cut up the rolls, I just love it, because not only is there an amazing homemade pastry coming out of it, but I get to be with my family.

There is also the detail of eating just about all of my stomach's content worth of the rolls on Christmas morning, along with everyone else. I remember when I was younger and my brother and I would get up really early because of excitement, and while we waited the hours until the rest of our family was awake, we would eat the rolls that were made by mom and dad, and impatiently tried to pass time by talking about what we thought we were getting. That would be another beloved tradition of mine, the time Joe and I spend together the night before and early morning.

We would sleep in my room the night before, barely able to fall asleep, and when we finally did, one of us seemed to wake up hourly, checking the clock to see if we could get up yet. When it was our allowed time to get out of bed (mom would give us a time, it changed over some years, that we had to stay in bed until) we would rush into the living room, and under the bright tree we would open our stockings and enjoy the presents inside them, until the family was all awake and we could unwrap packages. I have very fond memories of Christmas morning as a child.

So although I wrote about two favorite things instead of one...here's my kickoff to the 12 Days of Christmas! :)

An Ideal Tea Party

I've seen a writing prompt before, in several different slight variations, that says something like "suppose you're having a dinner party, what 5 people would you invite (dead/alive/fictional/real) and why?". Weeeeell I'd much rather have a tea party, especially given the people I would chose :) So here it is!

In no particular order, here is who I would invite to my Tea Party: C.S. Lewis, The Doctor (from Doctor Who), Corrie Ten Boom, Job (from the Bible), and Severus Snape (from Harry Potter).

My reasoning for each of them is...

C.S. Lewis: Such a profound and wise man, I would feel very honored to listen to. Just to read writing and quotes of his, inspire reflection and provoke thought. Honestly, if given the choice, I would want to have coffee with just him, I could just listen and listen, and no doubt ask questions. C.S. would definitely be a first choice of mine.

The Doctor: If anything can get me acting like a fan-girl, the Doctor would definitely be one of them. Not any actor that plays him, but the character itself. A madman in a blue box :) A man who has traveled space and time, fought countless evils, and saved so much good. With a painful past, but the strength to carry on. I would love to hear all about other worlds, creatures, and adventures...as well as the things that made him the way he is. If the Doctor were an actual man, he would certainly be at my tea party.

Corrie Ten Boom: This woman, was incredible. Read her book, it's called "The Hiding Place" seriously, read it. If you have a heart you will weep, but that's a small price to pay for all of the wisdom and good theology packed into that book. Reading it gives you a very incredible picture of God's sovereignty, but I can only imagine what it would be like to hear the stories from her first-hand, wow..just wow.

Job: Talk about a good example of thankfulness! I would love to hear from Job, post-whirlwind :) A very brief summary of the book of Job is: a man in a very deep grief because he has lost everything but his own life and his God, who basically whines and moans and grieves. He has four influences, three trying to convince him of theories they have as to why this has happened, and one who is rebuking all three. After many chapters of this, God appears in a whirlwind, and tells Job (in a very very light paraphrase) "Step up, be a man, and answer me when I speak to you",He challenges Job, and proves Himself the more powerful one and fully sovereign. It's a great book, one of my favorites, but I would just love to hear about how Job's life had been changed after witnessing God, firsthand, speak of his attributes, and going through so much for such a valuable lesson.

Severus Snape: I can honestly say that he is my favorite character of the Harry Potter series. I have not always thought so, because his true nature isn't revealed until the last couple books of the series, but overall, he definitely is. Such dedication, love, and sacrifice was displayed by him. But not only is he fictional, but he is dead *cue weeping*. Though, to hear his side of the story on more than was written in the stories, would make me so happy. My very favorite word of the entire series is "Always" and it is spoken by him...it can easily reduce me to tears. I grew up with the Harry Potter series, I can relate many times in my life to which one I was reading at the time, and I learned alot of valuable lessons from it. I would recommend anybody read them.

Now that I have described the best tea party ever...I'm probably going to think of more people that I deem more invite worthy than the ones before...but that's just my indecisive personality. So as of the moment, these would be the top five people I would want at my ideal tea party :) 

He is "Already There"

From where I'm standing
Lord it's so hard for me to see
Where this is going
And where You're leading me
I wish I knew how
All my fears and all my questions
Are gonna play out
In a world I can't control

When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there

From where You're standing
Lord, You see a grand design
That You imagined
When You breathed me into life
And all the chaos
Comes together in Your hands
Like a masterpiece
Of Your picture perfect plan
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
I can't wait to enjoy the view
And see how all the pieces fit [x2]

One day I'll stand before You
And look back on the life I've lived
Cause You're already there
You're already there
When I'm lost in the mystery
To You my future is a memory
Cause You're already there
You're already there
Standing at the end of my life
Waiting on the other side
And You're already there
You're already there
You are already there

Those are the lyrics to a song called "Already There" by Casting Crowns. Here's the link if you're interested in hearing it :) Click here to hear "Already There" You may be wondering why I chose this song, if it didn't already strike you as incredible. 

I believe there is a big problem today, with music. I'm not talking about how secular it is, or things like that (though those things are an issue). But I am talking about how people mindlessly listen. How many songs can you think of (I'm guilty as well) that you heard for the billionth time, knew most of the words, and were struck off guard to actually find out what it meant? I'm sure at least a few, and more that are unnoticed. Not only with songs that may be exalting things that are not worthy, or speaking wrongly of topics, but also with praise and worship songs. Sometimes there may be something incorrect, or even bad theology, and it's something to be cautious of. 

About a year ago, I started trying to pay more attention to what I was listening and singing along with. I have found a few songs that I caught a word or two in that didn't sit well with me, and I disagreed with. I am glad that I had been attentive enough to notice, because I'd much rather know, then sing word for word along with something that I actually did not believe. 

In my venture to make this change, I have come across several songs that are genuinely beautiful. I mean stop you in your tracks, think about it all day, beautiful. Meaningful and true and packed with good theology. This song would be one of them. It's incredibly comforting as well. 

I have put the words You're Already There in bold, every time they're said in the song. This emphasis is because it is such a true thing. God is already there. No matter what is going on in your life, no matter how hard things may be, and no matter how completely out of control they may seem, He is looking on it with a perfect plan, already ordained before you were even born. This perfect plan cannot be wavered or changed or altered. "Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand." Proverbs 19:21  We cannot do anything to mess up this plan, even being the D.R.F.S.S.S. that we are, we still cannot alter or change God's plan. I continue to be amazed at that fact, over and over. 

 There is another line that says "To you the future is a memory". How wonderfully and amazingly true that is. God knows what will happen. Destiny, fate, karma, all of those things are complete rubbish (oh I love that word). Now there are certainly things such as consequences, and God's plan for your life, but they are not random, or coincidences. God is in control. Bottom line. He is sovereign and powerful. The whole first verse reflects this thought. Even with the knowledge that God is in complete control, we can still forget, or push it to the back of our mind. Things can still be very hard, and when it seems there isn't a reason in the world, and it's all without intent, it's a good reminder. Because what could be more comforting than knowing that a perfect, patient, just, good, loving, and righteous God of the universe is in control, even of the difficult times.

Another noteworthy part of the song is "And all the chaos comes together in Your hands like a masterpiece, of Your picture perfect plan" this is yet another picture of God's great sovereignty. Picture perfect plan. I have to just let that soak in every time I think about it, wow. Anything that has ever or will ever happen to you is in the palm of His hand, and he uses it for His masterpiece, the further glorification of Himself. 

Casting Crowns have many other very true, beautiful and thought provoking songs, some of which are on the same album as this, "Come to the Well", and I would encourage anyone to listen. They are definitely a favorite artist of mine. 

The Big 4

It is with great excitement that I write this entry, because I have been waiting for it! The topic I will write about it fairly new to my life, but it is really important to me. So here goes! :)

Two years ago I was at a winter bible camp, it went over the new year, from 2011-2012. The speaker for the weekend was my current pastor, but not at the time. I remember walking back through the kitchen to grab a bag of skittles from the cooler, near where he and his wife were sitting at a counter talking. When I walked back by him for the second time, on my way out, he stopped me. Not knowing him very well, he intimidated me, so when he told me to stop for a second, I was worried. I thought maybe there had been a misunderstanding and I was in trouble, or whatever other ridiculous things might have been running through my dramatic mind at the time. I was surprised at what actually happened.

Instead of anything that I was thinking, he asked me a shocking question, one that I thought might have been a trick question until it unraveled. He asked me, straightforward and bluntly, "Melany, what kind of man would you like to marry?". Not only was I very confused and shocked, I had no idea how to answer. I could think of some things that I definitely didn't want, but only the faults and negative things that obviously no one is looking for. After contemplating for as long as wouldn't feel awkward, I told him that I didn't know. He said I should think about it for a while, and then made small talk with a friend that had been with me. While they talked I realized, the only thing I knew for sure, non-negotiable that I wanted, was a Christian man. When they finished, I told him, and he just sort of agreed. That was the end of it.

I didn't see him very often at the time, not being an attendant to the same church. The next time I saw him, was when my family did start attending that church. He asked me the same question again. The first time he did, I hadn't really thought about it much afterwards, but this time I really was wondering, what DO I want? So we started talking about it, and he gave me 4 points from the book of Ephesians. We started calling them the "Big 4". I am very very thankful for that, it was awesome for me to learn.
Ephesians 5:25-33 "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. 'Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband." 

This very clearly explains that marriage is an image of Christ and His bride. To love as he loved us, and show that through the unity of the marriage commitment. The four points that the passage explains are the traits of a desirable husband, and what I, without negotiation, am looking for in a future spouse: protect, provide, nourish, and cherish. These are not in order of importance, just how I personally remember them (when teaching this to the junior high girls at Camp Joy last summer, they remembered them by saying "P, P, ish, ish" :)).

1. Protect
This point is one of the less obvious ones, because it is not blatantly pointed out, but it is still said. When it describes how Christ treats the church, and how the said man is to love his wife as himself, it implies protection. You obviously are going to protect yourself, especially if you love yourself (which we all do, in one way or another). And in the beginning of the passage about Christ and his bride, He is protecting "her" by keeping away from "spot or wrinkle or any such things, that she might be holy and without blemish" (27b) A good husband will protect.

2. Provide 
This one is something I'm sure any woman wants, a man who will provide for her and necessarily, their family. A man with an instinct to care for them- no matter what that may mean- is a very desirable trait.
This does not imply that there is anything wrong with a marriage having a wife who works also, the Proverbs 31 woman works and raises money as well, and that is a revered picture of a good wife. No marriage is cookie cutter, some situations may be different, but the fact still stands, that it is finally the man's job to provide.

3. Nourish
This is exactly stated in the Ephesians passage. It tells about how a nourishing husband will work hard to treat his wife as Christ treats us.  A husband who nourishes his wife means everything from helping her in her walk with the Lord (being the head of the household) to things such as valuing and working towards their relationship, not purposefully putting her through anything, but caring about her well being and happiness.

4. Cherish
Most women and girls, have things they want in a man such as: romantic, sweet, thoughtful, ect. and those all fit into this point. A cherishing husband, or potential husband, will also be respectful of things such as your purity. If a man cherishes you, why would he push you into things or provoke anything? But a cherishing man would hold things off, respect you, and treat you as he should. I find this point one that I think about because of how romantic and sweet it is. Cherish is a word you don't hear very often, but it is a beautiful word. Especially how it has been stated in this passage, having a man who cherishes you, holds you dear to him, and loves you more than himself, is such an incredible picture.

I will not settle for anything less than these qualities. I recognize that any man who may have these traits, is also imperfect, but if he is a good Christian man who will protect, provide, nourish, and cherish me, who understands that we are all D.R.F.S.S.S., then he also understands the grace of our Savior, meaning he would work hard daily to meet these qualifications, and that's what I'm looking for :) So now knowing what I want, I also can avoid drama and confusion that often comes from now knowing what you want.

This goes hand in hand with a previous blog entry of mine, I Kissed Dating Goodbye, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to learn and understand these things at a young age, I recognize that it is a huge blessing, and that's why I want to share :)

Homeschooling is the best....for us

A little over a year ago, I made a big and unexpected decision. Late one night, insomnia at play, I had an overwhelming urge to switch to homeschooling. So being the list maker that I am, I soon had a list of the pros and cons that would come with going through with this. Now before I continue, you should know that I was not running away from anything. I was not being bullied. I was not dealing with anything except an extreme dislike for the building I spent hours of my life in every day.

The high school I was attending (during my freshman year) was a building I did not like for a few reasons. One of them being how secular a high school is. You cannot turn a corner there without hearing 15 curse words and the latest gossip, that was quite bothering to me. Another reason being, it robbed me of precious time. I did not get to spend much time with my family at all, and though I'd gone to public school for my entire life until then, it was starting to become painful, literally. I remember specifically one day after lunch, my mom, baby sister, and I had gone out to eat. As we pulled back up to the school I felt a sinking feeling in my chest, and when I had to tell my confused sister that I was leaving again (and that I wouldn't if I had the choice) there was a very heavy and sharp pain in my chest. I dreaded going back. I longed to be with my family and out of that uncomfortable place.

All my years prior in public school, I didn't necessarily dislike it. Of course everybody has years that are overall better than others, but up until then, the past few for me were not bad. I actually had some incredible teachers, wonderful friends, and great extracurricular experiences. Junior High was better for me than most people say it was for them. I did a lot of growing, and though it just simply wasn't in God's plan for our lives, I don't think I would've wanted to home school at that time anyways. I also had grown significantly in my spiritual life the summer prior to high school, and I believe that is a large part of why my school experience changed so much for me.

One thing you should know about me is when I make up my mind, I have made up my mind. I am a very passionate, dedicated, and competitive person, which can be a blessing and a hindrance. In this instance, I am very thankful for that quality of myself, because I don't know if my parents would have been convinced to go through with it were it not for my persistency.

The morning after my sleepless night (as described above) I brought my list and ideas to my mom. I can tell you she was definitely surprised, and did not seem too sure about the idea. She went to my dad, and we all started praying about the matter, diligently. When I had them convinced that I wasn't running from any problems, they started to be ok with my idea. I do not know for sure when they changed their minds, but I am certainly glad they did :)

My closest friends are a home-schooled family, and had been for almost their entire education. So I had some encouraging help, and thankfully some adult friends of my parents that were on my side too :) At that point in time, many things started looking up. My parents were only at the hindrance of finances. The school curriculum we wanted to use (the same as my friends) and the cost of 3 laptops, was not something we could just drop everything and buy...and it was all necessary for us to start. More consistent prayer and big answers to those prayers, provided us with those things around the end of October. We could finally begin our homeschooling adventures! :) My younger brother had also decided to join me in the decision, so all of us were together beginning a totally new experience.

Having fully completed one year, and currently working on my second, I can tell you it has been a wonderful thing for my family. I get to actually see them, spend time with them, and be a part of the little everyday joys. For instance, having the ability to sit with my little sister and do school while she reads and colors...or to  watch an episode of Doctor Who with my brother over lunch. Small things like that, would have been totally out of the question if I were still in public schooling.

Now regarding my title...I have one statement to make. Yes, I am very "Pro-homeschooling" (and will homeschool my own children, Lord willing) but I recognize that it is definitely not for everyone. I am not against the public school system, I recognize it can do wonders. And I understand that school at home is not right for everyone, and not even an option for some. It is what fits my family best, and meets our needs. It has many upsides, but is not always the right fit for a family, and can definitely have downsides. We are just an example of one way it does work.

I am thankful every day for the ability to stay in my pajamas if I please, have a calm breakfast with my mother and sister, and get all of my schoolwork done, all without stepping outside my house, I love it :) So yes, I would certainly say that homeschooling is the best...for us :)

How Great is Our God

About a week ago, I watched a Louie Giglio video called "Symphony". If you've seen this video, you know that it is a very passionate and skillful representation on how we are all (including the stars and the whales and all of creation) joining together in a beautiful symphony of praise to the Lord. It has impacted me since the first time I saw an excerpt, but has been popping up in my mind more than usual this past week.

In the video, Louie does a mash-up of some incredible sounds from space and the voices of whales, and puts them under the song "How Great is Our God". That song is one of my favorites, and hearing them all together, is astounding. In my youth group band, we are singing that song, and since Youth Sunday is coming up, we have been practicing it more than usual. Every time I sing that song it leaves me in awe, we really all are contributing to this amazing song of praise. Louie states in the video, and I concur, that it's interesting to imagine how it must sound to Him, everything all at once, and that too, leaves me in awe. Something he points out as he is teaching, is that God does not need our voices, He doesn't need our praise. Being the D.R.F.S.S.S. that we are, He could have easily just flicked us out of the picture, and started over with something new. But He didn't, and that's what is incredible.

It also helps to think with more of an eternal perspective, if  you are picturing how things might sound to the God of the universe, then it's likely that your viewpoint will change. When your viewpoint changes, everything is different, and priorities take a turn as well. I have experienced that firsthand, and it is incredible how God can begin to show you that the little things, little problems, and little hassles in life, they really aren't that big of a deal. In 150 years, if it will not matter, then we should rethink our priorities. Even thinking about it more detailed these past days, has brought conviction, and I will be working on that. It amazes me how God works and designs, from majestic mountains, to conviction in my own heat, He truly is great :)

So here's the some links...and I would highly recommend you watch it! :)
Click here for the whole video :)
Click here for the shorter version :)

The Screwtape Letters...(Complete 2/2)

 I've been having difficulties deciding what to blog about this week, but I decided I'll just share with you what I'm reading! If you've heard of the book before, you've already caught on because of my title, if not- I am reading a book by C.S. Lewis titled "The Screwtape Letters".

I am a little over half-way through the book, but in a very under-detailed and condensed summary, (as far as I have read) this book is from the perspective of  a "professional devil" who is writing letters to his nephew, a "junior tempter", describing how to spiritually attack his "patient". He shows him different techniques, plots, and devices to assault him/her in different ways. Before I describe some of the ways he (Screwtape) has taught Wormwood (the nephew), I will state some of the truths that C.S. Lewis does before starting the book.

1. What is the opposite of God? It is in fact, not satan. Satan is not an equal of God, nor is he able to counteract God as an opposite. Satan is the opposite of Michael (an angel), because the he himself was an angel once, (*Isaiah 14:12-15).  2. Angels do not look like sweet little sunshiney creatures with halos and little wings, because they are warriors! God literally has an angel army! Every time an angel is seen in the bible, they have to begin their statements with "Fear not"... because they are frightening and intimidating! And 3, the last of the main statements...He reminds the reader that the book is written by a human! This is a work of fiction, with theological truth. Screwtape is not a real devil (though how ironic if one had that name) and he has no nephew named Wormwood, this is just an insightful (and witty) book to help us correctly picture these creatures. He reminds the reader as well, that this book is not written perfectly, and to caution any unbalanced ideas one may get about devils being in more control over your life than God. They are not. God is the ultimate authority and power, nothing that isn't supposed to will get past Him. This is just written showing one side of the warfare.

With that said, and a clearer picture of angels and devils depicted, I'll get into some profound statements made by C.S. from the perspective of Screwtape.(Note: any mention of the "Enemy" especially capitalized, is referencing God, and Screwtape may not necessarily be telling the truth, he is a cunning devil after all...) Here's a few of my favorites:

• "Above all, do not attempt to use science (I mean the real sciences) as a defense against Christianity. They will positively encourage him to think about the realities he can't touch and see. There have been sad cases among the modern scientists. If he must dabble in science, keep him on economics and sociology; don't let him get away from that invaluable 'real-life'. But the best of all is to have him read no science, but to give him a grand general idea that he knows it all and that everything he happens to have picked up in casual talk and reading is "the results of modern investigation". Do remember you are there to fuddle him. From the way some of you young fiends talk, anyone would suppose it was our job to teach!" (page 10)
• "Work hard then, on the disappointment or anti-climax which is certainly coming to the patient during his first few weeks as a churchman. The Enemy allows this disappointment to occur on the threshold of every human endeavor. It occurs when the boy, who has been enchanted in the nursery by The Stories from Odyssey, buckles down to really learning Greek. When lovers have got married and begin the real task of learning to live together. In every department of life it marks the transition from dreaming aspiration to laborious doing. The Enemy takes this risk because He has a curious fantasy of making all these disgusting little human vermin into what He calls His "free" lovers and servants-"sons" is the word He uses, with His inveterate love of degrading the whole spiritual world by unnatural liaisons with the two-legged animals. Desiring their freedom, He therefore refuses to carry them, by their mere affections and habits, to any of the goals which He sets before them: He leaves them to "do it on their own" And their lies our opportunity. But also remember, their lies our danger. If once they get through this initial dryness successfully, they become much less dependent on emotion and therefore much harder to tempt." ( page 14) 
• "Our policy, for the moment, is to conceal ourselves. Of course this has not always been so. We are really faced with a cruel dilemma. When the humans disbelieve in our existence, we lose all the pleasing results of direct terrorism, and we make no magicians. On the other hand, when they believe in us, we cannot make them materialists and skeptics. At least, not yet. I have great hopes that we will learn in due time how to emotionalize and mythologize their science to such an extent that what is, in effect, a belief in us (though not under that name) will creep in while the human mind remains closed to belief in the Enemy." (page 32)
• "Another possibility is that of a direct attack on his faith. When you have caused him to assume that the trough is permanent, can you not persuade him that "his religious phase" is just going to die away like all his previous phases? Of course, there is no conceivable way of getting by reason from the proposition "This is false." But, as I said before, it is jargon, not reason, you must rely on. The mere word phase will very likely do the trick. I assume that the creature has been through several of them before-they all have- and that he always feels superior and patronizing to the ones he has emerged from, not because he has really criticized them, but simply because they are in the past." (page 43)
• "I see only one thing to do at the moment. Your patient has become humble; have you drawn his attention to the fact? All virtues are less formidable to us once the man is aware that he has them, but this is specifically true of humility. Catch him at the moment when he is really poor in spirit and smuggle into his mind the gratifying reflection, "By jove! I'm being humble", and almost immediately pride- pride at his own humility- will appear. If he awakes to the danger and tries to smother this new form of pride, make him proud of his attempt- and so on, through as many stages as you please. But don't try this too long, for fear you awake his sense of humor and proportion, in which case he will merely laugh at you and go to bed" (page 63)

I found it a book that I needed to "chew on" and really soak it in, not one that I can just read straight through, and through these quotes, you can see how deep and thought provoking it is. I would recommend  it highly. This book has made me think and self evaluate, all week long, I am very glad I started reading it. I will post a "Part Two" as soon as I finish! :)

Part Two

As I finished "Screwtape Letters" I continued to be shocked at the way of thinking that it ensues. You really have to bend your mindset, and use a whole new perspective, but it is so interesting and thought provoking. The conclusion of the book was Wormwood losing his "patient" and not succeeding. The spiritual warfare that had been working in him was finally ended, and he got off on the side to be on :)

Throughout the whole end of the book, you can see the struggle and the beginning of the losing battle for Wormwood and Screwtape. The last letter is actually Uncle Screwtape furiously pleading/yelling with him to just listen and obey what he had been saying. Himself being a "professional tempter" he cannot grasp how Wormwood's mind does not think as his own, and that is told throughout the entire book, he's trying to teach with a very frustrated mindset, and that's not working so well for him.

As a conclusion, I will share my 3 favorite quotes from the second half of the book (to give myself boundary, because there are so many good ones).

• "You must therefore guard in his mind the curious assumption "My time is my own". Let him have the feeling as he starts the day that he is the lawful possessor of the twenty four hours. Let him feel as a grievous tax that portion of his property which he has to make over to his employers, and as a generous donation that further portion which he allows to religious duties. But what he must never be permitted to doubt is the total from which these deductions have been made was, in some mysterious sense, his own personal birthright." (page 96)
• "We produce this sense of ownership, not only by pride, but by confusion. We teach them not to notice the different senses of the possessive pronoun-the finely graded differences that run from 'my boots' through 'my dog' 'my servant' 'my wife' 'my father' 'my master' and 'my country', to 'my God'. They can be taught to reduce all these senses to that of 'my boots', the 'my' of ownership. Even in the nursery a child can be taught to mean 'my Teddy bear' NOT the old imagined recipient of affection to whom it stand in a special relation (for that is what the Enemy will teach them to mean if we are not careful) but "the bear I can pull to pieces if I like". At the other end of the scale, we have taught men to say "my God" in a sense not really very different from "my boots" meaning "the God whom I have a claim for my distinguished services and whom I exploited from the pulpit-the God I have done a corner in"." (page 98)
• "But since your patient has contracted the terrible habit of obedience, he will probably continue such 'crude' prayers whatever you do. But you can worry him with the haunting suspicion that the practice is absurd and can have no objective result. Don't forget to use the "heads I win, tails you lose" argument. If the thing he prays about doesn't happen, then that is one more proof that petitionary  prayers don't work; if it does happen, he will, of course be able to see some of the physical causes which lead up to it, and 'therefore it would have happened anyway' and thus a granted prayer becomes just as good proof as a denied one, that prayers are ineffective." (page 126)

*Isaiah 14: 12-15 ""How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; I will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to Sheol, to the far reaches of the pit." (ESV)

Thank you Jesus!

   My youngest sister, Faith, and I do Bible lessons together, she is 2, but very intelligent for her age. She has learned about several things but her favorite is "Baby Moses". It's a special time for us to spend together, and especially because she's learning God's word! Faith makes me so proud when she remembers the stories, or brings them up randomly, but words can't express how happy I was to hear her this morning. As she was jumping on her child-sized trampoline with my niece Gemma, she dropped everything to pray. A 2 year old little girl stopped right while playing to thank Jesus. She started giving thanks for her toys and food and family, and anything she thought of. It's astounding to hear her praying, at an early age she truly grasps the concept of thankfulness!

   Earlier this morning I also heard my mom and a friend voxing (a phone app that allows you to send voice messages, like voice texting sort of) each other their blessings journals. Both of these events today got me thinking, giving thanks is very important, and I should improve on it. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 it says "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" This was not written to Melany Widener in the year 2013, or anyone who may be reading this, but we can still learn from it. We should be thankful, for everything. And since I understand that, there is zero excuse for me to not be actively doing it. I have been blessed with many things, and even if I do appreciate them, I need to be showing that appreciation through thanks. But not only for the good, because God is also in control of the bad, and even simply His control over the bad, is definitely worthy of thanks. "Everything" means everything, and I will try to have a heart of thankfulness about truly everything.

   So I am challenging myself, and anyone who would like to join me, to start a thankfulness journal. These are pretty common around the Thanksgiving holiday season, but being thankful is not November exclusive. So starting today I am going to embark on a daily giving of thanks. I will write it as a page (like my "Books Worth Reading" or "Gospel" pages) rather than a post every day, and I'm doing it on this blog for accountability. I hope to gain a mindset and attitude of gratitude (ok that sounded cheesy :))...and on that note, I shall start now! :)


 

CAAAAAAMP JOOOOOOY TWENTY THIRTEEEEEEN :)

This summer I worked as a volunteer at "Camp Joy", a Bible camp for young kids to high school students. To sum up my experience in very simple terms, I'd say it was wonderful, just wonderful :) Because when I think of the word wonderful, I think of something you can be amazed at, something that holds you in wonder and is very enjoyable...and that is absolutely how I look back on my time at Camp Joy.

To start off, you should know a couple things as background information; I had never been to Camp Joy before (when I started workers training was the first time I'd set foot there), I knew nobody (my connection to the camp was former directors) and I was a long ways from home (a four and a half hour drive). Thinking about it now, I can really see how God pulled everything together and made me so excited to go. I only had about 3 weeks after I knew I had been hired before we started training, and I hadn't thought it through like I usually would with something. You see, I realized about a day into training, that I didn't know what I was doing there. I hadn't talked to hardly anyone, I sat alone for everything, and it didn't seem like anyone was interested in my being there. This all soon changed. 

Now don't go thinking that the staff members there aren't good people, because they're truly great...I just was expecting everyone to automatically accept me and be my friend, and things don't work like that. I had stepped into a tight knit group of friends that had been together since childhood, and I could hardly remember everyone's name, of course I wasn't going to be treated the exact same as I watched them treat everyone else, because they didn't know me yet. I can imagine they were still trying to figure me out, as well as I was with them, so I don't blame anyone. It was also a mixture of being stressed at this new undertaking, and being so far away from home that made me feel more lonely. I remember a specific conversation on the phone with my parents, I'd been there for only a few days, and it was the night before the first week of camp started. The phone call was basically me, telling them that I had no clue at all why I was there. I kept reassuring them, but more myself really, that I wouldn't go home after coming this far and committing to this, but at that moment, all I wanted was the comfort of my home. I honestly and truly thought that it was a horrible idea for me to have gone, and dreaded all that time to come in an uncomfortable and lonely environment. 

The very next day.. ba ba ba ba dada da (duck song, sorry :)) the next camp began, and I was starting to see how wrong I was to think I would dread this experience. The second that children started pulling up in cars, needing help with their bags and someone to introduce them, I realized something. Just as I had very recently been homesick and lonely, many kids were about to experience the same thing.Quite a few of them hadn't ever been to a camp before, and they missed their homes...some didn't know a single person either, so I made it my mission to prevent that as much as possible. That meant sitting with the little boy who was all alone, or smiling at the little girl who looked sad, introducing myself a billion times, and getting the shy kids involved, helping a little girl do her hair, to spending hours helping a little girl get her hair untangled from a brush, singing homesick girls back to sleep, or rubbing their backs to help them fall asleep...any way I could think of to help those kids have the most comfortable and enjoyable experience of camp, and most importantly, to see the love of Jesus.

Some very hilarious, amusing, special, and touching moments happened this summer, between the staff and between the kids, all of them (and many unsaid) were the reason I grew to absolutely and positively love Camp Joy, my serving experience, and time with these wonderful people, and I'll share some with you.

My 3 favorite hilarious moments with the kids would be: 1 Macer Racers, these would be little girls who persistently and stalkerishly chased around another male staff member, stealing things from his bracelets...to his hair, yes his hair. We named them Macer Racers because it resembles names such as "Beliebers" and "Directioners" who are obsessed with Justin Beiber or One Direction. My second favorite hilarious moment with the kids would be a little girl talking about the movie "Soul Surfer". We're all talking about how it made us cry, or how touching it was, when this quiet girl pipes up and says "my favorite part was when the shark bit her arm off"...we were all in stitches :) The third most hilarious thing I witnessed at camp concerning campers was one of the girls being convinced that El Chupocobra (the camp legend, like a ghost for example, which is actually a legend from Mexico) was getting her while she slept. She would wake up every morning, dead serious, showing us this imaginary mark on her arm that was from "Chupocobra invading her in the middle of the night" :)

My 3 favorite moments with the staff members were: 1 the best game of lost in translation I've ever played, including phrases such as "a family of narwhals racing to the sandy shore to rest under the shade of a coconut tree" "You're so sweet, ponies ask for you on their birthdays" "and the decomposition process of a hot dog" (we played on my birthday, an off day of camp, and I have to say it was one of my favorite birthdays ever :)) The second most amusing moment I shared with fellow staff was a very creepy yet hilarious video we watched at the coffee shop in town. It was a rendition of "Father Abraham", and to this day one of the other staff members is scared of it, we even made a pillowcase mimicking the children's costumes in the video :)

And my third favorite thing would be pop stand. We sell pop and candy at certain times in the day to the kids, and we came up with code names for everything at the stand. Some examples are: a Medic= a Dr. Pepper, A cherry Pepsi= BEEEDOOO BEEEDOOOO BEEEEDOOO (Despicable Me 2:)) and  Reese's Peanut Butter Cups= best buds. It was pretty funny to hear all of these ridiculous names called out every couple seconds :)

Now that I've shared with you some lighthearted things, I want to tell you about my absolute favorite thing that happened, all summer there, and something I won't ever forget. There was a girl, at Junior High Camp, and let's say her name was Sally (just because there wasn't a Sally and I've been thinking about Weeping Angels today :)) Sally was the girl you would assume was forced to go to camp by some family member. She sat alone, on purpose, and frowned frequently, she had a very negative way about her, and I saw her smile maybe twice until this specific moment. I would often go sit with her and strike up conversation, smile my brightest as she walked by, and include her as much as I could, but I thought it was going unnoticed. I also thought I was annoying her, and it was hard to find a balance of making her feel welcome and loved, to not standing over her. I didn't ever give up, but I kept doing those things for her and loving on her with the thought that it wasn't doing anything for her... but I was gladly wrong. The last night of Junior High week of camp, we had just gotten back from campfire. All the girls were busily getting ready for bed, playing with each others hair, laughing, and cherishing the last moments they had with new friends, before the sadness of parting came in the morning. I was in a separate dorm building- so it was just the girls, and 3 of us dorm leaders- the other 2 were off working on things, and I was in charge of the girls. I had been in and out of the bathroom monitoring shower time and making sure things moved along before I started nighttime devotions. On one of my trips back from the bathroom, Sally caught my attention and asked if she could talk to me real quick. I got excited, told her I'd love to talk to her, and we went and sat on my bed. She started to tell me how when she came that week, she didn't want to be there. She said she did not believe in God, and was irritated by all of the God-centered things we had been doing. She was lonely, and not enjoying herself. Then she told me that about mid-day on the second day she was there, she realized me doing things, like smiling when she walked by, or sitting by her at the dinner table and talking to her. At that point I thought "Wow, it was all worth it"... and then she told me that she now believes in God, because she saw Him in me, that I helped her to understand His love and His awesomeness. At that point, I was crying, and then she started crying, we prayed together and we talked some more, we ended up laughing together and then I unfortunately had to get devotions going and the girls to bed, but I will forever cherish that moment, and she will always be special to me. That moment taught me how amazing it is to see (and feel) God working through people to glorify Himself.

And regarding the title of this post, "CAAAAAMP JOOOY TWENTY THIRTEEEEEEN" is what we would all yell at random times throughout this summer, someone starts it and then everyone joins in, it's pretty awesome. And in conclusion, I can't wait until "CAMP JOOOOOOY TWENTY FOURTEEEEEEEEN" :) 

I Kissed Dating Goodbye

I could give you a list of all the hilarious things my baby sister has done today, or write a 10 page report on my favorite book, but I have decided to share with you one of the very important things in my life, and a big part of who I am.

In my previous entry, I mentioned that I do not date-well I'm going to tell you why, and what I do instead!

Before, or after you read this blog, I would recommend you read the book "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" by Joshua Harris. It is what changed my mind, and showed me the things I am going to tell you. No, I'm not going to tell you that anyone who dates is horribly wrong, or wrong at all. What I AM going to tell you, is all the upsides to doing things differently.

First, I ask "What is the purpose of dating?". The only answer that I consider worthy, is anything along the lines of "To find a future spouse". While that is a valid reason, it's not the only way. There are more possible "bumps in the road" to dating, and that is what I'm trying to avoid.

For example, I've seen some third graders start "dating", their boyfriend/girlfriend is a person they hardly know, someone they deem as "cute" or (please excuse my use of the word) "hot", and its all a game. Literally a game. When the mindset that "If I just get bored with one I'll try another" is instilled inside a child, it quite possibly becomes subconscious, that's where it starts. And that can explain a portion of the 50% divorce rate.

Then it can turn into early teens, who struggle with infatuation, selfishness, and lust. Dating can just feed that monster, especially without pure intentions. Many people go into relationships with the hope that it will make THEIR life better, make THEM happier, fulfill some of THEIR needs. And that's a big red flag right there, it can only bring about problems. Idolizing the person you're dating is also an issue that can be faced. When it gets in the way of your other relationships, takes time away from priorities, and brings the focus away from God, there is something wrong. Anything we put before God is an idol.

Then there's purity, and everyone, no matter who you are, is still human, and is still a Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Stupid Sinner, we all can or will struggle with it. Whether it be thoughts, or actions, dating brings about more temptation than not.

The last red flag in the concept of dating, is romance. This can tie back into the selfish desires, but the fact of the matter is, nobody needs practice with romance. If you've dated 20 people before you get married, or if you've dated none, that doesn't change how you will show affection to someone you truly love. Which brings up another subject, dating can deter what you think the word "love" means, because the truth is, love isn't a feeling, love isn't butterflies when you see someone, or a person you really like. Love is commitment. Dating in the general term, can make you believe the exact opposite. A beautiful example, stated in "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" is flowers. If you pick flowers too soon, before they're bloomed, you miss out on much, and you can't reverse that process. It goes the same for friendships, if you rush into romance (picking the flower too soon) before the friendship is fully developed, or fully bloomed, then you miss out on so much.

Given all of these flaws to dating, I will now show you the amazingly fantastic and splendid way to go about a relationship and potential spouse. Drop the titles, and become their best friend. I'm serious, that's it in a nutshell. Pay close attention to not putting them over God, get to know them really well, pray for them and your relationship with them, show that you're committed to it, but not romantically, and enjoy having this meaningful relationship. Chances are, after you've reached the status of best friends, you will know that person a hundred times better than if you had started, or continued dating. You'll find yourself with someone that you can trust, appreciate, joke around with, ask for help, help in return, spend time with, and enjoy the presence of :)  all much more easily avoiding those problems.

Another commitment I have made, is to not kiss anyone until my wedding day, after I hear the words "You may kiss your bride". My first kiss is something I will cherish, and only give to the man I have committed to spend the rest of my life with. I encourage you to make the same decision. How cool would it be to be able to say, happily, that you never kissed anyone but your spouse, and even cooler if they could say the same! That makes it much more special, I mean imagine that moment...You're dressed up, you are so excited that your stomach feels like it is going to jump through your chest, you are standing before the love of your life, making a commitment before God and everyone to spend the rest of your life faithfully to them, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, etc., till death do you part, and then, when it seems like the happiest day of your life cannot get any better, you get to kiss them, something you've waited to do for years, and you can finally enjoy, with your new spouse! Sounds like a pretty good decision to me :)

While nobody likes to consider it, there's also the topic of break ups, or falling out. But here's the upside...If it is in God's will that you and the specific person don't become more than good friends, you still have an amazing relationship in your life. None of the "we can still be friends" or awkwardness that breakups can bring, you still have this great strong friendship :)

In conclusion, I hope I have well shared with you how incredible it can be to do this. I myself have a best friend, and seriously, it's awesome :)

P.S. Here's a link to the book :)
Click here for the "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" Link