seeking pure tranquility

tranquility, originally uploaded by Jorge Sato.

So I think my sickness was God's way of forcing me to slow down. I'm stubborn. I'm stuck in my ways. And I'm often very opposed to just stop for even a second. I know it's important to rest, but rest is so hard to schedule in these days. I plan on making that happen... I hope.

Gems:
the amazing force of God
free pass for my absences
clearing my body of sickness
great bands in Aztec Center
going back out to dance!!

as the fever breaks

A New Beginning, originally uploaded by v1shous.

So I woke up this morning feeling a million times better!!
My fever is now gone (I'm at 97.2 degrees).
The muscles in my legs aren't sore.
I was even able to eat today.
Thanks to Corner Bakery!
I also received enough smoothies to last a week today. My dad brought me one this morning and Veronica brought me another with my lunch. I have some amazing friends! Now to get well before Community Group tonight... At least I'm not still sleepy. If only I could stop the need to blow my nose every five seconds!

Gems:
smoothies from Robeks
God's healing power
heathy appetites
family love
amazing friends

death, sweet death

Day 22, January 22rd 2007, originally uploaded by Glimpsing Home.

Still sick.
I'm pretty much dead after today.
My fever is at a temperature of 100.9 degrees.
I had been really excited about going dancing tonight.
I'm sad I can't go now.
Pray for me.


Gems:
caring people
doctor's notes
all-day naps
great friends
still standing... erm... alive

not going to school tomorrow

whatever it takes, originally uploaded by kreativekell.

"I've learned that no matter what happens,
or how bad it seems today,
life does go on,
and it will be better tomorrow."

- Maya Angelou
I'm too weak, too tired, and too ill to post today.
Pray for me.


Gems:
waking up this morning
tea from a self-less friend
getting errands done, finally
making it to teach my class
first ADX meeting of 2008

pounced me like a ninja

Day 94, originally uploaded by kimberly hurst.

"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I’m going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox.
And there’s one more—that’s seventeen,
And don’t you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut, my eyes are blue—
It might be instamatic flue.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I’m sure that my left leg is broken—
My hips hurt when I move my chin,
My belly button’s caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained,
My ‘pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb,
I have a silver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is—what?
What’s that? What’s that you say?
You say today is… Saturday?
G’bye, I’m going out to play!"

- Shel Silverstein
TODAY'S HEADLINE: I'm sick!


Gems:
the ability to wake up this morning
getting treated to Starbucks
cleaner car
refilled car tires
office 2008 for my compy

sunday morning rain is falling

09.08.2007, originally uploaded by Femke B..

Keith had a few suggestions for my downpour preparation:
Take cover,
Boil water for hot chocolate,
Create a playlist of songs about rain.

So, I've done the first and third and it's possible that I might do the second one. I am hanging out in my apartment, going through my tunes and scarfing on the pizza I ordered. Yes, I'm so sad that I ordered in. Well, I'm going to get back to my grub and cheer movie.

Gems:
sleeping in
book clearances
hot dog on a stick
27 dresses
Veronica & Lil Sis

get down tonight, bay-bay

Joe & Ronni, originally uploaded by Swifty.

I didn't go to the gym today.

I forgot my transit pass at home.

I sat through my capstone briefing.

But I did go dancing tonight.


Veronica and I burned up the dance floor at Atomic Ballroom. It was a good night of fun, sarcasm, and dancing. I think I can handle this life, as long as I don't have to give up my groove-thang!

Gems:
waking up for Robeks
free trolley ride
Veronica
being remembered
slumber parties

lead... i will follow

Jonny's lead, originally uploaded by lizdance14.

Today was a great day. First day without that ridiculous dance class just started out my good day. The rain tried to ruin my day, but I loved it. My school books definitely factored in to a more difficult afternoon, but still no dice. I should have missed the bus even, but Brandy helped me find the stop just in time! To end my great day in the perfect way, I made the trek out to the Firehouse for amazing conversations, connections, and people. It's days like these that I want to just get down on my knees and praise God!! I'm going to read my Bible and hit the hay.

Gems:
time spent with Nicole
transit travel
groovy dance moves
the pursuit
Godly gentlemen

we go together?

{We Belong Together}, originally uploaded by Adoodi , ™ / At Sealine for 4 days ! ,.

Or do we?

[I am sure I had MANY other things that I intended this blog to be about... I just can't bring myself to write about all of those things that seem so insignificant as school or working out. So, I'm just not going to]

Do you know that he's the one when you meet him? I've always said "no." But I can just imagine that somewhere down the line, God brings you that perfect someone. You meet and can't explain this emotion, a feeling, that is so overwhelming that you are unable to explain it. Now try. Explain it. Explain this thing that you've never experienced before and may not experience ever again. Do you think you'd come up with the right answer? On your own? No guidance. It's up to you to decipher and act upon this amazing phenomena. Go! You'd probably fail, right? I would. So, why should we consider ourselves as the ones deciding and choosing our relationship(s)? We're not good at it. Why not give it over to the One who is perfect, all-knowing, and wonderful? That's all I long for. I pure, Godly, and blessed relationship through Christ. I trust that He will bring it when and if it is time.

Furthermore, if God will bring that man into your life when it is time, why is dating an issue? Why date before you know you're ready for marriage? Rather than spending time, money, and energy on a man that is not going to be your husband, spend it on God. We date because we are thinking of ourselves and what is right for us, but marriage is about unselfishness and thinking about the other person. How can we expect God to take over when we are satisfying our own desires to fill the void and feel better about ourselves?

Instead of dating now, is it possible to wait for God to finish writing the chapter on your singleness? What would that chapter say differently if you lived your life for Him, rather than yourself or man? How do you know when the chapter's over? Yeah, I was thinking the same thing as you. I think God wants us to live a full life through Him and His blessings before that person is revealed to us. How else do we learn to trust and center our lives around Him? Some would never experience His grace if He didn't force them into seeing it. So do I think I'm ready for marriage? Not now. Therefore, should I be seriously dating anyone? No, I want to make this time about God and me. I pray that He smacks me in the head with His Word of there is something that I am missing about His plan for me.

Gems:
expanding my social world
finally purchasing my transit pass
community group antics
yogurt world and all that entails
late late night philosophizing

time for a cool down

Pause, originally uploaded by sjl7678.

So if I consider today's classes as my workout, tonight is going to be my cool down. I know that I always say this, but I'm really looking forward to dancing tonight... I mean, face it, who would be excited to wake up to go to the gym in the morning? I'm not.

I finally convinced the roommate to go out to the Pub.
Veronica is in for Seattle.

Gems:
Robeks for breakfast
time to visit Tommy at the apple store
crazy teachers
crazy awesome teachers
dancing at the Pub

first day back to the gym

current obsession : pilates!!!, originally uploaded by whipsmart.

I was struggling and making fun of Candace as she directed me to each station... It hurt after all, so I got back in the only way I could think of. I said "no" to everything and did it all anyways. Sometimes your body just can't give in to one side. So, it tried to voice my disgust while still getting the needed workout. It was a lot of fun, no matter how creepy that one guy was. Or how awkward it is to run into someone and not want a hug from them due to their sweaty nature.

I feel incredible relieved to have had everything turn out so well at class tonight. The kids were fairly quick at learning the steps and I blindly placed them in the groups they will be performing in. The show should be a blast and I can't wait till I can actually see their progress. They have the choreography for their finale. Next week is the beginning of my small group sessions!! Yeah!

Going swing dancing tomorrow night with Candace, the roommate, my grandma and her husband. I love sharing the experience with people I love. When I dance I feel completely alive!! I am so very thankful that God brought this into my life and I pray that I'm able to bring that joy to as many people as is possible!

"Give this warped world a little taste of heaven on earth by graciously accepting the hand life deals you. In the dense, immoral fog of this generation, shine your life as a beacon, guiding others to the goodness and grace of God. Though this world is polluted, live in spotless purity, uncontaminated by all the garbage around you."
-- Phil. 2:14-15 paraphrased

Gems:
signing up for gym membership
spending time with Candace
choreography taught in one class period!!
helping Brandy with her new compy
still no tv [just hilarious videos on compy]

just lion around

LION here waiting for you, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

I WISH... that I was just lying around!! Do you ever just get so bogged down with life that you just want to say, "Done. I'm through. I don't need to keep going. I've had enough."? I kind of have that feeling right now... except I can't say ANY of those things. I couldn't even try if I wanted to. I actually was pretty productive today but, the doomed Capstone keeps looming into the back of my mind! Will I be able to withstand the pressure? Will I even finish? If I finish, will it be at the expense of my much-needed sleep? Will it mess up the plans with ADX? With CYT? With my new work-out? With the basic necessities of eating and bathing? Probably.

God, please just lift this burden from me. Take away the worries, stress, and grief I have shoved into the forefront of my mind. Lift me up and allow me to serve you and fulfill your plan for my life, whatever that may be. Help me be diligent in my studies but stay devoted to You and Our relationship above ALL else! I give this all to you, AMEN.

Next on the Agenda: leadership meeting & 9pm service

Gems:
leading stand-up worship this morning
no tv [instead, a classic movie, Tarzan]
finishing my CYT class playlist
having a song already choreographed!!
first leadership meeting in half an hour

rediscovered love

Julian - apple pie capital of the world, originally uploaded by giladlotan.

So I've been trying to sign on to AIM more often. I'm enjoying the conversations that I had really fallen out of touch with. My attention span still isn't any better, but I'm not much better in person when I'm on my computer. Btw, my new computer is amazing. The extra features are wonderful and I am just so glad to have a computer that doesn't hate me!

Well, I'm going to Julian today with Dan, Lux, and Veronica. Could I be more excited? I think not! Seeing that I have done nothing to get ready and we will be leaving in less than a half an hour, I think I should go to get ready. Spongebob is too enticing... :)

Gems:
late-night IM conversations
waking up feeling rested
morning cartoons [yay, Spongebob!]
cleaning up messes and getting organized
picnic in Julian with amazing people

my love note for someone

LOVE NOTE ♥, originally uploaded by ♥мαяεε'9 . AĻм7вħ♥ ~ [QTR].

♥

I don't know when
And I don't know who
But I'd like you to know
That I'm just for you

♥

I'm learning to love
I'm learning to live
And I hope, real soon
To you, I can give

♥

I know I'm not perfect
And I never will be
But God's helping me out
Till it's you that I see

♥

[dedicated to my future husband]

Gems:
getting much needed sleep
fulfilling my subway craving
time in downtown with Veronica
new locket necklace
legit Christian men

i just want to dance

orlando and tina, originally uploaded by ohtoberich.

... no boys.

If boys come near us, we'll TAZER 'em!!


That's what I thought tonight was going to be about, but Veronica and Lux will not be joining me for dancing tonight. I am just going to go put on my socks and shoes and drive to La Jolla in my hecka messy car all alone. It's alright, I guess. Steven has been making fun of me for the fact that I don't go anywhere alone anymore. I'm proving him wrong... I guess. Look out boys... Here I come!!


Gems:
lunch with Toosie
hanging out with Tommy
fixing up my new computer
the Simpsons movie
discovering iphoto all over again!

speeding on the freeway

95 in a 65.JPG, originally uploaded by tiny goat.

I got pulled over tonight.
I was going 85.
I guessed 90, admitted that I was heading home from a church function, and had an immense amount of trouble finding my insurance.
The second he pulled me over a started crying.
I tried pulling over to the left.
I'm stupid.
I've never been pulled over on the freeway before.
He redirected me to an exit.
He was extremely condescending.
He let me off with a verbal warning.
But it made it perfectly clear that it was not because I was crying, but because I was honest.
I'm frazzled but thankful.
Cops are still lame.

Gems:
spending the day with my dad
new macbook, in black
time spent with the Flood community
no ticket
video chatting

please, no audience today

The audience, originally uploaded by spastic drama nerd.

This show is making me feel a bit anxious. I keep changing my mind about things that I've already told the kids or my aides. Arg. I really hope I decide on the shows soon because these karaoke songs make me feel sick to my stomach.

I think I'll take a break for now and go to get my jeans altered.


"Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson


Today's Gems:
left-over angel hair pasta
free alterations
the prospect of my new computer [tomorrow!!]
a new dance scene [tonight]
stealing ideas from Big [you say "biter"... I say "in reverence of"]

grab your fork and knife

Plate Dancer, originally uploaded by FrogMiller.

So, I choreographed the beginning of "Be Our Guest" for my CYT class and tried to teach it to six of the kids today. Bust. This is going to be a very hard performance to put together. I hope the rest of the kids are quick learners. On the bright side, my aide rocks and she taught the rest of the children to sing the lyrics to the song while I worked with the dancers.

I hope to decide on the music tonight and do the choreography this week. I'm pretty excited about it right now. So, since I'm hecka distracted right now, I'm just going to declare this blog finished. I promise my readers a better blog tomorrow. Maybe.

blue bella at ciao bella

Jonny, originally uploaded by CarlSwing.

So I've been away from swing dancing for less than two days and away from Ciao Bella (the last place we danced) for only two hours. Why do I feel the uncontrollable urge to go swing dancing right this very moment?! I'm addicted. I'm hooked. But most of all, I'm in love. With the freedom. And the music. The people. And the way I can express my emotions without saying a single word.

♥♥♥
I especially love that my mood is lifted almost immediately after I begin to dance. I have prayed for the clearing of my mind before but it's hardly long at all before I let everything go and surrender to the music! It's amazing and it makes me so happy. I hope everyone can find an outlet as justifying and uplifting as this is to me and I praise God for this blessing on my life!! God is good.

not alone and not single

Waiting, originally uploaded by Pink Lemonade <3.

I'm in an amazingly wonderful relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior. And I am not at all willing to make room for another relationship with just any other man. I need a quality man who will pursue a relationship with me and challenge me to grow in my faith once he has me. I need a man who will encourage me and comfort me when I need it most.

But most of all, I don't need a man to be able to live a God-centered life and I don't need him to be encouraged to rise above the obstacles I encounter from day to day. I also don't need a man to be my sole comfort... I have family, sisters, friends, and a God who is alive and moving in my life.

So this is my thank you and my love letter to all of the amazing people in my life! My gratitude and admiration is overflowing for all of you... For putting up with all of my crazy antics and the crazy things in my life!! I love you all very very very much!

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moment, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God!!

i've got the blues, baby

chris randell wannabees, originally uploaded by ohtoberich.

I'm stoked for all of the dancing tonight!

I'm performing Hip Hop for the Fripple Awards,

I may or may not be accepting an award for dancing at Frippleville,

and then I'm off to blues dance at Ciao Bella!!


It's okay if you're not excited because I AM!!!

ba da ba ba ba, i'm lovin' it

Just dancing, originally uploaded by perkyNbLue.

So my car dislikes me again. She won't let me in the car door without fighting my way through. Come on, Coastkeeper, I just want to drive you... Why can't we just work together and make that happen? Whether you like it or not, I'm going to go to Lowes and copy the key so I don't have to struggle with you anymore. It's final. No rebuttals.

ANYways... I'm totally looking forward to swing dancing again tonight! I will be having dinner with the fam (Taco Salad, woo!), and from there I will be rushing off to La Jolla. I am just glad that I have the time for it again and I hope that I get into better shape, so I can keep up and get better! This is the year... I hope.


Ch-ch-ch-changes.
I'm just trying to embrace them.

to me, you're always dressed in white

rest assured, originally uploaded by that guy, matthew moses.

And I will wait until the right boy says just that to me.

Until then, I'm content living my life for God

And I'm eager to share that outlook with everyone in my life!



On the Agenda for the Week:
hip hop tonight
swing dancing tomorrow
Fripple Awards on friday
blues dancing after the awards
prayer meeting for Stang & Scrum saturday
coffee with Julie on sunday
second CYT class on monday

I'm excited!

let me pray for you

Prayer Board, originally uploaded by ninjaneil902.

I took this idea of a prayer board from C28 for my room.
I got so inspired when I saw it.
I need to spend more time with God.
I need to make connections with those around me.
I need to pray more.

So I need your prayers.
So just leave a comment and I will add your prayer to my board.

5/365 - Bearing my soul... or is it sole!,
originally uploaded by classic perfection.

I bought jeans for $100 today.

I'm ridiculous.

No more shopping.

seattle dreaming

Talaris Conference Center, originally uploaded by Love Dr..

I am SO looking forward to going to Seattle over Spring Break!
I can't wait to swing dance and sight see in the city!!
I'm also hoping it answers any of my questions about moving there.
I hope everything works out with Veronica and Big Sis.
I really would love to take BOTH of them...
And Lux, if I can ever convince her!

rainy sunday

first impressions, originally uploaded by raspberrytart.

I'm not feeling too great tonight.
At least I get to see my Big.
And go to church at 7pm.
I hate shopping.
I hate gym clothes.
You need to work out to be able to wear workout clothes.
Therefore, workout clothes are hecka lame.
I can't even start to be excited.

2008: the year of weddings

love is in the air, originally uploaded by GooseGoddessS.

I'm off to get ready for Johannah and Jared's wedding. It's very weird to watch and help plan these huge ceremonies. At this point, I can't ignore my age anymore. I'm getting older. I'm bound to have more responsibilities. It's exciting and frightening at the same time. With a wedding today, two in June, and several throughout the rest of the year, I look forward to offering my support to these couples in any way I can.

I may not be ready for this step in my life... and for the first time, I am totally comfortable with that fact. I know God has a plan for me where I am and I can't stand the wait to figure it out.

My love goes out to Johannah and Jared today as they commit their lives to one another and start a new life together. May God always be an active part of your lives, together and individually. Amen.

I love you, Avanti, and I look forward to spending this exciting day with you!

i feel Him everywhere

Kayla, originally uploaded by A Town So Imperfect.

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the softly falling snow.
I am the gentle showers of rain.
I am the fields of ripening grain.
I am the morning hush.
I am the graceful rush
of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the star shine of the night.
I am the flowers that bloom.
I am in a quiet room.
I am the birds that sing.
I am in each lovely thing.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

- Mary Elizabeth Frye

got shoes?

Shoe Loves You?, originally uploaded by boopsie.daisy.

So the bridesmaid dresses were ordered today and Dana and I were able to pick out the shoes we will be wearing. I picked out some super cute wedges and in hot pink (watermelon), they might even be fun to wear with other outfits. So "here's the stitch" (yes, Kim Possible), I have accumulated so many shoes at this point that I'm in desperate need of a shoe rack, maybe a hanging one. I would ask for one for my birthday but I don't think my closet floor can wait five months. Hmm... We'll see.

Some people have even told me that they want to take me shopping for shoes and they will buy them for me as my Christmas present. I'm going to ask for purses instead. After 5 new pairs, I need to break long enough to allow them to circulate. Oh, well. That's my little shoe story. Fascinating, yes? LoL.

turning new leaves

Eat Fresh (Sorta), originally uploaded by Looking Glass.

Well, I blogged about all my big changes yesterday and it's already been a bit hard to uphold. Gossip Girl was on tonight and I really had to restrain myself from pausing on the channel as I was flipping. I did well though and it'll be a lot easier once Flood College starts up. I won't have to be home when it's on at that point! Brandy is a bit bummed that I won't be watching Desperate Housewives with her anymore, but I'm confident that it will be beneficial to my psyche.

Another thing I am going to try to work towards is a healthier life: choosing better foods and exercising more often. I went to Subway with Lux today and ordered a Club Sub with a fat free vinaigrette, rather than my usual Italian Sub with marinara sauce. I was also out dancing at Henry's Pub last night and I'm going out dancing at the Firehouse tomorrow. If not sooner, I hope to start working out at the ARC every monday, wednesday, and friday as well. I have been too lazy and I just need to get over it.

As for tonight, I'm going to try to get my to-do lists for tomorrow and the rest of the week recorded in my planner as I watch the end of Project Runway. Then I am going to spend some time with my Beloved before bed. I'll see you all here... tomorrow.

late night/early morning journaling

Journal Page from Dec 19, 2007, originally uploaded by groovyholly.

"Give this warped world a little taste of heaven on earth by graciously accepting the hand life deals you. In the dense, immoral fog of this generation, shine your life as a beacon, guiding others to the goodness and grace of God. Though this world is polluted, live in spotless purity, uncontaminated by all the garbage around you." - Philippians 2:14-15 (paraphrased).

I had a lot of time on my train/bus ride down from Fresno to San Diego. Instead of sleeping, I was up all but the last hour of the 7-hour trip reading When God Writes Your Love Story and my Bible and writing in my journal. It was such a profound experience. I obviously had the option to rest so I could be alert for the following day, but I felt so free from obligations and restrictions that I just had to take full advantage of the time and commune with God.

I can't say that God changed my heart about a ton of things during the trip but in a way, He elevated all of the things that I had already realized. Some of the things that were tugging at me heart before, now feel like massive weights and I just can't ignore them anymore. So that's what is new for the year 2008... Me. Allow me to explain:

I was asked where the emphasis was in my life and my answer was:
- schedules/deadlines, school requirements, church obligations, CYT and YMCA as jobs, crushes on/obsessing over boys, and my relaxation time.
Then I was asked where the emphasis should be:
- GOD; either through Flood:worship and college group, through ΑΔΧ:as a light and for accountability, and through His word!!

I guess you could call that a wake-up call. Lame that I needed to put it into words to realize it but at least I had that! So I kept journaling...

If Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego could give up their LIVES for God, I know there are things that I should give up. I'm not of this world and I often find myself indulging in the things of this world. I'm not perfect and this isn't every single thing I need to let go of but this is the start, for now:
- televisions shows such as Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, and anything else that I feel promotes things such as fornication or infidelity.
- movies such as the Holiday, 40-year-old Virgin, Knocked Up, or any other movie that bases the story on sex (whether it's a chick-flick or not). It is something I can't watch without being partly convinced that it's good. The Holiday was a beautiful story and because you relate to the characters so much, you almost want to reaffirm the validity in the sexual relationship they had. I don't want to think that way, so I don't want to watch movies of that kind.
- music with messages contradictory to my own beliefs. I'd love to take in all music as a cultural experience, but I don't want to allow myself to sing along to lyrics about sex, drunkenness, drugs, and such. So I will be going through my itunes and unchecking a ton of songs (not artists)... If ANYONE would like to help me in any way, that would be much appreciated!
- most importantly (and would help me with the above), the need to conform to the world OR my christian brothers and sisters. My walk is different from anyone else's so it shouldn't be influenced by anyone but God. This is most important in the areas of cursing, crude discussions, and acting or dancing in ways meant only for my future spouse.

I know, I'm long-winded and I apologize but if you are still reading at this point, I hope you write a comment. I'd love to know what things you're going to changing for 2008. That being said, here's the hardest change I have this year:

God treasures our purity for reasons beneficial to us! He loves and cherishes it and continues to do so, even when we do not. So will my husband. Knowing that what I'm doing now matters to God and my future husband, how can my life reflect that?
- I can find the acceptance and reassurance that I crave from God.
- I will no longer look at myself as single and up for grabs but betrothed to Jesus and my future husband.
- As someone who is taken, I will not pursue after men and rather allow my future husband to seek me out and pursue me. I'm not sure what that means for future relationships, but I'm going to trust that God will reveal that to me when it's time.
- I don't simply want his head to turn, but his heart as well!

So, that's it. That's a lot but that's it. They are not resolutions, but life changes. I am BOUND to mess up, but I'm not going to let that stop me from trying again!

"Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe." - Philippians 2:14-15 (NIV).