It's been quite a while since I've posted on here, I know. But a quick update. I've moved on from Answers in Genesis. I had a great time, I miss everyone, but I know it was time for me to move on. I'm now staying with my parents for a time. Still looking for a job; nothing has turned up yet, but I know God will lead when He sees fit. Also, I am working on my driver's license (Yes, I know; about time!). But I didn't really have time until now. So that's underway.
For those of you who have wondered, yes, I am looking into adoption. And, no, it's not for finding new parents (Chris). I've had this on my heart for a few years now, and I can finally make a move towards fulfilling my dream. I just pray that this is of God, and not of myself. I know single parenting is difficult (not that I've experienced it myself yet :-)), but I'm moving on faith that this is of God, and that He will fulfill my dream as He sees fit. Just like Jeremy Camp's song, Walk By Faith:

Will I believe you when you say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to rid my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With the one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

I pray that this is God's will. I appreciate your prayers as He guides me.

I will admit, it has been difficult adjusting to smaller surroundings here at home. But God is gracious, my family is wonderful, and I'm glad I made this move. I'm looking for friends in this area that I can get to know and spend time with.

I'm sorry that I haven't kept in better touch with you all during the summer. I'll work at it during my time at home.

My life hasn't always been what everyone thinks. I've struggled a lot over the summer, even with working in a Christian organization alongside fellow believers. God has not always come first in my life, and I could feel a hunger and thirsting for what I once had. I am SO thankful that He has not given up on me. My life is not what it should be, but I know all is not lost. I'm going through a cleansing process. Flushing out that which should not be and getting the 'vitamins and minerals' of what I need most. Jesus is all I need.

When the day is done
And there's no one else around
While I'm lying here in bed
You're in my heart, You're in my head
You're all I need, You're all I need
There are a million voices
Calling out my name
But You're the One I want to hear
So make the others disappear

You are all I need when I'm surrounded
You are all I need if I'm by myself
You fill me when I'm empty
There is nothing else
You're all I need

When the morning comes
And Your mercy is renewed
There's a fire in my bones
I'm not afraid to go alone
You're all I need
You're all I need
The sun on my face
I hear You whisper loud
You're still the God that opens seas
Every flower, even me
You're all I need
You're all I need

I'm drawn to everything that You do
Nothing compares with You

Bethany Dillon

This is my prayer.

Peace.

Dancing Pillsbury Doughboy


http://www.pillsbury.com/AaLL/dancingdoughboy.aspx?WT.mc_id=FRD&p=Mu7LD6kgYj4gqVVhO8vnHg==

50 Fun Things to Do at Wal-Mart

1. Take shopping carts for the express purpose of filling them and stranding them at strategic locations.

2. Ride those little electronic cars at the front of the store.

3. Set all the alarm clocks to go off at ten-minute intervals throughout the day.

4. Start playing Calvinball; see how many people you can get to join.

5. Contaminate the entire auto department by sampling all the spray air fresheners.

6. Challenge other customers to duels with tubes of gift-wrap.

7. Leave cryptic messages on the typewriters.

8. Re-dress the mannequins as you see fit.

9. When there are people behind you, walk really slowly, especially in thin aisles.

10. Walk up to an employee and tell him in an official tone, "I think we've got a code 3 in housewares," and see what happens.

11. Turn all the radios to polka stations; then turn them off and turn the volume up to full blast.

12. Play with the automatic doors.

13. Walk up to complete strangers and say, "Hi. I haven't seen you in so long." etc. See if they play along.

14. While walking through the clothing department, ask yourself loud enough for all to hear, "Who buys this junk anyway?!"

15. Repeat #14 in the jewelry department.

16. Ride a display bicycle through the store; claim you aretaking it for a test drive.

17. Follow people through the aisles, staying about 5 feet behind them. Do this until they leave the store.

18. Play soccer with a group of friends, using the entire store as your playing field.

19. As the cashier runs your purchase over the scanner, look mesmerized and say, "Wow, magic!"

20. Take off your shoes and tell them you want to return it and when they say you didn't buy it there say "Hmmmm....I thought the customer was always right!"

21. Move "Caution : Wet Floor" signs to carpeted areas.

22. Set up a tent in the camping department; tell others you will only invite them in if they bring pillows from Bed and Bath.

23. Test the fishing rods and see what you can catch from otheraisles.

24. Ask other customers if they have any Grey Poupon.

25. Drape a blanket around your shoulders and run around saying,"I'm Batman. Come Robin, to the Batcave."

26. Teepee as much of the store as possible.

27. Randomly throw things over into neighboring aisles.

28. Play with the calculators so that they all spell "hello"upside down.

29. When someone asks you if you need help, begin to cry and say, "Why won't you people just leave me alone?"

30. When 2 or 3 people are walking ahead of you, run between them yelling "Red Rover."

31. Make up nonsense products and ask employees if there are any in stock. (i.e.: Shnerples)

32. Take up an entire aisle in toys by setting up a full-scale battle with G.I. Joe vs. X-men.

33. Take bets on the battle from above.

34. Test the brushes and combs in cosmetics.

35. While handling guns in the hunting department, suddenly ask the clerk where the anti-depressants are. Act as spastic aspossible.

36. Hold indoor shopping cart races.

37. Dart around suspiciously while humming the theme from Mission Impossible.

38. Attempt to fit into very large gym bags.

39. Attempt to fit others into very large gym bags.

40. Say things like, "Would you be so kind as to direct me to your Twinkies."

41. Set up a "Valet Parking" sign in front of the store.

42. Two words: Marco Polo.

43. Leave Cheerios in lawn and garden, pillows in the pet section, etc.

44. "Re-alphabetize" the CD's.

45. In the auto department, practice your Madonna look with various funnels.

46. When someone steps away from his or her cart to look at something, quickly make off with it without saying a word.

47. Relax in the patio furniture until you get kicked out.

48. When an announcement comes over the loudspeaker, drop to your knees and scream, "No, no, its those voices again."

49. Pay off layaways 50 cents at a time.

50. Drag a lounge chair over to the magazines and relax. Go to the food court, buy a drink, and explain that you don't get out much and ask if they can put a little umbrella in it.

---

*BONUS*

Attempt to do all of the above in the same visit, without getting kicked out.

Missions Conference 2007


What an exciting conference! We heard from many different missionaries about their field work and deputation travels. It has been a very awesome time! I have been challenged in my own life about my willingness to serve as a missionary. Even as an M.K. (Missionary's kid, for those of you who don't know :-} ), I had to examine my own life and see if I really was willing to surrender to that kind of ministry. One mission field that has been brought to my attention several times within the past 6 months is that of Zambia, Africa. A missionary from my church, Eve a Douglas, is on deputation to go to Zambia as a full-time missionary. Her neice and I have been talking about going there for about a year, give or take, to help out with the ministry. Then another missionary came to the conference and presented his ministry in Zambia as well. Phil Hunt has been in Zambia since 1992. Some of his areas of ministry include Central African Baptist College and Faith Children's Village Orphanage. I was ready to jump on the plane and fly to Zambia after hearing and seeing the presentation. But I can't allow my emotions to get in the way of what's really there, and what I'm not seeing. I have to make sure that my decisions are based on God's will for my life. Whether or not God has me going to Zambia, I need to be willing to go anywhere that He might have me go, and also be a missionary where I'm at now.

That's another thing. Missions is not all about going overseas. It's about being a missionary to the people around you where you live. All God's children are missionaries. You don't have to go on deputation, to raise money, to travel all over the country in order to be a missionary. You can be a missionary at your workplace, at your school, in your grocery store, gas station, restaurant, the list goes on. People don't seem to get every aspect involved in missions. If we can only see what is going on around us, and take action in reaching out, we will be able to see the fruit of our labor, and also eventually see even more missionaries come out of the evangelism.

The Apostle Paul is one missionary that fascinates me, the one I consider my 'favorite' missionary. His life is reflective of what a true missionary should be. He suffered torment, near-death situations, imprisonment, rejection - he suffered it all! And yet, he did not give up and leave the ministry because things got tough. NO! He counted it a joy to suffer for Christ! But there came a time when he was ready to go Home. In Philippians, he said, "Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith, so that in me you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again."

Paul had a desire to be with his Maker. What child of God wouldn't? Or rather, why do God's children not desire that? Paul was ready to go home, but he knew that his mission was not complete. He knew God had more work for him to do. Paul said, "it is better for you." In speaking to the Philippians, he was saying, "For your sake, I will continue on the ministry God gave me a burden for." Is it selfish to want to leave this world, even the ministry God gave him, to want to be gone from all this sin? I don't think so. Paul didn't view it that way. He put the needs of others in front of his own desires.

So I have to ask myself this question: Is "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" my life's philosophy? Or is, "For me to live is gain, and to die is Christ"? I have to clearly evaluate my life, leaving no area out, and ask myself if I am truly willing to die for the cause of Christ. And is it such a desire in my heart to go Home that I get homesick? Or do I dread the thought of dying? I want to go to Heaven. No questions about that. But is it such a desire in my life that I can't desire anything other than being with my Savior?

I can't wish away my life, though. I need to consider the ministry that God has given me to do to further His Kingdom. I need to re-evaluate what I'm doing with my life and take into consideration what I need to do to reach out to people for Him. If I get too caught up in the materialistic part of life, then I allow the world's view of life and death to cloud God's view. I can't allow that.

I have so many things running through my head about this whole thing, that nothing may seem to make sense. Most likely this whole posting is a series of rabbit trails and ramblings. But I know what I mean, and I hope that it's a challenge to any that read this.

Prepare for Rain.

You Are a Mac

You are creative, stylish, and super trendy. You demand the best - even if it costs an arm and a leg.

Are You a Mac or a PC?

American Cities That Best Fit You::

70% Chicago

65% Los Angeles

60% Honolulu

60% Washington, DC

55% Miami

Which American Cities Best Fit You?

You Belong in Paris

You enjoy all that life has to offer, and you can appreciate the fine tastes and sites of Paris. You're the perfect person to wander the streets of Paris aimlessly, enjoying architecture and a crepe.

What European City Do You Belong In?

Check out my Slide Show!

Walking with Jesus

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk beside our Saviour as He ministered to the sick, healed the lame, talked to the woman at the well, and so on? I've thought about it every so often and just wondered: what would it have been like? What would I have done when He came to my city, provided I lived in the Middle East. Could I say that I would accept Him into my home? That I would bring my loved ones suffering from sickness and disease to be healed? That I would have been there at the cross when He died?

Would I fall down and worship

Leave all that I treasured behind
For a chance to be closer to
The man who might
Be the One who saves my life

This song gives an idea of what it could have been like. Only a glimpse...

2000 Years
~~~
Travis Cottrell

If I could see
2000 years ago
Travel back in time
And walk in the day
When just one man
Turned the world upside down
Oh, Whoa

If I could be
A guest at the wedding
And taste the wine
That was water moments before
Would I realize what was really in store
That there would be so much more

Would I fall down and worship
Leave all that I treasured behind
For a chance to be closer to
The man who might
Be the One who saves my life

If I hear His voice
Call to Lazarus
Stand and stare as my friend stumbles
Out of the tomb

Or witness blind men
See their first morning sky
Would I believe what He says to be true

If I was there the night
Soldiers took Him away
Would I flee the scene
Like most of His friends
Then watch on the cross
What I thought was the end
What would I do then

Would I fall down and worship
Leave all that I treasured behind
For a chance to be closer to
The man who might
Be the One who saves my life

And what would it be like
After three days gone by
Would I believe what they said
Or wanna see with my own eyes
Put my hand on the scars
Only then realize
My Lord, my God, alive

Will I fall down and worship
Leave all that I treasure behind
For a chance to be closer
‘Cause He is still alive
And the One who saves my life


Kent Hooper / Scott Kirpayne ©2006 Kent Hooper Music (ASCAP) (admin. By Integrated Copyright Group) / Sally Rim Music (BMI)

I'm at the point in my life where I don't know what to do anymore. Basically, I'm giving everything up to God, and I need Him to take control. I only pray that I will conform my will to His, and be willing to do everything He asks of me.

Ready For You

Lord, You take my heart away with Your love
and I am willing to put on my faith in Your plan.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

Cleanse all of my mind that is not of You.
Break me, teaching me how to find rest in Your hands.

Come and take my life.
Make my soul refreshed in truth now.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.
To come and fill my soul.

Whatever it takes,
I'm needing to make Your will be done
and I'm letting go of my control,
for I see what You've done in me.

I am ready for You.
Take my heart and make me new now.
I am ready for You
to come and fill my soul.

from Kutless

Christmas break was fun. Lots of traveling. Lots of food. Family. Games. Movies. Music. The works...I was at 3 different churches on Sundays. So I wore the same outfit every Sunday...makes packing lighter. The last Sunday on break we spent in an inner-city church in Indianapolis. Let's just say it was a very awesome experience. I saw different methods of worship there that I'd never seen before. There was something called "Expressions of Worship" or something along those lines. It was a dance program. A woman did something like interpretive dance to Selah and Nichole Nordeman's duet, "Glory", and some other song I didn't catch the name of. It was awesome. This woman expressed her worship to God in the form of dance. This is something that a lot of Christians don't think of and consider to be worship. Which is really sad, because David danced before God in an act of worship. Shouldn't we also worship God in this way? I think we get too caught up in the legality of the church and forget what we're really there for. I'm not saying that we should all break out into interpretive dance to "Amazing Grace." That might be a little weird. What I'm saying is that we shouldn't allow the beliefs and preferences of people within the church to stand in the way of our method of worship. Raise your hands toward Heaven. Worship God in this way. Look towards the sky. Close your eyes and belt it out. If we concentrate on looking at the person directing the song, it's almost as though we're singing to them. This should not be the case.
But you may not feel comfortable raising your hands or looking toward the sky. That's fine. But please, PLEASE, don't scorn or frown on those who do. They may view these acts of worship differently than you do. If you don't frown on them, they won't feel like they have to sit in a stiff-back church pew with their hands clasped in their lap and their eyes on the songleader.
For the songleader, don't direct attention to yourself. We're not at church for you. We love you immensely (I hope everyone does), but we're at church to worship our God. Part of your job is that you make sure we direct our attention towards God.
For everyone: I am only addressing this from my own experiences and view on the subject. At this time, I have not reached the point of raising my own hands towards Heaven while singing, but it's not because I don't want to. I grew up differently, and haven't quite left that behind. One day, hopefully soon, I will be raising my hands in song to my God. But I don't look down on those who do. In fact, I applaud their love and worship for their Savior. It helps me to see that there are others who want the same for their church.
This song from Charlie Hall kind of addresses this, only more vaguely.

Give us Clean Hands

We bow our hearts, We bend our knees

O' spirit come make us humble

We turn our eyes, From evil things

O' Lord we cast down our idols.

Give us clean hands, Give us pure hearts

Let us not lift our souls to another

Give us clean hands, Give us pure hearts
Let us not lift our souls to another

O' God let us be, A generation that seeks,

That seeks Your face, O' God of Jacob

O' God let us be, A generation that seeks,
That seeks Your face, O' God of Jacob.