Can any good thing come out of Idaho?...

Distracted.

2010-01-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever started something and not finished it? I mean really not finished it? Like bought a house and meant to renovate it completely, had all the plans, all the tools and resources ready, but then, for some reason or another, it just didn't get done? Well, I doubt that happened to you, but for the sake of analogy, that house is this blog post... to a much, much, much smaller degree. Enjoy... it's been simmering for a while... and if I were a cook, I might be able to tell you if that's a good thing or not.

Plain and simple, this blog is to tackle distraction which is probably why it's taken me so long to write... you know, distractions and such. Nevertheless, I think it's important that I finish it and be done and free to move on to the greener pastures of the blog world. I lead a life group of young adult women on Monday nights and the Lord gave me this word for them what seems like eons ago... ever since, I've wanted to write it down. Here it goes:

Text to refer to is 2 Samuel 15:2-6

This, my friend, is Absalom. Son of King David, next in line for the throne, and he's getting a bit anxious to fill that position. Sounds a bit prideful; sounds a bit like the guy at the top of this post. That's how I'm viewing Absalom in this revelation; as Satan. I'm sure he didn't meant to be and I don't like calling anyone Satan, but such is life. Sorry Absalom... kind of.

^"He would get up early and stand beside the road leading to the city gate."

-Satan ain't lazy. I tend to take The Simpson approach to thinking about the enemy. You know, Ned Flanders as a red centaur with a pitchfork, sitting back, biding his time, waiting for the moment of opportunity. I think I'm going to go with the Lord's knowledge of him over Matt Groening's, though. Seems like a better source. Anyhow, he isn't just sitting back... he gets up early, he stands all day long, and strategizes his position to reach the people .

Whenever anyone had a grievance to bring before the king for settlement, Absalom called out to him and asked, "What city are you from?" If he replied, "Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel,"

But he's not just out there going crazy after anybody and everybody. He has a target in mind. He's going after those that are heading to the Lord; to the King. These are the ones he desires to persuade away from the path they were on to meet with God; to present their need and case and cause before the One that will be able to do something about it. The wanderers he leaves alone to their wanderings.

Absalom said to him, "Look, your claims are good and right, but the king does not have anyone to listen to you." He added, "If only someone would appoint me judge in the land. Then anyone who had a grievance or dispute could come to me, and I would make sure he received justice."

Liar. The enemy lies continually. Why haven't we been able to identify that and turn from his words for the last time? Why do we still continue to listen? Because he's talented at his art... and it really is an art that he's made it into. He uses flattery and cunning, he makes it attractive, and presents it to you on a silver platter when you're at your most vulnerable point of life.The most alluring part of this is the promise of expediency; of a quick fix. Instead of going all the way up that road to the King, he's ready to 'fix' your problem right away.

When a person approached to bow down to him, Absalom reached out his hand, took hold of him, and kissed him. Absalom did this to all the Israelites who came to the king for a settlement. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel."

Here's where he closes the deal with false affection. It's a continuation of his lying and manipulation, but it's all wrapped up in comfort. The distraction he's brought is one of comfort, pleasure, security, being at ease, having familiarity, or having a peace apart from being in the presence of God. In the midst of such comforts, the hearts (mind, will, and emotions) of men bend toward his direction and away from the hard path to the presence and counsel of the King.

Honestly, I don't know how doctrinally correct all of this is, but I do know that it's right in line with what I've experienced of the enemy's dealings and enticements in my own little life. How about for you? Do you find yourself distracted on your way to meet with God? Maybe it's in prayer times, in your devotional life, or in doing the things that He's commanded you to do with your life where the enemy has been able to sneak in distraction after distraction to keep you focused on the temporary things of here and now instead of on the eternal things the King has for you.

What happened with Absalom anyhow? Did he gain the throne? Yes, he did. David gave it up willingly. Did he keep it? No. How come? God trumps the enemy... every time.

"Then Joab said, 'I cannot linger with you.' And he took three spears in his hand and thrust them through Absalom’s heart, while he was still alive in the midst of the terebinth tree. And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom, and struck and killed him."2 Samuel 18:14-15

This is how the enemy ends up; in humiliation, hanging by his head from a tree, speared through several times, and left for all to see. What if this year, instead of allowing the distractions to overrun our lives, we call them what they are and understand where they're coming from. If we know they are the enemy then we can resist him, all his quick-fixes, and send him fleeing. Then, we'll be free to draw near to God, knowing that His promises are true, and He will draw near to us.

We're coming to the end of the first month of a new year... are you still headed in the direction you were set to follow at the beginning of this month? Over here in Idaho, we're claiming advancement. There won't be continued movement forward if we keep turning to the side. It's time to be done with the distractions (however big or small) and become fully enamored with the presence of God in our lives, understanding that it's Him and Him alone that will produce anything of lasting value in these lives we lead.

So, I guess He really does provide, I mean, maybe...

2009-07-16T23:02:00.005-06:00

I'm not completely sure of how to begin this one. It's been a while and I have about 3 blogs in edit format because I'm not fully satisfied with them enough to post them. Someday soon, maybe. Right now, though, I have some freaking good news that cannot be saved in draft form for weeks on end. Nope. This is good stuff and I want to share it with you, if that's alright. If not, please divert your attention elsewhere.

So, most everyone who knows me, knows good ol' Thomas the Battle Axe. Here's some shots of the little guy (not very quality and I apologize for that, but it's him nonetheless)

He's an '89 VW Golf and I love him most ardently. I bought him when I was 17 for $1500 from my great aunt who kept him in immaculate shape. He was a steal:) I'm selling him tomorrow for $1000 to a new owner and that will end our 5 1/2 year relationship. I'm not sure who gets to spend that much time with their 1st car, but I got to. We had great times, too! Lots of road trips and adventures over the years, tons of packing and moving experiences, lots of sound equipment gettin' carted around town, and lots of visits between Bend and Nampa. Since I moved to Nampa, though, Thomas had been showing signs of aging: new fuel pump, water pump, fan belt, hoses, radiator, thermostat, wipers quit working, passenger door stopped opening, lights kept playing tricks on me, etc. So, I started to pray and save for a new car. This was where, in my mind, Thomas turned from being the most wonderful gift in all of automobile history to being my very own Catch-22. I'd save money just to spend it at the mechanic or at Napa Auto Parts. (By the way, I highly recommend the one on the blvd. in Nampa. It's got this guy who actually looks like a genuine Greaser from The Outsiders... and they're really helpful, too) During this time of mechanic failure, I continued to trust God. I prayed for a new car, tithed, gave regularly, and trusted God for transportaion in any way, shape, or form that it came. Indeed, He was faithful to provide throughout all the times of uncertainty; car-savvy people to help install parts, willing friends to aid with rides, incredible families that borrowed me vehicles, money to pay mechanics, etc. God was so stinkin' faithful.

In the last few months it had become apparent that I needed a new vehicle and badly. I'd listened to Pastor Judah Smith's message where the Lord had him give his Supa-fine sports car to some family. He then began to pray specifically for another vehicle for his family. Not just any vehicle, but a Cadillac Escalade, white, with big shiny rims, and all the works. Sure enough, some guy ended up driving this car to Judah's church and gave it to him out of obedience to what he'd heard God speak. Crazy! I decided to take a page from Judah and began to change my prayer from, 'Lord, I need a new car' to 'Lord, I want one that's new, with good gas mileage, can store a ton of stuff in it, that is white on the outside and has black interior just like my little guy. Oh, and can it be cheap and easy to fix, too? Not like a VW? Thanks, God.'

In the midst of praying that prayer I continued to use my car not just for myself, but for whatever needs needed to be met; tons of rides to whoever needed them for whatever reasons if I was available, letting others use it, and remembering that God gives and takes away and all that I have in my life really is not mine... nor is my life, for that matter.

So, a few weeks ago, my older sister called me and let me know that her biological father was 'going green' and bought a Prius so she was going to drive down to California to pick up a Red 2005 Dodge Dakota that he was giving to her and my brother-in-law.

Here they are with our nephew. I like them a lot.

Anyhow, they own a 2009 Scion and a 2006 Nissan Titan. They're current job situation (which is another story of God's miraculous provision) is taking them to Kansas in the Fall and they felt like they were supposed to give the truck to me. When she called me with that news I was amazed. A new car! It wasn't what I'd been praying for exactly, but hey, it was new and had no car payment to go with it. I reminded myself that God provides however He wants to, whether it's oil in a jar or coins in a fish's mouth, God will provide. So, yeah. I drove to Bend to pick up the truck this last weekend and spent some much needed time with my family.

What did I end up driving back home to Nampa? A freaking 2009 Scion!

It turned out cheaper for them to take the truck to Kansas because of vehicle registration and how little they'll need a 2nd vehicle while living there. Sometimes, even though I pray and believe in faith that what I ask for in faith I'll receive, it still astounds me when it actually happens. I drove home in a car that fit my prayer to a T! White exterior, black interior, cheap to take care of, cheap for gas, can fit the world inside of it, new, and free. That's right. No car payment. Amazing. If I were one of those people that jumps and screams and cries and shrieks when things like this happen, then I would have done it, but I'm not. I was astounded. I drove that car back to Idaho utterly astounded at God's faithfulness in my life. With the new car, with the provision for the old one over the years, with every other area that He'd ever provided for... astounded. All of it is undeserved and cannot be repaid to Him in the least bit... but I'm gonna' try!

You see, even with the new car, God's taught me throughout it all that He is God, no matter what my bank account says, or what a recession means, or what debt says (of which I have none now, thank you Jesus!), or however much of 'good' person I've been, and that list can go on for days. Really, the new car, along with every other provision He makes for my life, reminds me again and again of His grace, His love, and His abundance in my life. Really, even if for some reason this car ends up being taken away, if I lose my job, if life in general starts to kinda' suck, it don't matta'! He is still God. I am still not. He will still be faithful. I mostly am not. He will still be good. I will still be the undeserving recipient of the goodness of God's eternal salvation in my life. I wanted to tell you this, not to gloat about a freaking new car, but because I know in times like this, it's more than a leap of faith to trust that God will provide... but He will. In whatever capacity He sees fit, He'll provide for His people. Keep trusting. Give whatever you have like the widow did and give it in faith knowing that all of this; the cars, jobs, clothing, food, houses, etc, is all temporal and not gonna' last long at all. You and I? We've got eternity taken care of. Completely free. Completely undeserved. Bank on that. Live life like that.

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:13-16

mewithoutYou

2009-05-19T22:11:00.006-06:00

Yep, 4 kinda' goofy lookin' guys from Philly.

I wouldn't have picked em out of a crowd of talented musicians to be my most favorite music makers, but that is what they have continued to be over the past 5 years (goodness I'm getting old). They just released a new album today... and I went and purchased it... and am still processing it, but this song is just lovely and true and good. I love the encouragement to not be a weirdo religious zealot, but also to not be a weirdo-tolerant-of-sin-believer, either. I love the call to forsake the meaningless things and think on the eternal things and worship and praise and adore and meditate on what really matters. Yep. They're a bit goofy, but I like 'em and it's okay if you don't. It really is fine by me:)

every thought a Though of You

every thought a Thought of You

no more thought, I ought to do...

when there's not a thing we see

or touch or trust is true

every thought a Thought of You

every look in search of You

what need for books when we're with you?

you wear a thin disguise,

O, Light within my brother's eyes!

every look in search of You

every song in praise of You

our darkest nights are days to You

the trees raise branches high

like arms in church to grateful sky,

every song in praise of You

no one here to believe but You

everyone else is bound to leave but You

when we swear, 'my love is real!', we mean

'I like the way You make me feel!'

there is no one here to believe but You

kul-anaya fikr minh ka

abadan abatmam enna ajab

hayya'alal falal qad qamadis alab

Haqq: la illaha il allah

The last part is in Arabic because the lead singer and guitarist brother were raised in a Suffi/Christian converted household (google that for more information, if you're curious). I'm just really a fan of music that means something. Music that has a message to get across that might lead someone towards a real relationship with the Lord and away from the myriad of artifical relationships that most songs glorify nowadays. So yeah, anyhow. That's just that.

Good Eye!

2009-05-09T02:21:00.005-06:00

There's no faking this stuff, ladies and gentlemen. This is the real deal. It's easy to look at these photos and pass them off as "Eh. Cool nature pics. Whatever." But that's because you're not viewing them in context. These photos were taken by Ansel Adams way back in the early days of photography. His mission and passion in life was to capture the wildness of America before it was all pioneered and domesticated. He wanted to preserve, on film, what he thought someday might be lost and forgotten. Now, all that is very well and all, but as I looked at these photos and read the stories behind them at the Boise Art Museum last weekend with my pops, the Lord began to draw a correlation. Dun, dun, dun...

Ansel Adams was a seeker. He would hike into ridiculous places to capture these images. He'd go through days of hard labor, hiking his huge camera equipment (because it was huge back then) and then he'd wait so patiently, even for days sometimes, just for the right lighting and the perfect shot for these pictures that truly are masterpieces.

Or at other times he would be driving home with his son and some buddies and he'd see the perfect shot off to the side of the road, like with the photo below. For this shot, he pulled off the side of the road, scrambled to get his camera out and set up, and was able to shoot it just minutes before the sun set and his light was gone, taking along with it, this amazing masterpiece.

The Lord spoke to me through all of this about my own vision. He spoke of how mine has been shaped over the years and various seasons of my life to see specific things that He desires me to see. He spoke of how sometimes, it's necessary to seek and to strive for that vision. When I'm not sure of what to do, or maybe have somewhat of an idea, but not the whole picture, it's at that time when I need to put in some hard laborious hiking to ascend that hill of the Lord where I can find the needed clarity in His presence and in His presence alone. Once I get there, and am able to wait patiently in His presence, I don't just gain the knowledge that I want or expect. He gives me a masterpiece above and beyond what I desire to find from Him.

At other times in the whole (almost 23 years) of my life, there have been times where life's going along just fine. I'll have a steady job, a great group of friends, an awesome church, a good relationship with Him, and really, not a worry in the world, but then He brings this amazingly new light to a somewhat mundane or routine existence of a life that I lead. This new light, this new vision, if I don't just look at it, but take the steps necessary to capture it, then I end up with a vision that I could've never gained on my own. Instead, I receive one that was gifted to me by the Maker of the universe, just because He loves me.

Both of the pieces of artwork by Ansel in this post are said to be some of his greatest works of photography, but Mr. Adams is just one man. What were others doing during this time? Pursuing the "American Dream"? I wonder how many people drove by countless masterpieces and never noticed them because they had something of lesser value in their view and didn't realize it. Or how many were pursuing and laboring hard, but missed out on the beauty that was already around them because they were distracted with their own version of "beauty".

I love the correlation that the Lord drew for me in this and the challenge He brought to me to strive for greater vision on a continual basis, but I am just one little part of the Church. Imagine what the Church can do if all of her is continually striving to get greater, clearer vision from the One who holds it all in the span of His hand. Or what she could accomplish by being attentive and sensitive to what the Lord is doing instead of being caught up in the mundane, routine distractions of life. Oh distractions! That's another post for another day, but coming soon! In the meantime, what's your vision? Do you have any? Is it yours or was it given to you? If it was given to you, who gave it to you?

Overall, I'm excited for the masterpieces of vision that the Lord has laid up for me to see during my life, and I'm real excited for the continual corporate vision of the Church that's going to change the world. Uber excited:)

Maybe he knew something...

2009-05-02T21:18:00.006-06:00

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.

Plato. He's the one who said this. My mother loves this quote and puts it on most anything that she ever gets her hands on: birthday cards, emails, facebooks, artwork, etc. As someone who could really care less for philosophy, I always wrote it off as, 'Pfft! What did Plato ever know compared to the word of God? Yeah buddy, keep asking questions and never answer them. Awesome.'

I would like to clarify that I'm not putting Plato's quote on the same level as the Bible at all. Not even a little bit. All I'm saying is that I think he knew a bit more than I gave him credit for in the past. Well, at least with this quote he did.

I say all of this, not to start philosophizing, but to tell you about a common mistake I often have made during my time as a functioning part of the Body of Christ. I judge too quickly. I know, big surprise, right? Well, hopefully not. As much as I've made this mistake, I'm also very aware that I'm not the only one, and so I guess that's why I'm writing this on the good ol' bloggy-blog.

I've recently been able to spend some time with a gaggle of different people. You know, a bit out of the usual sort of crowd has been going through my life in the last week or so. Finally, on Thursday morning, I realized that maybe the Lord was teaching me a bit of something. (sometimes, my skull is thicker than I'd like to let on) As I sat with Stephanie Meistrell on the dock at Lake Lowell and heard a little about the story of her life, I realized that I'd been doing things wrong for a while now. It's easy for me to go and listen to unbelievers' stories, to sit, to have compassion, to understand because they lack the love and forgiveness of Christ, but it's a whole 'nother ballgame for me to sit with people who have been saved all their lives and believe that they've really gone through much in their life that's needful of the grace of God. You know, people who's familes are pretty much fully intact, and mostly saved, and they've been following Jesus faithfully since they were 5 yrs old. It's those people that I was convicted for.

As I listened to story after story over the course of this week, this little phrase kept popping up in my head. A dead philosopher's way of saying, 'I told you so!' It's true. I don't care who you are. I don't care where you came from. I don't care about your family situation. I don't care about all the hardships you've ver faced in your life... or the lack therof. I care about you. I care about what's happening now. I care to hear, FROM YOU, what life has been like for you.

Because really, when we get down to it, life is not easy for any of us and we really are in an actual continual battle, and we really do need to walk in kindness, grace, and love towards each other. I'm all for it. I'm gonna' go ahead and do it.

One-Upping :)

2009-03-17T14:21:00.004-06:00

Yep. I'm going to be that person right stinkin' now. If I could say it without lying, I'd totally play the 'I walked on the moon' card right now. A few weekends ago I was able to take the weekend off from my life in Idaho and go for a visit to one of the greatest places in the world: Seattle, Wa. I visited my good and great friend Tara Jean Buce (Boochy). She posted something about it, but I didn't think it was sufficient so I'm 'one-upping' her blog with my sweet photo collage. Bam!

It was incredibly necessary and an incredibly huge blessing of quality time, rest, and vision-casting for the next season of ministry and life in Idaho. Really, though, Tara is one of my friends that I'm planning on keeping for life. She's a woman of God, a blessing and life-giving friend, and truthful and honest with me even when it's not in the best interest of the comfort-level of our friendship. I love her. Also, I got to chill with Mr. Wa Vong and ate some fruity sushi, unagi, and Turkish coffee. Regretfully, I got no pictures of those events because I was so caught-up/exhilarated in having braved and conquered Seattle traffic that I forgot the camera in the car. Oh well, there's always next year! Keeping in touch is amazing. If your friends are far away, I highly recommend visiting them when the opportunities are provided.

The Sound of Life Group

2009-03-10T07:52:00.006-06:00

I love, love, love my life group girls! Mondays are one of my longest days of the week, but they're for sure one of my favorite days of the week:)

I love my life group because:

-Each of the girls that comes is so completely different and unique and wonderful. I love to learn about new things and I really love stories, of all shapes and sizes. So a small group of people that gets together and shares stories about their lives from the previous week is an incredible treat for me.

-Each one of the girls has their own bundle of gifts to bring to the table every week and let me tell you; it's amazing to be able to watch them as they discover the gifts and abilities that God has given to them.

-Each one has a unique destiny and plan for their lives. I mean, waaaay different places that each one of them is going to end up going to one of these days. Just to be a part of that and sit and think of how many more lives are going to be touched by them and what they learn now and how they respond and apply the Word of God to their lives is one of my favorite things to do on the way home from work on Monday nights before lifegroup starts.

-Each one of them represents a whole new and different perspective and view on life and how it is to be lived. They keep me on my toes and constantly in the place of learning more in order to give them more and more and more...

-Each week that we get together, we're walking out the Word of God and I couldn't pick a better group of Lovely Ladies to do that with! No matter who comes to our group, how often they come or how often they don't come, whatever problems they have going on in their life, our group welcomes the opportunity to do life with them every single time. I love being a part of a group that's striving be more like Jesus.

All that to say, life group is the bomb dot com. If you're not in one, get in one, wherever you may be (geographically or relationally). Going to church every week is grand, but it sucks after a while if you're missing out on the entire other half of the package (Acts 2:46-47).

Ma pops!

2009-02-14T14:14:00.002-07:00

So, my dad has been coming over to visit me (and the rad men's ministry over here) on the 1st weekend of each month. This is heaven to me because for 1 weekend every month, I get my old music and movie critic friend back. Last weekend, we went downtown, ate some good potato and bacon pizza at the Pie Hole, had dessert at Goody's in Hyde Park, wen to the Flying M to see their Valentine's Art Show, and then ended the evening watching a French movie at Flicks. I loved every minute of it, but the best quote of the weekend occurred as we were walking past Urban Outfitters on our way to The Flicks. Here it is, from the man himself:

"If you can't tear your own jeans up, there's something wrong with you."

It wasn't a part of our conversation at all. We were talking about something completely different and then right outta' the blue after having looked at the store front displays when we walked by he made this comment and then continued on in conversation. I laughed... out loud... a lot. (and secretly was so thankful that I've never bought a pair of ripped jeans).

He really is quite an intelligent man. I just put this photo up here so that those of you who have paid for someone else to tear up your jeans can feel a little better about the whole situation. Happy Valentine's Day!

Dankest

2009-01-28T14:53:00.002-07:00

So... today, I used some drug terminology to describe a youth church event... to the youth church and the Twitter community. At first, mortification set in as I realized what had just happened. Here's the said sentence: "You ready to kill? Tonight we're taking down another ugly giant! Don't miss out! After, join us for the dankest party with the sickest food!"

Immediately, I had 3 responses asking me why I would talk about our events like they're marijuana... yeah, embarrassment happened 'earl quick. See? I just did it again. earl. In my head, it's just a way to say 'real'... urban dictionary says: earl = slang for throwing up, cheap hash made and sold on the street, or the New Orleans way of saying 'oil'.

I looked up some more... gnar: Lorelei's usage: pretty stinkin' rad. UD = gnarly, awesome, good snow if you're a snowboarder. gnarkill: Lorelei's usage = either ridiculously cool or really, really gross (like when I had to clean up dog puke at the vet) UD = synonym for awesomeness i.e. Robert, Billy, Devon and Greg are all gnarkill gangsters.

I don't know any gangsters... but I wouldn't call them gnarkill.

So, this little explanation is all to say... that I ended up laughing... a lot.

My dad, who used to be a pot head before he got saved in his twenties, uses the word dank or dankest (as well as Killer) when describing a movie or book or album he really liked. It must be an old habit carried over, but it is used to describe only High Quality weed. I s'pose I got it from him. The dad dictionary. Too bad I couldn't explain this to the youth church... or the Twitter community, but here it is, right here on my blog. Next time The NXT sends out a mass text, it will be drug free.

And I'll pay more attention to my use of vocabulary, because what I think is harmless may not always be so. I might be encouraging kids to come smoke weed with me and my pastors.

Your thoughts?

2009-01-26T22:53:00.001-07:00

Favorite Remark

2009-01-26T18:00:00.002-07:00

Today I received an email from ma mere. It was all completely normal 'mom' stuff... except for the ending... which was hilarious. So, I thought I would share it with the blogging community.

"ps---I went swimming today, and I shared the swim lane with a lady who had eyebrows just like Donald Sutherland's---but I kept my cool :)" -Mom

Afforded the Opportunity, A Burning Bush Can Save A Nation

2009-01-22T19:15:00.005-07:00

^(B) And^(C) the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3And Moses said, "I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned." 4When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see,^(D) God called to him^(E) out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Exodus 3:2-4

Jesus, the Angel of the Lord, stood in the midst of the bush. Moses saw it and made the conscious decision to turn aside from the path that he was following and went to seek the Lord (even though he didn't really understand what was going on). He called it a 'great sight' and recognized His presence as being better than whatever he was doing at the time. Only after he turned aside did God call out to him and speak to him. Not beforehand. God waited patiently in the bush and allowed Moses to make the decision of whether he would turn aside or not. When he showed his willingness, then God could instruct him and begin to use him.

What path am I on day after day that causes me to miss the burning bushes along the way? I know that I'm missing them somewhere. You've called me to walk like Jesus, to be cleansed by His blood, clothed in His character, carrying His mindset and the power of His Spirit inside of my life everyday... but I don't always operate like that. I see that most days, my path through the day is clouded with ME. That's right, I stay so focused on myself, what You can do for me, or what I'm supposed to be doing, or what I think would be best to do, or by what feels best at the time that I don't lift up my eyes. I'm so focused internally so often that I become distracted by my own selfishness and pride and forget that You have a plan that goes beyond my life; beyond all it's 'big deals', trivial details, worries, cares, plans, and strategies. If I'd only look up, I'd see where You are, go to You, and receive the instruction from You that goes beyond myself. The instruction and plan that is impossible for me to carry out in and of myself.

Moses received the plan to save your people; an entire nation. All that was required of him was obedience. My life, fully submitted and obedient and focused on you, could save an entire people; the Treasusre Valley. I repent for my small mindedness and focus when it comes to following you. Keep standing in the bushes, ready to be the all consuming fire that will burn the chaff of a lazy and selfish life so that it can be used by You. Used to do the impossible and the unthinkable and the unimaginable. 2009 is the year to put off distractions of the past.

Trip to Bend before camp

2008-09-07T00:26:00.003-06:00

I drove to Bend the weekend before our summer camp to pick up my little sister and our friend Kaitlyn Morrison. Those pictures will be coming soon, but here's some from the weekend before.

This is the interesting part of the drive

The Oasis in Juntura. A great little spot, but I could totally picture Stephen King writing a book about this place

Lovely Ladies!

During our walk downtown, we happened upon some ballerina karate chops and shadow dancing! Two very necessary things!

It took a long time to persuade them that it wasn't Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, but in fact Goody's Ice Cream Parlor. That was an awkward moment or two for both the customers and the staff in the shoppe.

But we made it out alive! Erika is such a non-conformist. Nico and I totally caved

What's a trip to Bend if it doesn't include non-warranted harassment from Nicolette? Yeah, she poured water down my back... for no reason.

She must've wanted me to shove my ice cream cone in her face. That's what I thought at the time, anyway.

At some point, we decided to make peace and watch the beauty that is Bend

Then, we walked by my favorite house in Bend

And their creepy Narnia yard

Later, I got to go see The Dark Knight with my little sister. So rad.

I'm teaching her how to rep Canyon County. 2C baby!

Boulder Lake

2008-09-07T00:00:00.004-06:00

The following day, the 5th of July, we went on a hike up to Boulder lake. It was beautiful and reminded me of Oregon. Apparently, Idaho is stunningly beautiful for the most part, but everyone decided to populate the southwest of Idaho, which is the ugly part:( Well, that's not fair, it's all in the eye of the beholder, my eyes are used to beholding Central Oregon, so I still need a bit more time to adjust:)

The reservoir at the bottom.

Well, it is called Boulder Lake

There were many little streams and babbling brooks fortelling of the water above us

And then, BAM!, there it is. So breathtaking, literally, the hike was a little steep, but well worth it!

Man vs. Wild

Woman vs. Wild?

Small world, we found friends from Nampa on our way back down. Hooray for friends!

Beautiful wildflowers were our scenery on the way home. Oh McCall, I love you and I will dome back to you someday.

The Fourth!

2008-09-06T12:52:00.004-06:00

So, Trina and I went to her parent's home up in McCall for the weekend of the fourth. It was amazing. I don't think I've ever felt as rested, or at least, not in a really long time. It's crazy how much effort and work it takes to being a contributing member to a mobile church, but we wouldn't trade it for the world. Plus, all that hard work makes rest so incredibly exhilarating. Oxymoron, but true, nonetheless.

Our drive up

Lots o' Lounging

Then we watched the fireworks in the park with her parents and Brandon, an old friend of theirs who happened to be there, too. It was fantastic.

Some of our entertainment - Dick Van Dyke style

Warhol salutes nature

The Barge of Brightness

Trina's mom couldn't wait for the fireworks any longer, so.... she SNAPPED!

Mawage!

2008-08-05T22:36:00.005-06:00

I know, this is ridiculous. It's been over a month since my last post. No, I didn't lose my camera, I didn't lose internet access, I didn't lose my motor skills, I didn't lose a thing... well, except for my desire to blog.

I had big plans for this baby, but they all fell by the wayside. I'm going to start again with an easy one. I just spent the last week driving to Bend, going to summer camp in Lewiston, ID, enduring a whole week of summer camp, driving back to Bend for my little brother's wedding, and then driving back home:) There's about eight other things I wanted to accomplish, but alas, I ran out of time or energy or both. I'll catch you all up on all those adventures, but for now, I'll leave you with some documentation of my favorite day. My little brother's wedding.

Here they are... married by the Terminator.

A Jewish tradition where the two exchange salt. In order for the marriage to end, each grain of salt must be separated back

There it is! Jonathan Christopher Robin Williams & Leah Malina Williams!

After the wedding ceremony, they dedicated little Andrew Jasper Allen Williams to the Lord

When nineteen year olds get married there's bound to be ballerina flats & Chuck Taylors :)

I got to watch the nephew that night and let me tell you, it was the perfect end to a taxing, fruitful, tiring, and wonderful weak.

Dear M. Night

2008-06-14T15:16:00.007-06:00

So, tonight I planned on staying home and getting the things done that didn't get done during the week due to a 50 hour work schedule. Instead, I ended up pulling my bike out of the garage at 10 (and hour after I should've been in a deep coma sleep) and biked down to Edwards to watch The Happening with some chums. Was there a good reason for this? Not a good one; just that M. Night Shyamalan had made it and I loved his prior movies. This was a mistake. A wise man cautioned me against it after he'd seen previews for it, but did I heed the voice of wisdom? Nope, no I definitely did not. (Kyle, I give you full license to relase the 'I-told-you-so' deluge)

So, after a very nice bike ride I walked into the theater and at the opening scene I wanted to walk right out. The thing with Mr. Shyamalan's movies though, is that for all of the ridiculousness you're exposed to during your veiwing experience, there's always a twist at the end that consoles your mind for all the previous images. So, I waited for that consolation. And waited. And waited. It never came and I was left at the end with a lack of justification for all the horrific things I'd exposed my mind to. For those of you who don't know, The Happening is about a terrifying and unexplainable phenomenon in the Northeastern United States. For just one day, the verdure begins to emit a toxin that causes all those outside and exposed to it to begin acting strangely. Ultimately, they kill themselves. You follow a young married couple and their best friends' kid throughout the movie as they try to survive the 24 hours of torture and simultaneously heal a failing marriage. The moral to Night's movie seems to be more of a personal and political one than anything else. The reason the plants are killing people is because the human race has become too abusive and harmful to the world and so if we can't come up with a solution, nature will lend it's hand. Indeed, she does. I was expecting Al Gore to make his cameo appearance after the credits because this movie was so green.

On my way home, amidst a very peaceful and beautiful landscape of fields and trees, I spent my time in prayer and meditation. This is the conclusion I was lead to:

M. Night Shyamalan always has an underlying theme to each movie (what film maker doesn't?)

Sixth Sense: A little boy steps out in faith in the midst of a faithless world to aid ghosts in reconciling their deaths so they may move onto a peaceful rest. The little boy sees and hears the supernatural because he's unhindered by the mundane, natural things that flood the lives of all those around him in the land of the living.

Unbreakable: A man is made to understand that he was given a gift in his life; he never becomes ill and he never gets hurt. This information is brought to light for him by a man who he will find to be the evil counterpart to his role in this real-life comic book story. This man chooses to use the gift bestowed upon his life by who knows what to rid the world of evil little by little throughout the rest of his life.

Signs: It's been waaaaay too long since I've seen it to do it any justice.

The Village: A group of adults come together after having experienced horrible tragedies in their lives and they pull away from society totally. They build an almost Puritan village on some of the nation's wildlife reserve land to keep the world, with all of it's pain, anger, and darkness out of their lives. Their village is founded on a maze of lies and they go through theatrics to keep the village safe from our modern day world.

Lady in the Water: A woman, or sea-nymph, is on a journey to get to her homeland before it's too late and destiny is lost. The lives of strangers are orchestrated in such a way as to bring them all together to aid this Lady in getting back home in order for her to fulfill her purpose. By their faith and belief in who she is, she makes it back and in turn, the world she lives in will impact our world and bring about a great revolution and change.

The Happening: The Human race has become so corrupt, abusive, perverse, dark, and evil that even nature will lend a hand in providing a way for us and the earth to be rid of ourselves. Since we have no solution, an outer force must come and bring the necessary change.

Now, I know there are some thoughts forming in your mind about me right now. Thoughts like, 'She's waaaaay too extreme/religious' or 'What? Does she think she's attained or something?' or 'Duh, of course they're unbiblical movies because M. Night Shyamalan isn't saved.' You can go ahead and lay those thoughts aside. The purpose of this note is not to rage against a fim maker, and moreover, an unbelieving fim maker because that's definitely unbiblical. I did not even wirte this to bring any guilt, condemnation, or judgement to those who've seen this movie. I'm writing this all down because it's revelation for my life from God and that's a good thing.

You see, I'm not even a little frustrated with Night. I'm frustrated entirely and completely with myself. Because I saw a movie that portrayed horrible acts of suicide? No. Because I've been duped... many times over.

We are all called to live lives of faith in the unseen even when everyone around us has no faith.(sixth sense)

We are all called to be lights in the darkness and to use the truly God given power to rid the lives of those around us of evil and death (unbreakable).

We are all called to keep ourselves unspotted from the world, but to be in the world and not of it (The Village)

We are called to believe in the Savior Jesus Christ who has departed and is now at the right hand of the Father. By our belief this world will see change as we allow God's creative voice to come and change our lives first. (Lady in the Water)

There is no good thing in man. All have sinned. All have fallen short. We need an outside source of salvation and deliverance from the evil so innate within us (The Happening)

I hate that so often I get duped by plot twists, character development, story lines, and cool visual effects when I have the solution and these multi-million dollar movies never need to be made. Jesus Christ really is the solution for everything in this life and in His presence, where I learn all of this in a 15 minute bike ride, is much better than the 2 hour melee of suicides that still leave me feeling void of understanding and completely powerless to do anything that would turn the course of the human race away from the paths of self destruction. That's all. That's all I've got tonight. Jesus is better than the world. And while Shyamalan's movies have more substance than most of the movies coming out nowadays, he's still plaigiarising. God is the solution.

In Idaho...

2008-06-08T16:04:00.000-06:00

Guns

Hot Dogs.

It get's windy here...

2008-05-29T13:08:00.003-06:00

So much in fact, that the wind killed, maimed, destroyed, and obliterated our new outdoor table

Creepy Coolness

2008-05-27T21:21:00.002-06:00

Three ladies

travel down one road

using fire

and their skills

to conquer a lake under the earth.

For more documentation of this incredible feat go to my facebook and check out the album for it

Ma Birfday, folks

2008-05-27T21:16:00.003-06:00

Yes, I'm twenty-stinkin-two. And may I say, it's about time? Geez, for some of us it takes a little while, but I finally made it. To those of you who had bets going that I wouldn't: 'Ha! Take that! I totally made it!' Stay tuned to see if I can go another round:)

Oh, so, I came home real late to a room I could barely walk into thanks to Trina's small group. There were streamers from wall to wall like a big, flamboyant web, but my urge to run through them overran any necessity to take a picture of it. Seriously, they're still there and my room reeks of baloons.

Memorial Day - A Day to Remember

2008-05-26T16:26:00.004-06:00

Okay, so, I meant to upload some pictures from the weekend adventure to Malheur Cave, but the wifi I'm using is adverse to photo up-load-ation. (that's a good word. Use it.) Instead, I'll do that later when I can go to a much more trusted location on a day when everything's not closed.

In the meantime, I'll take this opportunity to share this day of remembrance with you. Both of my grandfathers were military men and they are both now gone. I hold a deep respect for them and every man who's served our nation with integrity even when our nation chooses to lack any integrity worth dying for. A soldier's duty is a picture of how we're to live as both followers of Christ and leaders of those we're discipling. It's how we're to fight the good fight of faith for those who've not merited freedom, but nonetheless, our lives will willingly pave the way for them to walk in freedom.

"And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 timothy 2:3-4

I remember them, thank them, and honor them all for what they've done that puts me where I'm at now without having to kill one enemy of my freedom with my own hands.

In the beginning...

2008-05-20T21:16:00.004-06:00

... there was a girl that moved to Idaho from her long-time home of Bend, OR. She greatly appreciated the efforts her friends took in documenting their lives so that she could keep up on the events and happenings in her hometown, but she never took the time to document the events of her life in Idaho. Finally, one day she made the decision to begin...