tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46403621955870594392023-06-20T23:55:56.077-04:00AllieUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-74217333989308879502010-09-18T11:56:00.003-04:002010-09-18T12:09:31.648-04:00Whirlwind!<p>Just a quick update--a LOT has been happening in my life!</p><ul><li>I'm now a proud resident of Clarkston, MI! After a long, long wait, God has given us a home. And guys--it's a great one!:)</li><li>I have a new church family! And I am so proud to call them my family. I get to go to church twice a week with some truly amazing people. They've opened up their hearts to us and already I feel so at home. :)</li><li>I started school at Oakland Christian on August 23rd. Let me just say--being the new girl is definitely scary. But so long as I have to be the new girl, I can't think of a better place to be than OCS. I'm taking some great classes (Honors British Literature, anyone?:) ) and making some great friends. Even though the transition is, well, a transition, I am so so excited to be making it. (here's the school website for any interested--<a href="http://www.blogger.com/oaklandchristian.com">oaklandchristian.com</a>)</li><li>Thank you Jesus--we bought a house!! It's absolutely beautiful, in a great location...and it has a pool:) It was sugh an act of God thing I just can't stop praising Him about it! We move in around the end of October--I can't wait!:)</li></ul><p>In other words...I've been busy busy busy!! Between a new town, new church, new school, new living space, and of course new friends, I've hardly had time to catch my breath! Things are crazy--and I'm thriving! Thanking Jesus all the time for the great things He's doing. How encouraging it's been to know God's grace is sufficient! Even though I'm weak, He is strong! </p><p>I'd love to share about it all sometime too--give me a call, shoot me a text, facebook me. :)</p><p>Hoping your Saturday is absolutely great!</p><p>Allie :)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-23564633605616463512010-08-03T14:06:00.004-04:002010-08-03T14:49:30.003-04:00Dorothy en RouteYou know how when you're little, you sort of get attached to that one movie? For example, Luke watched Toy Story 2. Everyday. Sometimes twice a day. For a year. Me, I wasn't quite so extreme--though I could still probably quote The Little Mermaid...in it's entirety...complete with the French song. In fact, I'm inclined to think that my near-phobic fear of eels & octopuses (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">octopi</span>?) has a lot to do with Ursula and her henchmen...but that is a story for another time. Today, I want to talk about Lindsay's favorite, The Wizard of Oz.<br />I've been thinking about Dorothy a lot today. As a writer, I'm constantly in search of just the right words that will communicate what's happening in my head. It's been pretty difficult lately...my life right now is a lot more conducive to prayers in a journal than thoughts on a blog. But I think I've finally found a way to explain myself.<br />I feel a lot like I think Dorothy must have felt just as she touched down in her flying house and saw Oz out her window. She had just been through a terrible storm, and instead of finding comfortable familiarity, she found she had landed in a place completely new and unexplored. And I don't care what you say. That is seriously scary.<br />In the past two years, I've had more in common with Dorothy than you might think. I've heard the winds of change, I've felt the floor fall out from under me and watched as my life spun around in a way I'd never experienced. I've cowered in the corner and I've stared out the window, wondering. I've waited, suspended in mid-air for a year, questioning whether or not we'd ever touch down. And now--I can see Oz underneath me. I can't make out the details yet, but I can tell we're rapidly approaching the ground. And of all things, I am terrified to leave the house. Or rather, <em>was</em> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">terrified</span>.<br />I'm not now. Because you know what? Oz is beautiful. Remember how bright the flowers were? How blue the water was? Remember how when Dorothy stepped out of the sepia-toned house...she became colorful too?<br />That's not to say there won't be scary things. But it is a great thing to know that God is preparing a beautiful place for us. A place to live and love and put down roots. Because after all...(I have to say it!)...There's no place like home. :)<br /><br /><blockquote>"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8</blockquote><br />PS--I was watching a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPWenQxryr4">video</a> of the scene from the movie where Dorothy first lands when Lindsay asked why I was watching the Wizard of Oz. She's across the room...all she heard was the music. Gotta love good memories!:)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-62973865135969990422010-03-17T19:38:00.004-04:002010-03-17T20:00:26.623-04:00A Post Almost as Good as a Four-Leaf Clover.<p>And, in honor of the day, I give you <strong>5</strong> <strong>Reasons to be Excited About Being</strong> (even a little bit) <strong>Irish.</strong></p><ol><li>You get to be super annoying on St. Patrick's Day. Not that it makes a difference, since apparently "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">everyone's</span> Irish." (I don't think that's very fair...)</li><li>You get to wear green...yeah this is a good thing I'm pretty sure. </li><li>You get to get to be mean to people who forgot to wear green and viciously pinch them multiple times, even if the only reason they weren't wearing green is because they'd just gotten out of the shower and were wearing nothing but their bathrobe, which was unfortunately blue...Yes, this happened to me this morning and yes, I'm pretty bitter!</li><li>You get to go around saying things like "Everyone loves an Irish girl!" and "Kiss me, I'm Irish!" without sounding arrogant or scandalous. (Well...that's my take. Dad still isn't thrilled with this idea.)</li><li>All in all, you just get to claim awesome status for a day just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">because</span> your great-great-great-great-great-grandfather was born on the Emerald Isle. (His name was Patrick Finn. Awesome right?)</li></ol><p>Someday I'm going to go visit "the homeland," even though I'm really just more American than anything else. But in this world of everyone being excited <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">about</span> their heritage, this is all I've got. So I'm gonna flaunt it today--with my Irish eyes a-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">smilin</span>'!</p><p>PS--The story of St. Patrick is one of my favorite of all time. For a fun, informative take on it, I absolutely LOVE <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6TCB5QhHVJA">this</a> video. Yes, it's from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">VeggieTales</span>. Which in my book just makes it cooler. :)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-8400485326134180772010-03-13T11:02:00.010-05:002010-03-13T12:01:49.418-05:00The Inevitable Post, in which I give more information about my wisdom teeth than anyone ever cared to know.I got my wisdom teeth out about three weeks ago--let me tell you, it was not what I expected. They gave me laughing gas to calm me down before they put in the IV., but was did I relax? Of course not. I tried and tried, breathing in like there was no tomorrow. All it did was muddle my brain into thinking there really <em>was </em>no tomorrow. And so, embarrassingly, I sobbed in front of 5 dental technicians (one of which just couldn't shut up about what exactly they were about to do to me. I am still rather bitter toward thsi woman.)<br />I vaguely remember waking up...getting in the car...trying to tell everyone I was okay. And no, the anesthesia did not make me happy. It was pretty much just a repeat of the laughing gas episode.<br />Anyway. The first three days were not fun. Thankfully though, toward the end of Day 3 I fell asleep during Frodo's quest to destroy the ring--and woke up feeling a million times better. (I like that movie so much more now!)<br />Finally, on Day 4 I got my appetite back--but not the function of my jaw. So I was applesauce girl for about 12 hours until at last I thought of "real food" I could eat--Chinese! Never have I been more thankful to China. I am firmly convinced that it quite possibly saved my life.<br /><br />More things I learned form having my wisdom teeth out:<br /><br /><p>There are some movies that are just amazing no matter how many times you watch them. (Example: Phantom of the Opera, which I watched twice within 4 days.) On Sunday, Day 5, my Gram brought me some lo mein and we found You've Got Mail on TV. Oddly enough, I think this may end up being one of my favorite memories, awkwardly chewing Asian noodles and watching Meg Ryan fall in love with Tom Hanks (again), just hanging out with Gram. I re-fell in love with that movie, and now Lindsay and I quote it almost religiously. We feel the same way about You've Got Mail as Tom Hanks feels about the Godfather. "The Godfather is the I-ching. The Godfather is the sum of all Wisdom. The Godfather is the answer to every question--'what should I pack for my vacation?' 'Leave the gun, take the cannoli.' " Etc, etc.</p><p>My family is really, really nice. Like, really, really nice. Who else would have retrieved applesauce from the local Kroger for me at 9 pm? That's right, my dad. Not to mention everyone who selflessly brought me ice packs every 20 minutes and my wonderful mother who woke up in the middle of the night to give me medication--2 nights in a row. (She said it was like having a newborn again. Ha. Ha.)</p><p>I am in love with Jimmy Stewart. My dad made me rent "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" from the library and promised me I would love it. And I did. A lot. Needless to say, if Jimmy were still alive, he would find more than a couple love notes in his mailbox. Sigh. He was wonderful. Not to mention <a href="http://michaelsmoviemania.files.wordpress.com/2008/05/165563james-stewart-posters.jpg">handsome.</a></p><p align="center"></p><p>The best thing I learned, though, is this--I never have to do it again! :)</p><p></p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-17308835999183296852010-02-21T16:09:00.005-05:002010-02-21T16:41:45.265-05:00"100 Years to Live"Everybody says to enjoy your teenage years, because after all, "they're the best years of your life!" But personally, I'm inclined to think that statement is absolutely ridiculous, for a lot of reasons. I mean, think about it. At age sixteen, I regularly encounter struggles in just about every area: personally, spiritually, relationally, physically, even financially. Now throw in a tendency for embarrassment, very little life-experience, immaturity, peer pressure, the media, acne, and (shudder) boys...none of that sounds easy to me. I know that there are definitely great things about your teenage years--a lot of great things! But if these are supposed to be the best years of my life, I beg to differ. I hate to ascribe that title to any certain period of life...so many great things are going to happen in these few years God has given me.<br />Think about it! <blockquote>The next two years of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">high school</span>. The day I graduate and close that chapter of<br />life. The day I leave for college and become truly independent. The amazing<br />friendships I'll make there. The day I get married. The birth of my first<br />child. The births of all my children. Watching them grow. Loving them. Being a<br />family. Helping them as they grow up. Watching them become their own people,<br />loving life and loving Jesus. The day my own child let's me hold my grandchild.<br />Spoiling them rotten. Celebrating my 50<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> wedding anniversary with a man I love. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Etc, etc, etc. </span></blockquote><br />I know not all of those things are guaranteed, and there are tons more things that I haven't even imagined for myself yet! But God has. And that's the great thing. There are no "best years of my life." Every year is a God-filled, God-imagined year. And that will continue until my final year ends! How great is that...the only thing I have to worry about is today, because God has taken care of every other day before and after. Every day!<br />Anyway, that's just me thinking out loud. I'll post something sillier later that might be a little more coherent. I love you all...live enjoyably today!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-43275588182015997302010-02-19T22:18:00.005-05:002010-02-19T22:44:24.145-05:00Kleenex, anyone?Hello darling people--I'm calling you darling for reading the blog, though I'm sure you are darling for other reasons too. :)<br /><br />Well. It's already been a week since The Big Trip. And still I am in shock of how wonderful it was. I think I'll end up telling a few different stories during other posts, but here's one of my favorites for tonight:<br /><br />Last Sunday we had an experience that will go down in history <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">among</span> "The Cousins" (and company!). But let me start with this:<br />For a long time, I have had a dream of consuming an entire pew/row of seats with my "church posse." That's right. I want the whole thing to myself. I think I feel that as a veteran PK, I have the right. So on Sunday, I thought with eleven people in my posse I had a pretty decent shot at attaining this dream. But alas! Auntie G's church is one of those 227-wide rows...so my dream was dashed again.<br />As it turned out, our seating was even more unfortunate than I thought! Behind us sat a small coalition of South Korean exchange students, all little boys. I didn't notice it right away. But about 10 minutes into the sermon--I heard it.<br />A sniff.<br />And then another.<br />And another.<br />Lizzy, sitting next to me, noticed it about a minute and a half before I did. But once I had noticed it--oh boy, had I noticed it! At 11:14, I began to count. By the time the clock had reached 11:15...<br />TWENTY-FOUR SNIFFLES!<br />Do you realize that that is over one sniff every three seconds? Doesn't sound like a lot? Have someone stand right behind you and sniff every three seconds. If you don't go crazy by minute 3...you have more stamina than I did.<br />One by one, the rest of the family seated in front of the little boys noticed it too. We stole glances, we smothered our laughter, we bit our lips--all while the pastor <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">expounded</span> on covenant theology. I'm sure it was a great message...but my "take-away" had more to do with sniffles than sacrifices.<br />The best part to me was the fact that boy #4 held an orange the entire service. Apparently vitamin C did not heal his cold.<br />Anyway. Shout-out to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">snifflers</span>--one more memory we won't forget!<br /><br />Love to you all. More ramblings later...have a dazzling next 24 hours!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-44867053133776091992010-02-14T19:35:00.002-05:002010-02-14T19:37:44.993-05:00Coming soon......a post involving:<br /><ul><li>much loved people</li><li>a basketball game</li><li>a lot of laughter</li><li>an almost-family</li><li>the Most Squished Car Ride in the History of the World</li><li>Wisconcitizens</li><li>sardines--not to be confused with the afore-mentioned car ride</li><li>the Olympics</li><li>futons</li><li>Valentine's Day</li><li>my family</li><li>and much much more...</li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-34865873530036621182010-02-04T16:17:00.005-05:002010-02-06T13:18:32.206-05:00Flibbertigibbet, Vol. 2Never in my life have I met anyone who enjoys anchovy pizza. (Not to my knowledge at least...and if you do, you might want to keep it to yourself. I don't think a love of anchovies is going to get you very many dates.) Actually, for a long time I didn't know what anchovies even were. I had a vague idea that they were brown and slimy and an acceptable food to hate. And I was right. What I didn't know was this--Anchovies are actually little blue fish that only taste so salty and icky because they're put in brine. And think about it people, nothing that is soaked in brine is good. (Example given: pickles, pig's feet) So maybe we are a little too hard on anchovies...What am I saying? They're still gross.<br /><br />Yesterday I took a trip to the oral surgeon. Needless to say it was hardly a pleasant visit. As it turns out (get ready to be sympathetic), on February 24<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> I will have 5 teeth extracted and one exposed. (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, that's your cue--be sympathetic!) Since I've learned this, I've taken up randomly informing people about my bad luck. So far, I've informed my family, Liz, Logan, my Spanish teacher, random people in my Spanish class, and my entire list of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">facebook</span> friends. And I'm just getting started. (I figure, so long as I have to go through it, I will demand as much sympathy as possible without even a tinge of guilt.)<br /><br />When I was a little girl (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>, little-er girl), I said exactly what was on my mind, without regard to public opinion. I wanted to be a ballerina-firefighter, so I said so. I liked to sing songs, so I did, loudly and off-key. I loved my teddy bear (a lot!), so I slept with him every night. And I never worried about what the rest of the world would think of me. I think little kids are brave like that. I mean sure, it's not like they do it on purpose, it never occurs to them that they should worry about what other people think. But still, I wish I could be like that. Jesus said we're supposed to be like little children, maybe part of that is being courageous about who we are. It would certainly simplify our lives a lot more. I wouldn't waste time worrying about other people's opinion or obsessing over my imperfections. Maybe I could be excited about just being alive, alive in Jesus. I'm not sure if that even makes sense, just something I've thought about.<br /><br />Today I found out that before the Cookie Monster had his first cookie, he was named Sid. Really guys? Sid? Thank goodness for the cookies.<br /><br />Have a groovy day everyone! :)<br /><br />PS--Shout-out to Eleny for actually looking up my new favorite word! How heroic :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-65414794901321622842010-01-31T17:34:00.010-05:002010-02-06T20:23:47.488-05:00Flibbertigibbet*<p><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chapstick</span> has changed my life. Throughout the winter (and in Indiana/Michigan, that's about half the year), my personal C<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">hapstick</span> is a permanent resident of my pocket. Well, that's how it was last winter, and let me tell you it is amazing what moisturized lips can do for your self-esteem. But this year I went C<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">hapstick</span>-less for about two months when I lost my C<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">hapstick</span>, and--tragedy! My lips chapped. Fast. Don't worry too much though. I found a stick of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chapstick</span> a few days ago and I am back on the road to soft, pain-free lips. So. Shout out to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Chapstick</span>! </p><p>It's January 31st, and I say it's about time! After possibly the longest January on record (sure, every January is 31 days, but measured length and low long something <em>actually</em> is are very different things, you know) February begins tomorrow! I know, I know. February? I'm excited about February? The thing is, I've developed this thing for new <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">beginnings</span> recently--new year, new clothes, new recipes, new month, who cares? It's new! And new things are adventures waiting to happen. So yes, February. But who knows? It might be the best February ever!</p><p>So far, I know 5 things about the state of Wisconsin:</p><ol><li>You can also call it "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dubya</span>-Eye" (as in, W-I). usually I call it by this name, because let's face it, it's just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">more</span> fun.</li><li>They make cheese in Wisconsin. Cheese is cool. (Except not the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">spray-able</span> kind, which really shouldn't be called cheese in my opinion.)</li><li>It is cold. But so is Michigan, so that's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">ok</span>.</li><li>Four of my favorite people in the entire world live there! Yep, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">Osh</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">Kosh</span> (great name) has been blessed with a family that's all that and a loaf of the 'bread-of-life'. Auntie G, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">UJ</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">Wubi</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dwighterz</span>...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">Dubya</span>-Eye is a lucky state.</li><li>In just 12 days, the state will be twice as lucky as four more of my favorite people and I make a visit! Between Mom, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">Linz</span>, Luke, Lizzy and I, I doubt Wisconsin will ever be the same.</li></ol><p>Yep. I like it already. </p><p>All right, that's three really random thoughts for you. Enjoy your Sunday!</p><p></p><p>*look it up!</p><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-49003087352221180352009-11-29T15:12:00.009-05:002010-02-06T13:18:04.835-05:00On the Road Again...The time has come--I am a week away from 16, and the proud <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">possessor</span> of a Level 1 learner's license! So far, after 3 weeks of driver's ed successfully completed and about 8 hours behind the wheel, I have learned many valuable lessons. So, without further ado, I give you <em><strong>Allie</strong></em> (or Alex, if you're my driving instructor--long story)<em><strong> Wood's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Do's</span> & <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Don'ts</span> of Novice Driving.</strong></em><br /><ul><li><strong>Do</strong> consider the fact that Mom & Dad will <em>never</em> be as laid-back as your crazy driving instructor. Plan your braking distance accordingly.</li><li><strong>Don't</strong> say "I know" when your mom tries to supply you with important information. Just don't. </li><li><strong>Do </strong>remember that this is the only time in your life where you have a legitimate excuse for driving badly. Also, <strong>do </strong>remember to mention this fact loudly and often.</li><li><strong>Don't </strong>sing while on the road, unless you want to get...instructed...on why that's not a good idea at this stage of your driving. </li><li><strong>Do </strong>try to retain as much as possible of the pointless trivia tidbits you pick up in driver's ed. This information can make for great on-road conversation when you're in the passenger's seat. In my opinion at least--my mother does not agree.</li><li><strong>Don't</strong> forget that as soon as you let someone drive with you, you are giving them implied consent to comment on your driving--every rolling stop, every pothole, and every traffic cone you've hit in the past.</li><li><strong>Do</strong> keep in mind that little siblings find the entire situation incredibly entertaining, and will perform spontaneous karaoke in the backseat. (Today, the lineup included Shut Up and Drive, Thriller, and Jesus, Take the Wheel.) </li></ul><p>Above all, <strong>don't</strong> get discouraged if you have a few less-than-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">NASCAR</span>-quality moments. It doesn't come naturally to everyone--in fact, there will be moments when you're pretty sure it's not going to come at all, naturally or otherwise. I'm just holding out hope that I'm a late bloomer.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-46744786114235823722009-11-23T10:35:00.005-05:002010-02-06T13:16:45.153-05:00Thoughts about Little Things......that I can't seem to get out of my head:<br /><br />Sometimes the joy you find in the littlest things is the joy that can get you through the day. I think God made me--made all of us--to find joy in unexpected places. For example, my dad put up our Christmas lights Saturday afternoon. I can't tell you the rush I got from running out into the cold night in my socks to get a picture of our glittering house. It was one of those moments where I was pretty sure my face would crack if I smiled any bigger.<br /><br />I believe in being thankful for little things too. Every year near Thanksgiving I try to take some time to think about all the things I have to be thankful for. To be honest, though, this year I'm having a hard time being thankful for big things. Oh, don't get me wrong, I'm very thankful we have a house and a car and enough food to eat. But this year, I'm finding myself drawn to giving thanks for all of the little joy-giving gifts God gives me, for example:<br /><ul><li>I'm thankful for little sisters who bring home chocolate cakes.<br /></li><li>I'm thankful for loud, stinky, obnoxious dogs who still manage to steal your heart as soon as they look at you with those big brown eyes.<br /></li><li>I'm thankful for long phone conversations with my best friend--I don't think anyone can make me laugh as hard as "Libby" does.<br /></li><li>I'm thankful for cozy blankets on cold nights and homemade hot chocolate from my mom.</li><li>I'm thankful for snack cars on the Amtrak.</li><li>I'm thankful for facebook wall posts from much-missed friends, reminding me that I am loved even from a distance.</li><li>I'm thankful for singing along to the car radio...really loudly.</li><li>I'm thankful for text messaging.</li><li>I'm thankful for family game night--and never winning Clue. </li><li>I'm thankful for little brothers who laugh at the exact same things you do...and help you dominate in Apples to Apples.<br /></li><li>I'm thankful for people who pass on compliments. Somehow that's just nice.</li><li>I'm thankful for "the Ones", and how hard they make me laugh.</li><li>I'm thankful for mixing pop to make toasts with every Thanksgiving, and the weird looks that "Rico", "Pedro", and I ("Esteban-ban") get from the rest of the family.<br /></li></ul>You get the point. This list could be three times as long. Thankful for the little things that bring me joy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-25866432620764343642009-10-23T08:35:00.019-04:002010-02-06T13:17:05.813-05:00Of Wise Women &...WipstickTo save my self-esteem, I will not mention (again!) that I'm an undisciplined blogger. Thank you for accomodating me:)<br /><br />In my world, it's officially the Christmas season. And for those of you who I can hear grumbling about how it's "not even Thanksgiving!", I would just like to state that the commercial world agrees with me. Christmas music and decorations are out out out! So I feel my early spirit is justified. Anyway, in honor of the approaching season...<br /><br /><br />Hello, my name is Allie, and I'm a professional Christmas pageant performer. I had my first role a little less than sixteen years ago, when I played Baby Jesus at just 6 days old.<br />But as it turned out, this was only the beginning of my Nativity career. Eight years later I would finally get the role every little girl dreams of playing--Mary, mother of Jesus. (Who doesn't want to be someone so important people think they see her in their toast?) It just so happend I was also the director of this particular presentation. I had a cast of three--my sister Lindsay, cousin Rebecca, and myself. As the director, I was also in charge of the giving the roles. The only stipulation was that there was to be no cross-gender casting. So, in the end, our list of characters ended up looking something like this:<br /><br />Mary, mother of Jesus--Portrayed as a girl with a passion for very red lipstick, eyes watching the ceiling the entire play. No lines, but many whispered directions to the rest of the cast. Costumed in a toga-like garment made of a blanket with another blanket draped over her head. She should wear a very affected and pious expression, except when giving last minute direction to the other performers.<br /><br />Angel--Portrayed as a slightly flustered girl who frequently asks Mary what's going on. Also has a deep love for very red lipstick, sometimes has a ring of tinsel around her head. Costumed in the Samantha nightgown she got last Christmas.<br /><br />Wise Woman--Portrayed as the third member to the very red lipstick trio, performance slightly echoes angel's. Has an even smaller role than anticipated, very confused about her entrances and exits. Costumed in Angel's last Halloween costume, a gothic princess outfit. (The outfit was the main incentive for the role.) [I happen to be with the actress who originated this role. She would like me to mention her remarkably believable performance and her fabulous line delivery--"I am the Wise Woman!!!!!"]<br /><br />(Note: This particular Nativity does NOT contain: God, Joseph, a real baby, shepherds, more than one "wise person", an inkeeper, or any animals.)<br /><br />To put on a replica performance, you will also need:<br />-A scribbled over refrigerator box, for the stable<br />-An old "bouncy horse", for Mary's donkey<br />-A mini trampoline, for the Angel to stand on<br />-A selection of yellow plastic bowling pins, for the star<br />-One extra bowling pin, wrapped in a blanket, for the baby<br />-A decorative box full of "frankincense", for the Wise Woman<br />-A "supportive" audience<br />-Very red lipstick. Lots of it.<br /><br /><br />Of course, you will also need a very small cast of very good performers. And a good director, of course--with lots of nativity experience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-79609625127184496372009-06-20T20:53:00.007-04:002009-06-20T21:24:28.566-04:00Random Post!I don't know about you, but there are a few things in this world that make me ridiculously happy. Little things, but still, you will make my day if you give me one of the following:<br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>My Favorite Things...</strong></div><ol><li>Green Apple Jolly Ranchers. The only problem with these is the fact that they also rank pretty high on my dad's favorite things...so I have to share.</li><li>Flip-flops. AKA, my feet's best friend. It's a highly unusual day when I'm not in flip-flops or barefoot.</li><li>The Library. I have an insanely nerdy love for the library. And that's all I'll say, because if I keep talking I'll make an even bigger nerd of myself.</li><li>Waffle Cones. Seriously, I make my mom buy ice cream just so I can crush a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">waffle cone</span> over the top. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mmmm</span>....</li><li>Classic TV. Like I said...I love Dick Van Dyke more than any fifteen year old should.</li><li>"Love Me Red Creme" Nail Polish. I even love to watch it as I paint my nails. It's this weird balance between red and pink, and...I don't know, it just makes me happy. It'll be a dark day when I run out. </li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Milanos</span> Cookies. I really don't think I need to explain myself here.</li><li><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Radiatore</span> pasta. Look <a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2292/2381891933_8f248c6bd5.jpg?v=0">here</a> , you'll see why.</li><li>Grand Pianos. I love the fact I have a piano and a keyboard, I really do. But not much else beats the sound of a grand piano. And besides, who doesn't feel awesome sitting at a grand piano.</li><li>Julie Andrews. Not only because I love her, but also <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">because</span> I couldn't think the words "Favorite Things" without immediately singing to myself, "Raindrops on rose and whiskers on kittens..."</li></ol><p>So, just in case anyone started wondering...there was no real reason for that post. I just needed to update, and what's more fun than favorite things, right? </p><p>(Oh, and just something totally off-topic...my birthday is December 6<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>.)</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-75604129697208224022009-06-13T09:55:00.004-04:002009-06-13T10:28:56.846-04:00Samantha & Me(All right, so my post about not posting was...too long ago. I would write another apology, but that would be just a little redundant, don't you think? So instead...I'll write this.)<br /><br />I love classic TV. Seriously. I know that as a fifteen-year-old I'm supposed to like Gossip Girl or One Tree Hill, but...not much beats out Dick Van Dyke or I Love Lucy. Another one of my favorites has always been Bewitched. (see <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6UECReII88&feature=related&pos=2">here</a>)For those of you not familiar, Bewitched is about a "witch", Samantha Stevens, and her non-magical husband, Darrin. Sam promises Darrin when they get married not to use her witchcraft, but without fail, every episode involves Sam breaking her promise. With a twitch of her nose and some really awesome chiming music, Sam can do just about everything, whether that's make a copy of a designer dress or turn a won't-take-no-for-an-answer creep into a schnauzer.<br />I envy Samantha, I really do. When she doesn't like something, all she has to do is wrinkle her nose, and, hey, if that doesn't work out, everything seems to resolve itself in thirty minutes, plus commercials, anyway. And it's not just Samantha, either. There's Lucy Ricardo, Laura Petrie, Agent 99, even Marcia-Marcia-Marcia Brady. No matter how much they seem to accidentally mess things up (in the case of the first two, because Agent 99 never messes up) or how obnoxious you are (in the case of Marcia...), everything gets worked out for you within the half hour. Not fair.<br />Sometimes I feel like maybe I'm the only plain Jane in a sea of Samanthas. So many others seem to have life all figured out while I'm still sitting here going "What just happened?" Truth be told, life's taken me a little by surprise lately. And sometimes it looks like everyone else has a perfect black-and-white life. But that's not really true. I'm not the only person out there who is having a hard time living in technicolor. And sometimes I need to realize that most things just don't work out just like that. But I have one advantage Sam never had--I am surrounded by the grace of God and the love of my friends and family, no matter what life throws at me. And if living in messy technicolor is the price I pay to see that, I'll pay it gladly. I'm learning to be content in whatever circumstance, even if it's not TV Land-worthy. Besides...the constant laugh track could get pretty annoying after a while.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-23146837719991606472009-05-19T18:08:00.004-04:002009-05-19T18:18:17.459-04:00I'm Not As Good At This As I Thought I Would Be...I'm not exactly sure how long ago I started this thing. What I am sure about is that as deceptively effortless as it may seem, blogging actually requires work. Hence, my recent neglect of this site. Apparently blogs actually have to be kept up and require a measure of (gasp) responsibility. (As if schoolwork wasn't enough...) At any rate, responsibility is not exactly my spiritual gift. However, since I am a fallen human and therefore excellent at passing the blame, allow me to offer some excuses:<br /><ul><li>My life is not incredibly conducive to blogging. I don't have adorable children I can post pictures of, and neither do I have an incredibly exciting life.</li><li>Lately, my life has been <em>extremely </em>non-conducive to blogging. To all of you who have expressed care and/or added to the supply of endless food in our house, thank you so very very much.</li><li>I am the type to easily fall into the "Moses trap". By the "Moses trap", I mean that my thinking usually ends up being comparative instead of creative. I decide I'm not good enough to do something and try to get out of it.</li><li>At four bullets, I am already out of ideas for this list. Maybe not good, seeing as I was hoping for five excuses...</li></ul><p>...As you can see above, either I'm really not cut out for this or I just have lame excuses. Either way, hopefully in coming days I will whip myself back into shape about this thing and actually blog on my blog. Radical, eh? </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-40486812972829172522009-04-11T15:42:00.002-04:002009-04-11T15:47:41.916-04:00IDEA!!!OK, let me just say, thank God for friends who make you a better person! I have so many...but one of them just totally gave me a really simple idea that I think might work...and be basically one of the sweetest ideas I've had in a while. It's like this: so often, I think "wow, I am so thankful for them" or "Gosh, I'm so lucky to have him/her for my friend"...but I never actually <em>tell them.</em> Which if you think about is very lazy on my part, because if I'm lucky enough to have them for my friend, they deserve to know that!! So this is my plan:<br />1. Go through my Facebook friends list<br />2. See all my wonderful friends<br />3. Write on their walls and tell them how wonderful they and how blessed I count myself.<br />4. That's it. That's how simple it is. I'm excited. (Who knows? Maybe it'll catch on:) )Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-35011279208345515692009-03-31T15:58:00.002-04:002009-03-31T16:31:47.680-04:00Psalm 91Life is not easy. I am learning this the hard way. But just because life is not easy does not mean life can't be good. In a way, the hardest times in life can be the best. God keeps knocking my feet out from under me so that I'm forced to fall back on Him. And finally, I am. I was reading last week in the Psalms, when I came across something I've probably read dozens of times. But this time it was different. I'll explain in a minute, but first...well, see what I'm talking about <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2091&version=31">here.</a> ( I mean it. Actually read it) It was like God took me by the shoulders and made me look at him and He said again what He's been saying all along (obviously, I'm paraphrasing Psalm 91 here):<br /><br />"My precious child, I love you so much. When you rest in Me, you will find shelter in the best way possible. I am One you can trust, One in whom you can take refuge. Trust me, my child. I will save you from every evil imagined, every circumstance gone wrong. I will shield you and protect you and hold you close to My heart. I am faithful, and in that you can rejoice. You don't have to be afraid of things you don't understand, or of anyone who may ever try to hurt you. Things may go wrong around you, but you never have anyting to fear. If you will trust me and make Me your refuge, I will send my angels to take special care of you, they will lift you up and protect you. In Me, you will have the strength to overcome whatever befalls you. Because you love Me, I will rescue you. I will protect you, because you know me and do not hide the fact. When you call My name, I will always answer. I will be with you whatever trouble may come, and I will deliver you from it. I will lift you up. In Me you will be satisfied, in Me you have found salvation. Don't give up, Allie! I'm here. I'm not simply watching from above, or delegating the work. I'm here...I'm here. And I love you far beyond your imagination. Let me hold you, my child. Stop fighting and worrying and just trust Me. I love you...I love you so much..."<br /><br /><blockquote></blockquote>"He who dwells in the shadow of the Most High<br />will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.<br />I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress,<br />my God, in whom I trust'..."<br /><br /><blockquote> </blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-56179002239211461142009-03-07T13:07:00.003-05:002009-03-07T13:26:47.331-05:00"Candid Camera"Is anyone else like me in that you really, <em>really, <strong>really </strong></em>like Facebook? If so...maybe <a href="http://www.leadingsmart.com/leadingsmart/2009/03/the-camera-is-always-on.html">this</a> post on Tim Stevens's (yes, Heather's dad) blog is something you should read too. For those of you too lazy to just click and read it, I'll summarize.<br />Facebook (myspace, twitter, etc.) is awesome<em>.</em> But there's one thing I hadn't really thought about--whatever you write on Facebook, <em>stays </em>on Facebook. There's no "take backs". And apparently some people are wising up to this. Employers are checking out people's profiles, blogs, walls. This thought scares me. I'm sure I've written stuff that I wouldn't want some people to see. I mean, don't we say always say things we wish we hadn't five seconds later? The thing is...people forget about what you say. Facebook never does. Mr. Stevens put it this way--we should live online like we're on Candid Camera. Because we are. There's a huge temptation online to be someone we're not, to write things we might never say out loud, look around at stuff we probably shouldn't. Resist that! Not only will it mess you up in general (being tow different people usually does) but it could mess up people's perception of you. I'm not innocent either, believe me. Maybe we all just need to be reminded to be careful.<br /><br /><blockquote><p>"Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should<br />not be. Can both fresh water and salt<br />water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a<br />grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh<br />water.<br /> Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it<br />by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." </p><p align="right">~James 3: 10-13</p><p><br /></p></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-75646795087854225512009-03-03T16:05:00.004-05:002009-03-03T16:27:09.251-05:00EnoughMost people who know me are probably about to be a little surprised. The few who really know me...understand me enough that I've admitted this to, won't be surprised one bit. See, the problem is, I have ridiculously high expectations for myself. In fact, in most areas I expect perfection, and this makes me massively insecure on many <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasions</span>. I actually spend more time worrying about myself--whether I look good, whether I fit in, whether people like me--than I do about anything else. It's pathetic, really. And many times, these expectations contradict each other. I want people to think I am a "good little Christian" (I <em>am </em>the pastor's daughter) and I want others to think I'm not "too <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">churchy</span>". I want to do well in school, and I don't want people stereotype me as the "little nerdy girl". I want to be an individual, and I want to blend in. I expect impossible things of myself, and secretly I know I can't do it. That frustrates me more than anything. It often makes me defensive, too. I can't accept correction because it's "one more thing" I don't think I can handle. So I don't respond well--which makes it all worse, which makes me even more frustrated with myself.<br />I had a long talk with my dad last night. (He's my hero.) He listened to all of it, and he showed me what was wrong with it, how it really doesn't honor God. God made me just like He wanted me and I should strive to please Him--no more, no less. If I focus on God and who He wants me to be, I don't have to get frustrated when I don't meet my own expectations. I don't have to be perfect. The most enormous feeling of release washed over me when I realized this. I don't have to be perfect. I can just be who I am and who God made me to be, and that is enough. I am enough. He is enough. I don't need outside approval, I don't even need my own approval. He is enough.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-39511660991718984672009-02-17T19:24:00.002-05:002009-02-17T19:32:34.353-05:00The Image of GodAccording to recent tradition, I'm going to post something another of my friends wrote. I know, I should be writing, but my friends are just so deep and insightful! So, in the next few days, I think I'll being doing more of this...<br />This time, I'm going to let Heather do the talking. (There's a link to her blog just to the right--check it out! This isn't the only great thing she's written.) Heather is someone who I just really like, and who I respect even more. She has this amazing heart for God that always inspires me. We often joke we share a mind since we always seem to be thinking about the same things. But this one took me a little by surprise when she brought up something I often experience but <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">usually</span> try to forget about. I love a friend who will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">step</span> on your toes.<br /><blockquote><br />Francis Chan talked to us about praying and God in a way that COMPLETELY shook me. I seriously..no joke..was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">soo</span> scared when he was talking about this. It <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">was unbelievable</span>.So he started off the entire conference by saying that he isn't meaning to judge, but that he's not sure how many of us really mean it when we sing:"There is none more High and Holy, King of Kings, the One and Only, You are adored, You are the Lord of all" H<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mmm</span>. so honestly, I was kinda offended by this. I know that I shouldn't have been, because what he said is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">soo</span> true! I can truthfully say that I don't always put my whole heart into worshipping. I often find myself thinking about other things when I'm worshipping! How awful is that?! There are also many times when I know I am worshipping God full <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">heartedly</span>, but shouldn't that be the case all the time? Francis talked about how when we pray, we are praying to an ALMIGHTY God who deserves ALL of our attention!So why is it that when you're praying at night, it goes like this:"Dear God, thank you so much for this amazing day! You are so awesome! and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">ohmygoodness</span> he is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">sooo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">cutee</span>!! I can't wait to see him tomorrow! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">ahh</span> I can't believe what happened today....crazy! oh crap..and God, thank you helping me to understand that you will always be there for me! no matter what! oh boy i can't wait for next <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">friday</span>!! it's gonna be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">soooo</span> much fun!! and camp adventure! oh I hope I have a good co counselor! Mexico too!! woo!! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">ughh</span>..I have algebra on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">tuesday</span>..YUCK! oh shoot..sorry God! In Jesus name I pray, amen"<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Ok</span>. So maybe it's just me. But I seem to have a lot of trouble staying on topic and FOCUSING on ONLY God..which is <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">soo</span> horrible!But then Francis helped us to see what God really looks like.Which is not a young guy with a white, flowing beard.Or a tall man with a long, brown beard.Say you have a friend, his name is Tyler.Tyler is kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">stalky</span>, with short brown hair, and very muscular.But you don't want to believe he looks like that, so you think he is tall and thin, with long <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">blonde</span> hair.Your other friend Maddie thinks that Tyler is short and round, with jet black, and spiked hair.<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Woah</span>! What does he really look like then? Does your believing that he looks one way mean that's what he looks like? NO! It just means you're delusional...but you can't change the way he looks because that's what you think!It's the same way with God!We have this vision of Him in our heads, and for everyone He is different! But God even tells us what He looks like..if we would just take the time to <a title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=" version="31" href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=126525720236&h=1cabf096777d562a99acf2642dbde0c5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fsearch%3Drevelation%25204%3A1-8%26version%3D31" target="_blank">read it</a>!Seriously. Read that description of God, when Francis described it, it gave me shivers, it was SO real to me! I can't imagine falling asleep while praying with <a title="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=" version="31" href="http://www.facebook.com/note_redirect.php?note_id=126525720236&h=1cabf096777d562a99acf2642dbde0c5&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fsearch%3Drevelation%25204%3A1-8%26version%3D31" target="_blank">THAT</a>image of God in my head!After you read that, think.."If God is for me, who can be against me?"</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-46784335790956295282009-02-13T16:43:00.003-05:002009-02-13T16:50:24.987-05:00PaintSo, I didn't actually write this. It was written by one of my dear dear friends, Eleny. Let me take just a second to advertise, like any good friend would--Eleny is someone who I look up to and love dearly. We have experienced some hard things, and I am so proud to be friends with such a wonderful person. Haha, now I've got her all embarrassed... Anyway, back on subject. She posted it on Facebook (haha...you know me and my addiction...), and I absolutely loved it. Meant to post this sooner, but oh well. I have been cursed with procrastination...anyway, I hope you like it as much as I did.<br /><br /><blockquote>I often wish I could write something profound, something deep, and something that makes people think. But I never know where to start or what to say. Plus I never know if what I want to say will make sense. However, I guess I'll give it a shot. I was standing in front of my kitchen counter and sitting on it was a paint can. There was paint still on it left over from when someone poured it, but it was dry. Bored, I started peeling of the dry paint, it was very rubbery... Ok, wow, yeah real profound statement. But, when I was peeling of the paint from the can, I started thinking. I started thinking that we, as Christians, are sort of like paint. This is a strange analogy I know. Please bear with me, I can explain. Paint can be used to create something beautiful, but if it is left to dry, it can become rubbery and useless. God created us to be something beautiful. He created us in the image of Him. He created us to glorify Him, isn't that beautiful? He wants us to be in a relationship with Him. He wants us to be constantly working to become closer to Him. If we stray from God, or slack in our relationship with Christ we become spiritually dry. Why? Because we are not being constantly filled with the Living Water. We become "rubbery". The word "rubbery" means lacking firmness or stiffness. If we are not frequently spending time with God, what does it do to us? It wears us down spiritually. Joshua 1:8 says, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Psalm 1:2-3 says, "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." If we are continually in the Word and spending time with God, we will be able to stand firm and not be "rubbery" spiritually. Every Christian has a "drought" in their walk with God. We all have times where we feel on fire for God or where we feel like we aren't changing or growing. Personally, I get stuck in that drought a lot. I feel like I'm not satisfied with where I'm at with God. Why do we get stuck in that rut? I honestly do not know. I just wish that it didn't happen. I want to have a constant fire for God, but sometimes my flame fades a little. Please pray for me, for yourself, and for other Christians in your life. Pray that we can get out of our spiritual droughts whenever we fall into them. </blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-14118133211639277362009-02-05T16:21:00.006-05:002009-02-05T16:38:19.591-05:00Ms. CadoodlebobMy little sister is one of the most unique and wonderful people I know. She's one of the people you just have to know. To quote her, she "has her own ways." I love her to death.<br /><br />The other night, we were in her room when I noticed something on the floor across the room that looked familiar. Two puppets she had made years ago. You know the type, brown bag bodies and red yarn hair. She laughed when I asked about them. "Yes, Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Cadoodlebob</span> and Anna." I do not hold myself responsible for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">remembering</span> all of her fun ideas, so I was still a little foggy. I asked her to elaborate. This is the story she told me:<br /><br />Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Cadoodlebob</span> is a <em>Ms. </em>, not a <em>Mrs.</em> She never married, but adopted 4 boys. Sadly, all of them died because she made them go swimming. Being paper bags, all of them perished. When I asked if she was sad about that, Lindsay said, "No, not really...you see, she didn't really know them."<br />I was a little surprised. "She adopted children she didn't know?"<br />She replied, "Well, paper bags don't have affections." I asked why she had adopted. "She was lonely," Lindsay said.<br />"So, she adopted them for her own benefit?"<br />"Yes. Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Cadoodlebob</span> is quite abnormal."<br /><br />So that story is funny, yes. But I realized as she was telling it that she had stumbled upon a lot of truth as she told it. Stick with me for a second...<br /><br />I think some people think of God kind of like they would think of Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cadoodlebob</span>. They think that God doesn't know us, or want to. They think he asks us to do things we can't do. They think that , like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">paper bags</span>, God "has no affections." God doesn't adopt us for His benefit, He adopts us for our own benefit. (Not to say God doesn't enjoy us--I believe He loves us so much He can hardly help it.) And God is in no way abnormal...we are. We put God in boxes...or paper bags. Thank goodness He loves us more than Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cadoodlebob</span> ever loved her children.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-62640991838253054262009-02-01T21:24:00.005-05:002009-02-01T21:32:55.378-05:00uncool...I am officially identifying myself as a loser by writing this post...want to hear the reasons?<br /><br />1. I just posted yesterday. <em>uncool.</em><br />2. The Superbowl is on, and I'm doing this. <em>uncool.</em><br />3. I don't have all that much to even say right now. <em>uncool</em>.<br />4. I have something new bouncing around in my head, and I'm not writing about it. <em>uncool</em>.<br />5. (This technically isn't a reason, but my next post will be called "Oh, You're a Person? Because You Look an Awful Lot Like a Gold Cow..." if that gets you interested.)<br />6. I'm really only doing this because I want to write on the blog for the sake of writing on it. <em>uncool.</em><br /><br />So not only am I wasting my time right now, I am wasting yours. Way to go, Allie. Oh well. Maybe this made you smile...just keep in mind I haven't had much sleep this weekend.<br /><br />PS-Thank God I don't have to be cool.:)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4640362195587059439.post-39306996502578728222009-01-31T13:47:00.004-05:002009-01-31T14:07:10.115-05:00So I Have a Blog...<div align="left"> ...and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a chance to share what's going on for me...so let me start with something that's been bouncing around inside my head all week.</div><div align="left"> My dad spoke on Sunday about "ReCalibrating"--getting ourselves realigned with God. (And may I say it was a great message...though I suppose I am a little biased.) One thing he mentioned fascinated me. God chose me to enjoy Him, and for Him to enjoy me. And no one else could take my place. I was created unique and special. No one else can love God in the same way I can. How awesome is that? To think that out of the billions and billions of people ever born...God wanted me. He loved who I was and what I could bring to Him. That just absolutely blows my mind. It's inspiring, really. I need to live up to all the potential God gave me, not because it's my duty, but because it's a way I can love God. </div><div align="left">One more thought accompanies that. This means that I never have to feel like I don't measure up. (And let's face it, at fifteen, that's a big deal!) If God wanted me to have the same talent in the same amount, He would've given it to me. But instead He perfectly crafted me, giving me exactly what He wanted me to have, exactly what would make my life complete as I serve Him with it. That's awesome. I can let go of feelings of inadequacy, because God has given me exactly what is adequate! This concept has been a big struggle for me. Since one of the things God gave me was a desire for everything to be as good as it can, (a.k.a I'm sort of a perfectionist), I often feel like I need to be better...at everything. But this only messes me up. Instead, I'm learning to focus on what I have and how I can use that to God's glory. Maybe it's just me, but the thought that God created me especially, with all my quirks (and believe me, there are several!), makes me smile.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0