tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33610905520320322052024-03-14T04:53:14.605-07:00The Bright SideThe Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-69038784723682870962022-09-08T17:31:00.002-07:002022-09-09T13:07:41.247-07:00A Journey to Healing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKdcosSYyx9S2z_Q9xKskOJc5Hpw-P23NlGAo6OkLvgwrjSk_e482C9Biu1dd81NVC3a5A7hOgdAx_A0psCIGU6X8tx-XavaUTATmNAQolT-GajrA9rhMJvM7RmCkQmZTg6PCI764l-n4flBBg2-jQXoJ-xzttrHk4jAp_eGIJHiaVWfj1yZGkAB7pQ/s2048/IMG_5428.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCKdcosSYyx9S2z_Q9xKskOJc5Hpw-P23NlGAo6OkLvgwrjSk_e482C9Biu1dd81NVC3a5A7hOgdAx_A0psCIGU6X8tx-XavaUTATmNAQolT-GajrA9rhMJvM7RmCkQmZTg6PCI764l-n4flBBg2-jQXoJ-xzttrHk4jAp_eGIJHiaVWfj1yZGkAB7pQ/w371-h278/IMG_5428.JPEG" width="371" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Vulnerable story. Last year was quite a year
for me. I thought I was handling all the big and small stresses just fine. Little
did I know that each thing was building up inside of me, putting a strain on my
body. One day, I went out for lunch with friends and ended up being rushed to
the hospital by ambulance for what ended up being dehydration. I thought that
experience was a once and done strange life story, but a couple days later I
found myself on the street by my car having a bad panic attack. The scariest
part was that it came on so suddenly. From that moment, my body completely shut
down from normal living. I couldn’t leave the house. I had daily panic attacks.
My heart was constantly racing. My nights were terrible and panic stricken.
Many nights, I didn’t think I would make it through the night. When I would
wake up the next morning after finally getting to sleep, I would be surprised
that I had made it. I never ever thought something like this would happen to
me. I felt like I had completely lost control of my body. I was angry at it for
betraying me. My thoughts were filled with, “Is this my life now? Will I ever
heal?” #drywearyland</span></div><span style="color: white;"><o:p style="background-color: black;"></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: white;"><o:p style="background-color: black;"> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEdNQP0y-2-SzTdyy_FTOPBDOdCMhp15NanptUHm64xDoanVIYAswzQDHJo9NPMK5-1rw5vDmVGgA1U5quJ6PITvPO6_wbYVmgi5OQp2MdwM7IoxMCthSW1hYSHmLef-zfTwCPx_Gpybnt6y8e-oiJJyjRzuYwbehPDEhJzbeIh78LdhuN46W7CQk8Q/s2048/Running%20Caceres%20-%20beautiful!.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEdNQP0y-2-SzTdyy_FTOPBDOdCMhp15NanptUHm64xDoanVIYAswzQDHJo9NPMK5-1rw5vDmVGgA1U5quJ6PITvPO6_wbYVmgi5OQp2MdwM7IoxMCthSW1hYSHmLef-zfTwCPx_Gpybnt6y8e-oiJJyjRzuYwbehPDEhJzbeIh78LdhuN46W7CQk8Q/w368-h276/Running%20Caceres%20-%20beautiful!.JPEG" width="368" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Praise God, I
received help in so many ways. I doubled up on counseling. I learned about my
body as well as my soul. I got wonderful medical help. I learned deep breathing
and grounding exercises. One of the biggest things that helped in my healing
was having people walk alongside of me and not treat me in a
why-can’t-you-just-get-over-this sort of way. Instead, my sweet friends here in
Cáceres listened to me, respected my needs, sat with me, walked with me, and
prayed for me. My friends and family abroad also symbolically walked with me
from afar. At night, I spoke scripture aloud to focus on truth and not on my overwhelming
fears. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It brought some light into the
darkness of the night. I cried out to God, broken and confused. And slowly…ever
so slowly…I began to heal. #hope</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32-NmcZCK45quLV6k_eAM5JPGu_86NM6n4Ahqou8AgkCd4PhgQufKoqiBD1_Eoa58hnps5Tyfh_gImJFR5dK2fzR2y4VnzkkTri-ilEGI3kn8B-apf-8DSTqwPhp8VR4EDauQyRhQ1HZbza0zLUc6n3eLBopj06gYUm2bmdaCGdqebxRdqD4YpSVL4Q/s2048/IMG_4536.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh32-NmcZCK45quLV6k_eAM5JPGu_86NM6n4Ahqou8AgkCd4PhgQufKoqiBD1_Eoa58hnps5Tyfh_gImJFR5dK2fzR2y4VnzkkTri-ilEGI3kn8B-apf-8DSTqwPhp8VR4EDauQyRhQ1HZbza0zLUc6n3eLBopj06gYUm2bmdaCGdqebxRdqD4YpSVL4Q/w364-h273/IMG_4536.JPEG" width="364" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: white;">It was strange learning
how to do everything again. I could only start with leaving my home for about
five minutes. Then, I could go around the block. I worked my way up to an hour.
I worked hard on listening to my body but also pushing myself. After a couple
months, I went to a café. Four months later, I went to a restaurant. It took me
even longer to be comfortable driving again. In a way, it was frustrating. But
in another way, I have become amazed at the body and its capacity to heal. And
each new “normal” everyday thing that I could finally do felt not just like a victory
but had the same excitement as doing it for the first time. </span></span></p></div><div><div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1pt;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It has been a strange year, but
I am not ashamed of this story. I know God has given it to me. I know He has a
purpose. I also know that God was with me, by my side, through it all. Never
have I experienced God’s faithfulness more than I have in this last year. Never
have I felt His presence so greatly. He never left me alone. I don’t know nor
do I understand why this all happened to me. And I still have healing to do.
But I do know that God is good. Always. #springsoflife #thankful </span></span><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">#mentalhealth
#mentalhealthawareness</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: white;">“The knowledge that we
are never alone calms the troubled sea is our lives and speaks peace to our
souls” ~A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: white;">Psalm 66:16, “Come and hear,
all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he has done for my soul.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">(Taken from my
Instagram stories: k8bond007) </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
</div></div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-51932224667835497842014-02-28T15:31:00.002-08:002014-02-28T15:31:44.592-08:00Who/What do I depend on?<div class="MsoNormal">
I came to a great realization in my life the other day, one
that I would like to share. I would like
to share this more to be held accountable to it than to exhort others, though I
will be happy if this is encouraging to anyone else. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It is known, I believe, that I have struggled here in
Spain. It is not because of Spain in
itself, but because of everything that that I feel has been taken from me. I grieve for what I miss and I have
even been angry at times. <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have recently been reflecting more on this, because in my
devotions, I read about how God wants us to completely depend on Him and be ALL His, <u>so He
weans us from other dependencies</u>. Our security is in God alone, not in other people and not in circumstances. It
really made me think about what I have always relied on in my life. I have depended a lot on my family, on my
friends, on how things are done in my country, on my language, and even on
having constant internet. All of these
things have been taken away from my daily life, which has caused me to realize how
much I need to depend on God for everything. While this weaning has been painful most of the time, I really want to come to a place where I am ALL God's. I constantly find myself repeating, <b><span style="color: red;">I
trust you, Jesus</span></b>. I want that to be
true. I still struggle, but I am also seeing a change in my heart. In this major change in my life, at first I
was fighting so hard against it. It was
exhausting. Now, I am trying to trust Jesus and let it all go, because "the eternal God is [my] refuge" and I can safely fall into His "everlasting arms." (Deuteronomy 33:27)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJT_sgx83675BT8bAp3eUrZULytCgK4MjiI2V1cHzXoSnlxyS18AzkJVQB5laySgHoN8BP580KZwpNoLebJD5ZaG9TzXMV8gAtBFr5cSYx4wneNpRZJkXbCCgaU31cNY_IPxIQzGaBbWr/s1600/PastedGraphic-1.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJT_sgx83675BT8bAp3eUrZULytCgK4MjiI2V1cHzXoSnlxyS18AzkJVQB5laySgHoN8BP580KZwpNoLebJD5ZaG9TzXMV8gAtBFr5cSYx4wneNpRZJkXbCCgaU31cNY_IPxIQzGaBbWr/s1600/PastedGraphic-1.tiff" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This picture has been used a lot in my growing up years as the background for worship songs at church. To me it has always been the perfect picture showing someone who has completely let go and given all to Jesus. Head bowed and hands up, there is no quick rising to do his own thing. He is completely vulnerable and full of trust, depending on his Heavenly Father. That is my prayer. </div>
The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-48605393739388821822013-07-20T16:39:00.002-07:002013-07-20T16:39:21.947-07:00Outsider - The tattoo edition<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Outsider</span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></b></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I've
been wondering if we start sinking</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Could
we stand our ground?</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And
through everything we've learned</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We've
finally come to terms</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">We
are the outsiders</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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A couple months ago, I got a tattoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have always wanted a tattoo, but I wanted to make sure it was
something meaningful, something that represented who I am and who I will always
be, something that I won’t regret years from now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was having Bible Study one night with <a href="http://internetmandydatabase.blogspot.com.es/" target="_blank">Mandy</a>
and <a href="http://coffeewithchristine.blogspot.com.es/" target="_blank">Christine</a> and we were talking about how we are realizing more and more how
what we believe as Christians is not seen by the world as “normal.” Some people
just think we are crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some people
don’t get it, but they may “tolerate” us as long as we tolerate them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others think we are hateful and judgmental.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter what people think, we are often put
in a category outside of what is normal or acceptable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Bible study was a way to encourage
ourselves to live for Christ even if it goes against what the world thinks is
normal. By the end of that particular night, Mandy and I decided to get a
tattoo of the word <span style="font-size: large;"><b>outsider</b></span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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This word has a lot of meaning for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is actually inspired by a NEEDTOBREATHE song called “The Outsiders”
(see a video of the song here:<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://vimeo.com/12473130">http://vimeo.com/12473130</a></span>
) but it is so much more than a fan girl tattoo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we both very much adore the band, we
aren’t about to get something representing the band tattooed on ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this word, outsider, really strikes home
in a powerful way.<br />
<br />
To me, it represents my life as a Christian.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have seen how different I am in this world, how different I want to
be, and how in this life, I will always be an outsider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this isn’t a tattoo of mourning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being an outsider is something I should never
be ashamed of because I love Jesus and being an outsider, being hated even, is
something Jesus promised would happen <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">(<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2021:17&version=NASB" target="_blank">Luke 21:17</a><span style="color: white;">,</span> <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2015:21&version=NASB" target="_blank">John 15:21</a></span>)</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can count it a
privilege to be seen as an outsider because that means I am becoming more and
more like Jesus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a chosen
lifestyle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<br />
So, this tattoo is a reminder for me to stay strong in my faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Especially here in Spain, it is so easy to
get distracted by all the world has to offer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>These things can satisfy temporarily but as one who desires to do God’s
will out of my love for Him, I need to constantly remind myself to seek out the
more complete and satisfying way to live, and that is in God’s will. I also
struggle a lot with people pleasing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is so easy for me to get caught up in wanting people to like me and forgetting
that the most important thing is that God loves me no matter what. As an
outsider, all that needs to matter is living my life for Christ and not
conforming to the world (<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2012:1-2&version=NASB" target="_blank"><b>Romans 12:1-2</b></a></span>).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That is where true freedom is!<br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On
the outside, you're free to roam</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On
the outside, we've found a home</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On
the outside, there's more to see</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">On
the outside, we choose to be</i></div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And now…pictures!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC4LBRdPqYfEPLlW0EBTIfj8kjdwzWwWATOy190aQWMmVYGYstJB8Q3gdScLicnPyjsHXwaCRpTGCCMC3leubMw9eft-M66b6vyXQYmN0y6Jw3DJ5yb3Qad5SYCgnBd0wzTREm8DgAyhf/s1600/016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJC4LBRdPqYfEPLlW0EBTIfj8kjdwzWwWATOy190aQWMmVYGYstJB8Q3gdScLicnPyjsHXwaCRpTGCCMC3leubMw9eft-M66b6vyXQYmN0y6Jw3DJ5yb3Qad5SYCgnBd0wzTREm8DgAyhf/s320/016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp83x__TdSneGggz58l9otnz1YHIo9IL9_q-cswmj7ncRdWOUnF2-mixZ85B1EVjQNN3yTWSiDAm4HeFXEB8546SPNrcdXT04FVqnTGb8_G-XYRYKSQ4fU_CotiTjWWGCDjK4DLECrOct/s1600/021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtp83x__TdSneGggz58l9otnz1YHIo9IL9_q-cswmj7ncRdWOUnF2-mixZ85B1EVjQNN3yTWSiDAm4HeFXEB8546SPNrcdXT04FVqnTGb8_G-XYRYKSQ4fU_CotiTjWWGCDjK4DLECrOct/s320/021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH7NeBAxTZSUyiJBS__T3PryG7lSGGtQ2IJXeCWUKaIsOgvSJwry93fJYc6MNWaKaToR71cIBFkC0XK-vbVuEbnjpZFzz32GurrqhdD_9I_vUwZ4Ht3YrN4lZaLYGzOQRei8_vafi3MRl/s1600/043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOH7NeBAxTZSUyiJBS__T3PryG7lSGGtQ2IJXeCWUKaIsOgvSJwry93fJYc6MNWaKaToR71cIBFkC0XK-vbVuEbnjpZFzz32GurrqhdD_9I_vUwZ4Ht3YrN4lZaLYGzOQRei8_vafi3MRl/s320/043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<![endif]-->The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-90799780112204725472013-04-29T12:37:00.004-07:002013-04-29T12:37:48.281-07:00Making the Bible come ALIVE! Twinkle, Twinkle :)<br />
This is something I wanted to write out so that I could remember it because I LOVE it. :) Especially since I have been thinking more about understanding the historical and social contexts of the Bible by using facts as well as IMAGINATION (post on this to come!) to make the Bible and its stories become more alive. Here is an example of that (I heard this as a sermon by Don Richardson).<br />
<br />
First of all, many say that the Great Commission is located in Matthew 28:18-20, which is true, but it is not the only time nor the first time. The first Great Commission is the Abrahamic Covenant in Gen. 12:1-3. Near the beginning of history, God called Abraham to be a blessing to the nations and God promised that in Abraham, all the families, or nations, of the earth shall be blessed. The Jewish nation was being called to be a light to the surrounding nations, to bring glory to God and to bring others to God.<br />
<br />
Fast forward a few thousand years to the book of Matthew. Many Jews knew that they were God's Chosen people but they saw it as an internal blessing, not as a commission to reach the nations for Him. Then, Jesus steps in and he challenges that way of thinking. Jesus has come to bring salvation to the Jews AND the Gentiles. So, as Jesus trains his disciples, he is teaching them a whole new outlook on the world around them.<br />
<br />
Knowing this, Matthew 10:5-6 may seem a little confusing. Jesus tells his disciples to not go to the Gentiles but to the lost sheep of Israel. But when you look at the historical and social context of the day, you realize that Jesus knew that his disciples were not ready to go to the Gentiles. There were so many differences, so many ideas and prejudices that needed to be dealt with before going to them.<br />
<br />
The most confusing passages, however, is Matthew 15:21-28. Here, a Gentile woman comes up to Jesus and pleads with him to save her daughter who is demon possessed. Jesus first ignores her (rude), then tells her He has only come to the lost sheep of Israel (limiting hope to one people group), then calls her a dog (a very offensive and prejudiced term used by the Jews in that day for the Gentiles), and then when the woman comes up with a clever little quip, Jesus exclaims how much faith she has (over exaggerating?) and changes his mind directly and heals her daughter (fickle).<br />
<br />
Those reactions are how the story can be read. But we know Jesus is none of those things. We know he is without sin and exactly the opposite of everything evil or unkind. So, what possibly could have been happening here? Well, Don Richardson, with his creativity and imagination as well as knowing the culture and history of the day (and how the writers of the Bible write how things happened and do not include extra insights, like a twinkle in the eye, to explain the story more), created a little scenario of what he thinks went on that day (his idea and twinkles, my writing :) ).<br />
<br />
Verses 22-23: "And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, 'Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.' But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, 'Send her away, for she cries out after us.'"<br />
<i>Jesus hears her plea and waits to see how the disciples, whom he is training to love and help ALL peoples, will handle the situation. They seem to be nearer to her than Jesus is to her. But the disciples do not seem to care for her sorrow as they tell Jesus to just send her away because she is bothering them.</i><br />
<br />
Verse<i> </i>24: "But He answered and said, 'I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."<br />
<i>But is a key word. The disciples wanted Jesus to simply send her on her way. BUT, Jesus answered her. At this point, he turns towards her and away from the disciples and uses body language that only this woman can see. With a twinkle in his eye, maybe even a smirk, Jesus tells her that He came only for Israel. This is a test for the disciples, to see if they have learned at all that Jesus came to save the nations. He is clearly trying to make a point and the woman picks up on that quickly.</i><br />
<br />
Verses 25-26: "Then she came and worshiped Him, saying, 'Lord, help me!' But He answered and said, 'It is not good to take the children's bread and throw it to the little dogs.'" <br />
<i>Twinkle, Twinkle. The woman is not offended as she knows that Jesus is teaching his followers and not treating her poorly. The twinkle in his eye says it all. The disciples are shocked that their loving master would say such a thing and look at her for a reaction. She can hardly keep from smiling, but going along with Him, keeps the analogy going.</i><br />
<br />
Verses 27-28: "And she said, 'Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table.' Then Jesus answered and said to her, 'O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.' And her daughter was healed from that very hour. <br />
<i>The woman answers Him, even calling herself a dog, because she can already tell that this Jesus, Son of David, Lord, loves her personally and will help her daughter. A smile probably broke out on her face and then Jesus laughs with her as he declares her faith and heals her daughter. The disciples are flabbergasted...until they too see Jesus' face of love and are humbled at their initial reaction to the woman. Lesson learned. :)</i><br />
<br />
This story may or may not have happened quite like that, but it sure is fun to imagine it! Based on Jesus' character, and his Great Commission at the end of Matthew to go to ALL the nations, I would say this story is closer to what we initially may understand from this passage. Go try it...make the stories of the Bible come alive in your mind!<i> </i>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-17063005612301657442013-04-22T10:27:00.001-07:002013-04-22T10:40:36.306-07:00So, Who Hallows God's Name? We usually think it's our job. Think twice.<br />
I read a great article by Carolyn Arends in Christianity Today and wanted to share a little piece of it:<br />
<br />
<i>Every name we have for God is a revelation of his character. So making his name holy must have something to do with revealing him here on earth. But a review of the human track record tells us this isn't our specialty....</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>In the shadow of the Cross, did Jesus observe all the wrongs - catastrophic and petty - we'd credit to him? Did he see inquisitions and gas chambers, defenses against slavery and "God hates fags" placards? Did he anticipate the way we'd use his name as a political trump card, or speak for him and pronounce his judgements in the wake of tragedies?....</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>We can only guess at all he endured in the garden, but we know for certain that when one of his friends sliced off a soldier's ear, Jesus put it back on. <b>"You can't hallow my name," the gesture seems to say, "if you're associating it with something I would never do."</b></i><br />
<br />
This article made me think of a conversation with a friend in Spain, who questioned why I believed in and loved God when He was behind all the pain and suffering caused by the church there in Spain (Spanish Inquisition, Dictatorship using the church). It broke my heart that she thought that way but I can see why. I told her that things like the Spanish Inquisition were never what God intended. We can't interpret who God is by the terrible actions of other people who claim to do things in his name. He is a God that uses love to bring others to him. I hope and pray that my life and love will show the people around me that the God I know is not the God of the wrongs done in His name. Father, may You make Your name Holy among the nations!The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-91699283820036779322013-01-04T08:43:00.000-08:002013-01-04T08:43:37.642-08:00See The One - My New Years Resolution<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: orange;"><b> </b><b>Stop for the one. Love the one. See the one.</b> </span> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">These sentences have
been going through my head a lot in these past few months. I have felt
incredibly overwhelmed by the pain and suffering in this world,
especially with all that has gone on in the last few months. Sometimes,
I just want to waste my life with distractions instead of caring,
because caring causes pain. But I know that is no way to truly live.
That is no way to have purpose and meaning in life. That is no way to
glorify God. So, once again, I am convicted to be more intentional, more loving, more caring. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And
that is something I love to do. But oftentimes, even that gets
overwhelming. <span style="color: orange;"> <b>There are just so many people who need help, love, and
compassion. How can I possibly make a difference, even a dent? </b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I
was listening to a message the other day, and the lady was talking
about a missions trip to Brasil and how the team met an orphan boy and
had fallen in love with him and wanted to raise money so that he could
be sent to a Christian orphanage in the area and be cared for. A
Brasilian pastor asked them, "Why are you going through all this trouble
to help this one little boy? There are so many orphans in the country
of Brasil! There is no way that you can help them all." And he was right. There is no way this group could help all the street children in Brasil. <span style="color: orange;"> <b>But that is not what God was asking them to do. God put one little boy in their path, and they could make a difference for him.</b> </span> This little boy eventually became a Christian and now works in a children's home helping children just like he was.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What
would that little boy's life been like had they not taken the
opportunity to help him? And what about all the children he is loving
right now? This really spoke to me, because I oftentimes look at the
big picture and have no idea how to help. I need to refocus my
attention on the one. I can't help everyone. But I can look for
opportunities every day to help the one person God may bring into my
path. To love that one person. <span style="color: orange;"> <b>That is my New Year's resolution. I want to actively SEE THE ONE in my every day life. I want to make time for and love others for Jesus, one person at a time.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: lime;">"If I look at the masses, I will never act. But if I look at the one, I will." - Mother Theresa </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="color: lime;"> </span></span></b></span></div>
The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-90080456130262660132012-11-05T10:53:00.000-08:002012-11-05T10:57:05.378-08:00SALAMANCA, SPAINI am excited to announce that when I return to Spain, I will be attending language school in <span style="color: orange;"><span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salamanca" target="_blank">Salamanca, Spain</a></span></span>. I have visited this city a few times and absolutely love it.<br />
<br />
Some fun facts:<br />
<ul>
<li>Salamanca was founded in 4th century BC (!!!)</li>
<li>Salamanca's university (where I may be studying) is known as Spain's answer to Oxford.</li>
<li>Salamanca's university was founded in 1218 and is the third oldest western university.</li>
<li>Salamanca is featured in the movie<span style="color: orange;"> <span style="background-color: black;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDp-08uNH0Y" target="_blank">Vantage Point</a></span> </span>with Dennis Quaid. </li>
<li>Salamanca was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988 and the European Capital of Culture in 2002.</li>
</ul>
Some awesome pictures:<br />
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Plaza Mayor <br />
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Cathedral pictures<br />
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University Building<br />
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House of the Shells, famous building that houses the current public library<br />
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Roman bridge dating back to 1st century AD<br />
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The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-2133589243840054372012-10-09T21:43:00.001-07:002012-10-09T21:43:57.431-07:00COLOR Fun Run!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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God is so good to me! Last month, I was able to participate in The Color Run in Richmond with some friends and then go down to FL to help my Aunt move there as well as see some of my family and old friends, which was a wonderful time. This past weekend, I went to my university for homecoming, which was another great opportunity to see friends before I head off to Spain. I am LOVING these times that God is giving me to see people since it may be a long time before I see them again.<br />
<br />
But enough of that...I know what you really wondering is: Why would you travel three hours to run in a 5k race? Do you even like to run? (Quick answer, not so much) WHAT IS THIS COLOR RUN YOU SPEAK OF? Instead of writing any more, I give you The Color Run pictures!<br />
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And that was the race. Super fun, getting blasted with color at each kilometer. But that wasn't even the most fun part. Cause their was a super colorful wonderful music filled after party! :)</div>
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It was pretty much the most fun I have had running (and after partying!) ever. To finish, here is the result of the color fun!</div>
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The Color Run - The Happiest 5K on the planet! :D The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-35157038430629697002012-09-14T09:46:00.000-07:002012-09-14T09:46:19.126-07:00HONESTLY<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On vacation, I read an amazing book called <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Honestly-Really-Living-What-Believe/dp/0736939466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1347513383&sr=8-1&keywords=honestly+johnnie+moore" target="_blank"><u>Honestly [Really Living What We Say We Believe]</u></a></span> by Johnnie Moore, who is 28 and a campus pastor
at Liberty University.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It encouraged me
in my faith, in what I believe, in motivating me to act on it, and in so many
other ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His passion throughout the
book is inspiring and contagious and genuine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(In other words, I STRONGLY recommend this book, no matter where you are
in your faith!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One thing that really
encouraged/motivated me was what he said about our mission:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <i> </i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>“In a culture of self-preservation, the gospel
calls us to be willing to do anything in order to make the world a better
place. But even more than making the
world a better place, the gospel calls us to put our personal effort, time,
money, and every other kind of sacrifice into making the world a healed,
redeemed place through the work of Jesus in and through us. The gospel calls us
to self-sacrifice for his sake. We will
have the moral fortitude to do this only <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>when we begin to value the gospel as
we should.</b>”</span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I love that! Once we
really start to value the incredible truth of the gospel, of God’s love for us
IN SPITE OF OURSELVES, there can be such passion and motivation to make His
mission a priority. No matter where we
are and what we do in life (office job, stay at home mom, working with kids,
manual labor, going to school, going to another country, etc), it is time to honestly live what
we believe! </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As Johnnie says, <i>“Now is the time for Christians to go public
with our faith and overtly declare our allegiance to Jesus and our belief in
his power to change the world…<span style="color: #e69138;"><b> Otherwise, we are lifeguards with our life vests
and our life rafts and our life preservers who are content to mind our own
business while the world is drowning.
But Jesus is asking us for one favor,</b></span></i></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="color: #e69138;"><b>‘Would you please just go help
these people.’”</b></span></i></span></span></div>
The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-71099682773550987822010-04-18T15:04:00.000-07:002010-09-04T14:35:42.155-07:00Godly WorldviewGod has been breaking my heart more and more. And I am thankful for it, because it is something that I have asked for. I have been praying for God to give me a Godly worldview. I want to see the world as He sees it and love people as He loves people. I find myself looking at faces more and more, wondering what their stories are, what their struggles and pains are, what brings them joy, and above all, I wonder if they know Jesus.<br /><br /><div></div><div>When I was in China, my heart was broken many times for the people there and their blindness to truth. Its especially sad, because they are searching for that truth and searching for peace and joy but they are looking in all the wrong places. These are some photos I took to remind me of this. Because my heart needs to be broken. That is the only way I will be inspired to do something about it. What I can do for China, at this point, is pray. I pray for these people who are obviously hurting and needing Jesus but only finding a ritualistic religion that offers no hope. </div><div><br /></div><div></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513170122479958882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUw3d3QE2YHVY6QxXGpYeodeo0OKWwNfq1IgWUr5DZi1bhhTaOhL2EwdbGLPynaJS2K5WswjxZYDP4URL55hxzhHSz86iLvYzhnm5Nzfu9Qf0WasqLPAItnzpKXyah3UERR-5JeTuVJis/s320/Asia+2009+(2)+152.JPG" /> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513170665616086354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6uqlNwmQY4cx0KMWdt4mIP3GWw8zlbKzNsh0S4smjIhLRKDEOX-X9i-hviWOmAa0xTScdKgrsmOnv56SS1HdhoXW-9JeWy-seBG-MQgceWIKMtQjhv2zvgHkpuVZ7xJWnA9KphXHItJS6/s320/Asia+2009+(2)+160.JPG" /><br />The pain I could see on the many faces was heart wrenching but none compared to this woman, and as she continually banged her head while praying to the temple statues, I said a prayer for her. God is incredible and can work in an amazing way. What if she ran into believers on her way home and they introduced her to true peace? God can work miracles. This statue can not.<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513171857600229778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtB8cRNuMy031h5mm3x4rltGGuwWXHDPaJpfW9D4hHyx3NhOkUEjdZIYe6Fv07pFufw4iiuRlM0HFphjrRkvuvRzQSSePA-e3LXH5knQTv7o-WPh8hSKg4dWneyV9yTM_sPoljB8k9Fegu/s320/Asia+2009+(2)+161.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>These are things that I have been thinking about a lot as I prepare to go love on the people of Spain, who are constantly fighting against religion. I hope to join in on that fight, and introduce them to a God who cares. I came across a song called Hosanna by Hillsong United. The bridge reflected my thoughts exactly:</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Heal my heart and make it clean.</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Open up my eyes to the things unseen.</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Show me how to love like You have loved me.</span></em></strong></div><br /><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Break my heart for what breaks Yours.</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Everything I am for Your Kingdom's cause.</span></em></strong></div><div><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">As I walk from earth into eternity.</span></em></strong><br /><br />That is my prayer and as I head off to Spain in a few weeks, I pray that God continues to break my heart and teach me to love like He loves. That is what the Christian walk is. </div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-54040292415926341712010-03-03T15:29:00.000-08:002010-03-06T19:03:26.400-08:00Stop and Listen!<em><span style="font-size:85%;">I was so encouraged and blessed by the message at Nexus on Monday that I wanted to share and also just document it so that I remember. Its something I have been thinking a lot about lately, so the message was perfect timing too. I love how God does that.</span></em><br /><div><div><div><p>The Washington post decided to do an experiment. They put a man in L'Enfant Plaza, the hub of subways stations in DC, to play on his violin for 43 minutes. In those 43 minutes, 1097 people passed by. Of those 1097 people, only 7 stopped for longer than one minute to listen. In those 43 minutes, this man made $32 from 27 people. Most of the givers just threw in the money without stopping to listen. When he would finish a piece, there would be no clapping, only extremely awkward silence. Who was the man? Joshua Bell, one of the nations greatest musicians. He had been playing some of the most difficult pieces to master on a 1710 violin worth about $3.5 million.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444561522397184258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 290px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnu1xv59g-nw-B0eYCHPNVKu7tDhA0ftXfsSwxz7n7UiUfLkjM92qXjY-XQPM8oNbRxCPZe0YUbTdQye2adAmncDC9eRGVlxSUhSP1MPuBYVEszN84c-CjBFfRHfCTN5VO9toqIw21IEu/s320/bell.jpg" border="0" /></p></div></div></div><p>There were a lot of people who were so busy and in such a hurry, that they missed this great opportunity of experiencing this incredible musician. By the way, Joshua Bell will be performing in a couple nights in DC and the only seats available are behind the stage and very high up for $95. </p><p>Our lives can easily become that way. We can get so busy with life, that we often forget to stop and reflect on God. We forget to thank God for the beautiful day. We forget to thank God for His saving grace, for His salvation, for His unconditional love. We neglect to see God's fingerprints in our everyday, not because they are not there, but we are too busy to pause and reflect. I'm reminded of the verse, "Be still and know that I am God." God's fingerprints are everywhere. They are in the smile of a baby. They are in the sunrises and sunsets. They are in the gift of waking up everyday. They are in the encouragements from friends and family. They are in the quietness after a snowstorm. They are in the exquisite and tiny flower that you would miss if you are hurrying by. I am convicted and encouraged to stop and be still, to reflect on God in my everyday life, to include God in my everyday life. I heard of someone who starts their day with prayer, but doesnt say "Amen" until the end of her day, because she is bringing God into her entire day and praying all throughout. I love that. </p><p>So, Joshua Bell is playing in the subway station and no one is noticing this amazing talent right before their eyes. But one lady does recognize him. She had seen him the day before as he tested violins in the Library of Congress. She stopped and listened. She stayed until the end of the song and then talked to him. That is how I want to be. I want to stop and listen. I want to recognize my Savior throughout my entire day. I don't want to miss what He wants me to see! Because why else am I here on this earth, other than to glorify God?!! AMEN!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445721553749146610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKtkaVxZV9KVF37Xk4iYgmzAk4rl-ZGSBMi5XLjwXdMgjOn-IOc3VIl2HJVji0CQFDxNB1KF_j514Ex7gedee2LCznffOFG6YPWCDzedmNaaUFjwcGM7SkTCB8XLiDtvK8iD0fTDE-mv_g/s320/worship.jpg" border="0" /></p>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-53358105662867989402009-10-06T18:50:00.000-07:002009-10-06T18:59:10.502-07:00Rainbows!!!So, I have been inspired to add something to my list of things I want to do before I die. I want to stand at the end of a rainbow. How cool would that be? So, here is the inspiration for the newest addition to my list (this is my friend, Lori, from PBU and she is at Victoria Falls in southern Africa - doesnt this make you want to add that to your list?!):<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR_h03XGHxnUoQWf-tKjJvYPrL1cvk-U3SxPUtO3pFHcgf-L53YEABRx_6X0TLi8Wfdqr6rp2qY-_ZU_UNKXeSv-b9vAKxhtsLJ9d9jV7hFyjRagH9TjsJ6XH1REOsMew90TS3PNZWBqg/s1600-h/End+of+the+Rainbow.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389670098066449490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 274px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 305px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyR_h03XGHxnUoQWf-tKjJvYPrL1cvk-U3SxPUtO3pFHcgf-L53YEABRx_6X0TLi8Wfdqr6rp2qY-_ZU_UNKXeSv-b9vAKxhtsLJ9d9jV7hFyjRagH9TjsJ6XH1REOsMew90TS3PNZWBqg/s400/End+of+the+Rainbow.jpg" border="0" /></a>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-22334185810063246322009-07-29T19:49:00.000-07:002009-07-29T20:30:58.877-07:00http://www.deathclock.com/<div>So, I discovered this website that tells you, statistically, when you are going to die. Of course, accidents and all that dont account for it. It just asks a couple lifestyle questions. So...yes, I am an optimistic person. I gave my BMI. I am a female. And I do not smoke. </div><br /><div></div><div>Now mind you, I dont want to live into an old age where I am helpless and unable to do things I really want to do. Like play soccer or travel the world. So, I decided that I want to die at a good healthy 65-70. Seventy is actually pushing it. So, when I got my death date as February 8 (which is my dads birthday, but the year indicates that he will no longer be around), 2072. WHAT???? Seriously. Thats almost 90. So, a little later I do it again, just to make sure, and it adds a whole year: March 15, 2073. That IS 90. So, I decided to not look again in case they keep wanting to add more years to my already old life. </div><div> </div><div> <br /></div><div>So, I decided to embrace this knowledge that I may live way to long, by being as adventurous and reckless as I can. At least I can now and when I am too old to be (if I do actually make it with my being reckless), I will be able to talk about the "good old days." Rest assured though, dear friends. I will not try to shorten my life in any way by, lets just say, smoking. Eww and Yuck. Besides, this tshirt puts it so well:</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTuZ40Q3xbUYpcSkBV2MqtT_tdwwFyZdRnZgJ1twScxKrTwbFS8jWFH6LGSMyokpIlftTvrj7FT7rpktmGIlrrJUNf3zU2N_WMpmWbY6Tr3r9CPjoRPTp39z53JdEAV1DKm-_m5GRry3I/s1600-h/no_smoking_there_are_cooler_ways_to_die_tshirt-p235372189420175393q6wh_400.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364087860779326594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTuZ40Q3xbUYpcSkBV2MqtT_tdwwFyZdRnZgJ1twScxKrTwbFS8jWFH6LGSMyokpIlftTvrj7FT7rpktmGIlrrJUNf3zU2N_WMpmWbY6Tr3r9CPjoRPTp39z53JdEAV1DKm-_m5GRry3I/s320/no_smoking_there_are_cooler_ways_to_die_tshirt-p235372189420175393q6wh_400.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><br />NOTE: This was all written in my head before I was convinced of something: That I dont mind living until I am 90 if I can actually LIVE and not be fighting every disease that old age brings. If I can still function and enjoy life, then bring it on. :) </div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-17762896246681560492009-07-22T15:06:00.000-07:002009-07-23T14:50:16.364-07:00"TRAVEL IS THE ONLY THING YOU BUY THAT MAKES YOU RICHER."As most of you know, I recently went to Asia for three weeks for a trip to visit some college friends and, of course, become more of a world traveler. :) Well, I am bursting with wanting to talk about it, but those who went with me live so far away...so I am going to blog about it! And pictures are coming soon on facebook!<br /><br /><br />Thailand was my first official stop (flew into Beijing but never left the airport). In Thailand, we went to Hua Hin, a beautiful beach on the Gulf of Thailand, for a few days to relax, soak up some sun, jet ski, and ride elephants! We also went around Bangkok, visiting the Grand Palace (amazing!) and some cool temples (saw so many little monks!) and a floating market (people in their canoes selling EVERYTHING). Thai people like color. I like color. I found my happy place. ;)<br /><br /><br />We went to Cambodia next. We spent a couple days in Siem Reap, where we saw amazing stone temples like Angkor Wat and Ta Prohm. These temples are from ancient civilizations and made me feel like I was in an Indiana Jones movie as I walked through them (they were actually part of the set for Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, which we promptly bought for a dollar and watched). We also went to the capital city of Phenom Phen, where we visited the Royal Palace as well as an old high school turned prison and the killing fields full of mass graves from the Khmer Rouge's terrorism that killed 2 million men, women and children. This was the devastating part of the trip. They do not shy away from telling you about that terror (that only happened about 30 years ago), but it made me understand and love Cambodia so much more... For a miniscule idea of that time, check this out (Don't shy away from reality. Pray.): <a href="http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS231US232&q=khmer%20rouge&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi">http://images.google.com/images?sourceid=navclient&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS231US232&q=khmer%20rouge&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi</a><br />And I totally want to adopt one of the hundreds of street children I saw in Cambodia.<br /><br /><br />And finally, China! We stayed in Kunming, where we got to see where my friends have been living. We also got cheap pedicures, great food, cheap movies, my hair chemically straightened, went to a 6th grade graduation at a school for village and 2nd children, and had the traditional tea ceremony (yay, Pee Boy!) with a sweet Chinese lady, who was my friend's Chinese teacher. We then went to Lijiang, the most adorable old Chinese town with its little alleyways and cute buildings and so many fun shops (also ate fried bamboo worm and dragonfly, just to gross you all out). :) Took a night bus (thats a whole story in itself...)! Then, we flew to Xian, where we shopped in the Muslim quarter, saw the Terracotta Warriors, visited the Big Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque, rode bikes around the city's old wall, and got super cheap massages! Then, we took a night train (SOOOO much better than a night bus, haha) to Beijing, our last stop. We saw so much, its easier just to list: The Lama Temple, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Bei Hai Park, THE GREAT WALL (on my list, now accomplished! Oh and taking a toboggan down was so awesome!), Chinese Opera, Temple of Heaven, Pearl Market, OLYMPIC GREEN (Toured the Water Cube...saw THE pool! Also saw Birds Nest, the National Indoor Stadium, and the Television Studio Tower), Chinese Acrobats, Beijing Zoo (Panda exhibit!!!), and the Summer Palace!<br /><br /><br />That was my AMAZING trip! It felt like I was over there for much longer than three weeks, probably because of all of that being crammed into three weeks. :) But it was so worth it and only made the itch to travel even stronger.<br /><br /><br />Things I will not miss:<br /><br />1. "Special price for you! You my first customer! What price you want?" Being white = being incredibly over charged - but you can fight it down, so its ok ;)<br />2. Jelly Bean Chicken (YUCK! The dog wouldnt even eat it...)<br />3. Being mobbed by men trying to get us to take one of their taxis/tuktuks.<br />4. Getting checked for the Swine flu at EVERY border. So, just so you all know, I am very confident that I DO NOT HAVE THE SWINE FLU!!!<br />5. The healing powers of TIGER BALM. I will not miss it because...WE HAVE IT HERE, WOOHOO! :)<br />6. Constant spitting. And nose picking. And clearing your nose out. All in public.<br />7. Carrying a big, heavy pack everywhere in the hotness of the days (though it was WAY better than a suitcase would have been!<br />8. Stupid old white men with young beautiful Asian girls...<br />9. Incense and idols with people praying/pleading/worshipping creepy looking pieces of wood and stone...<br /><br /><br />Things I will miss:<br /><br />1. New friends.<br />2. Squatty potty!<br />3. Being treated like a celebrity.<br />4. Incredible people.<br />5. Adorable children.<br />6. Amazing sights.<br />7. Awesome food.<br />8. Pretty umbrellas.<br />9. $3 pedicures.<br />10. $9 full body for one hour massages.<br />11. $3 cocktails.<br />12. $3-$5 meals.<br />13. $1 dvds.<br />14. Mango Steens.<br />15. Ten mile walks on the beach. Haha. Just kidding, I wont really miss that. ;)<br />16. Starbuck's new Dark Mocha Frap (because apparently, we don't have it).<br />17. Meeting people from all over the world.<br />18. Hilarious signs.<br />19. Brilliant colors everywhere!<br />20. The shower, toilet, and sink in one room without separation (it was quite convenient actually, haha)<br />21. The parks: They were full of people dancing to music, exercising, and playing games. Such a fun atmosphere!<br />22. ADVENTURE!!! Though I am sure I can find it here too. ;)The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-41266246252853936022009-06-07T20:38:00.000-07:002009-06-07T20:41:34.730-07:00Bucket List!!!HURRAY!!!!! So, I finally finished writing up my bucket list (for lack of a better term, though this list was inspired WAY before the movie) and putting pictures up of the ones I have accomplished, so everyone should go check it out!!! And I will need to add one more check to my list after this trip to China! So excited, by the way! Just so you all know, I will be in Thailand, Cambodia and China from June 13-July5. I may get to update some while over there, but no promises. Love you all! :)The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-25362072544821383742009-05-27T14:41:00.000-07:002009-05-27T15:20:08.525-07:00Then she prayed...<div>So, last night we talked about defeating the obstacle of prayerlessness in our Bible study. With prayer comes POWER, PROTECTION, and PASSION. Thats huge. May I never doubt the necessity of prayer. May I pray during the high times of life and in the low times of life...and in the middle. May I pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I read a really cool article on prayer by a guy named Edward M. Bounds, who was known to rise at 4am and spend at least 3 hours in prayer. Here is a portion of the article that really stuck out to me:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Christian soldiers, fighting the good fight of faith, have access to a place of retreat to which they continually return for prayer. "Praying always with all prayer" is a clear statement of the imperative need of much praying, and of many kinds of praying, by him who, fighting the good fight of faith, would win out in the end over all his foes.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>It cannot be stated too frequently that the life of a Christian is a warfare, an intense conflict, a lifelong contest. The life to which Holy Scripture calls us is no picnic or holiday junket. It is no pastime, no pleasure jaunt. It entails effort, wrestling, struggling; it demands the putting forth of the full energy of the spirit in order to frustrate the foe and to come off, at the last, more than a conquerer.</em></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>What a misconception many people have of the Christian life! How little the average church member appears to know of the character of the conflict, and of its demands upon him! <strong>He seems scarcely to realize that the world, the flesh, and the devil will oppose his onward march, and will defeat him utterly, unless he gives himself to constant vigilance and unceasing prayer.</strong></em></div><br /><div><strong><em></em></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340628730796156930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07nPrFoIGdh_pLDWLDBghCZ10F3-_lyrKwtvS_JSkfKAEvaHX_yfLAF6VgECoyaXb8RD3KJb4nv8vm0DNm5dLCWMBWfbRoao4EJRru1FwhQC0ZAeXdatJEkqEmg2rvIT9OMkXQJegeBrD/s320/Boy%2520and%2520Dog%2520Praying%2520Together.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-68250388091622150712009-05-17T15:25:00.000-07:002009-05-17T17:29:47.928-07:00Long live soccer; May penalty shootouts die.I love soccer. Its my favorite sport by far. I love to watch it. I love to coach it. And most of all, I love to play it. But I have a huge problem with soccer that I need to take a moment to address and vent about. I hate penalty shootouts. When both teams pour their hearts into the game, are tied, and have to go on to penalty shootouts to determine the winner, I hate it. Especially when my team outplays the other team, but loses in the shootout. Sure, its an exciting way to end an intense game as far as the fans are concerned. But, as a player, I think it is a cheap and lazy way to determine a win. Hockey has it right: keep playing until a goal is scored. May the most skilled and best in shape team win. So, in my opinion, may penalty shootouts die.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KHm9p6q8F5JpeOW28PoD-J9VqVRorj4U0djo2_tHiohoTIO3Ceg0s4dL0PMyWKzXS3VeDyIu5w5Mdy7t4W2JRNiLDDV3WlQz4HFhdI5FQONkeYoa0uDqFRvaXKOI7oSzLhzdCc4tZ7Ue/s1600-h/PenaltyShootout-large.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336925027453004274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 310px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KHm9p6q8F5JpeOW28PoD-J9VqVRorj4U0djo2_tHiohoTIO3Ceg0s4dL0PMyWKzXS3VeDyIu5w5Mdy7t4W2JRNiLDDV3WlQz4HFhdI5FQONkeYoa0uDqFRvaXKOI7oSzLhzdCc4tZ7Ue/s400/PenaltyShootout-large.jpg" border="0" /></a> <br />But, we can take a look at the bright side: Penalty shootouts do not have to happen often and for that I am thankful. Long live soccer! :)<br /><div></div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-66148330312366117782009-05-15T21:14:00.000-07:002009-05-15T21:25:23.624-07:00A Mosaic About Me!The Rules:<br />a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search (<a href="http://www.flickr.com/" target="_blank">http://www.flickr.com/</a>).<br />b. Using ONLY the first page, pick an image to represent your answer.<br /><br />The Questions:<br />1. What is your first name?<br />2. What is your favorite food?<br />3. What is your favorite color?<br />4. Favorite drink?<br />5. Dream vacation?<br />6. Favorite hobby?<br />7. What you want to be when you grow up?<br />8. What do you love most in life?<br />9. One word to describe you?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqjmlR1vOBDJueNYLAxtvDOfqAlHyc3nY4bnPMXfXfcAycxjDDyFA51GjzIAzHLnyLGEg2KMkWt3x_1_OBMU50R0a1KsvO0QIBVS_aUXM920BsJi052PfrrV4VlknfAC6uVdOBUp8Y6Jl/s1600-h/Mosaic+of+Me!.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336271618489883986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeqjmlR1vOBDJueNYLAxtvDOfqAlHyc3nY4bnPMXfXfcAycxjDDyFA51GjzIAzHLnyLGEg2KMkWt3x_1_OBMU50R0a1KsvO0QIBVS_aUXM920BsJi052PfrrV4VlknfAC6uVdOBUp8Y6Jl/s400/Mosaic+of+Me!.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/krish4u/3367656155/"></a> </div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-65700158206826008922009-05-11T15:33:00.000-07:002009-05-11T19:18:42.074-07:00Spain, we will meet again!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vjFQTvtSnrIytopPz7-V84V2mP7AVCaobSUEFzdZBX4QxI7jj0MIkoaLwrQv-BcE8GQgodGG1KwrHaDcuD1-7cOjOjfIy6S9WvGrbz7EtXWHQ5O5qJrKpXqrHnrzlbJVJcGSEKBP51SN/s1600-h/Caceres_Spain_Plaza_Mayor_Arco.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334750940699664130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8vjFQTvtSnrIytopPz7-V84V2mP7AVCaobSUEFzdZBX4QxI7jj0MIkoaLwrQv-BcE8GQgodGG1KwrHaDcuD1-7cOjOjfIy6S9WvGrbz7EtXWHQ5O5qJrKpXqrHnrzlbJVJcGSEKBP51SN/s320/Caceres_Spain_Plaza_Mayor_Arco.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So, great news to the few who read this: <strong><span style="color:#33ff33;">I have a plan!</span></strong><br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><div>What??? Kristin has a plan??? No way! </div><div></div><div></div><div><br />Yep, its true. I know the basics of what my next two years will hold. This year, I will keep doing what I do with my crazy fun busy life as well as raising prayer/financial support. Then, the plan is to leave for Spain <strong><span style="color:#cc33cc;">June 2010</span></strong> for a 10 month to a year long apprenticeship in Spain! Leaving June makes me happy because there are a lot of people I love and have developed strong relationships with here that will all be graduating high school next year.<br /><br /></div><div>This apprenticeship is SO perfect for me because I was pretty much freaking out over going there for the long haul as a single missionary without knowing what I would be doing or if I would even be any use there. So, this plan for an apprenticeship came up where I would live their for about a year (similar to what I did in Peru after high school), take language classes, observe the ministry, get involved where I can, build relationships with the Team in Spain as well as with Spaniards, and be mentored by the missionaries there during that time. After that time, I can either make my big long term commitment or see that God wants me somewhere else. So...<span style="color:#ffff00;"><strong>YAY for less pressure!!!</strong></span></div><br /><div>I am hoping that I will stay in Caceres, Spain so I am including pics of that beautiful city (to make you all want to come visit me!) :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mZ6P4q1DXK-EJc2n5oXpc45Wj4gyHpliPqjTOA_mR9PZlS4Ec1lsF_uIgmHk-cynU1vrkGODnPjMUJUMxaNyXqrAi1fH7tGvnYfvFoNtKhKCEGJSCtlguxOBcTPtHOT9v0CYOVPmp1MU/s1600-h/Caceres+2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334750757314453986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 180px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_mZ6P4q1DXK-EJc2n5oXpc45Wj4gyHpliPqjTOA_mR9PZlS4Ec1lsF_uIgmHk-cynU1vrkGODnPjMUJUMxaNyXqrAi1fH7tGvnYfvFoNtKhKCEGJSCtlguxOBcTPtHOT9v0CYOVPmp1MU/s400/Caceres+2.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3m9X4cDRvruvFkbtadn2El3VkE5avBuoBIBGPBeiO0qkjYQy7uTD9zzjV2Dow2kq1IvgMgG-lVNzBnZ4llIrflF0_byt9t07-N0AFtXQURaiw5t6Es5n3Tc3nkK0M7PA6Sa3gn_uNxM6/s1600-h/Caceres+1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5334750632387766722" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 178px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3m9X4cDRvruvFkbtadn2El3VkE5avBuoBIBGPBeiO0qkjYQy7uTD9zzjV2Dow2kq1IvgMgG-lVNzBnZ4llIrflF0_byt9t07-N0AFtXQURaiw5t6Es5n3Tc3nkK0M7PA6Sa3gn_uNxM6/s400/Caceres+1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div></div></div></div>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-57000473443541576432009-04-25T11:18:00.000-07:002009-04-25T11:31:44.355-07:00Welcome to the Republican PartySo, I work with a lady who is VERY Republican. Its hilarious the conversations we get into and fun because we think a lot alike. So, she sent me this story and I laughed so hard at how ironic and true it is, I just have to share! <br /><br /><strong>I recently asked my friend's little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up... She said she wanted to be President some day. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Both of her parents, liberal Democrats, were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do?' She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.' Her parents beamed. </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>'Wow...what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'But you don't have towait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow thelawn, pull weeds, and sweep my walk and I'll pay you $50. Then, I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house.' </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>She thought thatover for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, 'Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50?' </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>I said, 'Welcome to the Republican Party.' </strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Her parents still aren't speaking to me.</strong>The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-29503106699410314202009-04-22T16:21:00.000-07:002009-04-22T16:24:56.217-07:00Commenting available!Hey, great news everybody! You can now post comments! Its all figured out. The waiting is over. You can do what you have always wanted to do. Isn't that fantastic???<br /><br />Ok, so, Ill post a real update later, but for now, I must put my weary sick self not in front of a computer. Love!The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3361090552032032205.post-8481324602988895642009-04-17T18:53:00.000-07:002009-04-17T21:35:08.823-07:00HOPE and being HAPPYThis is my first real post. Thanks to Katie and Mandy for helping me get this thing set up (and thanks in advance for the continued help as I plan on bringing my computer next Thursday). :)Anyway, as I am called "The Bright Side," I will do my very best to hold to my name. Because I like being happy. And I looking at the bright side of things. Sometimes its hard. Sometimes, actually, it is almost impossible. But, it always is possible and that is because of something huge. Its called <strong>HOPE</strong>. And my hope is from Jesus Christ. It cant get any better than that.<br /><br />I LOVE this: "<em>And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My <strong>HOPE</strong> is in YOU</em>." ~Ps. 39:7<br /><br />Things that made me very happy in the past two days:<br />1. Its been absolutely beautiful outside.<br />2. I work with the most adorable kids ever.<br />3. I went running for as long as a 5k, for which I need to be ready.<br />4. I got a really sweet message back from a girl I coach, whom I wanted to encourage (and she ended up encouraging me as well. Amazing how that works out.)<br />5. I found a four leaf clover! Seriously, it made me so happy! Its the first one I have found, something I have always wanted to find, so...yay! :)<br />6. Tie-dye. It always makes me happy.<br />7. failblog.org Its beyond hilarious!The Bright Sidehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05111118128506419319noreply@blogger.com0