"This is crazy!"

Hey kids! I sure hope you don't miss this post because I'm currently in a glorious mood! Well, today was pretty good. Kevin, Collin, and Kate came over to swim for a while. Then we came inside and played with Bradley's Playstation 2. That was a lot of fun, even though Bradley practically tried to beat me up! Later everyone had to leave so Kevin gave Bradley a ride to the VBS at St. David's and Mrs. Sandy picked me up for Mission VBS. It was so fun. There was another little boy that came today. He was two years old and completely adorable. I love black children. :-D They make me smile. While the other kids were playing games we threw a woffle ball back and forth. It was so fun watching him throw it back to me.
Later on I was talking to Leigh Ann Barber and we were talking about Sumter (surprise anyone?). Her grandparents are from Sumter. So some how or another she got to talking about her cousin Austin. I was like "Austin Crane??!" She was talking about him and I got pretty excited; "YOU KNOW AUSTIN CRAIN, YOU'RE RELATED TO AUSTIN CRAIN?!? I DON'T EVEN KNOW AUSTIN CRAIN!!!!" Okay, so you're probably thinking that makes no sense, it doesn't. Andrew goes to Ambassador Camp where he met Austin Crain. I was supposed to meet him once in Florence, but I didn't because Austin had to study Russian (what a great excuse!! I'll be sure to use that one next time..). So anyway, it was really super exciting and Leigh Ann and Erin think I'm totally out of mine...which is probable!
Oh yeah, I'm adoring all the lovely comments I have recieved lately! Thanks to all you lovely folks!

buttons and...

Hmm...I started working on buttons for my blog. Here's the first one; it's not very good considering it's HUGE (for a button I mean)! Well, I guess it's okay considering I used the upstairs computer which only has Paint and other basic stuff.
I talked to Regina a little while ago. I miss her a lot. I really miss our two hour long phone conversations. I think I could talk to her forever and never get bored. She's one of the only people I can actually talk on the phone to. I remember that night at Rachel's house when we stayed up almost all night sitting on Rachel's bed, just me and her, talking about everything under the sun (or moon considering it was night time). There was so much ridiculous drama, but I adore that talk. I love those phone calls.
Mrs. Brenda just brought over my first birthday present this year. Now I smell like plumeria body cream from Bath & Body Works.
I might help my mom with swimming lessons today. I haven't been out there in a while. It sure will be better than sitting in the house all day like I've done so many other days. I've really enjoyed this week. The first week in my entire summer than I've gotten to sleep as long as I wanted to. What a glorious feeling!
Well, that post was completely random covering things that I wouldn't normally bring up, but it was grood. I think I'll go watch some Teen Girl Squad now. I haven't done that in a while..

Mission VBS

My background on my computer makes me smile...

Today was pretty good. I just hung around for the first part and then I went to the Goddard's house and babysat Jacob and Jackson. What curious children!
"What's your name again?" -Jackson
Obviously I don't babysit them too often, but they are still a joy to watch.
Later I went to the mission VBS my church is putting on in Chesterfield. That was fun. The children were fun even though I wish I could have gotten to know them more. There was one boy named Terrell that I got to speak about being a Christian. He seemed clueless about Jesus, but he was so into Mrs. Mullis' story of the crucifixion and resurrection. He was an absolute blessing to my day. After the story all the children had a "quiet time with God." I prayed that the children would accept God's beautiful self. I also pray that I can be a brief influence on Terrell's life and that he will know Jesus and have a personal relationship with Him like I do. How terribly I want this boy to know God! After their time with God Mrs. Mullis gave out copies of the New Testament and I told Terrell that I would highlight Jesus' story for him. He said he would start reading it tonight. I hope this passionate feeling he has won't just last this week, but for his entire life. God teaches me more and more about myself everyday. I adore Him!
I need a new Bible so badly! But the one I have has been with me since January of 2004. I don't want to part with it!! What a change that has been in me since that date!

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." -John 15:12-15

well..

I miss Sumter really bad! The thought of Nicole, Hailey, Courtney, Kelli, Erin, Alyssa, Megan, Elizabeth, Chasity, and everyone else, brings a smile to my face. I love them. Not that I don't love my Cheraw folks, I just miss the Sumterites a lot.
My birthday is coming up. Time to get my permit. That makes me a little nervous, and I'm sure it makes other drivers nervous too. Just kidding, I don't think it's going to be that bad. I don't know what I want for my birthday. It always makes my mom mad because I can never tell her anything I want because I don't know. I don't want a hammock, I don't think I do, at least right now that is. I would love a trip to Sumter right now though. The last time I saw most of Andrew's family was when I went to the ballet...
I sure wish the weather was better. I could go swimming. I'm sure Erin would adore this weather, though. Yesterday Kevin, Collin, Katie H, and I went to the Mexican resturant. Later Collin had to take Katie to piano practice, so then Kevin and Collin came over here to swim. After a while we dicided to go see a really cheap movie in Hartsville with Majik. That was fun. If they sold the DVD of Herbie: Fully Loaded with Majik and my commentary on it I would totally buy it. It was hilarious! :-D The movie was alright. Wow, there were so many good movies out and then all of a sudden there weren't so many. Anyway, Andrew went to Ambassador Camp for two weeks and it looks like I'm going to be going to Mission Trip instead of working there. Which is okay because I don't think it would have worked out this way if it wasn't God's will.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

The Day of the Lord's Blessings Upon Us

Today was absolutely magnificent! Well, more like yesterday now. What a blessing that could only come from God! Well, here's what went down. David Watkins gave me tickets to Carowinds Friday night. They were good for a concert Saturday during Sonfest. I invited Andrew and Kevin and we all rode up there with Andrew. Now here is the awesome part; not only did I get to see a great concert by Casting Crows, TobyMac, and Newsboys, but I also got to see Nicole, Hailey, and some other their friends from Sumter! I'm telling you, what a glorious day! We totally jammed out! HAHAHA!!!! Andrew actually rode a roller coaster! Top Gun in fact!! And when we were coming home we stopped at McDonald's and they put TWO pieces of cheese on my cheese burger! It was great!
Well, I'm way too tired to say anything else. I'm gone to bed.

Small Towns

I've been in town one short day and I'm already hearing about drama. I just plan to pray about everything that goes on this week at SummerSalt. God will help us all out. I adore Him!!!

"..what's going on? whats up with all our friends?
let's start a rumor just to find out where it ends.
cause a small town is like a small stage for
teenagers and their drama
instead of playing shows, we'll be showing plays
like 90210 without the beverly hills..." ~Relient K

Washington Pictures!!!

Washington was so fun! I had a great time! Even though Chloe, Kate, and I didn't win anything for National History Day the awards ceremony was pretty fun. Meagan won 3rd place in Senior Individual Exhibit. While Lee and Ben won first place in Junior Group Exhibit. It was so fun celebrating and everything. Joel looked like he had just got out of a swimming pool of sweat. Yeah, I know gross..but it's true. Lee's grandmother was SOOOOO excited about the boys winning! It was great. Oh yeah, and this loser even traded buttons, I had a great time with that!! haha! I had to beat Chloe. Just kidding, it was pretty fun.
As far as the city of Washington D.C. goes...let's just say I would never want to live there. The Metro was awesome fun, but it was so quiet and no one knew anyone so if you talked on the Metro you stood out because you were the only one talking. I resorted to reading, which actually didn't go too bad. I know I worked off some calories this week though! Walking around Washington will really wear you out!!

The Great Washington Monument


The Great Washington Monument again...but from the Lincoln Memorial steps.


Part of the super fancy World War II Memorial. This was one of my favorites! ;-)


Well, I'll never leave those "Northern" roots behind. Had to get a picture of the North Carolina pillar at the WWII Memorial.


And how could I forget South Carolina?!


The Lincoln Memorial...that thing fits on a penny?!?!?


Well, I think that Lincoln Memorial is more like it :-)


Lincoln was HUGE!!


Lions! They were on some art building's entrance. They looked awesomely scary.


Lion #2


The aritecure in Washington is so neat.


See what I mean?


more buildings


This lantern thing was crazy HUGE! Look at the tiny door! I wonder if the thing even lights up..


OOO...The White House. Looks like George is gettin' ready for a super fancy gathering.


My super TIRED feet and my super old New Balances.



Pretty..:-)

i'm super bored..

So yep, I'm going to Washington, D.C. tomorrow. I'm pretty excited. My family doesn't travel a lot, and well..since we got our pool we haven't even been to the beach. I guess I can thank History Day for that one.
I'm incredibly bored right now!!! Not even Gilmore Girls is sufficing!!! I'm so glad I had Anna Grace here this week because I don't know what I would have done without her after VBS!! I should totally be taking advantage of this opportunity and packing for Washington, but of course, I'm being me and procrastinating (one of my favorite past times). I wish I knew what time Andrew gets home today so I could plan something, but I don't. I should at least call Kevin and see if he knows, but I already text messaged him. Wow, I truly need to shut up. I mean why would you care if I called someone or not.
Just shows you how bored I am...

Pray for Ryan as he's off in Texas and Romania for the next few weeks.

God and His Glorious Self!

He just gives me one blessing after another ("From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another." John 1:16). God is wonderful!! If you ever get a chance to read the teen version of It's Not About Me, Live Like You Mean It by Max Lucado do! I'm so happy that Mr. T let us buy a copy of this book from him! What inspirational words that truly place some things in perspective. Check out this quote commenting on Exodus 33:18 ("Then Moses said "now show me your glory."")

" We cross a line when we make such a request. When our deepest desire is not the things of God, or a favor from God, but God himself, we cross a threshold. Less self-focus, more God-focus. Less about me, more about him."

It unnerves me to know how great He is. God's amazement is all around me! In everything I see and do.

How Deep the Father's Love for Us

How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory
Behold the Man upon a cross
My guilt upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished
I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powr's, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

I have to get the link/download/however in the world he has it from Andrew. At least, I think he has it.. What a glorious song!

"All glorious is the princess within her chamber, her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king." Psalm 45:13-14

Sumter People and Boy Meets World

My friends are always asking the timeless question of why in the world I love Sumter so much. It's simple. I adore the people there. Go to Latete's (Nicole) xanga site. Her post on June 5 was quite inspirational. The people in Sumter help me grow in my walk with Christ and I just LOVE it!

Another timeless ponder...
What do Star Wars, Harry Potter, Boy Meets World, National Treasure, and tons of other good movies have in common? The main characters have a lot to do with it (well, in my opinion). Almost every show or movie that have two guys and a girl as the main characters tend to have a pretty good story line. I noticed this the other day when Andrew, Kevin, and I were watching National Treasure and once again observed this classic Boy Meets World thing. Why does this tap into our minds and become such a great story? How can so many people relate to this? Why does it sell? Maybe it has nothing to do with this factor, but I was just thinking about it...

Hey you! Yep, I'm talking to YOU! Since you took the time to read this, why don't you just go on and post a comment!!

(can't think of anything)

This week should be interesting. Andrew and Katie won't be here, but strangely awesomely enough Erin will. At least until Monday or Tuesday that is. Anna Grace will be staying with me this week and I'll get to work with Kate Stanton at VBS. I'm Excited! This week might go by faster than I thought. Of course, I'm assured long days seeing as I'm going to be working at VBS and have to wake up super early. Anyway, I'm going to really miss hanging out with Andrew and Katie this week. But hopefully Kevin, Jonathan, Anna Grace, and I will get to hang out a little. That is going to be a really strange group if we get together though..and that might be a little awkward. We'll have to try to work out something.
Some people dampen my spirit. Well, not just my spirit, my friends' spirits too. I always think about how people just throw around the word love, but there are other words that people throw around talking trash about other people. Ugly. A short four letter word can hurt more than breaking your toe and falling down stairs. How can anything from God be ugly? We are all His sons and daughters, uniquely made. This hurts my soul. The world dampens my spirit..

Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would both be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10

See the tree on the far left? That's the tree I fixed up all fancy for VBS!! Woo! That's our (Shelly, Beka, and I) moose and mountains too!
I've gotten a little picture happy now that I know how to work this thing. :-D

Chinese Rabbis and Gilmore Girls

Today was pretty darn great. It started off this morning when I met Andrew, Kevin, and Katie at Coles for breakfast. Then we talked at our table and got sad because this would probably be one of the last times in almost three weeks when we would all be together. Well, at least I was sad. I'm really going to miss them. Then I had to work on history day with Kate, Chloe, and Mrs. Ingram at the Presbyterian church, which turned out pretty good and we got a good bit done in my opinion. I dread having to memorize that writing of Sarah's, though. Afterwards I went home and Mr. Thomas called to see if I wanted to help set up the classrooms for VBS. I went and Rebeka, Shelly, and I had a crazy wonderful time making mountains, trees, and a moose! MOOK!!! Anyway, then we started acting crazy and Shelly and I dressed up in the little kid costumes. She was Barbie and I was a Chinese Rabbi (with a symbol [cymbal]). Anyway, it couldn't have been more fun. After a while we all got hungry so Shelly, Beka, Mr. T, Little Debbie, and Mrs. Tana all went to Fiesta. I asked Felix how many times I'd been there this week and I think we came to the conclusion of four times, and I've still got two days left this week. Then Beka, Shelly, and I went to Shelly's house to watch Gilmore Girls. Holy cow, that has only got to be the best show...ever!!! And I don't even watch a whole lot of television, it's weird that I absolutely LOVE any show.

Gilmore Girls