Nothing like a good book!

Normally every year, come fall, I'm really drained and almost sluggish... It's depressing too! I know it takes a little to adjust to the time/weather change, but I think my hate for really cold weather and snow adds to this sluggishness. I remember last year thinking, next year is going to be different! And it is! I can actually wake up earlier... which I hope that keeps up! I've set some goals and am working towards those and just over all happy with my life!
One of those goals is to read more. And not just read more, but read more books that will help me in some way! I use to *hate* reading. I actually didn't read one book all through high school! I would start them, or try and start them at least, and just have any interest at all, and toss it somewhere.
I have a new found love for reading. It's some how relaxing. I am currently reading 3 books! "The Love of her Life" By: Harriot Evans, "Eat Pray Love" By: Elizabeth Gilbert (the movie comes out this month on dvd! Yah!) and "The Five Love Languages" By: Gary Chapman! What a mix hu? All are very good books! "The Love of Her Life" is about a girl named Katie Miller! It's a very catchy, motivating book! "Eat Pray Love" is just amazing and makes me want to travel even more than I already do! It really has me intrigued in how other religions/beliefs pray. I have just begun "The Five Love Languages"!
"The Five Love Languages" is what I wanted to dig into a little bit in this blog. I chose this book not only because I have heard a lot about it, but also because I thought it would be a challenge for me. I'm always up for a challenge, something to make me want to change the way I am or the way I think about something. I am only on the third chapter, but I am already having a "battle" with it. It talks about how the "honeymoon" stage only last up to 2 years, and that the "in love feeling" isn't real. I really don't agree with these statements (and a few others that are tied in i.e. "One who is in love is not genuinely interested in fostering the personal growth of the other person"... maybe they mean "infatuated"?)). Sure, you aren't going to feel that "in love" feeling EVERY day, and WHO would be in love with some one and NOT want to be after your loves best interest and WANT to see that person grow?? I have seen couples through out my life that are in their latter years in life and still crazy in love.
I.E. when I was 17 I had to have emergency surgery. I don't remember everything about that experience; However, I remember being taken into the hospital (from dad's car) in a wheelchair by this older lanky, but well dressed man. I remember him stopping at the front desk to "check in" and find out what room I needed to go to. He walked in front of me and looked down the hall and blew a kiss. I couldn't see who it was to, but he walked back over and said "that was to the love of my life... my wife". I remember, as much pain as I was in, smiling and thinking "That's so sweet! There's hope!" He went on to tell me that they had been married for 50 some years and he's still crazy about her like when he first met her. {Bam! Myth breaker! haha}
I really don't think that people can write books as if everyone is the same and it's a fact or the only way of life! I'm a little sceptical about reading the rest of this based on what I have read so far... Should I finish it?

Happy Hump Day!!!! Wynsten is getting so big!!!

Self Discipline

Discipline is a word that simply makes people cringe. When it comes to self discipline, it's something that's lacking often in my life, and one of my main struggles when it comes to my faith.

I have found that when I am disciplined in one area of my life, it carries over to many other, completely unrelated aspects of my life. When I take the time to read my Bible in the morning, I am better about what I eat, I'm more careful with my money, and I'm better with my attitude altogether.

The opposite is also true. When I am undisciplined in any area, it also carries over. I wonder why that is. Why my personality is put together the way that it has been. I guess I am simply one of those people where everything is intertwined together.

Disciplining a child is one of the hardest things I have ever done. On its surface, it's not a crazy concept. But there are so many variables involved, and I'm continuing to learn on the job with Noah. I ask myself questions all the time like "Is this really worth fighting over?" "How big of a deal should I make this?" "What is the proper discipline for this action?" And all of these decisions need to be made in such a split second. Such a quick thought. It's hard. Even harder than self-discipline for me.

Not really sure where I was going with this post, other than getting my thoughts out there. If you have any advice, I'd love to hear it. Have a great week!

Triple Threat

Well Its my time again. It is Officailly 11:50 pm on a Saturday night. Here I am home for the first night since Thursday. The Link I have enclosed is Regulators by Warren G. Prolly the first rap song i knew by heart and today it is still a hit. Well i have many topics to discuss tonight so lets just dive right in.



Im going to write this topic in Purple. You might ask why and the reason is Thats the Color for Domestic Violence. Its been an interesting week for me in the sense of this topic. I found out a friend of mine, who happen to also be my Prof. last semester had finally decided to leave her husband because he had been physically, verbally and emotionally abusing her. I felt so bad for her when she finally said something about it. I felt bad because I knew something was up when we first started class and I just couldnt put my finger on it. Something just didnt add up when she was telling us about how life used to be and how she got to where she was. I was conflicted because as a student do i say anything or not? Maybe i should have and maybe i shouldnt have. In the end she made the best descion she could have. She sought help. At first she was weary because she felt like everyone would think bad of her or tell her she should of left sooner. The best you can do is support them in their descions and when they have finally had enough they will make their choice to leave and will need all of the help they can get. She has been surprised at how many women have said " that happened to me too so many years ago". Its so sad to me that women get with the man of their dreams only to find out that they are Docter Jeykal in Mr. Hydes body. My heart does go out to her , but she is a strong woman and i know she will be able to do it for her and her precious little daughter.

This paragraph will be in red. This will be for my other friend this week who also decided enough was enough and told her boyfriend to go after he had been caught again using drugs. Of course some will say , well she should stay for support and to help him. The best help this man can get is to get into a rehad clinic. I dont blame her. We actually had a talk about this guy before she started dating him. He said all the right things and said he had been clean and what not. You get the point. Well she gave him a chance and he screwed it up, she then said ok one more chance and he blew that too.( no pun intended) She is in the process of moving out and i commend her for taking a stand. Enough is enough with both abuse and drug abuse. Not only does she have to worry about herself, but she too has a daughter that she needs to look out for. So i commend her once again for making the right choice and saying" Im better then this" and moving on in her life.

I guess i will go blue with the final paragraph/topic of my triple threat. That is on Monday Highschool Boys Basketball starts. Im beyond excited for 6 am. I know right, your thinking he is nuts. Maybe i am but i also know that some of these kids have put in over 100 hours in the gym this summer and im going to make sure it pays off for them. They are excited and we have high hopes for this years basketball team. We want to be Regional Champs this year and i believe we can do it. We will have the best backcourt in the area and one of the most dominate Big men and he is only a Sophmore.

Finally, I wouldnt be a gamer if i didnt mention that on Tuesday morning at 12:01 am another great game will be for sale. Warning *now, if you have a husband, boyfriend, fiance or just some guy friends you prolly wont hear from them for atleast a week or so *

So that is my Warning for all of you. Who dont play the game. Ill be online for the PS3 and My name is XxDeadlyCamperxX . If you think your Good come and we will just have to find out.

So its been a busy week and to wrap things up or i guess to sum them up. If you or someone you know if in an Abusive relationship, continue to be there friend and encourage them to get out of that kind of relationship. They may hate you at the time, but when they decide for themselves they will need all of the support they can get. So dont give up on them!

Hope everyone has a Great week and I will talk to you all next Saturday.

Charlie

Convictions....& Justin Bieber for Johnny

         I'm supposed to be writing my grocery list this afternoon... but am thinking of everything else I could possibly do other than make the list--and other than dishes. Nix those two, and what is left? Well... I've wasted a few minutes on facebook... watching Craig Ferguson... staring at the snow (yep....SNOW. I know!)... Then I remembered I needed to blog! (Yes, I know it's Friday and Thursday is my day... but Katie blogged yesterday, so I stole today.) Alas.... here I am.

          As Dave previously mentioned, elections were this week. Now, those of you who know me, know I am not one to shy away from sharing my opinions... and I have lots of them. And I'm pretty unapologetic about it, too--besides, I'll listen to your opinion, too! Even if I disagree. Though in the last few years, I have tried to be more graceful and kind about sharing my opinion, and have tried to not share my opinion with people I'm more likely to offend... because my goal really isn't to hurt anyone's feelings, because I don't want to turn anyone off to Jesus. (And I have to admit, the listening to a dissenting opinion is a skill recently acquired :))

             But I digress...back to elections. I used to love to get into conversations with people over politics.... I love to argue politics...politicians... platforms... *ahhh* It makes me happy :) Actually, I just love a good argument. Two people just going back and forth on political issues....*sigh* It takes a real friend (or just a great arguer...) to argue politics and not get offended or want to not be your friend anymore...There's just something about getting your blood flowing...talking fast...using your mind...ya know, fun stuff :) But sorry--that's another tangent (lots of tangents today!! I really do have a point--somewhere).

      So, a few years ago, when I wasn't crazy about a politician or their politics (or really, any leader I wasn't crazy about in general), I would share my not-so-kind opinion about them without any hesitancy. Well, a few years ago (oh, around the time Obama was elected), I found this verse:

Romans 13:1-2" Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

            Um....OUCH?? The first part of this verse that kicked me in the behind was the phrase "everyone must submit himself"...Well...it says everyone...so I can't avoid that right off the bat...and must submit himself...to me, that says you CHOOSE to put yourself under their authority... So, this is a choice God is telling us to make. Deep breath. I can do this, right? I mean...humans make mistakes, and politicians, in particular, are elected by people...so I can bedrudgingly obey their laws while hating them and bashing them along the way...

          But here's the thing that really got me and completely changed my thoughts and habits... the Bible verses don't say that God allowed sinful humans to put these authorities into place.... it clearly says GOD ESTABLISHED every authority--and no authority is present that God did not specifically put into place. Another ouch....

         So, how have I changed? Well, I won't always agree with politicians or policies... They may even stand directly against everything I believe in...but I can always agree with God. And I can trust Him. Trust that He has a good reason for establishing each and every leader that is in authority over me--regardless of whether those reasons are clear to me or not.

          Most practically, I can talk respectfully of the leaders that are over me... that I am choosing to submit to...and do it graciously. I think a lot of Christians think that if a leader's beliefs contrast with their own, or they are not a Christian, or are a Democrat, etc., then they are free to speak out against them in any fashion they choose. And sadly, that just isn't true. Sure, we can (respectfully) disagree with their policies and politics, but we can not insult them--regardless.

          It isn't easy for me, especially when a politician pushes for something that makes my blood boil, but it's a matter of discipline and choice--one that I'm reminded of every time the election results come in, and someone I don't like is elected. Now, instead of screaming at the tv (It's like a football game...watching the results come across the screen:)), I can begin praying for them...and it's awfully hard to hate someone you continually pray for.

          So, this week, in the aftermath of the most recent elections, I encourage you all to pay attention to the way you speak (or post on facebook) about our leaders and politicians....and pray for them :) Heap burning ashes on their heads, ya know? ;)
   
           Until next week, then, my friends... I leave you with Justin Bieber....  b/c even though I have never listened to one of his songs all the way through, I am completely in love with the (American?) Music Awards commercial where all of the bikers dance to his song "Baby"....so play on, Biebs...play on. (dedicated to Johnny--feel better quick!!!:))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE-0a6EN2rQ&feature=player_embedded

Ashley

A Sweet Potatoe a Day!

It's kinda gloomy out today! It just got done pouring down rain not too long ago. I was just thinking/wondering where "Fall" went!? I was just going through my closet(s) the other day and got excited when I came across all my cute long sleeve but thin shirts! Hmm... the question is when am I going to be able to wear them!? Next Spring!? It's freezing already. I had to bring all my plants inside (the ones I didn't, have passed away- so sad, I know). I wasn't quite ready for this cold. I feel like it could snow any day and that really has got me saddened!
Sweet Potatoes are my topic today! Random, I know! In the midst of all the "summer cleaning out" I have been doing, I have been putting some thought into my "New Years Resolution(s)". I pulled out my list that I made last year, and to my surprise I did quite well! (minus a few McChickens from McDonalds! haa)
SO one of the things that I am really work towards is eating better! I know... does anyone ever completely accomplish this?! I mean, really? So what I am going to try and do is pick out 10 or 15 (not sure yet) items of food that are really good for you and I'm going to try and incorporate them in my diet. I am going to research them and try and learn new ways to eat/cook them! Sweet potatoes are so good for you! (not to mention delicious!) I *love* sweet potato fries! (not that that's the healthiest form=). I attached a link for you to read about how all the ways sweet potatoes can benefit you!
Well I am off to enjoy the rain! Hope you guys are having a good week!

(I'm posting this late because I was so busy yesterday at work (which is normally where I blog) I planned on blogging at home... but my internet wasn't working at home... booo)

How can you NOT vote?

This is going to be short and sweet. Too many people have fought and died in this country for your right to vote. There are millions of women and minorities that couldn't vote for a very long time, and fought very hard for that right.

I had the honor to vote tonight. I always have a smile on my face when I walk out of the polling place because I view it as a privledge to cast my vote.

There are websites that give you the ability to research every candidate that's on your local ballot. It took me half an hour to research EVERY vote that I cast today. And you know what, I voted for candidates from 3 different political parties. Why? Because they were the best candidate for the position and best reflected the political positions that I identify with.

There is NO excuse for not voting. It is essential to our freedom as Americans. You can't watch the video reactions of Iraqi men and women who are voting in FREE and FAIR elections for the first time, and not go vote.

If you are able to get a polling place, over the age of 18, and don't vote, you cheapen your American citizenship. And that's a shame.

I look forward to your comments and opinions. God Bless America

Dave

Whoa-ness!!!

Hey Y'all!
The past few weeks have flown by! Things have been crazy busy, and sometimes just plain crazy.

Sadly, two of the students in the DTS here decided to go home this past weekend =(. Its been a very rough weekend for the whole base and encouragement was running really low until today. Doubt was spreading like wildfire!! We started praying over the remaining students and just encouraging them as much as possible.

Today, I got to go to the Georgia Dome with David and Jarvis (two of our staff). We helped with a massive event they had there today! The event is called Get Motivated! Bill Cosby and several other awesome speakers were there to give 20 minute speeches. I met some guys there, and as always, they're the boys in rehab =p I think there's just a magnetic force field between me and "rehab" or "disciplinary school" guys! It's not MY fault...
They are actually in a 12 month discipleship program. Its hardcore Christian, which I wasn't all for, since they do force the guys into religion. However, I was so excited and encouraged to hear their testimonies and to hear the way that God has changed them! I wish every Christian had their passion for others. They even said that if we all lived treating others as they were better than us, that the world would be a better place. And it would be!! They really encouraged me, I was so thankful God allowed us to meet, it was awesome!

Next week, we are taking every one on our base to the YWAM Southeast Conference! I am pretty stoked about it! After that, we're staying in Orlando for the YWAM 50th Celebration! We get to meet the founders of YWAM, how awesome!!! I think next week will be really good for our students, and for us staff who don't always get poured into spiritually. What a joy it will be to be surrounded by 600 YWAMers who love and worship the same God that I do =) I'm already planning to be blessed just by the people we are going to meet, and the ones we will be reunited with!

The day after we get back from the Conference, I fly HOME!!!!!!! I am soooooooo excited!!!! I cannot wait to see my mama and my babies! (my dogs, and YES, they are my babies =D) And I'm excited to see the rest of my family and my bestays that I have missed so much! I'm hoping that while I'm home I will get come clarity from God as to what comes next and when it is coming. If I am supposed to stay here, I need God to clarify that and to give me the support I need....emotionally and financially! I've been worn out lately and have cried too many times...yuck!

After next week, I'm going to start writing on topics instead of just givng updates of my life. I love researching and giving my opinion on certain things =) I'm pretty STOKED! Since I wont be writing next week, I hope you guys have a great couple of weeks!

--Hann