Life Is Crazy

Life is hectic and busy, and well, crazy. It always is. Today I slept basically all day after being up all night from taking JT and Sam to Columbus to leave for Honduras. Boo.

So what's new?

Well, last Tuesday, I found a baby bird that had just fallen out of his nest. It was on our dog chain and we were taking care of Leah's dog, that's from Satan, while she and Cory were on vacation. I knew Bear would eat it if she saw it. So, JT and I took care of him. I named him Stanley after Stanley on The Office. Anyway.. he seemed to be doing very well.. I got up at three in the morning to feed him. Friday, he stopped eating and chirping. And he chirped a lot.. I went to school and heard Stanley chirping wherever I went. Stanley passed on Friday night. It was a little sad, but I expected it to happen. Rest in Peace Stubborn Stanley. You will be missed.

Last Saturday was our school's banquet. That's right, we do banquet instead of prom. We can't have any dancing, you know. That leads to other naughty things. ;) I went with Jake from church. We had a fun time. And we looked pretty nice, if I do say so myself. That was a fun night.. and the weeks before that night were stressful, but it turned out nicely. But thank you Jesus it's over with!

Mom was offered two jobs last week. One job was in Charleston, so she'd have to drive five days a week and the other was at WVU-P. Mom took the WVU-P position. I'm happy for her! I'm praying she enjoys it :)

Sam was in town for three weeks and just left this morning to go home. We had a lot of fun together. She's a great sister and friend, and I love her to death! And in three more weeks, the team will be leaving for Honduras. And guess who is staying for four and a half weeks after the team leaves? This girl. I am thrilled! I'm so excited to see how God will work through us while we are there. He always goes over and beyond what anyone expects.

I think that's it.. These next few weeks will be filled with getting ready for the Honduras trip and finishing school in two weeks. And then I'm a Senior. Crazy!

Slide Fail

Our school is in the middle of putting together a new jungle gym for the younger kids. I thought this slide was interesting. Note, they tried to make the landing a little better by putting what else but a picnic table under it. That'll help break the fall, I'm sure.

Enjoy.

Corner

I've been a huge fan of the NOOMA films for a few years now. I think Rob Bell is brilliant. The newest video, "Corner", discusses God's unfair grace. Anyway, I love it. Watch it here


Also, This is Compassion International's press release on "Corner".

God the Tester?

Genesis 22:1-19

I have read the story who knows how many times of God telling Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac. First off, I think it's so funny that we tell these kinds of stories to our children in Bible Class on flannel boards when they're like five years old. Anyway... the past few times when I've read this story, it just leaves me unsettled. It makes me view God as this Tester. And I'm not a fan of viewing him like that.. Like if my friend made me do something to see how good of a friend I am, I would not be a happy camper with her. You know what I mean? I don't want God to have to test me to find out how much I love him or fear him, as He did with Abraham. Which maybe that means I have to show how much I love him.. I don't know.

What are your thoughts? How do you view this story?

Life and Such

Hm.. what's happened in the world of Anna?

Basketball is over. We ended up getting third place. We were the number one seed, but we just couldn't make anything. But luckily for us, no one is graduating so hopefully next year we'll win :)

I mentioned a few posts ago that I was planning on going to college next year. Well, things change and now I will be attending WCCS next year. Honestly, I'm totally fine with it. I have more options for college now and what not and that excites me. I'm looking at Kentucky Christian, but we'll see what God has in store for me. He's already changed my plans a few times, if you couldn't tell.

Honduras is just around the corner! In three months from today we will be leaving for Honduras. It's crazy. I am so excited and hoping I receive all the funds I need to stay for the five weeks I'm planning on. And so we pray.. God is faithful.

While I'm Waiting

Sorry, I'm an awful blogger. I really do plan on updating about life and such soon.. Things are just very hectic! (What's new?) Anyway, here's a song that was in the movie Fireproof (which to my surprise, was pretty good) and I fell in love with it. So thank you John Waller ;)

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Takeing every step in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait

I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am peaceful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it's not easy
But faithfully, I will wait
Yes, I will wait
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve You while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting
I will serve you while I'm waiting
I will worship while I'm waiting on You, Lord

Peace Out 2008!

2008 has officially been over for four days now.This past year was filled with ups and downs. It feels like way more downs than ups, but you have those years. Here are some of the highlights (or lowlights, if you can call them that) of 2008:

- I've been going to WCCS for over a year now. I'm blessed to be going there.
- Many people who are close to my heart have moved this past year : Hannah, The Ellis Family, Allison, The Lombard Family, and Sam. I've probably missed someone because the number of people is pretty big.
- In February, Winterfest was awesome. The lessons totally spoke to my heart. Good times.
- In April, the big 16 birthday was this year! I can now.. um do everything I did before. And drive. That's a nice thing.
- The basketball team got third place at states and I got on the All-Tournament team in February. And this year's basketball season started in November. I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season goes.
- In May, I had a bad allergic reaction to a cookie with nuts in it and ended up at the emergency room. What an eventful evening that was..
- My cousin, Tifani, got married in May and my sister got married in August. I have a brother-in-law. That's still so weird.
- I went to Honduras for three and a half weeks in June and it changed my life. The kids at Casa have a big chunk of my heart with them.
- Rachel and I took a trip to South Carolina to visit the Ellis Fam in July. It was great seeing Adam, Dana, Emma and Chloe again. If I haven't mentioned it lately, I miss them.
- Church Camp was interesting, but so good to be around some girls who are striving for the same things and dealing with similar struggles. One of my favorite memories is singing with the girls on the top of the hill. Unforgettable.
- My family has dealt with the illnesses of Grammy and Grampy basically all year. It has been a struggle. I would be lying if I told you otherwise. But God is wonderful and has helped them each time.
- Donna, Sam, Denni and I went to God's Girls in October like we did the previous year. Fun times with fetus babies. Can I get a "Yeah!"?
- Thanksgiving and Christmas were both great times to see family, as they are every year. I'm blessed with such a good family.
- My mom's friend, who was like a brother to her, Tim Wiblin passed away last week. That has been rough for many people. Please keep his family in your prayers still.
- I've gotten to chill with a lot of people this year, and grow closer to many. There have been so many good and funny times.


What I'm hoping and looking forward to in 2009:
- Going to Honduras for six weeks
- Starting my senior year of high school or starting my freshman year of college (I have no idea what I'm doing now)
- Growing in my faith
- Making my relationships stronger
- Making a difference in people's lives
- Being a blessing because I have been so blessed
- Not being born again lazy, but actually getting out and doing something with my life, time and energy

I really can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for everyone around me. I hope more ups than downs.. I'm praying for that anyway. May you have a blessed year.

Much Love