The Time Has Come...

Well, it's official...I've finally converted to the Xanga Cult. I've acutally had a xanga for a while, but have always stuck with my blog. This was a very difficult decision for me, but I needed a change. Now when you check my site, you'll be able to see new colors and pics besides the same ol' boring green I've had FOREVER!! So please embrace this change with me and keep checking my new xanga: http://www.xanga.com/kickeur77. Thanks!!

My Spiritual Growth Spurt

God is so amazing!! I forget that too many times. When I heard about Catch's salvation this week, I thought about my own life as a Christian and how much I take God's love and salvation for granted. It really hit me tonight how EXTREMELY blessed I am that Christ loved me enough to give His life. His love for me is truly indescriblable.

I definitely had one of those awesome God Revelations today. I am just so amazed because this wasn't a result of a retreat or camp, just a bad day that turned into change of heart and a "spiritual growth spurt". When we were singing "Even If I Fall" (I LOVE THAT SONG), I had this indescribable feeling. I've been growing so much in my walk with God these past couple of months. I think my attitude towards people has been growing. I just seem to be in a happier mood. But tonight, as I was singing to God, I felt like I was being spiritually attacked. I felt like I shouldn't be so happy and kind of this guilty feeling. I really don't know how to explain it. I had some awesome conversations with people that I don't normally get to talk to, which was such a God thing because it was so encouraging. We also had a great mission trip meeting, which got me really pumped for this summer and to go out now and minister to the people in my school.

God is SO AWESOME!! I love when God surprises me at the most unusual times. I am so blessed to call Him my Father. He has filled me with this immense joy right now and I am so grateful. Even when I am at my lowest, God is faithful and never lets me go. I know I will have those low points sometimes, but God will give me the wisdom and strength to persevere. I really hope to show others how important God's love is. I want to have a positive attitude and show God's love to others, especially at school. God has given me joy these past couple of weeks and I pray that it will continue to radiate. GOD IS AMAZING!!

Here's a song from Jonah33 that has been on my heart the past couple of weeks...I surrender all my burdens, joys, fears, decisions, MY LIFE to my Savior:

Search me, know me
Try me and see
Every worthless affection hidden in me
All I'm asking for is that You'd cleanse me, Lord

Create in me a heart that's clean
Conquer the power of secret shame
Come wash away the guilty stain of all my sin

Clothe me in robes of righteousness
Cover my nakedness with grace
All of my life before You now I humbly bring

The "Windy City"...that's an understatement

I decided to conform to the latest online trend and make a slideshow of the Chicago trip with the Evans. It was extremely windy this time. When we waited at the crosswalks, I felt like I was going to be carried away by the wind- SCARY! It was a short trip, but we were still able to squeeze in some shopping at H & M and find prom dresses for Elaina and I(unfortunately, they are not the ones shown in the pictures). My parents both liked Moody, which is definitely a good sign. Chapel was awesome! One of the music profs played the piano and gave a little sermon and we sang a hymn, a spanish praise song, and a contemperary praise song. I love the diversity of Moody! Every chapel is different: a praise band, hymns, just guitars. Even the student body is diverse. Before we left the city, our parents treated us to a carriage ride through the streets of Chicago. Elaina and I have always wanted to take a carriage ride, so this was exciting for us. I was kind of surprised that we were able to fit 6 people in those small carriages. Overall, it was an AMAZING trip!!

Strawberry-Inspired Thoughts

Hey this is Shannon posting because Sarah is too cool for school. Or at least the internet. We're over here at Laura's making smoothies. Actually Sarah and I peeled frozen bananas (not banases) while Elaina just looked on. She did contribute to our make-overs using her secret Japanese-ninja make-up kit (see picture above of us enjoying ice cream earlier)... but anyways... ok here's Sarah.

Hey ya'll!! I didn't know how to start this so I asked Shannon to!! YEAH SHANNON!! No really, Elaina was giving us great encouragement while we beat those silly bananas to their mushy death. ANYWAY...I've had quite the busy couple of weeks...band tryouts, tons-o-tests and papers, and CHICAGO with the Sawyers!

Chicago was really fun! I enjoyed staying with Mrs. Sawyer's mom and taking a trip back in time in her retro home. We had the amazing buffet at Wheaton,too(poor Carol and her waffles). It is a beautiful campus and chapel was awesome! The people are so down to earth and on fire for God, which is one of the greatest qualities that I look for in a college. I don't think I've ever been shopping three days in a row. I think it's safe to say that I don't need to step inside an Urban Outfitters anytime soon!!

Also...my parents and I are going with the Evans and their amazing daughter to Chicago tomorrow. We will be visiting Moody Bible Institute! Pray about this trip: our safety, wisdom as God reveals His plans for our future, and that Elaina and I won't kill each other on the three hour car ride.

Shannon again. I know what you're thinking: "THANK GOD!!! That was getting boring!" Well neways... I'm now done with my smoothie, which was quite satisfying so thanks Laura! In other news.... my computer is messed up so there will be no new posts on my xanga for quite some time, or late-night chats on IM or sweet e-mails that make you all jump for joy. Also... um... goodnight.

Liza: Yours till the B-A-N-A-N-A splits!
Shay: I gotta make like a tree and leaf.
E: Good night, my someone, good night, my dear. Good night wherever you are.
Zann: Till then, penguin.

Dave Ogren...ah, the memories

Last night I paid a visit to the ER at "HH". When I woke up Sunday morning, I thought I was just sore from Crazy Bounce. But as the day went on, I started to ache in more places than just my neck. At 10:30 p.m., when I could only lift my arms a couple of inches, my mom thought it would be a good idea to head to ER to figure out what was wrong.

As the car pulled up to the main entrance, I was filled with a bittersweet feeling. This was the same block where the old church stood and I where I spent a lot of my time as a child. The church where my parents were married, I was baptized, and went to school. I walked slowly(partly because I was in pain) and everything looked SO much smaller than I remember it: the block, the houses across the street, and the hospital building. I really miss the old church.

I had more memories as I was waiting to see the doctor. It was really interesting to see how similar the process of ER was to how we run the medical clinics in Thailand. I waited in the waiting room --> went to triage --> waited to get checked on my the doctor --> got check up on(x-ray) --> and got any medicine I needed. Of course there were the differences like 4 people in the HH waiting area vs. 100 village people and being in a beautiful enclosed building vs. underneath makeshift tents. More memories entered my mind when Dave Ogren walked in the room to check on me, followed by Mr. Evans to see how I was doing. It's amazing to compare two similar medical processes in two COMPLETELY different locations and situations.

After I got my x-rays, the doctor came in and said that there was nothing serious going on. I have some strained muscles and a big muscle spasm by my neck, which is affecting the rest of the upper half of my body. Needless to say, I won't be involved in any arm wrestling competitions for the next couple of days. My mom and I thought it was funny when the nurse asked if we stilled lived on W. Fruitport Road. That made me realize that I have truly been blessed with amazing health so far. My mom said this morning that the past two injuries I've had were during youth group activities. hhhmmm...

Roots and Our Stalker Cat

Wow...It's been a while. Not that I don't like seeing all those nice pics on the last post, but it's really depressing getting a "time for an update" comment(I guess I deserve it-thanks shay). So...

I FINALLY GOT MY GUITAR!!



This is a bad pic of it, but it will have to do until you see it. It's awesome! It took over a month for it to get to me, but I think it was definitely worth the wait.

Saturday was beautiful! I am SO ready for spring! Andrew came over that night and we took a walk down THE PATH to the lake. I had never walked it at night and I was a little leery at first, but I thought it fun. We had this cat that started to follow us before we got to the path and I assumed that it would leave us sooner or later, but it followed us all the way to the beach and back(an hour both ways). It was wearing a bell, so we could keep track of it. I thought it sounded like a baby, but I guess that's just me...

I think I almost enjoyed walking the path at night vs. the day. It was different. The lake is amazing at night, too. Part of the shore was still frozen and the sand was cold. You could see the lights of the piers. Amazing view of everything. It was so AWESOME!! I had fun laughing and talking with Andrew. I really enjoyed experiencing The Path-my outdoor sanctuary-at night. I should do it more often.

So...I had a pretty busy weekend:

I spent Friday night doing my homework and spending time with this guy



at Starbucks. It was nice talking and attempting to warm up with hot cocoa. I can now name all of his aunts and uncles on both sides(in order of age). :)



Saturday morning...mom and I joined her Sunday school group to help the Tabors at Hope's Outlet. I had some fun with these girls




This girl



and I had a great time with Beanie Babies and price stickers.




For dinner, my family went with these girls,



this guy,



and their parents to Thai Palace! I got the Sa-Tay Chicken with the most delicious peanut sauce. YUM!




Then...my family and I went to the Avalon concert and this guy(pictured with muah)



was the opening act. He is one of the most amazing artists EVER(next to the infamous David Crowder). He is so talented and his lyrics are incredible. Enough said about that...



After small groups tonight, I went over the the Finns' house. This guy



and this guy



were Spartans for the night, complete with a mean "toe touch" and several kicks. The best cheerleaders I've seen in a long time. Native Americans!!! :)



Yup, so I had a great weekend! Torrow it's back to the ol' monotonous routine. Fun Fun! Unlike some privileged few *cough cough*, I have to get up early for school tomorrow!



AAARRRRGGGGHHH!!!!